Ratcliffe’s straight-talking gunslinger act dissolves into double-speak | Manchester United

A core strength of Ineos is direct accountability. Matrix structures are by definition amorphous, confusing, and create places for people to hide. Hmm. That does sound bad, Sir Jim. Talk me through it one more time, these frustrating corporate shields, these blame-avoidance tactics you’re so worried about. But first could you please just come out from … Read more

Donnarumma denies Liverpool and Núñez to send PSG through on penalties | Champions League

Luis Enrique exploded across the Anfield pitch when Désiré Doué struck the winning penalty and was still leaping on Paris Saint-Germain players and officials when they headed down the tunnel five minutes later. The reaction of someone who knows that one of the biggest obstacles to PSG’s designs on a first Champions League title is … Read more

France buy-in to monster pack blueprint threatens reimagined future | Six Nations 2025

The Six Nations title is still theoretically on the line entering the final weekend. But, let’s be honest, if France display the same power against Scotland as they did against Ireland in Dublin there is only one probable outcome. Even minus the unfortunate Antoine Dupont, now facing a long lay-off because of damaged knee ligaments, … Read more

Wales women’s rugby captain slams ‘disgraceful’ WRU contract wrangle | Wales women’s rugby union team

The Wales captain, Hannah Jones, has said that the squad’s experience in a contract controversy last year was “disgraceful” and made her contemplate international retirement. Allegations emerged in October that the Welsh Rugby Union had threatened to withdraw from the 2025 Rugby World Cup if the women’s team did not sign new contracts on offer. … Read more

Flintoff earmarked as England white-ball coach if McCullum takes break | England cricket team

Andrew Flintoff has been earmarked as a potential caretaker coach of the England senior white-ball teams this year if Brendon McCullum requires a break before the Ashes. The England Test coach took over the national limited-overs sides two months ago in a new dual role but, given the gruelling schedule, McCullum may be given the … Read more

Dick McTaggart obituary | Boxing

When the Scottish boxer Dick McTaggart flew back from the 1956 Olympic Games in Australia, where he had won the gold medal in the lightweight division, nothing could have prepared him for the hero’s welcome he was given after travelling by train back to his home in Dundee. He was lifted on to the platform … Read more