Man Utd agree £62.5m deal to sign Brazil forward Cunha

Manchester United signed Brazil forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a deal worth a reported £62.5 million on Sunday. Cunha is expected to pen a five-year contract with the Old Trafford club, who have the option of extending the deal by a further 12 months. “Manchester United has reached agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the signing of Matheus Cunha,” a United statement said. “Everyone at Manchester United looks forward to welcoming Matheus to Old Trafford.” The 26-year-old was in Manchester over the weekend to put the finishing touches to his move, which is subject to a visa and registration. Cunha, who has won 13 caps for Brazil, scored 18 goals in all competitions for Wolves this season, winning the club’s player of the year award. Cunha will add his predatory instincts and creative guile to a United attack that struggled throughout this season. United’s lack of cutting edge was evident yet again when they failed to find a solution to Tottenham’s defensive tactics in the Europa League final. Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has also been linked with United.

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Loons Finally Break Through in Seattle with First Win

Minnesota United FC. earned their first-ever win at Lumen Field, defeating Seattle Sounders FC  3-2 victory on Matchday 17 of Sunday Night Soccer. The victory ends a 10-game winless streak in Seattle dating back to Loons MLS debut in 2017. Head coach Eric Ramsay, in just his second season, acknowledged the significance: “It speaks to how difficult it is to come here and get a point, let alone three,” Ramsay said. “It was a really important win and I’m pleased for everyone connected with the club.” The win keeps Minnesota firmly in the Western Conference playoff race.

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Minnesota United FC Extend Carlos Harvey Contract Through 2028

Minnesota United FC have signed midfielder Carlos Harvey to a contract extension through 2028, with an option for 2029, the club announced Tuesday. The 25-year-old Panamanian international was acquired from USL Championship side Phoenix Rising ahead of the 2024 season. Since joining, Harvey has made 40 appearances (28 starts) across all competitions, contributing two assists. Known for his versatility and hard work, he has quickly become a valuable part of the team. Minnesota’s chief soccer officer and sporting director, Khaled El-Ahmad, credited the recruitment team for identifying Harvey’s fit with the club’s culture. He said, “He works hard every day to improve, and he’s in a great environment to keep developing. We’re excited to see his continued growth and the different ways he can contribute to the team.”

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De Bruyne close to joining Napoli

Kevin  De Bruyne is nearing a move to Serie A champions Napoli as a free agent following his departure from Manchester City. Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna confirmed the Belgian is “pretty close” to joining the club. Joining Napoli will potentially link him up with fellow Premier League exports Romelu Lukaku, Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour. De Bruyne, 33, recently ended a decade-long spell at City. He won six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League at City. Antonio Conte, meanwhile, has confirmed he will remain as Napoli’s head coach after speculation linking him with a return to Juventus. “We have a contract and seeing as we have a shared vision, we don’t have anything else to add. We’re moving forward because we’re serious people,” Conte told Sky Sport.

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Minnesota United sign Carlos Harvey to contract extension

Minnesota United FC have signed midfielder Carlos Harvey to a contract extension through 2028, with an option for 2029, the club announced Tuesday. The 25-year-old Panamanian international was acquired from USL Championship side Phoenix Rising ahead of the 2024 season. Since joining, Harvey has made 40 appearances (28 starts) across all competitions, contributing two assists. Known for his versatility and hard work, he has quickly become a valuable part of the team. Minnesota’s chief soccer officer and sporting director, Khaled El-Ahmad, credited the recruitment team for identifying Harvey’s fit with the club’s culture. He said, “He works hard every day to improve, and he’s in a great environment to keep developing. We’re excited to see his continued growth and the different ways he can contribute to the team.”

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Championship Play-Off Final Highlights Premier League Promotion Challenges

Sunderland and Sheffield United face off in Saturday’s Championship play-off final, with Premier League riches awaiting the winner.  However, recent history shows the promotion dream can quickly sour, as all three sides promoted in the past two seasons have been relegated back immediately, a phenomenon previously only seen once in 1997/98. The widening gap between the Premier League and the Championship is clear. The bottom three Premier League teams over the last two seasons have amassed historically low points totals, with Luton, Burnley, and Sheffield United collecting just 66 points last year, and this season’s relegation trio, Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton, on track to break that record with only 59 points combined. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna commented on the challenge: “It’s clear that the gap is big… 17 teams have two full seasons of Premier League money and everything that comes with that. And it makes it harder for everyone to catch up.” Sheffield United earned £110 million from Premier League TV and commercial revenues last season despite finishing last, and when parachute payments over three years are included, a single Premier League season can exceed £200 million in revenue. The English Football League (EFL) is concerned about how these parachute payments distort the Championship’s competitive balance and sustainability. If Sheffield United join Leeds and Burnley in promotion this season, six of the last nine promoted clubs would have returned immediately after relegation. EFL chairman Rick Parry said, “The impact of these payments on the competitive balance of the Championship, and on the sustainability of all other clubs, is a major concern.”

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Pino Strike Lifts Villarreal into Champions League Spot

Villarreal climbed into fifth place in LaLiga with a 1-0 win over Espanyol at Estadio de la Cerámica. The win led by Pino marked their fifth consecutive head-to-head victory over the Catalan side. The Yellow Submarine dominated early but were twice denied by VAR in the first half. A penalty call on Juan Foyth was overturned, and Thierno Barry’s goal was ruled offside. Their persistence paid off early in the second half when Yeremy Pino scored a sweet goal. Espanyol offered little in response. The win puts Villarreal’s Champions League hopes firmly in their own hands heading into the season’s final stretch.

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Football Prediction: LAFC vs SKC Sure Tips

Sunday night lights shine on BMO Stadium as Los Angeles FC host Sporting Kansas City in an important Western Conference clash. Read on for our full LAFC vs SKC betting tips. LAFC are pushing for a top-four finish, while SKC are just trying to stay alive in the playoff conversation. Matchplug has the best pick for MLS  Betting Preview for LAFC vs SKC Betting on Los Angeles FC LAFC remain one of the most talented squads in the West, even if they’ve shown inconsistencies this season. Olivier Giroud has made a notable impact since arriving, bringing not only experience but also composure in the final third. With Carlos Vela and Denis Bouanga offering service and width, LAFC can stretch any defense. Their last outing, 2-2 draw with CF Montreal highlighted both their attacking threat and their defensive fragility. But at home, LAFC are a different beast. They’ve won 4 of their last 6 at BMO Stadium, averaging 2.3 goals per game over that stretch. Betting on Sporting Kansas City Sporting KC may have picked up a 3-1 win over Houston Dynamo last weekend, but consistency has been their biggest issue. Sitting in 12th place in the West, Peter Vermes’ side has struggled on the road, with only two away wins all season. SKC do have attacking weapons—Alan Pulido and Johnny Russell can hurt teams—but defensive lapses continue to plague them. They’ve conceded 2+ goals in 5 of their last 7 away games, and that’s a recipe for trouble against an LAFC side loaded with attacking talent. MatchPlug Prediction for LAFC vs SKC LAFC’s home form, combined with Sporting Kansas City’s road struggles, makes this a fairly straightforward call. Expect the hosts to dictate the tempo, find gaps in a shaky SKC backline, and grab all three points. Final Score Prediction: LAFC

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sounders vs whitecaps sure tips

MLS Prediction Today: Vancouver Whitecaps vs Seattle Sounders Sure Tips

Sunday night MLS action takes us to British Columbia, where the Vancouver Whitecaps will be looking to recover from a brutal loss in continental competition. Read on for our full Vancouver Whitecaps vs Seattle Sounders prediction and betting tips. But their task doesn’t get any easier, with familiar rivals Seattle Sounders visiting BC Place.  Betting Preview for Vancouver Whitecaps vs Seattle Sounders Betting on Vancouver Whitecaps The Whitecaps return home licking their wounds after being dismantled 5-0 by Cruz Azul in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final. That result was a serious blow, but they’ve been tough to beat at BC Place in MLS play this season. Vancouver’s strength lies in their high press and quick transitions, often spearheaded by Ryan Gauld and Brian White, especially in front of their home crowd. Despite the continental embarrassment, Jesper Sorensen’s men have lost just once in their last six MLS games at home. They’ll be looking to channel the pain of Mexico City into a response, and this fixture provides a perfect chance to do that against a regional rival. Betting on Seattle Sounders Seattle, for their part, also comes into this one off the back of a disappointment, losing 3-1 at home to Minnesota. That was another frustrating outing in a patchy season for Brian Schmetzer’s team. But if there’s one thing you can usually rely on, it’s the Sounders’ ability to perform away from home. With Jordan Morris and Léo Chú offering pace on the break, Seattle remains a threat on the road. They’ve scored in four of their last five away games and will be keen to repeat last season’s 3-0 win at this venue. But Vancouver’s improvement since then makes that a taller order this time around. MatchPlug Prediction for Vancouver Whitecaps vs Seattle Sounders This matchup has all the ingredients of a lively contest. Both teams are coming off defeats and have attacking quality that tends to show up in these Western Conference clashes. Vancouver will push hard to atone for their cup humiliation, and Seattle will exploit any spaces left behind. Our prediction for Sunday’s clash is Both Teams to Score, with the Whitecaps slightly more motivated to edge it at home. Final Score Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 

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Football Predictions: DC United vs Chicago Fire Sure Tips

The 2025 MLS season continues with an Eastern Conference showdown as DC United host Chicago Fire at Audi Field on Saturday. Read our preview for the DC United vs Chicago Fire game. Both sides are looking to break into the playoff spots after an underwhelming start to the campaign. Below is our prediction and betting preview. Betting Preview For DC United vs Chicago Fire Betting On DC United DC United snapped their poor run with a 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati, a result that will inject some belief into the squad. However, form remains patchy with just one win in their last six MLS outings. Sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference, the hosts have struggled with defensive structure and consistency in the final third. While they can threaten going forward, lapses at the back have cost them critical points. They will hope to build on last week’s upset against one of the league’s stronger sides. Betting On Chicago Fire The Fire come into this clash on the back of an impressive 3-1 win over Orlando City, with striker Hugo Cuypers netting a quick brace. That victory ended a run of three straight losses and might be the spark they’ve needed. Chicago currently occupy 11th in the East, just above DC United, and will see this game as a six-pointer in the race to stay within playoff contention. While they remain inconsistent, recent attacking improvement and the rise in Cuypers’ form suggest a turning point. MatchPlug Prediction For DC United vs Chicago Fire Both teams have been underwhelming overall, but Chicago Fire look sharper heading into this encounter. With DC’s leaky defense and Chicago’s newfound attacking edge, the visitors have a slight advantage. Final Prediction: Chicago Fire To Win

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