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Como's rise has been remarkable, but the ambition is to make their success last. The club's journey from Italy's lower leagues to Serie A and Champions League qualification is an extraordinary story. Yet what makes it so compelling is the speed of their progress, combined with a determination to establish themselves as a force in Italian football for years to come. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News , Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi reflects on the club's transformation, the influence of head coach Cesc Fabregas and an unlikely reunion with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. To understand Como's recent history, look at the transformation since Fabregas joined the club in 2022. The former Spain international arrived towards the end of his playing career, with Como in Serie B. He subsequently retired, joined the club's academy coaching staff and eventually became head coach of the senior team. In the four years since his arrival, Fabregas has helped Como secure promotion to Serie A for the first time in 21 years before guiding them to Champions League qualification last season for the first time in the club's history. Ludi believes the Spaniard's influence extends far beyond the pitch. "Cesc made a big difference. Not only on the field, but also off the field, in my opinion - the culture of the club, everything. The professionalism, everything, to be honest," he said. "He brought his mentality into the club and that's one of the reasons why we improved and grew so quickly. Thanks to him, we are fantastic, to be honest. "We have been fantastic on the field, but thanks to him we also improved our mentality, so we were ready to compete for the Champions League." Fabregas' presence was evident at his news conference ahead of Como's meeting with Manchester United. Sitting alongside summer signing Nico Paz, he fielded questions on a range of subjects, including whether he could one day become United's head coach. The composure with which he handled the questions reflected the authority he has established at Como. While the word 'aura' is often overused in football, it is difficult to ignore the impact Fabregas has made on the club. Ludi is particularly impressed by the 39-year-old's willingness to keep learning. "He's very young, but he's so open-minded, to be honest. He's the first who wants to improve and learn," he said. "That, in my opinion, is one of his best qualities and he's making a difference. "Our team is Cesc Fabregas on the field. Courage, intelligence, talent, talented players. We are trying to do the same with our team. The way Cesc is and the way Cesc was as a footballer is what we want to be as a team." Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Ludi share a similar journey through Italian football, having both experienced the climb from Serie B towards the Champions League. The pair shared a dressing room at Novara when Fernandes was just 17, with Ludi serving as his captain as the teenager began his professional career. Asked what the young Fernandes was like, Ludi smiled before describing him as "phenomenal". Fernandes went on to play for Udinese and Sampdoria before moving to Sporting Lisbon and eventually Manchester United. Ludi, however, still remembers the teenager who is now set to lead United against Como. "I'm really happy to speak about Bruno," Ludi said. "We met each other when he was a kid, literally a kid. He was a kid in a professional environment, so he probably wasn't ready to join a professional environment. "At the beginning, I needed to guide him in our dressing room in order for him to understand what being a professional meant. "But then, to be honest, it was fantastic because I met a fantastic guy, a humble person, a top footballer, but an open-minded guy, always ready to support, ready to help, ready to enjoy, ready to have fun with all of us. "He's a very nice guy, so I was so happy and I always celebrated his improvement because he deserves it. "I imagine it'll be nice to see him, maybe after the game, but to be honest, it would be fantastic to meet him in the Champions League. It's something I never expected, and it would be just fantastic. "It was just one season but a great season for all of us, and I think that I met one of the best people I've ever met in my life." There have been defining moments in Como's recent history, not least the draw against Cosenza in May 2024 that secured the point they needed for promotion to Serie A. That achievement laid the foundations for the club's subsequent rise to the Champions League. But hosting Manchester United represents another landmark in a journey that has exceeded expectations. Spending time around the club in the build-up to the game, the excitement is palpable. There is a sense of disbelief, pride and appreciation at the prospect of welcoming Michael Carrick's United side. For Ludi, who joined Como in 2019, the scale of the transformation is particularly striking. "Yeah, it's incredible, to be honest," he said. "I started to work here in 2019 and there was nothing. "Now we have the Champions League, we have Man Utd at home, and it's something that is amazing, literally amazing. "Sometimes it's good to look behind, because sometimes we forget what we did. In football, every day there is something to achieve, there is a reason to step forward. "I don't want to be arrogant, but we are here to write the history of Como, and this is another page, a big page of our history. "We want our fans to be proud of us and we want to compete, to fight, in order to write another page. First of all, it will be another nice page in the history of Como."

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The top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday's newspapers... Manchester United will revisit a deal for Newcastle and England left-back Lewis Hall , while Bournemouth and France defender Adrien Truffert is also a target as plans for a defensive overhaul set in motion - i newspaper Man Utd defender Lisandro Martinez could be heading for the exit next summer as the club prepare for a major defensive overhaul - Daily Mail Manchester United's hierarchy acknowledge they should have done more to strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window - talkSPORT Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is open to joining Manchester United during the January transfer window - talkSPORT Mikel Arteta came close to becoming Newcastle United manager in 2019, just months before joining Arsenal - The Telegraph Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia , 29, is set to sign a new contract, while talks with Sweden's Victor Lindelof , 32, and 19-year-old Englishman George Hemmings are also progressing - The Athletic Liverpool 4-3 Villarreal: Rio Ngumoha stars and Florian Wirtz scores as Reds come from two down to win in Europe Liverpool: Rio Ngumoha LIGHTS UP Anfield! What else did we learn from Reds' Champions League comeback against Villarreal? No Erling Haaland...no problem? Three things we learnt from Man City's Champions League display against AEK Athens Tottenham transfer news, rumours and gossip: Live updates and latest on deals, signings, loans and contracts Man City 5-1 AEK Athens: Phil Foden bags hat-trick as Enzo Maresca's side claim second Champions League win Liverpool: Andoni Iraola heaps praise on Reds' Champions League comeback star Rio Ngumoha Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm. Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast. Tottenham are prepared to spend €100m to sign Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis next summer - A Bola Referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez has been removed from officiating the upcoming El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona - Marca Real Madrid are demanding that six Premier League clubs pay their share of the costs associated with the European Super League project - The Athletic

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Terry Devlin denied Wolves victory just as the hosts' inspired substitutions again looked to prove decisive as Portsmouth drew 1-1 at Molineux in the Championship. Four days after Tawanda Chirewa came off the bench to score the winner at Burnley, substitute Jordan James' strike looked like it would prove the difference for Wolves. But right-back Devlin popped up with a superbly taken equaliser to give Pompey an unlikely share of the spoils. The scoreline was harsh on Wolves as Chirewa hit the bar and was denied another goal, while Mateus Mane and Fer Lopez missed chances in a dominant second-half performance. Portsmouth failed to hit the target until Devlin struck in the 86th minute. In a forgettable first half, Andre had the only Wolves chance. The Brazil midfielder lofted a bouncing shot just wide from 25 yards after Devlin beat Marshall Munetsi to head away Mane's cross. Portsmouth's only chance of the opening half came in the 36th minute. Wolves failed to deal with Adrian Segecic's deep free-kick and after Nasser Djiga missed the header and Ebou Adams' angled effort was blocked, Rocco Shein's low shot was a few feet wide. Wolves made a double change at half-time to spark some life into the game - Chirewa, Friday's matchwinner at Burnley, and James replaced Sean Neave and Munetsi - and it worked, with a much-improved display. Bristol City 0-1 Sheffield United: Ollie Arblaster nets only goal in Blades win Birmingham 3-0 QPR: Liam Millar scores twice in win for in-form Blues West Brom 3-2 Blackburn: Baggies hit back to win in five-goal thriller Swansea 0-1 West Ham: Divine Mukasa nets winner as Hammers sink Championship leaders Derby 0-1 Stoke: Luke Graham nets winner for Potters Southampton 0-0 Bolton: Saint held at home by Trotters Chirewa, who scored the winner within 21 seconds of his arrival at Turf Moor, quickly rattled the bar with a tight-angled, rising shot after turning inside his man. Mane dragged a low, angled drive well wide, then Lopez volleyed wide from Rafiki Said's inviting cross as Wolves continued to probe for the breakthrough. That came in the 62nd minute from James, who slammed home a fierce low first-time drive after starting the move with a one-two with Lopez, beating Nicolas Schmid at his near post. Pompey missed a good chance to equalise when Adams headed over substitute Marezi's corner from five yards while substitute Tommy Doyle's teasing cross just missed the sliding Chirewa as Wolves sniffed a second goal. But Devlin struck when he chested down and volleyed right into the corner of the net after Marezi's free-kick had been headed clear. Chirewa's low shot was clawed around a post by Schmid as Wolves desperately pushed for a winner at the death and both benches had to be pulled apart at the final whistle as tensions briefly boiled over before order was quickly restored.

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Phil Foden bagged a hat-trick as dominant Manchester City cruised to a 5-1 win over AEK Athens to claim their second Champions League victory of the campaign. Foden had waited 10 months for a goal before four arrived in back-to-back outings, adding to his strike against Ipswich at the weekend with three tidy finishes, the first two from Rico Lewis assists. Man City had far too much quality for their Greek visitors despite leaving Erling Haaland in the stands, with Enzo Maresca allowing 17-year-old Floyd Samba to deputise in his place. Maresca proved his point in doing so: City have many other means of scoring beyond Haaland. Elliot Anderson was also on target in a dominant first half that included 10 efforts on Alberto Brignoli's goal, with Allan striking the crossbar and Rayan Cherki going close. AEK failed to land a shot on target until Stavros Pilios pulled a goal back early in the second period. But their hope was short-lived. Cherki scored City's third five minutes later to kill any suggestion of a comeback and Foden issued another timely reminder of his class by completing a statement hat-trick. The last time Foden scored three times in the same game was April 2024. It's felt like a lifetime since the City Academy graduate, a known favourite of Pep Guardiola, was anywhere near his dazzling best. His latest display was somewhere close to perfect. 12: GOAL! Anderson steers home the rebound from Enzo Fernandez' free-kick for his first club goal. 23: CROSSBAR! Allan crashes a fierce effort off the woodwork as City threaten again. 34: GOAL! Foden combines neatly with Lewis and stabs beyond Alberto Brignoli. 52: GOAL! Pilios gives AEK a lifeline with a well-taken strike across Gianluigi Donnarumma. 57: GOAL! Cherki finds the bottom corner to kill any AEK momentum. 65: GOAL! Lewis tees up Foden and he guides the ball into the top corner with a wonderful finish. 76: GOAL! Ryan McAidoo offers Foden the chance to complete his hat-trick with an easy tap-in. On Foden : "I've said since day one, I consider him one of the best English players. For different reasons, in the last two years, he was not good enough. But I know how good he is. We are trying to help him because we are sure he's going to help us." On the performance : "It was not easy, especially after the PSG game. We had two games that we certainly needed to win, and we did our job. "I'm also happy because some of the players have not been playing many minutes, but they were ready. This is important. It is the best feeling for any manager when you make many changes but the performance is still good." Man City forward Phil Foden to TNT Sports: "I enjoyed that a lot. We showed determination again; it wasn't pretty at times, giving sloppy passes away, but I thought we stuck at the game plan, we kept going, and in the end we broke them down. "I've still got a long way [before I'm back at my best], but I'm going in the right direction and scoring along the way. It definitely helps. "I just want to keep working hard and trying to be the best I can for the manager and for the team." "We didn't want to sit back and try to survive, like I said before the game. We wanted to be dangerous with the ball. "But of course the quality in the finishing phase from City was brutal. These guys were much better in the final third than us. They punished every mistake. A deserved victory for City. "AEK is only playing Champions League group phase for the second time in 20 years; we're trying to compete. Maybe we showed too much respect for our opponent."

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Barcelona were handed their first defeat of the season as they lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in a Champions League classic. In a game that saw a total of 40 attempts on goal, it was the reigning European champions who were able to outgun the visitors in a contender for match of the season. The pair traded goals, with Desire Doue's strike and Lucas Hernandez's header each being cancelled out courtesy of youngster Xavi Espart and the irrepressible Lamine Yamal. Seconds after Barca's number 10 levelled things for a second time, Vitinha restored PSG's lead as Barcelona ran out of gas. Fabian Ruiz put the icing on the cake five minutes later with a tap-in as Hansi Flick side tasted defeat for the first time in 12 games this season. There were some sour notes on an otherwise exhilarating evening. Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele came off with a suspected hamstring injury inside the opening 20 minutes. Team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was also helped off in the second half after picking up a knock. Dani Olmo was also withdrawn in the first half for Barcelona, who are already struggling with an injury crisis. It adds another blow for the LaLiga leaders, who visit Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season on Sunday. 2: POST! Kvaratskhelia smashes the woodwork in less than 120 seconds. 5: SAVE! Garcia denies Dembele and Doue in quick succession. 10: CHANCE FOR GORDON! Ball drops to Englishman in good position, but he fails to make the most of it. 14: JUST WIDE! Olmo misses target in Barcelona's first meaningful attempt. 19: INJURY! Ballon d'Or holder Dembele comes off with suspected hamstring issue. 25: HUGE MISS! Substitute Torres denied by Garcia from close range. 27: INJURY! Olmo replaced as Barca's injury list grows. 29: CHANCES GALORE! PSG squander three brilliant attempts in a matter of seconds. 38: GOAL! Doue finally puts PSG ahead after Lamine Yamal mistake. 40: SAVE! Nearly immediate response from Barca as Fermin is thwarted by Safanov. 51: SAVE! Hakimi denied as PSG miss more chances. 55: GOAL! PSG punished as Espart equalises. 59: INJURY! Kvaratskhelia is helped off the pitch on the hour. 71: POST! Torres misses again as he strikes the post from close range! 72: GOAL! A set-piece does the job as Hernandez's header restores PSG's lead. 79: GOAL! Lamine Yamal smashes Barca level from a tight angle. 81: GOAL! Vitinha hits back immediately from edge of the box. 86: GOAL! Ruiz seals the deal as Barca run out of steam. Barcelona forward Anthony Gordon speaking with TNT Sports: "I think it was quite predictable that it was going to be high-scoring and a good spectacle for people to watch. I was hoping we would come out on the right side of that, but unfortunately we didn't. "They deserved it. They were the better team and had the better moments with real quality. Athletically, they were able to sustain the pressure and intensity for longer than we were. They've been the team to beat for two years and tonight they gave a great example as to why. "I think we can take great positives because we played well. It was a competitive spectacle. We've still got work to do and that's a good position to be in. They've been the team to beat for two years. We need to do enough work, analyse the game and try and become that." "I covered PSG's 5-4 win over Bayern Munich last season. It was a breathless game and one of the greatest I had ever witnessed. "While tonight might not quite have been at that level, it was in a very similar bracket. Two of the best teams in the world with full belief in themselves and only one intention: outscore the other. "No one could've blamed Barcelona if they came to the French capital and decided they were going to shut up shop and try to stop the potent PSG attack. "Their approach was the complete opposite. They had faith that their attack was as lethal. In the end, they fell short, but they can hold their heads high. "As a neutral, these are the types of games you dream of watching. It makes you feel things only free-flowing football can. "If you want a demonstration of what two heavyweight giants playing each other should look like, it is this. Blow for blow, haymaker for haymaker.

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Liverpool came from two goals down to defeat Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield and make it three wins from three in this season’s Champions League. Two goals from Alexis Mac Allister and one apiece from Ronald Araujo and Florian Wirtz completed the turnaround, with Rio Ngumoha superb. All of it came after Virgil van Dijk's poor header allowed Georges Mikautadze to score in the fourth minute. It was the earliest that Liverpool had fallen behind at Anfield in a major European tie for a quarter of a century but worse was to come when Sergi Cardona raced through to finish off a slick move for the Spanish side's second, a deserved lead at that stage. But Mac Allister's header from Kostas Tsimikas' corner pulled one back and the lively Ngumoha then fashioned an equaliser when Araujo ghosted in at the far post with Cardona sleeping. It was hardly deserved but Liverpool were rampant after the break. The introduction of Wirtz undoubtedly helped but it was Ngumoha whose dancing feet opened up the Villarreal defence to set up Mac Allister for his second. Wirtz then made it four himself with a left-footed finish beyond Peter Gulacsi. His relief was palpable. Andoni Iraola will likely feel the same after Tani Oluwaseyi set up a nervous finish. Liverpool have conceded three goals in each of their last two Champions League games but won them both. It has not been entirely convincing but it is a third victory in a row. They played Rio by Duran Duran upon the final whistle at Anfield, so obvious was it that the winger had been the best player on the pitch. Mac Allister scored two, Wirtz had his big moment but for all the expensive signings on show, Rio Ngumoha was the standout. Ngumoha finished with two assists and seven successful dribbles. There were times when three Villarreal players were trying to stop him but it never deterred him and you always sensed that the teenager had the trickery and the talent to find a way through. It was a privilege to watch him play and impossible not to imagine what is ahead for him. "On the ball, this kid has so much quality," said Daniel Sturridge on Amazon Prime . "It is stuff you can't teach. What he does with the ball at his feet, it is God-given ability." There is more to learn, of course. He was partially culpable for Villarreal's second goal, failing to track a runner. But that was hardly a story on a night when Ngumoha lit up Anfield. Others are under scrutiny at Liverpool. He is just having the time of his life. 4 - GOAL! Mikautadze seized on Van Dijk's poor header to score 29 - GOAL! Cardona raced through to finish slick Villarreal move 36 - GOAL! Mac Allister nodded in Tsimikas' right-wing corner 45+2 - GOAL! Araujo ghosted in behind Cardona to level it up 65 - GOAL! Mac Allister finished brilliant Ngumoha wing play 68 - GOAL! Wirtz's low left-footed finish quickly made it four 87 - GOAL! Oluwaseyi scored to set up a nervous Anfield finish Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola speaking in the press conference: "I think he was coming from a very good game the other day, he had a good second half against Brentford. Today he didn't have an easy game also because they were demanding him defensively and their left-back was attacking a lot. "There was a moment offensively where he was very difficult to stop. If we can put Rio in situations one against one, he makes plays, he produces things, today the assist for Alexis is a lovely play. He could go down for a penalty but he decides to continue which is a great decision. "Also endurance wise he is able to play more and more minutes. We were pushing him a little bit. He was tired but I think he has done a good effort and I'm very happy for him. "I am happy with his attitude because he is eager to improve things that we think he needs to improve. He is eager to add more things to his game. "He has been on the right lately, he is feeling more comfortable now, shooting on his left, he can add this to his game. He is only 18, still not the full package and it is not always going to be like this, there will be ups and downs in the process." Villarreal head coach Inigo Perez speaking in the press conference: "The key moment was when they equalised to make it 2-2 just before half-time. We had a fantastic first half. But the mentality and emotion drops, theirs grows and it affects you, particularly at Anfield. But we still managed to stay in the game until the end. "Rio Ngumoha had a great game but many other players played well. There were emotions, there were goals. When you play at Anfield these things can happen. When a goal is scored here, you can feel the reaction. "But I don't think we were close to being hammered. I believe if we are able to correct simple details - but elite details - we would be able to win on these big stages."

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Referees' chief Howard Webb believes there was nothing "clearly wrong" with the decision not to send off Newcastle defender Sven Botman for his tackle on Aston Villa striker Nicolas Jackson. "If VAR can't see that's a red, we're in trouble," said Sky Sports ' Jamie Redknapp. "It is so dangerous. How he's not broken his leg there... I like to see aggression. I want to see 50/50 tackles, but you can't do that anymore." After the game, Jackson told Sky Sports: "The referee said it was a yellow card but it was so high. Hopefully next time it is a red card. I nearly broke my leg, but it's fine. It's part of football." Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher said on Ref Watch : "I think it's a red card. It's got everything for a red card tackle - it's got speed, intensity, he scissors him." However, Webb believes the incident reflects this season's approach of VAR not re-refereeing on-field decisions. On Match Officials Mic'd Up , he said: "We've seen quite a lot of robust tackling in the Premier League. This weekend we saw quite a few examples of strong tackles going in; it's part of the English game, the Premier League and what people like. We want to embrace that but we also have a responsibility to ensure players' safety. "Many of those situations that we've seen with those types of tackles are subjective - the referee's having to make a determination in the moment on how much force is used and the nature of the tackle. "We've really tried to encourage referees this season to make decisive on-field decisions, and in this situation we see the referee make a judgement on Joelinton's tackle by playing advantage and then Botman comes in. "The referee in the moment, on the ground, sees it as a reckless challenge - no doubt a high-end reckless challenge - as Botman comes in and gets a touch on the ball. "There's obviously some speed he comes in with. The VAR looks at that decision and tries to identify whether that was clearly wrong. "We don't want the referee's decision to be re-refereed by the VAR; we want the referee to have ownership of the decision and the VAR to only step in when there's an element that's clearly wrong. "So if the VAR had seen strong stud contact from Botman's extended leg into the ankle or shin of Jackson, or there had been a closing of the scissor, I think we'd have probably come out with a different outcome after the VAR had looked at it. "But he doesn't see that. He realises it's subjective, and he allows it to stay on the field with the referee's call standing. "Equally, if that had been a red card, for sure it would've been check complete by the VAR as well. "So, it's a good example really of how the referee's call is working in the Premier League this season. A lighter-touch approach: let the referees referee the decision and the VAR step in when there's something clearly really wrong." VAR - Stuart Attwell: "I don't like that. Right, so he hits the ball; he goes over the top of the ball. He doesn't go studs into the leg, but he goes round it with a scissor challenge." Attwell watches multiple replays and asks the AVAR: "What are you thinking?" Assistant VAR - Craig Taylor: " I think he plays the ball and there's limited contact with the player's leg." VAR: "It's not with the studs, is it? It goes round him." AVAR: "It's not with the studs. It's not a clear point of contact." VAR: "There's no secondary scissor action." VAR: "Jarred, confirming yellow card for Sven Botman and confirming yellow card for Joelinton. Two reckless tackles." Morgan Rogers escaped a red card in a similar incident during Chelsea's 2-0 win at Everton on Saturday before his team-mate Cole Palmer avoided a second yellow card for a late challenge. Webb did not address the tackles in Tuesday's edition of Match Officials Mic'd Up. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean said on Soccer Saturday that Rogers deserved at least a yellow card, which would have sent him off after he was booked earlier. On Ref Watch , Bothroyd and Tim Sherwood both agreed it should have been a straight red card. Webb said Rodrigo Bentancur's red card and Luke Shaw's yellow card after the pair clashed in Tottenham's 1-1 draw at Manchester United were "absolutely the right outcome". Bentancur was sent off for headbutting Shaw after retaliating for being pushed over by the United left-back at Old Trafford in October. "When players make contact with their head, they're running a really high risk. It's seen as a violent act," said Webb. "When we apply the laws of the game, we differentiate between the neck, face and head compared to contacts into the chest. For us not to send off for contact into the face or head, it has to be deemed negligible and in this case it's not. "It's a fairly forceful act by Bentancur. You could argue the push by Shaw is also forceful but it's in the chest. You don't often see players sent off for pushes to the chest. "A yellow card for Luke Shaw, but it has to be a red card for Bentancur reacting in the way he does with his head."

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For Eirik Bjorno, Viking's chief executive, it was the first goal against Bayern Munich. "That was the moment," he tells Sky Sports . "You are preparing for wave after wave, maybe having a counter-attack or two, and then you score from the first corner." Erik Nevland, the Norwegian club's sporting director, preferred the second. "You can always score early," he explains. "But that was something that we had never dreamed of. It was crazy. More than we could expect. It was just a night for the history books." The third goal guaranteed that. Bayern had turned the game around with three goals of their own but Michael Olise was sent off and Viking seized the moment - their moment - to claim a draw on the night that Champions League football came to Stavanger. "It was the biggest game in our club's history," says Bjorno. "The most important learning is that we can actually compete. We can actually cope with the tempo." Viking certainly did that, managing to upset the Bundesliga champions in more ways than one. Max Eberl of the Bayern board was so ruffled by Zlatko Tripic's part in Michael Olise's red card that the executive made headlines by describing the Viking captain as a "scumbag" afterwards. "But he is our scumbag," says Nevland, laughing. "We love him." To understand just why the 48-year-old Nevland is enjoying this moment so much, some context is needed. The former Norway international left Viking to join Manchester United as a teenager and played for the club in the Premier League, later featuring for Fulham.

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Erik ten Hag has kept his counsel on Manchester United for two years since his sacking in October 2024, but the affection he built up for the club while winning two trophies still shines through when he speaks. "I enjoyed every minute in Manchester United; I have such wonderful memories," says the former United manager. "It feels like I'm connected; I'm a fan. It's an amazing fanbase; they were always respectful to me. "I really want United to win. I want them to be successful again. I want the club to be back where it once was."

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The top stories and transfer rumours from Tuesday's newspapers... Arsenal and Tottenham are both interested in signing Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi , with the Gunners leading the race for the 22-year-old - Tuttosport Newcastle have been tracking Valencia winger David Otorbi , 19, as they look to strengthen their attacking options - Marca Barcelona are considering a sensational move for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk in the summer of 2027 - El Nacional Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has asked the club to appoint former Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio . The Italian also wants to strengthen his attack in January, with Real Madrid youngster Endrick emerging as a potential transfer target - Mundo Deportivo Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia , 29, is close to agreeing a new contract after positive progress in talks - Daily Mail Paper Talk is a review of the sports headlines from the national newspapers, every Monday to Friday, live on Sky Sports News from 10.30pm. Missed the show? Catch up on the latest news with the Paper Talk podcast. Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha has distanced himself from a possible move to Arsenal , saying talks over a contract extension at Anfield are "going well" - Metro Manchester United could face competition from Juventus to appoint 57-year-old Italian Antonio Conte should they sack head coach Michael Carrick - talkSPORT Arsenal held serious talks with Mauricio Pochettino over replacing Unai Emery in 2019, just weeks after the Argentine was sacked by Tottenham - The Telegraph Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle has held a meeting with the club's senior players to seek feedback on his "vertical football" style and ensure they feel comfortable with the demands placed on a young squad - i Manchester United players were reportedly banned from speaking to the press after Sunday's draw at Leeds United , following Lisandro Martinez's outburst at the board - Daily Star Referees' chief Howard Webb has admitted reaching out to Manchester United twice to acknowledge a major mistake during derby defeat to Manchester City - Daily Star French police unions have called for Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League clash with Barcelona to be postponed amid fears of further violent riots in Paris - Reuters

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James Maddison says he has "so much more to give" Tottenham after he marked his first start in nearly 18 months with a stunning goal that helped Spurs to their first Premier League win of the season. The playmaker was influential in the 3-1 victory over Coventry in north London, opening the scoring with a curling strike from range to set Roberto De Zerbi's side on their way to a much-needed win which moves them off the foot of the table. The 29-year-old, who has two years to run on his Spurs contract, first came back toward the end of last season after recovering from his ACL injury but has faced numerous setbacks that have delayed his full return until now. "I have so much more to give for this club," Maddison told Sky Sports. "I'm 29 and I still have plenty of years left. I have self-belief and plenty of qualities that can help us in this league." Spurs spent £334m on new signings in the summer after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League but they have struggled to have the desired impact. Maddison wanted to show that he was the missing piece of the puzzle when given his chance. Asked if he thought he could make this type of impact, Maddison added: "I hoped. I spoke to the gaffer [Roberto De Zerbi] about this week and feeling like it was the right moment for me to go back into the starting XI after a stop-start start to the season. "I just wanted to play well and to show my qualities and what the team has missed in the last 18 months since my last start. The gaffer asked me to play and wanted to enjoy watching me from the side, so hopefully I did that. A goal like that is always nice." "I think he is seen as that type of player," said Carragher. "He's naturally one of those people in the game who is always laughing and joking, trying to lift people around the dressing room. I think he will have a big impact. He's captained the club in the past. "Even though they've brought in a lot of attacking talent, he will still think no one's better than him because he's that type of character. He has that football arrogance that I like in players. "It will be interesting to see where he fits in eventually because there are a lot of players at Tottenham in the attacking positions, especially with Kulusevski back." Maddison found the top corner with a precise, curling effort that was teed up by Mohammed Kudus after just 14 minutes to give Spurs the start they needed after a dreadful start to the season on a tense night in north London. "It was a joy to see [his goal]," said Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football. "He is one of the real characters in the game and you want him around Premier League football. "That was just a great moment. When you're a player with an injury like that, there will be a fear: will you ever come back or will you be the same player? There is still a long way to go, but he still has a bit of magic in his boots!" Maddison's last competitive start before the win over Coventry came in May 2025 when Ange Postecoglou was still in charge of Spurs, who have suffered desperately in the midfielder's absence, narrowly missing out on relegation last season. Speaking about his goal, Maddison said: "They are the ones you dream of. Those dark days recovering from the ACL you dream of those moments and those goals. That is always the light at the end of the tunnel." Maddison was not the only feel-good story for Spurs on Monday night. Dejan Kulusevski came off the bench to feature in a competitive game for the first time after 526 days out injured in what was an emotional return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. "I felt really emotional and proud of Dejan Kulusevski today because I knew exactly that feeling he had stepping back onto the pitch after that amount of time out," said Maddison. "Those moments and those goals they make it all worth it." "James Maddison was the star of the show and a big reason Spurs were able to secure the much-needed win. His goal speaks for itself. "But the rest of his play also stood out, in a slightly more understated manner. "He was dropping deep, finding pockets of space, threading passes for the runs of Dominic Solanke and threatening from the half spaces with his crossing ability. "Spurs, after all their investment in the summer, looked disjointed and uninspiring across the opening six games. "Maddison looks like the piece that could link the £300m pieces of this Spurs puzzle together. Whether that is through his own finishing or the ability to bring other players into the game. "Keeping him fit and firing is now essential to the club building on this game."

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Tottenham claimed their first Premier League win of the season by beating Coventry 3-1 as Dejan Kulusevski made his long-awaited return after 526 days out injured. Spurs were winless across their opening six games heading into this fixture but a week in the Marbella sunshine and a well-needed performance on home turf have helped address the doom and gloom, with brighter skies in N17 possibly on the horizon. James Maddison, making his first competitive start for Spurs since May 2025, announced his return to the starting line-up in emphatic style, curling his opener into the top corner against the club where his professional career began. The playmaker was influential throughout, seamlessly linking the £300m pieces of Roberto De Zerbi's squad that had previously looked disjointed and awkward, but Jack Rudoni's equaliser just four minutes into the second half punctured the positivity brewing inside the stadium. No side has dropped more points than Spurs from winning positions at home in the Premier League since the start of the 2024/25 season (30), but Omar Marmoush's first goal for the club, arrowing a fine strike into the far corner, put them on track to ensure they would not suffer the same fate on this occasion. The feelgood factor that comes with a win skyrocketed in the 85th minute when fan-favourite Kulusevski made his comeback off the bench, bringing an end to his lengthy spell on the sidelines. Ben Davies' surprise effort with the outside of the boot rounded off the victory, on what could prove to be the evening that kickstarted the 2026/27 season for Spurs. They move level on six points with Coventry and above their opponents on goal difference into 16th, having previously come into the fixture rock bottom of the table, and will now be tasked with building on their victory against London rivals Chelsea when the two sides meet at Stamford Bridge, live on Saturday Night Football. 14: GOAL! Maddison curls stunning opener into the top corner on his return to the starting line-up. 18: NO GOA L! Dominic Solanke taps home Andy Robertson's cross but the offside flag had already gone up. 49: EQUALISER! Rudoni powers his way into the Tottenham penalty area to force an equaliser home after half-time. 58: GOAL! Marmoush restores Tottenham's lead with his first goal for the club as his fine strike nestles into the far corner. 86: KULU RETURNS! Spurs winger Kulusevski makes his long-awaited return to the pitch after 526 days out injured with a knee setback. 90+6: GAME OVER! Davies scores a surprise goal off the bench to guarantee Spurs' first league win of the season.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for 30 days and fined £215 over his walkout from the Portugal national team. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner unexpectedly left a training camp in Copenhagen last month on the eve of a Nations League fixture against Denmark after being left as an unused substitute in the game prior. Ronaldo had fallen out with Portugal's new head coach Jorge Jesus, who he later accused of breaking his word about the captain's role in the team. Jesus denied making any such agreement. The 41-year-old had asked to be punished by the Portuguese FA when he posted a lengthy letter detailing the circumstances which led to his departure from the national team. Ronaldo said he wanted to be spared any leniency. Ronaldo is the world's highest-paid player, reportedly earning £488,000-per-day at Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr. Portugal's next match is against Denmark in the Nations League on November 14. The statement from the disciplinary council of the Portuguese FA does not specify when Ronaldo's ban begins. If the ban is retrospective, it would make Ronaldo available to play in Portugal's next matches against Denmark and Wales. That would mean it is up to Jesus to decide if Ronaldo should be called up. Ronaldo's last appearance for Portgual was in the 1-0 win over Wales in Lisbon in September.

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The letter, which has been seen by Sky Sports News , was written on Monday by UEFA secretary general Theodore Theodoridis and sent to his FIFA counterpart Mattias Grafstrom. Theodoridis gives FIFA two weeks to respond to UEFA's long list of concerns which were raised by European football leaders at the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last Thursday. He begins by noting that Infantino acknowledged during the meeting that mistakes had been made but the explanations provided "have not begun satisfactorily to address a number of fundamental questions". "These questions require answers now," Theodoridis writes. "They cannot be deferred until the next meeting of the FIFA Council - nor can future governance reforms substitute for scrutiny of decisions already taken and accountability for them." The 42 questions are split into 12 sections: 1. FIFA Forward Enterprise - the World Cup sell-off proposal. Why did Infantino negotiate to sell off a stake in FIFA tournaments in secret? "Could FIFA explain why an agreement granting exclusivity to Thrive Capital was signed without prior consultation of the FIFA Council? Who authorised FIFA to enter into this agreement, and on what basis? "Why was the FIFA Council not consulted before exclusivity was granted, irrespective of any approval that may have been envisaged at a later stage? "Could FIFA also confirm who the members of the Management Board Bureau were at the time of the decision and how each of them voted, specifying who voted in favour, who voted against and who abstained? "When was it intended that the FFE proposal and supporting documentation would be submitted to the FIFA Council?" 2. Will investigation into FIFA governance be independent and why is FIFA blocking release of documents? "How does FIFA intend to establish what actually happened in relation to FFE, the Balogun case and the other matters raised by members of the Council, and to ensure appropriate accountability for any shortcomings identified?" 3. Review of funding of FIFA's member associations. On what basis did FIFA propose to sell off a stake in World Cups at a valuation of $20bn when this summer's tournament generated revenues of $15bn? "Please explain the investment and exit assumptions underlying Thrive Capital's proposed participation". 4. Development funding and use of FIFA's financial resources. Why were member associations going to receive development funding to accept the sell-off proposal when FIFA already has $6bn cash reserves? "The FIFA president has repeatedly stated that FIFA's money belongs to its MAs. Why, then, was substantially increased funding for MAs presented in connection with FFE and external investment, rather than being financed directly from FIFA's own resources? "What exactly were MAs being asked to approve as part of the FFE proposal in order to access these additional funds? Following the withdrawal of FFE, FIFA has now proposed increasing funding to $25m per MA using its own reserves. Why was such an approach not considered before FFE was proposed?" 5. Remuneration and financial transparency. Why did Infantino receive a £1.3m payment in 2024 on top of his £4m FIFA salary? "Recent media reports, referring to filings by FIFA's US World Cup organising entity (FWC2026 US), indicate that the FIFA president received substantial additional remuneration which was not disclosed in FIFA's annual report. "Could FIFA clarify the nature, amount and basis of these payments, why they were not disclosed in FIFA's annual report, and whether they were reviewed and approved by the competent FIFA bodies? "Could FIFA also confirm whether the additional remuneration was treated as taxable income and whether the corresponding income tax was paid?" 6. Review of disciplinary procedures and the Balogun case. Why was Balogun allowed to play when he was suspended? "President Trump publicly acknowledged having called the FIFA president to request a review of the Balogun disciplinary case. What exactly did he ask him to do, and what was his response? Would the case have been reviewed in the absence of his intervention? "Following that conversation, did the FIFA president or the FIFA secretary general communicate with anyone within FIFA, including members of the administration or the chair of the disciplinary committee, concerning the Balogun case? If so, could FIFA specify with whom, when and the nature of those communications?" 7. Compliance with the Laws of the Game. Why was there a 27-minute World Cup final half-time show? "The half-time interval during the World Cup final lasted 27 minutes, without any prior request to the IFAB and consultation with the FIFA Council. "Similarly, the introduction of mandatory so called hydration breaks at all World Cup matches, in deviation from the existing rule was not preceded, to our knowledge, by consultation or a request for authorisation from the IFAB." 8. Electoral integrity and independence of FIFA's judicial bodies. UEFA doubts about whether FIFA presidential election will be fair. "The official electoral campaign period began on 30 April 2026, the date of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Which body, in addition to the FIFA Electoral Committee, is responsible for overseeing the electoral process, and what procedures and safeguards have been established to prevent the misuse of FIFA resources and ensure a fair and impartial presidential election? "We have concerns regarding the independence and impartiality of the chair of the FIFA Electoral Committee, Mr Chiomento, given the committee's crucial role in overseeing the presidential election." 9. Presidential expenditure and financial oversight. Infantino's private jet provided by Qatar Airways. "Numerous media reports in recent years have raised questions concerning the FIFA president's use of private aircraft and the costs of his accommodation, notably in Qatar and the United States. "Could FIFA provide a detailed account of the relevant expenditure, including its amounts, purposes, authorisation procedures and compliance with FIFA's applicable financial and travel policies?" 10. World Cup hospitality and allocation of privileges. "We request access to the complete list of guests seated in the VIP and VVIP sections during the World Cup final, including their names, positions and the reasons for their invitations. "Could FIFA also explain the criteria and decision-making process governing the allocation of these places, particularly in circumstances where numerous guests were apparently given priority over presidents of MAs and secretaries general of confederations?" "In the absence of any prior involvement of the FIFA Council, who decided to establish the FIFA Peace Prize, for what purpose, and who decided that the President of the United States should receive it? "What role did the FIFA president personally play in the creation of the award and the selection of its recipient? Were any independent selection procedures or objective criteria established and applied? If so, could FIFA provide the relevant documentation?" "A series of decisions, transactions and interventions involving the FIFA president, the President of the United States and individuals associated with him raise serious questions concerning potential conflicts of interest, transparency and institutional accountability." Arsene Wenger would be a popular choice to take on Infantino but FIFA's global football development chief has made no comment about a potential challenge.

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Crystal Palace have no immediate plans to change their manager - but Pierre Sage is under increasing pressure following their 5-0 thrashing at Brighton on Sunday. Palace find themselves 14th with seven points from seven games and Sage was unable to give assurances he had the club's full support after such a bitter defeat to their rivals. Chairman Steve Parish recently stated the club was on "high alert" during the transitionary process from the era of Oliver Glasner into the new one under Sage, which includes a number of new players and a first Europa League campaign. Asked after the defeat whether he would be given time to turn things around, Sage said: "I don't know. "I just want to apologise to the fans because it's not normal to show this face for this club against this other club, and we are not at the level we expected. "I am really sorry for that because I know how important it is for them. "We didn't show that today it was really important for us too. We didn't understand in which context this game was played." Sage has come under fire for his attacking approach at Palace, who have the worst defence in the Premier League after conceding 17 goals in seven matches. Palace's defensive unit took a hit over the summer with the sales of Daniel Munoz and Maxence Lacroix, both of whom were big figures in the club's success under Glasner. Palace signed central-defenders Axel Disasi and 18-year-old Honest Ahanor on loan in the summer to replace Lacroix and Marc Guehi, who left to join Manchester City in January of this year. Anan Khalaili was brought in from Union Saint-Gilloise initially to compete with minutes for Munoz but his arrival ended up paving the way for the Colombian to leave.