In the aftermath of Manchester City’s resounding 8-0 victory over Salford City in the FA Cup third round, Pep Guardiola showcased his class with a thoughtful gesture that captured the spirit of sportsmanship.

City’s dominant performance at the Etihad Stadium saw James McAtee shine with a hat-trick, while Jeremy Doku netted twice and Jack Grealish ended a 13-month goal drought. The reigning Premier League champions made it three consecutive wins against local rivals, with Salford City, a League Two side, managing to create a few chances that forced Ederson into action but ultimately proving no match for City’s superiority.

To ensure the day was memorable for both sides, Guardiola invited the Salford squad into City’s dressing room after the match. Players from both teams exchanged shirts and engaged in friendly conversations, a gesture that underlined the respect and camaraderie inherent in the game.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Guardiola explained, “It’s something we’ve done in the past when playing FA Cup ties against lower-division teams. It’s normal to exchange shirts and interact with the players.”

Guardiola also touched on a separate matter involving Kyle Walker, hinting at potential changes in the squad. During a press conference, he mentioned, “A couple of days ago, Kyle expressed interest in exploring opportunities abroad. He asked two years ago, after the Treble, when Bayern Munich approached him, but the offer wasn’t sufficient.”

He continued, “Kyle has been a crucial part of our success. It’s hard to imagine what we’ve achieved without him. That said, I believe players perform best when fully committed to where they are. Exploring options doesn’t mean a transfer will happen, but the possibility is there.”

City have already taken steps to prepare for potential changes. One January signing has been confirmed, with Abdukodir Khusanov set to join from RC Lens. Additionally, the club is reportedly pursuing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush and Palmeiras defender Vitor Reis.

Guardiola’s blend of dominance on the pitch and humility off it continues to define Manchester City’s culture, leaving fans and opponents alike with lasting impressions.

Al Nassr’s media advisor, Saaed Abu Dahesh, has firmly dismissed recent speculation suggesting that Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is on the verge of joining the Saudi Pro League side.

Reports have increasingly linked Casemiro with a potential move to Al Nassr, fueling rumors that his tenure at Manchester United may soon come to an end.

Last summer, the Brazilian star rejected a transfer despite significant interest from Saudi Arabia. However, recent updates indicate he might now be more open to the idea of a move.

A previous report, as highlighted by The Peoples Person, claimed that Al Nassr had offered Casemiro an enticing deal worth approximately £650,000 per week. Adding to the buzz, there have been suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo has personally urged Al Nassr’s management to secure Casemiro’s services. The two players share a remarkable history, having won 12 trophies together at Real Madrid—including four UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns. Their partnership continued at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag, and their strong personal bond has been well-documented.

Speculation reached a peak when reports from Brazil asserted that a deal to sell the 32-year-old to Al Nassr was nearly finalized, suggesting his departure from Old Trafford was imminent.

However, these claims were categorically denied by Al Nassr’s media advisor, Saeed Abu Dahesh. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Abu Dahesh stated, “All the news circulating about Al-Nassr’s negotiations with the player Casemiro is incorrect.”

He further explained, “The coming period will be filled with rumors about players, both local and international, being linked to Al Nassr. As always, the official updates will come from Al Nassr’s verified channels. Everything else is merely speculation that we cannot waste time denying daily.”

Abu Dahesh also urged fans to focus on supporting the team during their critical upcoming matches, emphasizing that their attention and encouragement are crucial.

Meanwhile, Casemiro and the rest of the Manchester United squad are gearing up for their next challenge. They are set to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the third round of the FA Cup. The match kicks off at 15:00 GMT on Sunday, promising an exciting clash between two top-tier teams.

Manchester United’s transfer activity this January appears tied to their ability to offload players from the current squad. Manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly restricted to pursuing loan deals and free agents unless significant sales provide additional funds.

Marcus Rashford Sparks Interest from Top Clubs
Academy graduate Marcus Rashford is rumored to be considering a move away from Old Trafford. European heavyweights AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Paris Saint-Germain, alongside Premier League side West Ham United, are said to be monitoring the situation closely. United are reportedly open to offers for several players as they aim to generate funds to support Amorim’s long-term vision for the team.

Amorim’s Plans for a Squad Overhaul
Speaking at the end of December, Amorim hinted at his plans to reshape the squad:

“When the window is open, we can try to do something, and we will try to do something. But I think, in the next weeks, we are going to have more time to train, and we can improve—that’s the only way. We had a lot of games without training; now we will have more space to grow.”

The United boss acknowledged the team’s current struggles, emphasizing the importance of managing the situation amid recent poor results.

Financial Constraints Dictate United’s Strategy
While Amorim aims to bring in players suited to his system, financial limitations have made permanent signings challenging. A significant sale, such as Rashford’s potential departure, could pave the way for the club to pursue high-profile targets, including a rumored £70m player reportedly “on the move.”

As the January window progresses, all eyes will be on United’s ability to balance their financial constraints with Amorim’s desire to implement his philosophy. Fans are eager to see how the club navigates these challenges and whether the Red Devils can emerge stronger for the second half of the season.