Wednesday’s briefing: Arteta rues striker failure ahead of semi-final

Gary Neville believes Manchester United have regressed under Ruben Amorim, with the team suffering their fifth league defeat at Old Trafford in seven matches since his appointment. Neville warns that the current situation is unsustainable, as the team's poor performances and results are causing disillusionment among the players and fans. Despite Amorim's insistence on sticking to his tactics, Neville emphasizes the urgent need for improvement to avoid further damage to the team's morale and confidence....

The Independent relies on reader support to cover stories ranging from reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, with a commitment to unbiased reporting accessible to all. Your donation helps fund on-the-ground reporting in the US, providing a crucial perspective in today's critical times. Despite her recent losses, Emma Raducanu fell to Marketa Vondrousova in the Abu Dhabi Open, highlighting the challenges faced by the British tennis player. Full Article

After a month-long absence due to knee and foot issues, Joel Embiid returned to score a 29-point triple-double for the 76ers, expressing frustration but optimism about his health. The team, currently 20-29, is striving for consistency and health to reach their playoff goals, with Embiid acknowledging the struggle of staying available. Despite uncertainties about player availability, the focus remains on Embiid's recovery and how his knee responds after a full game. Full Article

Why Choose a Last Minute Gift? Valentine's Day is a special occasion, and finding the perfect gift for your partner can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you're pressed for time. For those hard working, deadline pushing women, we've got you covered! What doesn't scream "I LOVE YOU" to a sports-loving husband like some tickets to a game? Or some vintage and retro shirts from his favorite sports team? Did you also forget or you're...

The Independent relies on reader support to cover important stories, from reproductive rights to climate change. Your donation helps fund investigative journalism and documentary production. In rugby news, England may start Fin Smith at fly half against France, with Marcus Smith moving to full-back for added versatility and attacking options. Henry Slade is expected to continue in the centers, providing another distributing option for the team. Full Article

Greg Wyshynski reports on the current NHL Awards Watch, highlighting the potential shift in the Hart Trophy race with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck leading the pack, followed by forwards Leon Draisaitl and Nathan MacKinnon. Hellebuyck, the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, has been instrumental in the Winnipeg Jets' success with impressive stats, while MacKinnon and Draisaitl are also strong contenders for the MVP award based on their exceptional performances this season. The article also discusses defensemen Quinn...