European Super Football

 Manchester United 4 - 3 Liverpool Manchester United secured their spot in the FA Cup semi-final after a dramatic 4-3 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford. Before the game, everyone was talking about how strong Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool team was, but from the start, it was United who came out swinging with some serious attacking moves. Just 10 minutes in, Alejandro Garnacho took a shot that got deflected, Caoimhin Kelleher tried to save it, but it ended up right in the path of Scott McTominay. Old Trafford erupted.  Liverpool fought back hard , and just before halftime, they managed to sneak in a couple of goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah, putting them at half-time. The second half was tense, with both teams hunting for that next crucial goal. It wasn't until the home side made some attacking changes, thanks to Ten Hag's tactical moves, that the home side started to put some pressure. They finally found the equaliser. Antony, coming off the bench, save...

Manchester United 0 - 2 Crystal Palace Manchester United’s home struggles continued as they slumped to a fifth defeat in six Premier League games at Old Trafford, with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half brace sealing a deserved 2-0 victory for Crystal Palace. Author - Olivia T Stadium - Old Trafford In a bold tactical gamble, United head coach Ruben Amorim opted to leave £100m worth of striking talent on the bench, deploying Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine while Marcus Rashford edges closer to a move to Aston Villa. Despite a promising start, the experiment failed, and Palace grew into the game before substitute Eberechi Eze, returning unexpectedly from injury, delivered the moment that changed the contest. His inch-perfect 64th-minute free-kick caused havoc in the United box, with Maxence Lacroix’s header rattling the bar before Mateta reacted quickest, bundling the ball home past a stranded André Onana. The French forward added his second in the dying moments, tapping in Daniel Muñ...

Manchester United 1 - 2 Brighton & Hove Albion Brighton survived an onslaught to secure a first win at Old Trafford and condemn Erik ten Hag to a losing start as Manchester United manager. Pascal Gross' first-half double stunned the home supporters, who were desperate to see their team put a miserable end to last season behind them. United were outplayed in the opening period by Graham Potter's side, who beat them 4-0 at the Amex Stadium in May on their way to a ninth-placed finish in the Premier League, their highest in history. Brighton would ultimately go home happy again. Not even the second-half introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo could deny the away side. United did threaten a comeback when a scramble inside the visitors' box ended with Alexis Mac Allister turning the ball into his own net after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez had touched it into his path under pressure from several United players. Both pictures below are from  Football Pictures | Flickr Maguire does not ...

Manchester City cruised to victory with almost embarrassing ease at Old Trafford. This Manchester City win was not as emphatic as Liverpool's magnificent 5-0 victory here in United's last home league game but City were far too comfortable. The pressure has only increased on the Manchester United manager.  Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke with the media after the game and said: "It’s very disappointing. Last week, it felt like we made a step forward, this is a big step backwards. It is a way of losing we don’t like. You want to see a better Man United than that. "When you concede the first goal in an unfortunate way as early as that it makes it difficult. They pressed us really well. We never got to the level we need to be at to beat good teams." United's Donny van de Beek tweeted:"A disappointing day. But your support means everything." View from the blues The reaction from everyone associated from Manchester City was obviously more positive. The Manch...

Manchester United 1 - 3 Brighton & Hove Albion Let's explore some of what is going wrong at Manchester United after their third defeat of the season. Criticism for the manager? The home crowd turned against manager Erik ten Hag as Manchester United lost 3-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford. United fans have overwhelmingly supported Ten Hag since he arrived last summer, and they have backed him in his dispute with Jadon Sancho. A cacophony of boos rang around the stadium before Ten Hag was applauded off as he replaced new signing Rasmus Hojlund with Anthony Martial 19 minutes into the second period. After the match, United's Dutch manager defended this decision.  🚨🇩🇰 Erik Ten Hag on boos for subbing Hojlund: "It was positive. You see the fans in first moment at Old Trafford, reception was great, he performed very well, it was good they gave this signal, will give him belief. He came in with a small issue, he is not ready for a whole… — UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) September...

Manchester United 2 - 1 Leicester City Harry Maguire was the hero as he nodded home a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send FA Cup holders Manchester United into the fifth round, completing a comeback victory over Leicester City. Author - Olivia T Stadium - Old Trafford With extra time and penalties looming, Bruno Fernandes delivered a teasing free-kick into the box, and Maguire rose highest to head it in. The goal was shrouded in controversy, as the defender appeared to be offside, but with VAR not in use at this stage of the competition, the officials let it stand—much to Leicester’s frustration. For United fans, it was a rare moment of joy in what has been a tough spell, with their team losing five of their previous seven home matches at Old Trafford. The evening had started in familiar disappointment when Leicester took the lead just before half-time in an otherwise uneventful first 45 minutes. Bobby De Cordova-Reid reacted quickest after Andre Onana parried Wilfred Ndidi’s eff...

The 23/24 season isn't even finished yet.  The transfer rumours are already flying in from across all angles.  Let's explore some of the latest rumours from Europe's biggest clubs and also get some immediate reaction. It could be a busy summer at Old Trafford It has been reported across several media outlets that Manchester United have not given up on their attempts to land Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite . This is despite the new-look Old Trafford hierarchy deciding they will not entertain paying up to £80million when the transfer window reopens in the coming weeks. Additional rumours also say that the club have decided that the maximum they are willing to fork out for Branthwaite's signature is £55million.  Manchester United and Barcelona are reportedly vying for the signature of England international Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. Watkins has had an outstanding season under the management of Unai Emery, becoming a key player for the team. Watkins' performan...

West Ham gained revenge for Sunday's defeat against Manchester United by knocking them out of the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford. Manuel Lanzini's ninth-minute effort, his first goal in almost a year proved enough to take David Moyes' men into the last 16 of the competition. Watch the extended highlights below. It was the first Old Trafford triumph for the Hammers since Carlos Tevez's winner in 2007 kept them in the Premier League. It was their first victory over Man United at Old Trafford in a cup competition since Paolo di Canio scored the only goal in 2001. The defeat for the Red Devils came after Solskjaer picked a completely different side  to the one that was on duty at the London Stadium only a few days earlier. He now has tough decisions to make about some of his fringe players. Read more - EPL: West Ham United 1 - 2 Manchester United None of this will bother Moyes and his West Ham team, who kept their hosts at bay very well. They face Manchester City in the next...

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 - 2 Nottingham Forest Manchester United managed a remarkable comeback after being two goals behind to secure an exciting victory against 10-man Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 In a first for Premier League history, United found themselves trailing by two goals within the initial four minutes of the game due to a terrible start. Taiwo Awoniyi and Willy Boly scored for Nottingham Forest during this challenging period. Christian Eriksen narrowed the gap by successfully tapping in Marcus Rashford's well-placed low cross. Casemiro then missed a clear opportunity to score when he headed wide of an open net before halftime.  However, he later made amends by equalizing for United. He managed to bundle the ball into the net from Bruno Fernandes' headed pass across the goal, following an impressive assist from Rashford. Before the match, United's manager Ten Hag emphasized Fernandes' exceptional leadership qua...

UEFA has confirmed that the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland will host the 2028 European Championships . The joint bid was unopposed after Turkey withdrew to focus on a bid with Italy for Euro 2032, which was also confirmed at a meeting in Switzerland. Check out this video from  FAI TV - YouTube The UK and Ireland focused on Euro 2028, with UEFA's approval, after they had previously cancelled a plan to be Europe's preferred candidate for the 2030 World Cup. London's Wembley Stadium and Glasgow's Hampden Park hosted games at Euro 2020. Wembley hosted the final after what proved to be a hugely controversial day where there were reports of carnage and hooliganism outside the stadium.  Matches at Euro 2028 are set to be held at 10 different grounds, including Wembley and Hampden Park alongside Cardiff's Principality Stadium and Dublin's Aviva Stadium. Belfast's Casement Park and Everton's Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, the former unbuilt while the ...

Manchester United 3 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur A late Cristiano Ronaldo header sealed his hat-trick and gave Manchester United a crucial win in the race for Champions League football. Eight minutes remained when the 37-year-old bulldozed Matt Doherty aside, eyes fixed only on Alex Telles’s corner from the right, and connected his forehead to the ball as he cartwheeled through the air before hitting the turf. There was ecstasy and the ringing out of Viva Ronaldo from home fans. They could not quite believe their hero had done, again, what he loves to do.  Spurs have already beaten Manchester City away this season, so this was not an easy task for United. City 2 - 3 Spurs Ronaldo’s opener lit up the stadium. Raphaël Varane tapped to Fred who backheeled to the No 7. Cue delirium from the Old Trafford faithful and a lift for the United players. Ronaldo started to drop off the front to link with Diogo Dalot, and Paul Pogba forced a save from Lloris. United do this, though. They dominate ...

 FC Copenhagen 4 - 3 Manchester United VAR stole the spotlight again On a wild night in Copenhagen, fans witnessed seven goals, two spot-kicks, a game-altering red card, a protester causing a stir, and a thrilling last-minute winner courtesy of a 17-year-old substitute.  Goal. FC Copenhagen make it 4-3. #MUFC || #UCL — Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 8, 2023 Amidst the chaos reminiscent of Monday's madness at Tottenham, video technology played a pivotal role in crucial decisions that impacted Manchester United's fate in the Champions League. Manager Erik ten Hag believed that VAR's intervention in dismissing Marcus Rashford for a challenge on Elias Jelert was a "game-changer," and it's tough to dispute that claim. Referee Donatas Rumsas was summoned to the pitchside monitor twice more, awarding penalties to both sides for handballs, described as soft by most people.  UCL: Emotional and dramatic night at Old Trafford (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) ...

Whilst Wembley Stadium was hosting the England games during their victorious World Cup campaign, various other grounds across the country hosted matches.  Old Trafford hosted this match between Portugal and Bulgaria and it featured one of the greatest players of all time, Eusébio. Head to Greater Manchester Football to read the original story. Some wider context In the North West of England, Old Trafford and Goodison Park played host to Group 3 of the 66 World Cup. It was a group that contained some of the best players around at the time.  The group saw the two-time defending champions Brazil finish in third place behind Portugal and Hungary, be eliminated along with Bulgaria. Brazil were beaten 3–1 by Hungary in a classic encounter before falling by the same scoreline to Portugal in a controversial game.  Click here to read more from the archives The Portugal side contained Eusébio and they appearing in the finals for the first time, and made quite an impact.  The...

United are expected to make many personnel changes this summer. The manager won't be one of them.   Manchester United have activated a one-year extension in Erik ten Hag's contract, ensuring he remains with the club until 2026. The Dutch manager's original contract, signed upon his appointment in 2022, was set to expire in 2025. Since joining from Ajax, Ten Hag has secured two trophies in his two years at Old Trafford. In Ten Hag's first season at the club, United finished third in the Premier League and ended a six-year trophy drought by defeating Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final. However, his second season was more challenging, with United finishing eighth in the Premier League and exiting the Champions League at the group stage. A crucial 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final in May was key to Ten Hag retaining his position. Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment last December, the club, led by the co-owner, conducted a review of the season...

 2023/2024 was another historic campaign for Brighton & Hove Albion. Let's explore what happened. This was the 122nd season in the history of Brighton & Hove Albion and their seventh consecutive season in the Premier League.  They also competed in the Premier League, the FA Cup, the EFL Cup and a debut appearance in UEFA Europa League.  Some of the match reports from their campaign. On August 12th, they welcomed Luton Town for the opening game of the seaso n, marking the Hatters' debut in the Premier League. Albion emerged victorious with a 4–1 win. This match also saw the debuts of several players, including João Pedro and Simon Adingra. Against Newcastle United in September,  Evan Ferguson scored a hat-trick to show off his extraordinary potential. Amy, a Brighton fan, was delighted with their performance. She said: "We played well against one of the best teams in the Premier League. All the fans are delighted with the attitude of the players. It has b...

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...

 Manchester United 0 - 1 Arsenal Arsenal ensured the title race will go to the final day with victory over a depleted Manchester United side at Old Trafford. The Gunners display was often unconvincing here but they got the job done. Their manager will be pleased with how they have kept the pressure on Manchester Citty. The only goal of the game came when Leandro Trossard struck after 20 minutes. Lazy defending from struggling veteran Casemiro played Kai Havertz onside, his cross was then turned in by the Belgian at the near post. Manchester United showed plenty of effort and endeavor. However, they suffered from a glaring lack of quality. The Red Devils never seriously tested Arsenal keeper David Raya, as their own hopes of European football next season faded further.  It's looking increasingly likely that they will only qualify for Europe if they beat Manchester City in the upcoming Fa Cup final. What impact will this have on the title race? Arsenal must now hope north L...

Let's have a look at some of the most shocking and controversial transfers ever You can read the original article from News Ball UK by clicking here. Carlos Tevez to Manchester City in 2009 This was a strange one. Tevez had spent the previous two seasons at Old Trafford, where he won the Premier League twice and the Champions League in 2008.  The Argentinian had claimed he was never offered a new contract at United. He was the latest signing to join the ongoing revolution across the city.  City announced the transfer with this cheeky poster. How good was Carlos Tevez at Manchester City? Click here to find more news from across Greater Manchester More Manchester City news can be found here Michael Owen to Manchester United in 2009 The former Liverpool striker signed for United in 2009 after being released by recently relegated Newcastle United. It was a strange summer for MUFC after they sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid and saw their attempt to sign Carlos Te...

Manchester United have announced that Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard will leave the club once their contracts expire Both players drew widespread attention as part of United's Youth Cup winning side of 2011. Pogba departs again.  A statement on United's website reads: "The club can announce that Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United at the end of June, upon the expiry of his contract." The Frenchman has enjoyed a long association with United, having joined the club's Academy from Le Havre at the age of just 16. Pogba quickly progressed through the ranks, first impressing in the Under-18s and then swiftly moving upwards to the Reserves. In the 2011/2012 season, he made a few appearances. However, in the summer of 2012, due to strong competition for places at Old Trafford, Pogba joined Italian giants Juventus. He quickly became a success at Juve as he helped them lift four consecutive Serie A titles and two Coppa Italias. However, in 2016, he made the emotion...