Sunday, December 31, 2017
Arsene Wenger hits out at penalty decision after West Brom hold Arsenal to 1-1 draw
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Liverpool vs Leicester, Chelsea vs Stoke, Newcastle vs Brighton and more: Premier League live updates!
Friday, December 29, 2017
Man City 2018/19 home kit 'leaked'
Thursday, December 28, 2017
George Weah elected president of Liberia after runoff
Transfer news live: Liverpool sign Virgil van Dijk, Manchester United want Paulo Dybala, Chelsea after Yannick Carrasco
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Hector Cuper: There is no doubt that Salah has the quality to play for Real Madrid
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Monday, December 25, 2017
How PSG should approach the January transfer window
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Sheffield Wednesday sack Carlos Carvalhal following fan backlash to Middlesbrough defeat
Jury still out for returning Sunday Chidzambwa
SUNDAY “Mhofu” Chidzambwa is by far Zimbabwe’s most successful coach, but the one-year performance-based contract he has been handed on his return to the Warriors hints at the persisting doubts […]
The post Jury still out for returning Sunday Chidzambwa appeared first on The Standard.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Paris Saint-Germain Offer €170m For Lazio Midfielder Milinkovic-Savic
Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race to sign Lazio sensation Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the deal is being handled by super agent Jorge Mendes, as PSG have offered Lazio a whopping €170m for the midfielder’s services.
The newspaper reports that the amount has blown away Lazio, since only Neymar and Mbappe have command such astronomic transfer fees in the world of football.
WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo – Embarrassing Moments vs Barcelona
Furthermore, the deal could break the record for the highest Serie A transfer ever, beating the previous record of €110m that was paid by Manchester United to Juventus last June to bring in Paul Pogba.
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PSG seem to have set their sights on the Serbian since their veteran Thiago Motta is now 35 years of age, and the youngster would be an ideal replacement given the talent and creativity he has on offer.
The 22-year has scored 7 goals and assisted thrice in 21 appearances for the Italian outfit this season, and is being scouted by numerous top European clubs.
PSG already boast of a deadly attacking trio of Mbappe, Neymar and Cavani, and adding the Serb would mean Unai Emery could improve an already world-class side that could challenge any team in Europe.
Manchester United too, have been linked with Milinkovic-Savic, after reports emerged that Red Devils’ boss Jose Mourinho had sent scouts to monitor the progress of the Serb, who idolises fellow compatriot Nemanja Matic.
Therefore, the prospect of uniting the young starlet with his idol would be something that the Portuguese would relish. But with PSG joining the pursuit, it remains to be seen where Milinkovic-Savic ends up.
Written by Sourish Saha
Law graduate by degree, pursued football business masters from Brussels, Belgium. Sports enthusiast. Love reading articles to do with politics and sports. In my free time, I like to cook some times, or watch travel shows on television. Opinionated about football but flexible and open to constructive criticism.
The post Paris Saint-Germain Offer €170m For Lazio Midfielder Milinkovic-Savic appeared first on BlameFootball.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Mourinho Confirms Four Players Out For Leicester City Clash
Jose Mourinho has given some early team news ahead of United’s away trip to Leicester City, confirming that four players will definitely miss the clash.
Antonio Valencia is the most worrying absentee, having suffered a hamstring injury during last week’s encounter with West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.
Despite thanking fans for their support and claiming he was ‘fine’ on social media, the 32-year-old Ecuadorian has failed to recover in time for the game against the Foxes, although his exclusion could also be for precautionary measures to avoid potentially aggravating his hamstring unnecessarily.
The other players who are out have pretty much been absent for a majority of the first half of the season.
Marouane Fellaini is out with a knee injury and will not be available during the festive period, while Eric Bailly is undergoing surgery and is set to be sidelined for another two months. Long-term absentee Michael Carrick is also unavailable for the Christmas period.
“Valencia is out as you know,” Mourinho clarified. “Eric Bailly is having surgery right now, or is just finishing or is still there, who else? Nobody else, everything is okay.
“He [Fellaini] is not available. I don’t know [if he can play over the festive period]. Michael Carrick, no. But not for the Christmas period.”
Mourinho also spoke glowingly about his opponents on Saturday, saying he believes they are more than capable of competing for a Europa League spot.
“I think they were phenomenal from that season,” Mourinho said of Leicester’s 2015-16 title-winning campaign. “And they benefited from the normal title contenders not having a good season all at the same time.
“Expectations now are if the top teams perform it’s very difficult for them to have the same dream or to reach the same incredible title but I think they are doing well. In a comfortable position, no dramas, no fears, can they fight to reach a Europa League spot? Yes they can, they are the same good team they were.”
Manchester United fan, Wayne Rooney is his role model. Passionate writer who has written for several sites in the past. He’s also an aspiring pianist and creates background music for BlameFootball’s Youtube channel.
The post Mourinho Confirms Four Players Out For Leicester City Clash appeared first on BlameFootball.
Arsenal and Liverpool are much more evenly matched than their recent head-to-head record suggests
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Kaizer Chiefs can’t afford me: Musona
WARRIORS captain Knowledge Musona says his former South African club Kaizer Chiefs can’t match the money he is earning in Europe.
The post Kaizer Chiefs can’t afford me: Musona appeared first on The Standard.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Confirmed Lineups: Bristol City vs Manchester United
Bristol City Team News:
#BristolCity v Man Utd: Steele, Wright, Flint, Baker, Magnusson, Brownhill, Smith, Pack, Bryan, Paterson, Reid. Subs: Fielding, Vyner, Kelly, Eliasson, Garita, Lemonheigh-Evans, Taylor. #BRCvMUN
— Bristol City FC (@bcfctweets) December 20, 2017
Related News:
How Man Utd Could Get One Of World’s Best Players Because Of Daley Blind
Manchester United Team News:
The team news is in! Here's how we line up against Bristol City in tonight's @Carabao_Cup quarter-final. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/4EVgV9ha3n
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 20, 2017
The post Confirmed Lineups: Bristol City vs Manchester United appeared first on BlameFootball.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
OnScene: ESPN FC's updates from Real Madrid vs. Barcelona
Monday, December 18, 2017
Antonio Conte: My achievements at Chelsea deserve more respect
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-1 West Brom
The second best from the top and the last clashed on Sunday night, and the end result was a predictable one.
However, one mustn’t be fooled by the scoreline as West Brom put up quite a fight in the second half which saw Gareth Barry’s lucky 77th-minute goal give a glimmer of hope to the home side that United’s first-half efforts from Lukaku and Lingard would prove to be naught.
This means that West Brom remains stubbornly in the bottom three while the Red Devils hold on strongly to the 11 point gap to Manchester City, one that looks increasingly redundant going into Christmas.
Here’s how the players fared on the night:
Manchester UnitedDavid De Gea- 6.9
The brilliant keeper was in his usual form at least in the first half where he denied a couple of West Brom’s earnest efforts with what was simply textbook saves. In the second half, however, De Gea was denied his clean sheet and happily gifted Alan Pardew’s lads with their first goal under the new management. Jose Mourinho won’t be too happy with letting the sole goal get through but the proficient Spaniard was hardly to blame when compared to his performance throughout the match.
Antonio Valencia- 6.2
Valencia wasn’t at his usual best today despite keeping up a run of great counter attacks in the first half. However, in what might be a worry to supporters of the Mancunian outfit, he did pick up an injury in the second half which saw him subbed off for Marcus Rojo in the 66th minute. While the issue didn’t seem to be a major one, supporters will be anxious till definitive word comes through.
Phil Jones- 7.3
The young English defender certainly proved to be what United were missing during his absence as he was in great spirits for the entirety of the ninety minutes. While West Brom’s lonely goal did dampen the defensive brilliance a bit, with Jones not able to do anything about the eventual shot into the corner of the goal, this is good news for supporters as he has been in consistently good form when not marred by injury.
Smalling- 7.1
A mixed bag from Smalling during the encounter. While he performed his normal duties almost perfectly, it was the link up with Jones that gave more of a spark during the night rather than any great effort of his own. Regardless, Mourinho will be hoping to deploy the duo quite often and in all likeliness, the form will continue.
Young- 7.2
The veteran continues to amaze, again and again, the weekend was no different. While no goals were scored nor major chances created, Young was in a decisive position against the Baggies and for a change actually looked to play his defensive role well too.
Matic- 7.4
Matic seemed more in control today than he has been in several weeks and the initial swagger seemed to be making a gradual return. A strong and formidable position on the pitch, his presence had the intended effect of giving United the extra defensive flair which was particularly effective against the few offensive runs of the home side in the first half.
Ander Herrera- 7.7
Deployed instead of the suspended Pogba, the Spaniard was utterly magnificent. A return of the player that won the hearts of supporters last season was in full view and the creative jolt he brought into the side was very apparent for nearly the entirety of the first half. After the break though, his presence appeared to be a bit shaky before regaining its natural composure going defensive in the dying moments of the match. Another selection dilemma for Mourinho?
Juan Mata- 8.1
He certainly proved right in terms of expertise, experience, and eloquence during the fixture and was nearly unflawed throughout. A bit of the fresh Chelsea signing was in witness against the Baggies and for several occasions, during the match, it appeared that he was the single most influencing link between the midfield and the outright attack as evident in his well-timed assist. The choice to start him ahead of Martial might have provided a great dividend.
Jesse Lingard- 7.5
While his goal was lucky and despite being on target was scored due to an unfortunate ricochet, the youngster was in good form for the match. The absence of Pogba’s attacking prowess seemed to be sort of nullified by his presence. The goal was his fourth in five appearances and it seems likely that he will be deployed by Mourinho more and more often.
Marcus Rashford- 7.3
From the start, in the dilemma that he and Martial posed to Mourinho, the English starlet was the one that seemed most comfortable wherever he was deployed and Sunday night was no different. While a bit of sloppiness seemed to sneak in minutes before he was subbed off, the all-round performance was remarkable and his first-half assist to set up Lukaku’s opener might as well have been taken from a masterclass.
Romelu Lukaku- 8.3
Easily United’s man of the match and undoubtedly to much relief for both Mourinho and his supporters. His opening header was left uncelebrated, perhaps out of respect due to his past with West Brom or as a continuation of a sharp message to those critics that constantly put him down in the face of the drought. That’s two goals in as many games, and the Belgian will be heavily hoping that his good run will continue and that the task of being the primary goal scorer won’t be pried away from him.
Substitutions:
Marcus Rojo- 6.3
Back from injury, he seemed more and more sure in the spot and if not for the sole goal that went in, the Argentine certainly put up a decent show.
Anthony Martial- 5.5
No goal from the usually effective impact substitute. Then again, a mere fourteen or so minutes were enjoyed by the Frenchman and for this one performance at least, he remained relatively toothless.
West BromFoster- 6.0
Allan Nyom- 6.6
Hegazy- 6.9
Evans- 7.3
Gibbs- 6.4
Livermore- 5.9
Yacob- 5.9
Krychowiak- 5.8
Burke- 7.1
Rondon- 6.0
McClean- 6.4
Substitutions:
Chris Brunt- 6.0
Rodriguez- 5.6
Gareth Barry- 7.3
The only person from the home side who put in a tangible effort to make a difference in the match and whose substitution made a grand impact in the dying minutes.
Even though the end result saw a forgettable record of games without a win being set by West Brom, some spirit can be salvaged from the fixture.
Written by Naveen Kelvin
A writer trying to craft the poetry within football. Purpose in life is to Make Good Art.
The post Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-1 West Brom appeared first on BlameFootball.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
De Bruyne teaches Alli a lesson
Friday, December 15, 2017
W2W4: Can Tottenham depose Man City, the Invincibles-elect?
Didier Drogba and Youri Djorkaeff made Ligue 1 ambassadors
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Barcelona Considering Shock Move For Versatile Player
La Liga leaders, Barcelona have shortlisted Manchester United’s Daley Blind as a potential transfer target, according to reports in Spain.
Blind moved to United back in 2014 from Ajax and after being a regular figure in the team for almost three seasons, the Dutch defender seems to have fallen down the pecking order this year at Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old has featured in just four Premier League matches so far this season and as it appears, United boss, Jose Mourinho, might consider to offload him soon.
WATCH: Griezmann To Barcelona
The Netherlands international is contracted with the Red Devils until the end of June next year, along with a clause inscribed that would extend his stay for an additional year.
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However, as per the report from the Spanish outlet Marca (via Sport Witness), the Old Trafford outfit might consider to sell him, as the Dutchman hasn’t been given any offer regarding a potential extension or renewal.
And with that being said, Barcelona have already identified Blind as a suitable candidate to fulfill the defensive duties at Camp Nou.
It was reported that the United defender is on Barca’s radar and the Spanish giants could make a move for him once the transfer window re-opens in January or next summer.
The report also claimed that La Blaugrana “have been interested in Blind since 2014” but because his “career has stalled” since then, Barca haven’t really thought about his switch to Spain, until now.
Furthermore, the Dutch international is no more the go to defender, or even a substitute, for Mourinho and it all might go in Blind’s favour if Barca do come knocking at United’s door for his services.
Written by Sidharth Jindal
Sports fanatic with a passion for writing (predominantly football) and “Wants to live life to its fullest.” Writes about the Premier League on his personal blog.
The post Barcelona Considering Shock Move For Versatile Player appeared first on BlameFootball.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
David Silva at the double for Man City
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Gnabry will return from Hoffenheim to Bayern next summer - Rummenigge
Transfer news live: Liverpool and Arsenal to battle for Thomas Lemar, United keen on Gareth Bale, Mesut Ozil to stay
Monday, December 11, 2017
Lifeline for Stansly Maponga
STANSLY Maponga has been handed another opportunity to resurrect his American National Football League (NFL) career by Denver Broncos after his dream move to the Dallas Cowboys hit a snag.
The post Lifeline for Stansly Maponga appeared first on The Standard.
Manchester United fans can't believe what Angel Gomes liked on Instagram after derby
FA asks Man United-Man City to explain bust-up - sources
Jose Mourinho's Manchester derby tunnel bust-up: A timeline of what really happened after the game
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho in furious clash with Manchester City players after derby
Manchester United vs Manchester City: What time is it, where can I watch, latest team news, line-ups, odds
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Chinyengetere, Mapeza reflect on fairytale season
All the individual award-winners who have been crowned in the local Premier Soccer League (PSL) for the past 25 years are equally important.
The post Chinyengetere, Mapeza reflect on fairytale season appeared first on The Standard.
Trouble Before Derby: Why Kevin de Bruyne Is Being Sued For £1.4m
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has encountered a mental dead end, after a company filed a lawsuit worth over a billion pounds against him right before the Manchester derby, reports The Sun.
The star midfielder, who has been the standout performer for the Sky Blues, now faces the risk of getting his incredible form derailed due the latest developments.
The Belgian had signed a deal with a Luxembourg-based company called Image Rights soon after his switch to Chelsea back in 2012. And later on, De Bruyne formed the KHDB firm in order to legally avoid taxes on his earnings off the pitch.
However, due to eventual disagreements between him and the then-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, the City midfielder made a switch to the Bundesliga, and the KHDB firm was left with no funds or earnings.
And now, Image Rights official Fabrice Louette has claimed that he, and some of his other colleagues and shareholders, were dropped from the firm right around the time when the Belgian arrived at the Etihad, leaving just his father Herwig as the sole associate.
Further, Image Rights also claim that their contract with the midfield maestro was never terminated, and are demanding a whopping £1.4 million as compensation, alongside a £4,400 daily penalty for non-payment.
Moreover, City officials themselves, along with the playmaker’s kit sponsors, may also give their statements and evidence during a trial that will be held soon.
Though the 26-year-old’s lawyers withheld most of the information about the controversy, they did insist a strong case will be presented when the trial is held at the Luxembourg court.
Written by Ashish Sreejith
Have had two addictions in life- playing football and watching football. Usually described as introverted but not when it comes to speaking and writing about the beautiful game of football.
The post Trouble Before Derby: Why Kevin de Bruyne Is Being Sued For £1.4m appeared first on BlameFootball.
Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to win the Champions League 'at all costs'
‘#AgentL’? Lukaku To Convince Belgian Sensation To Join Him At Old Trafford
Man United are set to use Romelu Lukaku as bait to secure the services of a very highly rated midfield talent, according to reports.
Eliot Matazo, who plays for and captains Belgian club Anderlecht’s u-16 team, has been on the radar of the Red Devils for a while, with scouts being sent to track his progress.
The player has reportedly gotten into contact with United through Lukaku’s family, who are close to the Belgian club, having seen one of their own come through the ranks with them.
WATCH: 5 Players United Could Sign In January
United are renowned for having one of the best academy systems in the world, with a number of players coming through the club’s ranks before making it onto the big stage.
However, while Louis van Gaal was still at the club, the lower academy levels were in turmoil, with an obvious lack of quality seeing them fall way behind other clubs in the youth competitions.
READ MORE: What Romelu Lukaku Must Do On Sunday To Win The Derby For United
Since Nicky Butt – an academy graduate himself, who went on to become a United legend – was appointed as the Head of the Academy, he has sought to fix this issue as much as possible.
As a result, United have and continue to sign new young stars around the ages of 14 to 17 in order to add some star quality to their academy ranks.
Dutch outlet Voetbalkrant has claimed that scouts have alerted the Old Trafford club to the 15-year-old, and the club now appears to be the favourite to sign him, despite interest from Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund.
Aliou Traore is another young star who was recently snapped up by United last week, while wonderkid Lucas Gomes, who plays for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s former club Malmo, is also heavily tipped to be the club’s next youth signing.
Manchester United fan, Wayne Rooney is his role model. Passionate writer who has written for several sites in the past. He’s also an aspiring pianist and creates background music for BlameFootball’s Youtube channel.
The post ‘#AgentL’? Lukaku To Convince Belgian Sensation To Join Him At Old Trafford appeared first on BlameFootball.