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Video: Former United star sparks wild mass brawl in South America with cheeky showboating trick

Former Manchester United attacker Memphis Depay sparked a mass brawl in Corinthians’ 1-0 aggregate win over Palmeiras, which gave the São Paulo outfit their first title in six years.

The Dutch forward signed for United in 2015 in the Louis van Gaal era.

He could never really live up to his promise though as he made just 53 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals.

Depay was sold after just two years to Olympique Lyonnais, where he enjoyed five successful seasons before brief spells at FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Last year he moved to Brazil, where he has scored nine goals in 30 matches for Corinthians.

In a typically feisty South American encounter, there were four red cards and 13 yellow cards shared out amongst the players and coaching staff.

At the centre of the carnage was Depay.

TalkSPORT report that “with Corinthians desperately holding onto their slender advantage, Depay attempted a bit of showboating by the corner flag – standing on the ball with his arms outstretched.”

“His behaviour ended up triggering an all-out melee when an opposition player stormed over and shoved him off the ball.”

The Palmeiras players clearly took exception to Depay’s actions and felt that he was disrespecting them unnecessarily in such an emotional moment of the match.

Two players, one from each side, were given their matching orders after the on-pitch altercation.

Tempers were already flaring after Corinthians escaped a red card when their captain Felix Torres gave away a penalty but avoided a second yellow card, leaving the opposition furious.

Nonetheless, Depay had the last laugh as he won his first piece of silverware in Brazil for his new club.

Featured image Alex Bierens de Haan via Getty Images


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Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

United legend’s son rewarded with first senior opportunity with exciting loan move – report

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand’s son, Lorenz Ferdinand, has joined Havant and Waterlooville for the remainder of the season.

Rio Ferdinand enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Old Trafford where he played 455 games for the club, scoring eight goals from centre back.

The former England international won 14 trophies at Old Trafford, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.

His son Lorenz is an 18 year old goalkeeper who plays for Brighton and Hove Albion.

He has so far played just four minutes of Premier League 2 action this season but he has notched 20 matches in the Under 18 Premier League and two in the FA Youth Cup.

Ferdinand has recently moved to Havant and Waterlooville in the Southern League Premier Division South, which is the seventh division of English football.

They currently sit sixth in the table.

An official statement from the club’s website read, “Havant and Waterlooville Football Club are thrilled to announce that, Goalkeeper, Lorenz Ferdinand has joined on Work Experience from Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion for the remainder of the Season!”

“We welcome Lorenz to the Hawks and look forward to seeing him in action very soon.”

Ready to get to work 💪#HWFC #COYH pic.twitter.com/PLq4cO4mF8

— Havant & Waterlooville FC (@HWFCOfficial) March 28, 2025

The former United star’s son has likely been given the chance after the club’s regular keeper Ben Dudzinski sustained an injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season.

Commenting on the move, Lorenz Ferdinand stated, “it’s been really good. Everyone has made me feel really welcome.”

“It’s a great club from what I’ve seen so far. It’s good to be in and around the boys.”

Ferdinand could be in line for his debut later today when the Hawks travel to Marlow in a 3pm kick off (UK time).


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

Mannion craves a challenge

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Saturday 29 March 2025 10:00

Manchester United Women defender Aoife Mannion feels she is continuing to adapt, after racking up 50 appearances for the Reds.

The 29-year-old hit the landmark in the win over Aston Villa, becoming the 21st player to do so here, and is pleased with the resilience she has shown to reach the half-century.

In an exclusive interview with the matchday programme, available at Leigh Sports Village when Marc Skinner’s side tackle Everton on Sunday (12:00 BST kick-off), the Republic of Ireland international accepts there have been obstacles and challenges along the way, since joining in 2021.

“When I look at 50 games across four years, it’s not much,” she said. “But with the experience I’ve had and the cards I’ve been dealt, and how it’s been up and down, I look at it as though it’s been 400 games!

’50 games – it feels like 400!’ Video

’50 games – it feels like 400!’

The joy of representing the Reds will never be lost on Aoife Mannion! In this chat, United Women’s no.5 tells us why…

“I really appreciate what a joy it is, and continues to be, to be involved in this team.”

In terms of personal highlights, she’s quick to pick out a pair of famous wins. “The first is against Arsenal [at Leigh Sports Village in April 2023, when Aoife was named Player of the Match] – it was my first 90 minutes back following my anterior-cruciate ligament injury. We won, and we came second in the league that year.

“And then there’s the FA Cup final win against Spurs last season – that was madness! It was the context as well – we were 4-0 up when I came on [in the 78th minute]. In those few moments, to be able to appreciate the gravity of what’s happening – the amount of fans at Wembley, the occasion, and that it was so sunny that day. That day can’t be topped.”

Continuing to learn all the time, and adjust to different circumstances, is something that Mannion feels is imperative at the top level, as the Reds look for three points against a Toffees side she acknowledges “are a really good team with some results to back it up”.

“I think, through getting older and having experiences, it becomes imperative to adapt,” she added. “For example, in my last international game, I thought I was going to play centre-back, but somebody got injured in the warm-up so I played the first half at left-back and the second half at right-back.

“For some, that wouldn’t really be their jam, but I think the more I try to be adaptable and flexible in my thinking and try to be resilient, the thing that remains is that I can always give everything and give an honest account of myself.

“I think, generally, people can see that and appreciate that. So I don’t mind it – I actually almost crave those moments where it’s a bit of a challenge.”

Get your copy of the official programme at Sunday’s game against Everton.

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Saturday 29 March 2025 10:00

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United legend’s son rewarded with first senior opportunity with exciting loan move – report

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand’s son, Lorenz Ferdinand, has joined Havant and Waterlooville for the remainder of the season.

Rio Ferdinand enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Old Trafford where he played 455 games for the club, scoring eight goals from centre back.

The former England international won 14 trophies at Old Trafford, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.

His son Lorenz is an 18 year old goalkeeper who plays for Brighton and Hove Albion.

He has so far played just four minutes of Premier League 2 action this season but he has notched 20 matches in the Under 18 Premier League and two in the FA Youth Cup.

Ferdinand has recently moved to Havant and Waterlooville in the Southern League Premier Division South, which is the seventh division of English football.

They currently sit sixth in the table.

An official statement from the club’s website read, “Havant and Waterlooville Football Club are thrilled to announce that, Goalkeeper, Lorenz Ferdinand has joined on Work Experience from Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion for the remainder of the Season!”

“We welcome Lorenz to the Hawks and look forward to seeing him in action very soon.”

Ready to get to work 💪#HWFC #COYH pic.twitter.com/PLq4cO4mF8

— Havant & Waterlooville FC (@HWFCOfficial) March 28, 2025

The former United star’s son has likely been given the chance after the club’s regular keeper Ben Dudzinski sustained an injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season.

Commenting on the move, Lorenz Ferdinand stated, “it’s been really good. Everyone has made me feel really welcome.”

“It’s a great club from what I’ve seen so far. It’s good to be in and around the boys.”

Ferdinand could be in line for his debut later today when the Hawks travel to Marlow in a 3pm kick off (UK time).


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

“Extraordinary” tweak to transfer window will be music to United fans’ and Amorim’s ears – report

The Premier League has agreed to an extension of the summer transfer window.

Manchester United were busy last summer adding Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte to the first team squad.

Despite a likely reduced budget, unless they qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League, there is still expected to be a busy summer of incomings and outgoings at Old Trafford.

After months of negative headlines, Ineos will be hoping to win back some fans with a positive transfer window.

In addition, Ruben Amorim will be desperate to add to January signings Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu to construct a squad that can play the energetic 3-4-3 formation that he is so desperate to see bear fruit at United.

The club’s official website has confirmed that the Red Devils, alongside the 19 other Premier League clubs, will have an additional 10 days to do any business this year.

“The Premier League clubs have agreed to an extraordinary transfer window during the summer. The advent of the FIFA Club World Cup, which includes Chelsea and Manchester City, has led to an additional 10 days of business being allowed for all Premier League teams.”

Whilst historically business can occur before, it is not made official until the middle of June or the start of July but this will be different this year to allow the two Club World Cup teams to register players before the tournament begins.

“The window will open early, between Sunday 1 June and Tuesday 10 June, due to an exceptional registration period relating to the FIFA Club World Cup.”

“It will then reopen on Monday 16 June and close on Monday 1 September.”

Fans will be delighted as it will give United a lot of time to sell and buy the numerous players they wish to in their aim to propel themselves up the Premier League table next season.

The clubs had discussed closing the window before the league season starts, as was the case in 2018 and 2019, but the idea was eventually abandoned.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

Four United academy sensations take part in first team training this week, champing at the bit for first senior appearance

Manchester United have called up four youth team players to first team training this week.

The Red Devils are preparing for a busy month which will see them face three Champions League contenders in under two weeks when they take on Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Newcastle United.

There is also the rather huge matter of a Europa League quarter-final with Olympique Lyonnais on the horizon.

The Manchester Evening News report that “Manchester United called-up youth team players Godwill Kukonki, Reece Munro, Jim Thwaites and Bendito Mantato to first-team training on Friday as they returned to action after the international break.”

There was further good news as Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw also made returns to the grass.

Fellow under 18 stars Chido Obi and Harry Amass, who made his senior debut at Leicester City earlier this month, also took part in training.

Kukonki has already impressed Ruben Amorim enough to be included in a couple of matchday squads earlier in the season.

Back in December, Amorim claimed that the 17 year old was “ready” for the Premier League and he is expected to sign his first professional deal with the club soon.

Reece Munro has also been in impressive form and the 18 year old has already scored a goal in United’s run to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup, where they will face Aston Villa on Monday next week.

Thwaites has also been an ever-present in the United under 18’s midfield as he has scored five goals and provided three assists in 18 under 18 Premier League matches.

Finally, Bendito Mantato is reportedly very highly rated around the corridors of Old Trafford and there is talk that he is in line to make his senior debut before the end of the season in May.

He is also set to sign his first professional deal at the club next week as a reward for his fantastic displays which included a match-winning strike against Arsenal in the quarter-final of the Youth Cup.


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

Futre: ‘Bruno is a legend’

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ManUtd.com reporter Adam Marshall at Old Trafford.

Saturday 29 March 2025 08:00

Portuguese icon Paulo Futre has described Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as a legend.

The former Atletico Madrid star, who had spell in the Premier League with West Ham United, was at Carrington recently to interview our skipper, in his role as a TV pundit back home.

While naturally retaining a soft spot for the Hammers, he hopes Bruno, alongside Diogo Dalot and playing for head coach Ruben Amorim, can achieve success and more silverware with the Reds, a club he clearly has an enormous amount of respect for.

Paulo Futre took the time to speak with us at Carrington recently.

“Bruno is a great person and a great player,” Futre told us after his chat with our in-form no.8. “He is a great example to all Portuguese players.

“He leads the team and hates to lose. And he can decide a match.

“It is difficult currently [for United] but I really want him to succeed – and the same with Ruben and Diogo.

“My preference is for West Ham but I would be happy if United won [the league]!”

Cristiano Ronaldo, fresh from another international strike after playing with Fernandes and Dalot, shows no signs of letting up on his personal crusade to smash all goal records.

The global superstar, who enjoyed two spells with United of course, was developed at Sporting, like Futre, but even his fellow countryman admits it would have been hard to predict just how brilliant he has managed to become, when making that step in early in his career to move to Manchester.

“Very difficult,” said Futre. “We knew he was great. With his work and dedication at a young age, we knew he was going to be a great. However, it was impossible to see the animal he would become.”

Paulo Futre playing at Wembley in 1987.

Obviously, one of the great debates that rages in football is where does Ronaldo sit when it comes to the best player of all time. One of the other challengers to this claim is clearly Diego Maradona and Futre is well judged to pass comment, having played alongside the Argentinian marvel in a Football League Centenary game at Wembley back in 1987.

It was an occasion he remembers well, even if our very own Bryan Robson (2) and Norman Whiteside got the goals to ensure defeat for the Rest of the World XI, managed by Terry Venables.

“It was an all-star game, so I was honoured,” he recalled. “When I saw the list and saw Maradona’s name, I thought ‘wow’ and didn’t know if I was going to play or not. I was so happy when he read the names out.

“Eight – Lineker, nine – Platini, 10 – Maradona and 11 – Futre. It was a great game but we lost 3-0.”

When asked how he’d compare Maradona with Ronaldo, he replied: “Well, Maradona and Lionel Messi have more talent. I think Cristiano is the most complete player, though. It is so difficult.

“It wouldn’t be fair not to mention Pele too.”

Bryan Robson and Pele after the Football League Centenary game.

Robson ran the show at Wembley in the centenary game and collected the trophy from Pele after the final whistle.

Our former captain had been a formidable opponent for Futre’s Atletico Madrid when the two teams met in the 1991/92 European Cup-Winners’ Cup, when Alex Ferguson’s men were the holders.

“I first watched him play when I was 14 and I was able to play against him too,” added the Portuguese. “I look at him with a lot of admiration. I first played against him for Portugal and then, after that, with Manchester United.

“He is a very different player to me, he is a box-to-box number eight, whereas I am more attacking.”

Futre will be watching United’s progress with interest, as his fellow countrymen look to continue making a big impact at Old Trafford.

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ManUtd.com reporter Adam Marshall at Old Trafford.

Saturday 29 March 2025 08:00

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“He was buzzing”: Ex-United star receives phone call from Sir Alex, he’s thriving away from Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson recently got in touch with former Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck.

At 34 years old, Welbeck is raising question marks over United’s decision to sell him to Arsenal nearly a decade ago, with his exploits.

The United academy product, who won the Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, has now established himself as a key part of the Brighton and Hove Albion squad who are hoping to win the FA Cup this season.

Welbeck has been involved in an impressive 12 goals in all competitions for the Seagulls this term and his most important contribution came against Newcastle United.

The Englishman scored the extra-time winner against the Magpies to send Brighton into the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Ahead of his side’s clash against Nottingham Forest, Welbeck spoke to BBC and revealed that he received a call from his former manager after his Newcastle heroics.

“[Sir Alex Ferguson] actually phoned me after the Newcastle goal,” he told Football Focus.

“He talked about the goal and the performance. He was buzzing and to have that sort of connection, he is a manager who is always looking out for his players, always wants the best for them, and still to this day is in contact.”

12 months after Ferguson retired, Louis van Gaal shipped Welbeck to Arsenal in 2014.

Welbeck won the FA Cup twice at Arsenal before moving to Watford. After a troubled spell at Vicarage Road, he has rediscovered his form at Brighton.

In recent times, Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville have both suggested that Welbeck is still good enough to play for United. Further, the club’s hierarchy reportedly tried to bring back their former talent under Erik ten Hag.

With both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund struggling to put the ball into the back of the net, even Ruben Amorim could do with an experienced goalscorer like Welbeck.


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Vishal has covered football for over five years. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person. Big fan of ball-playing center-backs!

Ineos set for tough negotiation for 27 G/A “diamond” as Bundesliga club name exorbitant demand – report

Manchester United’s hunt for the perfect striker in the summer is not going to be easy given the club’s poor form and current financial predicament.

What Ruben Amorim would have ideally liked was a reunion with Sporting CP protege Viktor Gyokeres but the Swede is desperate to keep playing Champions League football and he does not feel the Red Devils can offer him that.

Victor Osimhen has no such demands but his wages and Napoli’s asking price could prove too much for United. Which is why Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap has emerged as a low-cost alternative.

Another striker on their wishlist is Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt whose form this season has caught the fancy of plenty of clubs.

Ekitike interest

The 22-year-old has 19 goals and eight assists this season, and his impressive hat-trick for the France U21 international team against England had everyone talking.

The German side are obviously aware of the interest the “diamond” is generating which is why they have slapped a £67 million price tag on his head.

He still has four years left on his current deal, which is why Frankfurt are in an advantageous position and as per Givemesport, they have no plans of lowering their demands.

As a result, the 20-time English league champions will find it hard to acquire the supremely-talented Frenchman this summer.

Frankfurt’s demands beyond United’s reach

“Manchester United are increasingly unlikely to lure Hugo Ekitike to Old Trafford when the transfer window reopens for business as the Eintracht Frankfurt star’s price tag is on course to be out of their reach as they go in search of fresh firepower, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

“Manchester United are facing a major stumbling block in their pursuit of Ekitike, according to GMS sources, as they will not be able to table an offer which meets Eintracht Frankfurt’s £67million demands and could be forced to turn their attentions towards alternative options when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

“The striker still has four years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket in excess of £80,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, resulting in his current employers being in a strong negotiating position and under no immediate pressure to lower their valuation in the coming months.”

A huge summer window awaits the club and it will be intriguing to see how INEOS handles it and who ultimately comes in. Amorim desperately needs more help thats for sure.

Feature image Alex Grimm via Getty Images


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Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

Lynchpin of United’s football operations headhunted by Newcastle as they plot revenge for Ashworth – The Telegraph

More behind-the-scene changes could be on the cards at Manchester United as per a report from The Telegraph.

Collette Roche, who is United’s chief operating officer, is being eyed by Newcastle United for their soon-to-be vacant chief executive role.

Darren Eale, the current CEO is expected to step down after being diagnosed with blood cancer and is currently serving till a replacement is secured.

“Collette Roche, the Manchester United chief operating officer, has emerged as one of the candidates for the chief executive role at Newcastle, Telegraph Sport understands.

Roche could be Newcastle bound?

“Newcastle are searching for a new chief executive to lead the club after it emerged last September that Darren Eales would be stepping down after being diagnosed with blood cancer. Eales is continuing in his post until a successor is found.”

Roche is not the only name on the list with Former Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham also among the candidates. The position has reportedly attracted a lot of interest.

Despite her current role being expanded since INEOS’ arrival, Roche has not been short of offers with Everton also looking at her to fill the vacant chief executive role before Angus Kinnear’s appointment in March.

Since Dan Ashworth, who incidentally arrived from the Magpies, departed, Roche has been forced to take up a more prominent role in the football operations.

She is key to INEOS’ stadium plans

Not only that but she was a key figure behind the recent £50 million Carrington revamp while also playing a crucial role in the club’s plans of delivering the new £2 billion stadium. So far, the club have refused to comment on said links.

She had joined the club back in 2018 from Manchester Airport, and her expertise might be needed given the design plan of the stadium and the need to get the all-clear from the airport before proceeding with construction.

Interestingly, she is now the only survivor from the previous management group with United’s people and transformation director Annie Hale, commercial director Florence Lafaye and chief commercial development officer James Holroyd all leaving recently.

Other senior officials like former chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough have already departed. Not to mention the countless job cuts.


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Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25