MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: David de Gea 6 Saved from De Paul on 14 minutes. Beaten by a good header from Lodi for Atletico’s opener. Nervously hit a ball out after 51 which invited a shot. EPA
MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: David de Gea 6 Saved from De Paul on 14 minutes. Beaten by a good header from Lodi for Atletico’s opener. Nervously hit a ball out after 51 which invited a shot. EPA
Diogo Dalot 5 Bright, aggressive start down the right as United attacked. Shot blocked by Gimenez. Even better effort on target after 25. Spun a shot wide after 83. PA
Diogo Dalot 5 Bright, aggressive start down the right as United attacked. Shot blocked by Gimenez. Even better effort on target after 25. Spun a shot wide after 83. PA
Harry Maguire 4 Exposed, pulled left and right by opponents. Nervy start to the second half when he overhit a cross, then twisted and played the ball back to De Gea. Some of the crowd cheered when he was substituted. EPA
Harry Maguire 4 Exposed, pulled left and right by opponents. Nervy start to the second half when he overhit a cross, then twisted and played the ball back to De Gea. Some of the crowd cheered when he was substituted. EPA
Raphael Varane 7 Calm, but work cut out against foes who had a smarter game plan. Header was well saved by Oblak on 77, but it was an awful match for United to play in against a cynical team with a referee who did nothing for the home team. Reuters
Raphael Varane 7 Calm, but work cut out against foes who had a smarter game plan. Header was well saved by Oblak on 77, but it was an awful match for United to play in against a cynical team with a referee who did nothing for the home team. Reuters
Alex Telles 5 Turned into his man and lost possession on 31. Ball came in for Atletico’s opener from his side, as it had for their disallowed goal. Suspect when defending. Getty
Alex Telles 5 Turned into his man and lost possession on 31. Ball came in for Atletico’s opener from his side, as it had for their disallowed goal. Suspect when defending. Getty
Fred 7 Replicated a famous move by Real Madrid player Redondo at Old Trafford in a bright United start. Moved around, broke up play, energetic. EPA
Fred 7 Replicated a famous move by Real Madrid player Redondo at Old Trafford in a bright United start. Moved around, broke up play, energetic. EPA
Scott McTominay 5 Atletico won the ball from him to set up their best first half attack. Tough against Koke who started many of Atletico’s attacks. Tough against better players. PA
Scott McTominay 5 Atletico won the ball from him to set up their best first half attack. Tough against Koke who started many of Atletico’s attacks. Tough against better players. PA
Jadon Sancho 5 Blasted a cross over after 59. Not as effective as in recent games. Nowhere near. Ran into opponents too many times. Bought to shine in these games. Didn’t. Reuters
Jadon Sancho 5 Blasted a cross over after 59. Not as effective as in recent games. Nowhere near. Ran into opponents too many times. Bought to shine in these games. Didn’t. Reuters
Bruno Fernandes 5 Crossed to Elanga after 12 and buzzed around behind Ronaldo. Fine shot on 45. Neat free-kick towards the far post on 66, then brought off. Still far from sharp. Getty
Bruno Fernandes 5 Crossed to Elanga after 12 and buzzed around behind Ronaldo. Fine shot on 45. Neat free-kick towards the far post on 66, then brought off. Still far from sharp. Getty
Anthony Elanga 5 United’s first serious effort on goal after 12 and then shot wide. That was as good as it got for the Swede. AFP
Anthony Elanga 5 United’s first serious effort on goal after 12 and then shot wide. That was as good as it got for the Swede. AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo 6 Charged up against a team he’s damaged more than any other in his career. Ran back to tackle on 37 and a roar went up. Worked around the area. Tired and couldn’t beat a man in a 76th minute attack. Reuters
Cristiano Ronaldo 6 Charged up against a team he’s damaged more than any other in his career. Ran back to tackle on 37 and a roar went up. Worked around the area. Tired and couldn’t beat a man in a 76th minute attack. Reuters
SUBS: Marcus Rashford 5 On for Elanga on 66 in a triple substitution. Gave the ball away after 87 to allow Atleti to counter attack. Getty
SUBS: Marcus Rashford 5 On for Elanga on 66 in a triple substitution. Gave the ball away after 87 to allow Atleti to counter attack. Getty
Nemanja Matic 6 On for McTominay on 66. Booked. Carried the ball forward but met a wall of blue shirts. Moved to defence as United threw men forward, with little effect. Reuters
Nemanja Matic 6 On for McTominay on 66. Booked. Carried the ball forward but met a wall of blue shirts. Moved to defence as United threw men forward, with little effect. Reuters
Paul Pogba 5 On for Fernandes on 66. Couldn’t land a punch on the Spaniards. Getty
Paul Pogba 5 On for Fernandes on 66. Couldn’t land a punch on the Spaniards. Getty
Edinson Cavani 5 On for Fred after 75. Bluster and effort with no end result, like the rest of the players. Getty
Edinson Cavani 5 On for Fred after 75. Bluster and effort with no end result, like the rest of the players. Getty
Juan Mata 5 On for Maguire after 83. A rare sight. Tried to find pockets of space. Getty
Juan Mata 5 On for Maguire after 83. A rare sight. Tried to find pockets of space. Getty
ATLETICO MADRID RATINGS: Jan Oblak, 9 – It was a man-of-the-match display from Madrid’s No 1 as his parade of world-class saves won the day for the visitors. Getty
ATLETICO MADRID RATINGS: Jan Oblak, 9 – It was a man-of-the-match display from Madrid’s No 1 as his parade of world-class saves won the day for the visitors. Getty
Stefan Savic, 8 – His outstanding commitment was matched only by the timing he showed with his tackling. Getty
Stefan Savic, 8 – His outstanding commitment was matched only by the timing he showed with his tackling. Getty
Jose Gimenez, 8 – Wonderful timing, consistent going forward rarely let anything get past him at Old Trafford. AFP
Jose Gimenez, 8 – Wonderful timing, consistent going forward rarely let anything get past him at Old Trafford. AFP
Reinildo Mandava, 8 – A string of sublime blocks and challenges served as proof of why Reinildo is so underrated. AFP
Reinildo Mandava, 8 – A string of sublime blocks and challenges served as proof of why Reinildo is so underrated. AFP
Hector Herrera, 7 – Overly eager at times but had solid enough distribution in the middle of the park. Getty
Hector Herrera, 7 – Overly eager at times but had solid enough distribution in the middle of the park. Getty
Marcos Llorente, 7 – Worked a lot harder in the second half to make up for a questionable first 45 minutes down the flank. AFP
Marcos Llorente, 7 – Worked a lot harder in the second half to make up for a questionable first 45 minutes down the flank. AFP
Rodrigo De Paul, 8 – Played a lovely role in the goal, was physical from the first minute, regularly stole the ball and came close to scoring in the opening quarter-of-an-hour. AFP
Rodrigo De Paul, 8 – Played a lovely role in the goal, was physical from the first minute, regularly stole the ball and came close to scoring in the opening quarter-of-an-hour. AFP
Koke, 7 – Good passing, released the ball well and had the kind of movement required for a match of this pace. AP
Koke, 7 – Good passing, released the ball well and had the kind of movement required for a match of this pace. AP
Renan Lodi, 8 – Made up for a slow start to proceedings with a well-timed header to win the tie for the visitors. PA
Renan Lodi, 8 – Made up for a slow start to proceedings with a well-timed header to win the tie for the visitors. PA
Antoine Griezmann, 5 – Was absent throughout the course of the game and didn’t bring much to his team’s attack. AFP
Antoine Griezmann, 5 – Was absent throughout the course of the game and didn’t bring much to his team’s attack. AFP
Joao Felix, 7 – Provided a great cross for the winner to cancel out what was a fairly uninspiring yet gutsy performance. PA
Joao Felix, 7 – Provided a great cross for the winner to cancel out what was a fairly uninspiring yet gutsy performance. PA
SUB: Geoffrey Kondogbia, N/A – Spooned the ball over the bar and ultimately didn’t do a whole lot to assist his side in the last 10 minutes. Getty
SUB: Geoffrey Kondogbia, N/A – Spooned the ball over the bar and ultimately didn’t do a whole lot to assist his side in the last 10 minutes. Getty
SUB: Felipe, N/A – Barely got the chance to get going but managed to help Atletico edge over the finish line. Reuters
SUB: Felipe, N/A – Barely got the chance to get going but managed to help Atletico edge over the finish line. Reuters
SUB: Angel Correa, N/A – Helped to kill some time in the final third in what proved to be a relatively brief cameo. AFP
SUB: Angel Correa, N/A – Helped to kill some time in the final third in what proved to be a relatively brief cameo. AFP

Sport

Football

Cristiano Ronaldo's fading powers cannot halt Manchester United's Champions League slide

Tame last-16 defeat to Atletico Madrid symptomatic of Old Trafford giants' long decline into also-rans

Richard Jolly
Richard Jolly

March 16, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

The last time Manchester United won a Champions League quarter-final or semi-final, Ralf Rangnick was at Old Trafford.

Admittedly, he was present at the 2011 semi-final as coach of the beaten Schalke side. The fact that is 11 years ago illustrates that United’s underachievement in Europe predates the interim manager, and actually began before the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.

The eventual verdict on Rangnick’s temporary regime may be that he neither caused the problems nor solved them. For a fifth successive season, United will end up without silverware. For the fifth in nine, they could finish outside the top four.

Their malaise is deep-rooted and yet too many of their own are blinded to it. Since the group stages, and despite all evidence to the contrary, Rio Ferdinand, Peter Schmeichel and Paul Ince had all claimed United could win the Champions League.

Being United alone, being rich and famous and spending fortunes on superstar players, does not qualify anyone for glory.

The reality is that they have only won one knockout game in it in eight seasons, the same number as Basel. However much substance gripes about refereeing and timewasting had, Atletico Madrid were the better team over 180 minutes.

Predictably, they were the more coherent one. That even an Atletico side whose La Liga title defence has been underwhelming were too good was unsurprising: United have one point from four games against England’s top three.

They can call themselves the world’s biggest club, but they are ever further from being or beating the best.

There were snapshots of the modern United. There was a booking for Darren Fletcher, the technical director who was on the touchline but of whom Rangnick said recently that he didn’t really know what his role was.

There was the sight of the so-called "godfather of gegenpressing" sending on Juan Mata to join Cristiano Ronaldo; they are two of the players least likely to press while Mata, who has not been granted a minute of Premier League action this season, was somehow charged with saving United’s Champions League campaign. He didn’t.

Meanwhile, it felt another staging post in Ronaldo’s decline. Part of that is the inevitability of ageing, part the failures of United. Over 180 minutes, the long-time scourge of Atletico mustered two shots, neither on target and neither at Old Trafford.

Manchester United 3 Tottenham Hotspur 2 - player ratings

MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: David de Gea 6 Dived the right way for Kane’s penalty, but it was a perfect penalty. Wasn’t expecting Maguire to put the ball past him for Spurs’ second. EPA
MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: David de Gea 6 Dived the right way for Kane’s penalty, but it was a perfect penalty. Wasn’t expecting Maguire to put the ball past him for Spurs’ second. EPA
Diogo Dalot 6 Headed a 26th minute Dier header off the line. Bad challenge on Reguilon on 73, for which he held his hands up. Reuters
Diogo Dalot 6 Headed a 26th minute Dier header off the line. Bad challenge on Reguilon on 73, for which he held his hands up. Reuters
Harry Maguire 5 Performed better than last week and involved in an open, thrilling, game. Then he scored an own goal and had Romero screaming in his face in celebration for his troubles. Lad needs a break. EPA
Harry Maguire 5 Performed better than last week and involved in an open, thrilling, game. Then he scored an own goal and had Romero screaming in his face in celebration for his troubles. Lad needs a break. EPA
Raphael Varane 7 Started the build up for the opening goal. United’s defence is better with the Frenchman in it. And three important points against a direct rival lifted the move ahead of Tuesday’s key Champions League game against Atletico. Getty
Raphael Varane 7 Started the build up for the opening goal. United’s defence is better with the Frenchman in it. And three important points against a direct rival lifted the move ahead of Tuesday’s key Champions League game against Atletico. Getty
Alex Telles 7 High cross for Ronaldo after 21. Handled the ball to concede Kane’s penalty. Costly error. Hits a decent free-kick/cross and his corner set up Ronaldo for the winner. Getty
Alex Telles 7 High cross for Ronaldo after 21. Handled the ball to concede Kane’s penalty. Costly error. Hits a decent free-kick/cross and his corner set up Ronaldo for the winner. Getty
Nemanja Matic 7 Lost possession to Hojberg, who shot after 17. Read the line right when Spurs did put the ball in the next a minute after. Superb block to stop a dangerous attack on 29. His looping ball to Sancho would lead to United’s second. EPA
Nemanja Matic 7 Lost possession to Hojberg, who shot after 17. Read the line right when Spurs did put the ball in the next a minute after. Superb block to stop a dangerous attack on 29. His looping ball to Sancho would lead to United’s second. EPA
Fred 8 Flicked the ball to set up Ronaldo’s opener, then blocked a Son strike five minutes later before immediately setting up Pogba to shoot. Another key tackle on 41. Good first half. Booked. Fine counter attack at 2-2, fine game. Reuters
Fred 8 Flicked the ball to set up Ronaldo’s opener, then blocked a Son strike five minutes later before immediately setting up Pogba to shoot. Another key tackle on 41. Good first half. Booked. Fine counter attack at 2-2, fine game. Reuters
Paul Pogba 6 Shot wide as United surged forward again after 16 minutes. Lost the ball and gave a free kick to Spurs soon after. Played centrally in an area where Spurs had more possession…and helped them in their cause more than he’d have liked but while ponderous, could also play a pass to split their defence. Booked. Getty
Paul Pogba 6 Shot wide as United surged forward again after 16 minutes. Lost the ball and gave a free kick to Spurs soon after. Played centrally in an area where Spurs had more possession…and helped them in their cause more than he’d have liked but while ponderous, could also play a pass to split their defence. Booked. Getty
Marcus Rashford 5 First start in a month, but he had a quiet first half. More involved in the second and hit a cross towards Pogba, but no real threat. First player to come off. Getty
Marcus Rashford 5 First start in a month, but he had a quiet first half. More involved in the second and hit a cross towards Pogba, but no real threat. First player to come off. Getty
Jadon Sancho 7 Beaten by Kulusevski in the run up to Spurs penalty. Stayed onside to set up Ronaldo for United’s second. Cut inside to shoot on 43. Busy. Lost the ball to set up a Spurs attack on 61. Beaten down the right too many times, but still doing well. Getty
Jadon Sancho 7 Beaten by Kulusevski in the run up to Spurs penalty. Stayed onside to set up Ronaldo for United’s second. Cut inside to shoot on 43. Busy. Lost the ball to set up a Spurs attack on 61. Beaten down the right too many times, but still doing well. Getty
Cristiano Ronaldo 10 Scooped a sixth minute shot over. Then hit a magnificent curling shot past Lloris on 12. Met a Sancho cross to score United’s second on 38. Strike on target from distance on 66, then headed – magnificently – the winner on 82. Old Trafford came alive in song. 807 career goals to become football’s top goalscorer. Of all time. Getty
Cristiano Ronaldo 10 Scooped a sixth minute shot over. Then hit a magnificent curling shot past Lloris on 12. Met a Sancho cross to score United’s second on 38. Strike on target from distance on 66, then headed – magnificently – the winner on 82. Old Trafford came alive in song. 807 career goals to become football’s top goalscorer. Of all time. Getty
SUBS: Anthony Elanga On for Rashford on 67. More valuable minutes. EPA
SUBS: Anthony Elanga On for Rashford on 67. More valuable minutes. EPA
Edinson Cavani On to a roar for Matic after 79. A brave move, but one which quickly paid off as United retook the lead. Getty
Edinson Cavani On to a roar for Matic after 79. A brave move, but one which quickly paid off as United retook the lead. Getty
Victor Lindelof 5 As Old Trafford roared ‘Viva Ronaldo’, the Swede replaced him on 83 minutes. AP
Victor Lindelof 5 As Old Trafford roared ‘Viva Ronaldo’, the Swede replaced him on 83 minutes. AP
TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Hugo Lloris – 7 The Frenchman had no chance of keeping out Ronaldo’s terrific strike from outside the box in the opening minutes, but he was twice forced to push away the Portuguese striker’s effort for a hat-trick in the second half. Didn’t have much luck with any of the goals. EPA
TOTTENHAM RATINGS: Hugo Lloris – 7 The Frenchman had no chance of keeping out Ronaldo’s terrific strike from outside the box in the opening minutes, but he was twice forced to push away the Portuguese striker’s effort for a hat-trick in the second half. Didn’t have much luck with any of the goals. EPA
Cristian Romero – 5 The Atalanta loanee would have been flagged for offside if he had found Reguilon’s cross, but he’d distracted Maguire just enough to force the United man to convert into his own net for Spurs’ equaliser. Lost his man as Ronaldo climbed highest to claim his hat-trick. Getty
Cristian Romero – 5 The Atalanta loanee would have been flagged for offside if he had found Reguilon’s cross, but he’d distracted Maguire just enough to force the United man to convert into his own net for Spurs’ equaliser. Lost his man as Ronaldo climbed highest to claim his hat-trick. Getty
Eric Dier – 6 The centre-back was in the centre of a handball claim in the opening minutes, which VAR denied, but he gave Ronaldo too much space and backed off just after. He nearly got his team level before the half-hour mark, forcing a goal-line clearance from Dalot. Booked. Getty
Eric Dier – 6 The centre-back was in the centre of a handball claim in the opening minutes, which VAR denied, but he gave Ronaldo too much space and backed off just after. He nearly got his team level before the half-hour mark, forcing a goal-line clearance from Dalot. Booked. Getty
Ben Davies – 6 The Welshman might have thought he’d scored his first goal of the season when he linked up with Reguilon and Son on the left flank, only to see the linesman raise his flag for offside. AP
Ben Davies – 6 The Welshman might have thought he’d scored his first goal of the season when he linked up with Reguilon and Son on the left flank, only to see the linesman raise his flag for offside. AP
Matt Doherty – 6 The former Wolves man was caught ball watching and left Sancho to sprint free to play in Ronaldo before United’s second, before he misjudged Ronaldo for his hat-trick goal. Getty
Matt Doherty – 6 The former Wolves man was caught ball watching and left Sancho to sprint free to play in Ronaldo before United’s second, before he misjudged Ronaldo for his hat-trick goal. Getty
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6 The former Juventus man looks to be Conte’s first choice in a pairing with Hojbjerg in the centre of midfield. He managed some neat passes, though couldn’t dominate. Saw a first-half shot blocked by Maguire. PA
Rodrigo Bentancur – 6 The former Juventus man looks to be Conte’s first choice in a pairing with Hojbjerg in the centre of midfield. He managed some neat passes, though couldn’t dominate. Saw a first-half shot blocked by Maguire. PA
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 7 The Denmark international was busy in midfield, finding several excellent passes and did well to win the ball from Matic in response to United finding their opener, though his resulting shot was weak and straight at De Gea. EPA
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 7 The Denmark international was busy in midfield, finding several excellent passes and did well to win the ball from Matic in response to United finding their opener, though his resulting shot was weak and straight at De Gea. EPA
Sergio Reguilon – 6 The Spaniard was the only change for Antonio Conte with Ryan Sessegnon sidelined. He appealed for offside in the build-up to Ronaldo’s second, only to find out he was the player keeping Sancho onside. He was later played in by Son, with his resulting cross seeing Maguire find the back of his own net. Booked for a high foot. Reuters
Sergio Reguilon – 6 The Spaniard was the only change for Antonio Conte with Ryan Sessegnon sidelined. He appealed for offside in the build-up to Ronaldo’s second, only to find out he was the player keeping Sancho onside. He was later played in by Son, with his resulting cross seeing Maguire find the back of his own net. Booked for a high foot. Reuters
Dejan Kulusevski – 7 The Juventus loanee collected Dier’s blocked free-kick before swiftly bypassing Sancho on the wing and winning a penalty when his cross hit Alex Telles’ arm. Continues to be an excellent addition. EPA
Dejan Kulusevski – 7 The Juventus loanee collected Dier’s blocked free-kick before swiftly bypassing Sancho on the wing and winning a penalty when his cross hit Alex Telles’ arm. Continues to be an excellent addition. EPA
Heung-Min Son – 5 After trying to make something happen for much of the first half to no avail, the Korean had the perfect opportunity to put his side level, but he was unable to adjust and saw his effort go narrowly wide of the post. EPA
Heung-Min Son – 5 After trying to make something happen for much of the first half to no avail, the Korean had the perfect opportunity to put his side level, but he was unable to adjust and saw his effort go narrowly wide of the post. EPA
Harry Kane – 6 The English forward netted his sixth in five games when he stepped up to the spot and had enough power to squeeze past De Gea, who had guessed the right way. EPA
Harry Kane – 6 The English forward netted his sixth in five games when he stepped up to the spot and had enough power to squeeze past De Gea, who had guessed the right way. EPA
SUBS: Lucas Moura (Kulusevski 78’) – N/R Attempted a few dribbles but did very little to make an impact. EPA
SUBS: Lucas Moura (Kulusevski 78’) – N/R Attempted a few dribbles but did very little to make an impact. EPA
Harry Winks (Bentancur 88’) – N/R The late substitute lofted a lovely ball into the box for Reguilon in the closing stages. EPA
Harry Winks (Bentancur 88’) – N/R The late substitute lofted a lovely ball into the box for Reguilon in the closing stages. EPA
Steven Bergwijn (Davies 88’) – N/R A late change for Spurs as Conte pushed for a third equalising goal to no avail. Getty
Steven Bergwijn (Davies 88’) – N/R A late change for Spurs as Conte pushed for a third equalising goal to no avail. Getty

He used to be irrepressible on such occasions but he has become ineffectual. Saturday’s stunning hat-trick against Tottenham looks the anomaly in his 2022.

Ronaldo had dragged United through the group stages with six goals and sheer willpower. Perhaps, however, the telling part is when his impact came.

He has a record 67 goals in the knockout phase, but none this season or last. For the third consecutive year, his campaign is curtailed before the quarter-finals. An era is ending, for him and Lionel Messi alike.

More so than United, Juventus signed Ronaldo to win the Champions League but each has proof he is no longer as devastating.

He is arguably the greatest player in the competition’s history, certainly since the rebrand in the 1990s, but his 2018 triumph, in his valedictory game for Real Madrid, will be his last.

Perhaps Ronaldo’s Champions League career ended in anti-climax on Tuesday. United are not guaranteed to be in it next season. Perhaps he will not be there.

Indeed, it is hard to say who will be. Rangnick will not be in the dugout. In the future, it may seem strange to reflect that Fred and Anthony Elanga were the only success stories of a Champions League knockout tie for United.

The broader context is that it has been, in David de Gea’s words, “another bad year.” Yet another.

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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Empire of Enchantment: The Story of Indian Magic

John Zubrzycki, Hurst Publishers

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Teams

India (playing XI): Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami

South Africa (squad): Faf du Plessis (c), Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rudi Second

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FFP EXPLAINED

What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.

What the rules dictate? 
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.

What are the penalties? 
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.

Tank warfare

Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks. 

“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.

“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV

Power: 360bhp

Torque: 500Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh282,870

On sale: now

Results
  • Brock Lesnar retained the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns
  • Braun Strowman and Nicolas won the Raw Tag Team titles against Sheamus and Cesaro
  • AJ Styles retained the WWE World Heavyweight title against Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Nia Jax won the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss
  • Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon beat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
  • The Undertaker beat John Cena
  • The Bludgeon Brothers won the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos and New Day
  • Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle beat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
  • Jinder Mahal won the United States title against Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode
  • Charlotte retained the SmackDown Women’s title against Asuka
  • Seth Rollins won the Intercontinental title against The Miz and Finn Balor
  • Naomi won the first WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
  • Cedric Alexander won the vacant Cruiserweight title against Mustafa Ali
  • Matt Hardy won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal
HWJN
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UAE currency
Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Tour de France Stage 16:

165km run from Le Puy-en-Velay to Romans-sur-Isère

While you're here
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Publisher: Konami

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Rating: 4.5/5

THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick

Hometown: Cologne, Germany

Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)

Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes

Favourite hobby: Football

Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk

MATCH INFO

Day 2 at Mount Maunganui

England 353

Stokes 91, Denly 74, Southee 4-88

New Zealand 144-4

Williamson 51, S Curran 2-28

Specs – Taycan 4S
Engine: Electric

Transmission: 2-speed auto

Power: 571bhp

Torque: 650Nm

Price: Dh431,800

Specs – Panamera
Engine: 3-litre V6 with 100kW electric motor

Transmission: 2-speed auto

Power: 455bhp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: from Dh431,800

Tomorrow 2021
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While you're here
Updated: March 16, 2022, 12:27 PM
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