Football
Paul Ince questions ‘pathetic’ Man Utd under Ruben Amorim: ‘Jury is still out’
Paul Ince has voiced his concern that Manchester United might be heading for more frustrating seasons following a troubling start under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Even though Amorim made it clear when he arrived that progress would take time, the lack of cohesion and disappointing results have alarmed many supporters.
With just seven wins from 27 Premier League matches under the Portuguese coach, United slumped to a 15th-place finish—their worst in Premier League history. Their only hope for success, the Europa League, slipped away in a painful defeat to Tottenham in the final.
Amorim has publicly accepted responsibility for the poor run and has even gone as far as to offer to leave without demanding compensation, should the club want a change in leadership. However, the club appears determined to give him more time.
Former midfielder Paul Ince, though, finds the current situation difficult to stomach and questions whether Amorim’s tactics are suited to the team. He pointed out that the squad still reflects the preferences of former manager Erik ten Hag, which creates tension when players are forced into unfamiliar roles.
Ince is skeptical about Amorim’s preference for three central defenders, noting that most elite teams rely on a back four and that the current squad seems uncomfortable with the shift in system.
Ince also highlighted several records that underline United’s ongoing struggles. For the first time in Premier League history, the club went through a season without managing consecutive wins. They also endured an eight-game winless streak and finished with just 42 points—their lowest ever total in the Premier League era.
Despite the challenges, Ince believes the squad isn’t lacking talent. He emphasized that many players are on significant wages and should be performing at a much higher level, regardless of formation.
He was especially critical of the performance in the Europa League final, calling it unacceptable and suggesting that the defeat revealed a troubling lack of fight and cohesion in the team.
Looking ahead, United have begun preparations for a summer rebuild, with Amorim keen to reshape the squad in his own vision. Talks for Matheus Cunha are progressing, but the club has missed out on Liam Delap, who is expected to join Chelsea.
Ince believes the problems go deeper than transfers and says the club must reevaluate their entire recruitment strategy. He pointed out puzzling decisions, such as spending £50 million on Manuel Ugarte only for him to miss the final, and questioned why key talents like Kobbie Mainoo, who had previously impressed for both club and country, have been sidelined.
Ince is not convinced there’s a clear vision at the club. He cited examples of high-potential players like Declan Rice and Alexis Mac Allister, questioning why United were not seriously in the race to sign them.
He also noted that many players linked with United don’t seem to attract interest from other major clubs, raising further doubts about the scouting and decision-making processes.
The lack of leadership within the current squad is another major concern. Ince warned that selling captain Bruno Fernandes would be a mistake, especially when the team is already struggling with a lack of vocal, experienced players in the dressing room.
He reminisced about the influence of figures like Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, and Eric Cantona during his playing days, saying those kinds of characters held the team together through rough patches.
Ince pointed out that some of United’s talents, such as Scott McTominay and Antony, have gone elsewhere and flourished, suggesting the problem lies in how the club is managing its assets. He believes a few strong personalities could help lift the team, especially with so many young players in the squad.
The former midfielder concluded by reflecting on the broader stagnation at the club. He said fans have been remarkably patient, likely because they’ve witnessed nearly a decade of slow progress.
While rival clubs like Arsenal, Newcastle, and Aston Villa have grown stronger, United have struggled to keep pace. According to Ince, the path back to the top will be longer and more difficult than many supporters expect.
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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