With the former Napoli coach’s contentious move from London to Turin now confirmed, Goal looks at the pros and cons for everyone involved

Last Saturday, a documentary based on Maurizio Sarri received its grand premiere in Bologna.

It should have been a joyous occasion for everyone involved, a celebration of one of the game’s more eccentric characters.

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However, the unveiling of Francesco Inglese’s ‘Maurizio, Il Sarrismo: A marvellous anomaly’ was overshadowed by the news that the revered Tuscan coach was poised to join Juventus.

“We ‘sarristi’ still can’t believe it,” actor Massimiliano Gallo, who worked as a narrator on the film, told the Gazzetta dello Sport last week.

“If it should really happen, we’re not ruling out the possibility of even withdrawing the film!”

Given Sarri’s appointment as Juventus coach is now confirmed, the first showing of ‘Maurizio’ could well be its last.

The Tuscan’s decision to take charge of the Serie A superpower which he had so thrillingly tried to take down during his memorable spell in charge of Napoli has proven a hugely divisive issue in Italy.

Napoli fans such as Gallo view it as an act of betrayal, not only of their love for Sarri, but also everything for which he stands, while some Juve supporters are excited by the prospect of seeing their brutally efficient but painfully uninspiring side finally embracing ‘The Beautiful Game’.

With that in mind, Goal looks at the most high-profile winners and losers from one of the most intriguing transfers of the summer so far…

Arguably the biggest loser in all of this is Jorginho, the player who personifies ‘Sarrismo’.

Remember, the midfield metronome had agreed to join Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City last summer only for Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to intervene and insist that he instead move to Chelsea so that he could get his desired €8 million (£7m/$9m) pay-off from Chelsea for Sarri’s switch to Stamford Bridge.

Now, Jorginho has been left all alone in London.

So often made the scapegoat by Chelsea fans for his team-mates’ struggles with Sarri’s system, the 27-year-old now faces an anxious to wait to see whether the club’s new manager will view his nuanced brand of playmaking with as much disdain.

Indeed, the incoming coach could well decide to restore N’Golo Kante to his preferred position in front of the defence and send Jorginho packing.

Guardiola will be monitoring the situation with particular interest…

As we saw during the Euro 2016 final, Cristiano Ronaldo has no issues with assuming the role of coach.

Now, it seems, he is just as willing to embrace the role of sporting director, with the Portuguese determined to play his part in Juve’s summer recruitment strategy.

The forward made a very public bid to persuade in-demand Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt to move to the Allianz Stadium at the end of the Nations League final, while it is also believed he is privately trying to persuade former Real Madrid team-mate Marcelo to join him in Italy.

Having seen Juve eliminated at the quarter-final stage of last season’s Champions League, Ronaldo clearly believes that the Old Lady needs more quality.

However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner also shares the widely held view that the Bianconeri need to be more pro-active, particularly in Europe.

Ronaldo enjoyed an excellent relationship with Allegri but, during several games last season, he was left visibly frustrated by the lack of control Juve exerted over games.

In that sense, he will welcome the arrival of a possession-obsessed coach such as Sarri.

Ronaldo championed the appointment of Jose Mourinho as Allegri’s successor – like his compatriot, CR7 prioritises winning football over beautiful football – but he should enjoy playing for a team that will give him more opportunities than last season to give him exactly what he wants: the ball.

Many Chelsea fans will see themselves as winners in all of this.

After all, they are back in the Champions League, embarrassed London rivals Arsenal in the Europa League final and, most importantly of all, have finally got rid of Sarri.

However, it is impossible to view those ‘supporters’ with anything but the same level of contempt in which they – and several members of the British press – held Sarri.

The Italian surpassed all expectations in his first season at Stamford Bridge by finishing third in the Premier League, reaching the final of the League Cup and winning a major European trophy – all the while overseeing the implementation of a radically different footballing philosophy to that of his predecessor, Antonio Conte.

Yet as soon as the going got tough after an 18-game unbeaten start to the season – which was inevitable during a season of such ambitious transition – a significant chunk of Chelsea fans turned on their manager – and Jorginho, in particular.

‘F*** Sarriball!’ was regularly heard ringing out around the Bridge, as fans grew frustrated with their manager’s perceived stubbornness and alleged reluctance to use academy products.

It was shameful behaviour, a damning indictment of the fans’ ignorance and sense of entitlement.

Say what you will about Manchester City supporters – and their current indignation over the way in which their success is perceived by the press and rival fans – but at least they stood by Guardiola during his difficult first season in the Premier League, as the Catalan was only too happy to remind everyone last week.

Chelsea fans may soon come to regret failing to afford Sarri such patience and understanding.

Make no mistake about it: had Allegri stayed at Juventus, Paulo Dybala’s time in Turin was over.

Nobody was hit harder by Ronaldo’s arrival from Real Madrid last summer than the Argentine attacker.

They clicked instantaneously off the field but never on it. Allegri, thus, asked Dybala to play deeper, “in between the lines”, but the forward unsurprisingly struggled to adapt to the role.

The net result was Dybala following up the most prolific season of his career (26 goals in all competitions) with the worst.

He scored just five times in Serie A and started only 24 games. By the season’s end, he was heading for the exit door at the Allianz Stadium.

Allegri’s departure has changed everything, though.

Indeed, there is now the tantalising prospect of Dybala developing into an even more effective attacker than he was in 2017-18, when one considers the way in which similarly diminutive forwards such as Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne went to a whole other level under Sarri’s tutelage at Napoli.

New Inter boss Antonio Conte is keen to lure Dybala to San Siro, by offering Mauro Icardi – a player the champions have previously pursued – in return.

However, as Goal has revealed, the Old Lady is now reluctant to let go of ‘La Joya’, who should, thus, be granted an unexpected opportunity to re-establish himself as one of Juve’s most valuable players.

“I hear talk of Pep Guardiola,” Andrea Barzagli recently mused, “and it’s nice to dream.”

The reality, though, is that Juventus never had any chance of prising the Catalan coach away from Manchester City this summer.

However, several journalists were adamant that Pep was bound for Turin, and that whipped several fans into a frenzy, particularly on social media.

Right up until this week there were those insisting that Guardiola was on his way, with his presence in Milan sparking hysteria online.

The danger now, of course, is that Sarri’s appointment will feel like an anti-climax to some supporters. Or even worse, a mere stop-gap.

There is widespread appreciation for the job that Sarri did at Napoli. He was viewed as a worthy adversary but that doesn’t mean that everyone viewed him worthy of the Juventus job.

“Sarri has no class, regardless of whether he dresses in a suit or a tracksuit,” former Bianconeri president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli fumed on Radio Kiss Kiss last week.

“I won’t forget the middle finger he flashed at the Juve fans when he was on the team bus. He can stick that finger somewhere else!”

In that context, Sarri could face an even tougher task winning over all of his club’s fans than he did at Chelsea.

La Albiceleste midfielder Giovani Lo Celso hailed Lionel Messi as his side prepare for Sunday’s must-win showdown on Sunday

Lionel Messi’s presence for Argentina is a privilege not a nuisance, team-mate Giovani Lo Celso insisted ahead of the nation’s decisive Copa America clash against Qatar.

Messi and Argentina are in danger of a Copa group-stage elimination as La Albiceleste prepare to face guests Qatar in Porto Alegre on Sunday.

After a 2-0 loss to Colombia and a 1-1 draw against Paraguay from two Group B matches, pressure is on Argentina, with captain Messi firmly in the spotlight.

Messi – the country’s all-time leading scorer – is yet to win a senior trophy with Argentina following back-to-back Copa finals in 2015 and 2016 and a runners-up appearance at the 2014 World Cup.

When asked if Messi’s presence is more a nuisance than an opportunity for young players as Argentina eye their first major title since 1993, Lo Celso hauled the 31-year-old superstar.

“I think not, I see the opposite,” Lo Celso told reporters. “Having Leo as a partner and playing with him is a privilege. On the contrary, it always solves everything.

“In that sense, of course we try to take advantage of it. So having him in training, like in games is a privilege. These are things that do not happen every day, sharing trainings and matches with him.

“When I’m young, I try to observe, to learn a lot. Because it does not always happen and for me it’s a privilege and try to learn as much as I can alongside it.”

Argentina are bottom of Group B, below Qatar on goal difference, though a win and finishing third could be enough to tee Lionel Scaloni’s side progress.

“From a mental and psychological perspective, we’re in good shape because we have the possibility of progressing and if we win we’re in the next round,” Scaloni said.

Scaloni added: “These young people need support, it’s too much pressure on them from life or death. It’s a football match, we have to win and that’s enough.

“I believe they need this support, we know what is happening, but they are young people who need this support and positive thinking to give the best and to make the climate the best possible.”

Scaloni tinkered with his line-up against Paraguay – dropping Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria to the bench – and he could make more changes for the Qatar clash.

Asked if Paulo Dybala could play alongside Messi given their similarities, Scaloni responded: “They can play together, they’re two top-level players and they need to work together, which they haven’t done much, but with compromise they could do it.”

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Sevilla have offered the American-Nigerian a two-year contract extension following an impressive first season in Spain

Toni Payne has signed a contract extension, tying her to Sevilla until 2021.

The American-Nigerian forward had agreed to a one-year deal with the Spanish outfit in June 2018, and helped them to Liga Iberdola safety in May.

The former Concacaf Women’s U-17 winner with the USA joined Sevilla after ending her two-year sojourn with Netherlands Eredivisie women’s champions Ajax in July 2018.

On her debut season in Spain, Payne impressed scoring 10 goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances, including three goals in Spanish Queen’s Cup same term.

In the process, the former Ajax forward was nominated twice for Liga Iberdrola Player of the Week award for her contributions.

Having excelled in her maiden outing for Cristian Toro’s side, the 24-year-old has been handed a new two-year contract at Campo Huerto de la Mariana. 

“Toni Payne will play three seasons wearing the Sevilla FC jersey,” the club announced in a statement on its website on Tuesday.

“The 24-year-old attacker from Birmingham will extend her stay in Spanish football, which was premiered in the last academic year 2018/2019 by the Seville team.

“Her tip of speed and effectiveness are two qualities highly valued by the technicians.

“In summary, Payne has signed some very interesting numbers in his first year in the capital of Andalusia.

“Over 30 matches, broken down by 27 in the Iberdrola League and three in the Copa de la Reina, contributed seven points.

“These figures are rounded up with two assists. The 2019/2020 project continues to take shape with the continuity of the American dynamite.”
 
Having ensured their top-flight survival last season, Sevilla will aim to go all the way in the 2019/20120 season, having retained the services of Payne, who is keen to represent Nigeria.

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Reflecting on the Manchester City star’s Premier League winning campaign with Leicester City, this Ultimate Team card is phenomenal

The 2015-16 Premier League season was a magical time. We all became believers as the country watched in awe as Leicester City beat the 5000/1 odds and lifted the Premier League trophy. One of the stars that season was Riyad Mahrez who appeared to be magical himself at times with his beautiful ball control and powerful shot.

EA Sports have decided to pay tribute to that season by giving the Algerian a Flashback card relating to his 93-rated TOTS in FIFA 16. His new FIFA 19 card has the same overall rating, making it his best card in the game with 93 pace, 94 dribbling, 92 shooting, 93 passing and 80 physicality. Some of his in-game stats are outrageous, too, like his 96 acceleration, 94 long shots, 95 curve and his 99 agility. All that as well as five-star skills and a four-star weak foot makes this Mahrez card extremely strong so Goal is here to help with the Squad Building Challenges.

Requirements: Minimum number of Leicester players: 1, minimum number of informs: 2, minimum squad rating of 84, minimum team chemistry: 75, numbers of players in the squad: 11.

Solution : Kasper Schmeichel (2,800), Team of the Season Lee Yong (19,750), inform Kang Min Soo (11,250), Andreas Christensen (1,200), inform Kim Min Woo (11,250), Thorgan Hazard (1,500), Axel Witsel (9,400), Javi Martinez (5,300), Yann Sommer (1,900), Thomas Muller (19,000), Andrej Kramaric (1,800) (85,150 coins total). 

Rewards : One mega pack which is worth 35,000 coins.

Requirements:  Minimum number of Premier League players: 1, minimum number of informs or TOTS cards: 2, minimum squad rating of 86, minimum team chemistry: 60, numbers of players in the squad: 11.

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Solution : Iker Casillas (2,000), TOTS Robert Skov (45,000), Kepa (2,700), Felipe (1,500), Jardel (1,300), Fabinho (12,000), Danilo Pereira (1,800), Pizzi (2,000), TOTS Viktor Tsygankov (47,000), Bruno Fernandes (3,700), Jonas (4,100) (123,100 coins total).

Rewards : One rare mega pack which is worth 55,000 coins.

Requirements : Minimum number of informs or TOTS cards: 2, minimum squad rating of 86, minimum team chemistry: 60, numbers of players in the squad: 11.

Solution : Bernd Leno (2,700), TOTS Robert Skov (45,000), Andreas Christensen (1,200), Sokratis (4,900), TOTS Viktor Tsygankov (47,000), Hakim Ziyech (2,000), Danilo Pereira (1,800), William Carvalho (3,900), Pizzi (2,000), Bruno Fernandes (3,700), Jonas (4,100)​ (118,100 coins total).​

Rewards : One rare players pack which is worth 50,000 coins.

Requirements : Minimum squad rating of 88, minimum team chemistry: 60, numbers of players in the squad: 11.

Solution : Iker Casillas (2,000), Lucas Leiva (1,500), Felipe (1,500), TOTS Varela (24,750), TOTS Vierinha (37,000), Danilo Pereira (1,800), TOTS Robert Skov (45,000), Pizzi (2,000), Bruno Fernandes (3,700), TOTS Viktor Tsygankov (47,000) TOTS Eran Zahavi (51,000) (214,250 coins total).

Rewards : One prime gold players pack which is worth 45,000 coins. 

The next Blues boss is close to being announced after a breakthrough in talks over personal terms and backroom staff

Frank Lampard has agreed on a contract at Stamford Bridge and an announcement by Chelsea is thought to be imminent after Derby County allowed him to skip the first day of pre-season to complete the deal. 

Chelsea will buy out the last two years of Lampard’s Rams contract at the cost of £4m ($5m) to replace their former head coach Maurizio Sarri, who joined Juventus a fortnight ago in a deal worth upwards of £5m ($6m).

The 41-year-old returns to the club where he spent 13 years, scoring 211 goals in 649 games in what is the most successful era in the club’s history.

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Lampard won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League in that time. He also came second to Ronaldinho in the Ballon d’Or of 2005.

It is understood that Lampard will bring staff from Derby with him as ex-Blues midfielder Jody Morris is expected to join as his assistant manager after working with him at the Rams.

Former Blues coach Chris Jones will also return, while head of performance analysis Steve Rands is thought to be another of the six to eight backroom staff that have spoken to the west London side.

Chelsea’s Development Squad manager Joe Edwards will be promoted in line with Lampard’s arrival, with the highly-rated young coach boasting a close relationship with Morris from his time in the academy.

Some of Chelsea’s players will return for pre-season medical tests on Wednesday and others who have been involved in post-season international tournaments or matches are expected back at a later date after their two-week holidays.

Lampard will lead Chelsea into seven pre-season matches in Dublin, Japan, Germany and Austria before opening the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 11.

However, he won’t be able to request new signings due to a two-window transfer ban imposed by FIFA as the club deny wrongdoing over the signing of overseas under-18 players.

Chelsea have not asked to freeze their transfer ban by applying for provisional measures but have appealed the ban outright with a hearing not likely to be heard anytime soon through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Claude Makelele is expected to be returning to the club to help out with work in the loan department, while Petr Cech’s return in a technical and performance advisor role has already been announced.

The 24-year old Argentine winger becomes the La Liga side’s second signing in one day following the arrival of Jules Kounde from Bordeaux

Argentine winger Lucas Ocampos has become Sevilla’s latest signing of the summer after making a €15m switch from Marseille.

The 24-year old left-sided player has signed a five-year contract at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium after passing a medical on Wednesday afternoon.

Ocampos becomes the club’s sixth signing of the summer as they seek to improve on their sxith place finish in La Liga last season.
 
Premier League clubs Burnley and Everton has been credited with an interest in the attacker, but Sevilla have now confirmed the transfer via their official website.
 
The Buenos Aires-born star arrives in Spain with seven years’ worth of European football experience after he made the switch to Monaco in 2012.
 
His breakthrough season in Argentina came with River Plate in the country’s second tier Nacional B – a campaign that saw him notch seven goals in 39 appearances during his side’s march to the top flight.
 
He then made his Primera Division debut on the opening day of the 2012-13 season, but it would turn out to be his final appearance before making an €11m move to France.    
 
His stint in the Principality began in Ligue 2, but again he was not made to wait long for success and played a major part in sealing Monaco’s promotion, scoring five times in 32 appearances during his debut season in Europe.
 
Two successful Ligue 1 campaigns resulted in a loan move to Marseille in 2014 – a switch that was made permanent the following year.
 
During his time in the Mediterranean port city, he had two more loan spells in Italy with Genoa and latterly Milan which further enhanced his European education.
 
In total, the wide man made 135 appearances across all competitions for Marseille, scoring 28 times in the process.

OM are reportedly obligated to sell players this summer in order to satisfy conditions relating to financial fair play with UEFA.

Despite being largely recognised as one of the club’s best performers, Ocampos appears to have been used as a makeweight in order to satisfy the governing body’s ruling.

Reports earlier this week had linked Burnley with a £10m approach for Ocampos.

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For the third time in the Gold Cup, Haiti came from behind to get a victory. For the first time in history, they’re through to the semifinals

Haiti’s players left NRG Stadium in a jubilant mood Saturday night after scoring three second-half goals to top Canada 3-2 and move into the Gold Cup semifinals. 

In addition to a ticket to the final four of the Concacaf tournament for the first time in history, one even acquired a souvenir, a snapback tossed from the crowd onto the field that he was still wearing as he exited. It read, “Haiti vs. Everybody.” 

Plenty of cities and nations have used the same sort of motto, but it’s been true for Les Grenadiers during the tournament. They’ve taken on all comers and, despite falling behind in three of four matches in the tournament, they’ve come out on top. 

“It feels amazing. I have to tell you, we’re a group of fighters,” Steeven Saba told Goal after the game. “Every time you get a win like this, you get more excited. You get momentum going. Coming down 2-0 at the half, just like we were losing in the group stage, it always feels amazing.” 

Hait went into the break trailing by two goals after a first half Canada controlled. The Haitians fell asleep on the first goal, with Alphonso Davies quickly taking a free kick and finding Jonathan David all alone. The Gold Cup’s leading scorer made no mistake and smashed the opener past Haiti goalkeeper Jhony Placide. On the second, Scott Arfield put a pass in for Lucas Cavallini, who was one-on-one with Placide after being kept onside by the left back Alex Christian. 

Surely something was said in the locker room at the break that inspired a Haiti team to come out and score three times in the second half, especially one good enough to inspire the winner – a goal from Wilde-Donald Guerrier from a gorgeous move started by Saba when he won back the ball in his own half and sent a rainbow toward Duckens Nazon. Nazon turned and got down the line, then he decided to see what his options were in the middle. It didn’t appear he had many choices, but he pulled a pass out of nowhere that found Guerrier. His first touch wasn’t a good one, but he stayed with it, popped the ball back in the air and finished past Milan Borjan. 

Borjan had been beaten almost by his own man for the first goal, with a back pass from Marcus Godinho catching him by surprise and allowing Nazon to pick his pocket and start the rally. Herve Bazile had the second from the penalty spot. 

Haiti coach Marc Collat claimed his team coolly, logically looked at the halftime margin and decided to change things. 

“There was not a big speech at halftime, we just looked at the fact that we had goals that could’ve been avoided,” Collat said after the match through a translator. “Despite the fact that Canada was dominating, we had opportunities, we’d created opportunities. If we were more serious in the second half, we could be more difficult for them. We came back. That’s when Canada started to doubt.” 

That wasn’t quite accurate, though. In each of the matches when Haiti was down, a veteran player has stood to rally his teammate and inspire them to chase the game in the second half and come away with the result. For this match, center back Andrew Jean-Baptiste stood. 

“It takes one voice in the locker room to lift everyone up. First game was Nazon, second game was Herve, this game was me,” he said. “I’m all about positive mentality, and that’s of one of the things I’m enforcing – I’m like, ‘yo, levez la tête – lift your head – we’re not finished. We have 45 minutes to change the game and all it takes is just one goal and we can create history after that.’ Miraculously, that’s exactly what happened.”

Baptiste’s speech was so moving for the players, Saba didn’t dare imitate it, instead calling over the Sweden-based defender they call “Drew” to recreate the moment. 

“I pointed out that this may be a few guys’ last Gold Cup and I said I’m going to go out there and give every single thing that I can possibly give and I want my brothers to follow with me,” Baptiste said. “We all do it together because our fitness coach put “Team” on the board. 

“I just kept on reiterating that we have to do this together. If we’re going to lose this game, let’s lose this game giving every single little bit that we have. That’s exactly what these guys did. We clawed and fought for it.” 

They did the same after trailing Bermuda at the half. They did the same after trailing Costa Rica at the half. Now Haiti is in to the Gold Cup semifinal for the first time, where they’ll wait for the winner of Mexico vs. Costa Rica, taking on all comers once again. 

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The England full-back was key in Phil Neville’s team reaching the Women’s World Cup semi-finals after a stunning display against Norway

England midfielder Fran Kirby described Lucy Bronze as “one of the best players in the world” after she starred in the Lionesses’ 3-0 win over Norway in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals.

Bronze helped her team get off to the perfect start when she drove down the right and cut the ball back to Jill Scott, who put England ahead after just two minutes.

But it was the full-back’s thunderous strike from outside the area in the second half which grabbed the headlines, with Phil Neville calling for her to win the Ballon d’Or after the game.

Kirby lauded her in the same vein, saying: “Lucy is absolutely fantastic, one of the best players in the world.

“It’s fantastic to have her on our team. When she gets the ball and she’s driving with it, there’s not many that can stop her.

“If she continues to play as she has done throughout the tournament, it’s exciting for us.”

Despite England’s performances having many ups and downs so far this tournament, Bronze has been key in helping them to the semi-finals.

Defensively, although there were concerns coming into the summer, she has been unbeatable, while lighting up the final third going forward.

“Lucy has been consistent throughout her career and to have someone like that in your team, who can grab the game by the scruff of the neck and do one of those powerful drives forward is exciting,” Kirby continued.

“It’s the way we want to play. When she is scoring goals like that, you just have to bow down to her.

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“She’s absolutely one of the best players in the world.”

Bronze could come up against as many as eight of her Olympique Lyonnais team-mates in the semi-finals, if France can beat the USA.

It will be a third successive semi-final in a major tournament for both her and Kirby too, who was also part of the teams that made the last four in Canada in 2015 and the Netherlands in 2017.

But, while reaching yet another semi-final is a fantastic achievement, Kirby doesn’t want to dwell on that.

“We want to go one better,” the 25-year-old said. “We’ve been to two semi-finals and we don’t want to feel that hurt again.

“We can’t focus on being in three semi-finals. We need to go one better, get to that final and come away with a World Cup winners’ medal.

“This team is onto something special,” Kirby continued. “It’s really exciting to be a part of.

“We have to build momentum and we’re doing that game-by-game.”

England will play their semi-final at Stade de Lyon on Tuesday July 2, with kick-off 8pm BST (3pm ET).

A former FA Cup winner returns to Old Trafford as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to make changes to the coaching set-up

Quinton Fortune has returned to Manchester United as part of a coaching re-structure of the club’s Under-23 side.

South African midfielder Fortune, who made 126 appearances for United, recently completed his UEFA A Licence and will act as assistant to former United youth team player Neil Wood who has been named lead coach of the Under-23s.

The restructure also sees Head of Academy Nicky Butt undertake increased involvement in the team’s overall programme.

Butt explained to the club’s official website: “Myself, Neil and Quinton have long-standing connections with Manchester United and bring a wealth of experience to our roles that we will pass on to the young players.

“It is such an exciting time for the Academy with Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) as first-team manager, who truly believes in the development of home-grown talent. It was a source of pride that three Academy graduates made their first-team debut last season. As a group, we will now look to build on this success.”

Fortune, who played 46 times for his country, said: “I am delighted to return to the club in this new role. As a former player, I know exactly what it takes and also what it means to play for Manchester United.

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“I have a great relationship with Ole, whom I also worked with at Cardiff when I was assistant manager of their Under-21s, and I look forward to working with him again alongside Nicky and Neil.

“We will all work together in order to achieve the ultimate aim of producing players capable of performing in Manchester United’s first team.”

Wood takes charge of the Under-23s following the departure of veteran coach Ricky Sbragia at the end of the season by mutual consent after less than two years in the post.

Wood said: “It is a real honour to be appointed lead coach for the Under-23s. I have learnt a lot about this age group over the last few seasons. This club has been a major part of my life since I joined the Academy in 1999 and I am delighted to continue that relationship in this role.

“The Academy has a fantastic record of developing players to play for Manchester United and the opportunity to have a role in continuing that tradition is extremely exciting.”

The Brazilian defender was happy with the way his side kept their rivals quiet in front of goal, even though he was suffering with a stomach virus

Brazil defender Marquinhos has revealed how he was battling with diarrhoea and vomiting when given the “very difficult” task of marking Lionel Messi in their win over Argentina on Tuesday.

The centre-back was faced with the difficult keeping the Argentine sensation and attacking team-mates Sergio Aguero and Lautaro Martinez quiet in their Copa America semi-final.

The Selecao’s tactics worked as they limited Argentina to just two shots on target in the game, while goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino fired Brazil through to the tournament decider against surprise package Peru.

Still, Messi managed to have a total of four attempts in the semi-final and set up four chances for team-mates.

And Marquinhos admits that shutting out the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was no easy feat, especially with the stomach problems he was suffering.

“It was not easy, no,” the Paris Saint-Germain defender told reporters. “Messi was having an inspired night, not only him but the whole Argentine team, they made a great game.

“It was very difficult, but I think the team managed to cancel out the attacks of Argentina well. The ones we could not had some lucky chances with balls hitting the post and Alisson made some great saves. That makes a strong and solid team.

“On the day of the game, I ended up suffering a virus, and I spent the day at the hotel. It was very complicated, I had diarrhoea and was vomiting.

“I still managed to play, but with the effort I put in it worsened and eventually I had to leave the game.”

And Marquinhos says his condition only got worse after he was substituted for Miranda in the 64th minute.

“After the game, it ended up getting worse too,” he added. “I had a fever and I ended up having to go to the stadium infirmary, but I managed to get an injection and I feel better.”

The 25-year-old is expected to be fit to face Peru in the final on Sunday, after Argentina play Chile in the third-place play-off on Saturday.