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Erik ten Hag bites back at Jadon Sancho with huge ‘issues’ claim

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted Jadon Sancho has “issues” at Old Trafford even before the Dutchman took control.

Ten Hag and Sancho fell out earlier this season, with a public spat ultimately leading to the winger’s return to Borussia Dortmund on a six-month loan this window.

Sancho’s attitude has since been defended by former United boss Ralf Rangnick and Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, with both officials claiming they never had any problems with the 23-year-old.

Ten Hag, however, has now claimed things were not as rosy as others have suggested.

“So after he was signed, one year before [Ten Hag joined], and there were issues,” he told Sky Sports. “We have had issues all the way through, and so you can make out his stay at Manchester United so far is not a success.

“So now he is going back to Borussia Dortmund, so I wish him the best of luck. I hope, we all hope he is doing well there, he will be successful. Again, we will see what is going to happen.”

Ten Hag had a frosty relationship with Sancho / Alex Livesey – Danehouse/GettyImages
Sancho resisted calls to apologise for his public spat with Ten Hag, who he claimed had made him a “scapegoat” by dropping him from the matchday squad to face Arsenal in early September, and remained frozen out by the manager as a result.

Asked whether an apology would have fixed things, Ten Hag added: “We have said that before. And I don’t want every time to return to the point. He knows what he should do and we have made that clear.

“It was also so clear and obvious about his performance so let’s stop this discussion. He is to Dortmund and we wish him the best of luck.”

Sancho grabbed an assist on his first appearance for Dortmund at the weekend – the first time he has set up a goal since May 2023 – after which he admitted he is simply searching for happiness on the pitch.

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Rubiales tells court Hermoso consented to kiss

Luis Rubiales has told a court that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso gave her consent before he kissed her after the Women’s World Cup final in 2023.

The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is on trial accused of sexual assault and attempting to coerce Ms Hermoso into publicly saying the kiss had been consensual.

Mr Rubiales told Spain’s National Court in Madrid he was “absolutely sure” the player gave permission for the kiss, adding: “In that moment it was something completely spontaneous.”

The incident happened during the medal ceremony after Spain’s World Cup victory in Australia, triggering protests and calls for Mr Rubiales’s resignation. He denies any criminal wrongdoing.

Giving evidence, Mr Rubiales described the kiss as “an act of affection”.

“This was a tremendous moment for her,” he said. “We were thanking each other, she pressed me very hard around the waist and then I asked her whether I could give her a kiss and she said yes.”

He added: “I took hold of her so as not to fall back.”

Mr Rubiales was questioned in court over whether he asked Ms Hermoso for a kiss or a “little kiss”.

“I can’t remember exactly,” he replied. “But I think it was a little kiss.”

He was also asked if he was aware of the protocol against sexual harassment and sexual violence, to which he replied he was aware of it.

Ms Hermoso has previously told the court she had never given permission to be kissed and the incident had “stained one of the happiest days of my life”.

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Sami Trabelsi Returns as Tunisia’s Head Coach

The Tunisia Football Federation (TFF) has appointed Sami Trabelsi as the new head coach of the Carthage Eagles.

Trabelsi, who previously led the former African champions from 2011 to 2013, replaces Faouzi Benzarti, who was dismissed last October after less than five months in charge.

Kais Yaakoubi served as interim coach following Benzarti’s departure.

Hamadi Daou has been confirmed as one of the national team’s assistant coaches, with the TFF exploring the addition of Mohamed Sahli to the coaching crew.

Tunisia will compete against Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C at the AFCON 2025 finals.

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Cristiano Ronaldo agrees to extend Al-Nassr Contract Until June 2026

Ronaldo shown red card as Al-Nassr lose 2-0 to Al-Hilal

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to extend his contract with the Saudi Pro League side, just days after celebrating his 40th birthday.

Ronaldo, who initially signed a two-and-a-half-year deal in January 2023, was set to remain with the club until the end of the 2024/25 season.

However, an Al-Nassr official confirmed that the Portugal captain has agreed to extend his stay by another year, keeping him at the club until June 2026.

“The sides have agreed on the renewable extension of Ronaldo’s contract, but it has not been signed yet. An announcement will be made over the coming days,” the official told AFP.

The extension comes on the heels of Ronaldo’s impressive performance against Al Feiha, where he scored a goal to help Al-Nassr secure a 3-0 victory.

Ronaldo’s continued presence at Al-Nassr is expected to bolster the club’s competitive edge in the Saudi Pro League and inspire younger players with his legendary experience and professionalism.