Sports

Wayne Rooney insists it is difficult managing Manchester United with Ferguson still around

Published

2 years ago

April 5, 2022

Ex-Manchester United forward, Wayne Rooney, has suggested that Alex Ferguson’s continuous presence at the club piles pressure on managers who have succeeded him.

Ferguson stepped down as manager of the Red Devils in 2013, with a plethora of trophies which include 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA cup titles, two UEFA Champions League titles and a host of others.

However, those who have come after the Scot have failed to replicate his historic feats with Man Utd last lifting the Premier League in 2013.

Speaking on David Moyes’s short-lived tenure at Old Trafford, Rooney admitted the Hammers’ manager faced an ‘impossible task’ as Ferguson’s departure left the morale in the dressing room at a low.

The 36-year-old also expressed fears over the influence of Ferguson’s puppet master role in the dressing room, saying this could have a negative effect on incumbent managers.

“I thought David Moyes had an impossible task of taking over (the role of) Sir Alex Ferguson and you could see that even though we won the Premier League that season, you could see everyone was down because they knew that he was gone,” Rooney said.

“He is still involved in some way and I think that brings pressure onto any new manager coming in and if you want to manage Manchester United, you have to do it your way and make your own decisions.”

On the perfect manager to lift the club out of its current challenges, Rooney gave his vote of confidence to current PSG boss, Mauricio Pochettino, but insisted whoever would take up the position eventually needed time to make significant progress and, the hierarchy’s support.

ALSO READ Priority targets and Ronaldo - the issues Manchester United have to address before the transfer window closes

“It needs someone to come in with that time to get that club back to where it deserves to be. It’s not going to happen if you keep changing managers every two years,” the ex-English international added.

“Ferguson was like the godfather of the club, not just the players but the staff, the academy; he was on top of everything. When you lose someone like that from the club, someone else is coming in and it’s a massive change.”

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Sports

Rodri feels like a winner despite Ballon d’Or competition

Published

20 hours ago

September 13, 2024

Seun Okerayi

Manchester City’s Rodri feels like a Ballon d’Or winner due to public support, despite facing strong competition from Vinicius and Jude Bellingham. His pride stems from the recognition he has received for his contributions to Manchester City’s title and Spain’s Euro 2024 win.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has expressed that he already feels like a Ballon d’Or winner, thanks to the overwhelming public support he has received since being shortlisted for the prestigious award.

Rodri, who played a crucial role in Manchester City’s fourth consecutive league title and Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, acknowledges the significant recognition he has garnered.

Also read: I’m Not Bothered About Winning Ballon d’Or, Says Kroos

In an interview with ESPN, Rodri highlighted his respect for the competition he faces, particularly from Real Madrid stars Vinicius and Jude Bellingham.

“People say I’m going to fight with Vinicius, who is someone I admire. I think he is a great player,” Rodri remarked.

Rodri’s pride comes from the mere fact of being in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or. He believes that the support and positive comments from fans, who have expressed confidence in his potential to win, make him feel like a winner already.

“Imagine for me, to be in the conversation that the people when I walk into the street, they say to me, ‘you’re going to win the Ballon d’Or, you deserve it’. And for me, that means I am already a winner with this,” he said.

ALSO READ EPL: Partey set to hand Arsenal injury boost

Despite the competition, Rodri remains humble and appreciative of the support. He reflects on the years of hard work, self-belief, and the assistance from others that have led him to this position.

“Once you are in this situation, this position, because a lot of years of work, a lot of trust on yourself and the help of all the people, you think about this award and being there is just unbelievable,” he added.

Sports

Ronaldo criticises Ten Hag’s statement on Manchester United’s title prospects

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2024

Seun Okerayi

Ronaldo Criticises Ten Hag Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo criticises Erik ten Hag for saying Manchester United cannot compete for major titles. Ronaldo believes Ten Hag lacks understanding of the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo has voiced his disagreement with Erik ten Hag’s recent remarks about Manchester United’s ability to compete for major titles.

In a discussion on Rio Ferdinand’s Five YouTube channel, Ronaldo expressed concern that Ten Hag’s comments reflect a lack of understanding of the club’s potential.

Also read: Portugal put faith in Ronaldo in search of Euro glory

Ronaldo criticized Ten Hag for stating that Manchester United cannot currently compete for the Premier League or Champions League.

He believes such statements undermine the team’s ambition. “You can’t rebuild a club you don’t understand,” Ronaldo said, emphasizing that even if the team’s potential is limited, the manager should not publicly concede defeat.

Ronaldo also suggested that former team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy, now back in Manchester in a coaching role, could be instrumental in aiding United’s rebuild if Ten Hag is willing to listen.

He urged Ten Hag to consider the insights of former players like van Nistelrooy, Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, and Gary Neville.

Despite his criticisms, Ronaldo’s comments may also be influenced by his past disputes with Ten Hag, which led to his departure from Old Trafford in late 2022.

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Sports

Arsenal to wear away kit for North London derby against Tottenham

Published

3 days ago

September 11, 2024

Seun Okerayi

Arsenal directed to wear their away kit against Tottenham in the North London Derby due to a clash with Spurs’ colours.

Arsenal have been instructed to wear their away kit for the upcoming Premier League match against Tottenham on Sunday.

Also read: Arsenal confirm 13 players to leave club [full list]

The Premier League and PGMOL have mandated this change due to a colour clash; Arsenal’s traditional red home kit features too much white on the back, which conflicts with Tottenham’s kit.

As a result, Mikel Arteta’s squad will don their new black away kit for the North London Derby. This will be the first time in recent seasons that either team has had to change their kit colours for the fixture.

In the return match at the Emirates, Tottenham will also need to wear their away kit. Last season’s encounters were dramatic, with a 2-2 draw at the Emirates followed by a 3-2 victory for Arsenal in the reverse fixture after leading 3-0 at half time.