United News of Bangladesh

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak will remain sidelined for the start of the Premier League season as uncertainty over his future continues. The Sweden international, who attracted a bid from Liverpool in the offseason, has been training away from the squad after expressing a desire to consider other opportunities. “Alex’s situation has been unchanged for a while, and that will continue to be the case,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said Friday, ahead of Saturday’s opener at Aston Villa. He declined to comment on whether Isak had been asked to play, calling such talks private. Liverpool routs Tottenham 4-0 to set up English League Cup final against Newcastle Howe admitted the team faced a difficult preseason without their top scorer but praised the squad’s resilience. “They realize, without Alex, everyone is going to have to step up and give more,” he said. Isak, who joined from Real Sociedad in 2022, scored 23 Premier League goals last season, second only to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. Newcastle is also close to signing midfielder Jacob Ramsey from Villa, though Howe confirmed he will not feature on Saturday.   Source: Agency

Japan on Friday paid tribute to more than three million war dead as it marked 80 years since its surrender in World War II, amid growing concern over fading memories of the conflict and lessons from the era of Japanese militarism. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed “remorse” over the war, calling it a mistake, and restored the term in a Japanese leader’s Aug. 15 address for the first time since 2013, when former premier Shinzo Abe avoided it. However, Ishiba did not mention Japan’s wartime aggression across Asia or issue an apology. “We will never repeat the tragedy of the war. We will never go the wrong way,” he said. At a national ceremony in Tokyo’s Budokan hall, around 4,500 officials and bereaved families observed a moment of silence at noon, marking the time of the 1945 surrender speech. Nearby, rightwing politicians visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors about 2.5 million war dead, including convicted war criminals, a gesture seen by China and Korea as showing lack of remorse. Ishiba did not visit the shrine, sending a religious ornament instead, while Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and other lawmakers prayed there. Emperor Naruhito, addressing the Budokan memorial, expressed hope that the horrors of war will never recur and stressed the importance of passing on wartime history to younger generations. To mark the 80th anniversary, he has visited Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Hiroshima, and plans to visit Nagasaki with his daughter Princess Aiko in September. Representing bereaved families, Hajime Eda recalled the hardships of wartime losses and emphasized Japan’s duty to share the lessons of the conflict. Some teenagers, learning about their ancestors who died in the war, also took part in the commemorations. Japanese warships make first visit to New Zealand’s capital in over 50 years With wartime generations rapidly dwindling, Japan faces challenges in transmitting the history to future generations, especially after the apology gap set by Abe since 2013 and controversies over denial of atrocities such as the Nanking Massacre. The Mainichi newspaper urged Japan to collaborate with Asian neighbors and promote a vision of “a world without war.”   Source: Agency

Bournemouth will be without forward Justin Kluivert and midfielder Ryan Christie for their Premier League opener against defending champions Liverpool, manager Andoni Iraola said Thursday. Kluivert, last season’s top scorer with 12 league goals, has missed the preseason due to a calf injury. “Justin hasn’t been training with us, so he’s out,” Iraola said. Christie, 30, has resumed training after a groin problem but is deemed not ready. “It’s too early for him because he hasn’t done any preseason,” the manager added. Darwin Nunez swaps Liverpool for Saudi giants Al-Hilal New signing Bafodé Diakité, a center back from Lille, could make his debut, though Iraola said he had yet to decide. Bournemouth sold most of their first-choice defense, including Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, raising about $200 million. Kerkez joined Liverpool.   On winger Dango Ouattara, linked with a move to Brentford, Iraola said his availability was uncertain and would be decided by the club before the match.   Source: Agency

England football legend Wayne Rooney has expressed disappointment at NFL icon Tom Brady for questioning his work ethic in a behind-the-scenes documentary. Brady, who became a minority owner of Birmingham City in 2023, appeared in the docuseries Built in Birmingham, which offered a glimpse into the club’s operations during Rooney’s brief 83-day tenure as manager. In one widely shared clip, Brady admitted being “a little worried about our head coach’s work ethic,” a reference to Rooney. Speaking to the BBC on Thursday in his new role as a pundit, Rooney called the remark “very unfair,” noting that Brady’s only visit during his time at the club came on the eve of a match, when training sessions are typically lighter. Barcelona set to register goalkeeper García following La Liga’s long-term injury ruling on Ter Stegen “I don’t think he really understood football at that time — maybe he does now,” Rooney said. “NFL is very different. They play for three months a year, and players also need rest. I think he was unfair in how he portrayed it.” Despite the criticism, Rooney praised Brady’s achievements, calling him “one of the greatest athletes of all time,” and acknowledged Birmingham’s recent progress. The club, relegated during Rooney’s stint, secured promotion last season to return to the Championship — one tier below the Premier League. Source: Agency 

The Premier League’s chief executive has urged patience as the high-profile legal case involving Manchester City continues into a second season without resolution. City was charged in February 2023 with over 100 alleged financial rule breaches, including accusations of providing false information about income sources. The case was heard by an independent commission from September to December last year, but no verdict has been delivered. Potential sanctions range from fines to expulsion from the league. Manchester City has consistently denied all allegations. Speaking to Sky Sports News ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season, which kicks off Friday, CEO Richard Masters emphasized the league has no influence over the case timeline. “It’s an independent judiciary,” Masters said. “Once charges are presented, the independent panel controls the process and its timing. They hear the case and decide the outcome — we have no say in that.” Grealish moves to Everton on loan from Man City to revive career Masters admitted the drawn-out process is frustrating but insisted that “legal processes rarely take less time than anticipated” and stressed the need for patience. On a separate topic, Masters addressed whether the Premier League might follow Spain’s example of staging official matches abroad. He noted that global reach had been achieved through other avenues, such as international broadcasting deals, digital expansion, and pre-season tours, making the original concept of an overseas “39th game” less necessary.   Source: Agency

Barcelona will be able to register newly signed goalkeeper Joan García for the upcoming season after La Liga confirmed that Marc-André ter Stegen qualifies as a long-term injury case, the club announced Wednesday. The ruling allows Barcelona to free up salary-cap space and register other players without violating financial fair play rules. “La Liga’s Medical Committee has ruled that goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury meets the long-term injury criteria,” the club said, adding that García’s registration will be formalized immediately. Spanish league edges closer to staging Villarreal vs. Barcelona regular-season match in the US Ter Stegen, 33, underwent lower back surgery last month and is expected to be out for about three months. The injury had caused a dispute between the club and the goalkeeper, who initially refused to sign the medical report submitted to the league. Barcelona temporarily stripped him of the captaincy before reinstating him after he signed the report last week. Ter Stegen said he never intended to hinder the club from signing new players and described the past few months as “especially difficult, both physically and personally.” The goalkeeper missed almost all of last season due to a knee injury and was sidelined for about two months in 2023 after a back operation. In his absence, Iñaki Peña and veteran Wojciech Szczęsny took over goalkeeping duties. García, signed from Espanyol in June, will now be officially added to the squad.   Source: Agency

Paris Saint-Germain produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Tottenham in a penalty shootout and lift the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, securing the French club’s fifth trophy of 2025. Tottenham appeared poised for victory after taking a 2-0 lead in the 85th minute, but PSG refused to give in. Lee Kang-in sparked hope with a fierce strike into the bottom corner, and substitute Gonçalo Ramos delivered a stoppage-time equalizer with a header from Ousmane Dembele’s cross, sending the match to penalties at Stadio Friuli in Udine. In the shootout, Tottenham initially surged ahead 2-0 after PSG’s Vitinha missed the first attempt. However, the tide turned as Micky van de Ven and Mathys Tel missed their penalties, while PSG scored four consecutive spot kicks, with Nuno Mendes converting the decisive penalty. Coach Luis Enrique said, “Sometimes football is unfair. I have to say we were very lucky in the last 10 minutes that we could score two goals.” The victory adds to PSG’s remarkable 2025 haul, which includes last season’s treble of the Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France, as well as January’s Trophee des Champions. The only setback came in last month’s Club World Cup final defeat to Chelsea. Enrique noted his players had only been back in training for six days and took time to find their rhythm. PSG to face Tottenham in UEFA Super Cup It was a turbulent debut for new PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who replaced Gianluigi Donnarumma. Chevalier conceded both Tottenham goals—first tipping Joao Palhinha’s shot onto the crossbar before Micky van de Ven scored, and later failing to stop a header from Tottenham captain Cristian Romero. Yet he redeemed himself by saving Van de Ven’s penalty in the shootout. Enrique praised Chevalier’s “personality” under pressure. For Tottenham, it was the first competitive match under new manager Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou after the Australian led the team to a Europa League triumph. Tottenham initially outperformed PSG and looked well-prepared for the new season, but could not hold their lead. Frank praised his squad’s performance, calling it “almost perfect” and highlighting the team’s strong mentality despite the 2-2 draw in regulation. PSG’s late surge underscores their resilience and attacking flair, while Tottenham must regroup as they prepare for the new campaign. Full-time score: PSG 2–2 Tottenham (PSG won on penalties) Goal scorers: Lee Kang-in, Gonçalo Ramos (PSG); Joao Palhinha, Cristian Romero (Tottenham)   Source: Agency

Jose Mourinho is on the verge of guiding Fenerbahce back into the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 17 years. Fenerbahce reached the Champions League qualifying playoffs after overturning a two-goal aggregate deficit with a 5-2 victory over Feyenoord, coached by Robin van Persie, on Tuesday. The Turkish side advanced 6-4 on aggregate and will now face Benfica — where Mourinho began his managerial career 25 years ago — for a spot in the 36-team league stage. The first leg will be in Istanbul next Wednesday, with the return match scheduled for Aug. 27 at Lisbon’s Stadium of Light, where Mourinho had a brief stint as Benfica head coach in 2000. Benfica progressed after defeating Nice 2-0 at home, matching their first-leg victory in France. Fenerbahce last appeared in the Champions League group stage in 2008-09. Their rival, Galatasaray, has already secured a place in the main draw as Turkish league champions. After losing 2-1 in the Netherlands last week and falling behind again when Feyenoord’s Tsuyoshi Watanabe scored in the 41st minute, Mourinho’s side quickly responded with two goals before halftime, including one from Colombian forward Jhon Durán, on loan from Al Nassr. Former Manchester United midfielder Fred extended the lead early in the second half, and Talisca, another former Al Nassr teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo, completed the scoring. Jose Mourinho banned for four matches and fined after Turkish referees comment Other playoff developments included Rangers advancing 4-2 on aggregate against Viktoria Plzen despite a 2-1 loss in the Czech Republic. Rangers will host Club Brugge next week, who beat Salzburg 3-2 in the second leg to advance 4-2 on aggregate. Salzburg, which participated in the FIFA Club World Cup six weeks ago, will miss out on the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons. Russian-owned Pafos advanced 3-0 on aggregate over Dynamo Kyiv and will face Red Star Belgrade, who beat Lech Poznan 4-2. Copenhagen defeated Malmo 5-0, setting up a playoff against Swiss champions Basel. Qarabag routed North Macedonia’s Shkendija 5-1, earning a playoff against Ferencvaros, while Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty won a penalty shootout against Slovan Bratislava and will play Celtic in the playoff.   Source: Agency

After a 25-year career at Bayern Munich, Thomas Müller is preparing to face new challenges with Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps — starting with flying without his longtime teammate. On his flight to Canada, Müller joked on Instagram about it being the first time in 15 years he was traveling without goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, his constant companion at Bayern and with the German national team. “I’m on my flight to Vancouver. I’m looking for the GOAT. Can you help me? I cannot find him anywhere,” Müller said. “It’s my first flight without Manuel Neuer in maybe 15 years. I’m excited to join Vancouver and hope for a good start. See you there.” The 35-year-old forward admitted to German broadcaster Sky Sport that he felt “a little bit nervous” about joining a new team for the first time in many years. Müller began his career at Bayern’s academy in 2000 at age 10 and spent his entire professional career with the club, winning 13 Bundesliga titles, two Champions Leagues, and the 2014 World Cup with Germany. His final game for Bayern came in a Club World Cup quarterfinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Atlanta, following a months-long farewell. Bayern had announced in April that his contract would not be extended, a decision Müller said he understood even if it was not his preference. Thomas Muller to leave Bayern Munich after 25 years The farewell period was marked by emotional moments with teammates, officials, and fans as Müller reached personal milestones, including his 500th Bundesliga match and 750th overall for Bayern, while securing another German league title. Vancouver Whitecaps confirmed last week that Müller will join the team for the remainder of the season under an open roster spot, with a Designated Player option for 2026.   Source: Agency

Bangladesh began camp Tuesday ahead of next month’s friendlies against Nepal, with midfielder Hamza Choudhury named in the preliminary squad and Canada-based Shamit Shome missing out. The national side will play two matches in Kathmandu on September 6 and 9 during the FIFA window. Manager Amer Khan confirmed Hamza is in coach Javier Cabrera’s 24-man shortlist, and that the federation has already written to Leicester City seeking his release.  Hamza Chowdhury arrives Dhaka to play first match on home soil Shamit’s club Cavalry FC, however, has league fixtures on September 6 and 14, and won’t be making him available. “Shamit has club commitments, so he’s not in this camp,” Amer said. “Hamza’s inclusion is under discussion with Leicester.” Clubs are obliged under FIFA rules to release players 72 hours before an international, but officials appear unwilling to push the Canadian side into a dispute. Speculation had swirled that Hamza might also skip the September window, but BFF is hopeful he will make the trip. The federation sees the matches as a useful tune-up ahead of October’s Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, where both Hamza and Shamit are considered key figures. The first day of camp was a quiet one. Only five players turned up — not enough for a proper training session. Abahani’s AFC Challenge League squad is due in tomorrow, while Bashundhara Kings’ contingent will join the day after. In all, five players are expected from Abahani and 10 from Kings. Jamal Bhuyan, the captain, has asked for an extra day before joining. Cabrera, however, insisted on starting camp with whoever was available, arguing it would help players work on gym and fitness routines while waiting for the rest to arrive.