Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is not planning an immediate return to football despite being linked with Benfica and Juventus following his January departure from Old Trafford.
The Portuguese coach has been out of work since being dismissed by the Premier League club.
He departed with a £12m severance package after his contract, which was due to run until 2027, was cut short following a 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
During his 12-month tenure in Manchester, he oversaw 63 matches, registering 25 wins, 15 draws and 23 defeats.
Benfica and Juventus register interest
Recent reports suggest the former Sporting CP boss has attracted attention from several top European clubs.
Juventus reportedly approached his representatives in January, though the Italian giants now appear likely to extend Luciano Spalletti’s contract.
He is also being considered as a potential successor to Jose Mourinho at Benfica should his compatriot leave the role.
Furthermore, the tactician is viewed as a future candidate for the Portugal national team position once Roberto Martinez’s tenure concludes after the World Cup.
Taking a break from the dugout
Despite the high-profile interest, an immediate return to the touchline is not currently on the agenda.
The Lisbon-born coach is understood to be relishing his time away from the sport.
He recently spent the Easter period holidaying in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
He has also been spotted playing padel with close friend and Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana, whom he played alongside at both Braga and Sporting.
Carrick leads United revival
Meanwhile, Manchester United are formulating a strategy for their next permanent appointment.
Caretaker manager Michael Carrick has impressed since taking temporary charge, securing seven wins from his 10 fixtures at the helm.
His influence has helped guide the team to third place in the Premier League table, putting them in a strong position for Champions League qualification.
While Carrick has significant backing for the permanent role, the club have been linked with several other prominent coaches.
Julian Nagelsmann, Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Gareth Southgate are all reportedly under consideration by the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Manchester United are prepared to sell £50m midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer, with Turkish club Galatasaray emerging as the frontrunners for his signature.
The Uruguay international has struggled to secure regular first-team football since arriving from Paris St-Germain.
He has managed just seven Premier League starts during a turbulent campaign at Old Trafford.
Midfield overhaul planned under Carrick
The Red Devils are currently third in the top flight under the interim guidance of Michael Carrick.
Carrick took charge after Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January, and the club are now targeting Champions League qualification.
A significant midfield restructure is expected at the end of the season to create squad space and raise transfer funds.
The combative midfielder is understood to be keen on a departure to secure more consistent playing time.
European interest in former PSG man
Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the situation following the appointment of their new manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Newcastle United have also made contact with the player’s representatives regarding a potential move.
Meanwhile, Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan are keeping a close eye on developments.
Despite the widespread Premier League and Serie A interest, a switch to Istanbul is currently viewed as the most likely outcome.
Galatasaray lead the race
Galatasaray came close to securing a deal for the defensive specialist during the winter transfer window.
That initial exit was blocked because the Manchester club were unable to source a suitable replacement in time.
The Super Lig outfit have maintained their strong interest and possess the financial capability to complete the transfer.
United are actively seeking midfield upgrades who can contribute effectively to both defensive duties and attacking build-up play.
Ipswich Town came from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Birmingham City at Portman Road, significantly boosting their hopes of a return to the Premier League.
The hosts were forced to show immense character and resilience after falling behind early in the pivotal contest.
Tractor Boys show promotion credentials
Securing all three points ensures the Suffolk outfit maintain their upward momentum in a fiercely competitive race for the top flight.
This latest triumph underlines the formidable home form that has consistently underpinned their successful campaign to date.
Overcoming adversity to claim maximum points is a traditional hallmark of sides destined for elite-level football.
Blues frustrated after positive start
For the visiting side, relinquishing a hard-earned advantage will serve as a bitter source of frustration.
The Midlands club initially controlled proceedings before ultimately succumbing to relentless attacking pressure from the home side.
They must now regroup quickly and focus on their upcoming fixtures to salvage crucial points for the remainder of the season.
Lincoln City have secured promotion to the Championship for the first time since 1961 following a remarkable decade-long ascent from non-league football.
The Imps dropped out of the Football League in 2011 and were languishing in the National League just ten years ago.
Supporters are now dreaming of facing top-tier opposition, with chants of away days at Tottenham Hotspur echoing around the LNER Stadium.
A decade of unprecedented success
Only Wrexham have climbed the English football pyramid quicker than the Lincolnshire outfit in recent times.
The newly-promoted side achieved their success without celebrity owners or lucrative international sponsorships.
Their extraordinary journey has also included an unprecedented run to the FA Cup quarter-finals and an EFL Trophy victory at Wembley.
Building a sustainable future
Chief executive Liam Scully attributes their steady climb to a sensible financial structure and careful long-term planning.
It takes a village and arguably, boringly consistent behaviour over a length of time.
Liam Scully, Lincoln City Chief Executive
We’ve been this broad version of us since 2019 and have rarely deviated from our plan.
The foundations were laid by the Cowley brothers during the late 2010s before the club solidified its League One status.
Tactical evolution under Skubala
Despite operating with only the 18th-largest budget in their division, the team consistently outperformed financial expectations.
Mark Kennedy was dismissed last season as the hierarchy sought a more technically progressive approach to player development.
Current head coach Michael Skubala, a former England futsal tactician, was appointed to successfully guide the club into this new era.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has commended Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal for speaking out against Islamophobic abuse heard during Spain’s friendly against Egypt.
The Catalan youngster appeared visibly distressed at the RCDE Stadium in his home city after being subjected to the intolerable chanting.
The Spanish Football Federation swiftly denounced the actions of the crowd.
Catalan regional police have now confirmed the launch of an official investigation into the troubling incident.
United front against discrimination
The Brazilian winger is frequently targeted by racist abuse across Europe and believes high-profile figures must utilise their platforms.
“Hopefully we can continue with this fight,” the 23-year-old stated.
“It’s important that Lamine speaks about it because it could help others.”
The Los Blancos attacker highlighted the responsibility affluent athletes hold in protecting marginalised communities who lack a public voice.
We are famous, we have money, we can balance these things better, but the poor people and the Blacks who are everywhere, they surely struggle more than we do. So we have to stick together, those who have a stronger voice, the players.
Champions League controversy
The former Flamengo prospect was recently embroiled in a high-profile scandal during February’s European knockout tie against Benfica.
He accused Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse following a goal celebration in front of the Portuguese supporters.
Although the Lisbon club strongly denied the allegations, Uefa handed Prestianni a provisional suspension which ruled him out of the return leg.
“I’m not saying that Spain or Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, and in Brazil and other countries as well,” he added.
Focus turns to Bayern Munich
Despite his ongoing battle for equality off the pitch, the European cup winner must now refocus his attention on continental success.
The forward was speaking on the eve of his team’s crucial quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich.
“If we keep fighting together, I think future players and people in general won’t have to go through this again,” he concluded.
Liverpool are close to agreeing a new contract with Ibrahima Konate as the defender seeks to resolve his future before the World Cup.
The Frenchman entered the final year of his current deal this season, allowing him to speak with overseas clubs since January amid reported interest from Spain.
However, talks between the Merseyside club and the player’s representatives have progressed significantly following an initially rejected offer.
It is now increasingly likely that the centre-back will commit his long-term future to Anfield.
World Cup deadline driving negotiations
The imposing defender is determined to avoid any transfer distractions while representing his country at this summer’s major international tournament.
France, who are considered among the heavy favourites, begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal on 16 June.
Securing his club future before departing for international duty has therefore remained a primary objective for the former RB Leipzig man.
Defensive reinforcements and Slot’s backing
Liverpool have proactively sought to bolster their defensive ranks recently, anticipating potential changes across their backline.
The Reds recruited Giovanni Leoni for £26m last summer, though the promising youngster immediately suffered a season-ending injury.
A £55m deal was also secured ahead of Chelsea for highly-rated prospect Jeremy Jacquet, who will officially arrive at Anfield this coming summer.
Despite these imminent arrivals and some early-season criticism, head coach Arne Slot views his current defensive stalwart as a crucial component of his squad.
The Dutch manager has strongly defended his player against what he perceived as excessive public scrutiny over isolated mistakes.
“His general performances were good but then a small mistake he made immediately led to a goal and so he was judged differently.” – Arne Slot
“These two [Konate and Virgil van Dijk] are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind.” – Arne Slot
Arsenal midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard are one yellow card away from a Champions League suspension ahead of their quarter-final against Sporting CP.
Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Lisbon seeking a return to winning ways after suffering consecutive domestic cup exits against Manchester City and Southampton.
With both the FA Cup and League Cup no longer an option, ending a six-year wait for major silverware now rests entirely on European and Premier League success.
The north London club overcame Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 to secure this tie, but disciplinary tightropes now complicate their progression.
Accumulation rules threaten key personnel
Under UEFA regulations, players receive a one-match ban after three cautions, followed by subsequent suspensions for every odd-numbered yellow card.
Crucially, these disciplinary records are not wiped clean until after the quarter-final stage concludes.
Players and team officials are suspended for the next competition match after three cautions, which did not result in a red card, as well as following any subsequent odd-numbered caution.
This leaves the Spanish international one caution away from a fifth tournament booking, having already served a suspension during the league phase.
Midfield headache for Arteta
The former La Liga playmaker missed a victory over Slavia Prague earlier in the campaign after accumulating three early group-stage cards.
Danish midfielder Norgaard finds himself in a similarly precarious position following bookings against Slavia Prague and Club Brugge.
While the 30-year-old is unlikely to start the first leg, any involvement requires immense discipline to avoid missing a potential semi-final.
England international Declan Rice could join the suspended list if he receives a caution, having previously served a ban against Kairat.
A wider group of eight squad members, including William Saliba and Kai Havertz, currently sit on a single yellow card heading into the crucial fixture.
Former England internationals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are fiercely divided over whether Arne Slot should be sacked following Liverpool’s disastrous Premier League title defence.
The pressure is mounting on the Dutch manager after a torrid domestic campaign and a humiliating 4-0 FA Cup defeat by Manchester City.
The Merseyside club currently sit fifth in the table, fighting to secure European qualification as their erratic form continues.
They now face a daunting trip to France to play holders Paris St-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.
Champions League glory required?
Shearer believes the upcoming European tie carries enormous significance for the under-fire boss.
The former Newcastle United striker suggested that lifting the continent’s most prestigious trophy may be the only way to save his job.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the 54-year-old expressed his dismay at the current situation at Anfield.
“It’s crazy, especially after what they did last season and the money they have spent,” said Shearer.
“It just hasn’t worked for them, they’ve been all over the place, they’ve been so inconsistent.”
“He has to get in the Champions League via winning it. I’m not even sure top five would be enough, but it’s not nice to see what’s going on at Liverpool.”
Calls for patience at Anfield
If the Premier League secures an additional European berth through coefficient rankings, a fifth-place finish would guarantee Champions League football next season.
The defending champions currently occupy that crucial fifth spot, but sit only five points ahead of ninth-placed Fulham in a tightly contested race.
Chelsea, Brentford and Everton are all within striking distance and ready to capitalise on any further slip-ups from the reigning titleholders.
Despite the perilous league position, Richards insists the head coach has built up enough goodwill to earn a reprieve.
The former Manchester City defender pointed to key attacking absences as a major mitigating factor in this season’s spectacular collapse.
“I’d like to see him get one more season,” Richards explained.
“This season has been, I don’t want to say a transition and I know a lot of people will say ‘Hold on, he’s spent a lot of money’.”
“But their main striker has been out.”