How close are United to shaking up the old hierarchy and booting Mourinho?

October 19, 2018 / / 0 Comments


“José Mourinho / Жозе Моуринь” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Aleksandr Osipov

There can be no doubt that José Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world and probably one of the greatest ever. Most of those who have played for him remember the experience fondly and talk about the way that he improved their game. Even rival managers admit his greatness. He often attracts attention and respect, whatever the occasion, but sometimes his upfront, stubborn nature also draws criticism and sends him into confrontation. He is something of a one-man show. Or is he?

It now seems that Manchester United officials are looking to reshuffle the managerial structure at Old Trafford in a way that is certain to have the result of diluting Mourinho’s influence and control over the happenings at the club and may even see him gone. While there’s been talk of United undergoing some sort of structural change going around for a while now, with suggestions that they will be looking to replace the single-manager system with a technical staff set up. This week has provided the strongest evidence yet that they will be going ahead with it.

News has broken that United have been in contact with some big figures on Italian club Juventus’ technical staff. The two in question are sporting director, Fabio Paratici and former chief executive Giuseppe Marotta. Both have played huge roles in securing Juventus’ remarkable success in the Serie A over the last ten years or so. They have not only made traditional on-pitch coaching decisions but have also been active on the transfer market, making them an extremely appealing duo.

With Juventus winning seven Serie A titles in a row, it is clear why the Manchester United officials are interested, but one important question still remains — what would the move mean for Mourinho? It is no secret that Mourinho and Ed Woodward, Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman have been in strong disagreement over the summer transfer period and it was looking like Mourinho might be on his way out until he pulled the 3-2 comeback against Newcastle out of the bag on Saturday.




Granted, it was a close call, but the style in which Mourinho’s men came back against Newcastle was emphatic and the game plan had Mourinho stamped all over it. Furthermore, the odds of Manchester United finishing in the top four this year are still looking strong at 3.5-1, so there’s a decent argument for not changing anything at all and allowing Mourinho to get more settled into this season.

It looks clearer than ever that United — and Woodward in particular — are curious about shaking things up. It also seems as if they are close to achieving it. So, then, the question must be — at what cost? Mourinho has found success at every club he has coached at and, even if the start of this season hasn’t gone exactly to plan, the Red Devils are still very much in the running. If Saturday’s performance is anything to go by, things are getting better. Mourinho should be given space to make decisions, even if the alternative at times seems appealing.

Luke Shaw Signs New Contract

October 19, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Happy to find that our best performer of the season so far just signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until June 2023, with the option to extend for a further year.

Well deserved!

Opening New Season with a Win

August 11, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Overall play wasn’t pretty but we scored two compare to Leicester City’s one so we bag three points and that’s what matters.

In case you missed it, match highlights below:

Andreas Pereira Free Kick Against Liverpool

July 29, 2018 / / 0 Comments

At the end we lost 1-4 but what a free kick that was by the young Brazillian.

Manchester United Updates

July 26, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Big Man on Campus

In 1878, Manchester United became an established football club. While they are now known as Manchester United, they used to be nicknamed The Red Devils. Their current stadium is Old Trafford, and they play for England in the Premier League. Manchester United has won more trophies than any other football club in England, making them the celebrated team to beat in the area.

With a remarkable record of over 20 League titles, it is no surprise that Manchester United has so many die hard fans. Like you and me.

Harry Mcguire

One of the bigger moves that Manchester United has made lately is their play to grab up Leicester City’s big name defender Harry Mcguire. While the club has set their sights on the talented player, there is still a lot of time left in the summer transfer window, so it will be no easy acquisition, even for a club as established as Manchester United.

Leicester is even offering some resistance, wanting to keep their star defender for themselves so they can build the reputation of their own club. United isn’t going to make it easy for Leicester to say no however, as they have valued the talented player at a whopping $65 million.

Bet On It

There is a lot of interest not just in where United is going for the next Premier League, but also where sports betting is going. There has been a lot of recent lifts on sports betting and deregulation, making it more open and easy to access for so many. These eased up regulations have allowed the economic rivers to begin flowing again around football, offering unique opportunities for players and fans alike.

In fact, there have been some players looking to seek sponsorship from sports betting sites. There has been a whole new crop of gamblers getting involved thanks to this deregulation. Because there is so much new money and new gamblers circulating in the scene, sites that offer good betting tips are getting a lot of traffic. With some sharp betting skills you are certain to turn a profit.

Pin it On the Penalties

In US tour news, we walked away with another victory in a game with a whopping 26 penalties against AC Milan. In a quick review of the game, Alexis Sanchez put the first points on the board in the twelfth minute, only to be quickly answered back three minutes later from Suso.

This kind of intense, back and forth battle continued on for several brutal minutes. Both teams were fighting hard for a victory, which is why they racked up so many penalties during the game. Neither side wanted to give an inch, but in the end, we would prove that they had the right stuff and come out victorious.

Manchester United continues to be a club that sets trends and the pace for England football, so be sure not to miss any of the upcoming action, as it promises to leave even veteran fans at the edge of their seats.

10 World Cup records that will never be broken

July 13, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Records are made to be broken, however, some certainly more likely than others to be broken. We have compiled a list of World Cup records that may never be broken. Do you agree? Leave your comments below. You may want to have your own bet on the World Cup with France the strong favourites with Betfair to lift the title.

So, in reverse order, here’s our list:

10) Highest attendance at a World Cup match

Officially the highest attendance in a FIFA World Cup match is 173,830 in the Estadio de Maracanã in 1950. However, it is believed that the actual figure was nearer 200,000. This is a record unlikely to be broken now with the all-seater stadiums.

Fans watch the 1950 World Cup final between Brazil and Uruguay.
Source: https://www.elobservador.com.uy/el-fantasma-maracana-n662460

9) Youngest coach to manage a World Cup side

This record dates back to 1930 and is held by Argentina’s Juan Jose Tramutola. Incredibly, he took charge of the side at just 27 years and 267 days of age: this was in their opening game against France. This is very unlikely to be broken due to the fact that managers in modern times are highly experienced, so a manager taking his national team to the World Cup at such a young age is unlikely to ever happen again.

8) Winning the World Cup in their first appearance

Another record that is very unlikely to be broken again. With most sides having already participated in a World Cup it looks set that Italy and Uruguay will remain as the only sides to have won in their debut tournament. Qatar could break it as they host the 2022 competition but this would go down as the greatest upset in sporting history.

7) Biggest margin of victory in a World Cup qualifying match

A record that dates back to the 2002 qualifiers and is held by Australia. This was an astonishing 31-0 victory over American Samoa. This is the stuff of nightmares for any side and there was a goal scored around every 3 minutes. Unless Brazil play against a local Sunday league side this record should remain intact.

6) Youngest referee to officiate in a World Cup

The role of referee is another kept for more experienced individuals meaning it is unlikely to be broken. This is held by Spain’s Juan Gardeazabal from the 1958 World Cup: at just 24 years and 193 days old this is an incredible achievement considering that the youngest referee at the current World Cup is Al Jassum Abdulrahman of Qatar who is 30 years of age.

5) Youngest player in a World Cup final

Set by the legend that is Pele at the 1958 World Cup final. At just 17 years and 249 days old he participated in the final against Sweden, incredibly scoring a brace as he helped Brazil win their first World Cup. This was the first key indication that Pele was destined for greatness. This video shows his goals scored throughout the record breaking competition.

With Harry Kane leading the way to the Golden Boot this is a record in the spotlight. However it is going to take a monumental effort for Kane to surpass Just Fontaine. The Frenchman netted 13 goals in 1958 with no player in recent times getting close. Even the Brazilian superstar Ronaldo couldn’t, his best being 8, in the 2002 World Cup. I think Kane would be more than happy being a Golden Boot winner at his first World Cup.

3) Most World Cup winner’s medals

Another record set by the Brazilian legend Pele. He remarkably has three World Cup winner’s medals having been part of the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cup winning sides. The fact that he only played at four World Cups just shows the impact he had on the teams, including his starring role at just 17 years of age.

2) Most tournaments as captain

A record set at the current championships by the Mexican veteran Rafael Marquez. He is a legend of the side and has captained them at a remarkable five World Cups: it will take a phenomenal career from a player to replicate or even surpass.

1) Latest goal in regular time

The final record is one set by Brazil’s current poster boy Neymar. This was in their clash with Costa Rica in the group stage where they looked set to share the points before a late turn around. Firstly a 91st minute winner from Coutinho followed by Neymar’s record breaking 97th minute goal which can be seen in the video below. Many punters World Cup betting tips were on Brazil before the tournament began but they failed to progress through to the final.

Fellaini Signs New Deal

July 3, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Fellaini is staying at Manchester United. Not my all time favorite player by any means but he is a good player and does strengthen our midfield.

Premier League 2018/19: What bookies make of Manchester United’s chances

July 3, 2018 / / 0 Comments

It was a case of close but no cigar last season as Jose Mourinho saw his Manchester United side finish second in the Premier League behind neighbours and bitter rivals Manchester City who amassed 100 points, 19 more than the runners-up.

With millions spent trying to close the gap, many followers of English football believe The Special One is drinking in the last chance saloon at Old Trafford. A genuine title challenge and run into the latter stages of the Champions League is needed to secure his long-term future as manager of the 20-time top-tier champions but bookmakers expect a tough year ahead.

The ante-post Premier League betting odds at bet365 have The Red Devils at 7/1, third in the list behind two-in-a-row for The Cityzens at a short 4/7 and the 5/1 available when getting your stake on Liverpool. Surely fans would see a third-place end as a step backwards but it’s doubtful too many punters will be happy to take odds-on about a selection over the course of an entire season.

Let’s look at ways you can back Manchester United this term.

Source: ODDSbible via Twitter

Improved United look value at the price

Both halves of the Manchester divide are expected to strengthen over the summer with cash ready to be spent on bringing in reinforcements. Manchester City were thoroughly impressive last season, as their final points tally confirmed, but United lost seven times against the two of City and you’ve got to expect serious improvement on that front.

Mourinho made his first move in June when spending £47m on Brazilian midfielder Fred who joins from Shakhtar Donetsk and that gives an early sign of the mood in the camp. Bringing in new faces is important but so too is keeping hold of the better players already in the dressing room and Marouane Fellaini signed a new two-year deal. The Belgian divides opinion in the stands but he played an important part in the World Cup and certainly knows how to score in the Premier League.

A good mix of old and new and the 7/1 on United will look on the generous side for punters searching for a season-long interest. A top-four finish, which is surely the least fans and the board will expect in the coming season, is 2/7, while Romelu Lukaku is around the 8/1 mark to top score.

Source: Manchester United via Twitter

Three points expected in week one

Man Utd v Leicester City is one of the standout fixtures from week one of the new season and the locals will be expected to hit the ground running. Season ticket holders will have that match picked as a solid three points but what do the recent stats make of it?

The teams played twice last season with United winning 2-0 at Old Trafford in August thanks to goals from Rashford and Fellaini but they had to settle for a 2-2 draw in the reverse leg four months later. A double from Mata was cancelled out by Vardy and a 90th-minute equaliser from Maguire. Amartey was sent off at the death. The Reds have won their last two home games vs Leicester with plenty to spare and -1 on the handicap again will return 21/20.

Fred, Welcome to Manchester United

June 30, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Manchester United officially announced the arrival of Fred, the 25 year old Brazilian is joining the midfield brigade of Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic.

The Boss, Jose Mourinho, claimed that Fred’s creativity will vastly improve United’s midfield.

Welcome to Manchester United, Fred!

Can Manchester United’s English Lions Win The World Cup?

June 29, 2018 / / 0 Comments

With the FIFA 2018 World Cup progressing into the knockout stages of the competition, the battle to earn global footballing supremacy has intensified. With Germany being knocked out in the group stages, it means that the title of world champions will be passed on come Sunday, July 15.

One of the 16 nations that were successful in progressing out of the group stage was England and with a quartet of Manchester United players amongst their ranks, it is fair to say that fans of the Red Devils will be keeping a close eye on the progress of the Three Lions.

Confidence has undoubtedly been high throughout the England camp after wins over both Tunisia and Panama, and that optimistic mood has been reflected up and down the country as fans have been basking in the summer sun while supporting the national team. 

This belief is now being reflected in England’s odds to win the tournament. A World Cup Betfair market currently has them as fourth favourites, at a price of 8/1 as they look for their first win in the competition since 1966.
 
That mood may have been tempered slightly after defeat to Belgium. In a game which saw both sides make multiple changes, it was a former United starlet who scored the game’s only goal. Adnan Januzaj’s second-half strike proved to be the difference as Roberto Martinez’s men finished top of Group G.

Defeat has halted England’s momentum, but at the same time, it could well prove to be a blessing in disguise as they now have a perceived easier route to the final. After avoiding a potential quarter-final clash with Brazil, manager Gareth Southgate now has to make sure that his young squad take full advantage of the hand that they have been dealt.

If England are to exceed the expectations that were set before the tournament, then they will need the likes of Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford to deliver when it really matters. That said, it has been a competition of contrasting fortunes for the two United attackers.

Lingard was impressive in the first half against Tunisia in England’s opening game but lacked the goal his efforts deserved, something he put right in the 6-1 thrashing of Panama with a sensational strike that put England 3-0 up and all but wrapped up the victory.

Rashford, however, has not quite grabbed his opportunity with both hands. There was no doubting he had a positive influence after coming on a substitute against Tunisia, but when handed a starting berth against Belgium he was guilty of missing two clear-cut chances. 

However the 20-year-old never seems to be phased by playing on the game’s biggest stages and you get the feeling that should the opportunity present itself once more, then next time around, the forward will show just how ruthless he can be in front of goal.

That ruthlessness could well be the difference between England progressing and being sent home, such are the fine margins in a competition such as this. At the same time, both Lingard and Rashford seem to play without fear, something that could well mean that they end up adding international honours to the ones they have already won with Manchester United.

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