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Manchester United's Mason Greenwood paid tribute to his now-former team-mate Angel Gomes during his celebration against Brighton on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old opened the scoring for the Red Devils' in the first half of his side's 3-0 victory in the Premier League clash.

Greenwood celebrated his sixth Premier League goal of the season by making an A with his hands in a nod to the 19-year-old, whose contract with the club expired on the same day.

Greenwood posted a picture of his celebration on Twitter confirming it was for Gomes, captioning it: "A promise is a promise."

Gomes expressed his gratitude towards the forward as he posted a picture of Greenwood celebrating in an Instagram Story, writing: "No words. I love you bro. Special, special player, thanks for the dedicated goal."

The tribute comes as Gomes' departs Man Utd on a free transfer after his contract with the club expired. 

The player and United had been trying to resolve their dispute over a new deal for several months and coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said last week that he hoped they would be able to convince the attacking midfielder to stay. 

However,  Gomes failed to reach an agreement with the Old Trafford outfit and is now a free agent.

The 19-year-old has already been linked with a move to Chelsea, though Blues boss Frank Lampard says they have not discussed making an offer . 

Gomes joined Man Utd at the age of six and progressed through the club's academy to make his first-team debut under Jose Mourinho in 2017, when he replaced Wayne Rooney in the late stages of a 2-0 win at home against Crystal Palace.

But the England Under-20 international managed just 10 appearances overall for the senior side, as he failed to make more than three in all competitions in a single campaign.

Gomes says he has modelled his playing style on former Barcelona and Spain great Andres Iniesta , adding that his childhood heroes were Juventus and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo and former Brazil duo Ronaldinho and Robinho.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala have learned to work together following their goalscoring displays, according to Juventus head coach Maurizio Sarri.

Ronaldo and Dybala both scored stunning individual goals as defending champions Juve stayed four points clear atop the Serie A table with a 3-1 win at Genoa.

There have been doubts over whether Ronaldo and Dybala are compatible in Juve's starting XI, but the star duo starred on Tuesday.

Sarri hailed the pair post-match, telling Sky Sport Italia: "Something has changed in terms of movements, but they have learned to look for each other more often.

"They have realised that by benefitting from each other, both reap the rewards. It's something I have noticed in training too."

After a dominant first-half display failed to produce the goods, Dybala broke the deadlock in the 50th minute before Ronaldo made it 2-0 six minutes later with a thunderous long-range effort.

Juve substitute Douglas Costa then put the visitors out of sight with an equally impressive strike, while Andrea Pinamonti drilled in a 76th-minute consolation for Genoa.

Ronaldo equalled his tally from last season across all competitions with his 28th goal in 2019-20. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has scored 14 goals in 2020, more than any other Serie A player this year.

"In the first half he went for the shot five times, so it means he was doing more than he should," Sarri said.

"Cristiano often plays to free himself to finish, but when he decides to move the ball quickly, he is the best of them all.

"Honestly, I was going to replace Dybala, then I chose Ronaldo, who has played many minutes. We discussed it over the last days, he knew that he would go off at 3-0 and he did it with serenity."

"I think the team did well, even in the first half. We had clear chances, without conceding any," Sarri said. "It was a good team effort and we scored three beautiful goals.

"The team have recovered well after the disappointment from the Coppa Italia, but it was only a matter of time before we were physically well."

Miralem Pjanic was in Juve's line-up after confirmation of his transfer to Barcelona at the end of the season, with Arthur moving in the opposite direction.

Pjanic played 74 minutes and Sarri added: "I haven't even talked to Miralem these days. I often did it after the suspension, after the lockdown, because he had these 20 to 25 days in poor shape.

"We asked ourselves the reason and we tried to find the solution. It was a drop in the mental condition more than anything else. I'm sure he will do well in this period. I find him happy and calm. I have no worries."

Barcelona head coach Quique Setien admitted it is difficult to play Antoine Griezmann without "destabilising" the team as he threw the Frenchman's future into further doubt.

Griezmann was a 90th-minute substitute against former team Atletico Madrid, who earned a 2-2 draw away to defending La Liga champions Barca on Tuesday.

A €120 million signing from Atletico at the start of the season, Griezmann arrived amid much hype but the star forward has struggled at Camp Nou, where he has started on the bench against Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao in recent weeks.

Explaining Griezmann's place on the bench as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Riqui Puig started in the attacking third, Setien said: "It's difficult to put him on without destabilising the team."

Griezmann has scored eight La Liga goals this season and 14 across all competitions for second-placed Barca.

However, Griezmann has not scored since Barca's 1-1 draw against Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie prior to the coronavirus pandemic in February.

"I understand it's tough for Griezmann to come on when so little time left. I will speak with him tomorrow, I won't say sorry because [it's about] decisions," Setien said.

"But I understand he may feel bad and I feel bad for him because he's a great person and professional."

Messi scored his 700th career goal but stuttering Barca still dropped more points in the title race.

Diego Costa's 11th-minute own goal had put Barca ahead before Saul Niguez's penalty restored parity for Atletico eight minutes later.

Messi converted a penalty of his own five minutes into the second half to celebrate his landmark goal, but another Saul spot-kick – in the 62nd minute – secured a draw for Atletico.

Barca are one point behind leaders Real Madrid, who can move four clear with victory over Getafe on Thursday, as pressure mounts on Setien.

However, under-fire Barca boss Setien said: "I don't feel at all under threat.

"It's a shame. We're having more and more difficulties. Leaving these points behind means we're moving further away from the title. But we have to keep working and Atletico are a good team."

Quique Setien praised Lionel Messi after the Barcelona superstar scored his 700th career goal on Tuesday.

Messi celebrated the landmark moment as stuttering titleholders Barca drew 2-2 at home to Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner's delicate 'Panenka' penalty put Barca ahead in the 50th minute before Saul Niguez's second spot-kick ensured the points were split.

Discussing captain Messi – who has scored 630 goals for Barca and 70 for Argentina – post-match, Barca head coach Setien said: "I suppose that another 700 goals will not be scored by Leo, but he will continue to score.

"You don't know what the ceiling is for a player of this type."

Diego Costa's 11th-minute own goal had put Barca ahead before Saul's penalty restored parity for Atletico eight minutes later.

Messi converted a penalty of his own five minutes into the second half to bring up his landmark goal, but another Saul spot-kick – in the 62nd minute – secured a draw for Atletico.

Barca are one point behind leaders and rivals Real Madrid, who can move four clear with victory over Getafe on Thursday, as pressure mounts on Setien.

Setien's side have only won one of their past four league fixtures but the Barca boss said: "I'm quite happy with them [the team]. It's true that we haven't been able to win, but at times we controlled the game well.

"It's not easy against this team. They're disciplined. I'm quite happy with my players' work.

"I don't feel at all under threat. It's a shame. We're having more and more difficulties. Leaving these points behind means we're moving further away from the title. But we have to keep working and Atletico are a good team."

Antoine Griezmann was only brought on as an injury-time substitute on Tuesday with Setien admitting the French attacker has the potential to 'destabilise' his side. 

"I understand it's tough for Griezmann to come on when so little time left. I will speak with him tomorrow, I won't say sorry because [it's about] decisions," Setien said.

"But I understand he may feel bad and I feel bad for him because he's a great person and professional."

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes said strength in depth is behind the club's unbeaten run after his brace helped see off Brighton.

Fernandes scored twice as in-form United outclassed Brighton 3-0 in the Premier League on Tuesday to stretch their undefeated streak to 15 matches across all competitions.

After Mason Greenwood's opening strike, January recruit and former Sporting captain Fernandes stole the show with goals in the 29th and 50th minutes at the Amex Stadium.

United have gone eight Premier League games without defeat to be fifth and two points adrift of Chelsea – who face West Ham on Wednesday – with six matches remaining in the Champions League qualification race.

"In the last games, before the stop, Scotty [McTominay] and Fred played very well and we have a lot of good results," Fernandes, who has scored five goals in eight league appearances, told MUTV.

"Now it's Nema [Matic], Paul [Pogba] and me, sometimes Andy [Pereira] or Juan [Mata] can play no.10, or Jesse [Lingard] - we have a lot of qualities and I don't think it is fair on the guys who are out to just talk about me and Paul.

"We have so much quality and this becomes higher because we train together and we push [each other]. I know if I'm not okay, another player will play. So I need to be at my best on the training field.

"I need to be better and better to help the team. Everyone thinks the same way and that's why we are playing this way and the results are coming. We know we need to give our best because we have such good quality."

United have not tasted defeat since losing 2-0 to Burnley in January – keeping 11 clean sheets – and Portuguese midfielder Fernandes added: "You need to be focused and give everything for the team, for the club.

"I think everyone here knows that we represent a big team, so we need to give our best and to push forward and to keep trying.

"This is what the players are doing now - that’s fantastic. It doesn't matter if we are tired, other guys are coming in and playing such a good game.

"They can bring more intensity because they are fresh, so we know we can give everything and if you are tired, you can come out. Now we have five changes this is better for us. The most important thing is the result at the end."

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone said he is "without words" amid Antoine Griezmann's struggles at Barcelona.

Griezmann was a 90th-minute substitute against former team Atletico, who earned a 2-2 draw away to stuttering Barca in La Liga on Tuesday.

A €120 million (£108m/$134m) signing from Atletico at the start of the season, Griezmann arrived amid much hype but the star forward has struggled at Camp Nou, where he has started on the bench against Sevilla and Athletic Club in recent weeks.

Griezmann has scored eight La Liga goals this season and 14 across all competitions for second-placed Barca, who could fall four points adrift of bitter rivals Real Madrid on Thursday.

However, Griezmann has not scored since Barca's 1-1 draw against Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie prior to the coronavirus pandemic in February.

Asked about Griezmann, Simeone told Movistar: "I'm without words."

Diego Costa's 11th-minute own goal had put Barca ahead before Saul Niguez's penalty restored parity for Atletico eight minutes later.

Lionel Messi converted a penalty of his own five minutes into the second half to celebrate his 700th career goal, but another Saul spot-kick – in the 62nd minute – secured a draw for Atletico.

It is the first time Atletico have scored two goals against Barca in La Liga under Simeone, whose side are third and two points clear of Sevilla with five matches remaining.

"We are respectful of Barcelona ​​with the quality they have," Simeone said.

"The game was played as a result of what we usually do. We started well. Their goal came in an isolated play. Then to generate a difficult game against a team that keep the ball well.

"We tried until the end. The work was very good, a very competitive team. I'm happy."

Setien admitted he felt bad for Griezmann after the match but revealed he wary of introducing the Frenchman as he can 'destablise' his team. 

"I understand it's tough for Griezmann to come on when so little time left. I will speak with him tomorrow, I won't say sorry because [it's about] decisions," Setien said.

"But I understand he may feel bad and I feel bad for him because he's a great person and professional.

"It's difficult to put him on without destabilising the team."

Arsenal great Nwankwo Kanu has donated relief package to residents of his home town in Owerri as the coronavirus pandemic continues to shake the global economy.

Food items, sanitisers, soaps and protective equipment were donated in Imo state’s largest city, as nearby cities will also benefit from this largesse in the coming days.

Apart from that, several communities were educated on how the virus can be prevented and controlled by observing simple hygiene measures.

The two-time African Player of the Year has opened up on why he is a vanguard of a philanthropic drive amid the lockdown in the eastern part of Nigeria.

“I value life and more importantly I hate to see others suffer, so that was my major motivation for choosing to embark on this project,” Kanu told Goal.

“This is my own little way of reaching out to the struggling families during this trying period and also to show them that my heart is always with them.

The coronavirus pandemic no doubt has left a hurtful effect on people. You will agree with me that while many have been rendered jobless, many find it very difficult to feed themselves.

“So far, we have visited several communities to share food items and relief materials. God helping me and with the support of Nigerians, I hope to do more because I find joy putting smiles of people’s faces.

“Alongside my team, we have also embarked on sensitization walks in both urban and rural areas for them to know that coronavirus is very real while demonstrating to them how to keep a healthy lifestyle as it concerns handwashing with soap and water. I believe we can limit the spread of the virus.”

Since launching the Kanu Heart Foundation (KHF) in 2000, the foundation has saved the lives of more than 560 Nigerian children.

2020 marks the 20th anniversary of the foundation that is working tirelessly towards opening a specialist hospital in Abuja, but the outbreak of Covid-19 seems to have unsettled concluded plans to play a football game, have a dinner and a concert to raise funds.

Even at that, the former Super Eagles captain claimed a statement will be released as soon as a decision is taken on the next line of action.

A surprising but really important part in the business end of ATK's title triumph in the 2019-20 Indian Super League (ISL) was perhaps Michael Regin.

The tough tackling defensive midfielder arrived without much fanfare to ATK last season, unlike his illustrious brother Michael Soosairaj. But the underrated player went on to be an important cog in the wheel for Antonio Habas, especially in the play-off and the final.

Having made his move to ATK after helping Chennai City FC to the I-League title, Regin ended up winning India's two domestic leagues in consecutive seasons. It was nothing less than what the midfielder from Eraviputhenthurai in Kanyakumari deserved, for it was the culmination of years of hardwork, coupled with a bit of misfortune. 

"When they approached me to play in the ISL, I was very happy that I will be able to play with my brother in ISL together. They also told me this might be the first time brothers are playing together in the ISL. I was very happy," Regin told Goal.

"He (Soosairaj) was even happier for me because I had a lot of problems with injuries before. Even last year at Chennai City, I had injuries but I got some matches towards the end. So I was very happy that they signed me."

The 32-year-old could have had a bigger impact at ATK, had he not been sidelined by an ankle fracture at the beginning of the season.

"Before the season started, in August, there was a tournament in Kolkata. So, ATK asked their new Indian signings and some reserve players to form a team and play in order to get some match practice. Prabir (Das) and I were in that team. During a practice match, my ankle twisted and I suffered a fracture.

"I was supposed to be out till December but it took a lot of time before it healed properly. It only healed some 10 days before that NorthEast United game (27 January, 2020) and I got to play a few minutes in that match. But it was not completely healed even throughout the season. But the coach had some belief in me and I played through a bit of pain."

Once he recovered from his injury, he made seven appearances for ATK including four starts. Three of those starts came in the play-offs and final, highlighting the trust that Antonio Habas had in the strongly built midfielder from Tamil Nadu. However, such unwavering backing from the coach was something that surprised even Regin.

"Even I was not sure why the coach trusted me so much in such crucial matches for the team - like play-offs and the finals. I was not sure I would have played in the final too. Normally, the coach would tell us in advance during the players meeting on the morning of the match what the playing XI is. But the play-offs and final, he revealed the team only after we reached the dressing room. Even a lot of other players were surprised at the trust the coach showed me," revealed a coy Regin.

Regin did admit that the role that Habas asked him to perform in the ATK side was not something he was used to, having played in a more advanced role for Chennai City  and his earlier teams. But he thanked the Spaniard for helping him understand the role better.

"He would always tell me during practice that you are going to play an important role and he did not want me to make even a single mistake since I was playing as a defensive midfielder. But it was not my game style. I used to play a lot more forward and do dribbling etc.

"He encouraged me a lot and my job was just to tackle, get the ball and immediately give it to a teammate. He used to coach me through the role. It took me a bit of time to understand the role. If my injury had healed earlier, I think I could have played even better in that role," said Regin.

Though he had to fight off an injury and adapt to a new role, Regin ended up tasting success and played a key role in the final against Chennaiyin FC. It was nothing short of just reward for a player who missed out on professional football during some of his peak years physically.

Regin hails from a small village called Eraviputhenthurai in Kanyakumari. He is quick to accredit his group of about 30 friends from his hometown for whatever he has achieved in life, pointing out the support they have given him throughout.

"I used to play a lot during childhood with whatever means available. I have played football with that small rubber ball you use for cricket. Then there was a time we would play cricket a lot. When I was in Class XI and XII, we started playing football on the sand at the beach. I had a lot of friends there, around 30 of them. They were a huge support for me, encouraging me to play football seriously," explained Regin.

Regin's footballing fortunes turned for the better once he moved to Chennai to pursue college education. He started making a name for himself in footballing circuits, with his college and in the Chennai Football Association (CFA) leagues.

"Then I moved to Chennai to Loyola college on sports quota. In 2008, I was in my third year in college and I went to the University tournament and I was the best player in the final in the All India level competition. That achievement was a very important norm for sports quota jobs. Then I played for SBI (State Bank of India) in the CFA senior division. I was the best midfielder. Then they called me for Santosh Trophy in the Tamil Nadu team."

However, a job offer from Railways was to turn his life around during a time that could only be described as an athlete's peak. But it was a choice that the midfielder had to make, given his family circumstances.

"By that time, I got a call from the Railways who offered me a job in Bengaluru. I badly needed a job due to my family situation. And that too a Government job, it was a big thing. There was a referee called Suresh and I used to play for his team once. He had said once during an interview that Regin should not take a government job since he had the capability to play in the I-League. But at the time, I did not know it and nobody told me. Once I took up the job with Railways, I could not come out of it. I wouldn’t get permission to go out and play for other teams," rued Regin.

For almost four-to-five years, Regin was bogged down in Bengaluru, his footballing involvement restricted to playing Santosh Trophy for Railways apart from a few local competitions - years that were crucial to an athlete. Even then, Regin managed to attract the attention of Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood and could have played for them in the I-League but for a stroke of misfortune.

"Those were my peak years when my body would respond to what my mind wants. For almost 4-5 years, my life was the job at Railways and the tournaments, including Santosh Trophy and some local competitions.

"In 2014, there was a local tournament and in the quarter-final, we played well. But after the game, Bengaluru FC manager Ashley Westwood came to the field and there was a huge reception for him with the stadium on its feet. He shook my hand, and told me to leave my number with the BFC manager and that they will call me and offer me a deal. I was extremely happy."

This was a period Regin feels his career would have taken a different turn if he had somebody to guide him properly.

"He told me that the team was going for the Federation Cup. He asked me to remain in Bengaluru and work on my fitness. He would talk to me after the Federation Cup. But at that time, Santosh Trophy came up and Railways asked me to join the team. I was obligated to go and unfortunately, the tournament lasted almost three months that year. By the time I came back, my chance to join BFC was gone. There was nobody to guide me properly at that time. It was a huge opportunity that I lost," rued Regin.

However, the indomitable spirit and passion for the game in Regin meant it was not long before he managed to come back to Chennai and play for Chennai City in CFA senior division. And once the side got into the I-League, he finally got the chance at the national stage - something he should have achieved a fair few years back.

"Then I came out and started playing Chennai league before getting my chance with Chennai City and now I’m standing in the ISL."

Regin, the tough character that he is, has taken it all in his stride and is focusing on enjoying the rest of his career.

"Those years were my peak. I might have lost those years, but I want to play hard even now. Age does not matter. I just need to practice harder," he said with a measure of determination that will serve him well in the upcoming season and more.

Lille boss Christophe Galtier has praised Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen as a similar player to Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and PSG star Edinson Cavani.

Osimhen shone in his maiden season in Ligue 1 before the 2019-20 campaign was cancelled, with his contribution of 13 goals and four assists which helped Lille finish fourth on the league table.

In rewarding his dazzling form, the Nigeria international was crowned as the best African player in the Ligue 1 for this season on Monday.

Galtier, in his reaction to the honour, was full of praise for Osimhen and lauded his ability to score goals, by comparing him with Cavani who won the Ligue 1 top scorer in 2016–17 and 2017–18.

“He has a great determination to want to score. He is obsessed with the goal as Cavani can be,” Galtier told RFI.

“He is a player who has great athletic potential, who is able to repeat efforts. He gives a lot of depth and speed to his game.

“He is a very important asset for a team. He improved in associations when we went to 4-4-2 to be able to combine with his partners.

"He is an axis player, powerful, who goes fast and who is quite skilful in front of the goal. Obviously, he will have to continue working to improve all these qualities, and also his offensive head game."

Galtier has helped three African stars, including Osimhen, win the Marc Vivien Foe prize in his coaching career.

The Frenchman was Saint-Etienne manager in 2013 when Aubameyang won the coveted award, and he also guided Nicolas Pepe to clinch it before his move to Arsenal last summer.

In his assessment, he rates Osimhen as a similar player to the Gabonese star because of their hard work to achieve success while Pepe was a natural talent.

“You mentioned Pierre-Emerick Aubmeyang who also received the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize when he played with me in Saint-Etienne,” he said.

"But if I have to compare Victor Osimhen with Nicolas Pepe and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang whom I directed, I would say that Nicolas has an innate, intrinsic technical quality. It's a gift.

“Aubameyang is a little bit like Victor. Aubameyang has worked a lot to reach a very very high level. He had the intelligence to go through an intermediate club with Dortmund and it was there that he integrated what was the very highest level.

“In Saint-Etienne, we managed to make it grow, to hatch it. I think Victor has this same profile in the character, in the human relationship, but also in the intrinsic qualities. In the choice he will have to make for his future club - because we will not hide our faces.”

Thanks to his fine form in front of goal, Osimhen has been attracting interest from a number of European clubs and is reportedly nearing a Lille exit.

Galtier confirmed the transfer situation around the 21-year-old and he is confident he will adapt to any league he finds himself.

“He is a player who is in great demand by many European clubs,” he continued.

“In the club project, there is the economic aspect but also in the player's mind, it is important. If the club is happy, the president is happy, and the player too, it is that we will have worked well.

“We are all in the same state of mind. Victor wants to see what is happening at the highest level, it also fits into the club's economic model.

“Victor will adapt to all championships. He's a very good player. I am convinced that he can play in all championships.”

Former France international of Ghanaian descent Marcel Desailly explained his decision to leave the Black Stars out of his title favourites for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt was partly to help take pressure off the team.

The West Africans went into the continental gathering in search of a fifth trophy, having endured a series of misses since last winning the cup in 1982.

The quest, however, ended in yet another disappointment as the Black Stars suffered a Round of 16 exit, their first time of failing to make the quarter-final since 2006.

“I said that to reduce a little bit of pressure and expectation around the team," Desailly told Footballmadeinghana.

"I did also in purpose to help but at the same time it was true deep down what I was thinking.

“I knew that individually we were not strong enough to make the difference and perform but I was hoping that collectively, we were going to be clever enough to play all together at the same time at our best level to be able to pull off a surprise.

"Just a surprise [because] it could have not been something obvious from the beginning.

“I was having doubts, I was not fully convinced about the tactical set up that was put in place.

"He [coach Kwasi Appiah] could have done better.

"He should’ve tried to protect less of the talented players he had and killed some of the egos to be able to have a group of players who might be less talented but ready for the battle.

"This is why I identified that Ghana was going to have some difficulties.”

Ghana opened their Afcon 2019 campaign with a 2-2 draw with Benin.

After a 0-0 stalemate with Cameroon on matchday two, the Black Stars got their first win of the championship through a 2-0 triumph over Guinea-Bissau.

Appiah's side finished top of Group F, setting up a Round of 16 date with Tunisia which ended in a 5-4 penalty shout-out defeat, the match having ended 1-1 after extra-time.

The Black Stars, now under new coach CK Akonnor, are seeking to make amends for the 2019 disappointment with victory at the next championship in Cameroon in 2022.

Ghana are on course to compete at the next continental gathering, now postponed, as they currently lead qualifying Group C after two rounds of matches.

Manchester United's push for a top-four spot continued on Tuesday as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.

United wasted little time stamping their authority on the game as strikes from Mason Greenwood and Bruno Fernandes put them two up before the half-hour mark.

Greenwood was the provider for Fernandes' second after 50 minutes as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side made it eight games unbeaten in the Premier League.

The result moved United up to fifth, two points behind Chelsea, although they have played a game more. Brighton, meanwhile, remained in 15th, six points above the relegation zone.

United started on the front foot, with Fernandes crashing a long-range effort against the post after 12 minutes.

They did not have to wait long to open the scoring, though, Greenwood surging into the penalty area, bamboozling Lewis Dunk with a series of stepovers and clipping a smart finish past Mat Ryan at his near post in the 16th minute. 

That advantage was doubled in the 29th minute when Fernandes' strike from 20 yards took a wicked deflection off Alexis Mac Allister to wrongfoot Ryan.

A devastating counter attack led to United's third five minutes after the restart, Greenwood picking out Fernandes at the back post with a sumptuous cross, with the Portuguese volleying past a helpless Ryan from eight yards.

Substitute Leandro Trossard twice flashed efforts wide after the hour mark, while David de Gea tipped over Aaron Connolly's strike as Brighton belatedly woke from their slumber.

Graham Potter's men failed to score a consolation, though, as United strolled to the most comfortable of away wins. 

What does it mean? New-look United taking shape

Big things were expected from Fernandes when he joined from Sporting CP in January and he has not disappointed. Not only has he proven to be a potent goal threat – his brace took his tally to five goals in eight Premier League games – but he has elevated those around him.

United have been insipid in attack for so long but with Fernandes conducting an exciting forward line, fans might dare to dream of a title push in the coming seasons.  

Greenwood continues to sparkle

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a superb breakout season for United and once again showed why he is such an exciting talent. It is testament to his prodigious ability that he slots in so seamlessly alongside seasoned internationals like Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford and Fernandes.

Lewis slam Dunk-ed by Reds

The Seagulls captain endured a game to forget. He offered little resistance to Greenwood for United's first and failed to effectively marshal his defence throughout.

Key Opta Facts

- United extended their unbeaten run to 15 matches across all competitions (W11 D4); only Bayern Munich (25 games) are currently on a longer such streak without defeat among all sides in Europe’s big-five leagues.
- Brighton have won fewer Premier League games in 2020 than any other side (P13 W1 D7 L5).
- United have kept more clean sheets in their last 13 league games (eight) than they managed in their first 40 under manager Solskjær (seven).
- Greenwood's six goals for Man Utd in 2019-20 is the most by a player aged 18 or younger in a single Premier League season since Wayne Rooney scored nine for Everton in 2003-04.
- Since his debut in February, Fernandes has been directly involved in more goals in all competitions than any other Premier League player (10 - six goals, four assists).
- Fernandes has been directly involved in eight goals in his first eight league games for Man Utd (five goals, three assists) - only Robin van Persie has had more goal involvements (nine) after as many games at the start of his Premier League career with the club.

What's next?

United will be confident of securing a third consecutive Premier League win when a struggling Bournemouth visit Old Trafford on Saturday, while Brighton travel to Norwich City on the same day.

Lionel Messi received a late birthday gift on Tuesday as he netted against Atletico Madrid to mark the 700th goal of his professional career. 

Messi, who turned 33 on June 24, converted after 50 minutes to put his team 2-1 ahead against Diego Simeone's side. 

He reached the milestone with consummate style as well, dinking a panenka penalty over Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak.The Slovenia international dived early and was powerless to prevent the strike from crossing the line. 

The Argentine forward also demonstrated his showmanship in his celebration, clicking his fingers and winking for the cameras.

The penalty was awarded when full back Nelson Semedo latched on to a pas down the right inside channel; Atletico defender Felipe went to meet him but could only bring down the right back with an outstretched boot, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Messi appropriately reached the mark at Camp Nou, his home stadium for the entirity of his club playing career. The only downside was that he could not score in front of the Barcelona fans, with all La Liga matches being played behind closed doors due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

He has now scored 630 for the Catalans, making him the club's all-time top scorer by some distance, with another 70 strikes coming in international colours for Argentina.

In doing so he joins a select group of football legends who have earned a place in the 700 club. 

Juventus and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo is the only current player other than Messi to have reached the landmark, boasting 725 strikes in 1002 professional appearances for Sporting, Manchester United, Real Madrid, the Bianconeri and his national team. 

Leo, however, has broken 700 in just 860 matches between Barcelona and Argentina, more than 100 fewer than his former Clasico rival at Madrid needed to reach the same figure. 

Czech-Austrian idol Josef Bican holds the all-time record for goals scored in competitive football, having hit 805 in a career that spanned almost three decades and included spells at Rapid Vienna, Slavia Prague and both the Austria and Czechoslovak national teams. 

Behind Bican lie another Barca favourite, Romario (772/994), Pele (767/831), Hungary legend Ferenc Puskas (746/754), Germany's Gerd Muller (735/793) and Ronaldo (725/1002).

Josh Sargent says that he had "goosebumps" after scoring for Werder Bremen over the weekend, with the U.S. men's national team forward's long-awaited goal helping keep his side's Bundesliga hopes alive.

Sargent scored Werder Bremen's sixth and final goal against Koln over the weekend, helping seal a 6-1 win on the final day of the season.

The victory gives Werder Bremen the chance to remain in the Bundesliga, with the club qualifying for the relegation playoff.

Saturday's win saw Werder Bremen leapfrog fellow USMNT stars Zack Steffen, Alfredo Morales and Fortuna Dusseldorf, who will be relegated to the 2. Bundesliga.

Werder Bremen, meanwhile, will face Heidenheim in a two-leg playoff with the winner earning a spot in the Bundesliga.

On a personal level, the goal was Sargent's fourth of the season, but only his second goal since October.

"I have worked hard for this," Sargent told Werder.TV. "Finally I’ve scored the goal. It was just like: what’s happening here? It was crazy.”

He added: “I had goosebumps. I think everyone felt the same: I can’t believe what just happened. We always said that we will fight until the end. That was a very proud moment for the team."

When Sargent came onto the pitch as a substitute in the second half of Saturday's victory, he was the only player on the field that knew Werder Bremen's situation.

The club needed a win and a Dusseldorf loss to leapfrog their relegation rivals, with Sargent aware that Union Berlin were dominating in the other key match.

“I spoke to Niklas Moisander after the game and he said he had no idea what the score was in Berlin until they announced in the stadium that it was 3-0 to Union,” he said.

Sargent, who joined Bremen in 2017, has made 32 appearances for the club in all competitions this season.

That comes on the heels of a 2018-19 campaign that saw him make his first-team debut, scoring two goals across 10 matches for the German side.

Sargent and Werder Bremen will host Heidenheim in the first leg of their playoff on Thursday before visiting the 2. Bundesliga side on Monday for the second leg.

"We now have two more games left," Sargent said. "And we will continue fighting.”

After being hauled off at half-time against Leicester City, Frank Lampard is hoping Mason Mount picks himself up to do battle against his best friend Declan Rice and West Ham United.

Having completed 3,091 minutes this season and after playing the full match in each of the previous games, the 21-year-old wasn't his usual spritely self as Lampard looked to his subs to finish the job in the FA Cup against Leicester City.

The only outfield player to have completed more minutes than Mount for Chelsea this season is captain Cesar Azpilicueta, and the Blues manager admits that he is leaning upon him as much at Stamford Bridge as he did at Derby County, despite hauling him off at the weekend.

"I rely on Mason a lot. I did at Derby, I do at Chelsea," Lampard told reporters ahead of his side's trip to the London Stadium. "He brings so much to the team in his work ethic and the way he can start the press in midfield and obviously his quality on the ball which is only going to get better and it’s already at a high level.

"Mason wouldn’t have been happy to come off at half time. I know that from myself and if there’s one comparison I can make is that I know if he’s not playing, then he won’t be happy.

"He should not be happy that evening, but then straight back to it afterwards because he knows how much I trust in him and he works brilliantly every day.

"When I say Mason, I mean Billy [Gilmour] and Reece [James] in the same breath because they show a similar attitude. There will be no problem with Mason because it was a one-off game, I had to make a decision and it doesn’t affect my thinking for West Ham or going forwards.

“I think the first two games after the restart, which Mason played 90 minutes in both, at Aston Villa he was incredibly lively with the ball, gave them a lot of problems going forward, probably unfortunate not to score or have an assist.

"The work ethic and quality that he showed against Manchester City was also incredible and the performance we showed as a team was also really good.

"So, he had two big performances in a week and then in the Leicester game; Mason didn’t really have a bad performance, it was a performance in line with the team and my choices to change were about the players that I could bring into that performance rather than the players who were on the pitch, because I could have made a lot of changes in that game.

"It was more about whether I could bring some energy into the team."

On Wednesday night, Lampard's side will look to avoid a second defeat of the season to West Ham, who are desperately battling against relegation.

The match will see London rivals face off but also best friends as Mount and Rice compete. The pair broke the UK lockdown rules in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic to play five-a-side football together.

Ever the professionals, the news seemed uncharacteristic and Lampard moved to remind Mount of his responsibilities and offered his view on the pair's friendship.

“I had the shortest word possible," he added about Mount's misconduct. "Mason was very innocently, and, as you say, naively wrong at the time and he very quickly held his hands up to that.

"But he was kicking a ball about and that’s so typical of Mason and how he lives his life. So I had the shortest ever conversation with Mason. He was pretty apologetic and said he got it wrong straight away and we moved on.

"In that sort of circumstance [of Rice and Mount's friendship ahead of kick-off] but you can also become overly focused on that relationship and have a not so good game. They are two very good players.

"But there is only one thing I will ask of Mason – and from my point of view that is obviously all I care about going into this one. He texts him tonight, he smiles at him in the tunnel or whatever it is, but if and when they go up against each other he has try to beat him in every individual battle that he possibly can.

"Sensing Rice's character, I am sensing they will both be like-minded on that one. We will see."

Indeed, Chelsea have been credited with an interest in Rice on and off for the last year, but Lampard has brushed off the speculation.

West Ham boss David Moyes is keen to see his ex-Chelsea academy star stick around for a while longer. However, having managed at Manchester United in the recent past, he is aware that the young England international has some improving to do to get to the top level.

"If you think of the great players that have been at West Ham over the last 125 years, some stunning players," Moyes said ahead of the match. "Declan Rice is not anywhere close to that level yet, he has got a lot of improvement to do to meet that level but he is a very, very good player.

"I have had the chance to see a lot of players at the top level, their qualities, Declan has many, many of them. My idea is to build West Ham around Declan Rice. I see Declan Rice as a future captain of West Ham for many reasons.

"I am looking forward to working with Declan and unless I am told different or things change he is a very big part of the club to me."

Chelsea's form since the return to action following the relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions from the UK Government has seen them continue a spell of good form. Three wins from three sees them in the FA Cup semi-final and firmly in the top four places in the Premier League.

Lampard has managed his squad well, using the five substitutions available and heavy rotation leaving Moyes under no illusions about the level of challenge for his Hammers side during the midweek clash.

"They have so many different attacking options," he added. "First of all you wouldn’t know what players are going to play, but I think the style is they get a lot of players forward. They’re good at it.

"They also have one or two world-class holding midfielders who give them the balance to allow them to attack from that position. They’re a good side. They’re an energetic side, which everybody has seen this season."

Mikel Arteta is adamant Mesut Ozil’s wages will never come into his mind when it comes to selecting his squad for a matchday.

Arsenal’s head coach left the playmaker, who pockets £350,000 a week and is Arsenal’s highest earner, out of the squad for the trip to Brighton on June 20.

Ozil did return for the 2-0 victory at Southampton but was an unused substitute, and was then missing completely at Sheffield United on Sunday due to a back injury.

The German remains a doubt for Wednesday night’s home game against Norwich but even if fit he would be unlikely to start, with Arteta having publicly called on the 31-year-old to do more in training.

Arsenal’s head coach admitted ahead of the match with the Canaries that Ozil is not happy with the situation he finds himself in, but was adamant that his sky high wages will not change his mind when it comes to how he selects his team each week.

“Never,” said Arteta. “That is an agreement that the player and club were happy to do, to move ahead and it is never [one] that I question.

"I think players are paid whatever they deserve because there are two parties here and that should never be something I have to judge.

“I want all my players at their best and to have the ability to be able to pick them to help the squad as much as possible and that's the only intention I have.

“I believe that he's not very happy because he's not playing but as well he picked up an injury the other day and we have to wait and see how he evolves.”

Arteta was a team-mate of Ozil’s during his playing days at Arsenal and when he returned to the club in December he appeared to have handed the German a lifeline in north London.

Having often found himself marginalised by Unai Emery, Ozil was brought straight back into the side by Arteta and started all 10 of the Spaniard’s league games in charge before football’s coronavirus enforced suspension in March.

He has yet to play a single minute since the restart, however, but Arteta insists he is well aware of the qualities he can still bring when at top form.

“I know him really well because I played with him,” he said. “Mesut has unique qualities. He is a very special player for the position he plays, how specific he is in the qualities that he has and what he can bring to the team. I don’t think much has changed.

“Obviously he adapted to the league and he needed some time but he started to perform pretty quickly and he established himself in this league for a long time, something that is not easy to do.”

Brentford’s Premier League ambition recorded a big boost following Tuesday’s 3-0 away victory at Reading, with Cameroon-prospect Bryan Mbeumo found the net.

The Bees went into the game on the back of three consecutive wins in the Championship, while the Royals were hoping to return to winning ways after a 2-1 defeat at Derby County on Saturday.

Profiting from an assist from Ethan Pinnock, Mbeumo gave the visitors a 23rd minute lead at the Madejski Stadium.

The 20-year-old headed from close range after Pinnock had nodded to his path a corner kick from Emiliano Marcondes.

Reading pushed for an equaliser in the second half as they looked dangerous with Pontus Jansson blocking a shot from Michael Olise which could have tested goalkeeper David Raya.

Yakou Meite also missed a glaring chance at the far post after controlling a cross from Frenchman Olise.

Joshua Dasilva put the game beyond the Royals with a 64th-minute goal after lifting the ball over goalkeeper Rafael, before Mbeumo’s replacement Joel Valencia sealed the triumph in the 90th minute with Christian Noergaard credited for the assist.

Before Mbeumo’s substitution, he lasted for 61 minutes, while South Africa’s Kamohelo Mokotjo was introduced for Marcondes with eight minutes left to play.

Algeria international Said Benrahma was on parade from start to finish, while Guinea's Julian Jeanvier and Ghana's Tarique Fosu were unused substitutes by manager Thomas Frank.

For Reading, Cote d’Ivoire’s Meite, on-loan Liverpool midfielder Ovie Ejaria, Anglo-Ugandan Jordan Obita as well as Zimbabwe prospect Andy Rinomhota were on parade from start to finish.

Kenyan forward Ayub Masika, Guinea-Bissau's Pele and Gabriel Osho who is of Nigerian descent were unused substitutes. That was not the case for Sone Aluko, Andy Yiadom and Mo Barrow who were not listed for action.

With this result, Brentford stay in third having garnered 69 points from 40 games - six points below leaders Leeds United - who were held to a 1-1 draw at home by relegation-threatened Luton Town on Tuesday.

They welcome Leon Balogun’s Wigan to Griffin Park on Saturday with Reading visiting Luton.

Ex-Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju has thrown his weight behind the Confederation of African Football’s decision to postpone the Africa Cup of Nations.

During Caf’s executive committee meeting on Tuesday, they resolved that the championship billed for commencement on January 9, 2021 in Cameroon will now take place in 2022 owing to the impact of Covid-19.

“After consultation with stakeholders and taking into consideration the current global situation, the tournament has been rescheduled for January 2022. The date for the final tournament and the remaining matches of the qualifiers will be communicated in due course,” a statement from Caf read.

Currently, qualifying games are yet to be concluded while Europe-based stars might be affected because of a likely congested season should the competition go as planned.

The former Super Eagles midfielder has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the resolution.

According to him, shifting the African football showpiece will enable hosts Cameroon touches to their preparations while participating countries would have enough time to prepare for the tournament.

“I was wondering about the kind of magic the Confederation of African would perform to host the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations,” the former Real Madrid and Real Sociedad star tweeted.

“But with this postponement, there is more time for effective planning for the hosts, while countries would have enough time to prepare.

“And by then, players would really be in their best shape. Good decision from Caf.”

Meanwhile, president Ahmad Ahmad also ousted rumours that the Central African country would be replaced as hosts. Cameroon were denied the hosting right of the 2019 edition due to their unpreparedness.

“The Caf Executive Committee is satisfied with the Cameroonian authorities for their commitment towards the hosting of the two competitions. Cameroon is ready to host either competition and are within schedule " he said as quoted by Caf website.

Algeria are the defending champion having defeated Senegal 1-0 in the final of Egypt 2019, with Baghdad Bounedjah scoring the only goal at the Cairo International Stadium.

The case is different for women’s football as the 2020 African Women’s Cup of Nations has been cancelled. However, the women’s Champions League has been inaugurated and will start in 2021.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a stunning goal as Juventus restored their four-point lead at the top of Serie A with a 3-1 victory over struggling Genoa.

Lazio's win over Torino had seen the gap at the top of Serie A closed to one point prior to kick-off at Stade Luigi Ferraris, but Maurizio Sarri's side ultimately made light work of their hosts.

After a dominant first-half display failed to produce the goods, Juve made the pressure count early in the second period – Paulo Dybala opening the scoring before Ronaldo picked out the top right-hand corner of the net in sensational fashion.

Substitute Douglas Costa then put the visitors out of sight with an equally impressive strike before Andrea Pinamonti drilled in a 76th-minute consolation for Genoa.

Juve wasted little time in getting on the front foot, with Mattia Perin, on loan from the Bianconeri, pulling off two smart stops in quick succession to deny Ronaldo.

Perin's strong display against his parent club continued before the break, Adrien Rabiot heading straight at him from close range before the goalkeeper made an outstanding stop from a Ronaldo strike.

Juve's breakthrough finally came five minutes after the break, though, Dybala twisting his way clear of several defenders before lashing in a shot which Perin could only help into the net.

With Genoa's resolve broken, Juve had their second six minutes later, Ronaldo hammering home his 24th Serie A goal of the season from 25 yards out.

Costa curled in an exquisite third shortly after coming on as a substitute to wrap up Juve's third successive league win since the restart, though Genoa had the final say when Pinamonti finished from a tight angle.

What does it mean? No slip-ups in the Scudetto race

The pressure is on Juve, with Lazio bouncing back from their 3-2 defeat to Atalanta by beating Torino. The Bianconeri seem to be going from strength to strength, however, with Ronaldo and Dybala in scintillating form.

Ronaldo and Dybala do the damage

Sarri has not always been able to accommodate his star strikers to get the best out of both of them, yet that certainly was not the case on Tuesday – Ronaldo looked sharp from the off, while Dybala displayed exceptional individual skill to craft the space for his opener.

Perin gives his parent club a helping hand

Having made nine league appearances for Juve last term, Perin was superb in the first half. Yet the 27-year-old will have been disappointed by his efforts for Dybala's opener as he got down to the strike only to fail to parry it wide.

Key Opta Facts

- Juventus have scored at least two goals in all their last six league games, their best run since February 2019.
- In 2020, Ronaldo has scored 14 goals, more than any other Serie A player.
- Dybala has scored in his last four Serie A games, his longest streak since September 2017.
- Ronaldo has equalled his number of goals of last season - 28 in all competitions.
- Pinamonti has scored in two games in a row for Genoa for the first time in Serie A.

What's next?

It is the Turin derby up next for Juve, who host Torino on Saturday, while 17th-place Genoa face Udinese a day later.

Lionel Messi scored the 700th goal of his career but Barcelona were held to a 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid by a pair of Saul Niguez penalties, damaging their LaLiga title defence.

Barca's all-time leading scorer Messi brought up the milestone at Camp Nou with a brilliant Panenka from the penalty spot as he punished Felipe for sending Nelson Semedo to ground early in the second half.

However, Saul, who first equalised in the opening period after Diego Costa's own goal, powered home from 12 yards for the second time after Semedo caught Yannick Carrasco in the box.

The result provided a boost to Real Madrid, who can open up a four-point advantage at the summit by beating Getafe on Thursday.

Messi appeared to have ended his wait for his landmark goal in the 11th minute, but his corner only beat Jan Oblak due to a deflection off the inside of Costa's leg.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved a penalty from Costa after Arturo Vidal tripped Carrasco, only for a VAR review to spot the goalkeeper had strayed off his line. A re-take was ordered and Saul guided the ball into the bottom-right corner.

Messi curled a magnificent attempt from the right corner of the box narrowly wide, before steering a cutback from Jordi Alba outside the left upright and seeing a deflected free-kick turned behind by Oblak before half-time.

Barca regained the lead five minutes after the restart when Messi cheekily chipped home his 700th goal from the penalty spot.

Costa missed the target with a header but Carrasco won another penalty and Saul's spot-kick found the net off the gloves of Ter Stegen.

Vidal was unable to find the target with a pair of decent opportunities as Barca were forced to settle for a draw that will do little to quell the rumours of discontent in the dressing room.

What does it mean? Barca falter again

Quique Setien changed his approach for the visit of Atleti, leaving Antoine Griezmann and Ansu Fati on the bench and playing Riqui Puig behind a front two of Messi and Luis Suarez.

The Blaugrana dominated possession throughout but proved vulnerable on the counter-attack and Setien did not change formation until he introduced Fati in the 85th minute – Griezmann came on five minutes later.

It was too late and Barca have now drawn three of their past four LaLiga fixtures and seen the two-point lead they held when the season was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic evaporate. With five games remaining, Setien needs to turn things around quickly.

Magical Messi not enough

Everything positive for Barca was funnelled through Messi – he had more shots in the first half than the entire Atleti team. After three games without a goal he reached his milestone with class, but Diego Simeone's men were still able to snatch a point.

Costa's miserable outing

After narrowly missing out on connecting with a teasing Carrasco free-kick in the sixth minute, Costa put the ball in the net at the other end. His penalty was poor and he was fortunate VAR offered Atletico a second chance to equalise.

What's next?

Atleti are back in action at home to Real Mallorca on Friday, while Barcelona face a tricky trip to Villarreal on Sunday.

Bruno Fernandes admits he doesn't want to talk too much about his combination with Paul Pogba after he helped Manchester United to another crucial win.

The Red Devils eased past Brighton on Tuesday night, cruising to a 3-0 victory at Falmer Stadium.

Mason Greenwood opened the scoring with a lovely finish in the 16th minute before Fernandes doubled the lead in the 29th minute.

The two then linked up for United's third, with Greenwood's cross being volleyed home spectacularly by Fernandes to finish off the scoring.

Fernandes' brace now gives him six goals in a Red Devils shirt, having played only 13 matches for the club.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have thrived since Fernandes made the move from Sporting, as Man Utd now sits within two points of fourth-place Chelsea.

Much has been made about Pogba's return from injury which has seen him link up with Fernandes, but the Portugal star is eager to ensure the focus isn't just on their pairing. 

"I don't want to talk too much about me and Paul Pogba, we are happy to play together but I am happy to play with everyone," Fernandes told Sky Sports. 

"We can combine together, we have qualities, but we know that we have team-mates who can do well.

"The most important thing is the three points but we played well and the result was good. We didn't concede again which is important. David de Gea made two or three amazing saves, we are very happy.

"We knew that we needed to push forwards and to try and score from minute one. I was lucky with the first goal and the second goal was amazing, an amazing pass from Mason.

"We are fighting for a place in the Champions League and we know we can achieve this." 

Manchester United will face off with Bournemouth on Saturday with just six games remaining in the Premier League season after that match.

In those six games, they'll face Aston Villa, Southampton, Crystal Palace and West Ham before ending the season with two vital matches against Chelsea and third-place Leicester.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are set to face West Ham on Wednesday.