Arne Slot has support of Liverpool players over Mohamed Salah situation, Manchester United in new shock link – Paper Round

Slot gets support of Liverpool players in Salah row

The Mail writes: “If one thing was made clear this week in the aftermath of the Mohamed Salah soap opera, it is that Arne Slot has the backing of most other people in the building at Liverpool’s HQ.

“Either that or they are Oscar-level actors, with several players – like Curtis Jones, Alisson and Dominik Szoboszlai – talking up their respect for the head coach.

“There is no hiding that this has been a wretched period for the Premier League champions and Slot’s future has been called into doubt at times.

“But Confidential has spoken to a number of sources close to the situation or dressing room this week and the word back from most is that the players are well behind Slot, perhaps even more so after the Salah incident.

“Many have talked about how they see Slot as a tactician that gets the best out of them (albeit not as much so recently). This was demonstrated in the San Siro on Tuesday with a crucial win that had Slot’s fingerprints all over it.

“More importantly, Slot has the backing of those upstairs. The decision to omit Salah from the squad on Tuesday was made in conjunction by the hierarchy and Slot. As ‘head coach’, he is trusted to make such moves but others helped him reach the final call.

“Fenway Sports Group CEO Michael Edwards was in Milan, as was sporting director Richard Hughes. As they took the scenic flight back over the Alps, they would know the pressure on them and Slot has eased somewhat.”

Fans singing my name ‘means a lot’ – Slot

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Ramos in shock Man Utd link

Manchester United have been linked with a shock move for former Spain and Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos.

Ramos, 39, moved to Mexico for Monterrey’s 2025 campaign but left earlier in December after not extending his contract.

“If Ramos is to prolong his career, it’s unclear where the next chapter will take place. According to ESPN, United remain focused on signing younger players and have not held any talks over a move for the veteran.”

Champions League Immortals: Sergio Ramos

Video credit: TNT Sports

United hold emergency talks

Elsewhere at Man Utd, the club have held emergency talks with young star JJ Gabriel to persuade him not to leave Old Trafford earlier this summer, according to a report.

The Sun, citing The Athletic, claims United had to convince the 15-year-old sensation to change his mind after having his head turned.

“But the Athletic claim Gabriel came close to quitting United after a number of top European sides began eyeing him up.

“And United were forced to act quickly as chiefs Matt Hargreaves and Matt Wilcox set up talks and managed to change his mind.

“The duo were crucial as Hargreaves ‘made an important intervention’ during the negotiations, while Wilcox “presented pathways” to the player.

“United’s ambition and desire to keep Gabriel was key to him performing a U-turn, the report says.

“The player and his dad Joe O’Cearuill were then invited to attend United’s opening day clash against Arsenal in the directors’ box.

“Gabriel has since been invited for a number of training sessions with the first team by manager Ruben Amorim.”

JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates scoring his teams third goal during the U18 Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Liverpool FC Academy on November 29, 2025 in Kirkby, England.

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