Who can resist a plate of steaming hot momos? We guess no one! Soft and succulent dough filled with a variety of fillings, it’s a snack that has fans across the country. As much as we love indulging in them, they come at a cost: weight gain! Momos are made with various ingredients and methods, which can sometimes be unhealthy. For those on a weight loss journey, eating momos may seem like a distant dream. But imagine if you could satisfy your momo cravings without compromising on your weight loss goals? Wouldn’t that be an incredible feeling? Below, we’ll share five genius tips on how you can transform momos into a guilt-free delight. Also Read:How To Make Chilli Garlic Momos: A Quick Recipe For A Spicy Delight
Photo Credit: iStock
Here Are 5 Easy Tips To Make Your Plate Of Momos Weight Loss-Friendly:
1. Prepare The Dough With Atta
Typically, the dough for momos is prepared with maida (all-purpose flour). However, maida is low in fibre and high in calories, making it less nutritious. To make momos healthier, you can opt for flour such as atta (whole wheat flour). Its high fibre content and presence of essential nutrients make it a healthy swap.
2. Be Generous With Veggies/Chicken
Whether you’re making veg momos or non-veg momos, be sure to add a generous amount of filling. Chicken is a great source of protein, whereas veggies are high in fibre. Always add extra filling and avoid adding excess oil while making them. This way, you’ll be able to savour momos totally guilt-free.
3. Opt For Healthier Cooking Options
Momos can be cooked in a variety of ways. For weight loss, always opt for steaming. Steaming is a healthier cooking method as it retains nutrients and flavour. Plus, steamed momos tend to have fewer calories compared to fried or pan-fried momos. So, when in doubt, simply steam the momos and enjoy!
4. Pair With Low-Calorie Accompaniments
Another thing to keep in mind is to choose low-calorie accompaniments. Most of us usually enjoy momos with a side of mayonnaise or chilli garlic sauce. However, these can be high in calories and also contain excess oil. Instead, you can relish momos with healthier alternatives such as low-calorie mayonnaise or roasted chilli oil. Also Read: Are Your Kurkure Momos Not Crispy Enough? Follow These 5 Tips For Perfect Results
Photo Credit: iStock
5. Exercise Portion Control
The key to enjoying momos on a weight-loss diet is to practice portion control. No matter how healthy you make them, momos still contain calories. If you consume too many, you can quickly derail from your weight loss journey. To prevent this, always enjoy them in moderation and have smaller portions.
So, the next time you plan to make momos at home, keep these easy tips in mind. Stay fit and healthy!
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Samsung is injecting another dose of artificial intelligence into its next lineup of Galaxy smartphones, escalating an effort to simplify people’s lives while deepening their dependence on a device that accompanies them almost everywhere.
The three Galaxy S25 models unveiled Wednesday in San Jose, California, are the second generation to be designed for the AI age — a craze that market-leading Apple joined last September with the release of the iPhone 16. Most of the hardware on the Galaxy S25 is mostly the same as last year’s model, except for a faster chip and a more powerful ultrawide lens on the camera.
In its next phase, Samsung is positioning the Galaxy S25 as an “AI companion” capable of pulling more requests out of conversations, learning people’s routines, anticipating people’s needs and performing more technological tricks, such as being able to remove unwanted sounds from videos or identifying the name of a song upon request.
The AI on the new Galaxy phones has been designed to toggle from one app to another to fetch, summarize and manage information, entertainment and other content stored on the devices. In an attempt to make the technology even more indispensable, the AI on Galaxy S25 will be able to create customized digital dossiers on users’ behavior patterns and other unique characteristics that Samsung is calling a “personal data engine.”
“Everything you see here is the beginning of a new reality,” said TM Roh, the Samsung executive who oversees its smartphones. “Things that you thought you could never do, but now you can.”
As Apple has been doing with its AI features, Samsung is promising that its technology will shield users’ privacy while also peering into their lives. Samsung is providing the protection primarily by keeping all the knowledge accrued by its AI technology on the Galaxy devices — within a digital fortress the company nicknamed after Fort Knox, the Kentucky Army base seated next to the U.S. government’s depository for gold.
After raising prices last year, Samsung is standing pat with the Galaxy S25 phones, with the standard model starting at $800, the Plus model at $1,000 and the Ultra model at $1,300. The phones are scheduled to be in stores starting Feb. 7.
Forrester Research analyst Thomas Husson thinks the Galaxy S25 models “will offer a more intuitive user experience with more integrated vocal and cross-app experiences, but AI is not yet a key reason to buy a new smartphone.”
Samsung is doubling down on its AI bet after getting a sales bump from the past year’s emphasis on the technology. The South Korean company sold 32 million of its Galaxy S24 models from January through September last year, a 25% increase from the same time in the previous year, according to the research group Canalys.
But Samsung didn’t fare as well in the lower end of the smartphone market, where it was hurt by cheaper devices made by Chinese competitors. That’s one of the reasons Samsung’s total smartphone shipments fell by 1% last year, leaving it slightly behind Apple in the worldwide market, according to the research firm International Data Crop.
As was the case with last year’s models, the Galaxy S25 will draw heavily on AI technology made by Google, the maker of the free operating system Android that Samsung has long used for its smartphones.
Some of the new AI tricks, such as the ability to deploy Google’s “circle to search” technology to quickly identify the song title of music playing in a video, will debut on the Galaxy S25 before coming to other Android phones later this year. Google also has been planting more AI on its own phone, the Pixel, but that device still lags far behind the iPhone and Galaxy.
A 1969 school building in Singapore with “modern tropical” architecture has been converted into New Bahru, a shopping and dining location by local studios FARM and Nice Projects.
Architecture studio FARM transformed the 20,156-square-metre site into a lifestyle hub that houses restaurants, shops, wellness and culture spaces, as well as serviced apartments.
The New Bahru building had been used as offices and food and beverage (F&B) spaces after the relocation of the school, which was built just four years after Singapore became independent.
New Bahru is located in a modernist school building from 1969
“To share some context, the project is based in an existing 1969 school building with modern tropical architectural features, located in Singapore’s cosmopolitan River Valley neighbourhood,” FARM director Nan Chyuan Tiah told Dezeen.
“By 2013, the old school building was repurposed for temporary commercial uses, such as offices and F&B, to better serve the needs of that time,” Tiah added.
FARM wanted to keep the focus on the existing modernist architecture, making only light changes to the exterior of New Bahru.
Only light changes were made to the facade
“The building was generally in good condition, and both the clients and we fell in love with all its quirks,” Tiah said. “We saw a lot of charm and potential in them, adopting a minimalist approach to let the original elements and spaces shine.”
“Our aim was to avoid overdesigning the space but do just enough repairs and reorganisation of the spaces while leaving plenty of room for imagination,” he added.
FARM and Nice Projects created a playground on a former car park
The biggest change to the layout was the reintroduction of a central focal point, with a lawn and playground replacing parts of an existing car park.
“We decided to remove part of the car park and create a new central lawn, taking advantage of the beautiful existing rain trees to frame this new public space,” Tiah explained.
“This required major earthworks and a redesign of the overall traffic flow. It was a massive undertaking, but we believed it was essential to create a new centre of gravity not just for the development, but also for the neighbourhood as a whole.”
Breeze blocks decorate the facade
While the facade is structurally the same as when the building was a school, FARM painted it a warm pink and added steel and aluminium details.
“Ultimately, we wanted to infuse a sense of modernity and elegance while embracing the building’s aged patina,” Tiah said.
“We incorporated a significant amount of metal – aluminium and steel – against the building’s weathered concrete to create a striking contrast between old and new,” he added.
“We also drew from New Bahru’s branding, the use of bold, warm colours punctuates the space, enlivening the building and adding a bit of character.”
Nice Projects also designed the interior of the fine dining space Somma
Design studio Nice Projects, which was the creative consultant on New Bahru, worked with the tenants of the space to create varied interiors designed by different designers chosen by developer The Lo & Behold Group.
“The intention is to celebrate local entrepreneurs and creatives, offering visitors an experience that stands apart from the typical cookie-cutter offerings,” interior designer Sacha Leong of Nice Projects told Dezeen.
Parable created the interior of Hideaway, including its lounge
“We trust in their vision and creativity, which is why tenants were given full control over their space design, as long as they adhered to building guidelines such as tenancy lines and safety standards,” Leong added.
“The goal was to ensure that the individual parts still felt holistic as one, and we did so by controlling the lighting temperature and porosity across different trades.”
Among the tenants at New Bahru is wellness space Hideaway, which has an interior by design studio Parable and features a tea lounge, saunas and treatment rooms. There is also a fine dining restaurant called Somma, which was designed by Nice Projects.
Hideaway also features treatment rooms and saunas
The studio aimed for New Bahru to feel “refreshed”, Leong said.
“As Jane Jacobs famously said, ‘new ideas need old buildings’,” Leong explained.
“It was crucial to us that the spaces felt refreshed – not a patchwork of old and new, but recognisable as a school adapted to suit its new purpose.”
New Bahru is located in Singapore’s River Valley area
Nice Projects also worked with Portland-based studio OMFGCO to design the overall colour palette for the space.
“We worked closely with OMFGCO to create a colour palette for the overall development and wayfinding that felt lively and fresh and offered many opportunities, combining them in different ways for a variety of uses,” Leong said.
“We chose a palette of soft warm colours that will age well because we wanted to create a welcoming and friendly environment which felt respectful to the original architecture – and there were accents of coral to add distinctiveness and character.”
Jakob Ingebrigtsen grasps a long tube while running on a treadmill and performing a VO2 max fitness test in a laboratory. Nothing unusual about that for one of the world’s greatest runners discovering the outer limits of his potential. Except this was the Norwegian aged just 11, running in excess of 120km (75 miles) per week, during the first season of Team Ingebrigtsen, the reality series surrounding his family which aired from 2016-21. The show includes brothers and fellow professional runners Henrik and Filip, and his father and former coach Gjert.
It provides extraordinary access to one of the most fascinating experiments in elite sport, one that has popularised a training method and revolutionised middle and long-distance running. Gjert, following the successful careers of Henrik and Filip, devised a model to shape Jakob into the perfect 1,500m runner. His father’s vision has proven controversial, given the strain caused before and during puberty.
“I first thought about [becoming a professional runner] when I was eight years old,” Ingebrigtsen said, having joined his brothers for intense professional workouts at 13 years old. Such intense measures from his father to encourage rapid progress were constant, leading to him becoming the youngest person to ever break four minutes in the mile at 16.
And despite adversity on the track in recent years, with Britons Jake Wightman and Josh Kerr claiming famous scalps at World Championships, Ingebrigtsen has ensured that method, known as double threshold training, has proven a phenomenon, landing the 24-year-old two Olympic gold medals in Tokyo and Paris.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen celebrates winning the 5,000m final at the Paris Olympics (Getty Images)
But while Wightman, Kerr and, earlier this year, American Cole Hocker have chipped away at the fragility of his closing speed, Ingebrigtsen has been coping with far more adversity away from the track.
That is the acrimonious divide inside his family with Gjert stepping away as his coach in 2022, citing medical reasons, and now due to stand trial next year on a host of alarming charges spanning a 10-year period since Jakob’s childhood.
Gjert Ingebrigtsen wrote a book called ‘Raising a World Champion’, which came out in 2018 (EPA-EFE)
And now Norwegian newspaper VG has claimed to have seen the indictment that state prosecutors have charged Gjert with beating two of his children while coaching them.
Ingebrigtsen Sr denies all of the allegations and said last year that “the statements are baseless”, adding: “I have never used violence against my children. That I have weaknesses as a father, and have been too much of a coach, is a realisation I have also come to, albeit far too late.”
To make matters even more uncomfortable for Ingebrigtsen, after separating from his father on the track, Gjert joined forces with Narve Nordas, a Norwegian rival and strong contender on the world scene in his events. Indeed, Nordas was tantalisingly close to snatching a world silver away from Ingebrigtsen in Budapest last year.
Brothers Henrik, Jakob and Filip Ingebrigtsen (AFP via Getty)
Nordas has been competing without Gjert inside the stadiums as a result of the ongoing feud, with the brothers seeking the help of the Norwegian athletics federation to ensure they did not cross paths at the Bislett Stadium, home of Norway’s Diamond League event, or the Stade de France at last summer’s Olympics.
“We have grown up with a father who has been very aggressive and controlling and who has used physical violence and threats as part of his upbringing,” Jakob, Henrik and Filip wrote in a statement. “We still feel discomfort and fear which has been in us since childhood.
“Somehow we have accepted this. We have lived with it, and in adulthood we have moved on. At least we thought so. In retrospect, we realise that it was naive. But two years ago, the same aggression and physical punishment struck again. It was the drop that made the cup run over.”
Ingebrigtsen has built a reputation as one of the most popular runners in the sport with his trademark aggressive style. Often leading the pack, Ingebrigtsen will gradually wind up the pace to leave his opponents in the dust long before the home straight.
Jakob will return to the mud at Euro Cross this weekend (Getty)
And Ingebrigtsen has collected a series of impressive records in recent years, including world records over the 2,000m, 3,000m, two miles and 1,500m indoors, while also coming agonisingly close to one of the world’s most fiendishly difficult world records to break: Hicham El Guerrouj’s 26-year 1,500m world record at 3 minutes 26 seconds. Ingebrigtsen became just the second man ever to break 3 minutes 27 seconds with his personal best of 3 minutes 26.73 seconds.
He even dared to conquer the half marathon, a distance more than 14 times longer than his signature event. But that audacious approach, flying so close to the sun, while gaining him fans, saw him endure a painful limp to the finish line of the Copenhagen half marathon in September after crossing the 10km mark in a Norwegian record of 27 minutes and 27 seconds.
Now back in action at the Euro Cross in Antalya on Sunday, a race he missed due to injury last year, his compatriot Nordas will not be running. That’s after withdrawing and alleging favouritism over the federation’s decision to select his brother Filip over Nordas’ training partner Per Svela.
Hocker, Kerr and Nuguse beat out Ingebrigtsen in the Olympic 1,500m final (PA)
It is admirable how Ingebrigtsen perseveres with his gift, given the influence of a figure that he maintains caused so much physical and emotional pain.
And while the essence of running can be seen on the mud in Antalya this weekend, it is by no means an obligation for the world’s best to compete at this event, further amplifying Ingebrigtsen’s admirable dedication to his craft despite the distractions.
After Euro Cross, Ingebrigsten is braced for a pivotal 2025 to his career amid the backdrop of a draining trial, which could last eight weeks and involve up to 40 witnesses, according to VG.
Now a father himself, with daughter Filippa born in June, Gjert’s role is further scrutinised. Undeniably, he elevated his son to greatness and an already impressive sporting legacy, but the cost and, seemingly, irreparable damage to his family now bring renewed perspective on the big stage in athletics to one of sport’s most unique journeys.
Ingebrigtsen bounced back to claim gold in the 5,000m (EPA)
EAGAN, Minn. — Ed Kranz set up his mobile sauna next to a frozen beach at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, Minnesota, on a bone-chilling Sunday morning during a weekend cold snap.
Ed and his wife Colleen own Saunable, “a wood-fired sauna experience on wheels.” After about 8 to 12 minutes of sweating in the Kranz’s 185 degrees Fahrenheit (85 degrees Celsius) sauna, a group moseyed outside into a 15-degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius) Minnesota afternoon. They sat around a fire in bathing suits to gradually lower their body temperatures before repeating the process three or four more times. One brave soul submerged himself into a hole in the frozen lake for a post-sauna cold plunge.
The group was not alone. As temperatures drop into the teens, Minnesotans are embracing sauna culture for warmth and community. Devotees say the state’s sauna mania is about more than sweat and snow — it is the product of Old World traditions intersecting with newfangled internet-based communities, and a desire for social connection in a society that can feel isolating.
Sauna and cold plunges go together like peanut butter and jelly, said Glenn Auerbach, a self-described sauna evangelist and the founder and editor of SaunaTimes. Auerbach started the website in 2008 to share his thoughts, research and conversations with an ever-expanding cadre of movers and shakers in the sauna world. He and his interlocutors mull over topics like the nitty-gritty of sauna construction, how to cultivate “good sauna vibes” and the health benefits of the sauna lifestyle.
A typical temperature to achieve the holy trinity of the sauna experience — heat, steam and ventilation — is about 180 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (82-93 degrees Celsius), a temperature that starkly contrasts with Minnesota’s frigid winter weather.
“Within our saunas, the stove should always win,” he said.
While sauna truisms such as this provide some degree of uniformity, there is also leeway for personal preference.
The craftiest of the lot in the sauna community can build a facility for about $10,000, according to Auerbach. Those looking to skip the physical labor can also outsource the construction. Sauna’s popularity, which enthusiasts say spiked following the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought with it a rise in manufacturers selling saunas for about $30,000 to $40,000.
While sauna’s cultural cache may have increased in recent years, the practice long predates the Instagrammable spaces popping up in recent years, Auerbach said.
The smell of cedar wood has been lodged in Justin Juntunen’s memory ever since he first stepped into his family’s sauna as a child. Juntunen, the founder of Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna, is a descendant of Finnish immigrants who came to America in the 1880s. They and their compatriots brought with them an appreciation for saunas and the communal values these steam-filled rooms impart to local life.
People in Finland say there are more saunas than cars, Juntunen said. When immigrants like his grandfather came to Minnesota to work in the mines, mills or docks, they would often save up to build a farmhouse. But they would build a sauna first, living in the space while the main house was under construction. Later on, saunas would serve as informal town centers.
People gossiped in saunas, they gave birth in saunas and they died in saunas, Juntunen said. The public nature of the facilities reflects the egalitarian ethos that infuses Nordic culture, and sauna culture by extension, he added.
“This is a tradition that’s actually for everyone,” Juntunen said. “My favorite Nordic proverb is all people are created equal, but nowhere more so than in the sauna.”
In addition to a desire for in-person experiences following the isolation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, sauna enthusiasts say interest began to rise following an influential study in 2016 from Dr. Jari Laukkanen, a cardiologist and professor at the University of Eastern Finland.
Laukkanen found that sauna use could be associated with lowered risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in the male population included in the study. On top of the academic literature, sauna adherents say they can feel the benefits to both body and mind.
“It just makes you feel good,” Ed Kranz said. “After a round of sauna, you sleep like a baby that night.”
The physical and mental health benefits have also been highlighted by some of the internet’s most famous figures, such as podcasters Joe Rogan and Andrew Huberman.
“Every big podcaster in the world discovered that you could jump in cold water and it feels kind of good. And then people click on it online,” Juntunen said.
In this way, technology has been a paradox for sauna culture, he added. Digital media helped sauna culture grow at the same time as saunas were billed as reprieves from the pervasive reach of technology over every facet of daily life.
Almost all of sauna culture’s adherents say its rise is inextricably linked to a desire for community.
Those who committed to building their own saunas have hosted friends, neighbors, and former teammates of their high school hockey team over. This has created a new form of post-Covid contagiousness: “Good heat is contagious,” Auerbach said.
This core function of sauna culture spans generations. Juntunen’s grandfather would rush to the sauna after work because it was the space where stories were told.
“It’s a space where storytelling happens, where connection happens or silence happens,” Juntunen said. “I think that is a really beautiful example of what a sauna truly is.”
With Christmas just around the corner, the urge to do some year-end retail therapy is stronger than ever. What if you can clear your wish list and gain rewards as you spend?
Take this as your sign to spend the holidays and shop till you drop at Lendlease malls! Happening till Dec 29, unlock exclusive benefits and win prizes like a Subaru Crosstrek e-Boxer Hybrid (with EyeSight Technology), or 200,000,000 Plus$ while you do your year-end shopping at 313@somerset, Jem, Parkway Parade and Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ).
In the spirit of giving, read on to find out how you can gift your friends and your family an unforgettable Christmas.
Rewards at every turn
Apart from gifting your friends and family with items from their wish lists, you too can look forward to receiving rewards through fun in-app games, lucky draws and exclusive deals as you spend in Lendlease malls.
Simply sign up as a Lendlease Plus Member by downloading the Lendlease Plus app and registering as a member with promo code ‘LLP24’ to earn 5,000 Plus$ and unlock your first step in getting these limited-time rewards.
Jingle Pop
If you are already a Lendlease Plus Member, here’s some great news! With a minimum spending of $20 nett in a single receipt, you stand to win a chance of 200,000,000 Plus$ when you play the in-app Jingle Pop game. To put that in perspective – that’s worth $100,000 of Lendlease E-Vouchers!
Simply pop as many balloons as you can within the time limit for a chance to win 200,000,000 Plus$. Take note that basic members get up to 5 game chances per day per mall, and premium members get up to 10 game chances per day per mall.
Wheels of Happiness
Being a member also means that you get a chance in the Wheels of Happiness lucky draw to bag home a brand-new car!
Spend a minimum of $50 nett in a single receipt and redeem one lucky draw chance, and if you are a premium member expect to get double the chance with the same spending.
One lucky winner will drive home with a brand-new Subaru Crosstrek e-boxer Hybrid (with EyeSight Technology) and eight other winners can stand a chance to win 5,000,000 Plus$ each.
Rewards at every turn – Happiness tier
As the saying goes, ‘the early bird catches the worm’, so get rewarded with 10,000Plus$ when you become the first few shoppers to spend $150 ($200 for Parkway Parade)!
This sweet deal is only available in limited redemptions across all Lendlease malls:
313@somerset: First 3,000 redemptions
Jem: First 10,000 redemptions
Parkway Parade: First 15,000 redemptions
Paya Lebar Quarter: First 8,000 redemptions
So be sure to act fast and quickly claim your rewards as you spend!
Additional mall-exclusive perks
On top of the Christmas perks, each Lendlease mall is also holding its own mall-exclusive perks for shoppers to truly immerse and enjoy the festivities!
Available for a limited time only, start your week with some retail therapy at Jem when you do your shopping on a Monday – get gifted a $5 Lendlease Voucher when you spend a minimum of $160.
Or go shopping at Parkway Parade as a Lendlease Plus Member and redeem a $50 Lendlease E-Voucher when you spend a minimum of $350 on a weekday.
Throw your Christmas dinner at 313@somerset where spending $80 at participating F&B outlets bags you a $5 Lendlease voucher.
And at Paya Lebar Quarter, Lendlease Plus Members receive an additional 10,000 Plus$ when they spend a minimum of $250!
For more information check out the respective malls’ website to keep up with the variety of promotions.
Festive fun and cheer for the whole family
What is a Christmas celebration without some festive performances and events?
This Christmas season, show off your festive cheer with free unique festive character balloons at each mall!
The balloons are free for any shopper to redeem and feature eight exclusive designs – just be sure to grab them while stocks last.
Plus, soak in the Christmas spirit with special games, events and even an exclusive Santa Meet & Greet session when you visit the malls this season.
Check out the timetable below for all the events that you can expect as you shop at Lendlease malls.
Mall
Activity
Venue
Date
Time
313@somerset
Santa Claus Meet and Greet and Balloons Giveaway
Mall-wide
Dec 13-15
Dec 20-22
Dec 24-25
5pm
Christmas Carolling
L1, next to By Invite Only
7pm
Jem
Christmas Carolling
L2, in front of CHANEL
Dec 14-15
Dec 21-22
Dec 24-25
3pm
Santa Claus Meet and Greet and Balloons Giveaway
Mall-wide
2pm and 6pm
Parkway Parade
Christmas Workshops
L2, near Fun Toast
Dec 13-25
12pm – 8pm
Santa Claus and Snowman Meet & Greet and Balloons Giveaway
MANCHESTER, England : Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes believes new boss Ruben Amorim can have the same massive impact at Old Trafford that the young manager had at Portuguese club Sporting.
Amorim, 39, arrived at United’s training base Carrington on Monday, a day after his final match with Sporting – a 4-2 league victory over Braga.
It was Sporting’s 11th successive win as they seek to clinch back-to-back Primeira Liga titles for the first time since the 1950s.
Sporting went almost 20 years without winning the league until Amorim led them to the title in 2021 and the club’s transformation impressed many, including compatriot Fernandes.
“I hope he does the same here because you know sometimes a person can change the energy of a space, if it’s the right moment,” Fernandes told United’s in-house media.
“We hope that he can come, and this is the right moment for him to come and bring his energy, bring his qualities and his knowledge of football, because he’s done something really, really special at Sporting.
“If someone doubts that, it’s about just looking at the past. Sporting (went) about 20 years without winning the league, and he got back to win the league, and he won it two times in four years with a really youthful team, in a moment of change.”
Amorim was appointed head coach after manager Erik ten Hag was sacked on Oct. 28 after a string of bad results which left United languishing in 14th in the Premier League standings.
United had three wins and a draw from the four games interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge, climbing to 13th and four points off the top three.
Van Nistelrooy left the club on Monday after learning he would not be a part of Amorim’s staff.
Amorim immediately endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful when his Sporting side thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League on Nov. 5.
Fans may have to be patient in waiting to see United take their rivals apart in such a manner but Fernandes backed Amorim to find a way to mould the team in his style.
“He’s a really smart manager that has done really good things for Sporting tactically,” Fernandes said. “But obviously as we always say, you can’t bring or transform what he has done at Sporting into here, because you have different players, you have different ways of playing and everything.
“I’m pretty sure that the idea of football he has, independent of the way he wants to play, is going to be a good one and it’s going to bring us success.”
Amorim’s first United game in charge is a league clash away at Ipswich Town on Nov. 24.
Fern Burrage-Male took over as manager of Cardiff City Ladies football team in October 2023. Since then the team has been rebranded as Gwalia United, and its co-owners Julian Jenkins and Damien Singh have outlined their ambition to take it to the top flight.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s FA Women’s Cup tie away to Swindon, in a Q&A with Nation.Cymru, Gwalia’s manager explains why she took the job, its biggest challenge and how she feels about the current state of women’s football in Wales.
Nation.Cymru: What inspired you to take on the role of manager at Cardiff City Ladies, now Gwalia United?
Burrage-Male: Honestly, I’ve always felt a deep connection with Cardiff City Ladies—this club has played a huge role in my life both as a player and now as a coach. The opportunity to take on the managerial role came quickly, and while it was unexpected, it felt right. I had spent years building teams and leading them at Pontypridd Town, and I knew I had something to offer.
“But more than that, it was the belief in the players here that pushed me to step up. They are a fantastic group of women who deserve to be competing at the highest level possible, and I know I can help them get there.
Ambition
I’ve always been driven by a desire to see women’s football in Wales grow, and this role is an extension of that ambition. Cardiff City Ladies, now transitioning to Gwalia United, has immense potential, and I wanted to be the one to help unlock it.
We were in a tough spot when I took over, and I saw the challenge as an opportunity to prove what we’re capable of. It’s not just about results for me, but about building something sustainable and empowering for the players. I want them to know that together, we can overcome any obstacle.
Gwalia United. Photo Monk’s Photography
Nation.Cymru: What has been your greatest challenge since taking over as manager?
Burrage-Male: The biggest challenge, without a doubt, has been taking over mid-season when morale was low and results weren’t going our way. When you step into a team that’s struggling, there’s always this pressure to turn things around immediately, and that pressure was certainly felt here. One of the first things I focused on was rebuilding that confidence, both individually and collectively.
Players like Chloe Lloyd and Ellie Sargent stepped up and became vital parts of our turnaround, but it wasn’t just about the big names. It was about making sure every player felt valued and understood their role.
Resilience
We had some tough games in February, but those wins didn’t just come from strategy—they came from heart, from a team that refused to give up. I’ve always believed that adversity breeds resilience, and this team showed that in abundance. It’s been a steep learning curve, but the progress we’ve made since I took over makes me incredibly proud, and I look forward into continuing this journey to success with Gwalia United.
Nation.Cymru: How do you describe your coaching style and philosophy?
Burrage-Male: My coaching style is rooted in positivity and empowerment. I believe in creating an environment where players feel valued, heard, and encouraged to express themselves both on and off the pitch. I prioritise open communication and trust; I want my players to know that I’m always here to support them. My philosophy is simple: I aim to develop not just skilled footballers, but well-rounded individuals who can thrive in a team setting.
The girls at Gwalia are more than aware that they are lucky to be at the club at a period where the winds of change might blow behind them over the coming years and I feel privileged to be in a position where I can play a part to leading to success, hopefully on and off the field.
My experience at Welsh Netball and Hockey Wales have provided me with unique insights that I can apply to my football coaching. Both sports require similar foundational principles, such as teamwork, discipline, and strategic thinking. This crossover allows me to bring diverse perspectives to the table, enhancing my approach to coaching in both arenas.
Nation.Cymru: What are your long-term goals for Gwalia United?
Burrage-Male: My long-term goals for Gwalia United are ambitious but grounded in the reality of our potential. I want to establish the club as a formidable force in women’s football in Wales and beyond. We have a rich history and a dedicated fan base, and it’s crucial to build on that foundation. One of my primary objectives is to cultivate a winning culture where success is defined not just by trophies, but by the development of our players and the community we create.
Fern Burrage-Male. Photo Monk’s Photography
I envision Gwalia United competing consistently at the top of the FA Women’s National League over the coming season and then, hopefully, taking that difficult hop to higher leagues afterwards. To achieve this, we need to invest in our youth development, ensuring that we’re not just looking for immediate results but also nurturing the next generation of talent.
I want our academy to be a pipeline for future stars of women’s football. The FAW have been exceptionally supportive of our ambitions and we are looking to develop ourselves as a strong Welsh beacon of elite performance in the English FA system that serves as a credible platform for Welsh women to aim for.
Additionally, I’m committed to elevating the profile of women’s football in Wales. I believe that by consistently performing at a high level and engaging with our community, we can attract more supporters and sponsors, which is vital for our growth. The goal is to create an environment where every player feels they can achieve their dreams, and where our success inspires the next wave of female athletes.
Nation.Cymru:How do you feel about the current state of women’s football in Wales?
Burrage-Male: I feel incredibly optimistic about the current state of women’s football in Wales. There’s been a noticeable shift in recent years, with increased visibility and support for women’s sports. More fans are engaging with women’s football, and we’re seeing greater investment from both clubs and governing bodies. This momentum is exciting and is crucial for the long-term development of the game.
Facilities
However, while the progress is commendable, there’s still much work to be done. We need to continue pushing for better facilities, resources, and opportunities for women at all levels of the sport. Increasing participation in grassroots football is essential to ensure a strong pipeline of talent. Initiatives that promote young girls getting involved in football can have a significant impact on the future of our game.
Moreover, I believe we must work collectively to challenge outdated perceptions about women’s football. It’s a fantastic sport filled with skilled athletes who deserve recognition and support.
By sharing our success stories and showcasing the talent within our teams, we can continue to elevate the profile of women’s football in Wales. I’m proud to be part of this journey and excited for what the future holds for Gwalia United and women’s football as a whole.
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MIAMI GARDENS — The celebration started in all of the Hard Rock Stadium parking lots Saturday at 2 p.m., besieged by orange-clad tailgaters, eating, drinking and dancing.
“It’s all about The U’’, read a handful of Hurricane revelers’ T-shirts.
But the real football party started at 7:12 p.m. when Florida State kicked off to Miami and the night that truly became “All About The U.’’
The unbeaten, sixth-ranked Hurricanes continued their path toward the College Football Playoffs by posting a 36-14 rout before a sell-out crowd of 66,200 on a lovely 79-degree evening.
One sign in the stands read: “We Own the State’’ and it’s accurate with Florida State and Florida’s seasons gone awry.
“You can clearly see the trajectory of this program to the other programs,’’ said Miami coach Mario Cristobol, who absorbed a 45-3 Seminoles shellacking in his first FSU game.
More:Miami Hurricanes saving state of Florida football from total embarrassment | D’Angelo
“Big shoutout to the environment,’ said Cristobal, who played on Miami’s national championship teams in 1989 and 1991. “It was created by our fans, locals and those who came from all over. Watching that brought back some awesome memories playing in this game.’’
Miami (8-0, 4-0 ACC), in its alternate black uniforms it wears once a year, scored on its first drive with utter ease and broke a three-game losing streak to the ailing Seminoles (1-7, 1-6).
Early in the first quarter, former Miami great Ray Lewis, one of many football alumni, bounded onto the field to whip the crowd into a frenzy and got a hug from the Miami mascot, Sebastian The Ibis.
It was methodical if not majestic. It wasn’t the wall-to-wall destruction oddmakers touted with a 21-point spread against one of the worst-performing teams Florida State has ever had. The score was only 17-7 at halftime.
But Miami’s maligned defense was staunch, its offense conservative, content to settle for three field goals by trusty kicker Andres Borregales instead of going for the jugular on two fourth-and short situations.
Star quarterback Cam Ward hardly hurt his front-running status for the Heisman Trophy but didn’t completely cement its victory either as he didn’t throw a touchdown pass. But Ward did catch one – the final touchdown with 4:32 left on a trick play.
“We settled for three field goals and that’s not good,’’ Ward said. “We should’ve put up more points.’’
Ward finished 22 of 34 for 208 yards, but Miami’s total yardage was a season low 448. Miami, which came in averaging 48 points per game (No. 2 in the country) next has a home game vs. Duke.
UM’s bruising running backs Mark Fletcher Jr., who played despite losing his father earlier this week, and Damien Martinez, combined for 219 yards on 30 carries.
The game also marked a historic moment for senior receiver Xavier Restrepo, who moved past Michael Irvin for third place in all-time Miami receiving yards with 2,427.
Here are 5 takeaways:
Mark Fletcher Jr’s emotional night
Fletcher, who played at nearby American Heritage (Plantation) High, scored on the opening drive from the 1-yard line, pointing to the sky afterward to commemorate the death of his father, Mark Fletcher Sr., earlier this week.
On that first drive, Fletcher bulled for two big 13-yard runs. He finished the emotional night with 15 carries for 71 yards.
“It’s as hard as it gets,’’ Cristobal said. “We saw big Mark all the time, always at practice. Parents find their ways to practice to see their sons. That’s as difficult a thing I’ve seen. Mark is as good a teammate as I’ve seen.’’
Did he want to play?
“Even the day of, as emotional as it was. hearing him out, this is what he wanted,’’ Cristobal said. “He’s an off the charts human being, which is a credit to his parents. He was raised a certain way.’’
Fletcher was not made available afterward.
Canes’ perfect opening drive
There is Michelangelo’s David, da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Don Larsen’s perfect game and then there was Miami’s first drive Saturday night.
It was a masterpiece, the perfect way to begin this rivalry game. After Chris Johnson’s stout kickoff return to the 35, Ward proceeded to drive Miami 67 yards in 7 plays in 2:29.
Ward completed 4 of 5 passes on the drive for 53 yards to three receivers – Sam Brown Jr. Elijah Arroyo and Isaiah Horton. Brown hauled in catches of 20 and 12 yards as Ward had plenty of protection. Then Fletcher did the rest.
Miami looked unstoppable and it was surprising it didn’t result in a bigger score at halftime as FSU still was breathing at 17-7. The Seminoles made a tactical adjustment and put more pressure on Ward.
“We never lost control of the game but it took us a little while to pull away,’’ Cristobal said. “(FSU) did a good job with some of their coverages, put pressure on our quarterback but we pounded the ball well.’’
Miami bettors sweat it out
This was a close call for the Miami betting supporters who gave 21 points – believed to be the largest spread in the rivalry’s history.
If Florida State went for a two-point conversion with 18 seconds left after its garbage-time touchdown, it could’ve forced “a push.” But the Seminoles kicked the extra point and Miami covered the spread.
In the preseason, Florida State opened up as 1-point favorites, according to Florida betting analyst Bill Speros.
Before Miami’s shootout win over Louisville, the line was just 17.5 point before shooting up over 20 with all the Hurricane hype.
The 21-point spread wasn’t topped until 4:32 left on the late trick play. Ward handed off to Martinez, who gave the ball to Arroyo on an end-around as Ward darted to the end zone.
The lefty Arroyo sailed the pass to Ward in stride. The trick play was so secretive, some of the defensive players interviewed after the game said they had never seen it.
Cristobal called the play “Texas to Texas’’ because all three involved have ties to the state. “Down there we get a lot of cover zero,’’ Cristobal said. “It was the right time to call it. The fans got a kick out of it and Cam got himself a touchdown.’’
Damien Martinez rushes for 136 yards
Martinez rushed for 136 yards on 15 carries with two touchdown runs. While the opening scoring drive showcased Fletcher, their other elite back, the junior Martinez was the workhorse on Miami’s marathon second touchdown drive that spanned 95 yards and 12 plays.
That’s how versatile this offense can be, rotating the two tailbacks and keeping defenses off balance.
Martinez began the drive with a 14-yard gain and then ran for 5 with 15 yards tacked on for a facemask penalty. He caught a pass in the flat wide open and turned it into a 21-yard reception.
Nearing FSU’s end zone, Martinez’ darting run gained 10, then he broke a tackle to score from 18 yards out early in the second quarter. It was an awesome display of domination that took pressure off Ward.
Martinez finished his big night with a 12-yard touchdown run with 1:51 left.
Miami’s defense draws most praise
Miami entered the contest as the 103rd-ranked run defense after giving up 38 points to California and 44 to Louisville in the past two games. In addition, the defense nearly gave up a game-losing touchdown to Virginia Tech on a Hail Mary.
On Saturday, FSU was no threat. In fact, the Seminoles’ 248 yards nearly was their season low, avoiding it on the meaningless final drive.
“The defense was the story of the game,’’ Cristobal said. “They played their tails off.’’
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Boxer Imane Khelif is set to turn professional after winning Olympic gold in Paris, a triumph that was surrounded by a gender row.
Khelif came under scrutiny after her opening win this summer, as her opponent Angela Carini withdrew inside 46 seconds, after being hit by just one punch. Khelif went on to win gold for Algeria in the welterweight category, outpointing Luca Anna Hamori, Janjaem Suwannapheng and Liu Yang to do so.
However, the 25-year-old’s success was overshadowed by a debate around her gender, with the International Boxing Association (IBA) having disqualified her from the 2023 World Championship – allegedly because Khelif failed a gender eligibility test. The IBA said Khelif had also returned adverse test results at the 2022 World Championship.
Many unfounded claims circulated during the Paris Olympics, including that Khelif was previously a male and that she is now a transgender or intersex athlete. There is no evidence to support either of those claims, while the IBA hinted at the presence of XY chromosomes but never made the accusation outright.
In any case, Khelif remained defiant during the episode as she won gold, and she is moving forward with a pro career.
Khelif announced the news at a press conference on Sunday (20 October), while revealing that a documentary about her career is in the works.
“I will soon enter the world of professional boxing,” Khelif said, per numerous reports. “I have many offers. Currently, I have not made up my mind about where I will enter professional boxing.
“But very soon I will take this step. We, as Algerians, would like to see our level in the field of professionalism.”
Imane Khelif won Olympic gold in Paris this summer, amid a row about her gender (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
This summer, British promoter Eddie Hearn – who works with Anthony Joshua among many other star boxers – said he would be open to signing Khelif for Matchroom.
“What I’m gonna say on this is: I think there’s a lot that is unclear, so I’m gonna give you my opinion now – based off really not knowing all the facts,” Hearn told iFL TV. “So therefore, I shouldn’t really give you my opinion, but let’s have a conversation about it.
“I look at it like this: if there is an unfair physical advantage that this individual has, that is something that has to be looked at correctly – not by a rival organisation, not by someone that might have an agenda.”
Hearn was referring to the fact that the IBA previously organised Olympic boxing but ceased to do so before the 2021 Games in Tokyo. The International Olympic Committee, which ultimately oversaw boxing in Tokyo and set up the Paris Boxing Unit this summer, parted ways with the IBA over concerns relating to the organisation’s finances and links to Russia, and due to fears of corruption.
“When I first heard this story, the perception of the public and probably mine as well was: ‘This is a man who now lives as a woman, and this is not right,’” Hearn continued. “And I think if you’re born male, I don’t think you should compete against women in boxing, but if you’re born female and you’ve lived your whole life as a female, competed as a female your whole career…
Khelif celebrating her Olympic triumph in the French capital (AP)
“I’m not gonna say what’s right or wrong, I’m just gonna say the facts I know lean me towards the fact that you have a right to compete as a female; you are a female. […] Yeah, I think if the facts were laid out, and it was a position where there’s no reason why this individual shouldn’t compete as a female, [I might sign her].
“One, obviously, [she’s] a talented fighter. Two, commercially, I think [she’s] up to over 2m Instagram followers from 30,000 or something. The answer is yes, but… there’s probably a lot of facts we don’t know around this situation.”
