Friday’s briefing: Casemiro to leave Man Utd and Sancho fires Villa through

Aston Villa guaranteed themselves a top-eight finish in the Europa League with a 1-0 victory over Fenerbahce in Turkey.

But Nottingham Forest saw their hopes of direct qualification for the last 16 dented after losing 1-0 away to Braga, with Elliot Anderson sent off late on.

Elsewhere, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was criticised for a “cheap joke” about British football fans’ behaviour while Brazil international Casemiro confirmed he would be leaving Manchester United.

Infantino aims dig at British fans

FIFA president Gianni Infantino made a joke about British football fans’ behaviour during a speech to world leaders.

In an address at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Infantino addressed concerns around this summer’s World Cup amid rising domestic tensions in the United States and cited how there had been “a lot of critics” in the build-up to the Qatar finals in 2022.

“When the ball started rolling and the magic started we had virtually no incidents. For the first time in history also, no Brit was arrested during a World Cup. Imagine! This is something really, really special,” he said.

In response to the FIFA president’s comments, the Football Supporters’ Association said: “While we’ve got Mr Infantino’s attention, we’d like to point out that rather than making cheap jokes about our fans, he should concentrate on making cheap tickets.”

Infantino did go on to address criticism around ticket prices in his speech, again referring to English fans, as he maintained “everyone wants to come and to participate”.

Villa march on

Aston Villa booked a spot in the last 16 in the Europa League after Jadon Sancho’s first-half header secured a 1-0 victory over Fenerbahce in Turkey.

Sancho opened his account in Villa colours to put the visitors in the driving seat in front of a loud Sukru Saracoglu atmosphere.

Villa boss Unai Emery told TNT Sports: “Europa League is important for us and we have got in the top eight.

“Next week we can finish the transfer window and hopefully we can get everything we need to complete the squad for the next months and the competitions we have.”

Forest slump to defeat in Braga

Nottingham Forest’s hopes of earning automatic qualification to the knockout rounds are all-but over after a “minute of madness” led to a 1-0 defeat in Braga.

Forest were sunk by skipper Ryan Yates’ second-half own goal – which came less than a minute after Morgan Gibbs-White missed a penalty.

A miserable night in Portugal finished with a straight red card for Elliot Anderson in stoppage time after he appeared to say something to the referee Igor.

Boss Sean Dyche said: “Very frustrating. One minute of madness. A game we never looked in trouble.”

Casemiro set for Old Trafford exit

Manchester United confirmed midfielder Casemiro will leave the club when his contract expires this summer.

The 33-year-old moved to Old Trafford from Real Madrid in August 2022 for a fee rising to £70million, signing a four-year deal with an option for a further season.

But the Press Association understands United decided against keeping Casemiro beyond the end of the campaign and have agreed to the player’s request to confirm his summer exit at this time.

“I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life,” the Brazil international said.

“It is not time to say goodbye. There are many more memories to create during the next four months.”

What’s on today?

Friday’s live Championship action sees West Brom head to Derby, while Everton host Brighton in the Women’s Super League.

Several Premier League bosses are set to address the media ahead of the weekend’s action.

Eddie Howe and Arne Slot are up in the morning, while Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, Oliver Glasner, Liam Rosenior and Michael Carrick all feature on a busy afternoon schedule.