Manchester United faced a humiliating 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday. The result leaves manager Erik ten Hag with a daunting eight-day test ahead. It also loss comes on the heels of their midweek victory against Chelsea. Bournemouth set the tone early, with Dominic Solanke scoring a cheeky backheel finish in just five minutes. Despite United fans’ hopes for a comeback, Bournemouth’s lead remained intact as Marcus Tavernier’s first-half header was disallowed for a Solanke offside. Bournemouth beat Manchester united 3-0 Meanwhile, Boos resonated at halftime as the home team failed to capitalize on opportunities, and matters worsened in the second half when Philip Billing, a Bournemouth substitute, headed in the second goal. Marcos Senesi extended the lead to three with a header from a corner just minutes later. The defeat marks United’s seventh league loss of the season, raising concerns for manager Erik ten Hag. With a crucial week ahead, including a must-win Champions League clash against Bayern Munich and a high-stakes match against Liverpool, United faces significant challenges.
McTominay brace secures crucial win for Manchester United against Chelsea
Scott McTominay delivered a sensational performance with a brace against Chelsea, to ease the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. His two goals come as a big relief for Ten Hag, who has constantly been under pressure this season, due to United’s inconsistency. Scott McTominay delivered two goals to hand United win over Chelsea – Getty image McTominay found the net in the 19th and 69th minutes, to cancel out a Cole Palmer equalizer just before halftime. The victory is especially crucial for Manchester United following their lackluster performance in the previous game against Newcastle, where they lost 1-0. Ten Hag’s decision to drop Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the starting lineup paid off, as both have suffered criticism for their recent displays.
Van Dijk, Szoboszlai seal Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Sheffield United
Sheffield United manager’s first game back in charge ended in defeat as Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory on Wednesday night. Despite a hard-fought clash from Sheffield, moments of class from Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai, made the difference.
Liverpool won Sheffield United 2-0 in the midweek game – Getty image Early in the game, Sheffield United matched Liverpool’s approach. However, Liverpool gradually took control of the game, and Van Dijk opened the scoring with a fine finish following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner in the 37th minute. The Blades displayed resilience, making it challenging for Liverpool to score another. Still, Szoboszlai secured the winner for Jurgen Klopp’s side with a goal deep into stoppage time.
NPFL takes action against Katsina United for dress code violation
Katsina United are facing sanctions from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for violating newly set dress code for players and staff. During their recent match against Sporting Lagos, a player from the club was seen wearing a jersey with a handwritten number, prompting the disciplinary action by the NPFL against Katsina United. The league officials are also tempted to report the match officials to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for allowing the player to participate in the game. Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, emphasized the league’s commitment to maintaining integrity and applying sanctions when rules are breached. Katsina United wearing jersey with a handwritten number – Getty image Owumi said, “While we cannot stop any club or individual from certain behaviours, we definitely would not condone such misconduct and would always apply sanctions to serve as deterrence.” Katsina United are charged with breaching Rule B9.7 for the inappropriate dressing. Additionally, the club is accused of violating Rule C9 by failing to ensure the proper conduct of its officials, leading to an incident where the kit manager harassed an assistant referee. As a result, Katsina United has been ordered to pay ₦1 million for their actions, and the Kits Manager, Masudu Lawal, received a one-year ban from all NPFL activities for improper conduct.
Anthony Gordon seals Newcastle 1-0 win against struggling Manchester United
Anthony Gordon scored the match’s only goal – Getty image Newcastle United outclassed Manchester United with a tap-in goal from Anthony Gordon at St James’ Park on Saturday night. Eddie Howe’s men secured the well-deserved 1-0 victory against Manchester United, after raining terror on the Red Devils defense. Anthony Gordon scored the match’s only goal – Getty image Gordon who made good timing in the 55th minute, slotted in a fine finish from a cross by Kieran Trippier, after several attempts by the home side. Despite Newcastle’s dominance and securing all three points, they hit a brick wall with the defensive combination of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, who prevented them from scoring more. Onana who has faced criticism recently, was also on top of his game in the clash, making some clinical saves, although gasped at some point.
Burnley thrash Sheffield United 5-0 to mark first home win since promotion
Burnley secured their first home win since promotion by ruthlessly thrashing Sheffield United 5-0 on Saturday’s Premier League clash. The deadlock was broken from the first minute as Jay Rodriguez found the back of the net, putting Vincent Kompany’s side in the driving seat. The attacking force continued, and by the 29th minute, Burnley doubled their lead with a goal from Jacob Bruun Larsen. The second half saw Burnley maintaining their form, with Zeki Amdouni adding another goal to the tally. Burnley thrash Sheffield United 5-0 – Getty image Luca Koleosho and Josh Brownhill further asserted Burnley’s dominance by scoring in the later stages of the game. The 5-0 victory marked Burnley’s first home win since their promotion from Championship, under the management of Vincent Kompany.
Ziyech bags brace for Galatasaray, as Onana’s flaws deny United victory in 3-3 thriller
Andre Onana’s flaws denied Manchester United victory against Galatasaray on Wednesday’s Champions League clash. United’s hopes in the Champions League is now hanging in the balance, following a dramatic 3-3 draw against Galatasaray. Erik ten Hag’s squad faces an uphill battle to advance to the last 16, needing a must win against Bayern Munich in the final Group A clash. Early in the game, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes put the Red Devils ahead, giving the Old Trafford team a strong start. Andre Onana’s flaws deny Manchester United win over Galatasaray – Getty image However, a Hakim Ziyech free-kick slipped past goalkeeper Andre Onana, just before half time. Scott McTominay’s goal added to United’s lead, but Ziyech capitalized on another free-kick, exploiting a fumble by Onana. The Turkish side completed their comeback with a stunning effort from Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu, leaving United’s hopes in jeopardy.
Man United spends £1m monthly on lawyers to sell 25% shares to Ratcliffe
Man United spends more than Bruno Fernandes earnings weekly in a bid to sell 25% shares to Sir Jim Ratcliffe – Getty image The Glazer family is reportedly spending £250,000 per week in legal and consultancy fees, for the sale of 25% shares to Sir Jim Ratcliffe. This staggering amount surpasses the weekly earnings of club captain Bruno Fernandes who earns £240,000 per week.
Man United spends more than Bruno Fernandes earnings weekly in a bid to sell 25% shares to Sir Jim Ratcliffe – Getty image Meanwhile, the prolonged sales process, now exceeding a year, has accumulated costs equivalent to £1 million each month, as outlined in the club’s recent accounts. Sun Sports reports that since the sale was initiated in November 2022, the club has disbursed £7 million in legal and associated fees to US-based financial advisors Raine Group. The ongoing negotiations are gradually getting towards the potential £1.3 billion deal with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who wants an immediate acquisition of an initial 25% stake at the club.
Griezmann denies interest in Man United, targets legendary status at Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann has denied having interest joining Manchester United, amidst club’s interest. In an interview with Marca, the French man said he hopes to make his mark at Atletico as a legend, while expressing his desire to win titles for the club. “I’m motivated to be someone important at Atletico, to be a legend at this club. I know I have to earn it.” Griezmann has been a key player for Diego Simeone’s side since the start of the current season. He has so far scored 12 goals in La Liga and Champions League matches. Antoine Griezmann – Getty image Despite facing challenges in regaining the fans’ trust after a controversial return from Barcelona, the 32-year-old has become a driving force for Atletico. Acknowledging the importance of connecting with the fans, he said, “I feel that I have recovered the connection with the fans.” Griezmann has a total of 169 goals for Atletico, and aims to surpass Luis Aragones’ record of 173. On his target for the season, he said he desires to win the La Liga: “I want to win La Liga, I need it. I’ve never done it, and it would be nice.” Atletico Madrid, under Simeone, secured two league titles during Griezmann’s absence, with their successes occurring while he played at Real Sociedad and Barcelona.
Raphael Varane set for Manchester United exit next summer
Raphael Varane is set to depart Manchester United next summer, rather than the anticipated January transfer window. The French defender has gradually ran out of luck at Old Trafford, under the management of Erik ten Hag. Meanwhile, contrary to earlier suggestions of a potential return to Real Madrid, sources now indicate that Varane is exploring options in Italy or Saudi Arabia. A source close to the unfolding event told The Sun Sport, “The days are numbered for Raphael Varane at Manchester United, and the clock is ticking on his future.”
Rafael Varane – Getty image While Erik ten Hag aims to retain his first team squad for a top-four pursuit, Varane’s departure is expected in the summer. The player’s shift to the fourth choice in Ten Hag’s defensive lineup, behind long time bench-warmer Jonny Evans, has fueled his desire for a new challenge elsewhere. The player has already attracted Interest from Saudi Arabia, with offer including a substantial increase in wages. Additionally, Varane is also tempted by the prospect of playing in Italy. He had expressed his admiration for the league before now.