Sports

Cameroonian striker, Vincent Abubakar on Man United radar to replace Ronaldo

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2023

Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nassr, Manchester United is reportedly placing Cameroonian striker, Vincent Abubakar on its radar as a replacement for the Portuguese star.

Abubakar who also plays for Al-Nassr, according to numerous reports on Tuesday, has supposedly emerged as a possible January loan option for the Red Devils who are on the lookout for a new number nine in the winter transfer window following the termination of Ronaldo’s contract after a fallout with coach Erik ten Hag and the club’s board.

According to a report in English sporting media, Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia could trigger a loan exit for Aboubakar, who would therefore be a winter option for Man United.

Aboubakar caught the eyes at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup in Qatar where he scored three goals including a stunning header against Brazil in Cameroon’s last group match.

When asked about Man United’s interest in Abubakar, Ten Hag said:

“It’s always difficult. Strikers are expensive, especially in the winter. But you have to set the limits high. We’re looking for it. We need to be creative and do everything we have in our power to get the right players in, who are fitting in the balance.”

“It’s about timing and availability. It’s about so many circumstances playing a role in that. It’s a long period and the window hasn’t even started.”

‘We need good players, not just the numbers. We need quality players to cover. And also we need competition and we need to know also that we can make different choices.”

‘So we are looking for the right player for our squad, but it has to match our sporting criteria, definitely, but also some financial criteria.”

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”