Amorim Accept Any Decision on Records After a Defeat

Rúben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United manager is under intense scrutiny — and the numbers are not in his favour. Following a lacklustre run of form and mounting pressure from pundits and fans alike, here’s a look at the bleak statistical reality of his reign so far: Amorim’s Premier League win rate stands at just 26%, with 8 wins from 31 games. Among all managers to take charge of 20 or more league matches for United, only Alfred Albut (20%) and Scott Duncan (24%) have lower records. This gives Amorim the worst win percentage in all competitions for any Manchester United manager since World War II. In terms of attacking output, United have failed to score in 13 of those 31 league games and have only managed 36 goals in total. Defensively, United have conceded an average of 1.6 goals per game and have kept just five clean sheets. Former United captain Gary Neville has repeatedly pointed to Amorim’s lack of consistency in his defensive selections — with frequent changes to the back three and back five. Amorim has also struggled against quality opposition. He has only won four of 26 Premier League games against non-promoted sides. Away from home, United have just one win in their last 20 Premier League matches against the traditional “Big Six”, conceding 53 goals across those fixtures. This season has continued in poor fashion. United have just four points from their first four league games (one win, one draw, two losses) — their worst start since the 1992-93 campaign under Sir Alex Ferguson. Since Amorim took over, United have taken only 31 points from 31 league games. Following Tottenham’s recent win over West Ham, United now sit bottom of the table among ever-present Premier League teams based on results during Amorim’s tenure. Roy Keane heavily criticised the team’s attitude after the recent Manchester derby, singling out Luke Shaw and accusing the squad of lacking physical commitment. Gary Neville echoed the concerns, saying Amorim “doesn’t know his best defence.” Despite the criticism, Amorim has defended his approach. “I accept the results… but I won’t change my philosophy,” he said. “I’m suffering more than the fans. I’ll do my best until I’m here.” With results deteriorating and performances raising questions, the pressure on Amorim is reaching a boiling point. The coming weeks may be decisive for both the manager and the club.

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Man City vs Man United: Premier League – team news, start time and lineups

Manchester Derby Set for High-Stakes Showdown as Guardiola and Amorim Seek Early Season Momentum

Manchester City and Manchester United are preparing for an early-season derby clash that already feels significant for both clubs. The game takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, September 14 at 4:30pm local time, with City and United each looking to gain traction after inconsistent starts to the season. Both teams have invested heavily in their squads, but it’s the goalkeepers who are drawing attention ahead of kickoff. City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG to replace Ederson, who recently departed for Fenerbahce. While Donnarumma could make his debut in this match, manager Pep Guardiola has indicated he won’t demand the same ball-playing style from the Italian that Ederson was known for. James Trafford has started the first three league games but may now make way. United, meanwhile, brought in Belgium’s Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, but manager Ruben Amorim confirmed Altay Bayindir will continue in goal. Andre Onana was sent on loan to Trabzonspor this week after an underwhelming spell. Amorim stated that Lammens will need time to adjust, while also calling him a long-term option for the club. City’s recent form includes back-to-back league defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, raising concerns about squad depth and cohesion. United, on the other hand, followed a loss to Arsenal with a draw against Fulham and a narrow win over Burnley, needing a late penalty from Bruno Fernandes. They also suffered a League Cup exit at the hands of fourth-tier Grimsby Town. In terms of injuries, City will be without striker Omar Marmoush, who picked up a knee injury while on international duty with Egypt. Phil Foden and John Stones are also doubts. United are missing Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, and Mason Mount. With Cunha out, Benjamin Sesko is expected to lead the line for the first time since his move from RB Leipzig. This will be the 196th Manchester derby. United have the edge historically with 79 wins to City’s 61. Last season, United won the corresponding fixture at the Etihad 2-1 thanks to a late surge, and City haven’t beaten United in their last four meetings across all competitions. Both managers are feeling the pressure to deliver. Guardiola is managing a post-title era transition, while Amorim is attempting to implement a new system and culture at Old Trafford. With Champions League fixtures looming, a positive result on Sunday could be a turning point for either side.

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Arsenal sweep aside Ange's Forest with convincing win

Arsenal Sweep Aside Ange’s Forest with Convincing Win

Arsenal cruised to a comfortable victory over Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest, delivering a performance that reflected just how well their summer signings have settled in. It wasn’t just the goals from Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres that caught the eye. At the back, Cristhian Mosquera was rock-solid once again, showing composure and control in a performance that made William Saliba’s absence barely noticeable for the second match running. Further forward, Arsenal’s attacking shape looked refreshed and dangerous. Noni Madueke was sharp and direct on the right wing, while Eberechi Eze offered equal threat on the left — a far cry from last season when the Gunners leaned heavily on Bukayo Saka for attacking inspiration. The new front three of Eze, Gyökeres, and Madueke gives Mikel Arteta tactical flexibility and genuine depth in attack. With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard only needed for late cameos, Arsenal’s squad strength is starting to show — even amid a handful of injuries. It’s early days, but this performance suggests Arsenal are not only stronger but more balanced across the pitch. The signs are promising, and the new arrivals are already delivering.

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CAF Marks 100 Days to Morocco 2025 Kick-Off

The CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 will kick-off in Morocco in exactly 100 days, bringing together passionate fans from across the continent and showcasing Africa’s football excellence to the world. Africa’s biggest sporting event is expected to break the records set by the hugely successful 2023 edition in Côte d’Ivoire, which attracted a global television audience of over 1.5 billion and more than 2.4 billion digital streams. Morocco will play host to the continental finals for the first time since 1988, and will provide world-class facilities for the 24-team tournament that runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, where Cote d’Ivoire will defend their title. The finals will be played in nine stadiums across six cities – Rabat, Casablanca, Fès, Tangier, Marrakech and Agadir. The Kingdom successfully staged the recent CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024 and the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2025, showcasing its organisational excellence and the passion of fans for the game. It comes as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, the second time the global showpiece event will be staged on the continent, underlining the country’s status as a hub for world football. Morocco promises to provide a fan experience like no other away from the pitch with excellent hospitality and electric action on the field of play in state-of-the-art stadiums in a true celebration of African football. The tournament will be the 35th staging of the continental finals and another chapter in the rich history of a competition first played in 1957.

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Morocco 2025 AFCON Ticket Go on Sale Sept. 25

As the football fans across the globe prepare for Africa’s biggest event, and to mark the 100 Days to kick-off of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have announced Ticket Sales Process and a number of initiatives to enhance Fan Experience. Tickets for the CAF AFCON, Morocco 2025 will go on sale on 25 September 2025. Today, CAF and LOC launched the registration window for the First Phase of Ticket Sales. Tickets will be available at https://tickets.cafonline.com/en/ but fans can register online from 12 September to 24 September 2025 to get notification of when the sales open. Visa, a proud official partner of CAF and global leader in digital payments, will have an exclusive two-day pre-sale window for Visa cardholders, giving them access to the First Phase of Ticket sales from 12h00 Moroccan time on 25 September 2025 to 27 September 2025. On 27 September 2025 at 14h00 Moroccan time, the First Phase Ticket Sales will be on sale for the general public. Additionally, CAF will announce a new partner for Hospitality Packages on Monday, 15 September 2025. The Yalla App – a New Game Changer Another major innovation is the Yalla App that will be launched on 25 September 2025 which will serve as the gateway for fans. Every ticket holder will have to register for a Fan ID through the app, enabling seamless stadium and fan zone access. The Yalla app also introduces the E-Visa for AFCON, allowing supporters worldwide to apply digitally. Fans will enjoy real-time updates, tailored information, and exclusive tournament content, making Morocco 2025 the most connected TotalEnergies CAF AFCON ever. Ticketing Phases and the Ticketing Journey: First Phase: 25 September (opens 12h00 Morocco time) – 27 September (closes 12h00 Morocco time) | VISA-pre sale window exclusive for VISA card holders 27 September (opens 14h00 Morocco time) | General Public Sale (all payment methods accepted) restricted to 30% of stadium capacity Second Phase: 21 October (opens 12h00 Morocco time) – 23 October (closes 12h00 Morocco time) | Second window for VISA-pre sale for, exclusive for VISA card holders 23 October (opens 14h00 Morocco time) | General Public Sale (all payment methods accepted) with additional 30% of stadium capacity Third Phase: 21 November | All Matches (all payment methods accepted) Royal Air Maroc, the Official Global Partner and Airline for CAF AFCON 2025, will support fans with enhanced services. The airline is adding over 660 additional flights, increasing capacity by more than 50%. Special packages will also be available for the African diaspora traveling through Casablanca, turning stopovers into opportunities to attend TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 matches.

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Onana Joins Trabzonspor on Loan

Manchester United’s Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has completed a season-long loan move to Turkish side Trabzonspor. Onana’s future at Old Trafford was in doubt after United signed Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens for 21 million euros (£18.2 million) plus add-ons. The 29-year-old Onano joined United from Inter Milan in 2023 for an initial 51 million euros plus a potential four million euros in add-ons and ended his first season with an FA Cup winners’ medal. But Onana’s increasingly erratic performances and clashes with manager Ruben Amorim last season left his position in doubt. A hamstring injury prevented Onana from being involved with the team during pre-season and he made a mistake in his first game of the campaign in United’s humiliating League Cup exit at Grimsby. The arrival of Lammens was the final straw. “Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has joined Trabzonspor on loan for the duration of the 2025/26 season, subject to international clearance and registration,” United confirmed in a statement. “The move has been completed ahead of the Turkish transfer window closing on Friday. We would like to wish Andre good luck,” the club statement added. United return to action after the international break with an away trip to rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

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Madrid to Host 2027 Champions League Final

Madrid will host the 2027 men’s Champions League final – with Warsaw to stage the women’s final. Atletico Madrid’s 70,000-capacity Estadio Metropolitano has been awarded the men’s showpiece after Milan’s San Siro was stripped of the honour. Uefa decided to reopen bidding for the event amid concerns about refurbishment plans at the San Siro – and the match will now take place in the Spanish capital. Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano last hosted the Champions League final in 2019, when Liverpool beat Tottenham. The women’s final will be staged in Poland’s capital, at Warsaw’s Stadion Narodowy. Uefa also announced that the Super Cup match in 2026 will take place in Salzburg, Austria. Uefa took the decisions at a meeting of its executive committee in Tirana in Albania where it also discussed requests from Spain and Italy’s football associations to play domestic league matches abroad but did not come to a decision on the issue. “The committee acknowledged it as an important and growingissue but expressed the desire to ensure that it has the views of all stakeholders before coming to a final decision,” said a Uefa statement. “There are many issues to resolve and as the European governing body, Uefa has a responsibility to take all such factors into account. “As a result, no decision was taken today but Uefa will undertake a round of consultation with all stakeholders in European football – including fans.” The executive committee did approve an amendment to the 2025-26 Uefa club competitions’ regulations that will permit clubs to temporarily replace one outfield player with a long-term injury or illness in their squads during the league phase until matchday six. Uefa said: “The reasoning for the adaptation is to ensure that squad lists are not unfairly reduced and players are safeguarded from additional workload pressure.”

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