Category: Sports news

Neymar signs deal with Facebook

Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil star Neymar announced on his Instagram and Facebook pages that he is joining Facebook Gaming as an exclusive streamer of content.

Outside being an incredible footballer, Neymar is also a big character which makes him one of the most commercially appealing footballers in the world.

The 29-year-old has several endorsements of his name and brand and Facebook through their gaming platfo, Facebook Gaming, are the latest to partner with the Brazilian superstar.

In a video announcing the new partnership, Neymar said:

“You know one of my favourite things is playing and streaming games. Now it’s official. I’m the newest Facebook Gaming creator.”

In a statement released later, he said: “I’m very happy to partner with Facebook Gaming on my livestreams!

“The gaming world has always been one of my greatest passions after football, and I can barely wait to hang out and have fun with everyone who also shares this passion.”

Neymar will go live on Facebook Gaming on Thursday 17 December for his over 254 million followers on Facebook and Instagram.

The PSG man, currently recuperating from an ankle injury he suffered two weeks ago, will be streaming games often as Facebook Gaming seeks to harness his star power to challenge other streaming platforms like Twitch.

As a way to give back to his fans, he will also be streaming once a month with a randomly selected fan while interacting with them.

This announcement just comes after Netflix announced with a trailer, a three-part documentary on Neymar’s career titled, “Neymar: The Perfect Chaos”.

The documentary, produced by LeBron James’ production outfit SpringHill Co., will begin airing on Netflix from January 25 2022.

PSG to use Neymar in bizarre swap deal for Barcelona midfielder

Meanwhile, reports have come out of Spain about PSG looking to include Neymar in a deal to bring Frenkie De Jong to Parc De Princes from Camp Nou.

El Nacional claims that PSG will be willing to pay €50 million with Neymar for the midfielder’s services at the end of the season.

Barcelona’s financial troubles means that the club could be open to selling any player. Frenkie De Jong is one of the most important and, by virtue of that importance, highly paid in the Barcelona squad.

Unconfirmed reports also claim that Frenkie De Jong is not high on Xavi Hernandez’ list which could make the sale all the more feasible as the Barcelona manager seeks to shake up his squad which he has described as having “psychological issues”.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have previously shown interest in De Jong who Barcelona value at €90 million. They are now trying again to secure his services now that his future at the Camp Nou is no longer as certain as it was a season ago.

John De Jong had earlier mentioned to the media that Europe’s biggest clubs had reached out to him concerning his son’s availability during the summer but no definite answer was given.

However, PSG’s reported willingness to let Neymar go as part of a deal for De Jong shows signs that the Parisiens have had enough of Neymar and are looking to build for the future.

UEFA and CONMEBOL finalise date for intercontinental super cup

Following a memorandum of understanding signed in 2020 between the European football and South American football governing bodies, the champions of the Euro 2020 and Copa America 2020 tournaments will play each other in London on June 1 2022.

The match, nicknamed FINALISSIMA, will act as an intercontinental super cup and is the first step in a renewed partnership between UEFA and CONMEBOL to improve the quality of football on both continents.

It will not be the first time that a game like this has been played between both continental champions. The Artemio Franchi Trophy was contested between the 1985 and 1993 winners of both tournaments. The tournament eventually grew into the FIFA Confederations Cup, which FIFA discontinued in 2019.

Fast-forward to February 12 2020 and history repeats itself with UEFA and CONMBEOL signing a renewed memorandum of understanding.

The Finalissima was decided upon by both governing bodies on September 28 2021 and will take place after the next three editions of both the Euros and the Copa America.

The confederations then met on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, to sign an extension to their memorandum of understanding where they also decided upon the June 1 2022 date for the first of the three editions of the intercontinental cup.

The new memorandum of understanding extends their agreement until June 30, 2028. An office will be opened in London to further relations between both governing bodies.

The stadium venue for the first Finalissima has yet to be confirmed, but Sky Sports reports that Wembley could be playing host to the champions of Europe and South America.

Speaking at the announcement of the Finalissima, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “It is with great pride that we are relaunching such a prestigious national team trophy.

“There is a long tradition of co-operation between Uefa and Conmebol, as could be witnessed over the years with competitions such as the Artemio Franchi Trophy and the Intercontinental Cup.”

Argentina won the Copa America after beating the host nation Brazil to seal a first title in 28 years, while Italy beat England in Wembley, the proposed venue for the Finalissima.

UEFA still opposing the FIFA World Cup expansion plans

The Finalissima and the MOU between UEFA and CONMEBOL come after both continental governing bodies opposed FIFA’s idea of a biennial World Cup earlier in the year due to the strain it will put on the current international calendar.

FIFA will hold a global summit next week Monday with its 211 member nations to table its full plans for the biennial World Cup but reports have claimed that Aleksander Ceferin and UEFA are still opposing the idea strongly.

“As much as we know FIFA is still pursuing the project,” Cerin said to a news conference. “Then there are some signals are coming from different sides that they might not pursue it till the end.

“We don’t have a particular strategy. For Monday, it will be 211 federations, that means 500 people at the videoconference. I don’t expect something very deep.”

“But we will listen and we’ll see and we’ll act accordingly. But for now, we don’t even have the agenda for Monday. The only thing we know is that it’s called ‘Future of Football’, which can mean a lot and can mean nothing.”

Antonio Conte keen to bring Napoli forward to White Hart Lane in January

Antonio Conte has cast his nest into new waters with his latest efforts to sign Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne for Tottenham Hotspur in January, according to reports.

Italian journalist Fabio Santini has come out with claims that Spurs boss Conte is a big fan of the diminutive attacker who is currently leading his boyhood club to the Serie A title this season, contributing five goals in 18 games to their cause.

The 30-year-old, however, has a contract that expires in the summer and the negotiations for a new deal have proven extremely difficult between the club and Insigne’s entourage.

The Naples edition of the Italian newspaper la Repubblica newspaper has now come out with claims that Conte has taken note of the situation and has alerted the Tottenham Hotspur board to the Italian international’s situation.

Insigne is also linked with Juventus, Lazio and Internazionale in Serie A and Conte – who was his coach in the Italian national team between 2014 and 2016 – will have to put together a very interesting package to convince him to leave Italy for Spurs.

Insigne flattered by Conte’s interest, claims Italian journalist

Fabio Santini also reports that Insigne is aware and flattered by Conte’s interest in him. However, the Napoli captain is yet to decide if he will leave Napoli in January due to their current title charge.

“Antonio Conte is crazy about Lorenzo Insigne and would like the player as early as January… Lorenzo Insigne, of course, is flattered by the interest of both Conte and Tottenham, but he is undecided.

“He would not want to break up with Napoli during the current season,” Santini is quoted as saying on the issue.

Santini also alleges that Fabio Paratici, Tottenham Hotspur’s director of football, is going to play a key role in Insigne’s decision to remain in Serie A or move to England with Spurs.

Santini is also quoted as saying: “There have been meetings with Inter and Juventus, but Tottenham is the club closest to the player.

“The closest team to Lorenzo Insigne is Tottenham. Their executive, Fabio Paratici is courting him closely.”

Another plus for Spurs, according to Santini, is that Napoli’s owner Aurelio De Laurentiis will rather let Insigne leave Italy if he cannot find a deal to keep him at Napoli than sell him to a rival Serie A team.

“Aurelio De Laurentiis is not bothered, quite the contrary. The patron believes the English one could be the right solution because Il Magnifico would leave Italy and, consequently, would not join a rival Serie A club,” the journalist said.

It is not right that Lorenzo becomes a mercenary, says agent

Insigne’s agent Vincenzo Pisacane is unhappy with the way Napoli have handled the contract extension talks. The agent says that a deal is very far from being reached because Napoli’s proposal is “inappropriate”.

Pisacane told Corriere dello Sport: “We do not consider the renewal proposal to be appropriate, but it is not right that Lorenzo becomes a mercenary. We never asked for a bonus to sign, however, according to the president, the bonuses should be the overwhelming majority of the salary.

Pisacane also admitted that it will be difficult for his client to wear another jersey in the same league after so many years with Napoli, the club he joined at 15 years old.

“Divided in time, in education, in manners, in gestures. One day it will be right to tell what has happened over time. A great champion would have deserved more time,” Pisacane said.

“After so many years in a team, it is difficult to wear another jersey in the same league. An experience outside would do less harm like (Alessandro) Del Piero. But it’s my idea.”

Aaron Ramsey and Juventus seeking options to part ways

Reports have suggested that wantaway midfielder Aaron Ramsey is requesting a year’s severance pay to terminate his Juventus contract ahead of the January transfer window.

Aaron Ramsey earns around £400,000 a week at Juventus who he joined in 2019 on a free after 11 years at Arsenal. His four-year deal with the Old Lady came with a lot of high expectations for the midfielder who mad a name at the Emirates thanks to his goalscoring exploits among other qualities.

Yet, it has been a torrid time for the Welshman who has only played 70 games with only three full matches in two-and-a-half years. Juventus are now ready to count their losses with Ramsey and are seeking an amicable way to part ways with the Welshman.

Despite his signing not working out, Ramsey is still considered a model footballer at the Allianz Stadium and will free Juventus of their obligations to him if they pay him a severance package worth £6 million.

Italian outlet La Repubblica report that Ramsey has offers from Newcastle and former club Arsenal but will only terminate his contract with the Turin club if he receives the severance pay. Juventus, however, will take a loan offer in January as well if his salary can be covered.

Juventus changes in the dugout affected Ramsey, journalist claims

Italian journalist Francesco Cosatti had a chat with Sky Sports Italy a month ago as the news of Juventus looking for ways to offload Ramsey just broke.

“There are many aspects. First of all, the many injuries and physical problems. Ramsey has never finished two consecutive games in full at Juventus. This season, he has played 112 minutes across five appearances. It is really too little,” Cosatti said to Sky Sports Italy when asked why his signing never really worked out at Juventus.

“The pandemic has also changed all the habits of the players, in terms of how they work, and from that point of view it has certainly been more complicated for him.

“Then there is the triple change of coach in three years, from Maurizio Sarri, to Pirlo, to Allegri. This last season is definitely the most difficult for him,” Cosatti added.

Ramsey, however, continues to impress with Wales on international duty. Cosatti also put the feelings of the Juventus fans and hierarchy into perspective on the issue.

“I can only answer as far as the Juventus fans are concerned: they are surprised and wonder why in Italy Ramsey is unable to produce the same high-level performances,” he said.

“In Italy there is talk of ‘Doctor Aaron’ and ‘Mister Ramsey’ to make people understand his dual experience as a footballer. Right now, they are quite disappointed with his performances for Juventus.”

“The team-mates have a high regard for Aaron.” Cosatti added. “He is a nice guy who fits right in in the locker room. He is very polite and appreciated by all the staff on a human level.”

Jesse Lingard makes decision on Manchester United future

Manchester Evening News have reported that Jesse Lingard, 29, has chosen to see out the remainder of his contract at Manchester United this season, and become a free agent afterwards.

The reports also claim that Manchester United are also not expecting any offers for the midfielder in the January window but would prefer to receive a transfer fee for Lingard instead of letting him leave for free.

However, if a transfer fee can be provided in the January window, Manchester United will peruse the offer.

Jesse Lingard came into this season with a lot of promise and hopes of making it finally with Manchester United. His six-month loan spell with West Ham United last season helped his confidence a lot and United fans were hoping he would get a bigger role this season.

It was not to be, as Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer ignored him for most of the season, only handing him a few minutes where he showed what he could actually being to the side.

It doesn’t look like any changes to his fortunes will be made under Rangnick either, and the midfielder has since been rumoured to be open to a January loan move.

The latest reports which claim that Lingard’s decision to finish the season with Manchester United is reported to be influenced by Ralf Rangnick’s comments some days ago.

The German manager stated that players who want to stay will stay, and those who want to leave will leave and that he sees no sense in convincing any player to do what they don’t want.

Conor Gallagher urged to learn from Lingard

Elsewhere, Chelsea midfielder on loan at Crystal Palace, Conor Gallagher, has been told to learn from Jesse Lingard’s ordeal at Manchester United.

The young midfielder has not had a chance to feature for Chelsea just yet but has shown the Blues’ fans what could be if given an opportunity.

His six goals for Crystal Palace currently puts him at the top of the Eagles’ goalscoring charts but his overall performance only serves to make his goals all the more impressive.

Rumours have claimed that Chelsea are looking at a possibility of recalling him from his loan to help strengthen their injury-ridden midfield. However, Sam Allardyce has advised him not to do it, using Jesse Lingard as an example.

“I’d want to come back and give it a go (at Chelsea) and I think on his form at the moment and you have to bear in mind now he made his England debut, he’s an England international,” Allardyce said.

“He would want to go back and try and get in the team but I think if you do that, you’ve got to play enough first team games because if you don’t you can easily fall backwards like Jesse Lingard.

“Staying at Man United I think has been a bad choice for him because he’s not been selected.

“While at West Ham he was one of the best goalscoring midfield players in the Premier League in his time there; now he’s sitting on the bench at Man United.

“So you have to be very careful on your choices at the right time and if you’re playing as much football as Conor’s playing now, and enjoying it more than ever with Palace then you want to continue that.

“If that’s not at Chelsea it can certainly be somewhere else in the Premier League I’m sure.”

Sergio Aguero announces retirement from from football

In a very emotional press conference at Camp Nou on Wednesday, Sergio Aguero announced that he will be leaving professional football behind.

The former Barcelona striker fought back tears as he made the announcement which the football world had been expecting for the past two months.

The 33-year-old joined Barcelona on a two-year contract after 10 trophy-laden years at Manchester City on July 1 2021 following an agreement reached May 31 2021.

He only played four matches for the club; two as a substitute and two as a starter. It was on his last start for the club that he felt discomfort in his chest after challenging for the ball with Deportivo Alaves defender Victor LaGuardia and had to be taken off.

It was later revealed that he had suffered a cardiac arrhythmia which was supposed to rule him out for three months.

Following several tests, it was reported that Aguero’s doctors had advised the player to give up professional football for the sake of his weak heart.

Spanish journalist Gerard Romero first broke the news of the Argentine striker’s retirement in November 202 2021, about a month into his recovery period, claiming that the striker would have a press conference the following week to announce it.

After a few more weeks of dread, the Manchester City icon finally put to bed every speculation and retired from the sport.

“I wasn’t bad, right?”

“I have decided to stop playing professional football,” the Copa America winner began, speaking to an audience that had in attendance friends, family, the entirety of Barcelona’s squad and staff, as well as representatives from his former clubs, most notably Pep Guardiola.

“When they did the first test in the clinic, the medical staff called to tell me there was a very big possibility that I wouldn’t be able to keep playing.

“I was still processing everything when one of the doctors told me straight up, `That´s enough.´”

There were many memories shared, praises showered and questions asked of the player of his future which he answered shyly but with a forced smile.

He ended his conference by saying: “I wasn’t bad, right? That’s what they tell me.”

Praise for the genius of Aguero

Fans, players, coaches, teams and prominent football personalities have taken to social media to wish Aguero well ahead of his retirement.

Pep Guardiola had previously praised him as one of the greatest Argentine footballers, comparing him to Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

After announcing the end of his time with Manchester City back in March, Guardiola said in a press conference before a Premier League game: “Maradona conquered Italy, Messi did it in Spain, and Aguero has done it in England, his numbers speak for themselves.”

The manager who moulded Aguero into a more rounded striker flew with City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain to be there for his most prolific number 9’s final moments as a professional footballer.

Lionel Messi pays moving tribute to Aguero

Aguero signed for Barcelona with the hopes of playing with Messi at club level. That was not meant to be, however, as his national team captain moved to PSG not long after his arrival.

Messi has taken to Instagram in a lengthy post to reminisce on their time together on the pitch for Argentina and against each other as club opponents.

“Practically a whole career together, Kun, Messi’s post began. “We lived very beautiful moments, and others that were not so – all of them made us unite more and more and be more friends, and we are going to continue living them together outside the field.

“With the great joy of lifting the Copa America so little ago, with all the achievements you achieved in England. The truth is that now it hurts a lot to see how you have to stop doing what you like the most because of what happened to you.

“Surely you will continue to be happy because you are a person who transmits happiness and those of us who love you will be with you. Now a new stage of your life begins and I am convinced that you are going to live it with a smile and with all the illusion that you put into everything.

“All the best in this new stage! I love you a lot friend, I’m going to miss being with you on the pitch a lot and when we get together with the national team!”

No difference between Rangnick and Ole, claims former Aston Villa captain

Gabriel Agbonlahor has given his opinion on Ralf Rangnick’s tenure at Manchester United as the 63-year-old closes in on one month at Old Trafford.

Agbonlahor, who works as a pundit with talkSPORT was commenting on Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Norwich City at Carrow Road.

The match was Rangnick’s second Premier League game in charge of United. The Red Devils showed marked signs of improvement in defensive areas like in his other game but still struggled to threaten in the final third.

They needed a 75th minute Cristiano Ronaldo penalty to see off Norwich City and condemn the Canaries to another week in the relegation battle. Agbonlahor, however, saw no changes in United’s game.

He told talkSPORT: “I understand Norwich are fighting for their life and they’re going to put pressure on you, but I didn’t see any difference from the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reign.

“The performance, all I saw [on Saturday] was Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes playing more narrow. There was no presence in the pressing, I think the only person I saw press in the first half was Cristiano Ronaldo when he gave the ball away, he went to win it back.

“Everyone was excited for this new manager but for me, now, the jury is still out. If it wasn’t for David De Gea I think Norwich win the game. Even if Norwich were at 100 percent, the quality Manchester United have got on the field they should be beating Norwich three or four-nil.

“Maybe they [the players] didn’t do what Ralf Rangnick wanted today because we hear about this high press, intensity but today didn’t see that and maybe he’s disappointed in the way his team pressed because there was only one team pressing and that was Norwich.”

Rangnick unhappy with United attackers

Rangnick seems to share Agbonlahor’s opinion on Manchester United’s pressing as he did not hold back in his appraisal of his players’ performances to the media after the game.

United’s attackers got much more flak from their interim manager than his midfielders and defence. “Offensively, we had some nice moves but didn’t always find the best possible solution in the first half,” the former Lokomotiv Moscow advisor said.

“And in the second half, especially after we scored our goal, it’s a question of intensity, we conceded too many corner kicks from either side.

“It was never a game where we had the feeling nothing could happen and this is something we have to get better at.”

Regardless of the German’s feelings after the match, he has now entered his name into Manchester United’s history books after the 1-0 win made him the second coach in 118 years to keep two Premier League clean sheets in their first two matches.

He’s also only the second coach in United history to achieve this feat.

United were to take on Brentford but a COVID outbreak at Carrington led to the match being postponed. Rangnick will now have a few more days to drill his ideas into his squad to get them operating in the way he desires.

Pochettino: Current form will count for little against Real Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have been drawn to face each other in the marquee game of the 2022/22 UEFA Champions League round of 16.

The Champions League draws on Monday was marred by controversy as a “software issue” pitted some teams who were supposed to be in the same pots against each other.

After the initial confusion which caused some clubs to write petitions and express their displeasure to the media, the draws happened again and the final matchups are just as impressive.

Fans were denied the possibility of seeing Cristiano Ronaldo go head to head with Lionel Messi for what could be the last time in both their careers due to the draw being re-done.

However, the match between PSG and their correct opponents Real Madrid, will prove to be as exciting.

PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino has expressed confidence in his team’s chances despite their new opponents being a much more difficult hurdle to scale than Manchester United.

We face a very tough tie, says Pochettino

After the draws on Monday, PSG’s official media sat down with their manager to get his thoughts on their latest challenge as they march towards their first ever Champions League title.

The Argentine manager admitted that the game will be very difficult. “It will be a difficult tie because they’re a team with a super coach and super players,” the 49-year-old boss said to PSG’s official club media.

“We’ll be facing Real Madrid, who are a team used to winning the Champions League, a team with history and plenty of experience. It’s clear that we face a very tough tie.

PSG have been shaky in the league this season but have managed to remain clear at the top of the table.

They have struggled to break down opponents despite having Messi added to their already talented forward line of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Angel Di Maria.

However, their form in the Champions League has been a lot better, especially Messi who ended the group stages with five goals from six games.

Pochettino admitted to the team’s shaky form but also believes that it will not matter in the grand scheme of things.

“It [knockout rounds] starts in February, so current form will count for little,” Pochettino told PSG media.

“The important thing will be to be in our best possible condition come February and to evaluate every player individually.

“There’s always an element of luck when it comes to a team’s form. For example, injuries can affect the team. This will be a knockout tie played on predetermined dates when several factors can influence the outcome.

“Of course, we have to be confident. We have a great team and great footballers with lots of talent. I have no doubt that we’ll approach the tie in the best possible way and still with lots of confidence in our players.

“We have enough quality to win this tie and get through to the next round. That’s Paris Saint-Germain’s objective.”

Barcelona plan swoop for Chelsea stars

The player contract situation at Chelsea is no longer news but new possible destinations keep emerging for their wantaway stars.

Latest reports from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims that the European champions could be losing three of their star players to Barcelona in the transfer market.

Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta who has been a Barcelona target since his contract situation was made public is now possibly going to be joined by Real Madrid prime target Antonio Rudiger and United States men’s national team captain, Christian Pulisic.

Mundo Deportivo reports that these names have been submitted to Joan Laporta by Xavi Hernandez as he seeks to rebuild the confidence of his squad with additions that will spark a renaissance.

The defensive duo of Azpilicueta and Rudiger are refusing to sign new deals at Stamford Bridge with their contracts both expiring this summer. Pulisic, on the other hand, is a loan target as the American is looking for more playing time ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar next December.

Injuries have also kept Pulisic out of action for most of the season as the 23-year-old has only played six Premier League games this season. Despite being fit and available for a good run of games, he has now found it difficult to seal a starting berth in Thomas Tuchel’s side.

While Azpilicueta could arrive Barcelona on a free and Pulisic could arrive on loan, Rudiger’s chances of donning the blaugrana colours next season are significantly lower.

The defender is demanding around £400,000-a-week to sign any contract and only Real Madrid looks ready to match his demands.

Eden Hazard to Chelsea looking possible

Elsewhere, former Blues star Eden Hazard could be returning to the club where he became the global superstar he is today.

Hazard has found life difficult since moving to “dream club” Real Madrid two-and-a-half years ago. He has struggled with injuries, poor form and other factors which have kept him from reaching his best.

Real Madrid are currently exploring every avenue to get rid of the 30-year-old who they have considered a flop and a return to Chelsea is one option they have been considering.

That move seems to be a lot more probable right now as latest reports from Spanish outlet El Nacional strongly claim that a deal involving Hazard could see him leave Real Madrid for Chelsea in January.

Real Madrid have their eyes on 28-year-old defender Rudiger who will be free to move to whatever club he wants to from January, and rumours from various sources claim that a swap deal for both players could see them move across borders.

Roman Abramovich furious at Madrid’s pursuit of Rudiger

Even more reports have claimed that despite Chelsea’s director Marina Granovskaia looking at ways to being Eden Hazard back to the club following the possible loans of Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, club owner Roman Abramovich is looking to pull the plug.

Abramovich is reportedly displeased by how Real Madrid are going after Rudiger and sees the Hazard deal as a way to punish Los Blancos for their moves on his player.

The Spanish giants have been discussing with Sahr Senesie, Rudiger’s brother and agent for the past few weeks and have even reached certain agreements on the financial implications of the transfer.

Abramovich is also reported to be unhappy with Rudiger for not giving Chelsea a chance for discussions and going ahead to agree informal terms with Madrid.

Abramovich could now pull out of the Hazard deal out of spite if Rudiger’s departure from Stamford bridge happens.

Coronavirus outbreak forces shake up of Manchester United season

An outbreak of the Coronavirus on Manchester United’s grounds has forced the club to shake up their season with am appeal to the Premier League to excuse them from upcoming games.

The appeal stated that a “small number” of players and staff of the club tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday ahead of Tuesday’s game with Brentford which was eventually postponed.

The United squad and their travelling backroom staff all went to the Norwich City game clear of any medical related issues but after their return on Sunday to prepare for Brentford, an undisclosed number of staff and players tested positive for the dreaded virus.

This will be the second COVID-19 outbreak at Carrington this season following the pre-season break out before the friendly match with Preston North End which had to be cancelled.

Norwich, who played hosts to Manchester United before the breakout might be affected by this development in the coming weeks.

However, they had no issues hosting Aston Villa on Tuesday, a game which they lost by two goals to none.

Tottenham Hotspur also had their game against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday postponed for the same reason as a record 42 cases were discovered across all the Premier League clubs.

This development means that all the clubs will now be under scrutiny, especially with the new, rampant and more dangerous Omicron variant around in England.

Victor Lindelof undergoing tests after Norwich game

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof had to be taken off in the Norwich game due to breathing difficulties which the club’s medical staff have been quick to dismiss as not related to the outbreak at the club.

He is also said to have recovered well, but investigations are still ongoing on what exactly the issue was.

“Victor is currently undergoing a series of precautionary investigations,” the club said in a statement.

“However, he has recovered well from the episode he experienced in the match against Norwich.

“All indications are that this is not linked to any COVID outbreak within the club.”

Lindelof fitted with a heart monitor

Victor Lindelof’s wife Maja has blogged about her husband’s case, revealing that the Manchester United doctors have fitted him with a heart monitor to try to understand the cause of the breathing problems he suffered.

“It was a scary match to watch and Victor was very concerned afterwards,” she wrote. “Yesterday he did a lot of tests and has a heart monitor on for two days to make sure everything is OK.

“Everything seems to be OK as luck would have it and we are waiting for answers to the last tests that will end tomorrow.”

United goalkeeper David De Gea is concerned, however, citing the cases of Christian Eriksen and Sergio Aguero as reasons for his concern.

Both players are currently sidelined with heart issues. Eriksen will be terminating his contract with Inter Milan as Italian laws do not allow anybody with a history of heart issues participate in sports.

Meanwhile, the former Manchester City striker Aguero is expected to announce his retirement from playing on Wednesday.