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Odion Ighalo’s goal for Manchester United against Norwich City in the FA Cup on Saturday means that the ex-Nigeria striker has equalled a club record that has stood for 95 years.

In netting against the Canaries, Ighalo became only the second player in the club’s history to have scored in each of his first four competitive starts for the Red Devils.

According to Opta, the previous player to do this was Jimmy Hanson, who achieved the feat in 1925 when he scored in consecutive starts against Hull City, Blackpool, Derby County and Aston Villa.

The Manchester-born Hanson signed for United in 1924, but suffered a serious injury five years later, and was forced to retire.

Back in 2016, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was on the brink of equalling Hanson’s record when he scored in three consecutive competitive outings for United.

However, while the then-34-year-old made a strong start to life with the Red Devils after signing on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, he drew a blank in his fourth competitive start - against Hull - and missed out on Hanson’s record.

Ighalo, however, has emulated Hanson’s achievement during a remarkable run early in his United career.

The former Watford man began his scoring run with a goal in United’s 5-0 victory over Club Brugge in late February, before scoring twice against Derby County in the FA Cup in early March.

On his third start for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, against LASK Linz in the Europa League, he scored and contributed an assist in a 5-0 victory, before opening the scoring against Norwich on Saturday.

Ighalo’s opener was cancelled out by a Todd Cantwell effort from range, although Harry Maguire bagged in extra time to send the northern giants through at the expense of Daniel Farke’s strugglers.

Despite his immense scoring record in matches in which he’s started for United - all of which have been in cup competitions - the striker is yet to score in the Premier League for the Red Devils.

He has made six appearances - all from the bench - amassing 83 minutes of action back in the top flight.

"It is great to have the option to rotate,” Solskjaer told BBC Sport after the match. “Anthony Martial came on and did brilliant, but Odion gives me a chance to rotate.

"He's a proven goalscorer and played his part in both goals," the Norwegian coach continued. "He is a great person to have around the dressing room too.

“Odion knows how much we value him in and around the dressing room; he’s a goalscorer, a poacher, he’s strong, we can play the ball into him, he showed for the second and Paul [Pogba] found him.”

Hamburg were thrashed 5-1 by Sandhausen on the final day of the 2. Bundesliga as they missed out on a promotion play-off, but Stuttgart are back in the top flight despite losing to Darmstadt.

Relegated from the Bundesliga for the first time back 2017-18, Hamburg needed to better Heidenheim's result to book a place in a play-off with Nordderby rivals Werder Bremen, who finished 16th in the top flight.

Heidenheim were beaten 3-0 by champions Arminia Bielefeld but Hamburg could not get the job done at home against mid-table opposition.

Hamburg manager Dieter Hecking made two changes from the side who lost last Sunday to Heidenheim, with the injured Timo Letschert being replaced by Ewerton in the middle of defence

Jordan Beyer also took a place on the bench, as Gideon Jung moved into the back three, leaving space for Adrian Fein to move back into one of the two defensive midfield slots. 

They were 2-0 down at the break through Rick van Drongelen's own goal – deflecting a cross by Julius Biada past Julian Pollersbeck - and Kevin Behrens' 21st-minute effort after Hamburg failed to clear a simple long ball.

Aaron Hunt pulled one back from the penalty spot but Behrens converted from 12 yards himself in the 84th minute to make it 3-1 before Mario Engels and Dennis Diekmeier rounded off a rout.

Heidenheim will now face Werder in a two-legged play-off. The first leg takes place on Thursday with the return leg held four days later.

Defeat for Heidenheim meant Stuttgart's 3-1 home reverse at the hands of Darmstadt was immaterial.

Mario Gomez equalised in his final Stuttgart game after Serdar Dursun had given Darmstadt the lead. Matthias Bader and Tobias Kempe sealed the points for the visitors but Stuttgart make an immediate return to the Bundesliga following relegation last season.

By contrast, Nurnberg - relegated with Stuttgart in 2018-19 - face a play-off to avoid dropping into the third tier. Their 1-1 draw with Holstein Kiel was not enough to secure safety as Karlsruher moved fourth bottom on goal difference with a 2-1 win at Greuther Furth.

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermain Jenas believes Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial do not score the type of goals scored by Odion Ighalo after he netted in Manchester United’s 2-1 extra-time win in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup against Norwich at Carrow Road on Saturday.

The Nigerian broke the deadlock in the 51st minute by tapping in Juan Mata’s lofted ball from Luke Shaw’s cross.

The Canaries ensured the game went to extra time with Todd Cantwell’s 75th-minute strike, but United captain Harry Maguire scored the winner just two minutes away from a penalty shootout to progress to the semis

Ighalo’s goal was his fifth in what was just his fourth start for the club and 11th overall appearance for the Red Devils. He became only the second United player to score in his first four competitive starts after James Hanson did so 95 years ago.

“That right there is the attraction and the beauty of Odion Ighalo – the right place, right time type of striker,” Jenas told BBC Sport.

“Look at the concentration, he just knew he needed to get good contact on it. It’s a really good finish, with the way he had to adjust his body.

“You don’t see Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial scoring those type of goals – the fox in the box type goals.”

Rashford and Martial are the leading scorers for United this season, with 19 goals apiece, 14 goals each in the Premier League.

The latter scored a first career hat-trick in their last Premier League match against Sheffield United which ended 3-0. It was also the first hat-trick for the club in the post-Alex Ferguson era.

Ighalo is yet to start a game in the Premier League but has appeared six times.

His most impactful performance came in the 2-0 derby win over Manchester City. The former Watford man held the ball well from Joao Cancelo in added time before releasing it for Fred.

The Brazilian midfielder’s pass failed to reach Daniel James and was gathered by City goalkeeper Ederson, who threw the ball into Scott McTominay’s path, who scored a long-range goal into an unguarded net.

Ighalo has played thrice in the Europa League, scoring in games against Club Brugge and LASK.

Prior to the Norwich game, the 31-year-old had scored a brace in the previous FA Cup round against Derby County which ended in a 3-0 win at Pride Park.

The players of I-League club East Bengal have received their salaries for the month of April, Goal can confirm. 

With the Coronavirus pandemic hitting football hard, East Bengal's investors Quess Corp decided to activate the Force Majeure clause on the contracts and the players were asked to sign a letter of termination in April. However, the players refused to accept the move and their salaries remained unpaid. 

It has now been learnt that although the players have not signed the letter of termination,  the investors have cleared the salaries of April. The salaries for the month of May remains unpaid. 

Quess East Bengal FC was the first club in I-League to activate the Force Majeure clause. After the Kolkata club made their decision, former I-League champions Chennai City FC also joined the party in cancelling the existing contracts of their players by activating the same clause.

Several clubs across the world are taking this step of activating the Force Majeure clause after the football season was halted due to the pandemic. Players and coaches of some of the top European clubs like Juventus, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona have unanimously decided to take a pay cut and help their clubs in this extraordinary situation.

Earlier this week, East Bengal’s assistant coach cum physical trainer Carlos Nodar had blasted Quess Corp over non-payment of salaries and non-cooperation during the lockdown in India. Foreign players Johnny Acosta and Kassim Aidara have also publicly criticised Quess East Bengal for their attitude during the ongoing crisis. 

Kylian Mbappe would face a tough battle to get into the Liverpool team, according to Reds great Bruce Grobbelaar.

Liverpool fans have been baying for the club to sign the Paris Saint-Germain and France attacker, amid speculation Jurgen Klopp wants him to join the Premier League champions.

Such a signing would be an extraordinary statement of long-term intent by Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG), given Mbappe is just 21 and looks set to be a global superstar for many years to come.

But Grobbelaar insists World Cup winner Mbappe would not walk straight into Liverpool's first XI.

"Well, if he comes to Anfield he's going to have to prove his worth up front for sure. And that's only if and when he comes," Grobbelaar told Stats Perform News.

"We do not know what the circumstances is. It will be up to Klopp and FSG who will reveal something probably in the new season.

"But whoever comes to Anfield, as you see with [Takumi] Minamino, he's going to have to improve a hell of a lot more to get into the side."

Grobbelaar claimed any footballer that does not want to join Liverpool should "go to see the doctor very quickly".

The former goalkeeper played for Liverpool from 1981 to 1994, winning six top-flight titles, three FA Cups and a European Cup, among a host of honours.

He knows the thrill of being part of a successful Anfield outfit but can see some players leaving before long, with the likes of Dejan Lovren and Xherdan Shaqiri perhaps nearing the end of their Liverpool careers.

"The squad is brilliant at this stage, it's up to FSG and the Klopp advisers that are going to determine whether those players go or remain. I, for one, think they will be going because they want first-team football," Grobbelaar said.

"Listen, at this moment in time every player wants to come and play for Liverpool because we're the Premiership title holders and anybody who doesn't must go to see the doctor very quickly, because we are the best team and we will be the best team for so many years."

Mikel Arteta must solve Arsenal's defensive issues if the club want to compete for trophies regularly, according to Robin van Persie.

The Gunners made it through to the last four of the FA Cup on Sunday, defeating Sheffield United 2-1 at Bramall Lane thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Dani Ceballos.

However, the late goal helped overshadow the shoddy defending that had allowed United to draw level in the closing minutes, Sead Kolasinac's weak clearance hitting Shkodran Mustafi to inadvertently set up David McGoldrick.

Arsenal have conceded 41 goals in 31 Premier League games and, while supporting Arteta's appointment, Van Persie feels reinforcements are required to strengthen a long-standing area of weakness.

"What I believe is it is very important for Arsenal and for Mikel to find a way to fix the set pieces," the former Arsenal and Manchester United forward said while speaking alongside Rio Ferdinand on BT Sport.

"Corners, set pieces, crosses, you're always holding your breath and thinking: 'Arsenal might concede'. You fix that with mental toughness.

"It's like when I played with you [Ferdinand] and Vida [Nemanja Vidic], you would die to save the ball. You would put your head first, you would give everything to block the ball.

"That mentality is needed to compete for trophies. To be honest, I don't really see that now and that's not new either, we talked about this before and it was even an issue in my time there.

"You need to find defenders who want to do absolutely everything to block that ball. They should try to find those types of defenders.

"I'm not saying these guys are bad, but there is another level up if you want to win trophies."

David Luiz made his return to action in the FA Cup following his red card in the Premier League defeat at Manchester City.

The Brazilian centre-back played 54 minutes before going off with an ankle injury - Arteta revealed the player will be assessed on Monday in his post-match interview - after signing a new one-year deal this week.

Van Persie, however, is not convinced, suggesting before kick-off he would be attempting to rough up the defender if he was in the opposing team.

"If you play against him, I would go at him, almost try to bully him and to make physical contact with him and move around him, try to tease him a little bit because he is vulnerable," the Dutchman said.

"The first job you have to do is to defend, be solid and be trustworthy. If you have extra, you can dribble, do some nice passes, perfect. But he needs to focus on his job."

Manchester United have welcomed DJ Cuppy as their newest fan after the Nigerian musician vowed she would pledge allegiance to the Red Devils if Odion Ighalo scored against Norwich City in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Writing on Twitter ahead of the quarter-final clash, the 27-year-old suggested that he would be her national duty to throw her support behind United if Ighalo got among the goals.

“As a Nigeria, I think it’s only right that, if Odion Ighalo scores a goal today, I will officially join Man United as a fan,” she wrote on her @CuppyMusic Twitter handle.

Maintaining his excellent recent record in front of goal, the ex-Super Eagles frontman duly obliged, opening the scoring against the Canaries with a classic poacher’s effort.

While Norwich responded through Todd Cantwell to take the tie to extra time, Harry Maguire struck from close range at the death to take United into the semis.

It appears Manchester United were monitoring Cuppy’s decision, and after Ighalo’s goal went in, they duly welcomed her to the Red Devils fanbase.

It remains to be seen whether the Lagos-born DJ has already been brushing up on her United history, or invested in one of the club's replica jerseys, but she did share some fan artwork on social media on Sunday which depicted her, alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, signing on the dotted line at Old Trafford.

The radio host’s football allegiance has been the subject of some scrutiny over the years, with Cuppy revealing recently that her troubled relationship with Arsenal had come to an end.

The timing of her tweets this week suggested that the club’s decision to offer contracts to David Luiz, Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari was at the root of her change of heart.

“It’s not me, it’s you,” she wrote, in a tweet addressed to the Gunners, earlier in the month. “[There’s] only so much heartbreak a girl can take, Arsenal.

“I can no longer stay in this toxic relationship, I’m sorry.”

Lagos-born Cuppy moved to London in her early teens, getting a degree from King’s College London before moving to the United States for her master’s degree.

Earlier this year, the music producer became the first African DJ to host a radio show on Apple radio.

Mainland Premier League giants Simba SC have retained the title despite a 0-0 draw against Tanzania Prisons.

Simba needed just a point to ensure they kept the league title and their performance at Sokoine Stadium in Mbeya gave them just that even though the hosts gave an equally brave fight to keep the champions at bay.

An additional eight minutes did not frustrate Wekundu wa Msimbazi in ensuring they went back to Dar es Salaam as champions again.

The draw means Simba collected four points at Sokoine Stadium after their previous encounter against Mbeya City which they won to close in on their 21st league title.

It is the first league title for coach Sven Vandenbroeck who arrived in December 2019 to take charge of the second most successful Tanzanian club. 

The 2019/20 successful league outing will also mean Simba have maintained their slot in the Caf Champions League competition. Vandenbroeck will be expected to perform better than his predecessor Patrick Aussems who got knocked out from the preliminary stage by UD Songo of Mozambique in Dar es Salaam.

The league victory underlines Simba and Yanga's dominance in the Tanzanian competition in the last decade. The two arch-rivals and Azam FC in one attempt, have bagged the title alone.

Timu ya Wananchi have won the league five times while Wekundu wa Msimbazi had clinched it four times in the last 10 seasons.

Simba's three successful consecutive campaigns, in the 2017/18, 2018/19 and in the 2019/20 seasons has matched Yanga's record achieved in the 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons.

The Mbeya record, however, is not the best that the club has achieved as it managed to defend the title in five consecutive seasons from 1976 to 1980. In 2001 to 2004, the Wekundu wa Msimbazi bagged the title in four uninterrupted campaigns as the Msimbazi street-side started what became another successful decade in their history.

It is the second time Simba have been champions in three straight campaigns as the same fete was achieved from 1993 to 1995.

They won the inaugural Premier League title, then known as Sunderland, in 1965 and 1966.

Apart from Yanga and Simba, no other Tanzanian club has managed to win the league gong and defend it in three or more consecutive seasons.

Simba will now shift focus and energy to the FA Cup tournament where they will take on Azam in the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, Polisi Tanzania defeated Mbao FC 1-0 with Waziri Junior scoring the only goal of the encounter in the 65th minute at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.  

Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga has rubbished reports he wants out of the club due to his lack of game time. 

In a chat with Pirates fans on the club's App, the Zambia international told his fans that he has no plans of leaving the club in the near future. 

Not so long ago, Luc Eymael confirmed Yanga SC's interest in Shonga but said the player's high salary demands made it impossible for the Tanzanian club to pursue him further. 

Shonga's agent Karabo Mathang recently confirmed Portuguese side SC Maritimo has shown interest in her client. 

However, Shonga re-assured Pirates supporters that he still belongs to them, adding that it's only a matter of time before he starts playing again. 

"I don't have those plans at the moment. I am enjoying too much and I am still a Pirates player. I am not leaving," said Shonga. 

The 23-year-old has featured just 11 times for the Sea Robbers this season, including eight in the league and is yet to find the back of the net.  

"I am happy at Pirates and it's just a matter of time before I start playing again," he revealed. 

Asked about his relationship with coach Josef Zinnbauer who arrived in December 2019 to take over from Rhulani Mokwena, Shonga said: "The relationship with the new coach is good and I am happy to work with him." 

"I am really working hard to gain my last season's form back," he added. 

Shonga further said there is no difference between the way Zinnbauer and previous coach Milutin 'Micho' Sreodojevic handled the team. 

"Life is good. He (Zinnbauer) is a good coach just like Micho and we are enjoying as we used to," he assured the Bucs faithful.

Meanwhile, Shonga expressed delight at the fact that the season will resume and be completed, and he's already looking forward to reuniting with his Pirates teammates. 

The season has been suspended for over three months due to the coronavirus pandemic coupled with the lockdown imposed by the South African government.

"It's a nice feeling that we will be back to the field and do what we love," said Shonga. 

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke expects Jadon Sancho to remain at the club next season because he does not believe any club can afford to buy him.

The 20-year-old winger has been linked with a move back to the Premier League, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea said to be interested. However, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp ruled out the English champions making a bid, while United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dodged the question this week.

Although the England international is eager to return to his homeland, Dortmund are demanding upwards of €100 million (£91m/$112m) for him.

Watzke says Sancho has given no indication that he wants to leave, however, and insists Dortmund will not drop their asking price because of the coronavirus crisis.

“If Jadon comes up to us and says he absolutely wants to leave - which has not been the case so far - and a club wants to pay what we want, then we will discuss it,” he told Sport1. “I don't think a club will pay the sum. There is also no coronavirus discount on him.

“We have left the period where we had to sell players. I don't think there will be a summer transfer.

“We have a more unusual situation next year than usual. With the exception of Achraf Hakimi, the team will stay together. That helps with development.”

Asked if January signing Erling Haaland could make a move this year, Watzke said: “A transfer is completely out of the question for Haaland.”

One player whose exit has been confirmed is midfielder Mario Gotze, who will leave when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Watzke had recently suggested the World Cup winner could stay but now admits he does not know where he will end up.

“Mario is old enough, he knows what he's doing,” he added. “We have no influence anymore. He didn't ask me, so he should have told me what's on the table.

“I have lost contact with the team through corona. I couldn't get into the dressing room, there was only a phone.

“When I said goodbye, I was even afraid to hug him. There would be a shitstorm immediately because you violate the health precautions. We even had masks on, all emotion is lost.”

Manchester United are still a "year or two" away from competing with Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title, says Roy Keane.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first year in permanent charge of United's senior squad has been a turbulent one, to say the least.

The Norwegian was awarded a three-year contract in March 2019 after an impressive interim spell, but his honeymoon period ended as the Red Devils slipped to a sixth-place finish in the top flight last season.

United forked out a combined £145 million ($179m) on Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire last summer as Solskjaer's squad rebuild began in earnest, but familiar struggles for consistency resurfaced in the first half of the new season.

Results have only started to improve noticeably since the January arrival of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting, who has justified his £50m ($62m) transfer fee by contributing four goals and four assists in his first 12 appearances for the club.

The Portuguese has inspired his new team-mates to raise their game, culminating in a 14-match unbeaten run across all competitions, which continued as United booked a spot in the semi-finals of the FA Cup by beating Norwich 2-1 on Saturday.

Solskjaer's men are also still in the hunt for Europa League glory, however Keane is more concerned by the fact his old club are currently sitting a staggering 37 points behind newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool.

City are also well clear of their local rivals, and the United legend cannot see the gap being closed next season.

"They're a few players off yet," Keane told the Irish Independent. "They have obviously strengthened but the league table doesn't lie. Look at their points total.

"I know people say they've had one or two decent results - against Man City and Liverpool - but it's all about the points.

"So, no, I don't see United competing in the next year or two for the league.

"I think there's going to be improvement and they will close the gap, but there is a bit of work to be done for Ole and the players. They're missing something.

"They haven't been consistent enough."

The former Red Devils midfielder went on to suggest that more defensive reinforcements will be needed if Solskjaer's side are to make the "leap" from top-four challengers to title winners.

"People have analysed it and said United's strength at the moment is on the counter-attack. But the problem has been when they had a lot of possession; breaking teams down," Keane added.

"With one or two players coming back, United will certainly be pushing to get that fourth position but trying to get fourth and winning the league is a big leap.

"They need one or two players. I think United are short at the back."

Ajax coach Erik ten Hag has resigned himself to losing Nicolas Tagliafico in the next transfer window, while midfielder Donny van de Beek may depart Amsterdam too.

A year ago an Ajax team that reached the Champions League semi-finals - and came within a whisker of making the final - was broken up as Frenkie de Jong was sold to Barcelona and Matthijs de Ligt to Juventus.

Now a few more key figures from that double-winning side of 2018-19 may leave too, with Hakim Ziyech's transfer to Chelsea already confirmed.

Left-back Tagliafico, 27, is the most likely to depart and the Argentina international is thought to be interesting both Chelsea and Arsenal.

Van de Beek, linked to Real Madrid and Manchester United, and goalkeeper Andre Onana are another two Ten Hag fears will exit if the price is right.

"The transfer market will start in August - the top leagues are now being played out, so the money flows are maintained," Ten Hag told Het Parool.

"The market value of players will be slightly depressed, but not much. Based on their performance and ambition, a number of our players also want to make the move abroad.

"Agreements have been made with Andre Onana, Donny van de Beek and Nicolas Tagliafico, but it remains to be seen whether the market is indeed breaking loose. 

"For Onana and Van de Beek, another year of Ajax could certainly be an option, for Tagliafico it is slightly different because of his age."

Another Ajax youngster on the radar of Europe's major clubs is Sergino Dest.

Bayern Munich have been linked with the Netherlands-born teenage defender, who has already represented the United States at senior level, but Ten Hag would rather the 19-year-old continued to develop with Ajax.

"I can only argue why he should stay," he said.

"I know how it is. If I can't convince him and the right price is paid, I can't rule out going. In general, I say you have to make the step abroad if you are ready for it. If you go too young, there is a chance of failure. 

"The culture and structure in which you grow up is your support. In order to stay upright in another country, in another competition, at the age of 20, you have to do a lot."

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has moved ahead of Pep Guardiola as the "best manager in football", says Dietmar Hamann.

When Klopp was drafted in to succeed Brendan Rodgers in the Anfield hot seat back in October 2015, Liverpool were a club in disarray.

The German boss inherited a confidence-stricken squad which finished eighth in the Premier League the season prior to his arrival, but he quickly set about implementing his own unique philosophy while lifting the mood among supporters with his infectious personality.

Fast forward five years, and Klopp has transformed Liverpool into Premier League title winners and European champions, having assembled a world-class team.

The Merseyside outfit have dethroned Manchester City in emphatic style, winning the top-flight with seven games to spare after opening up a 23-point lead at the summit.

Guardiola has won four more trophies at Etihad Stadium than Klopp has won at Anfield in a shorter space of time, but he's had unlimited funds at his disposal at a club which has dominated English football in recent times.

Hamann says Klopp's "achievements are incomparable" because of the huge rebuilding job he had on his hands at Liverpool, and that he is now peerless as the master of his profession.

The ex-Liverpool midfielder told The Mirror: “Jurgen has to now be recognised as the best manager in football. Pep Guardiola is an exceptional coach, but when he went into Man City he took over a club that was already winning titles and cups.

“Of course, what he has done at City in the last three seasons has to be recognised, but Klopp took over a club that had won one League Cup in 10 years and he has built a team virtually from scratch.

"That’s why his achievements are incomparable. Klopp is the first Liverpool manager to win the Premier League and the first German to win it. When you compare the squad to the one he inherited, he has virtually changed it completely – with a net spend of about £50 million.

“When you look at the resources other managers have had, it makes his achievements even more spectacular. He’s got an incredible forward line with Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

“He’s developed probably the two best full-backs in the world in [Trent] Alexander-Arnold and [Andrew] Robertson. Buying Virgil Van Dijk was a bargain even at £75m because Liverpool’s problems over the last 30 years have been caused by defensive vulnerability.

“A great team must avoid two things. The first is complacency, but even with a 25-point lead at the top there was never a sense of taking it easy. The second is a fighting spirit, and this Liverpool team never lies down.

“That is all down to Jurgen Klopp. He has built a team of brothers who refuse to let each other down.”

Hamann went on to express his belief that Klopp will look to add "two or three" new players to his ranks this summer in order to ensure that Liverpool continue to challenge for major honours across all competitions.

He added: “I’m a believer that the very best teams are the ones that bounce back from big disappointments – and that has been a mark of this Liverpool team. Like last year when they got 97 points and lost the title by a point.

“To then win the Champions League and follow that up by winning the league for the first time in 30 years is phenomenal. I remember when Jurgen first arrived at Anfield and he said his job was to turn doubters into believers.

“He hasn’t just changed the mindset of the players, he has altered the attitude on an entire city and fanbase. Klopp has given the fans a realisation that a season only matters after 38 games.

“He won’t rest on this. He will look to build from a position of strength. I can see him bringing in two or three top-class signings to keep the squad hungry.”

South African football referee Victor Hlungwani is playing his part in assisting PSL security guards around Soweto with food parcels.

Hlungwani partnered with a group of fans called Phushi Passion and Non-Profit Organisation (NGO) Sports Wise to ensure that security personnel are able to put food on the table for their families even during this difficult situation. 

Football in the country has been suspended for over three months due to the coronavirus pandemic which has seen over 10 million people across the globe get infected. 

According to Hlungwani, the majority of the PSL security guards have not been receiving salary income since the suspension of the current season and they were not covered when the government released the Covid-19 relief fund. 

"Since the breakthrough of this Covid-19, the stadium securities have been enduring some tough times as they are not receiving any salaries," Hlungwane told Daily Sun. 

"When the government released the relief fund, they (stadium securities) were not covered. So, we tried to fundraise and put something together for them." 

"I am with a group of fans called Phushi Passion; it's a group of supporters who have contributed together with Sports Wise which is an NGO," he confirmed. 

Hlungwani said the initiative was to show PSL security guards that they care about them and understand the situation they find themselves in.  

"It really touched some of us and tried to find a way how of assisting them. That's why we came with up with the initiative and started making contributions.  

"Now, it's time to give them hope that we do care about them and understand their situation due to Covid-19. We are here to assist them," concluded the experienced match official. 

The league is set to return in the next few weeks after the government gave the PSL the go-ahead to complete the 2019/20 campaign.

However, the remainder of the matches will be played in one province identified as a biologically safe environment to curb the spread of the coronavirus.  

This means very few security personnel will be able to receive salaries for the remainder of the season and provide for their families.  

Former players Phumudzo Manenzhe and Tebogo Monyai were also present as Hlungwani played his part in helping his colleagues. 

Dominant Gwambina FC have been promoted to the Tanzanian Mainland Premier League from the First Division League (FDL).

A 1-0 win over Pamba FC away on Saturday was all Gwambina wanted to earn their promotion ticket for the 2020/21 top-tier's season.

The club was only founded one year ago, earned promotion with two matches to spare as they have 44 points from 20 matches. The second-placed Geita Gold have 10 points fewer than the FDL Group B champions.

Gwambina have won 13 games, drew in five and have just lost in two other matches so far. 

Green Warriors are at the bottom of the 12-team table with 18 points accrued from 20 matches. They have struggles in the season with four wins, six draws and 10 losses marking their campaign so far.

Gwambina is likely to take Singida United's Premier League place as the Singida outfit remains at the bottom with just 15 points with seven matches remaining. Singida's season has been one to forget given they have just won three matches, drew in six and lost in 23 other actions.

Singida United trail Mbao FC with 11 points separating them.

In the FDL Group A, the promotion race is still very tight with Dodoma FC and Ihefu SC in pole position to secure a top-tier ticket. Dodoma are top of the table courtesy of goal difference and enjoy the same number of points, 45, with their close rivals.

Dodoma and Ihefu also share identical match statistics as both have won 14 matches, have drawn and lost in three matches too.

Mlale FC, at the bottom of the FDL Group A's log, will be in action against Njombe FC on Sunday as they try to keep their FDL status.

In other Saturday encounters Green Warriors were defeated 3-2 by Transit Camp FC at home while Geita FC and Gipco FC drew 0-0.

Stand United were victors at home after they dispatched Arusha FC 1-0. Rhino Rangers and Mashuja FC shared points from a 1-1 draw.

Mbeya Kwanza FC registered what became the healthiest win after beating Friends Rangers FC 6-0.

African Lyon FC fell at home to promotion-chasing Ihefu as Maji Maji lost 2-1 to Dodoma. In the Iringa FC vs Cosmpolitan FC tie, the latter emerged winners with a 1-0 scoreline.

Sahare All-Stars defetaed Mawenzi Market FC 1-0.

With the Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X coming this year, the launch of FIFA 21 promises to be the biggest release of the game in years.

However, with FIFA 21 launching on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One launching before the new consoles hit the market, gamers will get their first taste of the game on existing platforms.

Ahead of the release of FIFA 21, fans will be able to get a taste of the new game when the demo is released via digital download on PS4 and Xbox One.

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When will the FIFA 21 demo be released?

FIFA 21 will be released on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on Friday, October 9, having being pushed back from its usual September release date due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Anyone who has pre-ordered the digital version of the game wlll be able to access FIFA 21 three days early on Tuesday, October 6, while Early Access begins on Thursday, October 1.

The demo for the game usually arrives three weeks before the official launch of the game. If this trend is followed this year, then the FIFA 21 demo will be available on Friday September 18.

What teams will be in the FIFA 21 demo?

The FIFA demo usually features some of the most prominent teams used in the game's advertising, including the team of the cover star.

FIFA 20 allowed gamers to play as Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham and Chelsea in the demo, with Virgil Van Dijk, Jadon Sancho, Vincius Jr and Kylian Mbappe all used to promote the game.

Mbappe and Van Dijk have both been prominent in the launch and trailer for the game, meaning Liverpool and PSG are likely to return as teams in the FIFA 21 demo.

In addition, the demo could provide the first chance to play as teams who appear in FIFA for the first time this year including Inter Miami and Nashville SC.

What game modes will be in the FIFA 21 demo?

VOLTA Football arrived in FIFA 20 and will be one of the game's main modes again for FIFA 21.

The demo last year offered a chance to play the street football mode and this year's demo should also give fans the opportunity to see what has improved in VOLTA from last year's launch.

It is unlikely that FIFA Ultimate Team will be prominent in the demo, with fans more likely to get a chance to build their squads through an early release of the FUT Web App in advance of the game's official launch on October 9.

Achraf Hakimi's move from Real Madrid to Inter has been in the works for more than two years, according to former Morocco international Houssine Kharja.

The right wing-back has impressed on loan at Borussia Dortmund for the last two seasons and had been expected to either remain at the Bundesliga club or return to Santiago Bernabeu to compete for a place in Zinedine Zidane's first-team.

However Inter have swooped for the Moroccan, with a €45 million (£40m/$50m) deal expected to be completed to Antonio Conte's team in the coming days.

The deal has widely been viewed as a surprise, however former Inter player Kharja says his old club have been interested in the player for a long time, and had previously sought his opinion on whether to sign the attacking full back.

Speaking to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Kharja said: "[Inter director Piero] Ausilio has been following him for a long time. Two and a half years ago, when he was still at Real Madrid and was not playing, he started asking me about him several times. Inter is a major club, and Conte's tactics will be perfect for him.

"He is very strong, in all the years of the national team I have never seen anyone like him. He is very intelligent, he will be able to adapt to Italian football. He may struggle in the defensive phase, perhaps at the beginning, but he will certainly be helped. After all, even Maicon had some difficulties, then he won the treble. Hakimi is ready and will improve. 

"Playing in a stadium like San Siro will be an extra stimulus: he's not afraid of anything, like me. He played in Madrid and Dortmund, also winning a Champions League. The Meazza can only charge him up."

Despite being nominally a defender, Hakimi was one of the deadliest attacking forces in Lucien Favre's Dortmund side this season, and could be deployed as a right midfielder in Conte's system at Inter.

Hakimi scored nine goals and provided 10 assists in 45 competitive games for Dortmund in the 2019-20 season.

The German club's campaign ended on a downer on Saturday, as they suffered a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Hoffenheim in the final game of the Bundesliga season.

Dwight Yorke has backed Manchester United to make a move for Manchester City winger Leroy Sane if they can't get Jadon Sancho this summer.

Sancho has emerged as United's number one target after another stellar season at Borussia Dortmund.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been tipped to add the England international to his ranks when the transfer window reopens, however, the German outfit are reportedly holding out for a fee in excess of £100 million ($123m).

Dortmund have yet to receive any formal offers for Sancho, and the club's head of the licensed player division Sebastian Kehl has expressed his belief that he is likely to remain at Westfalenstadion for at least one more year.

Kehl told Sportbuzzer: “We expect Jadon to play with BVB next season and we’re all very happy with the quality that he brings to our side and the difference that he can make."

One man who looks certain to switch up his surroundings is City attacker Sane, who only has one more year left to run on his current contract at Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that the Germany international will leave either at the end of the season or next summer, with Bayern Munich touted as his most likely next destination.

Yorke thinks United should hijack any potential deal for Sane if Sancho cannot be lured to Old Trafford, given the fact that Solskjaer's squad is currently lacking a natural left-footed wide man.

"United has got a real good attacking bunch of young players," the former Red Devils striker told Stadium Astro.

"Add in Sancho, I like the boy Sane. If I was to airdrop, the boy Sane at City I really do [like].

"We haven't got a left-footed sort of winger. The boy [Mason] Greenwood is coming to the fore recently but I like Sane.

"I really do think this kid is probably the quickest out of all them as well and he's really got a good attitude.

"I know he's got some injuries but if I was brave, if I was Man United manager at this point in time that's the type of person I would go for.

"He's had a couple of years in the Premier League, I've watched him very closely, he's a player that I like a lot.

"The boy Sancho is obviously up there as well but if you can't get him why not be brave and go for a player who's played across next door and cause some stir, just stir it up a little bit. That's what I would do."

Axel Witsel has urged Borussia Dortmund to come back stronger next season after they closed the Bundesliga campaign with a 4-0 hammering at home to Hoffenheim.

Andrej Kramaric netted four times for the visitors as they booked a place in the Europa League qualifying rounds, while Dortmund, already sure of the runner-up spot, slipped to 13 points behind champions Bayern Munich.

Dortmund's humiliating end to the season did not sit well with Belgium international Witsel, as he criticised his team-mates for their poor defending.

"There is nothing to explain. They were more aggressive, had more motivation. We didn't want to end the season like that," he said to Sky Sport.

"It wasn't enough without a ball. We all have to defend together. If only a few players run and defend, it's difficult to win a game.

"We may be the better team on paper, but it is different on the field."

Looking back on the season as a whole, Witsel says there is room for improvement from his side.

"We had ups and downs in the first half of the season. The second half was better, but of course we can do it better," he added.

"Next season we will start the fight with [Bayern Munich] again."

Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki was also critical of the team and believes they lack the winning mentality required to challenge Bayern to the title.

"Already after the first 45 minutes you noticed that there was a team on the pitch that wanted it - and a team that didn't feel like it," he said. 

"That shouldn't be. It's a Bundesliga game. We should all be happy that we can play here. A lot of things were wrong and then the result is what it is.

"Maybe we just sometimes have the wrong mentality. We have to work on our winning mentality, Bayern have it more than we do. 

"It is precisely these points that we are missing in the end to be at the top.

"I have not won against Bayern many times and I can only explain that by not having the right attitude or mentality."