Looking for Soccer News?

Pep Guardiola says he feels responsible for Manchester City failing to get beyond the last-eight of the Champions League but believes the club are getting closer.

With less than a year remaining on his contract, the City boss is starting what will be his final challenge for the European competition unless he signs a new extension.

But he has thus far failed to get beyond the quarter-finals, conceding heavily in exits to Monaco and Liverpool in 2017 and 2018, while City were dumped out by Tottenham in 2019 and were surprisingly beaten by French side Lyon last season.

He told a news conference ahead of the first game of this season’s Champions League campaign against Porto: “I have the feeling that we are close. Every season when I analyse the way we went out I felt we are close but at the same time we make mistakes that make you feel we don’t deserve to go through.

“For clubs who are used to being in the latter stages it's easier but having won the domestic titles the next [target for us] is the Champions League and we had a good opportunity.

“Now it’s a new opportunity and I believe. We talk about this and we have to do things differently. When you review the games; Liverpool, Tottenham, Lyon, I always had the feeling we were close, they were not better than us, none of them. There are little gaps but we have to solve them.

“When you don’t go through it’s because you don’t deserve it. And that’s all.”

Last season’s exit was particularly surprising when City were beaten by 3-1 by Lyon, who had finished seventh in Ligue 1.  Guardiola has been accused of over-thinking tactics in the latter stages of Europe and said he took the responsibility for the last-eight defeat in August.

“It was a tough moment, I felt responsible for this,” he said. “How the club and players fought - I was not able to drive them on. I feel responsible watching the game, we were not good enough, we didn’t play bad.

“We had really good moments but made mistakes and in this competition you cannot do it.

“The reality is every team and manager has to dream with high expectations but the reality is we have not performed to the level.

“We have to accept it with humility, accept all the bad situations, improve and go through and accept a new challenge, start from zero again and try again knowing we have to improve, knowing the demands are so high.

“I feel so bad for the players but this is a new opportunity and we start again.”

The Champions League remains an important target for the club and City will start as one of the favourites again but Guardiola says they must first focus on getting out of a group that also includes Marseille and Olympiacos.

“Every season starts the same, you know the answers for many clubs it’s an incredible competition, it’s just the first game, then we play the second and see how far,” he said.

“We are far away from thinking about big targets, considering what's happened [previously] we are not allowed to dream much higher.

“The reality is you try to win the first one and after that we’ll see how we can grow the team. We are still a bit away from where we want to be.”

Jamie Carragher has reacted angrily to reports of Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly opening talks for a new FIFA-backed European Premier League.

According to Sky News, a £4.6 billion ($6bn) package is being assembled by Wall Street bank JP Morgan to fund the creation of a competition which will see teams from England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain form a new league.

Up to five clubs from the Premier League could be eligible to participate in the tournament, with plans for a provisional start date of 2022 already in the pipeline.

Fixtures will be completed during the regular club season if the formation of the league goes ahead, with a total of 18 teams to be included and hundreds of millions of pounds in prize money up for grabs.

The teams that finish highest in the overall standings would qualify for a knockout format finale to crown the new champions of Europe, with home and away fixtures to be played in a round-robin style which would ultimately replace the current Champions League.

Carragher, who won the European Cup with Liverpool back in 2005, made his feelings on the proposal very clear on social media, writing on Twitter: "Oh f*** off."

United legend Gary Neville also posted a response to the news on Twitter, quoting the original story with the caption: "Independent Regulator Anyone?"

Another former Liverpool star, Stan Collymore, joined the Sky Sports' pundits in voicing his disapproval, insisting any English clubs that take part in the initiative should be removed from the Premier League on a permanent basis.

"If any English club joins a European Super League, then they should never be allowed back, ostracised completely and fam (sic) groups, real fan groups of those clubs stand up to condemn their club," Collymore told his followers on social media.

"F*ck them off and remind them where their bread was buttered for 100+ years."

Liverpool and United were also behind the 'Project Big Picture' proposition which all other 18 Premier League clubs voted against unanimously last week.

English football's two biggest clubs moved to try and reduce the number of teams in the top flight from 20 to 18, while outlining plans to scrap both the EFL Cup and Community Shield.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have also reportedly been approached over the European Premier League plans, but no legally binding contracts have been signed as of yet.

Former Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Steven Hoffman has secured a move to a European club.

KF Llapi, who are campaigning in the Football Superleague of Kosovo, have confirmed the signing of the 26-year-old player.

Nicknamed the Legends, Llapi released the following statement announcing that Hoffman has signed a one-year deal with the club. 

"Steven Hoffman is part of the white and blue family for the 2020/21 edition," a club statement read. 

"The 26-year-old experienced goalkeeper has chosen to represent KF Llapi in this edition."

"Steven Hoffman joined the club for a month and has convinced club leaders to sign him on a one-year contract."

Hoffman has been a free agent since he parted ways with Platinum Stars at the end of the 2017/18 season after the club was relegated to the National First Division (NFD).

A Cape Town-based group purchased the franchise rights of the now-defunct Stars and the club was renamed Cape Umoya United.

"Hoffman is from South Africa, born in 31.01.1994, 1.96 m tall. He was part of South Africa national team for the age group, U23," another statement read. 

"He also made his career in his country's famous teams: Bidvest Wits FC, Vasco Da Gama and Cape Umoya United FC."

Hoffman played his best football at Vasco Da Gama (now known as Stellenbosch FC) in the NFD between 2014 and 2016.

The shot-stopper was included in the South Africa under-23 squad by then-head coach Owen Da Gama with the team preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games. 

A move to Platinum Stars then followed in July 2016 and he promised some promising displays for the team in the PSL.

The talented keeper's exploits caught the eye of then-Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter. 

Hoffman was then included in the South Africa squads which took on Botswana and Zambia in the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifiers.

He was an unused substitute as Llapi drew 2-2 with Besa Peje in a Superleague match on Tuesday afternoon.

Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock will take a decision on whether to involve Britt Assombalonga in their Championship game against Bristol City on Tuesday night.

The forward could not complete the Boro’s draw against Reading on Saturday after suffering an injury in the encounter.

Assombalonga has been a key member of Middlesbrough since teaming up with the side in the summer of 2017 from Nottingham Forest.   

The 27-year-old has scored more than 40 goals across all competitions and this season he has featured six times for the Riverside Stadium outfit.

Last season, the Democratic Republic of the Congo international scored the only goal of his side as they lost against the Robins.  

Warnock hopes the forward will pass a late fitness test to feature at Ashton Gate, but also open to improvising should the attacker not ready for the game.  

"I won’t know until after training today. Britt’s having treatment this morning as he’s a bit sore,” Warnock told the club website.

"He’s been taking a battering from the centre-halves and we can’t afford to lose him or Chuba [Akpom]. With only having two strikers we’ll have to look at different options at times like we did in the second half at the weekend.

"I’m just getting with what I’ve got. If we only have one striker we will have to look at what we have and adapt accordingly. We’ll have a session in the morning and see what's what."

Middlesbrough are currently 15th on the Championship table with six points from five games and a win at Ashton Gate could see them move to the seventh spot.

Despite his eligibility to play for England, Assombalonga snubbed the European side to commit his future to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The centre-forward has eight caps for the African country since he made his international debut against Tanzania in 2018.

Former Manchester United star Louis Saha believes the Red Devils rely too much on Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes while also losing their "defensive balance".

United have endured an inconsistent start to the 2020-21 campaign, picking up just four points from a possible 12 in the Premier League while shipping a total of 12 goals.

The Reds nevertheless made it through to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup, and encouraging signs of progress were displayed during a 4-1 win over Newcastle in the top flight on Saturday.

Fernandes scored his 15th goal for the club since his €55 million (£50m/$65m) move from Sporting CP against the Magpies, and also set up Marcus Rashford with a delightful through ball to cap another outstanding performance.

The Portuguese playmaker was the driving force behind United's run to a third-place Premier League finish last term, not only proving himself in one of the most demanding competitions in Europe, but also taking on leadership responsibilities in the middle of the park.

He struck up an effective partnership with Pogba post-lockdown which saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side re-emerge as a major force, with both men now set to step onto the Champions League stage in midweek.

Pogba hasn't quite been able to live up to same high standards at the start of the new season, but the Manchester outfit triggered the one-year extension clause in his contract last week, underling their continued faith in his abilities.

United will open their Group H campaign with a trip to Paris Saint-Germain, where they will be hoping for a repeat of their famous 3-1 win at Parc des Princes in the 2018-19 knockout stages.

Saha is certain that his old club will have enough firepower to cause the French champions plenty of problems, but is concerned by how fragile they have become at the back, and their over-reliance on a prized midfield pairing.

“Manchester United have lost a bit the defensive balance that they had last season. There is also a dependence on Pogba and Fernandes, the best players in the squad," the former Red Devils striker told Ouest France.

"The numerous individual defensive errors since the beginning of the season have hurt them. But going forward, they are no joke.

"The youngsters Martial, Rashford and Greenwood (who is injured) are capable of the highest level and to put PSG’s defence in danger, which is also under reconstruction since the departure of Thiago Silva.

"There are things that you get punished for the Champions’ League. PSG have been warned.”

Azam FC stretched their unbeaten run in the Mainland Premier League to seven matches after they beat Ihefu 2-0 in a Mainland Premier League match played on Tuesday.

The ‘Ice Cream Makers’ went into the match seeking a seventh straight win in the top-flight and they did not disappoint as two second-half goals courtesy of Ayoub Lyanga and Idd Seleman ensured they maintained their perfect start to the season.

After a close battle in the first half which ended 0-0, Azam came back a more rejuvenated side in the second period and took a deserved lead in the 55th minute when Lyanga latched onto a cross from Prince Dube to make it 1-0.

The Chamazi-based giants under the tutelage of coach Aristica Cioaba then doubled their lead in the 83rd minute when Seleman powered home from close range to ensure they left Sokoine Stadium with maximum points.

Azam are now sitting at the top of the log with 21 points and will next face Mtibwa Sugar.

In another match, Ruvu Shooting recovered to secure a 1-1 draw against KMC FC.

On Monday, Mtibwa Sugar managed a 1-0 win against Namungo FC, which was their first one since they sacked head coach Zuberi Katwila – who was later appointed by the league debutants Ihefu.

The Sugar Millers – now with eight points – got the winning goal in the 76th minute through a Salum Kihimbwa penalty. The loss will perhaps provide Namungo head coach Thierry Hitimana with more questions especially after managing a better campaign last season.

In another match, Coastal Union romped to a huge 3-0 victory against Francis Baraza’s Biashara United. Hamad Rajab scored the opener for the home side in the 32nd minute before the other two goals were added to ensure they picked up all three points.

Raizin Hafidh got a brace as he scored in the 45th minute before finding the back of the net again a minute after the hour mark.

The win saw Coastal Union get their eighth point as they strive to move up away from the congested relegation zone. The loss, on the other hand, is a big blow for Biashara United who were looking to keep pace with the leading pack of Azam FC, Simba SC, and Yanga SC.

Elsewhere, Gwambina FC and Polisi Tanzania shared the points courtesy of a 1-1 draw.

Inter coach Antonio Conte is in no doubt that Real Madrid will be competing for Champions League honours, brushing off suggestions that the Merengue are not among the tournament's favourites.

Conte's side finished behind Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund in last season's group stage but managed to reach the Europa League final, where they were defeated by Sevilla.

The Nerazzurri secured a return to the Champions League by finishing second to Juventus in Serie A last term and begin their new European campaign at home to Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday.

Inter have also been drawn against Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk in Group B and Conte could not help but smile when informed of a view from Spain that put his team as favourites ahead of La Liga's champions.

"I don't know if that's the case. We are talking about the team that won La Liga last season and that have great champions," he said.

"It makes me smile to hear that they are not the favourites. If we question Real Madrid because they didn't make moves in the transfer market and we don't consider them favourites, it means that football is changing and maybe I have lost sight of reality."

Inter have won just two of their past 10 games in Europe's premier club competition, but Conte believes the experience of 2019-20 will hold them in good stead this time around.

"Now we are more experienced for sure, after what we did last term and the Europa League final. This increased the experience level of the whole squad," said Conte.

"Now we can also count on [Arturo] Vidal who has plenty of experience. From this point of view we are a more prepared team.

"We must be the masters of our own destiny. We want to be positive, but at this moment it is difficult to say where we can go.

"Our aim is to be contenders. We aim to play the kind of football that made us runners-up in the league and Europa League finalists last season. Sometimes we do that perfectly, sometimes we have to improve."

Alessandro Bastoni will only be fit enough for the bench against Gladbach after recovering from coronavirus, though Alexis Sanchez is ready to start after coming off the bench in the derby defeat to Milan on Saturday.

Kakamega Homeboyz Chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has promised to donate new set of uniform and five balls to Shabana FC after they managed to beat AFC Leopards 1-0 in a match used to celebrate Mashujaa Day on Tuesday.

The Kisii-based ‘Glamour Boys’, who are struggling financially and also featuring in the National Super League (NSL) shocked many as they beat the FKF Premier League by a solitary goal at Gusii Stadium.

Fred Nyakundi scored the all-important goal for Shabana in the 40th minute after receiving a cross from Ashif Obwaka, and they held on to win the battle and the Mashujaa Day bragging rights.

Shimanyula has now slammed AFC Leopards for losing to a team that is struggling financially and went further to promise that he will support Shabana with a new uniform and five playing balls.

“Shabana have done wonders, they have ashamed a team with a new bus, new uniform, new sponsors and new players,” Shimanyula told Goal after the match.

“I will give the team a new uniform for the entire playing unit and also five balls, and will also ask that we play a friendly against them at the same venue before the new league kicks-offs, I want to donate my pledge to them during the friendly.

“Kudos to Shabana for making us proud, we now know that AFC Leopards is the same team as from last year and nothing will change this season, it is a shame they lost even after parading their new team bus.

“I think if it was Shabana with all the financial support that AFC have been accorded then they would have won even 7-0.”

Before the match, AFC Leopards unveiled their third signing - Bienvenue Shaka from Tunisian top division side Etoile Sportif du Sahel

The signing of Shaka brings the number of new signings at the Den to three after Harrison Mwendwa and goalkeeper John Oyemba, both signed from Kariobangi Sharks.

According to the fixtures released for the 2020-21 campaign, AFC Leopards will first host Western Stima, who are expected to have a relatively new-look team after Gor Mahia and Wazito FC raided their first team, on November 20.

On November 28, the former champions will be away to league debutants Bidco United. The Thika-based club has moved to strengthen their squad incredibly with players including experienced Piston Mutamba, and Stephen Waruru.

On December 4, AFC Leopards will tackle Zoo FC at home in a game that will be expected to start at 18:30.

After facing Zoo, Leopards will play host to Nzoia Sugar on December 9. The Sugar Millers have always proved a tough opponent for Ingwe and the last time the two meet at Sudi Stadium a 2-2 draw was recorded.

On December 14, AFC Leopards will either face Kisumu All-Stars or Vihiga United in what will be their fifth match of the much-anticipated 2020/21 season.

Jordan Henderson hopes Liverpool will still be in the hunt for major silverware when Virgil van Dijk returns from “however many months” a knee injury is going to keep him sidelined for.

A talismanic part of the Reds’ plans is about to undergo surgery after suffering cruciate ligament damage.

A reckless challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during an eventful Merseyside derby has left Van Dijk facing up to a lengthy spell on the treatment table.

He will be a big miss for Jurgen Klopp, with many already suggesting that the reigning Premier League champions will struggle to compete on multiple fronts without their Dutch centre-half.

Henderson is confident that the Reds can counter that loss, and that Van Dijk will come back even stronger, with everyone at Anfield pulling in the same direction as they seek to overcome adversity.

The Liverpool captain told the club’s official website: “It’s a tough one. It’s a big blow for us. For him personally, obviously. But for us as a team, a massive blow.

“I’m just gutted for him. So, it’s been a tough couple of days, I spoke to him yesterday. And it’s a difficult moment, but that’s when you need to be there for each other.

“I’ll be there as much as I possibly can for him, I’m sure the lads will do the same and his family certainly will, to help him through the journey he’ll go on.

“But I’m sure he’ll be back stronger. In the meantime we’ve got to do everything we can to help make us stronger and basically go and win as many games as we can for him, really.

“That’s down to us as players to make sure that when he is back and he is fit that we’re still fighting to be successful and fighting for trophies.

“You’ve got to use times like this to be stronger and to be even more together than we already are. And use it as a positive in some way – I know it sounds ridiculous at the moment, but that’s what you need to try to do. We need to try to look forward and try to help us in the next however many months Virgil will be out for.

“And also stick by him and be there for him whenever he needs us. But he’s a strong character, he’s strong mentally and he certainly will be back stronger and hopefully it’s not too long.”

While disappointed to have lost Van Dijk and dropped two points in a 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park, Henderson believes there are plenty of positives for Klopp’s side to take from that outing as they prepare to open their 2020-21 Champions League campaign against Ajax on Wednesday.

He added: “I thought the performance was really good, especially the reaction from the previous game [a 7-2 defeat at Aston Villa]. We’re really happy about the performance level and the intensity that we showed.

“Goodison is never an easy place to go. I was really happy with the performance and we need to carry that on right the way through the season really.”

Bengaluru FC have signed Norwegian forward Kristian Opseth and Spanish defender Fran Gonzalez for the upcoming Indan Super League (ISL) season.

Opseth was a free agent after his contract ended with Adelaide United earlier this year. He made 21 appearances in A-League and scored six goals. Opseth has also turned out for BB Erzurumspor in the Turkish first tier. 

The 30-year-old started his career with Kaupanger, Norway before joining Förde IL Fotball. He burst onto the scene with his new club and scored 36 goals in just 40 appearances. 

In 2014, he joined Sogndal FC and in two years he made 54 appearances and scored 18 times. In the final year of his contract, he was loaned out to FC Bodø and at the end of the loan term, the transfer was made permanent. 

He once again found his goalscoring boots and in 47 matches, he scored 28 goals. 

Fran Gonzalez, on the other hand, makes the switch to the ISL side after his exploits with Mohun Bagan in the I-League last season. 

He was a key part of Kibu Vicuna's side that romped to the title. His versatility set him apart at Mohun Bagan. He played in the midfield as well as in defence for the Mariners and looked equally comfortable in both the roles. He ended up scoring 10 goals through the campaign. 

Gonzalez will fill the spot left vacant by Albert Serran who parted ways with Bengaluru FC after two seasons. 

Both players have signed season-long deals with the Blues.

Bengaluru FC have already signed Cleiton Silva and Opseth will be their second overseas attacking signing this window. They already have Erik Paartalu, Juanan and Dimas Delgado in the overseas contingent apart from Fran Gonzalez.

They have released Raphael Augusto from their squad and still have Jamaican striker DeShorn Brown on their payroll. 

Bruno Fernandes has dropped a Juan Mata selection hint to Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer while also talking up the potential of summer signing Donny van de Beek.

The Portuguese midfielder is set to captain the Red Devils when they open their 2020-21 Champions League campaign away at Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.

Solskjaer is being forced to shuffle his pack for that fixture, with a number of players either ruled out or removed from contention for starting berths.

That could mean that Mata, who was included from the off in a 4-1 Premier League win over Newcastle last time out, retains his place for a heavyweight European contest.

Fernandes would appear to be in favour of that call being made, as he is a big fan of the World Cup-winning Spaniard, and also sees plenty of potential in the understanding he is building up with Dutch playmaker Van de Beek.

“I think it’s natural,” Fernandes told United’s official website of the partnerships being established in the middle of the park.

“Of course at the training ground you train all the time with them and you know each other and you know what is better for them and how they like to play.

“You say one name with whom I enjoy playing a lot and that is Juan. I think he is one of the smartest players, he knows what I want and how I want to play and he thinks really quickly.

“Sometimes the point is not being quick but thinking quickly and I think Juan is one of those kinds of players and I love playing with him.

“Of course, having Rashy [Marcus Rashford] in front is great. The players we have playing in our attack are unbelievable. They are quick, they have qualities and they can score.

“As you saw in the last game it was a good pass from me but some players not as quick as Rashy might have had the defender take them, but Rashy did very well and his first touch was amazing to control the ball towards the goal.

“Also Donny, he’s come from Ajax. I had a coach before from Sporting [Marcel Kaiser], he was Donny’s coach too at Ajax and I know how they want to play and how they like to play – they like that little one-two, that connection and that, if we can say, ‘tiki-taka’ football and Donny is one of those guys from the beautiful Ajax football.

“They teach that growing up and they give a lot of good players to the world. If you look at the semi-final they played against Tottenham [in 2018-19], most of the players from that team are playing in big clubs and doing well.

“I hope Donny can do a lot of things for us and I’m sure he will do. Of course though every player has to take time to get settled in the club and I think he is doing well, but he can do much better for us and he also wants to do much better.”

Ander Herrera has jumped to the defence of under-fire Manchester United star Paul Pogba and praised the Red Devils for signing the "right players" in the summer transfer window.

Pogba has come under intense criticism at the start of the 2020-21 campaign after failing to pick up from where he left off in terms of his performances post-lockdown.

The Frenchman played a key role in United's run to a third-place Premier League finish last term, silencing rumours of a possible move away from Old Trafford in the process, but his form has taken a turn for the worst over the past few weeks.

The 27-year-old started a 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, a narrow 3-2 victory against Brighton and a 6-1 humbling at home to Tottenham before being dropped to the bench for the 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday.

Pogba annoyed many Red Devils fans while away on international duty recently as he  admitted he harbours dreams of a switch to Real Madrid one day , but United have since triggered the one-year extension clause in his contract which ties him to the club until 2022.

Former Old Trafford favourite Herrera, who joined PSG on a free transfer in 2019, has spoken out in support of his ex-team-mate as he prepares to come up against him in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

“I think he has everything - there are not many players like him,” the Spaniard said ahead of PSG's group-stage clash with the Red Devils at Parc des Princes.

“Pogba, he can play one-on-one, box-to-box, a little high, he definitely has got it all. He’s got all the skills and the talent. I think he plays well right now because of Bruno Fernandes.

“Before, we used to play more on the left and more on the right. Regardless, he's got the talent to be one of the best. 

“Now, I’m a Paris player, so I wish him the best. Tomorrow, it’s a different team and the fight is on.”

United's lack of activity in the summer market was well publicised, with deadline-day deals for Edinson Cavani, Alex Telles and Facundo Pellistri doing little to satisfy the club's frustrated fanbase after a failed pursuit for Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho.

However, Donny van de Beek also arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax earlier in the window, and Herrera thinks his old club made some shrewd moves which will help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in his continued quest to bring back the glory days.

“They are progressing,” he said. "They have signed the right players, in my opinion. They are going to improve.

“They are progressing. I don’t think they are going backwards, I think they are going forwards.”

Herrera was on the winning side the last time United faced PSG in Europe, with a stunning 3-1 win in France sealing a memorable comeback for Solskjaer's men in the last-16 stage in 2018-19.

He is fully focused on contributing to the Red Devils' demise this time around though, and has stressed the importance of getting off to a good start in a group also containing RB Leipzig and Istanbul Basaksehir.

“I was a Manchester United player then so, of course, I was very happy with the outcome,” Herrera added. 

”We played a lot of new players. A lot of the first-team players were injured back then. We had hope and actually played well, and we won, so I was very happy.

“Now, it’s different. I’m a Paris player. I don’t know if I’m going to start or not. Whatever’s going to happen, I’m playing for Paris and Paris is in my mind. I’m going to play the best I can and make sure we win.

“Now it’s a game tomorrow, an important game for both. This is a group where you can’t make many mistakes because, if you do, you’re in trouble.”

Bruno Fernandes has been backed to replace Harry Maguire as Manchester United’s permanent captain by Rene Meulensteen.

Fernandes has established himself as a talismanic figure at Old Trafford since his €55 million (£50m/$65m) move from Sporting CP in the last January transfer window.

The Portuguese has contributed 15 goals and 11 assists in his first 27 outings for United, adding a much-needed creative spark to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side while leading by example in the middle of the pitch.

The Red Devils have become a far more potent side going forward with the 26-year-old pulling the strings, and his inspirational presence has also been able to bring the best out stars who had previously been struggling for form in Manchester.

Fernandes is set to inherit the captain’s armband for the first time in a Champions League clash away at Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, with Maguire nursing a slight knock after a 4-1 win at Newcastle at the weekend.

Meulensteen, who served as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant between 2007 and 2013, believes the ex-Sporting star is the ideal man to take up leadership duties having seen him raise the collective “standards” within the squad over the past 10 months.

“Bruno is an excellent choice because since he’s come to the club, he has given United what they were lacking,” the former United coach told talkSPORT.

"Some urgency, he plays with conviction, he plays with authority, he drives other players on.

“He’s a positive influence every time he steps on the pitch – and he’s not afraid to tell players when they don’t meet the standards. He’s got high standards about himself because you can see if he does miss a pass, he gets annoyed with himself and he will be the same with other players.

“Although he will say it, he’s not a negative person. He’s a very positive influence in the dressing room, players look up to him because he has proved to be such an important player for the team.”

Asked if he can see Fernandes succeeding Maguire as Red Devils skipper in the near future, Meulensteen added: “For me, I can see that because he’s been very consistent.

“He plays every game, his performances are nine out of 10. He always has an impact on the game.

“You want to have players [where you can say], ‘he’s on the pitch, the captain’s on the pitch, he will carry us over the line'.”

Chris Mavinga has advised his former club Rennes to be focused when they take on Russian side FC Krasnodar in Tuesday’s Champions League game.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo international spent two years with the Red and Blacks before moving to Russia to play for Rubin Kazan and he is currently with MLS side Toronto FC.

The Red and Blacks will be featuring in the group stage of the top European competition for the first time in their history and are in Group E, which has experienced Premier League side Chelsea and Spanish club Sevilla.

Mavinga has counselled Julien Stephan’s men on how to approach the campaign, urging them to learn from German club RB Leipzig, who sprung surprises in the tournament last season to reach the semi-finals.

“I am not good at predicting but Rennes can create surprises. You don't have to calculate. Chelsea and Sevilla are used to playing these competitions but we have seen it with Ajax and Leipzig who have teams with young players, they played the games well,” Mavinga told Rennes website.

“They have come a long way. You have to say to yourself: ‘I am entering the field and I take full advantage of what I am going through’. It's not every day. You just have to give everything and not regret at the end."

The defender spent four years in the Russian Premier League with Rubin Kazan and has advised Rennes to be battle-ready against Krasnoda.

“At home, you have to take as many points as possible, be serious and focused. Krasnodar is less difficult among the clubs in the group. You have to play the game well,” he continued.  

“To play in the Champion's League is something magnificent and beautiful. You have to take advantage of these moments and gain as much experience as possible from the start.

“In the return leg, even if it is less cold than in Moscow or Kazan, the temperature may be an advantage for Krasnodar. When the teams came to play against us, it felt weird to play by -15 °.

“We were used to it, while our opponents had difficulty moving their limbs. It is sometimes profitable for Russian clubs. It will be necessary to be serious during the warm-up on the second leg.

“The journey will be long. The grounds are pretty good now thanks to the World Cup. There are nice facilities in Russia. In my time, it was at the end of construction but I saw that they were doing top-level stadiums.”

Mavinga joined Toronto FC in 2017 and has featured in more than 75 games for the club across all competitions, including 18 in the 2020 MLS campaign.

The 2020 Malaysia Super League season has not been one to remember for Pahang as they only managed to finished 7th after losing in their final fixture away to Terengganu FC (TFC) which sealed their place in the mid-table.

It was a massive fall for the Elephants who had only just finished runner-up one season before but the departures of first Matthew Davies and then Mohamadou Sumareh put paid to their hopes of challenging for a higher finish.

But the biggest barrier for Dollah Salleh and his side to overcome was the injury troubles that kept hitting them with key players like Dickson Nwakaeme, Ivan Carlos and Faisal Halim struggling to maintain their fitness fight.

Because of the rise of Covid-19 numbers again in Malaysia, the Malaysia Cup has been moved from a 16 October start to 6 November, which gives plenty of encouragement to Faisal and co.

"I'm 80% recovered now and I believe that in a week's time, I will be able to play on the pitch again so the focus right now is to get completely fit. But it's not just me, there are several others who are working to get fit for the Malaysia Cup.

"We understand that why the matches are delayed. There's a lot to learn from this year because by middle of November, there's usually no more matches. This year will be different and we as players have to adjust to that," said Faisal.

The nippy winger is recovering from an ankle injury which he sustained in that 2-1 defeat at the hands of TFC after seemingly taking on the mantle left behind by Sumareh. 

The 22-year-old scored twice in the final seven matches of the Super League season that was played out five months after the initial first three matches was played including in the 3-2 defeat at the hands of Johor Darul Ta'zim.

He is fighting to get fit for the start of the final competition of the year together with Adam Reed, Zuhair Aizat, Nwakaeme, Herold Goulon and R. Dinesh.

Just days after Orlando Pirates stated they were in contract negotiations with Luvuyo Memela, he was unveiled as one of AmaZulu's high profile signings.

Also joining the KwaZulu-Natal side as new owner Sandile Zungu rebuilds the team are Siphiwe Tshabalala, Siphelele Mthembu, Sicelo Mkhize, Siphelele Nene, Makhehleni Makhaula, Limbikani Mzava and Samkelo Gwazela.

Last week, Pirates stated on their website that "the club is still in talks with 33-year-old Luvuyo Memela over extending his stay at the club, however, the two parties are yet to reach an agreement."

Clearly, it seems those talks must have broken down. Perhaps AmaZulu offered Memela more money, or, as he explains, the KwaZulu-Natal side convinced him to be part of an exciting new dawn at the club.

“AmaZulu want to achieve things and they have been in the top-flight for a long time," the attacking midfielder was quoted saying by the Citizen.

"I am very happy to be here. The ambition of the president here is very motivational and that’s why it didn’t take me long to join the team.”

In terms of his surprise exit from the Buccaneers, the Cape Town-born player, however, was not prepared to shed further light on the matter.

“I think that one, I can’t say much on it," the 33-year-old Memela said.

"But you know it’s the life in football and such things always happen. I don’t want to comment much on it, and what’s important now is that I am with AmaZulu and I am happy here,” he added.

Memela spent five seasons with Pirates after signing from National First Division club Cape Town All Stars.

He was popular with the supporters but failed to win any silverware during a period when Bucs lost three domestic cup finals, the final of the Caf Confederation Cup and also twice ended second in the league.

Memela could potentially make his debut for his new team on Saturday night when the Durban outfit hosts none other than his former side, Pirates.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi, alongside part of the technical bench, have parted ways.

The tactician took over from Sebastien Migne after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) held in Egypt. He led the national team to a 1-1 draw away to Egypt in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before settling to the same scoreline at home against Togo.

On October 9, he led Kenya to a 2-1 win over Zambia's Chipolopolo in a friendly staged in Nairobi, but he will now not be part of the team to play Comoros in the Afcon qualifying doubleheader set for November.

"Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi and part of his backroom staff have left the national team by mutual consent," FKF said in a statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and obtained by Goal.

"The Federation is immensely grateful to coach Kimanzi and his departing members of staff that include assistant coach Zedekiah Otieno and goalkeeper trainer Lawrence Webo for their exemplary work, dedication, and unrivalled professionalism, which has strengthened Kenya’s chances of qualifying for the Afcon 2022 final tournament."

The FKF has wished the departed members the best in their future endevours while stating they will not comment on the issue again until a replacement is in place.

"All at the federation wish them well in their future endeavors, this even as the search for a replacement to take the national team forward begins in earnest.

"There will be no further comment from FKF until a new appointment is made, in the coming days."  

Kenya are aiming at making it to the World Cup in 2026 and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa revealed they are hopeful of achieving the objective.

"I don’t know how we will achieve it, but I am sure we will make it, in the next four years, I want to see Kenya in the World Cup," Mwendwa told Goal. "I don’t know if it will be the men’s team or the women’s team but I want to see Kenya represented at the world stage.

"This will happen soon, I want to put more emphasis on national teams and I know with proper planning, everything we want will be achieved."

It was another difficult season in the top flight for Petaling Jaya City FC, who having flirted with relegation for large parts of the campaign, eventually rose to the occasion to finish comfortably in the top half of the table.

A finish that was supported by an unbeaten last five matches in the Super League that saw them claim two wins and three draws, in the process picking up nine valuable points that steer them well clear of relegation.

That run saw PJ City scoring 12 goals in five matches with Washington Brandao and R. Kogileswaran leading by example with three goal each as K. Devan found some form of a winning formula.

The experienced head coach now turns his attention towards the Malaysia Cup and with confidence high in the side, will be aiming to show that PJ City can provide a shock or two in the competition.

"Of course we have a specific target for Malaysia Cup but I don't want to reveal that yet before the draw has been done. Let's see who we get then we can manage our expectations. 

"There's no major injury concerns, everyone is either fit or close to being 100% and I'm sure the players will be ready to offer a challenge in the competition," said Devan.

This will be the third straight year that PJ City has qualified for the Malaysia Cup but the first two entries were far from memorable as they exited the competition in the group stages.

With the Control Movement Control Order (CMCO) activated in Klang Valley, Devan and PJ City have quickly shifted their training venue to Negeri Sembilan in order to continue training and maintaining fitness.