Connect with us

Football

Stubborn Ruben Amorim says ‘not even the Pope will make me change’ tactics

Published

on

Stubborn Ruben Amorim says 'not even the Pope will make me change' tactics

Ruben Amorim has made it clear that not even the Pope could convince him to abandon his tactical approach at Manchester United.

The United manager met with part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe this week following the club’s worst Premier League start since 1992. Despite criticism for sticking with his 3-4-3 setup, Amorim remains steadfast and confident he has the support of Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada, and football director Jason Wilcox after their scheduled Thursday meeting.

When asked if anyone within the hierarchy had urged him to rethink his strategy, Amorim dismissed the idea, saying no one, “not even the Pope,” could persuade him to change. He stressed that managing the team his way is his responsibility and his life’s work, so he will not alter it.

Speaking lightheartedly about his discussion with Ratcliffe, Amorim joked that the Ineos chief “offered him a new contract,” before clarifying it was a normal meeting in which Ratcliffe once again described the project as long-term. He added that the conversation with Ratcliffe, Berrada, and Wilcox was routine and supportive.

The Portuguese coach acknowledged that his style will naturally evolve over time but believes making abrupt changes now would send the wrong signal to his squad.

He explained that adjustments will happen step by step and that if he were to suddenly alter his system, players might lose confidence in his leadership. Amorim emphasized that while other managers may do things differently, he intends to stick to his methods and hopes to be given the time needed for gradual progress.

United have collected only four points from their opening four league matches and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby, so it was understandable that many viewed his meeting with Ratcliffe as significant. Amorim accepted that scrutiny is natural at a club of United’s stature, calling it one of the most high-pressure football environments in the world and reaffirming the ambition to win.

Earlier this week he was briefly linked with a return to Benfica, where he once played, before the Portuguese club appointed José Mourinho.

Amorim dismissed those rumors, insisting there was no approach and stating that he remains fully focused on Manchester United.

He added that when his time at Old Trafford eventually ends, whether soon or years from no, he will take a well-deserved break. With a grin, he noted that Mourinho is already in place at Benfica, joking that the media can have fun with that story instead.

Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea will see Alejandro Garnacho face United only three weeks after leaving for Stamford Bridge in a £40 million move.

Amorim will be hoping the Argentine winger does not mark his return with a goal, especially after recent success stories from other former United players.

Marcus Rashford scored twice for Barcelona at Newcastle in midweek, while Rasmus Hojlund netted his first goal for Napoli, achievements that brought a smile to the United manager’s face as he said he was delighted for both.

Amorim kept his cards close to his chest when asked if Altay Bayindir would remain in goal ahead of deadline-day signing Senne Lammens, who cost £18.2 million.

He explained that every player must compete for a place and that his focus is solely on selecting the lineup that offers the best chance to win the next game. By the end of the season, he added, the team on the pitch could look quite different as he works to build stronger connections and earn more points.

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