Manchester United’s CEO, Omar Berrada, has made it clear to manager Ruben Amorim that another season without success won’t be tolerated. The Red Devils wrapped up the 2024/2025 season trophyless, marking their worst campaign ever.

Their chance to secure a Champions League spot slipped away after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final. Despite the setback, the club is already making moves in the transfer market. Matheus Cunha has joined from Wolves in a £62.5 million deal, and a signing for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is close to completion.

Reflecting on the season after United released their latest financial results, Berrada said, “Reaching the Europa League final was something we were proud of, but losing in Bilbao left us disappointed.” He added, “Our Premier League performance fell short of what we expect from ourselves. There’s a strong demand for improvement next season.”

LaLiga President Javier Tebas has picked his two favorites for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. While last year’s winner was Manchester City’s Rodri, edging out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, Tebas believes this year’s top prize will come down to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Vinicius.

He told @TouchlineX that the award should be a contest between these two stars. Yamal impressed last season by helping Barcelona secure both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, and he also played a key role in leading Spain to the Nations League final.

Vinicius had a solid campaign with Real Madrid, though the Brazilian didn’t claim any major trophies like LaLiga, Copa del Rey, or the Champions League this time around. The Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed this September, but Tebas is clear: it’s all about Yamal and Vinicius.

Spain’s Lamine Yamal sent a respectful message to his 2025 Ballon d’Or rival Ousmane Dembele after helping Spain knock France out of the Nations League on Thursday. The young Barcelona winger praised Dembele as a top player but made it clear that Spain have secured a place in the Nations League final.

Yamal was the star of the match, scoring twice in Spain’s thrilling 5-4 win over France in Germany. Spain will now face Portugal in the final. After the game, Yamal told RTVE, “The best way to prove yourself is on the pitch. Dembele is a great player, but we’re the ones in the final now.”

Both Yamal and Dembele are seen as serious contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, thanks to their outstanding performances over the past year. At just 17, Yamal has already lifted the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey with Barcelona, while 28-year-old Dembele enjoyed a successful season with Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France.