Iran played out a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening Group G fixture at this summer’s World Cup, but the result in Los Angeles was overshadowed by frustrations away from the pitch.

Instead of a routine recovery and build-up to their next game, talk soon turned to how the team has been treated logistically since arriving, with them already switching their training base to Mexico, despite all of their group matches being in the United States, just weeks before the tournament started.

It’s a tournament Iran arrived at already under the spotlight, with the team having been at the centre of plenty of politically charged discussions before the World Cup, following recent conflict in the Middle East. Concerns have since grown inside the camp about scheduling decisions made with little input from the Iranian side, leaving players and staff increasingly unhappy with how things have been handled.

Iran Boss Hits Out at Travel Demands

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei didn’t hold back when discussing the situation. Iran had been informed they had to fly straight back to their training base in Tijuana immediately after the New Zealand match, rather than staying overnight for a recovery session as originally planned.

“We’ve been asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana and we are really troubled by that, they are forcing us to go back early. They are making the situation more and more difficult, more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.”

He went further, branding Iran “the most oppressed” team at the entire World Cup:

Federation Confirms Formal Complaint

Gary Vasquez via Reuters

It has since emerged that Iran will only be allowed to land in Los Angeles 24 hours before their game against Belgium, despite requesting extra time to arrive given the match kicks off at midday.

A spokesperson said: “The football federation of Iran believes that such restrictions are inconsistent with the principle of providing equal conditions for all participating teams and may negatively affect teams’ preparation processes.”

They went on to say that despite the complaint and the limitations on their travel, Iran will continue as instructed in their preparation for their match with the Belgians.

Manchester United have got the green light to complete a deal for West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville, as further details emerge from journalist Shaun Irvine.

Man United‘s main focus in this summer transfer window has been on ensuring they have a strong midfield ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, with that area of the pitch the one that needed the most work.

With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte expected to go too following an underwhelming two-year spell at Old Trafford, Kobbie Mainoo would be left as one of the only specialist senior players in central midfield.

Captain Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount can play there if needed, but they are much better suited to playing further forward in the No.10 position.

United have already bolstered the position with one completed deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who will seal his move to Old Trafford once he returns from the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.

The Red Devils are now pursuing West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes as they look to add another player to their engine room, while some reports have suggested they could even bring in a third midfielder too.

United are looking at other positions on the pitch too, including in attack.

Summerville’s Agent Gives Green Light to Man United

via Reuters

GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed all summer that United are looking to add a left-sided attacker to their squad this summer, and a move is likely to ramp up should Marcus Rashford complete a switch away from Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have been linked with players such as Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao in recent weeks, with Michael Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox known to be big fans of the former in particular.

However, a new name has emerged recently in Mateus Fernandes’ West Ham teammate Summerville.

Like Fernandes, the Netherlands international is said to have no intention of playing in the Championship after the Irons were relegated, with the player reportedly valued at £50m by the east London outfit.

According to the United source, posting on X, the World Cup star’s agent has given the green light to United to complete a move, with personal terms being no issue.

Man United Could Seal £120m Double Deal

via Reuters

The Telegraph have reported that United are ready to launch a £120m double transfer raid on West Ham to land two of their top summer targets.

With the Irons valuing their Portuguese star at between £80-85m and Summerville at £50m, it seems unlikely that a bid of £120m would be accepted by the Hammers, who are determined to remain strong on their valuation, unless it included a significant amount upfront.

Fernandes’ quality has been there for all to see at West Ham and Southampton in the last two seasons, and the thought of him linking up with compatriot Bruno at Old Trafford is mouthwatering.

Meanwhile, Summerville has often played from the left for the Irons, but he showcased his versatility by scoring a fine goal from the right for the Netherlands at the World Cup.

Manchester United have been given the green light to complete a deal for West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville, as further details emerge from journalist Shaun Irvine.

Man United‘s main focus in this summer transfer window has been on ensuring they have a strong midfield ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, with that area of the pitch the one that needed the most work.

With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte expected to go too following an underwhelming two-year spell at Old Trafford, Kobbie Mainoo would be left as one of the only specialist senior players in central midfield.

Captain Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount can play there if needed, but they are much better suited to playing further forward in the No.10 position.

United have already bolstered the position with one completed deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who will seal his move to Old Trafford once he returns from the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.

The Red Devils are now pursuing West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes as they look to add another player to their engine room, while some reports have suggested they could even bring in a third midfielder too.

United are looking at other positions on the pitch too, including in attack.

Summerville’s Agent Gives Green Light to Man United

via Reuters

GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed all summer that United are looking to add a left-sided attacker to their squad this summer, and a move is likely to ramp up should Marcus Rashford complete a switch away from Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have been linked with players such as Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao in recent weeks, with Michael Carrick and director of football Jason Wilcox known to be big fans of the former in particular.

However, a new name has emerged recently in Mateus Fernandes’ West Ham teammate Summerville.

Like Fernandes, the Netherlands international is said to have no intention of playing in the Championship after the Irons were relegated, with the player reportedly valued at £50m by the east London outfit.

According to Irvine, posting on X, the World Cup star’s agent has given the green light to United to complete a move, with personal terms being no issue.

Man United Could Seal £120m Double Deal

via Reuters

The Telegraph have reported that United are ready to launch a £120m double transfer raid on West Ham to land two of their top summer targets.

With the Irons valuing their Portuguese star at between £80-85m and Summerville at £50m, it seems unlikely that a bid of £120m would be accepted by the Hammers, who are determined to remain strong on their valuation, unless it included a significant amount upfront.

Fernandes’ quality has been there for all to see at West Ham and Southampton in the last two seasons, and the thought of him linking up with compatriot Bruno at Old Trafford is mouthwatering.

Meanwhile, Summerville has often played from the left for the Irons, but he showcased his versatility by scoring a fine goal from the right for the Netherlands at the World Cup.