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• Eight players could miss Man United vs Aston Villa as Michael Carrick issues injury update

  Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has confirmed Mason Mount’s return to training ahead of Sunday’s crucial top-four battle against Aston Villa, though three key defenders remain sidelined. ​Manchester United have received a significant fitness boost with Mason Mount returning to first-team training after a six-match absence. Interim head coach Michael Carrick welcomed the midfielder’s progress, stating, “Mason is back with the group, which is fantastic.” While Mount may not be ready to start, his availability provides a vital option for a United side currently level on 51 points with their visitors. ​Defensively, the Red Devils remain thin as Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, and Patrick Dorgu are ruled out. However, Noussair Mazraoui could return following a foot injury sustained against Newcastle. Aston Villa face their own hurdles, with Matty Cash facing a late fitness test. “Matty Cash, he is progressing well,” noted Unai Emery, who hopes to have the defender available for the Old Trafford showdown.

• Spanish media raise big concerns about Real Madrid vs Man City referee hours before match

  Spanish commentators have expressed significant concern regarding the appointment of Italian official Maurizio Mariani for tonight’s Champions League clash, citing his restrictive officiating style and historic statistics.

  ​Spanish media outlets have voiced grave concerns over referee Maurizio Mariani ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League visit to Real Madrid.

  Former official Iturralde Gonzalez criticized the 44-year-old’s tendency to control the flow of the match, stating:

  “He doesn’t let the game flow, he prefers to steer it where he wants, and I don’t like that kind of refereeing.” Gonzalez further warned: “Instead of letting the game unfold, he takes the game where he wants.”

  ​Mariani, who has a career record of 1,848 yellow cards, is perceived as a “no-nonsense” official who does not typically favor home sides.

  This adds pressure to a historic fixture marking the fifth consecutive season these giants have met in the knockout stages.

  Real Madrid, aiming for a 16th European title, face a City side that recently secured a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu during the league phase in December.

• French media single out Ethan Nwaneri as his woeful penalty miss costs Marseille dearly

  18-year-old Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri is under fire from French media after his missed penalty led to Marseille’s elimination from the Coupe de France quarter-finals.

  Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri faces intense scrutiny after missing the decisive penalty in Marseille’s Coupe de France shootout loss to Toulouse.

  Entering as a half-time substitute, the 18-year-old hit the woodwork in regulation but fired his spot-kick over the bar.

  French outlets were critical, with L’Equipe awarding him a 4/10 and branding him the individual who “let qualification slip” through his fingers.

  Questions have emerged regarding why the teenager shouldered such immense pressure. So Foot questioned why he took the final penalty, while Foot Mercato noted the substitution “unbalanced the defensive block.”

  Despite his effort, media consensus suggests the responsibility “should have fallen to others.” This setback marks a difficult turn for Nwaneri’s loan spell following the recent departure of manager Roberto De Zerbi.

• Victor Pereira leads Nottingham Forest to dominant victory in Istanbul

  New manager Vítor Pereira enjoyed a perfect debut as Nottingham Forest secured a commanding 3-0 away win against Fenerbahçe in the Europa League playoff first leg.

  ​Forest took control through goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and captain Morgan Gibbs-White, placing them firmly in the driver’s seat for the return leg.

  Pereira, the club’s fourth coach this season, replaced Sean Dyche only days ago.

  The victory provides a massive boost for the Premier League side, who currently sit 17th domestically and face a daunting clash against Liverpool this Sunday.

  ​Elsewhere in European action, Genk secured a 3-1 victory in Zagreb, while Bologna edged out Brann 1-0 thanks to a Santiago Castro winner.

  Premier League counterparts Crystal Palace struggled, managing only a 1-1 draw against Bosnian champions Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League.

  These two-leg playoffs determine which sides will join the top eight teams in the prestigious round of 16 next month.

• Former Newcastle star appointed as De Zerbi replacement at Marseille

  Former Newcastle United and Marseille captain Habib Beye has been named head coach of Olympique de Marseille on an 18-month contract, succeeding Roberto De Zerbi.

  ​Olympique de Marseille have confirmed the appointment of former captain Habib Beye as their new head coach.

  The 48-year-old replaces Roberto De Zerbi, who departed following a heavy 5-0 defeat to rivals PSG.

  Beye joins on an 18-month deal just nine days after being dismissed by Ligue 1 rivals Rennes, where he had guided the club to sixth place before a recent winless run.

  ​The former Senegal international returns to the Vélodrome, where he previously spent four seasons as a player.

  Club officials highlighted his “deep attachment” to the side as a key asset for re-motivating the squad.

  Beye, a fan favorite during his time at Newcastle United, will make his managerial debut for the fourth-placed club this Saturday against Brest, aiming to secure a Champions League qualification spot.