Latest news with #ProfitabilityandSustainabilityRules
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How McTominay became a Napoli icon after Man Utd exit
Scott McTominay was already a hero at Napoli after a season plundering goals - but as he collapsed to the ground in tears of joy after helping them to the Serie A title, he cemented his place as a legend of the club. McTominay hooked in a fine acrobatic volley - his 12th goal of the season - to give Napoli the lead against Cagliari, before former United team-mate Romelu Lukaku made the game safe with a second. That home win ensured they held off Champions League finalists Inter Milan to claim their fourth Serie A title. As soon after the final whistle went, the Scotland midfielder was named Serie A's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for 2024-25. "I'm lost for words. It's incredible you know, the sacrifice that every single player in the group has put forward to the cause," said McTominay after the game. "And the people deserve it because they've been behind us from day one, and for me to come and experience this is a dream." Leaving Manchester United - the club where he had spent nearly all his life - for a new country last summer was a brave move. It now looks an inspired decision. There have been tattoos, flags, cakes and even a shrine of McTominay. Fans wearing kilts too. Naples is a city that treats their heroes like gods - most notably Diego Maradona. BBC Sport looks at how McTominay put his name in Napoli folkore. Last summer McTominay wanted a change of scenery - and United wanted money to help them fit in with Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Lancaster-born McTominay had been with United for over 20 years - first attending a soccer school at the club aged five - but made the decision to have a change of scenery. A fee of £25.7m looks like an absolute bargain now. No wonder his former boss at Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, recently told BBC Sport "how you can sell Scott is beyond me". And as he celebrates the title with Napoli, United are facing their worst season since the mid-1970s and a second season without Europe since 1985. "He looks like he is loving life," said ex-Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison on TNT Sports. "A lot of backroom staff at Manchester United can be proud how they turned him into this. "The player has been there for four or five years, but it is going to Napoli and having the confidence of the manager that has taken him up tenfold." And yet the Napoli move nearly did not happen. They were set to sign Frosinone midfielder Marco Brescianini and he was even having a medical. But that move didn't happen - and suddenly McTominay was at Napoli instead and Brescianini went to Atalanta. A sliding-doors moment for Napoli and McTominay. McTominay has scored 12 goals in 34 Serie A games for Napoli - netting another one in the Coppa Italia. He was the Serie A player of the month for April and is shortlisted again for May. Now he is the MVP, effectively the player of the season. McTominay is the top-scoring midfielder in Serie A this season. By comparison, he only bagged 19 goals in 178 Premier League games for United. The success comes from playing more of an attacking central midfield role in Conte's team. In a lot of his time for United, he played as a defensive midfielder. For Scotland he actually started as a defender in a back three. "Conte changed his system to put him in the best conditions to play," said Naples journalist Vincenzo Credendino. "In the system of Conte he's not a builder, he's a raider - the best option while you have a number nine like Romelu Lukaku, who today plays - and builds - a lot for the team." McTominay ranks near the top for midfielders to touch the ball in the opposition penalty area, and for duels won in Serie A. He also took on a leadership role on Friday, pulling team-mate Amir Rrahmani away from a potential argument in the first half. Credendino added: "You can compare McTominay with the big midfielders of Conte's history. In his first years at Juventus (2011-12 and 2012-13), Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal scored nine and 10 goals respectively. "It's not a coincidence. McTominay is perfect for Conte as Conte is perfect for McTominay." Naples is a one-club city, with only a handful of pockets of real success in their history. They really idolise their heroes, most notably Maradona - who was part of their first two title wins - and whom their stadium is now named after. McTominay will never reach those levels - nobody could - but he is still adored as much as any mere mortal can be. McFratm - which roughly translates as McBro in Neapolitan slang - is his favourite nickname. But he has also been called McTerminator, MacGyver and apribottiglie (the bottle opener). Eight of his 12 goals have come with the score at 0-0. "I saw the passionate fans, I saw the coach, I saw the players and I saw an opportunity," McTominay told BBC Scotland in December. "I took it, I didn't look back. It didn't take me long to make the decision because I knew that was what I wanted and I'll never have any regrets in my life. As soon as I put my mind to something I want to do it, that's it. There's no holding me back. "I love this place, I love the fans, I love my team-mates." San Ciro's restaurant in Edinburgh have a Scotland flag up with the words 'Napoli. McTominay. Pizza. In that order'. That says a lot for a pizza restaurant. Brothers Ciro and Santo Sartore, who were born and raised in Scotland to Neapolitan parents, run the restaurant together. About McTominay's popularity, Ciro said: "In my opinion, it's because of how well he has taken to Napoli. "Napoli fans love when a player commits to the city, and him kissing the Napoli badge shows how much the love and appreciation means to him. Obviously, scoring a lot of goals helps too." A shrine emerged to McTominay in San Nicola a Nilo this month. "Napoli fans could not be happier - he is the symbol of the attitude of this Napoli, with his intensity and sacrifice in every game," added journalist Credendino. "This is something the fans appreciate a lot, as they liked his kiss on the shirt in the match against Palermo in September and the fact he is learning Italian and even Neapolitan." And another way to make himself popular with Napoli and Italian fans? Praising their tomatoes. McTominay told the Athletic recently: "Oh my goodness, the tomatoes. I never ate them at home, they're just red water. "Here, they actually taste like tomatoes. Now I eat them as a snack. I eat all the vegetables, all of the fruits. It is all so fresh. It's incredible." Before this season no Scot had ever won the Serie A title. Now there are two - because last summer McTominay was not the only Scotland midfielder they signed. His friend Billy Gilmour also came in, from Brighton, and has also played a key role in their success. And they are not the only players from Scotland to lift a major trophy in Italy this season. Bologna, who beat AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final, are captained by Lewis Ferguson. Graeme Souness had been the only previous Scottish winner of the Italian Cup. Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Ruben Amorim makes classy Europa League final gesture to Man Utd staff amid fears defeat will cost them their jobs
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUBEN AMORIM has offered to pay for 30 of his Manchester United staff to take their families to the Europa League final. The move is an attempt to boost morale following a difficult six months since he arrived at Old Trafford. 2 Ruben Amorim has offered to pay for 30 of his United staff to take their families to the Europa League final Credit: Getty 2 Sir Jim Ratcliffe has limited the number of free tickets for staff members Credit: PA Amorim's coaches, physios and support team were told the club would not be paying for their loved ones to attend next Wednesday's showpiece with Tottenham in Bilbao. But the Red Devils boss has taken matters into his own hands as a reward for their contributions and efforts during his time at the club. Amorim wants to make sure everyone is able to take up to two family members or friends. United's hierarchy have decided only TWO tickets are available per player and that guests' travel to and from Spain would not be covered by the club. READ MORE ON MAN UTD NEXT GEN Man Utd scout Cristiano Ronaldo Jr's Portugal debut but could face Spurs battle Staff are already fearing the final, with 150-200 facing the chop as part of the current redundancy process — after 250 were let go last summer. But defeat to Spurs would cost United at least £100million in revenue from failure to qualify for the Champions League and leave them without any European football. And staff reeling from the savage cuts under new part-owners Ineos are dreading even more bad news if United are beaten in Bilbao. A United source told SunSport: 'People say the environment is horrible to work in. Everyone is dispirited and looking over their shoulder. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford 'There's no enthusiasm. I can't imagine what it would be like if they don't beat Spurs.' Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe told fans that he and majority owners Joel and Avram Glazer had no choice but to cut jobs and raise ticket prices. 'I lived at the training ground' - Former Man Utd transfer chief lifts lid on most expensive window in club history Ratcliffe claimed United were in danger of running out of money by the end of 2025 and breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules if they did not act, having run up losses of £300m in three years. United announced the latest round of redundancies in February, seeing it as essential regardless of how the season panned out. Those at risk in most departments have been informed and a consultation process is underway. But those on the football performance side of the business — including coaching, backroom and scouting staff — will have to wait until the season is over to learn their fate. That would partly explain the wide number range for the proposed cuts. There is doubt over the wisdom of more reductions. After 2023-24, United had 1,140 employees — more than other traditional Big Six clubs, with Liverpool second on 1,011. Last year's redundancies put United at 890 and the current process may leave them with just 700 staff. On 2024 figures, only Manchester City had fewer than that, with 611 — but that does not take into account how much of their business is taken on by City Football Group, which owns multiple clubs worldwide.
Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Eddie Howe: It's Newcastle's turn to make most of rivals' PSR struggles
Eddie Howe has said that Newcastle United hope to raid rivals struggling to comply with financial rules to land new players before the June 30 deadline. Aston Villa and Bournemouth are thought to be two clubs wrestling with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Villa were forced to sell Douglas Luiz to Juventus to stay within the restrictions on June 30 last year and have made losses of £85.4million in 2023-24. Bournemouth avoided breaching PSR after having a £71.4million shareholder loan write-off approved by the league. For most Premier League clubs June 30 is put forward as their financial year-end in PSR calculations. It means that any clubs in trouble can scramble in the days preceding it to offload players and reduce losses
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manchester United Step Up Move for Wolves Star as Højlund Faces Exit
Manchester United Move Boldly for Matheus Cunha: Hojlund Set to Depart Manchester United are wasting little time under Ruben Amorim's watch. According to a TeamTalk exclusive, United have tabled a five-year contract offer to Wolves' standout performer, Matheus Cunha, in a move that could reshape Old Trafford's attacking options. Cunha Talks Accelerate as Competition Grows Negotiations between Manchester United and Cunha's entourage have been progressing swiftly. 'Man Utd have been in talks with Cunha's entourage for some time and negotiations are advancing by the day, but they must move quickly as other Premier League sides also admire him,' TeamTalk reveal. Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly monitoring the situation, ready to pounce should talks stall. Photo: IMAGO United initially proposed a four-year deal with an option for a fifth, but a 'straight five-year deal' running until June 2030 is now on the table. There are still minor salary details to finalise, but fresh meetings are planned to close the deal. Advertisement Interestingly, while United are prepared to meet Cunha's £62.5m release clause, they would prefer a 'deferred payment spread over three or four seasons' to navigate PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Rules) smoothly. Hojlund Facing the Exit Door Cunha's arrival has major ramifications for Rasmus Højlund. Despite high expectations following his move from Atalanta, the Danish striker has struggled, scoring 'just one goal in his last 18 Premier League games.' TeamTalk confirm: 'Given Cunha's potential arrival, Ruben Amorim's side have definitively decided to place Rasmus Hojlund on the transfer list.' Photo IMAGO Serie A sides are circling for Højlund's signature, with a return to Italy appearing increasingly likely. It is a stark reminder of the cut-throat nature of top-level football — potential alone does not buy patience at Old Trafford. Cunha's Fit Under Ruben Amorim The 25-year-old Brazilian has shone for Wolves this season, amassing 17 goals and six assists across all competitions. More than just a striker, Cunha's versatility could prove invaluable: 'Cunha generally plays as an attacking midfielder for Wolves but has also featured as a striker or winger.' Advertisement Such adaptability will be crucial in Amorim's favoured 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formations. A dynamic forward who can press, create, and finish — Cunha looks an ideal fit for the style United crave but have rarely delivered in recent seasons. Final Steps Before A Major Summer Statement As TeamTalk underline, 'Man Utd are the clear frontrunners in the race to sign Cunha, but nothing is done until a transfer is formally sealed.' Confidence is growing inside Old Trafford that Cunha will become one of the first major additions of Amorim's reign, setting the tone for a summer of aggressive rebuild and high ambition. Word Count: 494 Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a concerned Manchester United fan's perspective, this move feels loaded with risk. Yes, Cunha's numbers at Wolves are impressive, but £62.5m is an enormous outlay, especially when considering United's recent struggles with big-money forwards. Cunha's versatility is a plus, but supporters will wonder if the club is simply swapping one unfinished project for another. Advertisement The decision to offload Rasmus Højlund also feels ruthless. While his output was undeniably disappointing — 'just one goal in his last 18 Premier League games' — fans might argue that an injury-hit, transitional season under Erik ten Hag and now Amorim warranted more patience. Selling so soon after investing heavily in the young Dane may end up looking shortsighted. Moreover, with Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Saudi clubs hovering, the deal isn't done yet. There's a nervous energy among fans: excitement at the idea of Cunha's flair, but scepticism about whether another major transfer gamble will pay off. United must get this right. Otherwise, another season of underachievement beckons, regardless of Amorim's fresh ideas.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Liverpool have received the green light to sign Premier League defender
Report: Liverpool have received the green light to sign Premier League defender Liverpool are reportedly intensifying their pursuit of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, with the club preparing for a potential future without Andrew Robertson. The 21-year-old Hungarian international has emerged as a prime target for the Reds, as new manager Arne Slot prepares for a busy summer transfer window. Advertisement Left-back position has been a cause of concern for the Dutch manager this season with Robertson not performing well. And with the summer transfer window approaching, the Reds have decided to offload Kostas Tsimikas which makes signing a new left-back even more important. According to The Mirror, Bournemouth are reportedly preparing for Kerkez's potential departure by identifying replacements in the transfer market. Real Madrid star Fran Garcia and Wolves defender Hugo Bueno are on the radar of Bournemouth to replace Kerkez. The club's model focuses on developing young talent for future sales, and they are in a strong position to comply with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Advertisement Bournemouth's chairman, Bill Foley, has suggested he would not stand in the way of players seeking moves to bigger clubs. Liverpool will have a busy summer transfer window Milos Kerkez to Liverpool? (Photo by) In addition to targeting Kerkez, Liverpool are reportedly open to offers for goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and midfielder Harvey Elliott, with Bournemouth expressing interest in both players. However, a direct player swap involving Kerkez is unlikely, as Bournemouth prefer a cash-only deal. As per the report, Manchester City are also interested in signing the Bournemouth defender but the Reds are currently leading the race to complete the move. Kerkez's Bournemouth teammate Dean Huijsen has also caught the attention of Slot's side ahead of the summer transfer window.
