Manchester United enjoyed a good performance and result in our 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid at the weekend. Bryan Mbeumo was on the scoresheet twice as we dominated the Spanish side.

After the game, young defender Leny Yoro, who has put in some impressive minutes at right-back during the pre-season, was asked whether he thought Manchester United could win the Premier League next season.

Yeah, of course. We’re Man Utd, so we have to think like that. And I know we have the potential to do it, so we have to do it. The mood is really good. We work really hard, and outside the pitch, we have a good vibe, good mood. So the target this season is to win every game, to be honest. For the team to be the best, for myself to do good games every time, to win trophies, and to be at the top.

After the Atletico win, Carrick also discussed how strong the team spirit was.

The spirit and the camaraderie is so important for the team, it’s great to see the boys getting on so naturally and enjoying each other’s company. Collectively we looked strong as a team, which is always the most important thing, and [we looked strong in] individual performances – seeing the young players come on to have an impact.

It is such a great group to work with… that is what really made today really pleasing. We had six-and-a-half weeks away from the players, so it’s a long time to compared to what I am used to, we are enjoying work and I am looking forward to the season. This is something to build on with this group, with different layers as we continue to push.

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The rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal in the late 90s and early 00s was the greatest the Premier League has ever seen. There was real hatred between the players, the managers and the fans.

Later this month a book documenting the ins and outs of this rivalry will be published, The Greatest Rivalry: Arsenal, Manchester United and the Battle that Defined an Era by Dominic Hougham. You can pre-order it now.

The author has spoken to RoM about the rivalry, what happened in the tunnel at Old Trafford when we ended their unbeaten run, the change in feelings between the managers, and the best players on each team.

Ferguson and Wenger really seemed to hate each other for years but now they speak of each other warmly and with respect. What changed?

With both overseeing the two greatest Premier League teams of the era, it is only natural that enmity would develop. If you recall, Ferguson had come to United and almost lost his job as supporters got frustrated with a lack of immediate success. But he had overcome that, delivered silverware, and overseen the shedding off Dalglish at Blackburn and Keegan at Newcastle. It must have felt to him that United had no more domestic competition to worry about. And then comes along this Frenchman from the Japanese league with a new philosophy on the game. So, in one corner you have an old-school, gritty Scotsman who has become top dog while in the other you have this modern, urbane Frenchman waltzing into English football with little track record. Throw in seasons of intense competition, various mind-games and accusations along with two teams that genuinely do not like each other and of course tensions rise, even boiling over at times.

That is natural in the heat of battle. But time mellows a relationship. I believe they came to appreciate the competition and realized that it made life more interesting than simple domination. The existence of both made each manager push himself and his team harder, it provided motivation and a target. It kept both of them on their toes, always focusing on how to make their respective teams better. For both of them, this period was probably the highlight of their careers and so naturally they think back to it fondly. And some of their antics which seemed like mutual dislike at the time seem relatively mild now compared to the likes of, for example, Mourinho or Simeone.

For me, one of my favourite moments discussed in The Greatest Rivalry is when Wenger oversees his final Arsenal v United clash at Old Trafford in April 2018. The United fans give him a standing ovation while Ferguson comes onto the pitch, all smiles and laughter as he presents a vase to Wenger. Ferguson says of their rivalry, “virtually every game we played against Arsenal, there was a real edge to the match. There were confrontations, because there were two teams and two managers battling for one award: the Premier League. In my time, we had a few arguments, but I always did really respect the man because he did a fantastic job at his club.” Wenger returns the compliment. “It’s like two boxers; you fight like mad and go the distance together. At the end of the day, you have respect and it will be a great opportunity to meet with him, share a good bottle of wine and memories of our old battles.”

Like all great rivalries, eventually they realized how they both needed one another to achieve true greatness. And like all great rivals, they love to reminisce over old war stories.

What do you think was the greatest United vs Arsenal game during this time of peak rivalry?

There are definitely no shortage of candidates, but if I had to pick one, I would stump for the FA Cup Semi-Final Replay in April 1999. It had everything a football fan wants from a game; drama, tension, controversy, and a moment that stays seared in your memory for ever. For starters it was a midweek game, and maybe it is just me, but I always feel that midweek games under the lights have an added frisson that makes them special. The game did not take long to get going with Beckham scoring after 17 minutes, ending eleven and a half hours of Arsenal not conceding a goal. Following that came the spiciness, as Stam, Keown, Keane and Beckham all received yellow cards, following the tradition of bad blood between these two teams during this time. Later come the substitutions that make such a difference; two very similar players coming on in the form of Giggs and Overmars to provide speed and width. The match swings back and forth before Bergkamp hits a shot from 35 yards that deflects in off Stam.

There then follows 20 minutes of drama. Firstly, Arsenal almost immediately regain the lead through Anelka, celebrating with fans before the linesman’s flag denies them. Then Keane sees red for a second yellow following a lunge on Overmars. Suddenly United are faced with a one-man disadvantage, and you feel playing for extra-time is their best ploy. And they are so close, until Phil Neville brings down Parlour in stoppage time. And you think, this is it, surely…United have blown it in the 91st minute. Bergkamp places the ball and most fans can hardly watch. But big Peter Schmeichel makes the save and everyone can breathe again. Still, United now face another 30 minutes with ten men against a rampant Arsenal team. They can’t hold on, can they?

Arsenal dominate the first half of extra time but Schmeichel is still performing heroics. And as we start the second half of extra-time, you are thinking that United might be able to get this to penalties, after which who knows what may happen. And then Vieira underhits a pass in the United half and Giggs picks up the loose ball. And the rest, as they say, is history. Everyone who watched the game was mesmerized by what occurs next. The mazy run, the vicious shot from a narrow angle, the shirt being whipped around his head. Eleven touches, four players beaten. One of the most iconic and dramatic goals in FA Cup history. And then the final whistle, Ferguson hugging McClaren while Giggs is submerged in a sea of supporters.

Gary Neville described it as the best game of football he ever played in. As a neutral, I was enthralled that night so I can only imagine what it was like as a United fan, going through every emotion over those 120 minutes. It had everything. Of course, what makes it even more special in hindsight is that it is a crucial part of the 1999 treble. If Bergkamp scores, United are not just eliminated from the FA Cup but the treble dream is over. With the 1999 treble becoming one of the most storied chapters in United’s illustrious history, the FA Cup Semi-Final Replay grows in stature. But I can safely say that, having rewatched it when writing The Greatest Rivalry, it still holds up as a classic and still gives you goosebumps. The second Giggs picks up that ball, the hair stands up on your neck in anticipation.

What would be your United Arsenal XI from that time?

Really tough call as we are talking about nine seasons and some amazing players…but I’ll go with the following as my humble attempt. I’m sure you could ask ten different people and get ten different answers. The book covers 1996 to 2005 so that is the period I have used:

United: Schmeichel, G Neville, Irwin, Stam, P Neville, Beckham, Butt, Keane, Giggs, Solskjaer, van Nistelrooy

Ronaldo joins in 2003, so he is close to making the cut, while Cantona leaves early in the period and so also just misses out.

Arsenal: Seaman, Dixon, Keown, Adams, Ashley Cole, Vieira, Ljungberg, Parlour, Bergkamp, Henry, Wright

Winterburn and Overmars would also be very close to selection…almost a toss-up between Overmars and Parlour but I feel Parlour was an underappreciated stalwart of that era for Arsenal.

Now if you are asking me to merge those into a combined XI, wow, that is tricky. But I’ll have a go…just preparing myself for the backlash…

Combined XI: Schmeichel, Dixon, Stam, Adams, G Neville, Vieira, Keane, Beckham, Bergkamp, van Nistelrooy, Henry.

I make that 6 United and 5 Arsenal. Interestingly enough, there was a suggestion at one point that United might buy Vieira, and so the combination of himself and Keane could have happened. When asked about this in 2019, Keane came out with a classic response. “There was talk about Patrick [going to United], but I don’t think he would have got into the United team. He would’ve had to have been a squad player and I don’t think he would’ve been satisfied with that.” A great what-if to imagine.

What really happened in the tunnel?

As the book describes, there are slightly differing accounts depending upon which player is asked. The footage at the time shows Vieira being shepherded to the side by teammates, Bergkamp attempting to calm him. Keane then comes into view, angrily pointing at Vieira while yelling “let’s see you out there then” as referee Graham Poll tries to calm the situation. And that is all viewers witness, with the commentators also somewhat baffled.

Asked about it immediately after the match, Keane gave his version. “I don’t want to go into too much detail but Patrick Vieira is 6 foot 4, starts having a go at Gary Neville, I said come and have a go at me. Simple as that. If players want to intimidate some of my teammates then let’s have a go at some of the other players. They think Gary Neville is an easy target but I’m not having it”.

In 2017, Neville discussed the incident with Soccer AM. “I could hear these footsteps behind me and Vieira shouting, ‘Neville! Neville! You’re not going to kick our players out on this pitch today,’” he recalled. “Roy obviously turned back, heard him and started having a go at him. He (Vieira) sort of squirted his water bottle towards Roy, then all hell broke loose.”

But there have also been other versions told. In an interview with The Times, Pires claims that he was responsible for the bust-up. “Gary Neville arrived and barged into me. I reacted in French because I was annoyed. It starts kicking off and at that point, Patrick arrives. He said to him, ‘You speak too much, you. Shut up.’ At that moment, Keane arrives. And he goes, ‘You talk too much as well. I’ll see you on the pitch.’”

The ITV documentary ‘Keane and Vieira – the Best of Enemies’ revealed more information in an interview with Vieira. According to him, “I started it. I was cool, I was really calm, I was smiling at him – and then he lost it. When we played at Old Trafford his (Gary Neville’s) tackling was flying in on Robert Pires, and he was doing it on purpose, and I said, ‘Listen, we are not at Old Trafford here, this is Highbury’.’” Keane then added more details from his perspective. “When we were going out for the start of the game I had forgotten my armband, and when I came out I had seen you at the top of the tunnel having a go at Gary. What really annoyed me that night was that you were picking on Gary, you were almost picking on the weakest link, so that’s what got my back up.”

So take your pick from that! But it definitely involved Gary Neville, Vieira, and Keane…and perhaps Pires.

Some people have argued City vs Liverpool of recent years is the greatest PL rivalry. Why are they wrong?

Okay, let’s get this into proper perspective. In 2019 and 2020, City and Liverpool did both finish first and second in the Premier league, with City taking the 2019 title and Liverpool the 2020 one. But since then, they have only finished first and second in 2022. So, if you look at the last eight seasons, there are only three where the two teams dominated the top spots. Also, over that time, the two managers have not remained constant throughout. Of course, Guardiola has been there the whole time, but Liverpool have had both Klopp and Slot. And the rivalry has been comparatively one-sided…across those eight seasons City have won five titles compared to Liverpool’s two.

Now compare that to the nine seasons covered in The Greatest Rivalry (1996/97 to 2004/05). During that time, both clubs were managed by the same manager throughout. For United, you had Ferguson, the gritty Scotsman who had finally delivered the holy grail of a league title and seemed to have English domination sewn up with the end of Dalglish at Blackburn and Keegan at Newcastle. For Arsenal, you had what seemed the opposite; a relatively unknown French manager from the Japanese league who looked like a professor. They say styles make fights and it was the characters of these two that made the era so entertaining. And from the moment Wenger arrives, these two teams seem locked in an eternal battle for supremacy over the following seasons. United win five titles, Arsenal win three. Between them they win six FA Cups. No-one can touch both teams domestically. But more than that, it was a rivalry that had true needle, much more so than Liverpool and City. When you think back to all the clashes; Wright and Schmeichel, Keane and Vieira, van Nistelrooy and Keown…these were two teams that truly disliked each other, and that made it all the more entertaining for fans. Each game seemed to be a seismic battle. I would argue that more games from that era have gone down in the memory as true Premier League classics; Overmars and Wiltord scoring at Old Trafford, that FA Cup semi-final replay, the Battle of the Buffet, United 6, Arsenal 1. And likewise, so many moments such as Gigg’s goal, Henry’s volley, the Van Nistelrooy penalty, tunnel incidents at both grounds. It is the combination of two all-time great managers, two fantastic, dominating teams with a true dislike for each other and so many iconic moments and matches that, to me, make it a greater rivalry than the recent Liverpool/City one. At least I hope so, otherwise I’ve written the wrong book!

The post Arsenal, Manchester United and the Battle that Defined an Era first appeared on Republik Of Mancunia: A Manchester United Blog.

Manchester United beat Rosenborg 5-0 on Friday afternoon in the second pre-season game of the summer. Shea Lacey, Josh Zirkzee, Jacob Devaney, Harry Amass and Ethan Williams were all on the scoresheet in what was a dominant win for Michael Carrick’s side.

Speaking to the official site after the game, Carrick discussed his happiness with the attitude and work ethic the young players displayed.

This is the best place to be as a footballer when you’re in that zone and you’re confident and that’s obviously my job to try and get the players in that frame of mind. The senior players at this stage, they’re finding their way, but you can see they’re in a good place and kind of getting used to having good results over a period of time, which is good. The younger players, when you see them expressing themselves and being themselves and keep pushing themselves to be better, I think some of the play second half was really, really good. I was delighted to see that from them, because you hope that. They’ve all got potential in different ways, and you want them to fulfil it and keep pushing themselves and they certainly did that.

At this stage, Carrick’s main focus is keeping the players fit and getting them ready for the new season.

Clean sheet, scoring goals, and everyone, by the looks of it, coming through injury-free is what you want at this stage, really. As much as we want everything to improve and performances to be better all the time, I think keeping players fit and progressing through pre-season is as important as anything. So, two games in, two weeks in, I think we can take where we are and we’re pretty happy. The second half, the younger players coming on, I thought they were fantastic. They played as a team really well and deserve what they got second half.

It’s important to build through this pre-season, some players need more minutes than others as they go and we’re managing some players a little bit more than others. I’ve said it before the game, it’s never going to be perfect, two weeks in and you’re kind of building towards that. So, I thought there was a lot of good things, some of the goals were fantastic goals and it’s just as pleasing to keep a clean sheet. So yeah, we’re moving forward nicely.

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The club says the review is part of its efforts to tackle automated activity and ensure tickets are distributed fairly. However, the email provides no evidence of wrongdoing and does not explain what specific behaviour has triggered the investigation.

While the review is ongoing, affected supporters have had their accounts temporarily restricted and any tickets they already held for future matches have been deactivated. The club says that “no final decision has been made” and that supporters have the opportunity to explain their circumstances before any permanent action is taken.

As part of the appeals process, supporters are being asked to provide a load of detailed information, including which devices they use to access their account, whether they log into other supporters’ accounts, whether they access their account from multiple locations, and a copy of photographic identification.

Supporters must submit their response by the deadline set by the club if they want the review to continue. However, some fans are concerned that the process may not be completed before applications open and close for the first away game of the season, meaning supporters who are ultimately cleared could still miss the opportunity to apply for tickets.

It’s unknown exactly how many fans this impacts but 1000s have received the threat of account suspensions and season ticket cancellation.

MUST have shared the letter Fans Forum Representatives have written to the club:

The Fans Forum is writing to express our deep concern about the large number of fans who have, in recent days, received club sanctions as a result of analysis flagging suspicious activity patterns relating to their accounts.

We would like to initiate a proper discussion with the club but we need to do that with cool heads, to give it the consideration required. For that reason we are asking the club to pause any further issuance of new suspensions and hold off cancelling any season tickets to allow that discussion to happen without pressure growing further on fan representatives. Reps have been receiving messages of concern and anger – meanwhile criticism on social media is building and doing damage.

The Fans’ Forum fully supports the Club’s objective of tackling ticket touting, organised abuse of the ticketing system and the use of automated purchasing technology. Genuine supporters are among the biggest victims of these practices, and robust action against professional touting has widespread support across the fanbase. 

However, where genuine supporters perceive that obtaining tickets through official channels has become increasingly difficult, some may adopt behaviours which, whilst not motivated by profit or commercial gain, nevertheless attract scrutiny. It is therefore essential that enforcement activity distinguishes clearly between genuine supporters trying to obtain tickets for their own and friends use and those engaged in organised commercial abuse of the system. We should focus on improving the systems and processes that drive supporter behaviour, rather than penalising genuine fans acting in good faith.

We are increasingly concerned that the current approach risks causing significant unintended consequences. If measures designed to protect genuine supporters instead result in long-standing Season Ticket Holders feeling unfairly targeted, the Club risks doing more damage to supporter trust than the abuse it is seeking to prevent.

There is already a widespread perception among many Season Ticket Holders that they are facing an increasing number of restrictions, policy changes and sanctions. Over recent seasons this has included price increases, changes to ticketing policies and tougher enforcement measures. Relationships between the Club and supporters had begun to improve after what has been a difficult period, but these latest actions risk reversing that progress.

As supporter representatives, this is particularly concerning. We are regularly asked to explain and defend changes where we believe they are justified and in supporters’ interests. That becomes extremely difficult if loyal supporters believe they are being treated as suspects rather than valued supporters. The level of frustration we are hearing is growing rapidly and should not be underestimated.

We therefore ask the Club to consider the following principles.

1. Investigations must not become convictions
The use of sophisticated analytics to identify suspicious behaviour is entirely sensible. However, such systems should identify accounts requiring further investigation rather than providing sufficient evidence, by themselves, to justify sanctions.

Suspicion should trigger investigation; it should not constitute proof.

2. Different standards should apply to Member accounts and Season Ticket Holders
We understand from the club that the scale of abuse involving “disposable” Member accounts managed by touts is substantial and may justify a lower threshold for initiating investigations.

However, Season Ticket Holders represent a very different category. Their identities have already been verified, many have held tickets for decades and have established histories with the Club. The cancellation of a Season Ticket can represent the loss of a relationship with the Club and friends built over decades and often spanning multiple generations of the same family. Where sanctions of this severity are contemplated, the evidential standard should reflect the seriousness and permanence of the consequences.

We do not believe behavioural analysis alone should ever be regarded as sufficient evidence to sanction a Season Ticket Holder. It must be based on actual evidence of wrongdoing – especially where the ultimate sanction of cancellation of a season ticket is to be applied.

3. Supporters must be able to understand the case against them
We appreciate the Club’s reluctance to disclose detection methods which could undermine future investigations.
However, there is an important distinction between intelligence and evidence.

If information cannot be disclosed because it would compromise investigative techniques, then it should be used as intelligence to trigger enquiries, not as evidence to determine guilt. A supporter cannot reasonably defend themselves or make an informed appeal without understanding the substance of the allegation against them.

Fundamental fairness requires that supporters know enough about the evidence relied upon to respond meaningfully.

Supporters should have access to a fair and genuinely independent appeal process. Where sanctions are imposed, supporters should be given sufficient information to understand the allegations, provide an explanation and submit relevant evidence. An appeal process cannot command confidence if supporters are unable to understand the basis upon which decisions have been reached.

4. Club systems can influence supporter behaviour
We continue to believe that aspects of the current away ticket returns process unintentionally encourage behaviour which many supporters perceive as necessary if they are to have any realistic chance of obtaining returned tickets.

Supporters know that others are monitoring the system continuously and therefore feel compelled to do likewise. In most cases, this is not driven by commercial gain but by extraordinary commitment and determination to follow the team.

If the Club believes these behaviours are undesirable, the long-term solution is to improve the design of the ticketing system so that supporters no longer feel they must compete in this way.
Good system design is generally more effective than increasingly punitive enforcement.

5. Touting should be clearly defined
There should be a clear distinction between professional ticket touting and other breaches of ticketing policy.

For most supporters, “touting” means repeated or organised resale for financial gain above face value. In our discussions and in communications to supporters (and indeed rules) we have to adopt the definition which is commonly understood by fans otherwise we are talking about different things.

Professional touting activity deserves the strongest sanctions and enjoys broad support for firm enforcement.

Conflating it with other forms of ticket misuse risks undermining confidence in the disciplinary process and reducing public support for action against genuine touts.

6. Sanctions should be proportionate
For breaches which do not involve professional touting or fraud, the default response should normally be education and a warning for a first offence. 

The Club should also consider whether aspects of its own ticketing systems may have contributed to the behaviour before determining an appropriate sanction. 

We should manage fan behaviour by education and by optimising systems not by applying sanctions which do huge damage to club-fan relations and create massive resentment undermining all the good work we do together.

7. Sharing of account login credentials 
Sharing of log in details with trusted friends and family is common and should not be an offence. If the club disagrees then we should have a proper debate on this point and review the rules and communications after that debate has concluded but not apply any rule changes (or contested interpretation of existing rules) retrospectively.

We know many fans (including, no doubt members of the FF) do this to help manage accounts for friends and family – for example when applying as larger groups for away games. This should not be outlawed.

8. Reassure supporters regarding the future of Season Tickets
Finally, there is an increasing belief among supporters that recent policy changes and tougher enforcement are being driven, at least in part, by a desire to reduce the number of Season Ticket Holders in favour of higher-yield ticket sales.

Whether or not this perception is correct, it is becoming increasingly widespread and is damaging confidence.

We therefore ask the Club to provide reassurance by confirming:

• the current number of Season Ticket Holders;
• that the Club is not pursuing a policy of reducing Season Ticket numbers; and
• that Season Tickets surrendered or withdrawn will continue to be reallocated as Season Tickets rather than converted into Member or other ticket categories.

The Club and supporters share the same objective: ensuring tickets are used fairly by genuine fans. Achieving that objective requires not only effective enforcement but also confidence that investigations are fair, proportionate and transparent. Maintaining the trust of loyal Season Ticket Holders is essential if the Club is to retain the goodwill and support of our fanbase. Nowhere does this apply more than our away following and we should not be doing anything to damage what is considered the best away support in the league. That enviable support has been built on a sense of camaraderie, community and a culture involving fan networks and ticket sharing over decades. 

The post MUST responds to club’s anti-touting campaign methods first appeared on Republik Of Mancunia: A Manchester United Blog.

Manchester United announced the surprised signing of Youri Tielemans yesterday after triggering his £35m release clause. The captain of the Belgian national team and Aston Villa is yet another great addition to the squad with the club looking for leaders following the departure of Casemiro.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Tielemans has spoken about his happiness at making the move to Old Trafford.

It’s hard to describe just how proud I am to join Manchester United. Signing for such a special club feels incredible, it is the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football.

I have had the privilege of experiencing success in the game and it has only increased my determination to achieve more. The ambition from everyone at the club is extremely clear; we are all determined to push for the biggest trophies over the coming years.

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Manchester United have today confirmed that Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos has made the move from Chelsea. The deal is reported to be worth £48m with a potential of £2m in add ons. The midfielder has spoken to the club’s official site about his feelings on signing.

Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented. As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams.

Everybody told me about how ambitious the club is and the amazing environment that has been created here. I know just how strong the squad is and I cannot wait to fight together to compete for the biggest trophies.

Santos becomes the first signing of Michael Carrick’s tenure at the club and the midfielder was full of praise for the manager.

I know him very well. He’s a top, top coach. I did a meeting with him, and I remember it because it was around 30 minutes and, when I finished my meeting with him, I said: ‘Wow, he’s amazing.’ “Now, I meet with him [in person] and I’m so excited to work with him.

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After Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United, the club went from strength to strength on the pitch. Under Michael Carrick, who took charge in January, no club in the league picked up more points than United.

Amorim had repeatedly talked about the need for United fans to “suffer” and this turned out to be the case during his stint at the club. Finishing 15th and losing a European final to Tottenham Hotspur is as bad as it got at Old Trafford for decades.

When Amorim departed he didn’t make any statement thanking the fans for the support during the woeful performances we’d endured.

Now having been appointed manager of AC Milan, he has apologised for that.

The only thing I can say is that I learn a lot and I did some mistakes. I didn’t have opportunity – and I am sorry for that – to say something to the Manchester United fans at the moment. I am really proud to have been their coach for a year.

Amorim spoke of his happiness to be back in football management and claims he’s even hungrier for success now.

It’s an honour to be here. I’m so happy. I can feel that here people feel the club. I love Milanello, I think the place has history, it’s quiet. People say that it is old. I love that kind of old, everything is there. I love the staff. I feel at home.

I follow Milan since I’m young, so it’s personal. It’s hard to take this kind of challenge. The belief that I had at Sporting, is the same belief I have now…with a little bit more hunger.

Maybe because of the last adventure. I’m really hungry for success. I believe in myself and especially I believe in the club. I know it’s a tough league, I know that you need to know Italian football really well, I think I learn fast and I will try to do that.

Amorim had anticipated taking on a smaller challenge in his next role but reckons the job ahead of him at Milan is even more challenging than at United.

I’m really very happy to be here, it’s an honour to be the coach of Milan. Why did I choose Milan? If you read an old interview of mine you will understand it, for me a special club. It’s a very big challenge that I accepted even if after the last one I told myself to accept a smaller one. Perhaps it is a greater challenge than the last. I’m proud to be here, we all are, me and my staff.

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Lisandro Martinez scored a vital goal in extra-time for Argentina this weekend as his team progressed to the quarter-finals after beating Cape Verde.

After the game our defender spoke to TyC about what the goal meant to him after reflecting on recent dark times in his career that made him feel like he needed to retire. The defender has been plagued by a series of severe injuries, most recently suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in February 2025 and a subsequent calf issue. He played in 49 of the possible 114 Premier League games over the last three seasons but has revealed his daughter and wife motivated him to keep fighting.

When I think about everything I went through because of my injury, it makes me want to cry. I was considering retiring from football. In the first month that happened to me, where I just didn’t want to suffer anymore, you know? Because I had already gone through other foot injuries when I fractured my fifth metatarsal and this one was honestly the worst, the worst of all.

I was really hit low, but then my daughter was born, and that kind of balanced everything out for me. I saw how my wife gave birth and the immense effort she made, and I said to myself, ‘How am I not going to keep fighting?

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Marcus Rashford enjoyed a successful season out on loan with Barcelona and returned from Spain as a league winner. His preference had been to remain with the La Liga club but they chose not to take up their option to sign him £35m and brought in Anthony Gordon for double the price instead.

There have been some suggestions that Barcelona will wait until the end of the transfer window and put it in another offer to loan the forward, but reports suggest United will stand firm and are open to keep Rashford at the club under new manager Michael Carrick.

Speaking to the press from the World Cup, Rashford revealed he had hoped to get his future resolved before the international tournament.

As a person, I live in the moment. I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup. I wanted it done before, and if not, then I won’t deal with it until after that.

I want to fully be present in this moment. At the same time we’re fighting for something. I don’t have energy to be putting into other things.

Ahead of England’s game against co-hosts Mexico this evening, Rashford was asked about the disadvantage playing at high altitude poses.

It doesn’t matter. It’s a game of football at the end of the day, and it might be a small adjustment that we need to make. But, in the end, it doesn’t change our outlook on the game, and what we’re trying to do. Whatever happens, however the game plays out, we’re going to try to come out on top.

Listen, it’s a game of football. We’ve all been playing football since we were kids, and we’ve played in different environments, different atmospheres, some easier than others, some terrible to play in and disgusting. But it’s up to us to try and find a way to come out on top. And that’s what the focus is.

Sometimes you need the player next to you, and the player next to him. But listen, it is all the same. We have to work together, work as a unit and try to bring as close to our best as we can, and we’ll be fine.

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Joshua Zirkzee missed out Holland’s World Cup squad so will get a full pre-season with Manchester United, presuming he isn’t sold this summer.

Speaking with the club’s official site, Zirkzee has discussed his pre-match rituals, including some breathing exercises he picked up from Lissandro Martinez.

I do some breathing work, so that I am focused. I listen to some music, get my prep done. While listening to music, I try to visualise what can happen in the game. And then what Kobbie says, just bringing good energy into the locker room, whether you’re playing or not. That’s my routine. Then I pray before a game. Because it’s something so standard, I wouldn’t call it part of my routine; it’s just in the system already. I came across it through Licha actually. It made me feel good, so I figured why not do it before a game? I think it’s always good to have a routine. I made it part of my routine and just stuck by it ever since.

Zirkzee was asked what rating he thought Mainoo gave himself from one to 10, with one being a calm and 10 nervous.

“One?” he said. “Did he not? Kobbie is the definition of calm. You can’t put pressure on him.”

Mainoo actually gave himself a three, with the unflappable midfielder clearly aware of his own coolness on the ball. We’ve yet to see the midfielder make an appearance for England but he’ll be hoping to get some minutes tonight in England’s final group stage game against Panama.

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