European Super Football

"Champions League Varane..." Raphaël Varane is a former French professional footballer who played as a centre-back for Real Madrid, Manchester United and the France national side. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football Varane playing for France. Photo credit -  Xavier NALTCHAYAN | Flickr The start of his career with Lille Varane began his career at French club Lens, starting with their youth team. Ahead of the 2010–11 season, he began training with the senior squad and appeared on the bench in several league games. He made his professional debut in 2010 at just 17 years old.  Becoming an iconic defender at Real Madrid After one season as a professional, he joined Real Madrid, where he spent ten years, from 2011 to 2021, winning eighteen trophies. These included three La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, four UEFA Champions League titles , and four FIFA Club World Cups.  Known for his pace, composure, and partnership with Sergio Ramos , many fans believe that he was in

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

Manchester United 5 - 2 Leicester City  Ruud van Nistelrooy began his tenure as Manchester United’s interim manager on a high, with his team cruising past Leicester to secure a spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Author - Olivia T Just two days after stepping in following Erik ten Hag's dismissal , Van Nistelrooy’s call for an exciting performance was more than delivered by his players. Casemiro got the party started with a stunning long-range strike and went on to score again before half-time. After an initial header rattled off both posts, the Brazilian reacted quickly to slot the ball in from eight yards out. Alejandro Garnacho contributed his fifth goal of the season , and captain Bruno Fernandes had a bit of luck with his free-kick, which deflected off Leicester’s James Justin and into the net. Defensively, United weren’t flawless. Some familiar issues allowed Bilal El Khannouss and Conor Coady to pull goals back for Leicester before the break. Coady’s finish, a firs

There has been a managerial change at Old Trafford. Manchester United have sacked manager Erik ten Hag due to the club's disappointing start to the season. Author - Olivia T Ten Hag's last match ended in a 2-1 defeat against West Ham , leaving the club in 14th place in the Premier League with only three wins from their first nine matches. The Red Devils are also 21st of 36 teams in the Europa League league stage, having drawn their three opening matches. Club sources from the club have reportedly suggested that this was a difficult decision but a unanimous one among all the key decision makers.  The club exercised a one-year extension in Ten Hag's contract after their FA Cup final win against Manchester City in May . However, just over three months later, he has been dismissed. United currently sit on 11 points after nine games, marking their second-lowest tally in the Premier League at this stage (only slightly better than the 10 points they had in the 2019-20 season)

West Ham United 2 - 1 Manchester United Manchester United will be wondering how they have lost this game. Jarrod Bowen scored a penalty in injury time to condemn The Red Devils to a 2-1 defeat. Author - Olivia T A closer look at what happened at the London Stadium That late penalty from Jarrod Bowen handed Manchester United a 2-1 defeat in the Premier League, easing the pressure on West Ham’s manager, Julen Lopetegui. Casemiro had briefly revived United’s hopes of taking a point, heading in with less than ten minutes to go to cancel out Crysencio Summerville’s 74th-minute goal.  Controversy struck with just three minutes remaining when referee David Coote was called to the pitchside monitor by the Video Assistant Referee to review Matthijs de Ligt’s challenge on Danny Ings in the box. Despite protests from United’s players, who claimed a handball by Ings, Coote awarded the penalty, and Bowen kept his cool to slot the ball past André Onana. Click here for more Premier League news

Fenerbahce 1-1 Manchester United  Fenerbahce manager José Mourinho was shown a red card as Manchester United battled to secure a 1-1 draw in their Europa League clash in Istanbul.  Author - Liam C The former United manager was dismissed midway through the second half when tensions escalated after the home side were denied a penalty following Manuel Ugarte's challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the scoreline locked at 1-1. A closer look at what happened United had gone into the break with a lead, thanks to Christian Eriksen’s fourth goal of the season. However, four minutes into the second half, the hosts drew level when Youssef En-Nesyri slipped between United's defenders to nod in Allan Saint-Maximin’s close-range cross. As the atmosphere intensified and the noise levels soared, Mourinho was sent off by French referee Clément Turpin just before the hour mark. The dismissal came after Mourinho led fervent appeals for a penalty when Bright Osayi-Samuel went down following

Manchester United 2 - 1 Brentford The Red Devils came from behind to claim a vital win over Brentford at Old Trafford, easing the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. Author - Olivia T United found themselves trailing at half-time after Ethan Pinnock headed Brentford into the lead in controversial fashion, with the goal coming while Matthijs de Ligt was off the pitch receiving treatment for a head injury. However, early in the second half, a stunning goal from Alejandro Garnacho ended United’s 316-minute Premier League goal drought with a stunning first-time strike from Marcus Rashford’s cross, bringing the home side level. The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute when Rasmus Højlund latched onto a brilliant flicked pass from Bruno Fernandes, expertly chipping the ball over the onrushing Brentford goalkeeper, Mark Flekken, to secure the win for United. While the match didn’t have the late drama of last season's injury-time double from Scott McTominay that dashed Brentford’s hop

It's time to for another sliding doors moment in football  We travel back to 2004. Manchester United face Porto in the last-16 of the Champions League.  Author - Liam C What actually happened? A ontroversial offside call against Paul Scholes became a pivotal moment in European football history. The disallowed goal cost United a place in the quarter-finals, while Porto, managed by the up and coming manager José Mourinho, went on to win the competition and launch Mourinho into the managerial elite. But what if Scholes hadn’t been ruled offside? How might this alternative scenario have changed the landscape of world and European football? Scholes wasn’t offside: United progress Had the linesman not flagged Scholes for offside, Manchester United would have progressed to the next round of the Champions League. Scholes' goal was legitimate, and had it stood, United would have won the tie on aggregate, knocking out Porto and ending their European dreams. With the Red Devils moving

The first sliding doors moment we are going to explore involves Manchester United and Alan Shearer. Author - Liam C In the summer of 1996, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made a huge effort to sign England striker Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers.  Shearer was the most prolific goal scorer in English football at the time, having just won the Premier League Golden Boot in both 1995 and 1996.  Ultimately, Shearer chose to join his boyhood club, Newcastle United, for a then-record fee of £15 million. However, an alternative scenario in which Shearer decided to sign for Manchester United could have dramatically affected both the club and the footballing landscape in the Premier League. The Old Trafford club decided to sign a certain unheard-of Norwegian at the time. He didn't do too badly... So, what if Shearer moved to Manchester United in 1996? In this alternate reality, Manchester United sign Shearer and he joins a team fresh off winning the Premier League and FA C

Manchester United 3 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur Elisabeth Terland netted her first two goals for Manchester United, guiding them to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Tottenham in the Women's Super League. Author - Olivia T Terland, who made the switch to United from Brighton in July, opened the scoring at Leigh Sports Village by smashing in a cross from ex-Spurs forward Celin Bizet, with the ball bouncing in off the underside of the crossbar. The Norwegian duo combined once more just a minute later, with Terland nodding in Bizet's curling cross to the far post, giving United a solid advantage before half-time. Captain Maya Le Tissier rounded off the scoring, calmly converting from the penalty spot after Ashleigh Neville was penalised for handball in the box. Click here for more news and stories from the Women's Super League Terland came close to securing a hat-trick, but Becky Spencer managed to tip her low shot onto the post. The Norwegian forward left the pitch to a warm stand

Aston Villa 0 - 0 Manchester United Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be hoping that the hard-fought draw at Aston Villa eases some of the intense pressure surrounding his role. In contrast to recent performances, United showed signs of the resilience that had been sorely lacking during the home defeat to Tottenham and the defensive frailty witnessed against Porto in the Europa League. Ten Hag called upon experienced defenders Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans to bring stability to the backline, though Maguire was forced off with an injury just before half-time. Marcus Rashford twice tested Villa’s goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, while United captain Bruno Fernandes came closest to scoring with a second-half free-kick that rattled the crossbar in front of the Holte End. Substitute Antony also drew an impressive acrobatic save from Martinez with a long-range effort. Meanwhile, United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, had a relatively quiet evening but made an excellent save to deny a power

Porto 3 - 3 Manchester United Harry Maguire salvaged a dramatic draw for a 10-man Manchester United side, who had thrown away a two-goal lead and seen Bruno Fernandes sent off in their Europa League clash against Porto. Maguire's injury-time header could be a lifeline for under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag, with the team just seconds from suffering their fourth defeat in ten games at the start of the season. In the first of five added minutes, Maguire leapt to meet Christian Eriksen's corner and expertly nodded the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial point. A closer look at what happened Marcus Rashford put United ahead in the seventh minute, cutting in from the left and skillfully beating two defenders before his low shot slipped past Porto’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa at the near post. Rasmus Hojlund, making his first start of the season, added a second after 20 minutes, finishing off a swift United counter-attack to give them firm control. Porto weren’t done yet

Manchester United 0 - 3 Tottenham Hotspur After a poor result against Arsenal, the pressure was starting to build on the Tottenham manager.  At Old Trafford, during this 3-0 victory, Tottenham looked like a completely different team.  These fans are die-hard Spurs supporters, and they were thrilled with both the result and the performance that went with it. After some difficult Premier League matches, this was a Spurs side full of confidence. The fans have since responded in an equally positive way. Greg, a Spurs fan living in Halifax, said: "We put in a fantastic performance. Manchester United were below par, and we took full advantage of that. Delighted with the 3-0 win, although it could have been even more emphatic. Timo Werner should have put away those one-on-one opportunities, and Dominic Solanke also missed a clear chance. Nevertheless, I'm pleased with the team's effort and superb result." Peter watched the match from the home stands Old Trafford. He said

Does there need to be a change in tactics? Do they need a new manager? What's next for the Old Trafford club? Despite last season's FA Cup win, United fans views on the future of Ten Hag were split. After finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, many fans wondered if he was the right man to lead the club back to its former glories.  Some supporters also argued that his tactical approach was too rigid, and there was additional growing concerns about his ability to adapt to the demands of the English game.  Debate about Ten Hag's future again Once again, the Dutchman's position at the helm of one of football's giants has shifted from persistent uncertainty to genuine crisis following a 3-0 defeat against Tottenham. For United's hierarchy, the choice to stick with the ex-Ajax manager is proving to be one that may cast a shadow over the early phase of his reign at Old Trafford. But the question now is whether they should double down on their decision

Manchester United 1 - 1 Twente Christian Eriksen experienced both triumph and disappointment for Manchester United as Erik ten Hag’s side faltered at the beginning of their Europa League journey, drawing with Twente, the Dutch manager’s boyhood club. Eriksen put United ahead in the first half with a brilliant finish from inside the box.However, a determined Twente side capitalised on Eriksen's mistake when he was dispossessed by Sam Lammers just outside United’s penalty area. The former Rangers player wasted no time, unleashing a powerful shot that flew past Andre Onana. Ten Hag's men had chances to secure a late win, but Twente goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall was in fine form, denying Joshua Zirkzee’s left-footed attempt that seemed destined for the net. Earlier, Unnerstall had also made a spectacular reflex save to stop Mees Hilgers from scoring an own goal. Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain, came close as well, and substitute Kobbie Mainoo had a penalty shout waved away. Foll

Crystal Palace 0 - 0 Manchester United Manchester United missed several big chances in their goalless draw at Selhurst Park in the Premier League. Fresh from their 7-0 EFL Cup win over Barnsley on Tuesday , Ten Hag's side cut Palace open at will in a dominant first half. Alejandro Garnacho, who replaced Marcus Rashford in the starting XI, had an early shot saved by the goalkeeper before Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez were denied by the home goalkeeper Dean Henderson's feet. The visitors continued to pile on the pressure with Garnacho sweeping against the bar after being played in down the left. The rebound fell to Bruno Fernandes, who was often the orchestrator for the Reds. His effort bounced off the pitch before it clipped the top of the bar. The home side eventually grew into the half and came closest when Eberechi Eze slotted into the hands of Andre Onana when unmarked on the penalty spot. The second half was definitely more even. Fernandes curled wide before a

Manchester United 7 - 0 Barnsley Manchester United enjoyed an ideal evening, securing their biggest victory under Erik ten Hag and easing into the EFL Cup last-16 at the expense of a struggling League One Barnsley side. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen each found the net twice, while Brazilian winger Antony calmly slotted home a first-half penalty. What began as a comfortable performance soon turned into a resounding win. This marked United’s largest triumph since their 9-0 demolition of Southampton in February 2021, back when the stands were empty due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was undoubtedly a memorable night for Ten Hag's reign, as United hadn’t previously scored five under his management. Eriksen’s late brace only added to the celebration. Barnsley's travelling supporters were vocal throughout, but Darrell Clarke’s side was completely outclassed. Their highlight of the night came in the first half when Clarke himself showe

Southampton 0 - 3 Manchester United Matthijs de Ligt netted his first goal for Manchester United, helping Erik ten Hag's team secure a crucial Premier League victory over Southampton. The Red Devils had entered the international break on a low note, following a heavy defeat to Liverpool, and were in dire need of a strong response upon their return. After a shaky start, United found their rhythm, with Andre Onana’s penalty save from Cameron Archer proving a key moment. Shortly afterwards, they seized the advantage. Summer signing De Ligt broke the deadlock , expertly heading into the bottom corner from a brilliant cross delivered by Bruno Fernandes. Just six minutes later, United doubled their advantage when Marcus Rashford scored his first goal of the season, threading a low shot through a crowded box to find the net—his first since March. The quickfire double appeared to take the wind out of Southampton's sails, allowing United to control the second half with relative eas

Ahead of the September 14th Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester United... European Super Football explored this classic encounter from September 2012 A closer look at what happened on this day Robin van Persie's stoppage-time header completed a memorable hat-trick and helped Manchester United secure a victory over Southampton in an intense match.  Rickie Lambert scored a header to put Southampton in the lead, but Van Persie equalised with a classy volley. Southampton regained the lead with a header from Morgan Schneiderlin, and then Van Persie missed a dinked penalty, which was well saved by Kelvin Davis. Robin van Persie's stoppage-time header completed a memorable hat-trick to rescue Manchester United to a victory over Southampton in a pulsating encounter. Oh Robin van Persie Van Persie would be a crucial part of United's campaign that resulted in a 20th league title. In this match, he helped United surge forward. The Netherlands striker se