Football
‘I Feel Like We’re Begging’ – Scholes Slams Man Utd Over Ratcliffe Stadium Plans
Paul Scholes believes Manchester United are in a desperate position under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership, expressing concerns over how the club is being managed.
The former United midfielder, 50, remains skeptical about the promises made by the Ineos co-owner, who conducted multiple interviews last week.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, sponsored by Sky Bet, Scholes questioned Ratcliffe’s vision for the club. “You can be gullible at times and believe what he says, just because you’ve never heard anyone say anything before. You don’t know how realistic it is—it’s all up in the air,” he remarked. “Words are cheap. We could say anything about anyone. You can say in 10 years we’ll have the biggest and best stadium.”
Despite Manchester United being labeled one of the world’s richest clubs, Scholes feels they are in a position of financial uncertainty. “I feel like we’re begging a little—asking for a stadium, saying we need £2 billion, and selling players to buy players,” he added.
Ratcliffe, 72, made a bold claim regarding United’s financial state in an interview with the BBC. He stated, “Manchester United would have run out of cash by the end of 2025. Where do you want to spend the money? Do you want to spend it on operating the club, or do you want to spend it on the squad? Because if you spend it on the squad, you get better results. At the end of the day, what is Manchester United here for if not to win trophies?”
The British billionaire also emphasized the club’s strategy for player investment. “What we want to do is invest in the best players in the world, if we can. Rather than spend it on, I’m afraid, free lunches.”
During Ruben Amorim’s first transfer window as Manchester United manager, the club made two signings. Teenage center-back Ayden Heaven arrived from Arsenal, while 20-year-old left-back Patrick Dorgu joined from Serie A side Lecce.
Despite United struggling in the lower half of the Premier League table, Ratcliffe has been vocal in his support of Amorim. “If I actually look at the squad available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job, to be honest,” he said. “Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager, and I think he will be here for a long time.”
Ratcliffe also pointed to United’s recent match against Arsenal as a sign of Amorim’s influence. “You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce. How many players on the bench against Arsenal did you recognize? How many have ever worn a Manchester United shirt for the first team? There’s no squad left. We are down to the last 10 or 11 men in the squad, really—of proper first-team players. Ruben is doing a super job.”
With concerns over finances, squad depth, and long-term planning, Scholes’ skepticism highlights the uncertainty surrounding Manchester United’s future under Ratcliffe’s leadership. However, the billionaire remains confident in his vision and Amorim’s ability to steer the club back to success.
Football
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.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
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.
Football
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.”
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