Man Utd's Fernandes in Race to Recover from COVID Ahead of Atletico Clash, Says Rangnick

Bruno Fernandes. (Reuters)
Bruno Fernandes. (Reuters)
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Man Utd's Fernandes in Race to Recover from COVID Ahead of Atletico Clash, Says Rangnick

Bruno Fernandes. (Reuters)
Bruno Fernandes. (Reuters)

COVID-19 positive Bruno Fernandes is in a "last-minute race" to be fit for the return leg of Manchester United's Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid, manager Ralf Rangnick said.

Fernandes, who has nine goals and 14 assists for United this season, missed their 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur on the weekend, along with team mates Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay.

While giving an update on the status of the trio, Rangnick said Bruno's absence was caused by a positive COVID-19 test.

"With Scotty, I hope (he is fit) but he had some muscular problems with his calf," Rangnick said. "That's why we decided not to play him (against Spurs), because Scotty ... is only valuable if he can perform with 100% of his physical capacity.

"Luke hopefully will be back in training Monday and Bruno we will have to wait and see until Tuesday. This will probably be a last-minute race with him - due to COVID-19. "We have to be careful with COVID-19 tests. David (de Gea) was the same. David yesterday was out, he was not supposed to play but then it turned out that his first fast test was false."

Anthony Elanga salvaged a 1-1 draw for United in the first leg against Atletico in February with a late equalizer, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg.



Apple Bids for Formula 1 US Streaming Rights

Apple has made a generous offer to acquire the rights to broadcast Formula 1 (AP)
Apple has made a generous offer to acquire the rights to broadcast Formula 1 (AP)
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Apple Bids for Formula 1 US Streaming Rights

Apple has made a generous offer to acquire the rights to broadcast Formula 1 (AP)
Apple has made a generous offer to acquire the rights to broadcast Formula 1 (AP)

Apple has submitted a bid worth at least $150 million a year for the US rights to stream Formula 1 races starting in 2026, Business Insider reported on Friday, citing a source familiar with the negotiations.

The iPhone-maker is poised to win the rights as the leading bidder, the report said, as Walt Disney's ESPN, which currently holds the rights, will not try to match or beat it.

Apple declined a Reuters request for comment, while F1 and its owner Liberty Media did not immediately respond.

The news follows Apple's success with its "F1: The Movie" film starring Brad Pitt, that has grossed over $300 million worldwide as of Friday, according to IMDb's Box Office Mojo.

ESPN holds the US broadcast rights for these races through the year's season, though Reuters has reported in February that its exclusivity period to negotiate a new contract with F1 has expired.