Connect with us

Football

‘He doesn’t like this team’ – Paul Scholes reveals what Amorim ‘really thinks’

Published

on

Manchester United will return to Old Trafford with the Europa League quarter-final tie finely balanced after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Lyon, marked by two critical mistakes from goalkeeper Andre Onana.

The result leaves everything to play for in the second leg, but it also exposed cracks in a side that has struggled for consistency all season.

Manager Ruben Amorim remained publicly upbeat after the final whistle, praising his squad’s efforts and insisting they are showing improvement with every match. Yet not everyone was convinced by his post-match optimism.

United legend Paul Scholes, speaking on TNT Sports, dismissed Amorim’s comments, suggesting even the manager doesn’t fully believe in what he’s saying. Scholes, a veteran of 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League victories with United, pulled no punches in his assessment.

He said Amorim looks visibly frustrated on the touchline and believes the coach is well aware that the squad lacks the quality needed to compete at the level Manchester United aspires to reach.

According to Scholes, the manager needs reinforcements all over the pitch and knows it, even if he won’t admit it publicly.

The draw in France has intensified scrutiny on Onana, whose errors directly cost United a victory. First, he failed to deal with Thiago Almada’s curling free-kick, allowing Lyon to take the lead.

After United equalized through a header by Leny Yoro and then went ahead thanks to Joshua Zirkzee converting a cross from Bruno Fernandes, it looked like the visitors might sneak away with a crucial win.

But disaster struck in added time, when Onana failed to control a routine shot, parrying it straight into the path of Rayan Cherki, who tapped home to salvage a draw for the hosts.

The performance from United was mixed at best. While there were flashes of attacking intent, the lack of control in midfield and vulnerability at the back remain major concerns.

Scholes went further, saying the team lacks direction and doesn’t have the quality up front or the control in central areas to dictate games.
He suggested it may take two or three years before United are truly competitive again, especially if key positions are not upgraded.

Amorim has only made one signing since taking over in November – full-back Patrick Dorgu for £25 million – and it’s becoming clear that more changes will be needed if United are to return to former glories.

The pressure is only mounting as the Europa League now stands as the last chance for silverware this season. With the club out of both domestic cups and sitting 13th in the Premier League after managing just 10 wins from 31 games, the second leg against Lyon could be season-defining.

Before that, United travel to face high-flying Newcastle, a tough test before they can fully turn their attention back to Europe.

For a club of Manchester United’s stature, this kind of campaign falls well below expectations – and unless something changes quickly, disappointment may once again be the theme at season’s end.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Football

FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

Published

on

By

FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here's why

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.

As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.

Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.

In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.

Continue Reading

Football

New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

Published

on

By

New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.

Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.

The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.

Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.

This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.

Continue Reading

Football

Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Published

on

By

Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.

The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.

According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.

His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.

Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.

Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.

United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.

De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.

The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.

Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.

“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.

“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.

“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2026 Alpays Media.

News
Live Scores
Live TV
App