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Tyson Fury will employ his decades of boxing experience against a debutant in the sport this weekend, as he faces ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou. The unbeaten Fury reigns as WBC heavyweight champion and will soon start preparing for a bout with Oleksandr Usyk, to crown the first undisputed heavyweight title holder in 23 years. That will take place in Saudi Arabia, like Saturday’s main event between the Briton and Ngannou. The Cameroonian relinquished the UFC heavyweight title upon leaving the MMA company in January, and he will return to mixed martial arts with the Professional Fighters League in 2024. First, though, he boxes professionally for the first time, securing his biggest payday ever. Here’s all you need to know. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? The fight will take place on Saturday 28 October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The main card is expected to start at 6pm BST (10am PT, 12pm CT, 1pm ET). Ring walks for the main event are then expected at around 10.45pm BST (2.45pm PT, 4.45pm CT, 5.45pm ET). How can I watch it? In the UK, the event will air live on TNT Sports Box Office at a cost of £21.95 for viewers in the UK. In Ireland, the event will cost €29.99 if purchased in advance or €34.99 on the day of the fights. Viewers do not need to have a TNT subscription in order to purchase the event. In the US, the event will stream live on ESPN+ pay-per-view, and outside of the afore-mentioned countries and Canada the card will be purchasable on Dazn PPV. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Odds Fury – 1/14 Ngannou – 15/2 Draw – 28/1 Via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers What are the rules? This will be a heavyweight boxing match, with no MMA rules involved. The fight is scheduled for 10 three-minute rounds, with a victor being decided on points or via knockout/TKO. The result is expected to count towards Fury’s professional boxing record – which is 33-0-1, and Ngannou’s, which is 0-0 – but the Briton’s WBC title will not be on the line. What is the prize money? Fury has said, via the Mirror, that Ngannou will be earning $10m for the fight. Meanwhile, Derek Chisora has claimed, via The Sun, that Fury will be making $50m. That is not believed to factor in sponsorships. Full card (subject to change) Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye (heavyweight) Joseph Parker vs Simon Kean (heavyweight) Martin Bakole vs Carlos Takam (heavyweight) Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Junior Anthony Wright (heavyweight) Moses Itauma vs Istvan Bernath (heavyweight) Jack McGann vs Alcibiade Duran (super-welterweight) Read More Wilder demands AJ fight to avert ‘major disaster’ of duo never meeting Francis Ngannou drops hint over Tyson Fury rematch and Anthony Joshua fight How many rounds is Fury vs Ngannou and do knockouts count? Who is fighting on the Fury vs Ngannou undercard this weekend? What time does Fury vs Ngannou start this weekend? When is the Fury vs Ngannou fight and how to stream online and on TV

Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou will go head to head in the boxing ring this weekend, in a unique heavyweight clash. Fury reigns as WBC heavyweight champion, while Ngannou will be making his boxing debut and fighting for the first time since leaving the UFC. The Cameroonian retained the UFC heavyweight title last year before ultimately giving up the gold in January and joining the Professional Fighters League this spring. Ngannou, 37, will make his promotional debut with the MMA company in 2024, but first, he crosses into boxing to face Fury. The Briton, 35, is unbeaten and on course for an undisputed-title fight with Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia, if he can avoid a shock defeat by the heavy-handed Ngannou in Riyadh. Here’s all you need to know. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? The fight will take place on Saturday 28 October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The main card is expected to start at 6pm BST (10am PT, 12pm CT, 1pm ET). Ring walks for the main event are then expected at around 10.45pm BST (2.45pm PT, 4.45pm CT, 5.45pm ET). How can I watch it? In the UK, the event will air live on TNT Sports Box Office at a cost of £21.95 for viewers in the UK. In Ireland, the event will cost €29.99 if purchased in advance or €34.99 on the day of the fights. Viewers do not need to have a TNT subscription in order to purchase the event. In the US, the event will stream live on ESPN+ pay-per-view, and outside of the afore-mentioned countries and Canada the card will be purchasable on Dazn PPV. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Odds Fury – 1/14 Ngannou – 15/2 Draw – 28/1 Via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers What are the rules? This will be a heavyweight boxing match, with no MMA rules involved. The fight is scheduled for 10 three-minute rounds, with a victor being decided on points or via knockout/TKO. The result is expected to count towards Fury’s professional boxing record – which is 33-0-1, and Ngannou’s, which is 0-0 – but the Briton’s WBC title will not be on the line. What is the prize money? Fury has said, via the Mirror, that Ngannou will be earning $10m for the fight. Meanwhile, Derek Chisora has claimed, via The Sun, that Fury will be making $50m. That is not believed to factor in sponsorships. Full card (subject to change) Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye (heavyweight) Joseph Parker vs Simon Kean (heavyweight) Martin Bakole vs Carlos Takam (heavyweight) Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Junior Anthony Wright (heavyweight) Moses Itauma vs Istvan Bernath (heavyweight) Jack McGann vs Alcibiade Duran (super-welterweight) Read More Wilder demands AJ fight to avert ‘major disaster’ of duo never meeting Francis Ngannou drops hint over Tyson Fury rematch and Anthony Joshua fight How much money are Fury and Ngannou earning for fight this weekend? How many rounds is Fury vs Ngannou and do knockouts count? Who is fighting on the Fury vs Ngannou undercard this weekend? What time does Fury vs Ngannou start this weekend?

As Jordan Larsson stepped up for that final kick, it felt like Andre Onana was the only person in Old Trafford who was in any way calm. He stood there in a composed manner, as Steve McLaren shouted instructions, and Alejandro Garnacho walked away in the knowledge no one on the pitch had noticed him scuffing the penalty spot. It was as if everyone wanted to exert their will over a set piece that was really just between the kicker and the goalkeeper. There were grander reasons for that. Manchester United needed this win over Copenhagen to possibly progress in the Champions League, and didn’t want to fail on a night that was all about perhaps their greatest ever player. There was also something more personal, that Sir Bobby Charlton would no doubt have appreciated. There was a will that Onana should be the difference, not just that Larsson should miss. It could be sensed in the deafening roar that greeted his save, as the goalkeeper guessed right to send the shot wide. It saved the win on an important night, and could well be an important moment in Onana’s United career. The psychological significance certainly shouldn’t be underestimated. This was what he’d been waiting for. This was the response he needed, the love he required. Because, as Erik ten Hag admitted after the game, Onana knows he hasn’t been at his own best level. It’s obvious his confidence has been affected. There was ironically a reminder of David De Gea, and not just because the Spanish goalkeeper also endured an uncertain start at United way back in 2011. One of the reasons De Gea was ultimately ousted was because of a decline that began in 2018. Having been brilliant for Jose Mourinho that season as a pure shot-stopper, staying deeper, he then went into a Spanish national team that demanded he play out from the back. He couldn’t, and it clearly eroded his self-assurance, to the point that De Gea began to make mistakes he hadn’t for years. That persisted for years more. Onana had meanwhile been largely signed for his footwork, only to not really get to use it to best effect in his first few games. He had been signed too late in the window, and there were too many changes to the defence. Onana didn’t have that chemistry with his centre-halves. It meant he often had to punt the ball long, removing one of the qualities he is most respected for. That obviously began to affect his confidence, to the point he started to make errors that he hadn’t at Internazionale. It was almost a classic negative spiral – that might well have been arrested with that save. That’s why it might have been so big, even beyond the emotional night. There is some symmetry in how United now face Manchester City in the derby this Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s first major move in England was to replace Joe Hart with Claudio Bravo due to the need for good footwork, only for the Chilean to almost immediately start struggling. The first major mishap was in fact at Old Trafford, and that first Manchester derby between Mourinho and Guardiola. Bravo was all over the place, misplaced kicking leading into poor handling, and gifting United a way back into the game. He never really recovered to be City No 1. Although some respectability was restored in how Bravo became a fine cup goalkeeper, he had been usurped by Ederson. There was never that same trust. Guardiola had a theory about how that happened, given that Bravo had previously been a European champion with Barcelona. The Catalan believes that goalkeeper is such an individualised position, leaving the No 1s so isolated, that an early mistake at a big stadium can have long-term effects on their confidence. This is clearly what happened with Bravo. It looked like it might have been happening with Onana. It is entirely possible, however, that Guardiola’s theory can work the other way. A first great moment in a big stadium can have a huge positive effect. It can restore confidence. Ten Hag praised Onana, saying he had “showed personality”. He stood up, by getting down superbly. That didn’t just push away Larsson’s shot but will have temporarily pushed out all memory of so many of the goalkeeper’s recent errors. He will be bolstered by the knowledge of this. Onana showed his value. He secured a win on a night when United needed a victory for all manner of reasons. Two of those were bigger than any one individual, but the moment undeniably meant most to him. Read More Alejandro Garnacho labelled ‘baby’ for scuffing spot before Copenhagen’s penalty miss Erik ten Hag heaps praise on United goalkeeper Andre Onana after penalty heroics Jesus inspires Arsenal while Harry Kane helps Bayern to victory over Galatasaray ‘It was meant to be’: Man Utd dedicate dramatic victory to Sir Bobby Charlton Manchester United vs FC Copenhagen LIVE: Latest Champions League updates Man Utd duo’s heroics offer fitting tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton

Tyson Fury will go up against Francis Ngannou in a crossover heavyweight clash in Saudi Arabia this weekend. In one corner will be Fury, the unbeaten WBC champion; in the other, Ngannou, who reigned as UFC champion until he left the MMA promotion in January. The Cameroonian will make his boxing debut here, before returning to mixed martial arts with the Professional Fighters League in 2024. Meanwhile, Fury will next face unified boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, in a bid to crown the first undisputed champion in over two decades. Here’s all you need to know. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? The fight will take place on Saturday 28 October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The main card is expected to start at 6pm BST (10am PT, 12pm CT, 1pm ET). Ring walks for the main event are then expected at around 10.45pm BST (2.45pm PT, 4.45pm CT, 5.45pm ET). How can I watch it? In the UK, the event will air live on TNT Sports Box Office at a cost of £21.95 for viewers in the UK. In Ireland, the event will cost €29.99 if purchased in advance or €34.99 on the day of the fights. Viewers do not need to have a TNT subscription in order to purchase the event. In the US, the event will stream live on ESPN+ pay-per-view, and outside of the afore-mentioned countries and Canada the card will be purchasable on Dazn PPV. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Odds Fury – 1/14 Ngannou – 15/2 Draw – 28/1 Via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers What are the rules? This will be a heavyweight boxing match, with no MMA rules involved. The fight is scheduled for 10 three-minute rounds, with a victor being decided on points or via knockout/TKO. The result is expected to count towards Fury’s professional boxing record – which is 33-0-1, and Ngannou’s, which is 0-0 – but the Briton’s WBC title will not be on the line. What is the prize money? Fury has said, via the Mirror, that Ngannou will be earning $10m for the fight. Meanwhile, Derek Chisora has claimed, via The Sun, that Fury will be making $50m. That is not believed to factor in sponsorships. Full card (subject to change) Fabio Wardley vs David Adeleye (heavyweight) Joseph Parker vs Simon Kean (heavyweight) Martin Bakole vs Carlos Takam (heavyweight) Arslanbek Makhmudov vs Junior Anthony Wright (heavyweight) Moses Itauma vs Istvan Bernath (heavyweight) Jack McGann vs Alcibiade Duran (super-welterweight) Read More Wilder demands AJ fight to avert ‘major disaster’ of duo never meeting Francis Ngannou drops hint over Tyson Fury rematch and Anthony Joshua fight How much money are Fury and Ngannou earning for fight this weekend? Who is fighting on the Fury vs Ngannou undercard this weekend? What time does Fury vs Ngannou start this weekend? When is the Fury vs Ngannou fight and how to stream online and on TV

Newcastle may have beaten Paris Saint-Germain in their first Champions League game at St James’ Park in 20 years but the Magpies will want to back that up with a strong performance against Borussia Dortmund. Eddie Howe’s side are unbeaten in their group stages having secured a goalless draw away at AC Milan and stunning PSG 4-1 at home last time out. The Magpies have been a force to be reckoned with in English football but it remains to be seen how much a toll balancing the demands of the Premier League and Europe football is taking on a side without the depth of some of the other top sides. Dortmund have lost just one game in 11 matches all season, away at PSG in their Group F opener. Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture: When is Newcastle vs Borussia Dortmund? The match is on Wednesday 25 October with a kick off time of 8 pm BST. How can I watch it? Newcastle vs Dortmund will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 2 with coverage starting at 7 pm BST, the game can also be streamed via the Discovery+ app. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get great deals on the best VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Team news The main question surrounding selection will be the outcome of a decision over Sandro Tonali and the investigation into breaches of betting rules concerning the midfielder. The outcome could be announced ahead of the clash, with a lengthy ban expected. Sven Botman has a knee problem, Matt Ritchie, Javier Manquillo, Harvey Barnes are also out while Joe Willock is back in training but Wednesday’s match could come too early for the midfielder. For Dortmund, Julian Ryerson is expected to miss out through illness, with Mateu Morey and Thomas Meunier more long-term injury concerns for the German side. Odds Newcastle 13/20 Draw 31/10 Dortmund 4/1 Prediction It will be a hard-fought affair, but Newcastle will not quite have the energy and motivation they showed against PSG. Newcastle 1-1 Dortmund.

As he rose high, demonstrating the aerial power that has made him the most prolific centre-back in English national team history, Harry Maguire’s thunderous header capped a mini personal renaissance that lifted Manchester United off the floor of their Champions League group. There have been times in the last two years when Maguire has felt luckless, but this time fortune favoured him: a status as the match-winner may have been snatched from his grasp when Scott McTominay conceded an injury-time penalty. Yet Andre Onana’s 97th-minute save preserved it. And so the Stretford End ended up singing Maguire’s name. There were twin redemption songs, of the man United signed in the summer and the one they could have sold to West Ham. “Amazing,” Maguire said; he had been a stranger to adulation at Old Trafford. Last-choice centre-back last season, he may now have a run in the team for Erik ten Hag, the manager who stripped him of the captaincy. As Maguire pointed out recently, the numbers support his case. The win percentage he branded “ridiculously high” now stands at 94.1 in his last 17 starts for United: 16 of them have brought victories. There are caveats and the one exception was a traumatic night for him in Seville as United crashed out of the Europa League. They lost on his first three starts for Ten Hag, too. Since then, his status as a back-up has meant he has been spared the tougher tests: he has faced Real Betis, Sevilla, West Ham and Aston Villa, but this season others started against Arsenal and Tottenham, Brighton and Bayern Munich. Arguably, he has not faced an elite team in Ten Hag’s reign. Which, as the Manchester derby beckons on Sunday, may mean Maguire should savour his statistics while he still can. But a personal renaissance has revolved around meaningful contributions, not simply facts and figures. There was the headed assist for McTominay’s 97th-minute winner against Brentford, the man-of-the-match display on his return to Sheffield United and now a Champions League winner against FC Copenhagen. A common denominator may be that each qualifies as relatively limited opposition: United have scarcely dominated against any of them. But if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer miscast Maguire as talisman and captain of United, a willing soul and honest trier has prospered in three successive starts. A run in the side was facilitated first by the absence of Lisandro Martinez, Ten Hag’s chosen upgrade on Maguire, and then all of United’s left-backs, meaning Victor Lindelof was redeployed on the flank. Yet Lindelof began on the bench against Copenhagen, Maguire in the role Ten Hag has long been reluctant to grant him: as a left-sided centre-back. The Dutchman has an innate preference for left-footers there. But he also wants centre-backs who operate higher up the pitch. Maguire was not a natural fit: belatedly, though, he is becoming Ten Hag’s type of defender. “I think so,” he said. “He's playing much more proactive in possession, stepping in, passing vertical, defending also on the front foot, also stepping in, defending forward, very confident in the duels. I think he's dominating in the right moment, putting the question, dominating his opponents. You see he gets rewarded - it's a very good skill from him, his heading, and a very good finish." It was a reward for more than just set-piece expertise. It was Maguire’s prize for obstinacy, for staying when there were reasons to go: that United were reluctant to pay him off may have influenced his decision but he maintained he could win his place back. Ten Hag, too, never forced him out, stripping him of the armband but insisting he remained a valuable squad player. The manager’s position has been nuanced, the defender’s defiant. “This is maybe the most scrutinised club in the world and when you are not quite on your game it gets picked up, it gets analysed,” Maguire reflected. He had a shocking 2021-22 campaign, a bad start to last season. Neither escaped scrutiny. Since then, however, he reflected: “And I am really proud and pleased over the way I have acted over the last six to 12 months.” For now, he has confounded expectations. Stiffer examinations may await, starting with Erling Haaland on Sunday. If he is still in the side, the last five weeks of the year bring Galatasaray, Newcastle, Chelsea, Bayern, Liverpool, West Ham and Villa. They will be the tests if he ranks as a top-class centre-back. For now, though, Maguire is the emblem of this United, labouring to victory with goals from some of their lesser lights. Their last five strikes have come from either McTominay, Diogo Dalot or Maguire. And for the man who has been mocked and maligned, dropped and abused, it was a rare high of late for Maguire. And, whatever his win percentage, there have not been many occasions in the last two years when he was celebrated like this. Read More ‘It was meant to be’: Man Utd dedicate dramatic victory to Sir Bobby Charlton Manchester United vs FC Copenhagen LIVE: Latest Champions League updates Man Utd duo’s heroics offer fitting tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton

Jon Jones has suffered an injury two weeks out from UFC 295, ruling him out of his heavyweight title defence against Stipe Miocic. Light-heavyweight great Jones won the heavyweight belt in March, winning his divisional debut by submitting Ciryl Gane in Round 1. His first defence was due to come against Miocic in the main event of UFC 295, at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on 11 November. However, 36-year-old Jones will require surgery after sustaining an injury on Tuesday (24 October), meaning his clash with the consensus heavyweight ‘GOAT’ is off. As a result, the co-main event of UFC 295 has been elevated to the new main event, as former light-heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka faces ex-middleweight champion Alex Pereira for the vacant 205lbs title. In the new co-main event, British heavyweight Tom Aspinall will face Russia’s Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight title. The winner of that fight will theoretically be in line to unify the belts against Jones once the American is healthy, and it is unclear how Miocic will factor into the situation. “Jon Jones was training last night, got injured,” said UFC president Dana White on Wednesday morning, sharing footage of the incident. “He was wrestling, and he tore the tendon that connects your pec to the bone... off the bone. “Eight months [out], gonna need surgery, he’s out. So, the main event is Prochazka vs Pereira. The co-main event now is Pavlovich vs Aspinall for the interim heavyweight championship.” American Miocic, 41, has not fought since losing the heavyweight title to Francis Ngannou in March 2021. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More UFC schedule 2023: Every fight happening this year Jake Paul officially ‘accepts’ MMA fight with Nate Diaz Alexander Volkanovski’s bravest move yet? Talking about his mental health

Resolve. Perseverance. Redemption. This Manchester United victory may not have been anywhere near as beautiful as any of those Sir Bobby Charlton graced, or indeed that tribute to his life, but it displayed some of the club’s soul that he made famous. Because this was obviously about so much more than just beating FC Copenhagen 1-0 late on, or indeed staying in the competition the club’s legend was most built on. It was certainly about so much more for Andre Onana, who had his first great moment at Manchester United in what was a must-win game. That was maybe what Charlton would have most enjoyed. Doing it when it mattered. A night that started with a gracefully poignant mourning of the great man ended with more appropriate celebration. It ended with deafening and defiant roar, in celebration of a player who has struggled in his first few weeks, in memory of a player who was perhaps the club’s greatest. And a player that has been pilloried and unpicked in Harry Maguire displayed defiance, scoring the winner for a relatively late 1-0 win. Onana then stepped up by getting it done, keeping it at 1-0 in the 96th minute, and keeping United in this great competition. The manner of that may not be how anyone wants this great institution to look right now but it was perseverance, exactly what Charlton, his manager and so many of his teammates would have asked for. The defeated Copenhagen also offered their own memorable contribution to the night beyond a respectable display that made United work, and that final penalty miss by Jordan Larsson. Before the game and throughout, they echoed the Stretford End in singing “there’s only one Bobby Charlton”. The rest of Old Trafford applauded. It should be recognised that wasn’t the sentiment that greeted most of the action. This was mostly another poor performance against a limited team, even if it was a third consecutive victory. Little of it beyond the context will live in the memory. Most would rather forget it. The problem is that it all informs what will be a game that really demands a performance on Sunday, which is the visit of Manchester City for the derby. United will need to be far sharper. Some allowances should be made, of course. Such is the sense of history at United, that these sombre occasions have had the effect of subduing performance. It is as if the beauty of the bagpipes sounding that the club “will never die” makes everyone all too keenly aware of the legacy they are playing for. It happened on the 40th and 50th anniversaries of the Munich air disaster, dates which brought a 1-1 draw at home to Bolton Wanderers and a 2-1 defeat to a pre-Abu Dhabi Manchester City, respectively. One difference was that both of those sides were defending champions so, as with those last two wins, this felt like there was more to it than United feeling the weight of the occasion. It was really like a lot of matches at Old Trafford this season, right down to the way an inferior-resourced opposition side controlled long periods of the game in a way that shouldn’t really have been possible. The only proper action of the first half actually came very quickly after the tributes. Mohamed Elyounoussi just cut through Sofyan Amrabat and Maguire at first, in a way that really shouldn’t have happened, then sending a cross over for Diogo to bounce against the post. If there were initially fears this could become another chaotic back-and-forth like the Galatasaray defeat, it never got that entertaining, certainly in the first half. Other than some moments of spark from Rasmus Hojlund, almost nothing happened. Ten Hag had to try something. Amrabat was removed. That did see United play a bit more directly, seeking to stretch the pitch more. Hojlund again offered constant warnings, and almost won a penalty straight into the second half. Marcus Rashford was even put through on goal, only to take a heavy touch. There were, very gradually, however, some positives. Onana looked at his most assured, making one fine save. It was all the more important since the Champions League has been the stage for arguably two of his biggest errors so far. That, like a lot on the night, made this more important than the individual moment. United’s was soon to come. Christian Eriksen, who came on for Amrabat, made the delivery. Maguire made the impact. The centre-half headed home. United should have been secured. An anxiety remained. It was betrayed by McTominay’s late foul. So much for the midfielder being a constant saviour. It was all just prelude and set-up. Onana stepped up. It was perhaps the most fitting tribute possible. Read More Onana’s big moment can be catalyst to reverse more than one awful run ‘It was meant to be’: Man Utd dedicate dramatic victory to Sir Bobby Charlton Manchester United pay emotional tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before Copenhagen match Ten Hag lays flowers in centre circle as Man United pay tribute to Bobby Charlton Watch: FC Copenhagen fans chant ‘There’s only one Bobby Charlton’ at Old Trafford Manchester United vs FC Copenhagen LIVE: Latest Champions League updates

Newcastle is twinned with Gelsenkirchen and, as Borussia Dortmund need no reminders, the German city is home to their great rivals, Schalke. They are found in the second division now: as Newcastle can testify from the Mike Ashley years, a vast stadium offers no immunity against relegation. Instead, as Newcastle and Dortmund go head to head in the Champions League tonight, they find themselves twinned in a footballing respect, wrestling with the same problem: how to cope with the loss of a pivotal midfielder. For Jude Bellingham, read Sandro Tonali, one gone to Real Madrid for a nine-figure sum, the other set for 10 months on the sidelines with a gambling ban. Tonali played in a Champions League semi-final for AC Milan last season. He will not for Newcastle this year, regardless of how far they progress. Wednesday’s game could be his last. “I’m expecting him to be available,” manager Eddie Howe said. If not, his plans may require a late rethink, Tonali’s campaign already curtailed. Dortmund arrive at St James’ Park with certain advantages in a shared conundrum. They had plenty of time to prepare for Bellingham’s departure: from the moment it became clear Erling Haaland would be their big sale of 2022, it seemed obvious the midfielder would be 2023’s cash cow. They received some €103m, whereas Newcastle paid £55m, the second biggest sum in their history, for Tonali. They will derive precious little benefit from it for the rest of this campaign and if their owners’ coffers are scarcely empty, Financial Fair Play limits their room for manoeuvre. Barring significant sales or a loan with an obligation to buy, there will be no £50m midfielder arriving in January to replace him. “It is too early for meetings to decide that,” said Howe, but his options may be limited. And Newcastle, who established a reputation as astute planners, were caught by surprise by the Italian Football Federation and the police’s investigations into Tonali. Both Howe and the Tyneside crowd have struck a supportive note, and Tonali’s apparent gambling addiction means he merits sympathy, but they thought they had signed a player who, along with Bruno Guimaraes, was supposed to be a cornerstone of their midfield for years. Dortmund’s answer to their own void might be deemed typical in several respects. For one, they did not spend all the money they banked: they are no strangers to transfer-market profits and tend to end up in the black roughly every other year. Some of the Bellingham bounty went on Niclas Fullkrug, a striker designed to compensate for the loss of Haaland, albeit one who has had a slow start. Around half the Bellingham millions went on midfielders. Felix Nmecha, bought from Wolfsburg at 22, is older than the Englishman but still conforms to the Dortmund model, a rising star with potentially big resale value, though his arrival came cloaked in controversy after he shared social media posts that led to accusations of homophobia and transphobia. Marcel Sabitzer, bought from Bayern Munich at 29, forms part of a growing trend. It may be harsh to say Dortmund take Bayern’s cast-offs or that their strategy is to take players not deemed quite good enough for the champions and thus finish second in the Bundesliga. But if the traffic of players south to Bavaria is more famous, Mats Hummels, Niklas Sule and Sabitzer form an ex-Bayern contingent at the Signal Iduna Park. One criticism may be that it is an acceptance of being second best. Dortmund’s broader problem might be familiar: whoever they targeted, they were never going to get a replacement of Bellingham’s calibre, and the same could be said when players such as Haaland and Robert Lewandowski left. But now, with Dortmund goalless in the Champions League, thoughts could be cast back a year, when Bellingham scored in each of their first four group games and when he was the biggest factor in their progression to the last 16. They could do with finding such a catalyst in an altogether tougher pool. Tonali’s Champions League campaign now may be brief but memorable: granted a euphoric reception on his homecoming at San Siro as Newcastle drew 0-0 with AC Milan, he then played in one of St James’ Park’s great European nights, the 4-1 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain. Now Dortmund may be his final outing until the 2024-25 campaign. That may render it unforgettable for the Italian, whatever happens. His imminent absence will leave Howe, instead of the deluxe upgrade Tonali was supposed to represent and with the exception of Guimaraes, with a midfield who were in a team that was winless at this stage two years ago: he inherited Sean Longstaff, Joelinton and Joe Willock, and did not even pick the Geordie for his first game in charge. Each has improved exponentially in his reign but Newcastle may have to rely on hustle and bustle where they had looked for an injection of class. His Dortmund counterpart Edin Terzic has not had the luxury of spending £400m in his reign. But when they are side by side in the technical areas at St James’ Park, he may be able to empathise as each wonders what to do when he has a hole at the heart of his side. Read More Eddie Howe opens up on ‘hardest part ahead’ for Sandro Tonali Sandro Tonali is the latest victim of football’s double standards Newcastle issue update on Sandro Tonali amid investigation into illegal betting

It is a path less travelled, let alone as quickly, a journey from FC Copenhagen to Sturm Graz, Atalanta to Manchester United, all before his 21st birthday. It was the culmination of an ambition, too, for a boyhood United fan, the realisation of a dream. And yet there were points in a reunion where Rasmus Hojlund could be forgiven for wondering if he had been better off staying put. Not financially, admittedly, with the rewards that come with a £72m price tag, but from a footballing perspective. The more coherent team were Copenhagen, the low-budget overachievers seeming to have more of a plan than the high-budget overachievers but it was tempting to think that if the Danish champions could still call upon their most valuable old boy, they would have won at Old Trafford. Instead, United were victorious, aided by a telling intervention by a Dane. It wasn’t Hojlund, though that is no criticism: there are times when he is the brightest of United’s front three simply a process of excellence but here, as against Galatasaray, it was a consequence of excellence. But it was his compatriot Christian Eriksen who curled in a cross that Harry Maguire converted. Which, along with Andre Onana’s 97th-minute penalty save from Jordan Larsson, averted indignity. Which a draw would have been, given the gulf in resources between the clubs. Hojlund is proof of it. But as his former club, who had led against Galatasaray and Bayern Munich, came within a few inches of going ahead at Old Trafford, there were times when Hojlund had to stand and admire. In different ways, his younger brothers Oscar, a late substitute for Copenhagen, and Emil, who did not make the bench, were spectators. So was the older and more expensive sibling, limited to two touches in the first quarter of an hour, left stranded by United’s impotence. Yet, with the notable exception of Maguire’s decider, everything they did right thereafter in attack revolved around him. Which, in itself, may have been an indictment of others. Pivotal as centre-forwards can be, United looked over-reliant on one whose name, this time last year, may have simply seemed a failed attempt to spell Haaland. And the Norwegian, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had been keen to point out, was a player he advised United to sign for £4m, five years before they got Hojlund for 18 times as much. But in the Hojlund derby, the forward United did get to show a sharpness. He came alive in the final third in a manner to suggest that his teammates needed to give him more of the ball. After that uneventful first 15 minutes, he rifled a half-volley over the bar. His backheel almost released Scott McTominay to shoot. He teed up Eriksen when his fellow Dane had a shot well saved. When an offside Marcus Rashford was brought down by goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, he had raced on to Hojlund’s pass. When Alejandro Garnacho came close, it was because Hojlund led a break. When Elias Jelert was required to clear off his line, it was because Hojlund met Bruno Fernandes’ header with a deft piece of chest control. It was a sign of resourcefulness, an ability to make something out of nothing. Which, at times, was just as well, given his supply line. Neither winger is a crosser. Antony, as even those who have spent decades stranded on tiny islands in the Pacific Ocean know, will try and cut inside and shoot with his left foot. Rashford, too, has designs on being more of a scorer than a supplier. Hojlund spent some of the first half acting as the creator for McTominay, the ungainly auxiliary No 10. But United had more footballing craft with Eriksen on. He is the technician while Hojlund’s physical attributes form part of his appeal. He has got a wiry strength. He is a rangy runner with a turn of pace. He has an eager willingness that stands him in good stead. The raw materials are there. Yet the concern is that too few signings have improved at United in the last decade; it is just a coincidence of negotiating that Hojlund’s fee is very similar to Jadon Sancho’s but the exiled winger is proof United’s best-laid plans can go wrong. The feeling at Old Trafford now is that Hojlund has a high ceiling: higher even than Randal Kolo Muani, another on their summer striking shortlist and who ended up costing Paris Saint-Germain more. Thus far, he has a relatively low goal return: just three in 10 games for United. For both his first and current clubs, he has been more prolific in Europe. He never scored in the Danish Superliga. He has not struck in the Premier League, either: outscored by Diogo Dalot on domestic duty, his goals have been confined to Europe. Yet he kicked off as the Champions League’s joint top scorer, the product of a strike against Bayern and a brace against Galatasaray. Even as he drew a blank against Copenhagen, Hojlund added to the impression that he belongs on this stage. But as United laboured to victory, they scarcely offered compelling evidence they will still be in the Champions League after Christmas. Read More Manchester United pay emotional tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before Copenhagen match Ten Hag lays flowers in centre circle as Man United pay tribute to Bobby Charlton Watch: FC Copenhagen fans chant ‘There’s only one Bobby Charlton’ at Old Trafford Manchester United vs FC Copenhagen LIVE: Latest Champions League updates Harry Maguire and Andre Onana heroics offer fitting tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton Man United fans cover Bobby Charlton statue with flowers and scarves ahead of match

Manchester United paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton ahead of kick-off against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday night (24 October). Erik ten Hag laid flowers in the centre circle at Old Trafford before both teams and fans observed a minute’s silence. Outside the stadium, fans paid tributes of their own, with flowers and scarves placed on the United Trinity statue, which features Charlton alongside George Best and Denis Law. The England World Cup winner, who also captained United to their first-ever European Cup win in 1968, passed away over the weekend. He was 86.

It’s a joyous circus. This Saturday in Saudi Arabia, the first trick will be the ring emerging from a 26-foot hole in the ground, and then the real magic will start. Tyson Fury, the unbeaten heavyweight champion of the world, will then appear inside a giant neon beam and, wearing a crown, he will bow to the crowd and the dignitaries. In the opposite corner, as the magic continues, will be Francis Ngannou, a man who has never once fought a boxing match, and under this giant canopy of created rivalry, one of the biggest fights in history will take place. If that is not a “Hey, presto” moment, then I don’t know what is! In front of 20,000 people, including a dozen former heavyweight world champions, and some of the wealthiest men on Earth, the best heavyweight in the boxing world will fight the best heavyweight in the MMA world to see who is the Baddest Man on the Planet. It is a genius, simple and lunatic idea. It is not the first and it will not be the last circus fight involving a legitimate heavyweight boxer. Muhammad Ali had a 15-round bore fest with a wrestler called Antonio Inoki, Rocky Balboa met Hulk Hogan, Chuck Wepner fought Andre the Giant, and Two-Ton Tony Galento knocked out an octopus. I need to point out that the octopus was actually deceased before the first bell. Fury also has a massive advantage in his fight, which will be conducted under the rules of the British Boxing Board of Control, because kicks, chokeholds, headbutts, flying elbows and knees to the head will be banned. In short, Ngannou has had all his tools withdrawn. However, Ngannou has been trained by Mike Tyson, had a crash course in boxing’s darkest arts by the dirtiest fighter in the world, and his punch has been registered as the hardest in history. The science is available to prove just how lethal Ngannou’s right hand is, but even I draw the line somewhere. Fury is a genuine boxing giant and will tower over Ngannou once the anthems, introductions and pleasantries have been conducted by Michael Buffer, the suave voice of boxing. Ngannou will, trust me, shrink once he takes up a traditional boxing pose and his stated height of 6ft 4in will be in the permanent shadow of Fury. And then the beating will start; Fury is a truly vicious man inside the ropes. There are stupid claims that Ngannou has a “puncher’s chance”, which is like saying that any car, on any street, driven by anybody, could have won the F1 in Texas last weekend. Ngannou has no chance of winning and that is fine, but this is still a real fight, it’s just not a competitive one. It is an event and, as I said, we have had hundreds of sanctioned fights like this. The lovers and believers in the MMA dream will be praying to the fighting lords for a miracle; they are both delusional and out of luck. In 2000, Mike Tyson knocked out British heavyweight Julius Francis and the promoter, Frank Warren – who is also promoting the fight on Saturday – spent two months telling people: “This is not a fight, it is an event.” Warren was right and it was a great event. Francis, incidentally, sold the advertising space on the soles of his shoes to a national paper to make a few extra quid. The paper got a bargain. Fury will hold court in a country where the ruling elite know how to hold court. He will be draped in traditional clothing, sip tea from gold urns, have giant kestrels rest on his giant fists and bow respectfully each time he is honoured. It will be a fun circus and Ngannou, with the other Tyson in his face, will prepare like Rocky did in the first movie. It will be a wonderful carnival. There is bold talk of a rematch with Ngannou under MMA rules and that will never happen. On Saturday night, as Mike Tyson tends to Ngannou’s blood-stained face, there will be a cameo in the ring by Oleksandr Usyk, the other heavyweight champion, and a new carnival will start for Fury vs Usyk. What a business. Read More Fury vs Ngannou pay-per-view price revealed ahead of controversial fight Oleksandr Usyk predicts Joshua vs Wilder and makes Tyson Fury revelation Anthony Joshua admits to watching Tyson Fury’s Netflix show: ‘I’m enjoying it’ Anthony Joshua admits to watching Tyson Fury’s Netflix show Tyson Fury’s wife shares impact of boxing on their children: ‘I worry to this day’ Oleksandr Usyk predicts Joshua vs Wilder and makes Tyson Fury revelation