United News of Bangladesh

Pep Guardiola said he would rather leave Manchester City than have to work with a bloated squad next season. The City manager has begun to rebuild his team after the club's first trophyless campaign since 2017. But he said Tuesday he had told the club that he will walk away rather than oversee an oversized squad. “I said to the club I don’t want that. I don’t want to leave five or six players in the tribune,” Guardiola said after the 3-1 win against Bournemouth. “I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay. It’s impossible for my soul to give (leave) my players in the tribune, that they cannot play.” Guardiola left James McAtee, Savinho and Rico Lewis out of his squad for Tuesday's Premier League game. He had to make similarly tough calls for Saturday's FA Cup final loss against Crystal Palace. He has traditionally liked to work with a smaller squad, but a spate of injuries this season — including knee surgery for Rodri — severely hampered City's title defense, which unraveled by Christmas. Chelsea manager Enzo 'not happy' over limited time to prep for European final City spent more than $200 million in January to try to salvage the campaign, brining in Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis. Guardiola is expected to make major signings in the offseason, with Kevin De Bruyne leaving as a free agent and Kyle Walker also likely to go, but has made it clear he wants to keep his squad numbers down. “I don’t want to have 24, 25, 26 players when everyone is fit,” he said. "If I have injuries, unlucky. We have some players for the academy and we do it. Supersubs give Brighton thrilling win over Liverpool “(We) cannot sustain for the emotion of the club, the soul of the team, create another connection with each other that this season we lost it a bit.”

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his unhappiness at his team getting two fewer days to prepare for the Conference League final compared to Spanish opponent Real Betis. While Betis plays its final La Liga match on Friday against Valencia, Chelsea closes its Premier League campaign on Sunday – three days before the Conference League final in Wroclaw, Poland – against Nottingham Forest, reports AP. It’s a huge game for Chelsea, too, with Champions League qualification on the line for both teams at the City Ground. “I’m not happy, 100%,” Maresca said on Tuesday at a news conference. “You cannot allow a team 48 hours more than the other team when you play a European competition final.” UEFA, which organizes the Conference League, has no say on when domestic league competitions hold their matches. Supersubs give Brighton thrilling win over Liverpool Chelsea will be unable to bring forward its match against Forest to Friday because the Premier League wants all of its fixtures in the final round to be held at the same time. So Maresca has another idea. “Or they (Betis) play Sunday like us,” he said with a smile. Tottenham and Manchester United meet in the Europa League final on Wednesday. They both played their most recent Premier League matches on Friday night.

Substitute Jack Hinshelwood scored with his first touch of the ball and gave Brighton a thrilling 3-2 win over Liverpool on Monday and kept alive its slim chance of European football. If fourth-placed Chelsea wins the Europa Conference League next week, there is a chance that the eighth-placed team in the Premier League can qualify for next season’s Conference League. Monday's win lifted Brighton into that coveted eighth spot, three points above Brentford, four ahead of Fulham and five clear of Bournemouth. Bournemouth has two games left; the others have one. Liverpool rested several starters but still took the lead after just nine minutes, and in doing so became only the third team in Premier League history to score in every one of its away games. Conor Bradley, in his first start since signing a new four-year contract on Saturday, cut the ball back from the byline for Harvey Elliot to side-foot home. Brighton, though, fought back in an end-to-end encounter. Lionel Messi speaks after latest Inter Miami loss, says reeling team must stick together Danny Welbeck missed a golden chance after half an hour but Yasin Ayari made no mistake two minutes later to level the score. Liverpool was back in front by the break after Dominik Szoboszlai's memorable cross-cum-shot on the stroke of halftime. Japanese substitute Kaoru Mitoma equalized in the 69th, just four minutes after his introduction. It was his third goal in four games, all of them as a late substitute. Hinshelwood then stole in at the back post to convert Matt O’Riley’s low cross and, although the offside flag was raised, the goal was given after a video review. SAFF U-19 Champs: Bangladesh finish runners-up losing to hosts India in penalty shootout It was a winning introduction for Hinshelwood, who came on alongside his 17-year-old cousin Harry Howell. Howell also made history by becoming Brighton’s youngest ever Premier League player.

Satkhira DSA emerged champions in the Inter-District Women's Volleyball Competition' 25 beating Rajshahi DSA by 25-16, 25-15 and 25-23 points in the final at the Shaheed Nur Hossain Volleyball Stadium here on Monday. Chairman of the Ifad Group Iftekhar Ahmed Tipu was the chief guest in the day's final and distributed the prizes. SAFF U-19 Final: Holders Bangladesh to face India on Sunday Chattogram District finished 3rd in the meet defeating Jashore District Women' s by 25-13, 25-11 and 25-16 points in a 3rd place deciding march at the same venue on Monday. Takfia of Satkhira,was adjudged the best outsider, Asha of Rajshahi named as the best opposite, Gita Rani of Satkhira was adjudged the best setter, Sagorika Khatun of Jashore named the best Libero while Mou Mou Marma of Chattogram named as the best promising player of the tournament.

After suffering a 3-0 defeat to Orlando on Sunday night, Inter Miami’s struggles continued, marking a 1-5-1 record over its last seven matches in all competitions. Following the loss, Lionel Messi—an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion—spoke briefly with Apple TV, emphasizing the need for the team to remain united, a rare post-game interview from the soccer legend. “We’re going through a tough stretch, but we’ll get through it,” Messi said in Spanish. “This is when we’ll truly find out if we’re a real team. It’s easy when everything’s going well, but in moments like this, we have to come together, support one another more than ever, and push forward.” SAFF U-19 Champs: Bangladesh finish runners-up losing to hosts India in penalty shootout With the loss, Inter Miami’s MLS record dropped to 6-3-4 for the season, placing them sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. Just last year, Messi’s side made history with a league-best 22-4-8 regular-season record—finishing with the highest point total and win percentage in MLS history. The team’s four losses tied the record for fewest in a single MLS season. But this season looks nothing like the way last season went. “We’re coming off a period of bad results,” Messi said. “But we have to keep working and think about what’s next. With three or four games left in May, we (have to) finish the best possible way to be able to face the Club World Cup.” That tournament starts June 14. It's the next big event on Inter Miami's calendar — but there may be some other news in the interim, with coach Javier Mascherano, in a separate Apple TV interview before the match, hinting that the team and Messi may be together longer than first thought. Messi — who came to the club on a 2 1/2-year deal — is only under contract through the end of this MLS season, though the team has made clear it wants him around through at least 2026, when it plans to move into its long-awaited new stadium near Miami International Airport. The team signed one of Messi's longtime Barcelona and Miami teammates, Jordi Alba, through 2027 last week in what seemed like a sign that keeping Messi may be possible. "Hopefully in a few weeks we can have some news about Leo,” Mascherano said. “I think it will be very, very important for the club, the fans, and for MLS.”    

Defending champions Bangladesh miserably finished runners up in the six-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Men’s Championship’ 2025 losing to hosts India by 3-4 goals in penalty shootout at the floodlight Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia at the Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh Sunday night. The day’s title deciding keenly contested match between two sub-continental rivals was locked in 1-1 goals in the stipulated 90 minutes at the houseful crowd at the stadium to lead the match towards tie breaking session. In the schedule time, captain Singamayum Shami put hosts India ahead twinkling of an eye in the very first minute of the match by a spectacular free kick from about 30 yards beating Bangladesh custodian Ismail Hossain with power and precision (1-0). Substitute Joy Ahmed leveled the margin for Bangladesh in the 61st minute by a close range shot past Indian custodian Suraj Singh, utilizing a corner kick (1-1). This was the first goal that conceded hosts India in four matches after scoring 16 goals. In the tie breaker, Mithu Chowdhury, Murshed Ali, Joy Ahmed of Bangladesh converted the spot kick correctly. But, captain Nazmul Huda Faysal sent the spot kick outside and the next attempts of Salah Uddin Sahed brilliantly saved by the Indian custodian. Four Indian players--Mohammad Arbash, Rishi Singh, Jodric Abrches and captain Singamayum Shami—successfully scored from penalty shootout while Bangladesh custodian Ismail Hossain foiled the 2nd Indian attempt of Rohen Singh.   Earlier in the 9th minute, Bangladesh came close make equalizer, but a brilliant right wing shot from Murshed Ali of Bangladesh narrowly traveled over the cross bar. In the 16th minute, Bangladesh custodian Ismail saved his castle brilliant foiling a dangerous attempt of India Omang Dodum, rushes off his line, narrows the angle and made the save. India were deprived of 2nd goal in the 42nd minute when referee blew his whistle for a foul. Holders Bangladesh reached the final as an unbeaten team, eliminating Himalayan nation Nepal 2-1 in the first semi-final, while hosts India qualified for the final with an all-win record, defeating the Maldives 3-0 in the second semi-final — both matches played on Friday Earlier, Bangladesh emerged as Group A champions to reach the semi-finals, remaining unbeaten with four points from two group matches, beating Bhutan 3-0 after drawing 2-2 with the Maldives. On the other hand, India topped Group B with a perfect record, securing full six points by defeating Sri Lanka 8-0 and Nepal 4-0 in the group matches.

Crystal Palace pulled off one of the biggest FA Cup final upsets in history by stunning mighty Manchester City and lifting the famous trophy for the first time. Eberechi Eze's strike sealed a 1-0 victory at Wembley Stadium on Saturday and secured Palace’s first major trophy. The result also ensured that once-dominant City ended a campaign empty-handed for the first time in eight years. “It was the Crystal Palace day. It was the day for our fans and it just had to happen that we win,” Palace manager Oliver Glasner said. “I got this feeling during the season that we can achieve incredible things.” As cup final upsets go, this was up there with Wigan’s victory over City in 2013 and Wimbledon’s iconic win against Liverpool in 1988. The outcome might have been different if Omar Marmoush had converted a first-half penalty to level the score, but his effort was saved by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. City had nearly 77% possession and took 23 shots. Palace absorbed it all and tried to hit City on the odd break. The Palace players were handed their medals and the trophy by Prince William, sparking more delirious celebrations from their fans. “We owed them a trophy and we got them one,” Palace co-owner and chairman Steve Parish said. "All the people that stick with you and believe, it is for them. “It’s great for the cup as well.” The historic triumph came at the third time of asking for Palace, which lost its previous finals in 1990 and 2016, both to Manchester United. Guardiola: 'Nothing to regret' City has suffered back-to-back defeats in the final, having also lost to United last year. While the result will go down as an upset, in the context of City’s season, it was just a latest disappointment. Ashley Young to leave Everton as a free agent A troubled campaign has seen Guardiola's team tamely surrender the Premier League title after an unprecedented four successive triumphs and crash out of the Champions League in the playoffs. City’s form has been so bad by its high standards that it is still in danger of failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League with two games to go. Its priority now is to secure a place in the Premier League top five that would gain entry to European club soccer’s top competition, while the Club World Cup next month offers a shot at some glory in the offseason. “We did everything. Nothing to regret,” Guardiola said. “We are sad because we didn’t win, but we played much better — better than against United last season.” Haaland doesn't take penalty Despite its troubles, City went into the sun-soaked final as the overwhelming favorite, as Guardiola looked to collect his 16th major trophy for the club. But in front of more than 84,000 spectators, Palace went ahead in the 16th minute when Eze swept home Daniel Munoz’s cross from inside the box at the end of a swift counterattack. “I couldn't breathe,” Eze said. Marmoush’s moment came 20 minutes later when Tyrick Mitchell brought down Bernardo Silva and referee Stuart Atwell pointed to the spot. Despite City’s top scorer Erling Haaland being on the field, Marmoush placed the ball and his shot low into the corner was pushed away by Henderson, unleashing almost as big a roar as Eze’s goal. It was a big call for Marmoush to take the shot given Haaland's record-breaking scoring since joining City in 2022. “I didn’t speak with them about the penalty," Guardiola said. “They take a decision, penalties are like that. I like guys who take initiative. They decide.” Henderson controversy Liverpool defender Conor Bradley signs contract extension There was debate about whether Henderson should have even been on the field to save the spot kick after the 'keeper handled the ball outside of the area when Haaland was running through on goal. VAR deemed it was not a red card offense. Guardiola's frustrations with Henderson saw him confront the keeper after the final whistle — but his complaints appeared to be more about alleged time wasting. “I understand in the last minutes (time wasting), but since the one or two minutes ... he’s British. You know in English football you have to play," Guardiola said. “In my teams I never tried (time wasting) because I try to play the game the people deserve to watch.” In the second half, City did get the benefit of a video review when Munoz's goal was ruled out for offside. History-maker Glasner Glasner was hired in the middle of last season; the Austrian coach's biggest success was leading Eintracht Frankfurt to the Europa League title in 2022. But he started making Palace and its fans believe in him quickly with all kinds of milestones including ending Liverpool's winning streak at Anfield, a season double against United, a record Premier League score, and a top-10 finish. Glasner has not just led Palace to its first major trophy but also landed Palace in the Europa League next season. “We wanted to write history," Glasner said. "Now we wrote really a big chapter in history.”

Five national women’s footballers out of ten returned home from Bhutan on Saturday to join the national training camp for the upcoming Jordan tour. They will join the BFF women’s national training camp along with 41 other players under head coach Peter Butler for two international friendly matches in Jordan, against Jordan on 31 May and against Indonesia on 3 June. Earlier, a record 10 Bangladeshi senior women’s footballers registered to play in the ongoing Bhutan National Women’s Football League. Of these, five players — Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Ritu Porna Chakma, Rupna Chakma, and Shamsunnahar Sr — returned home on Saturday after playing just one match each, responding to the BFF’s call to join the national training camp. However, Bangladesh’s head coach Peter Butler did not consider five other players (currently in Bhutan) — former captain Sabina Khatun, Sanjida Akhter, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Masura Parvin, and Matsushima Sumaiya — for the ongoing national training camp. Earlier, all 18 rebel national women’s footballers, including the ten players in Bhutan from the SAFF Women’s Champion Bangladesh team, signed six-month contracts with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). Four players — Bangladesh captain Sabina Khatun, SAFF’s best player Ritu Porna Chakma, reliable national booters Monika Chakma and Matsushima Sumaiya (playing for Paro FC), defender Masura Parvin, SAFF’s best goalkeeper Rupna Chakma, and Krishna Rani Sarkar (playing for Transport United), as well as Maria Manda, Sanjida Akhter, and Shamsunnahar Sr — are participating in the ongoing Bhutan National Women’s League, representing Thimphu City. Earlier, on 30 January, 18 rebel national women’s footballers led by captain Sabina Khatun boycotted the national training camp under head coach Peter Butler, raising several allegations against him.

Defending champions Bangladesh will play their neighbouring giants India in the grand final of the six-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Men's U-19 Championship 2025 on Sunday. The title-deciding match of this regional youth football tournament between two unbeaten teams will kick off at 7:30 pm Bangladesh time at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Holders Bangladesh reached the final as an unbeaten team, eliminating Himalayan nation Nepal 2-1 in the first semi-final, while hosts India qualified for the final with an all-win record, defeating the Maldives 3-0 in the second semi-final — both matches played on Friday. T20I Series: UAE opt to bowl first against Bangladesh in first match Earlier, Bangladesh emerged as Group A champions to reach the semi-finals, remaining unbeaten with four points from two group matches, beating Bhutan 3-0 after drawing 2-2 with the Maldives.On the other hand, India topped Group B with a perfect record, securing six points by defeating Sri Lanka 8-0 and Nepal 4-0 in the group matches. Ahead of Sunday’s final, the head coach and captain of the Bangladesh team addressed a official press conference at the match venue on Saturday afternoon. Bangladesh head coach Golam Robbani Choton said, "Our boys have played good football in all the matches so far. They’ve learnt a lot and are now quite confident in their abilities. We are ready for the final."Bangladesh captain Nazmul Huda Faysal added, "There’s always a certain level of excitement surrounding any final. It’s the last match of the tournament, and both teams want to win it. We’ve come here to achieve our objective, which is to bring the trophy back home." BPL Football : Dhaka Mohammedan win first-ever title as Dhaka Abahani concede 1-2 defeat against Fortis FC Addressing the press conference, Indian head coach Bibiano Fernandes said, "We will give our best on the pitch and make sure that we don’t leave anything behind."He added, "I promise that it will be a good game, and we will entertain the crowd just as we have in the last three matches." After the press conference, the Bangladesh team conducted their final training session on Saturday afternoon at the NERIST ground, Nirjuli, the same venue as their previous practice sessions. The Bangladesh team is fully focused and prepared for tomorrow’s grand final, and they have appealed to supporters to cheer for the boys in red and green to bring the title home.

LIVERPOOL, England May 15 (AP/UNB) — Everton defender Ashley Young will leave the club as a free agent in the offseason when his contract expires. The 39-year-old Young, a former Manchester United and England player, has played 34 times this season despite his age. Everton manager David Moyes hailed Young's professionalism and leadership qualities. “His versatility, experience and know-how have also been really beneficial to the team and me,” Moyes said.  Pele's pain, Rooney's rocket and great escapes: Everton bids farewell to Goodison Park With United, Young won the Premier League title as well as the FA Cup and English League Cup. He has also played for Inter Milan and had two spells at Aston Villa. Everton also said back-up goalkeepers Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia would be leaving as free agents.  SAFF U-19 Champs: Holders Bangladesh to play Nepal in first semifinal on Friday