Frostad Wins Big Air Gold After Epic Jump — and more

In a dramatic finish to the Big Air competition, Norwegian athlete Frostad claimed the gold medal with an impressive monster jump. The victory came after a tight battle with American Mac Forehand, with Frostad's final jump proving decisive.

The result was particularly significant as it denied Norway's Birk Ruud a medal position, as the Norwegian skier fell during his final attempt. Frostad's gold capped off an intense competition that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Czechia knows what to expect playing Canada at the Olympics but this time around, they’re hoping for a better outcome with the stakes at an all-time high.

Once again, Czechia will face the hockey powerhouse in the quarterfinals of the men’s Olympic tournament, eying a better result than the 5-0 thrashing they received in the opener.

For Czech forward Martin Necas, the opportunity to see Canada again on the Olympic stage carries both excitement and a sense of unfinished business.

“It’s simply just fantastic,” Necas said of the rematch to reporters after their game against Denmark. “We let them win the first one because we knew we were not going to win two in a row against Canada.”

While the odds certainly won’t be in Czechia’s favour going into the rematch, the team believes it can be better the second time around.

In a more serious tone, David Pastrnak believes it’s up to the team to have the right mindset in the rematch.

“It might be the best team ever, so maybe we have to put the respect aside a little bit and try to take their game to them,” Pastrnak told reporters.

Canada locked up the top seed in the men’s tournament, which means it would get the lowest seed in the quarterfinals. Puck drop between Canada and Czechia is scheduled for 10:40 a.m. ET/ 7:40 a.m. PT on Thursday.

While Canada has breezed through the tournament so far, history suggests that the overwhelming favourite still has to live up to the hype.

It will be the first Canada-Czechia men’s hockey playoff game with NHL players at the Olympics since 1998. In that game, Czechia came away with a 2-1 semifinal victory when Canada did not use Wayne Gretzky in a shootout.

• ‘I’m trying to figure out if I can actually do this’

• Woods says he could play in this year’s Masters

Tiger Woods has confirmed he has been asked to captain the US team at Ryder Cup next year. Woods, who has not played competitively since the 2024 Open Championship, has also semi-remarkably left the door open to teeing up in the Masters this year.

With the US still reeling from defeat by Europe at Bethpage in September, thoughts have turned towards attempts to reclaim the Ryder Cup in Ireland. Woods is the PGA of America’s first choice as captain. The 50-year-old will determine whether he believes he can commit sufficiently to the role.

Man United Midfield Rebuild: Felix Nmecha Links Gather Pace Ahead of Summer Window

Credit to Fussball Daten for the original reporting that has sparked fresh discussion around Manchester United’s transfer strategy, with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha emerging as a serious option. As the club prepares for significant change in midfield, the narrative around recruitment feels increasingly shaped by long term planning rather than short term reaction.

Midfield Plans Taking Shape

Manchester United’s intention to reshape the engine room has been building for months. With Casemiro expected to depart at the end of his contract and uncertainty surrounding several senior names, the focus has turned towards players capable of evolving the side’s physicality and technical balance.

Fussball Daten claim United are targeting Nmecha alongside Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, hinting at a double addition rather than a single headline signing. Internally, the German international is viewed as a ‘strategic reinforcement’, a phrase that suggests careful squad construction rather than a blockbuster splash.

Nmecha’s rise at Borussia Dortmund has not gone unnoticed. Described as ‘insane’, his development in the Bundesliga has blended athleticism with intelligence on the ball, making him a profile that fits modern Premier League demands. Dortmund’s reported valuation of £39m-48m reflects both his growth and the financial pressures influencing potential sales.

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Transfer Value and Wage Structure

Financial context plays a significant role in this story. Dortmund’s willingness to listen to offers appears linked to the need for stability, which could open a window for English clubs monitoring his progress. His ‘homegrown’ status from time spent in Manchester City’s academy adds further appeal, particularly for teams balancing registration rules.

From United’s perspective, the expected wage rise from around £83,000 a week to closer to £150,000 would place him within the upper tier of earners, though still below the club’s biggest contracts. That level of investment signals belief in his long term value rather than immediate star power.

Recruitment decisions under the current hierarchy appear increasingly data informed. United’s interest reflects a wider trend of identifying players entering peak years who can grow into leadership roles, rather than relying solely on established veterans.

Style of Play and Tactical Fit

When analysing Nmecha’s attributes, several traits stand out. As noted in the report, he considers himself an “all-rounder.” That self description aligns with how many scouts view him, a midfielder capable of shifting between defensive responsibility and forward momentum.

His profile includes strong ball progression, crisp passing, and an ability to carry possession through pressure. Physicality and stamina remain key assets, enabling him to contribute defensively while still supporting attacking transitions. The versatility to operate across multiple midfield roles could appeal to a squad seeking flexibility during a period of change.

For Manchester United, the potential arrival of a powerful box to box presence would signal a shift away from reliance on ageing specialists. It points towards a more mobile, press resistant midfield structure designed to support quicker transitions under the current coaching philosophy.

Recruitment Strategy Under Scrutiny

Supporters and analysts alike will examine how this pursuit fits into a broader rebuild. United’s recent recruitment cycles have faced criticism for lacking cohesion, yet moves like this suggest a clearer identity forming behind the scenes.

There is also the reality of competition. Reports of a summer bidding war indicate that securing Nmecha will not be straightforward. Several English clubs are monitoring the situation closely, and Dortmund’s stance means negotiations could extend deep into the window.

What remains clear is that Manchester United are preparing for a defining summer. The pursuit of players like Nmecha reflects a desire to blend youth, physical strength, and tactical versatility into a squad that has struggled for consistency.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Manchester United supporter, this report raises cautious optimism. With Michael Carrick now leading the side after Ruben Amorim’s departure last month, fans are eager to see recruitment that aligns with a clear football identity. Nmecha feels like a move that prioritises athleticism and balance, qualities many believe the squad has lacked in recent seasons.

Carrick’s preference for intelligent midfield rotations could make a player who calls himself an “all-rounder” particularly valuable. Supporters may see shades of the dynamic midfielders who thrived during previous successful eras, players capable of pressing high while retaining composure in possession.

There is also curiosity about how Elliot Anderson would complement Nmecha if both arrived. The idea of two energetic midfielders entering the squad at once suggests a generational shift away from reliance on experienced names. Fans often debate whether United need a superstar signing or a series of smart additions, and this rumour leans heavily towards the latter approach.

Ultimately, many supporters will judge this potential deal through the lens of consistency. If Carrick wants a side that controls tempo and covers ground relentlessly, Nmecha’s profile could fit perfectly. The coming months will reveal whether this interest turns into something concrete, yet the direction of travel feels aligned with what many United fans have been calling for.