They are a select group, numbering just three. Sir Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker and Kieran Trippier are the only Englishmen to score in a World Cup semi-final and if the right-back feels an incongruous presence in such distinguished company, it nevertheless underlines what a coup it would be for Newcastle to sign him.
Since their takeover by the consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, there have been questions about who would be lured to Tyneside by Newcastle’s status among the super-rich, but also increasing suspicions that their plight might deter many a player with options and ambitions.
Half-way through the season, United have a solitary win. Only Norwich, Watford and Burnley are within eight points of them. They don’t have much margin for error now.
Trippier’s willingness to become the first arrival of the new era is instructive. Right-backs are rarely statement signings but in a way he is. He should be classed as one of his country’s most successful exports: by winning La Liga with Atletico Madrid’s underdogs and being a cornerstone of its most frugal defence, perhaps he ranks second only to Steve McManaman among English footballers in La Liga in the last three decades.
Well as Newcastle played against Manchester United, he looks far too good for this team. Trading Diego Simeone’s well-drilled rearguard – albeit more porous than usual this season – for Newcastle’s sometimes shambolic defence is a contrast.
Trippier could have been facing Barcelona and Real Madrid next season. Instead, he may line up against Barnsley and Rotherham. One of only 22 players to start for England in the final of a major international tournament is taking a risk ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
But if there have long been hints that Trippier was keen to return to his homeland, it is notable he was a target for Manchester United last year. In the summer, if not now, he could have attracted suitors higher up the table: indeed both United and his former club Tottenham could benefit from a crosser of his calibre at right-back.
For Newcastle, he represents a huge upgrade. Either in a back four or five, their right-sided defenders this season have been the winger Jacob Murphy, Javier Manquillo and Emil Krafth. A side with a solitary clean sheet this season have been particularly poor in both full-back positions.
Newcastle 1 Manchester United 1: player ratings
And yet, important as right-backs have become in recent years, footballing orthodoxy suggests Newcastle’s fate is likelier to rest on the spine of the side. Reinforcements are required. Callum Wilson’s calf injury leaves a desperate need for a goalscorer. A central midfielder might help. Centre-backs are an absolute must and Newcastle could do with securing two from a mooted list of targets that includes Sven Botman, James Tarkowski, Lloyd Kelly, Rob Holding, Nat Phillips and Joe Rodon.
For Eddie Howe, a reunion with a loyalist should offer a reminder a manager criticised for excessive spending at Bournemouth has a track record of transfer-market acumen: he signed a young Trippier for Burnley, initially on loan and then permanently, from Manchester City’s reserves. Howe has often been a talent spotter and now an initial £12 million ($16.2m) fee feels relatively cheap.
Trippier could have an added benefit. He brings kudos as well as quality delivery from the right. Perhaps his arrival will encourage others to believe in the Newcastle project, to back themselves to keep United up this season before they set their sights higher up the league. Or maybe he will have a release clause to ensure that Newcastle go down, he does not accompany them into the Championship. In the meantime, however, he is evidence of the pulling power Newcastle possess.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Ain Dubai in numbers
126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure
1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch
16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.
9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.
5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place
192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
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The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
Reputation
Taylor Swift
(Big Machine Records)
The%20specs
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
RESULT
Norway 1 Spain 1
Norway: King (90 4')
Spain: Niguez (47')
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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1.
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United States
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2.
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China
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3.
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UAE
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4.
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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6.
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Canada
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7.
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Singapore
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8.
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Australia
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9.
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Saudi Arabia
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10.
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South Korea
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Harry%20%26%20Meghan
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FA Cup semi-finals
Saturday: Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur, 8.15pm (UAE)
Sunday: Chelsea v Southampton, 6pm (UAE)
Matches on Bein Sports
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis