Man Utd boss Carrick uncertain on De Ligt's return date
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says Matthijs de Ligt’s recovery from a back injury is progressing slower than expected and he has no idea when the Dutch defender will be able to return to action, Reuters reported.
De Ligt, 26, has been sidelined since United's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in November and there are doubts he will be fit for the World Cup, which starts on June 11 in North America.
"It's one of those things with backs that, sometimes, you think it's alright and then, all of a sudden, it's not quite right," Carrick told reporters on Thursday, according to Reuters.
Iran striker Azmoun kicked off national team for disloyalty, say reports
Sardar Azmoun, one of Iran's top soccer players, has been expelled from the national team for a perceived act of disloyalty to the government, Iranian media has reported, making it unlikely he will play any part in the World Cup, Reuters reported.
Iran's participation in the World Cup as a whole is under a cloud because of the ongoing conflict with the United States, who are co-hosting the June 11-July 19 tournament with Mexico and Canada.
If Team Melli do turn up for their opening-round group matches, they will undoubtedly be weakened by the absence of striker Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 internationals since making his debut as a teenager in 2014, according to Reuters.
FA charge Tottenham boss Tudor with misconduct over referee comments
Tottenham Hotspur interim manager Igor Tudor has been charged with misconduct for his remarks about the match official after their 2-1 Premier League defeat at Fulham earlier this month, the FA said on Thursday, Reuters reported.
"I didn't like the referee today, too much of a home team referee," Tudor told the BBC after the game on March 1.
"All the decisions were on their side. He doesn't understand football, the feeling of what is wrong and what is right."
Man United move for Guimaraes as Real Madrid interest clouds talks
Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes for around 80 million euros, but renewed interest from Real Madrid threatens to complicate the proposed move, sources close to the negotiations have told Reuters.
Newcastle's heavy Champions League elimination by Barcelona has paved the way for the Brazilian midfielder's possible departure, with Manchester United targeting the 28-year-old as a replacement for Casemiro, who has already announced he will leave the club.
Casemiro has personally recommended Guimaraes as his ideal successor, citing his experience and leadership, according to the same sources, according to Reuters.
