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Man Utd 2-1 Anderlecht (Agg 3-2): Marcus Rashford is the MVP!

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Manchester United overcame injuries to Marcos Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to beat Anderlecht in extra time, courtesy of Marcus Rashford.

Marcus Rashford was Manchester United’s hero with a dramatic extra-time winner that sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory over Anderlecht in the Europa League quarter-finals.

The 19-year-old followed up his starring role in the Premier League win over Chelsea with a well-taken strike early in the second period of extra time to give United a 2-1 win on the night at Old Trafford and a place in the last four.

An entertaining match had seen Henrikh Mkhitaryan follow up his goal in the first leg by netting his fifth goal of the competition after 10 minutes, only for Anderlecht captain Sofiane Hanni to hit back before the break.

United dominated in the second half, but Jesse Lingard, Rashford, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all squandered chances to score as the tie moved into extra time.

Victory came at a cost for Jose Mourinho, with Marcos Rojo and Ibrahimovic both substituted with injuries, but Rashford’s intervention ensure their hopes of continental silverware and a place in next season’s Champions League are still alive.

There was an early scare for United when Leander Dendoncker, Anderlecht’s scorer in the first leg, unleashed a dipping 30-yard strike that almost caught out Sergio Romero, only just clearing the crossbar.

But the hosts moved in front after Pogba’s impressive throughball had found Rashford to start a counterattack. At the second attempt, the England forward was able to square for Mkhitaryan, who took one touch and fired low past Ruben from 15 yards.

Ruben then had to make two saves in quick succession to keep Anderlecht in the tie, getting up well to save Pogba’s header before diving at full stretch to keep out an excellent curling effort from Lingard.

But United suffered a blow when Rojo was forced off on a stretcher with a knee problem to add to Mourinho’s defensive injury problems – Daley Blind coming on – and the visitors almost levelled when Frank Acheampong muscled his way into the box before being denied by Romero.

Anderlecht did strike back in the 32nd minute, Youri Tielemans’ 20-yard strike deflecting onto the bar and Hanni pouncing to beat Romero on the rebound from eight yards as an entertaining tie reached the break all square.

United made a strong start to the second half when Rashford and Luke Shaw combined down the left to give Lingard the opportunity from inside the six-yard box, but the stretching winger somehow failed to get enough contact on the ball to prod home.

Mourinho used his second change on the hour mark, bringing on Marouane Fellaini for Lingard, while Anderlecht introduced Nicolae Stanciu and Massimo Bruno as both sides chased the crucial a third goal.

Rashford fired wide from a good opening for United after Ibrahimovic – back in the team as one of five United changes – headed into his path.

And Rashford was guilty of another squandered opportunity when he pounced on a mistake from defender Dennis Appiah and raced clear on goal, only to overrun the ball as he attempted to round Ruben.

United were upping the pressure and it took a supreme close-range save from Ruben deny Ibrahimovic when the striker seemed destined to score, before the former Sweden captain had a penalty claim turned down after going down under pressure from Uros Spajic.

Pogba was the next player to miss from a golden chance, volleying over with an awful attempt after Mkhitaryan’s corner fell into his path six yards out, while Ibrahimovic lashed a shot wide after great work from Michael Carrick.

United’s injury woes took another turn for the worse at the end of regulation time, Ibrahimovic limping down the tunnel after landing awkwardly from an aerial challenge with Kara, Anthony Martial replacing him for extra time.

Pogba had a goal ruled out in the first half of extra time, Fellaini penalised for a foul on Spajic as he headed into the Belgium international’s path.

But the breakthrough finally arrived for United after 107 minutes, Rashford collecting another Fellaini knockdown before impressively working space for himself and placing a left-footed strike beyond Ruben as Old Trafford erupted.

United had to survive two last-gasp scares as Acheampong and Kara threatened with headers, the hosts holding on to ensure Martial’s disallowed goal at the other end – correctly ruled out for offside – did not prove costly.

SPORTS

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Forward Isaac Okoro Out For Two Weeks With Shoulder Injury

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Forward Isaac Okoro out with shoulder injury | fab.ng

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without forward Isaac Okoro for at least two weeks after he sustained a shoulder injury during Monday’s dominant 130-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

The 23-year-old was diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. This is an injury that will be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks to assess his readiness to return.

Okoro, now in his fifth year with the Cavaliers, has been a reliable contributor this season. He averaged 6.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.

Notably, he is shooting with exceptional efficiency, achieving career-high percentages in both field goal accuracy (49.5%) and three-point success (49.2%).

His performance reflects a steady improvement in offensive consistency while maintaining his reputation as a strong defender.

Selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Okoro built his career on stellar perimeter defence.

This season, opposing players have struggled to score against him from beyond the arc, shooting just 35.7% when he is the primary defender.

This defensive mark is the second-lowest of his career, following the 35.5% he held opponents to during the 2021-2022 season.

Okoro’s value to the Cavaliers was underscored when he signed a three-year, $38 million contract extension in the offseason. This secures his place on the team through 2027.

His blend of defensive prowess and improving offensive contributions has made him a key piece of Cleveland’s lineup.

Currently, the Cavaliers boast the best record in the NBA at 23-4, thanks to their well-rounded roster and consistent performance.

Despite Okoro’s absence, the team will aim to maintain its winning momentum while he recovers and prepares for a return to action.

Check out more sports news here.

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SPORTS

Africa’s Best Player Ademola Lookman Credits Atalanta for His Rise to African Football’s Pinnacle

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Lookman credits Atalanta for his football development | fab.ng

Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Player of the Year, has acknowledged the significant role that Serie A club Atalanta has played in his footballing journey.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international outshone Achraf Hakimi, Ronwen Williams, Serhou Guirassy, and Simon Adingra to claim the prestigious 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech.

Before this achievement, Lookman secured a remarkable 14th position in the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

His exceptional season with Atalanta, culminating in a hat-trick during the Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen, undoubtedly contributed to this recognition.

When enquired about the impact of his career transitions from the English Premier League to the Bundesliga and subsequently to Serie A, Lookman shared his insights:

“I think the environment that the club (Atalanta) gave me has been very key to obviously my growth as a player. 

“And also, just timing, you know, I’ve always believed in myself and to be able to achieve great things. But, yeah, the time has come and, you know, just blessed to be here.”

Lookman’s Journey from Waterloo to African Football’s Elite

Ademola Lookman’s footballing journey began at Waterloo, where he ascended through the youth ranks.

His talent caught the eye of Charlton Athletic, who offered him his first professional contract. In 2017, he made a significant move to Everton, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal.

However, limited opportunities at Goodison Park led him to seek a fresh start at RB Leipzig. A series of loan spells to Fulham and Leicester City followed.

This is where he showcased his abilities, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists in various competitions.

In 2021, Lookman made a pivotal decision by signing a four-year contract with Atalanta, joining fellow Africans Jeremie Boga and Moustapha Cisse.

This move proved to be a turning point. He flourished in Serie A and earned a more prominent role in the Nigerian national team.

Reflecting on his career, Lookman acknowledged the impact of his infamous Panenka penalty miss during his time at Fulham.

He emphasised how he transformed this setback into a source of strength. Also, he expressed his hope that his recent achievements would inspire future generations of footballers.

“Yes, they were not very happy with me, but, you know, they gave me a lot of love and support after especially the coach, Scott Parker,” he continued.

“He helped me a lot to overcome that time but like I said on the stage it’s about turning your pain into power.

“I’ve managed to do that over the past couple of years and continue to do so. To the kids out there aspiring to improve and achieve in life: life may knock you down, and it may not deal you the best cards.”

Lookman Joins Nigeria’s Elite Footballers

Ademola Lookman’s triumph as African Player of the Year marks a significant milestone in Nigerian football history.

He becomes the sixth Nigerian to claim this prestigious honour. This follows in the footsteps of football legends Rasheed Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Victor Osimhen.

Despite representing England at various youth levels, Lookman pledged his allegiance to Nigeria. This includes the victorious 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup campaign.

He made his Super Eagles debut in March 2022, contributing to their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification bid.

Lookman played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s impressive performance at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

His brace against Cameroon in the Round of 16 and match-winning goal against Angola in the quarterfinals highlighted his impact on the team.

As Lookman continues his stellar form, he is set to feature for Atalanta in their upcoming Coppa Italia clash against Cesena. Just four days later, they will host Empoli in a Serie A encounter.

Atalanta, led by manager Gian Piero Gasperini, currently occupies the top spot in the Italian Serie A table with 37 points from 16 matches. They hold a two-point advantage over their closest rivals, Napoli.

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SPORTS

Everton Confirm Majority Takeover By Friedkin Group To End Moshiri Tenure

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Everton confirm majority takeover by Friedkin Group | fab.ng

The Friedkin Group has acquired a 94.1% stake in Everton, becoming the Premier League club’s new majority owner. The American group paid over £400 million to end Farhad Moshiri’s turbulent tenure.

The Premier League has approved the agreement reached in September. This makes Everton the 10th club that Americans own in the division.

“Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club,” said incoming Executive Chairman Marc Watts.

“We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch. Providing immediate financial stability to the Club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this.

“While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”

Dan Friedkin leads the Texas-based Friedkin Group and owns Serie A club Roma. The club has a reported net worth of £6.16 billion. Friedkin will serve as Everton’s board chairman, while Watts will manage the club’s operations.

The American group put forward a list of priorities for Everton. They aim to strengthen the first team, develop the academy, improve the women’s side, and enhance the club’s global reputation.

Dan Friedkin wrote an open letter expressing his pride about becoming Everton’s new majority owner.

“I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, The Friedkin Group,” the 59-year-old said.

“Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution.

“Whilst we are new to the Club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world.

“We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.”

Everton’s first match under new ownership will take place against Chelsea on Sunday, December 22nd. Members of the new ownership group are expected to attend the match.

Check out more sports updates here.

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