Jasper Philipsen wins opening stage sprint on Tour de France

Jasper Philipsen will wear the Tour de France’s yellow jersey for the first time in his career after winning stage one of the 2025 edition. A sprint finish was expected after a flat stage beginning and ending in Lille, and Alpecin-Deceuninck’s lead-out train delivered the 27-year-old in the perfect position to claim the stage win.

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Marcus Rashford ready to leave Man United for a ‘new challenge’

Marcus Rashford has admitted he is ready to leave Manchester United and take on a “new challenge”. Rashford was left out of the squad for Sunday’s Manchester derby by Ruben Amorim, although the head coach insisted there were no disciplinary issues behind his decision but he appeared to hint he had hoped to see more from the England player on and off the pitch during his first few weeks in charge.

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Dan Ashworth leaves role as Manchester United sporting director

Dan Ashworth has left his position as Manchester United’s sporting director after only five months at the club. United recruited Ashworth from Newcastle to much fanfare and expense but they have come to a mutual agreement to part ways. Talks were held between Ashworth and the chief executive Omar Berrada last night and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe signed off on the 53-year-old’s departure.

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Manchester United appoint Rúben Amorim as new manager

Manchester United have appointed Ruben Amorim as their new head coach. The 39-year-old Portuguese, who will move to Old Trafford from Lisbon club Sporting on 11 November, has signed a contract until June 2027. Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took charge on an interim basis after Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday, will stay on for the club’s next three fixtures.

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Merlier claims stage 21 sprint as Pogačar wins Giro d’Italia

Tim Merlier claimed his third sprint victory on Stage 21 as Tadej Pogacar completed the first half of his Giro d’Italia-Tour de France double attempt. After suffering a late mechanical, Jonathan Milan was dragged back into the finale by his Lidl-Trek colleagues – but the Italian had spent too much energy to rival Merlier in the showdown. It means Merlier & Milan leave Italy with three wins apiece.

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