Football
Man Utd will break unwanted record without drastic turnaround in last four games
Rasmus Hojlund admitted, “I needed that,” after scoring a dramatic late equaliser to rescue a point for Manchester United at Bournemouth—his second goal of the 2025 season.
But while the Danish striker expressed relief, the bigger question looms: do Manchester United still need Hojlund?
United are trudging through what could become their worst Premier League campaign ever, with new manager Ruben Amorim unable to spark a revival since taking over from Erik ten Hag in November.
The most damning statistic is arguably the team’s poor goal return. With only 39 goals scored in 34 league games, the Red Devils are just six goals ahead of relegated Ipswich—a shocking comparison for a club of United’s stature.
Since 1990, United have only once finished a league season with fewer than 50 goals, managing just 49 in 2015/16 under Louis van Gaal, who was dismissed immediately after winning the FA Cup.
To avoid repeating that unwanted milestone, United must score 11 goals in their final four games, a tall order considering they’ve only managed 11 goals in their last nine matches combined.
Problems are evident in all areas of the pitch, but it’s the attacking department that’s become Amorim’s biggest challenge—and right now, his current crop of forwards aren’t delivering.
Hojlund’s 96th-minute equaliser against Bournemouth marked just his fourth Premier League goal in 29 appearances this season, the same total Marcus Rashford recorded before his loan move to Aston Villa in February.
On Instagram, Hojlund admitted after the game: “We wanted the win, but I needed that.”
Injuries to Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee have limited their impact, with both contributing a combined total of nine league goals.
Alejandro Garnacho has added five, while captain Bruno Fernandes has chipped in with eight.
Still, all eyes are on Hojlund—the striker Manchester United signed for £72 million from Atalanta in July 2023 after scoring 10 goals in 34 Serie A appearances.
Though he managed 16 goals across all competitions last season, his form has dipped significantly this term—just when United needed him most.
A major squad rebuild is anticipated this summer, and the club is expected to offload underperforming, high-earning players to raise funds for incoming transfers.
Sources suggest United’s priority targets include an attacking midfielder and a top-class striker.
Ipswich forward Liam Delap is on their radar, while Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres remains under consideration.
Reports also indicate that United are prepared to trigger the £62.5 million release clause for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
If any of those deals go through, Hojlund’s role in the squad could be further diminished. Amorim didn’t offer a firm endorsement of the young striker’s future when asked post-match, simply stating, “We like our strikers. We are improving our strikers. We will see what happens next season.”
United’s hierarchy is reportedly open to selling any first-team player with strong market value—especially if they fail to win the Europa League and miss out on Champions League qualification.
Hojlund is not exempt from that list, and interest from Serie A clubs is beginning to resurface, with many still viewing him as a player with untapped potential.
As former United captain Gary Neville noted, “There will be a lot of clubs looking at the talent and where United haven’t got the best out of those players and thinking they can get a cheap deal on them. With Hojlund, there is a player in there for a club in Europe somewhere.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
Football
Inside Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool ‘leaving party’ as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk attend
Liverpool recently held a summer celebration to honor Trent Alexander-Arnold as he prepares to leave Anfield after the 2024-25 season. The 26-year-old fullback, who has been with the club since he was just six, confirmed his departure earlier this month.
Despite spending two decades with Liverpool and making over 350 appearances, the news has divided fans—some even booed him during the recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
The event, which appeared to take place at Liverpool’s training base in Kirkby, featured teammates, family, and festive touches including food vendors, games, and a “Summer of 66” theme—referencing Alexander-Arnold’s shirt number.
TikTok user Nevada Linton shared footage from the event with a heartfelt message encouraging the defender to chase his dreams.
Key players including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Luiz Diaz were spotted enjoying the gathering.
The party served as an internal gesture of appreciation despite the tension from parts of the fanbase.
Throughout the season, Liverpool pushed to secure contract extensions for Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk. While the latter two signed new deals, Alexander-Arnold opted to move on, with Real Madrid widely expected to be his next destination.
His farewell statement emphasized how difficult the decision had been, citing the need to step outside his comfort zone for new personal and professional challenges.
The backlash from some supporters has sparked reactions from fellow players. Salah voiced disappointment over the treatment Alexander-Arnold received, saying fans should recognize the defender’s loyalty and contributions over the years.
Van Dijk echoed the sentiment, stating that the team aims to win their final matches and celebrate together, including honoring Alexander-Arnold’s legacy.
Liverpool’s final fixtures of the season include a clash with Brighton and a home finale against Crystal Palace at Anfield, where the hope remains for a more appreciative farewell from the stands.
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