Man Utd Should Dismiss Calls From Carragher and Rooney to Sack Ruben Amorim

Calls for Ruben Amorim’s dismissal are growing louder, with prominent voices like Jamie Carragher and Wayne Rooney suggesting it may be time for Manchester United to move on. But the club would be wise to ignore those suggestions — at least for now. Wayne Rooney himself admitted he’s not speaking from a position of managerial success. “I’ve tried my hand at management and it didn’t work out too well, so I get it,” said the former boss of Derby, DC United, Birmingham City, and Plymouth Argyle. With a win rate of just 25.3% from 178 games, Rooney’s own record hardly inspires confidence. Amorim, by contrast, has struggled at Old Trafford with a Premier League win percentage of just 36.73% in his first 11 months. But across his 308-game managerial career, the Portuguese coach boasts an impressive 65.91% win rate — a clear indicator of long-term promise. Jamie Carragher echoed Rooney’s skepticism, stating, “You don’t want to see anyone lose their job but it is better for everybody if they shake hands and move on.” However, that assumption is far from guaranteed — especially considering United are just six games into the new Premier League season. United currently sit with seven points from six matches — a modest return, but more than Newcastle and Aston Villa, and just a point behind Chelsea. While results have been inconsistent, there are signs of underlying progress. United lead the league in expected goals and average nearly 16 shots per game — more than any other Premier League side. Such stats don’t erase the fact that United have only picked up 34 points from 33 league games under Amorim. But context matters: this is Amorim’s first full season, with proper time to prepare. INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his football team have seemingly positioned this season as the true beginning of the Amorim era. Summer signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško will require time to adjust, and it’s clear United’s squad still lacks key reinforcements — particularly in central midfield. Progress won’t happen overnight. Yes, Manchester United’s performances haven’t met the expectations of the club or its fans. And yes, Ruben Amorim has much to prove. But making a hasty managerial change six games into a new season would be premature — and potentially damaging. Despite mistakes since acquiring control at Old Trafford, Ratcliffe and his football operation are making the right call by backing Amorim — for now.

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Liverpool Face Fresh Marc Guehi Transfer Battle as Real Madrid and Barcelona Join Race

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi may face significant challenges as Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona enter the race for the England international. The Reds were close to securing Guehi’s signature during the summer transfer window, reportedly tabling a £35 million bid on deadline day. However, the move collapsed after Palace failed to find a replacement, forcing Guehi to remain at Selhurst Park. With the January window approaching and Guehi’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Liverpool are still believed to be monitoring the situation. The centre-back would be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1, putting Madrid and Barça in a strong position to secure a free transfer ahead of next season. Tottenham Hotspur, long-time admirers of the 24-year-old, are also reportedly reigniting their interest and could make a formal approach in January. Spurs previously tracked Guehi over the summer, according to reports from football.london. Liverpool’s interest may be further intensified by the injury to promising young defender Giovanni Leoni, which has left Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez as the only senior centre-back options available for Arne Slot during the first half of the season. Guehi has already impressed against Liverpool this term, playing a key role in Palace’s victories over the Reds in both the Community Shield and a recent Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park. While Guehi remains a top target, Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, another centre-back out of contract next summer. With competition heating up, Liverpool may be forced to act decisively in January if they want to avoid losing Guehi to a European rival.

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Osimhen Penalty Sinks Liverpool as Injuries and VAR Controversy Compound Champions League Defeat

Victor Osimhen’s first-half penalty was enough to condemn Liverpool to a second consecutive Champions League defeat, as Galatasaray secured a 1-0 victory in Istanbul on a frustrating night for Arne Slot’s side. The loss marks back-to-back defeats for Liverpool for the second time under the Dutch manager and came with added concerns after injuries to goalkeeper Alisson Becker and striker Hugo Ekitike. The game also included a controversial VAR decision that denied Liverpool a potential late penalty. Slot surprised many with his team selection, leaving Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak on the bench, and opting to start Jeremie Frimpong on the right wing. Despite that, Liverpool’s defensive issues resurfaced early, with Dominik Szoboszlai struggling at right-back. Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz, who consistently troubled Liverpool’s right side, forced a good early save from Alisson before Liverpool wasted a golden opportunity at the other end. Ekitike failed to finish when played through on goal, slipping as he tried to round goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. Cody Gakpo’s follow-up was cleared off the line by Ismail Jakobs. Just seconds later, Liverpool were punished. Yilmaz again beat Szoboszlai and was caught in the face by the defender’s arm inside the box. Referee Clément Turpin pointed to the spot, and Victor Osimhen calmly converted the penalty down the middle. Liverpool pushed for an equaliser, but clear chances were limited. Salah and Isak were introduced in the second half, but their impact was minimal. The team’s frustration peaked late on when VAR declined to award a penalty for a possible handball, leaving the visitors with nothing to show for their efforts. The night ended on a sour note with both Alisson and Ekitike leaving the pitch injured, adding to Liverpool’s growing concerns ahead of a busy schedule. Despite creating more chances and leading the expected goals tally, Liverpool came away empty-handed once again. Slot now faces pressure to steady the ship as his side struggles for form both domestically and in Europe.

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Chelsea Edge Benfica as Mourinho’s Stamford Bridge Return Ends in Defeat

Chelsea Edge Benfica as Mourinho’s Stamford Bridge Return Ends in Defeat

Chelsea earned their first win of the Champions League league phase with a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica at Stamford Bridge, spoiling Jose Mourinho’s return to his old ground. An unfortunate own goal by Benfica midfielder Richard Rios in the 18th minute proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter. The result sees Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea bounce back after a shaky start to their European campaign. Mourinho, returning to Stamford Bridge for the first time since November 2020, received a warm reception from home fans, responding with a kiss when his name was sung. But on the pitch, there was little sentiment. Despite Benfica’s promising start, Chelsea capitalised on a defensive lapse to take the lead. Pedro Neto’s cross was kept alive at the far post by Alejandro Garnacho, whose cutback across the box deflected off Rios and into his own net as he rushed back to cover. It was a cruel moment for the visitors, who had started brightly with Dodi Lukebakio hitting the post in the opening 15 minutes. Benfica continued to push forward in the second half, with Lukebakio again involved in a moment of controversy after going down under pressure from Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the area. Their appeals for a penalty were waved away. Maresca turned to his bench to inject energy, bringing on Estevao, Jamie Gittens, and Joao Pedro, though none made a significant impact. In the final moments, Joao Pedro was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a high challenge, marking Chelsea’s third red card in their last four games across all competitions. Despite the late drama, Chelsea held on for a crucial three points, while Mourinho was left frustrated on his return to the club where he built his managerial legacy.

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24th FIFA U20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Lose By The Odd Goal to Norway

The Flying Eagles were unlucky to lose 0-1 to Norway in their opening match of the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup finals on Monday despite dominating play and creating a hatful of chances, particularly in the second period. Norway went ahead after they were awarded a contested penalty in the 9th minute, but the Flying Eagles fought hard to redeem things, only to be denied penalty awards on two occasions in the second half. Kparobo Arierhi’s left-footed shot inside the box drifted just wide in the 47th minute, with the goalkeeper completely beaten, and in the 63rd minute, Tahir Maigana’s left-footed shot inside the box was stopped by the base of the upright. The two-time silver medallists launched onslaught after onslaught against the Europeans, but Norway had too many players behind the ball in the box and foiled dozens of attempts. In the 71st minute, the crowd rose to cheer the equalizer, but midfielder Nasiru Salihu’s rising shot from the right rose a little too high, beating the goalkeeper and the crossbar. Seven minutes from time, the tireless Tahir Maigana cocked the trigger from afar, only to see his effort miss the target narrowly. The Flying Eagles will take on Saudi Arabia in their second match of the competition on Thursday.

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Netanyahu Apologises to Qatar for Deadly Strike on Doha, Vows No Repeat

Netanyahu Apologises to Qatar for Deadly Strike on Doha, Vows No Repeat

September 29, 2025 – Washington/Doha Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally apologised to Qatar following an Israeli airstrike in Doha earlier this month that killed a Qatari citizen and several Hamas members. The rare attack, which targeted senior Hamas leaders, marked a serious breach of Qatari sovereignty and drew widespread international condemnation. The apology came during a call with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, jointly initiated by Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House. “Israel regrets that one of your citizens was killed in our strike. We were targeting Hamas, not Qatar,” Netanyahu told the Qatari leader, according to a post on his official X account. “Israel has no plan to violate your sovereignty again.” The White House confirmed the call, noting Netanyahu “expressed deep regret” over the incident and assured both Qatar and the U.S. that similar actions would not occur in the future. Background on the Attack On September 9, Israeli missiles struck a residential area in Doha believed to be sheltering Hamas leaders involved in U.S.-backed ceasefire talks. While Hamas’s top figures survived, five lower-ranking members and a Qatari security officer, Badr Al-Dosari, were killed. This marked the first Israeli military strike on Qatari soil—an extraordinary move given Qatar’s central role in mediating between Israel and Hamas, and its hosting of the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, Al Udeid. Qatar’s foreign ministry described the incident as a “blatant violation of sovereignty,” and had earlier insisted on a formal apology before continuing mediation efforts. International Fallout UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strike as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty. In the days following the attack, nearly 60 Muslim-majority countries gathered in Doha to show solidarity with Qatar. Sultan Barakat, a professor at Qatar’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University, said the apology was crucial. “Qatar made it clear that without a public apology and commitment not to repeat the aggression, mediation would not continue. This moment is significant for regional diplomacy,” Barakat told Al Jazeera. Despite his apology, Netanyahu also voiced concerns about Qatar’s alleged support for groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and its coverage of Israel in outlets like Al Jazeera. Still, the White House reported that Qatar “welcomed the assurances” and reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability, with both nations agreeing to move forward diplomatically.

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WAFU-B U17 Championship: Eaglets Set to Pick AFCON Ticket at Starlets’ Expense

Five-time FIFA U 17 world champions, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria will tackle the Black Starlets of Ghana in the second semi-final of the ongoing WAFU-B U17 Championship at the Stade Charles Konan Banny on Tuesday. Kick-off is 8pm Nigeria time. The Golden Eaglets have been in good form in the tournament, scoring four goals and conceding only one, in the process amassing four points to top the three-team group B. On their part, Ghana’s Black Starlets struggled to qualify to this stage. The team played 1-1 with Togo in their opening game in group A, came short with three goals’ deficit against host Cote d’ Ivoire in their second game and were on the verge of crashing out when the scoreline stood at 1-1 against Niger Republic, before two late goals in second half secured a win and qualification for semi-final. Therefore, this semi-final clash between the two West African giants promises to be an interesting encounter. However, the Eaglets have recorded more victories against their counterparts in the WAFU-B U17 Championship. Golden Eaglets defeated the Black Starlets 4-2 in the opening game of the 2022 edition hosted by Ghana in the city of Cape Coast. The same shouts of victory echoed in the camp of Golden Eaglets when the team defeated Black Starlets 3-2 in the bronze medal clash of the last edition held in Accra, Ghana. Another win for the Golden Eaglets in Tuesday’s clash will not only secure a berth in the final, but also qualification to the 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

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FIFA Sanctions Shake Up Group C: Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes Brighten After South Africa Sanction

Following a major decision by FIFA to penalize South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, the dynamics in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers have changed dramatically, News360 Nigeria reports. The football governing body deducted three points and awarded a 3-0 loss to South Africa, overturning their previous 2-0 victory over Lesotho. As a result, Benin Republic has now climbed to the top of the group standings, while South Africa drops to second place on goal difference. Lesotho, despite the ruling, remains in fifth position. This sanction could prove pivotal for Nigeria, as the Super Eagles now find themselves in a stronger position to push for qualification. With the group wide open, the race for a World Cup spot is heating up.

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