Category: Sport News

LONDON: The pressure on Ruben Amorim is increasing when statistics show that the Manchester United manager now holds the worst record among English Premier League (EPL) managers.

In the derby at the Etihad, United were humiliated by local opponents, Manchester City 0-3 thanks to a goal from Phil Foden and two goals from Erling Haaland, thus maintaining their lackluster start to the season.

The defeat followed after losing 0-1 to Arsenal, drawing 1-1 with Fulham and only narrowly winning 3-2 over Burnley before the international break.

United have currently only collected four points from four matches, sitting 14th in the league with a goal difference of -3, eight points behind leaders Liverpool.

To make matters worse, Opta data reveals that since Amorim took over last November, United have scored just 31 points from 31 league games, the worst among the 17 clubs over that period.

The record is the same as Tottenham, but the Red Devils are worse with a goal difference of -13 to -4.

While Liverpool are top with 68 points from their last 31 matches, followed by Arsenal (64) and Chelsea (58), United are also continuing to decline despite Amorim’s reluctance to move away from the 3-4-3 system he has used since arriving at Old Trafford.

“This is not the record that Manchester United should have. I accept it, but I will not change my philosophy.

“If I want to change, I will decide for myself, not anyone else. If not, the club can change management,” said Amorim after the defeat to City.

Despite receiving criticism and the risk of losing support, Amorim maintained his approach.

“I understand that the fans are disappointed, that’s normal with decisions like this. But I suffer more than them. I always think about what’s best for the club and will do everything while I’m here,” he said.

United, who finished 15th last season, have struggled once again in the opening stages of the campaign, with Amorim managing just eight league wins since taking charge of the Red Devils.

LIVERPOOL: Alexander Isak has had his first training session with Liverpool after completing a £125 million move to Merseyside last week – Britain’s highest transfer record.

The 26-year-old Swedish striker was called up to the national squad for World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo, before returning to his new team-mates at Melwood training ground on Wednesday.

Isak looked cheerful with a big smile while wearing an Adidas Liverpool training jersey, but it is not yet certain whether he is fit enough to play against Burnley at Turf Moor this Sunday.

Despite missing pre-season training, Isak made a substitute appearance in Sweden’s 2-0 humiliating defeat by Kosovo on Monday, coming on for the final 20 minutes. The defeat leaves Sweden at risk of missing out on a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

With just two points after two matches, Sweden are five points behind group leaders Switzerland and two points behind Kosovo.

The situation sparked anger from fans to the point that several players received death threats on social media, which are now under investigation by the police.

Isak’s move to Liverpool was a long drama throughout the summer, with the player reporting injury to avoid Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia before going on strike to force a move.

The move drew heavy criticism, particularly from Newcastle fans, with the club announcing his departure in just a brief 37-word statement — a cold farewell to their former star striker.

After Sweden’s defeat to Kosovo, Isak spoke for the first time about his attempts to leave Newcastle.

“Not everyone knows the whole story, that’s for another day. I can’t control everything that’s said or written. But I’m happy that I’m a Liverpool player now.

“It’s good that everything is finished before training camp, so I can focus back on playing football. It’s a new experience for me, but you’re always learning and growing mentally off the field as well,” he said.

After an initial bid of 110 million pounds in early August was rejected by Newcastle, Liverpool finally managed to secure Isak’s signature for a fee of 125 million pounds before the transfer deadline.

LONDON: Liverpool had to seek sports science expertise to complete the record signing of Alexander Isak on the final day of the transfer window.

The Reds signed the 25-year-old Swedish striker from Newcastle for £130 million after a long summer tussle.

Isak had previously gone on strike in northeast England after Liverpool’s initial offer was rejected.

Manager Arne Slot finally breathed a sigh of relief when he managed to get his dream player at the last minute.

However, Liverpool face major obstacles in finalizing the deal.

Isak’s injury record caused concern among management during negotiations.

The striker missed 39 of his 114 appearances for the Toons, mostly due to a groin injury.

In fact, he was also recorded as not attending more than 200 days of training under Eddie Howe.

According to the Sunday Mirror , Liverpool had to use the services of sports science experts to assess Isak’s fitness level.

Management wants to ensure that the large investment does not risk making it a ‘permanent resident’ of the treatment room.

However, the team of scientists were satisfied with Isak’s physical condition and gave the green light to set a British transfer record.

In fact, they are confident they can improve Isak’s injury record with close monitoring and a specific training plan after he returns from international duty with Sweden.

LONDON: Manchester United fans have begun to express concerns about the team’s performance after a video recording of a mistake by new goalkeeper Senne Lammens went viral on social media.

The young Belgian goalkeeper joined United from Royal Antwerp on the final day of the summer transfer window for a fee estimated at £18.5 million plus a further £3.5 million in add-ons.

Lammens, 23, who has never played for Belgium’s senior squad, signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford.

However, just a few days after his arrival, some Red Devils fans expressed disappointment when a video compilation of Lammens’ mistakes while playing for Antwerp went viral on the X platform.

Among the clips that sparked concern was when Lammens was seen getting out of position during a cross, leaving his goal vulnerable to an easy goal.

Another clip shows Lammens failing to duck to block a low, slow shot.

The reaction of United supporters on social media was full of panic and disappointment.

“Andre Onana 2.0,” wrote one user, referring to United’s current goalkeeper who is also often criticized.

“The latest version of Onana,” said another.

The next reaction, believed to be referring to Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who has also been linked with a move to United, wrote: “How can they choose this player over a World Cup winner?”

However, among the criticism, there were also supporters who came to Lammens’ defense, stating that many of the goals in the video were difficult to avoid.

In fact, another video compilation of Lammens’ best moves was also shared, featuring some of his high-quality moves while with Antwerp.

BRIGHTON: Pep Guardiola said his Manchester City team had ‘forgotten how to play’ after losing 2-1 to Brighton in the Premier League last night.

City dominated the first half and Erling Haaland broke the deadlock in the 88th minute on his 100th Premier League appearance.

However, the Norwegian striker also wasted several opportunities to expand the lead, thus giving Brighton space to rise.

James Milner equalised from the penalty spot in the 67th minute, becoming the second-oldest scorer in league history.

Then, Brajan Gruda scored the winning goal in the 89th minute to hand City their second consecutive league defeat this season.

Asked what changed the game, Guardiola said: “The penalty. We wasted the game. We forgot how to play. We chose to play long passes, that’s fine, but we have to be ready to win the second ball. We weren’t ready for that.

“The momentum in the Premier League always changes after a goal, and that’s exactly what happened. But at that moment we forgot to continue playing like we did brilliantly in the first hour against a difficult opponent,” said Guardiola.

After starting the season with a win over Wolves, City have now lost two in a row, including a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham last week.

It’s a worrying start for Guardiola, after last season City handed over the title for four consecutive years to Liverpool.

They finished the season 13 points behind Liverpool, were knocked out of the Champions League before the last-16 stage, and suffered a shock FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace.

Guardiola had hoped that big spending in the January and summer transfer windows would inject some new energy, but the early returns have been disappointing.

The Spanish manager is trying to emphasise the positives, but the international break will be an uncomfortable period as he tries to sort out the problems of City, who face Manchester United on September 14.

“We conceded one goal and after that we became unstable. Not because I didn’t know how good and strong they (Brighton) were, but because we forgot to keep playing. You can’t stop playing for even a second,” he said.

Brighton looked more venomous after manager Fabian Hurzeler made four changes midway through the second half, including bringing on Milner and Gruda to seal the win.