data-mm-id=”_0nidsb9gw”>Today is the first day that truly feels like a hard return to the real world after a long, luxurious holiday break. Sure, not everyone has been kicking back and relaxing without responsibilities for three full weeks but this Monday is the day when everyone is being forced back into a cubicle or classroom to stare their responsibility in the face. All that will remain of that glorious time off are the memories and the calories. We sincerely hope you were all able to get after it to whatever extent you wished to get after it. For some, that included getting stuck in a decorative urn and becoming one of the more amusing main characters we've seen early in 2024. Fifty-one minutes into the year someone sent out notice that a situation was developing at a New Yea…
data-mm-id=”_csikswhsr”>Chet Holmgren has been outstanding for the Oklahoma City Thunder in his first NBA season on the court and only the existence of a 7-foot-6 basketball mutant in San Antonio will prevent him from taking home Rookie of the Year honors. His play is unimpeachable otherwise. The Gonzaga product is averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 37 percent from the three-point line. His presence in the paint and ability to stretch the floor has catapulted OKC to contention way ahead of schedule, in tandem with an MVP season from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA is the team's superstar but Holmgren makes everything work on both ends. This freaking guy also looks a lot like Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. I am obviou…
Stephen A. Smith Doesn't Agree With Draymond Green, But Passionately Defends His Right to a Bad Take
data-mm-id=”_fboujehdu”>The New York Knicks are currently up 2-0 in their second round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Thanks to grit, determination and some questionable calls, the vibes in NYC are currently immaculate. So much so that First Take surrounded Stephen A. Smith with a blue and orange heart on Thursday morning's episode. Despite the fact that the Knicks have not played a game since yesterday morning, Stephen A. was back to yelling about the Knicks by Friday morning. What changed overnight? Why, someone said something on a podcast, duh.During the latest edition of The Draymond Green Show the Golden State Warriors star said that the Knicks postseason run is a fluke. This was discussed on First Take on Friday with everyone disagreeing with Green, but somehow i…
Man Utd are more likely to land Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer if Max Allegri leaves Turin, according to reports.
The Red Devils are already on the lookout for bargains ahead of the summer transfer window with some reports that .
Adrien Rabiot from Juventus to Man Utd?
Despite , it seems more likely that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS take a sensible approach to the summer market as they look to get their money s worth.
One player who they have been consistently linked with over the past year or two is Rabiot .
Rabiot has been in good form for Juventus this season, despite the Old Lady being 20 points off leaders Inter Milan in Serie A, with Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle linked at various points this season.
And now Italian…
A late Zeki Amdouni penalty earned Burnley a well-deserved point at Manchester United after Antony scored his first Premier League goal of the season.
Old Trafford has been a happy hunting ground down the years for Manchester City great Vincent Kompany and his team made the short journey down the M66 looking to boost their faint hopes of a great escape.
Antony looked to have pushed Burnley further towards the drop with a late strike, only for the otherwise impressive goalkeeper Andre Onana to give away a late penalty, converted by Amdouni.
There were boos at the full-time whistle from a number of the home faithful at Old Trafford, where the travelling support applauded their players’ efforts as they continue to scrap for survival.
Bruno Fernandes hit …
Arsenal standout Kai Havertz has lauded head coach Mikel Arteta, who has managed to boost his confidence as this season has progressed.
Havertz left Chelsea to join Arsenal during last summer s transfer window for a fee in the region of £65m.
He has developed my game a lot
The Gunners were mocked at the time for spending such a significant fee on Havertz as he had struggled to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge. Some also argued that Arsenal should have used this money to sign a new striker.
The Germany international made a sluggish start to this season but he has flourished since Arteta started operating him as a No.9 ahead of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
Havertz has eight goals and five assists in his last 12 Premier League appearances …
According to reports, Chelsea expects to appoint a new head coach next week as their stance on a high-profile mystery candidate has emerged.
The Blues made the shock decision to part ways with earlier this week.
The former Tottenham Hotspur boss endured a difficult debut season at Stamford Bridge as his youthful squad were punished for their inconsistency at times.
But reached the Carabao Cup final and finished the Premier League season superbly as they finished sixth in the table to qualify for the Europa League.
Under Pochettino, the signs were positive heading into next season. Still, their board have opted to look elsewhere as the Argentinian was dismissed following an end-of-season meeting involving the head coach and key decision-makers.
Who …
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made the mistake of comparing Manchester United to Ineos as the British billionaire has been accused of running the club as a dictatorship .
The Ineos owner took charge of football operations at United in February when he bought a 27.7 per cent stake in the club and a strategic review has led to a number of changes behind the scenes.
All staff memos and no working from home
One of those changes has been to force members of staff back to work in their offices from June 1, ending the work from home culture.
Anyone that doesn’t agree can take voluntary redundancy beforehand and receive their four-figure bonus for the season before they leave.
Ratcliffe also after a tour of the Carrington training ground.
His email …
Manchester United are unlikely to make another bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite if Sean Dyche s side do not reduce their asking price , according to reports.
, with the Toffees looking for at least double that amount.
Signing a new central defender is a priority for Erik ten Hag and Sir Jim Ratcliffe following Raphael Varane s departure.
Varane did not sign a new contract at Old Trafford and will officially leave on a free transfer when his deal runs out at the end of the month.
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England international Branthwaite had a great 2023/24 campaign with Everton and it is no surprise to see expressing an interest.
Man Utd: Ratcliffe not keen on Branthwaite saga
However, after failing …
Arsenal are set to beat Chelsea to the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, who has packed his bags ahead of a switch to north London, according to reports.
Calafiori came through the AS Roma youth academy but could not break into their first team, joining Swiss side FC Basel for €2.6million in August 2022.
After one year in Switzerland, the 22-year-old returned to Italy, joining Bologna for €4m.
What a signing he has been for the Rossoblu. Calafiori played 30 times in Serie A last term to help the Italian club qualify for the Champions League for the first time.
Playing for Bologna in Europe s premier competition appears to be unlikely, with several clubs interested in signing the young defender.
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