Ikhtisar Magpies Crusaders

Aston Villa have publicly confirmed that Unai Emery is committed to the club beyond 2029 after positive talks with chairman Nassef Sawiris, ending speculation over a move to Manchester United. The Spaniard has been strongly linked with replacing Michael Carrick at Old Trafford, where Villa travel this weekend in need of a response to Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona.

Kasper Schmeichel has urged Manchester United fans to get behind Michael Carrick's side, warning that protests against the club's owners are hurting the players. The former Celtic goalkeeper praised supporters for staying put during Tuesday's comeback win over Roma, and insists they now have the chance to influence results in a testing run against Aston Villa and Liverpool.

Manchester United are bracing themselves for the loss of JJ Gabriel after the 16-year-old reached a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid in January. Paul Merson believes the Red Devils will be devastated to see one of Europe's brightest young talents leave Old Trafford, and has called for the rules that allowed the teenager to move abroad to be changed.

Diogo Dalot has warned his Manchester United team-mates that no one is safe from scrutiny as the club looks to navigate a period of intense crisis at Old Trafford. The Portuguese defender insists the burden of expectation falls on every individual within the squad, not just under-fire manager Michael Carrick.