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Rangers Must Start Mohamed Diomande to Beat Celtic

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Rangers are looking to ensure they have the best chance of earning some silverware this season when they host Celtic at Ibrox for the second time in a week in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.

Last week the team looked to close the gap on Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership and took a 2-0 lead thanks to a brace from Youssef Chermiti. But Celtic fought back in the second half following a tactical tweak by Martin O’Neill, and the points were eventually shared, after Reo Hatate controversially scored a late penalty at the third attempt following a stunning double save by Jack Butland.

But expectations are now high once again among fans of the Light Blues heading into the game this week, and Danny Rohl has a big decision to make about what team he uses to start the game to claim a win.

Rangers Must Learn From Mistakes

Rangers manager Danny Rohl looks on

The team last week saw Rohl go with a 4-2-2-2 formation, with Andreas Skov Olsen and Mikey Moore flanking Chermiti and January arrival Ryan Naderi, and it worked very well.

But substitutions at half-time from Celtic saw them get overrun in midfield in the second half, and the team were never able to regain control of the game as a result, despite the manager looking to make changes as the game went on.

Now Rohl has a decision to make. Go with the team that started last week so well, or make changes knowing that Celtic are likely to change the way they started the game last time out? The answer is obvious, and it’s definitely the latter.

An extra body in midfield doesn’t need to mean that Rangers lose any attacking intent. It should just mean that out of possession the team are in a better position to cope, and that means Mohamed Diomande is the obvious answer to come into the side for Naderi.

Chermiti’s record in big games this season, especially Celtic, is undeniable, while Skov Olsen and Moore have made the winger positions their own. But bringing in Diomande, who has been compared to Zinedine Zidane in the past, alongside Nicolas Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani could make the Ibrox club formidable.

Rangers Win Could Help Title Charge

Rangers' James Tavernier

Captain James Tavernier found himself on the bench last week, replaced by Dujon Sterling, and there is an argument that he could return, while John Souttar’s position is also up for debate after some poor recent performances.

Those decisions are more difficult to make than Diomande’s insertion, but they are equally as important. A win would not only put Rangers into the semi-finals and pole position to lift the Scottish Cup, but it could also tilt the title race in their favour with the momentum of the result.

Old Firms are always the biggest games of the season in Scotland, and while Hearts have done a perfect job of spoiling the party so far, this could be Rangers’ last chance to swing the pendulum back their way.

Martin O'Neill looks on from the Celtic dugout


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Man Utd Battling Arsenal in Race for World Cup Wonderkid

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Manchester United are reportedly battling it out with Arsenal for one of South America’s most promising talents.

Both the Red Devils and the Gunners have focused on building squads with the future in mind in past transfer windows. Take, for example, United poaching Ayden Heaven from the North Londoners back in February 2025.

United are continuing to target youngsters who can develop into top talent. The latest teenage prospect to be placed on the club’s shortlist is Mexican sensation Gilberto Mora.

Man Utd and Arsenal Among Clubs Eyeing Mora

Gilberto Mora (Mexico) IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

According to Mexican outlet El Universal, Manchester United and Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Mora in action during the World Cup. The Club Tijuana attacking midfielder has appeared twice for Mexico, including an impressive showing in a 3-0 win over Czechia.

Mora, only 17, is already featuring for his country on the biggest stage, and he’s tipped to become a superstar. It’s said that English interest in the playmaker has increased during the tournament.

At club level, he is making a name for himself, and he registered six goals and one assist in 20 games across competitions for Tijuana. His profile has been likened to that of Kevin De Bruyne, a superb passer who can dictate games with his impressive dribbling.

Mora made his club debut at the age of 16 and became the youngest ever goalscorer in Mexico’s top-flight. He has previously been on Manchester City’s radar, although there’s no indication that their scouts have also watched him at the World Cup.

Tijuana confirmed that Mora has signed a historic new deal, the club’s biggest ever contract. However, this includes an exit clause which allows him to move to a European club if suitable offers are made.

United Not Leading Race For Mora

Michael Carrick Mikel Arteta

English interest doesn’t mean Mora will end up in the Premier League, as he has also caught the eye of European clubs. TEAMtalk claims that Real Madrid are frontrunners to sign the Mexican, while Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also admirers.

United may therefore have a real fight on their hands to try and win the race for the in-demand attacker. It’s important that they guarantee senior football for the player who will clearly prioritise regular first-team action.

Heaven is an example of a youth signing who has been brought into the first-team fold. Michael Carrick has blended youth with experience since replacing Ruben Amorim in January.


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Jacobs Issues ‘viable’ Verdict on Dream Man Utd Transfer

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Manchester United are said to have a chance of pulling off an impressive Real Madrid coup this summer. The Red Devils are in the market for midfielders this summer, with Michael Carrick needing to replace Casemiro, who departs at the end of his contract on Tuesday.

Carrick has already added Ederson from Atalanta, and more midfield recruits are required this summer. United have the money, and Carrick will be allowed to splurge on a marquee midfield signing.

West Ham star Mateus Fernandes is being heavily linked, but United are going to have to keep other avenues open amid competition.

Tchouameni linked with Old Trafford switch

Aurelien Tchouameni celebrates for France Sarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters

Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a move to United this summer. Tchouameni has been a steady performer at the Bernabeu, but he could be edged out of José Mourinho’s new starting XI this summer.

Mourinho wants a marquee midfield signing of his own, with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez being linked, and should someone of the Argentine’s calibre arrive, an existing midfielder is going to lose his place in the starting XI.

That could be Tchouameni, and according to reports, United could exploit that to secure a dream deal for the talented Frenchman, who may be available for around £70million.

Real Madrid are not actively looking to sell Tchouameni, but a big offer could change their stance, especially if they get their big midfield signing. Tchouameni’s midfield teammate Eduardo Camavinga is more likely to be sold as far as Real Madrid are concerned, but again, it will come down to what offers come in.

Although journalist Nico Shira has claimed Tchouameni is not in Mourinho’s starting XI plans as things stand, claiming: “Aurelien Tchouameni is not central in Jose Mourinho’s plans and so he could leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.”

Tchouameni’s wages won’t be a problem for United

Michael Carrick

According to Ben Jacobs, Tchouameni’s sizable wages will not be an issue for United, and a deal could be on the cards, but only if Real Madrid do decide to sell.

Jacobs told The United Stand: “Tchouameni’s wages are not an issue in my opinion. Manchester United would be prepared to make a player like that one of their top earners. They’re not in that territory of £300,000 [per week] Rashford, Sancho-type wages, but nor is Tchouameni by the way.

“So I’m not aware that personal terms with Tchouameni would be a problem. The challenge is, what midfielder do Real sign? Is it in Tchouameni’s position? Even if it isn’t, do they bring in enough funds elsewhere, or do they need one big sale to make a play at Enzo Fernandez? Jose Mourinho has said he wants Enzo Fernandez, and this is why talks are expected to begin between Chelsea and Real Madrid.

“So I doubt Man Utd would be walking away from a prospective Tchouameni deal [based] on wages. I think they would hold some optimism that if the player genuinely becomes available, it’s a viable move.”


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South Korean Police Launch Investigation After Manager is Subject to Death Threats

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After missing out on a place in the round of 32 on goal difference, South Korea are heading home from the World Cup.

Everything looked like it was going to plan for the Taegeuk Warriors, after a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their opening match, but two successive defeats, to co-hosts Mexico and then to South Africa, have cost them dearly.

As with many nations who have high hopes of their side making a big push at the tournament, it sparked national outrage when it was confirmed they’d play no further part at the World Cup, but one post online has gone way too far, targeting the manager and former captain of the national side, Hong Myung-bo.

South Korea Boss Subjected to Death Threats Online

MixCollage-09-Aug-2024-03-52-PM-2673

In the wake of their exit, South Korean police have now launched an investigation after a violent death threat was posted online targeting Hong, one of Korea’s best players of all time. The post, made by someone who is supposedly a 41-year-old American citizen, threatened to kill Hong at Incheon International Airport upon his return home.


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Authorities are now considering intimidation charges and working to track down the suspect’s identity, as public anger over the team’s tournament exit continues to brew.

The threat represents a serious escalation of frustration that has already manifested in several other forms. A doctored image circulated online appeared to suggest Hong ordered players to scatter upon his arrival at the airport, while “Hong Myung-bo banned” notices have reportedly been posted at restaurants and cafes across Gyeonggi Province.

The anger largely stems from Korea’s 0-1 defeat to South Africa in their final Group A match, which they were heavily backed to win and progress into the knockout rounds. Police have confirmed they are monitoring Incheon Airport and other potential locations closely to ensure Hong’s safety upon his return.


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Hong Myung-bo’s Future

Hong Myung-Bo (South Korea) Kim Soo-Hyeon via Reuters

The situation reignited questions surrounding Hong’s controversial reappointment as head coach back in 2024, a decision that drew criticism over the transparency of the Korea Football Association’s selection process at the time.

A petition calling for his immediate dismissal had already gathered enough support to trigger an initial review by the National Assembly, and the president of South Korea was even involved, though Hong has since resigned from his position.


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Even so, the emergence of direct threats against his safety has shifted attention away from those administrative matters entirely, with authorities now focused on protecting him and holding whoever issued the threat accountable.

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