European Super Football

It was a remarkable first match for England at the 2026 World Cup Can they keep this brave and attacking style up throughout the tournament? Author | Liam C England supporters spilled out of the magnificent Dallas Stadium into the warm night air buoyed by a sense of exhilaration after Thomas Tuchel's side delivered a powerful statement of intent. Harry Kane had earlier urged his England team-mates to be "free in the mind" and embrace the pressure that comes with a World Cup, and they took him at his word, for better and worse. England's opening 4-2 win over Croatia combined exhilarating attacking football with moments of alarming defensive vulnerability, but the smiles on the faces of supporters leaving this vast arena painted their own picture. This was, whisper it, fun. England have often been difficult to watch in recent years, even when reaching the Euro 2024 final and the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago. Those campaigns brought progress, but rare...

How hot is too hot? When Belgium were held by Egypt on Monday, they became the seventh of the 10 European teams to fail to win their opening match of the World Cup. Author | Liam C Only Germany, Scotland and Sweden have begun their campaigns with victories, overcoming Curacao, Haiti and Tunisia respectively. England, Croatia, France, Norway, Austria and Portugal are still to play their opening fixtures. With European nations ranked higher than their opponents in eight of those 10 matches, more wins would have been expected. That has prompted questions over whether the hot conditions across North America are having an impact. The fans are having fun though. The heat was always likely to be a significant factor at this World Cup, with matches being staged in high temperatures across the tournament's three host nations. Belgium's draw with Egypt in Seattle took place on what had been forecast as one of the city's hottest days of the year, with temperatures rising above 30C...

One more warm-up match before the tournament starts England head coach Thomas Tuchel's pre-World Cup experimentation must surely come to an end now. Author | Liam C Tuchel's extended assessment of the options at his disposal continued on Saturday, with two entirely different teams taking to the field across each half of a low-key friendly against New Zealand in the sweltering heat of Tampa. The countdown is on to England's opening World Cup fixture against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday 17 June. With the Tampa exercise complete, Tuchel should now be ready to offer a clearer indication of the side he believes can deliver success. It was entirely understandable that he wanted his squad to gain valuable minutes in demanding, energy-sapping conditions. It had been said in the build-up to this pre tournament friendly that utilising the full squad is going to be key.  The consequence of all this squad tinkering, however, was that the 1-0 victory, secured by another Harry Kane goa...

Manchester United have made another attacking signing They have finalised the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in a deal worth £73.7 million. Author | Liam C Sesko was unveiled before United's friendly against  Fiorentina The Slovenia international has committed to a five-year contract, with a guaranteed fee of £66.3 million and additional payments based on performance. Sesko is the club’s third significant attacking acquisition this summer, following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million and Bryan Mbeumo for £65 million, with £6 million in add-ons. The trio were introduced to supporters ahead of Saturday’s pre-season home fixture against Fiorentina. The 22-year-old was also pursued by Newcastle United but opted to join the team managed by Ruben Amorim . United concluded last season in 15th place in the Premier League , while Newcastle finished fifth, securing Champions League qualification and lifting the EFL Cup in a campaign of contrasts. What will S...

A pivotal summer begins for Manchester United Manchester United enter the summer on the back of a bruising Europa League final defeat and one of their worst-ever Premier League campaigns.  Author | Liam C Under new head coach Rúben Amorim, the club faces a defining transfer window, one that could shape their trajectory for the next few years. Maybe even the next decade. Amorim has not shied away from speaking plainly about the scale of the task ahead. United are in urgent need of a reset, and this time, they cannot afford missteps. If the Portuguese coach is to succeed with his preferred 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 formation, the club must fully support him in the market. So where should they begin? Signing Matheus Cunha would be a strong statement of intent. The Brazilian forward was Wolverhampton Wanderers’ standout performer last season, combining work rate with end product. More importantly, he could help solve United’s long-standing attacking problems. United have struggled for goals a...

Manchester United 0 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham Hotspur ended 17 years of frustration as Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal secured a 1–0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final.  Author - Liam C Stadium -  San Mamés In a tense affair at Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium, Johnson bundled home what proved to be the decisive goal just before the break. It capped off a cagey contest between two of the lowest-placed teams ever to meet in a European final. The win delivers on Ange Postecoglou’s promise of silverware in his second season at the helm. The under-pressure Australian has now joined club legends Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw in leading Spurs to continental glory. It is a remarkable achievement, even if it may not be enough to keep him in the job long term. With speculation surrounding his future, Postecoglou may still depart this summer, but he will do so a hero to the travelling 15,000 Spurs fans, and the many more unofficial supporters who flood...

Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur preview In case you've missed, a crucial match is taking place in Bilbao between two Premier League sides.  Author - Liam C This article will explore the chances of both sides whilst getting comments from matchgoing fans who are making the trip to the Basque Country.  The Manchester United perspective  Unbeaten in the Europa League this season, Man Utd have mixed commanding performances and dramatic comebacks on their road to the Europa League final, The Red Devils won this competition under Ruben Amorim's compatriot José Mourinho in 2017, but more will remember the 2021 final defeat to Villarreal under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer . Bruno Fernandes captained the side in Gdansk, while Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelöf started. Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo watched on from the bench. In fact, Amad has two runners up medals in the competition after losing the final with Rangers during a loan spell in 2022.  Olivia T said: "I honestly can't...

Tottenham Hotspur 3 - 5 Manchester United (2001/2002 season) Ahead of Manchester United's upcoming trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, European Super Football will recall a previous clash between these two sides from 15 years ago. Author - Liam C #Throwback to a memorable match from 2001/2002. Spurs 3 - 5 Manchester United youtu.be/RWdYAZQ0Uis?... [image or embed] — European Super Football ( @superfootball.bsky.social ) 14 February 2025 at 17:11 United arrived at White Hart Lane in September 2001 having won the previous three Premier League titles, not that you would not have known that after an awful first-half display from Spurs.  Glenn Hoddle's men found themselves 3-0 up at half-time after goals from Dean Richards, Les Ferdinand and Christian Ziege. United then brought on Mikael Silvestre and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the interval. They were a different side in the second half and staged a remarkable second-half comeback to silence the home support, who were in party ...

Brest 0 - 3 PSG Paris Saint-Germain took a firm grip on their all-French Champions League play-off tie against Brest, with Ousmane Dembélé continuing his red-hot form by bagging another two goals. Author - Liam C Former Wolves loanee Vitinha opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute after Pierre Lees-Melou was penalised for handling a shot from Dembélé. The France international doubled PSG’s lead just before half-time, clinically finishing after Brest failed to close him down. He then added his second and PSG’s third in the 66th minute, seizing on a loose ball inside the box. Dembélé has now netted 18 goals in his last 11 outings for PSG across all competitions, taking his tally for the season to 23 as the Ligue 1 leaders continue to dominate. Brest, making their Champions League debut this season, had little luck in front of goal. Shortly before Dembélé’s first strike, Abdallah Sima hit the post with a header from a corner, and moments later, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi ...

Manchester United 2 - 1 Rangers Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes delivered a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure victory over Rangers in their all-British clash at Old Trafford. Author - Liam C Stadium - Old Trafford Rangers fans had barely finished celebrating what they thought was a late equaliser from Cyriel Dessers, whose superb 88th-minute strike found the bottom corner from the edge of the box. However, Fernandes quickly silenced the visiting supporters, latching onto Lisandro Martínez's pinpoint cross to the far post and driving a first-time shot through Jack Butland's legs. In the directors' box, legendary former United manager – and ex-Rangers striker – Sir Alex Ferguson could only shake his head at the thrilling finale. The dramatic conclusion ensured the match wouldn’t be remembered solely for Butland's unfortunate own goal. The Rangers goalkeeper attempted to punch away Christian Eriksen's corner in the 52nd minute but inadvertently sent...

Manchester United 3 - 1 Southampton Amad Diallo delivered a sensational late hat-trick to help Manchester United snatch an unlikely victory over Southampton at Old Trafford, turning what looked set to be a humiliating defeat into a thrilling comeback. Author - Liam C United had been on the verge of a fourth consecutive top-flight home loss—their worst run at Old Trafford since 1930. Struggling to break down a Southampton side that had only one league win all season and were reeling from a 5-0 thrashing by Brentford, the Reds seemed destined for more misery. But Diallo, fresh from signing a new five-and-a-half-year contract just a week earlier, had other plans. Initially deployed as a wing-back, the Ivorian was moved into a more attacking role and completely transformed the game. With nine minutes remaining, he drew United level by bursting into the box, benefiting from a fortunate ricochet, and firing the loose ball past Aaron Ramsdale . In stoppage time, Diallo struck again. Latch...

Liverpool v Manchester United preview Northern rivals are set to clash in a Premier League showpiece at Anfield, where title favourites Liverpool host a struggling Manchester United in a highly anticipated showdown. Author -  Liam C Arne Slot’s high-flying Reds hold a commanding 23-point lead over their long-time adversaries in the league table. While Liverpool chase Premier League glory, Ruben Amorim’s beleaguered United side find themselves nervously glancing over their shoulders at the relegation battle. As Arsenal, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest scrap for the “best of the rest” tag, Liverpool have defied predictions of a mid-season slump. Slot’s team ended 2024 in emphatic style, thrashing West Ham United 5-0. They are poised to start 2025 with the same ruthless momentum. The goals at the London Stadium came courtesy of Luis Díaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo, sealing Liverpool’s fourth consecutive victory across all competitions and ext...

Is this all about desperation or a good chance to sign a bargain? This article will explore some of the best signings from the the January Transfer Window. Is it a good time to sign players or not? Author - Liam C Seamus Coleman There will be players on this list with a higher profile but very few that work out at better value for money than Coleman. Everton signed him from the Irish side Sligo Rovers in 2009. He has eclipsed 350 first-team appearances for the Merseysiders and has captained the team in recent times. The player has been an excellent servant for the Blues and has shown there is no shortage of talent across the top flight in Ireland. Patrice Evra In December 2005, French sources revealed that Manchester United was interested in signing Evra. Despite rumours that Monaco had reached a transfer agreement with Internazionale. On the 3rd of January 2006, Evra revealed he preferred to move to England to join Manchester United. He finally moved to Old Trafford a few days lat...

Manchester United 0 - 3  Bournemouth Manchester United will head into Christmas languishing in 13th place, following another lacklustre performance that has yielded just seven points from Rúben Amorim’s first six games in charge. Author -  Liam Chadwick In stark contrast, Bournemouth find themselves flying high in fifth. With English clubs performing well in Europe this season, that position could potentially secure a spot in next year’s Champions League. United were undone by Dean Huijsen’s 29th-minute header, as Bournemouth capitalised on the hosts' vulnerability at set-pieces. Justin Kluivert doubled the visitors’ lead from the penalty spot, sending André Onana the wrong way after being fouled by Noussair Mazraoui. Just two minutes later, Antoine Semenyo was left unmarked to convert Dango Ouattara’s cross, punishing Kobbie Mainoo’s costly error in midfield. Premier League: 2024/2025 season Super Reds News What's going wrong for Manchester United? United appeared to ...

Wolves 1 - 2 Ipswich Town Jack Taylor's last-gasp header earned Ipswich a priceless win at Molineux, a match that resulted in the sacking of Wolves manager Gary O'Neil. Author - Liam C 🚨🟠 BREAKING: Wolves have sacked head coach Gary O’Neil following defeat vs Ipswich Town. #WWFC pic.twitter.com/dghhjHTMqw — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 15, 2024 Taylor's winner in the 93rd minute secured the Tractor Boys' second victory of the season, and tensions flared on the pitch between the two teams at full-time. The now former Wolves boss watched on helplessly as the second-to-last place Wolves conceded a disastrous opening goal due to Matt Doherty's unfortunate own goal. Additionally, Taylor's late winner from a corner has left Wolves three points behind Ipswich and four points away from safety.  Why are Wolves making a managerial change? This was their 11th Premier League defeat of the season – with only two wins to their name – leaving the Black Co...

 Manchester United 2 - 3 Nottingham Forest Nottingham Forest capitalised on Manchester United’s defensive errors to secure their first win at Old Trafford in nearly 30 years. Author -  Liam Chadwick Rasmus Højlund cancelled out Nikola Milenković’s early opener, but Ruben Amorim’s side couldn’t draw level again after conceding twice in a seven-minute spell early in the second half. United goalkeeper André Onana was at fault for Forest’s second, misjudging Morgan Gibbs-White’s strike from the edge of the area. Expecting the ball to move towards his right, Onana was beaten on his left as the shot stayed true. The defensive woes continued when Chris Wood, celebrating his birthday, sent a looping header towards the far post. Neither Onana nor Matthijs de Ligt dealt with it, and Lisandro Martínez was slow to react as the ball nestled in the corner of the net. Premier League: 2024/2025 season Discover more news and stories from the weird and wonderful world of Manchester Unit...

Manchester United 3 - 2 Bodø/Glimt Ruben Amorim's first home match as Manchester United boss ended in a win for his new club. Author -  Liam Chadwick The Red Devils secured a winning start at Old Trafford under new manager Ruben Amorim, coming from behind to defeat Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League. The home side wasted no time finding the net, with a goal after just 48 seconds – even quicker than their 81-second opener in Amorim’s debut match at Ipswich. The breakthrough came from an error by goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, who hesitated on a routine clearance, allowing Rasmus Højlund to close him down and set up Alejandro Garnacho for a simple tap-in. However, rather than setting the stage for a comfortable evening, the early goal sparked a frustrating spell for the hosts. Bodø/Glimt responded with two goals in just four minutes, turning the game on its head and taking the lead with less than 25 minutes played. Thankfully for United, Højlund brought Old Trafford to i...

It will be all change for Manchester United this weekend Their match against Ipswich will see a new face in the dugout as Rúben Amorim takes charge for the first time. Flickr user  freeela sawkaka | Flickr  explores the new manager's tactics The deal to bring Amorim from Sporting Lisbon was finalised on 1 November, but the Portuguese club requested he remain until the international break before moving. Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had been serving as interim manager following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, has also departed. The former United striker was not included in Amorim’s plans for his backroom staff. Amorim's first challenge will be this trip to Ipswich Town. He's expected to introduce his favoured 3-4-3 formation, marking a significant shift from the four-man defence United played under Ten Hag. However, preparations for the match has been disrupted. Many United players have been away on international duty and might only return two days before the game. United fans will...

Manchester United 1 - 1 Chelsea Moises Caicedo’s precise volley secured Chelsea a well-earned point against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Author - Liam C United’s interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is filling in as the club awaits the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim, looked on course for a second straight win when Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, following a foul on Rasmus Hojlund by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Van Nistelrooy celebrated wildly on the touchline , but United’s joy was short-lived, lasting only four minutes before Caicedo fired a superb shot past Andre Onana from the edge of the box. The result was a share of the points from an otherwise low-key encounter. Wesley Fofana rattled the woodwork with a first-half header, while Marcus Rashford also struck the angle of post and bar with a volley before the break. A closer look at Manchester United's performance Van Nistelrooy has managed to draw p...

Manchester United have appointed Ruben Amorim as their new head coach. The 39-year-old Portuguese manager, currently with Sporting Lisbon, will make the move to Old Trafford on 11 November and has signed a contract lasting until June 2027. Author - Liam C The post Ten Hag era started with a 5-2 win in the EFL Cup Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United striker who stepped in as interim manager after Erik ten Hag’s departure on Monday, will remain with the team for the next three matches. Amorim becomes the sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26-year tenure ended with his retirement in 2013. Sporting confirmed in a statement that United agreed to pay €11 million (£9.25 million) to activate the release clause in Amorim’s contract. Amorim’s debut match leading the Red Devils is set for 24 November in the Premier League against newly promoted Ipswich, following the international break. His first game at Old Trafford will be on 28 November against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in...