Neville reveals where it all went wrong for Man United

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has revealed he believes the mess at his former club all began when they sacked David Moyes.

The Scotsman took over after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement and led the club to a miserable 7th placed finish.

Moyes obviously lost his job and made way for Louis van Gaal who initially steadied the ship before also getting sacked the following season.

Neville believes the mess United are currently in is due to parting ways with the former Everton man as it sent a message of sorts.

With Jose Mourinho now in charge, he faces tremendous pressure on his shoulders in his third season and looks set to depart as well.

This mess started when United sacked David Moyes after 8 months and we lost all sense of the values that the club had been built on for 100 years . It’s not the manager it’s the lack of football leadership above him. They are bouncing all over the place with no plan!

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) September 30, 2018

Many fans have opted to blamed the United owners and board as well but the truth is the blame is with all involved with the club.

The board, Mourinho and players each have their own fair share of blame for the ongoing crisis at the club.

Supporters have felt as though the players’ attitudes have been poor while the Portuguese boss has also failed to get the best out of them.

The Red Devils’ board meanwhile have not sufficiently backed a manager they just handed a contract extension to fairly recently.

Mourinho reveals how he truly feels about his Man United players

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has insisted he has no complains over his players’ attitudes ahead of the clash against Valencia.

The Portuguese boss leads his side out for their second fixture in the Champions League having beaten Young Boys last time around.

United need all three points at home if they are to have any hope of progressing beyond the group stage.

Mourinho can potentially save the club’s season from becoming a complete disaster by having a positive experience in Europe.

Thankfully he’s had no complaints over his players’ attitudes and fans should expect a fired up performance on the basis of his comments.

According to Metro, Jose said: “For myself, speaking of my own feelings, I am really happy that we have a game on Tuesday.

I am really happy that I now start immediately thinking about training tomorrow and about the match on Tuesday. I prefer that to only playing next Saturday, with one week of these bad feelings.

“I look forward to that match on Tuesday and I hope the majority of the players have this same kind of mentality, and that they are looking forward to Tuesday.

“I have no complaints with the players’ attitude.”

Unfortunately Mourinho had also said ahead of the loss to West Ham that his players had worked well all week and so he expects to see a win.

The Portuguese manager left the ball in the court of his players but was instead let down once again.

It seems as though whatever is happening on the training pitch is significantly better than what fans experience during match-days.

Normally this means it’s the result of a poor attitude amongst the players but Jose has protected his stars ahead of the clash against Valencia.

Former Man United assistant manager admits no regrets over departure

Rui Faria has insisted he has no regrets over his decision to part ways with Manchester United in order to take a sabbatical.

The Portuguese was an assistant manager to Jose Mourinho with the pair having worked together since the start of the latter’s career.

The former Chelsea manager is without his right-hand man for the first time ever and it hasn’t looked too good so far.

Faria though is pleased with his break from football, stating he just wanted to enjoy doing simple things with his family.

Mourinho opted against replacing his loyal friend and instead rejigged his backroom staff so it could work without an assistant manager.

According to Manchester Evening News, Rui said: “I felt the decision was about my family, they had been very patient with me for all these years and it was time for me to think more of them.

“I don’t need to go to New York, Barcelona [on sabbatical]. I just wanted to do the basic stuff as a father, have breakfast with them every morning, dinner with them every night, listen to them.

“I remember moments when I was working and they were speaking to me but my head was in another place, worries with my work, and I knew I was being unfair to them.

“They are 10, 11, 13 only once and this goes so quickly and you lose everything. I wouldn’t have seen anything if I’d not stopped.

“I took the opportunity to show them Portugal, they had been in Madrid, Milan or London, but not Portugal. I couldn’t be more happy with my decision.”

Some fans claimed Jose left the assistant manager position open for someone amongst the staff to win it instead.

Michael Carrick has become a United coach since last season and Kieran McKenna has been promoted from the youth team as well.

Either one can prove themselves to be an apt number two but it’s the former who has been tipped to do so.

It’s believed Carrick still needs more coaching qualifications before he can do so however but fans would love to see him work more closely with Mourinho.

Huth reveals what Mourinho needs to go back to winning ways

Former Leicester City star Robert Huth believes Jose Mourinho’s main problem is how he’s not getting 100 percent from his Manchester United players.

The Portuguese manager has often complained of their attitudes heading into matches and fans often agree with him.

United have started the season poorly so far winning 10 points out of a possible 21 that’s left them struggling in mid-table.

Huth is convinced if the players buy into Mourinho’s ways then things will turn around for the disjointed club.

The 3-1 defeat to West Ham has left many fans feeling as though the Portuguese manager has lost the dressing room’s faith in him.

According to Manchester Evening News, Robert said: “What Mourinho had at Chelsea and at his other previous clubs was that the players bought 100 per cent into what he was trying to do.

“There was no I don’t like what we’re doing. Even if some players didn’t like what the plan was they bought into it and did the job 100 per cent.

“At the moment at United, there are too many voices saying ‘we should be doing this, we should be doing that or I should be playing in this position’.

“That’s when you get a performance like the one at West Ham, it just looked disjointed.”

Whether Jose can turn it all around and win the players’ faith once again remains to be seen but there’s sadly no hints it will happen.

The former Chelsea boss seems as though he will lose his job any time now as Manchester United continue to spiral.

Mourinho’s squad is more or less the same to the one that managed to get over 80 points last season in order to finish in second place.

That achievement seems a distant memory now with United needing a miracle to reach the same heights as the previous campaign.

Deschamps defies Mourinho, claims Pogba is a leader

France manager Didier Deschamps has insisted Manchester United star Paul Pogba is a leader after being stripped away from the vice-captain post by Jose Mourinho.

The midfielder has worn the captain’s armband multiple times so far this season but will no longer be considered for it when Antonio Valencia isn’t on the field.

The Ecuadorian was named captain due to his longevity at United as well as due to his seniority over the other players.

Deschamps though is clearly confused over why Pogba is no longer being considered given how he was a leader for France over the summer.

Many fans point to the former Juventus man’s feud with Mourinho as the reason for the captaincy being stripped away from him.

According to the Daily Mail, Didier said: “He has taken many things upon himself. He has been a leader. Each time he had to talk and express himself it was always very positive.

“It’s the words he uses and the atmosphere and feeling that comes across. He is not the only one but he is one of the leaders who took it upon himself because the group needed it.

“On the pitch he did what needed to be done as well.”

There’s no doubt whatever personal problems between the two that are ongoing, Paul can fight for the captaincy if he wants.

The Frenchman can prove he’s a leader out on the field by performing to a high standard consistently but unfortunately he hasn’t done that so far.

Supporters aren’t too bothered with the news due to Pogba’s ongoing flirtations with Barcelona over a potential move.

Fans feel he’s disrespected the club and not just the manager with some even calling for him to be sold.

Chelsea and Real Madrid will battle to sign World Cup winner

Liverpool may have pulled out of a deal to sign Nabil Fekir from Lyon in the summer, but other top clubs across Europe are reportedly still interested in the Frenchman.

The Reds’ pursuit of Fekir was well-documented throughout the summer transfer window, with extensive negotiations held with Lyon.

It was believed that Jurgen Klopp’s men were on the verge of completing the signing of the France international, with the player keen to join. However, Liverpool apparently pulled the plug after Fekir’s knee problems allegedly affected his medical examinations ahead of the move.

This appeared to signal the end of Liverpool’s pursuit. Nevertheless, it does not appear to have put other clubs off a move for Fekir, with recent reports indicating that Real Madrid and Chelsea are keen.

According to a report from L’Equipe, as cited by TEAMtalk, Real’s interested has not waned despite Fekir’s well-documented record of injuries.

Chelsea, too, were linked with a move for the playmaker during the summer transfer window but no concrete move was made, as Fekir decided to stay put at Lyon.

The transfer saga involving Fekir does not appear to be over just yet, but potential suitors will need to part with a mammoth sum of €75 million if they are to convince Lyon to sell, according to the report.

The post Chelsea rekindle interest in Nabil Fekir appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Has Chelsea legend Terry finally made a decision on his future?

Chelsea legend John Terry is still without a club following his departure from Aston Villa at the end of the season.

The experienced defender opted against renewing his deal at the club and decided to seek pastures new. However, he has yet to decide on where his next destination will be, prompting speculation.

Terry appeared to be all but set to complete a switch to Spartak Moscow earlier on this month. However, the defender pulled the plug on his proposed move to Russia, adding yet more scrutiny surrounding his future.

Villa are believed to still be keen on completing a deal for Terry, with Steve Bruce out to add further quality and experience to his defensive ranks.

Terry’s future remains uncertain, though, and speculation has once again surfaced this evening with the former England captain being pictured with supporters prior to Spartak Moscow’s defeat to Rostov.

Twitter: Он приехал! Джон Терри посетил @otkritiearena!

#СпартакРостов #ДжонТерри https://t.co/9viKv1Xz9V (@fcsm_official)

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri claimed earlier this month that Terry would always be more than welcome to join him on the bench as a member of the Blues’ coaching team.

However, the defender’s recent appearance at the Russian Premier League fixture has been regarded as somewhat peculiar, following his decision to snub a move to Spartak only recently.

Has Terry had a change of heart and decided that playing for Spartak is the next step in his career? Only time will tell.

The post Chelsea legend Terry spotted with Spartak fans ahead of Rostov defeat appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Chelsea ready to break the bank to tie down key pair to new deals

Chelsea are pushing to convince Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante to put pen to paper on new respective deals at the club, according to a report from Goal.

The duo have been key players for the Blues in recent times and have started the season in fine fashion, with Hazard currently leading the way as the Premier League’s top goalscorer.

Speculation surrounding Hazard’s future in the summer continued to surface, with Real Madrid believed to have been keen on a move. However, no transfer materialised and the Belgian international stayed put at Stamford Bridge.

Kante, too, was the subject of interest from elsewhere, with reigning Ligue 1 champions PSG linked with a big-money move for the player.

With the duo having enjoyed such a strong start to the new season under Maurizio Sarri, Goal reports that plans are in places to ensure that they both commit their long-term futures to the cause in West London.

It’s stated in the report that Chelsea are willing to break the bank to secure their respective futures by offering wage packets in excess of £300,000 per week.

Sarri, also, is claimed to be playing an important part in the club’s attempts to tie down Hazard and Kante to new deals. It’s reported that the Italian boss is putting assurances in place to suggest that neither player will be of greater importance anywhere other than at Chelsea.

The Blues will be desperate to conclude negotiations with both players before the summer transfer window rolls around, with another summer of upheaval certainly unwanted.

The post Chelsea looking to secure new deals for Hazard and Kante appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Arsenal keen to overtake Chelsea in their pursuit of Serie A star

Napoli star Piotr Zielinski has emerged as a target for Arsenal, according to reports from Italy, following reports linking him with a move to Chelsea.

The Blues have been touted often as a potential destination for the Poland international, whose importance to Napoli has grown in the opening periods of the new season.

It was reported that Carlo Ancelotti’s men were planning a new deal for the midfielder, with the inclusion of a big-money buyout clause prioritised.

According to fresh claims from Italian news outlet Sport Mediaset, however,  Arsenal will target Zielinski if Aaron Ramsey does indeed depart the club in the near future.

The Wales international sees his contract at the Emirates reach its expiration date at the end of the ongoing season, indicating that Arsenal will be forced to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.

The 24-year-old is an important part of Napoli’s plans moving forward and has been an integral part of their side this season, making seven appearances in Serie A.

It seems interest is building regarding a potential transfer for Zielinski, so Chelsea may need to move quickly if they are to firm up their interest in recruiting the impressive midfielder.

The post Arsenal keen to pip Chelsea to Zielinski signing appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Moyes reveals who is to blamed for Man United mess

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes has pointed a finger at the club’s players, stating they need to stand up.

With his former side seemingly disintegrating as the season goes on, fans are split over whether the players are to blame or Jose Mourinho.

United have only picked up 10 points out of a possible 21 so far this campaign and look as though they won’t finish anywhere as closely as they did last year.

Mourinho led his players to a second placed finish but this season things have been far from inspiring but Moyes doesn’t put the blame at his feet.

The Scotsman himself lost the job at Old Trafford a few years ago and knows just what it’s like to be under the same kind of pressure.

According to the Sport Review, David said to Sky Sports: “I don’t think the manager can always take all of the flack.

“There comes a point where the players need to stand up.”

It’s true that Jose isn’t the only one to blame for the club’s failings so far this season but he’s not exempt from it either.

The more the campaign has gone on the more erratic his decisions have become such as the call to play Scott McTominay in defence against West Ham.

The majority of the fans do agree however that plenty of the players’ attitudes have been poor this season across multiple games.

Maurizio Sarri makes bold claim over Chelsea's title rivals

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is beginning to believe that his side are on a similar level to Manchester City and Liverpool as the top teams vie to achieve Premier League glory this season.

The Blues have faced the Reds on two occasions in the past week, with the first meeting coming in the Carabao Cup and the most recent coming in a blockbuster Premier League clash.

Chelsea were able to advance through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night as they came away from Anfield with an impressive 2-1 victory over their counterparts.

Sarri’s men impressed once again on Saturday when the two sides met but were unable to clinch all three points. A sensational late strike from Daniel Sturridge meant that Liverpool were able to come away with a draw from Stamford Bridge.

Speaking after the score draw on Saturday, the Italian boss assessed his side’s chances of competing for Premier League glory, admitting that Chelsea are “closer” than he thought to the levels of Liverpool and Manchester City.

As quoted by BBC Sport, Sarri delivered his verdict on Chelsea’s chances for the season:

I think City and Liverpool are a step forward of us, but I think also we are more close than I thought one week ago. I think we can fight for the Champions League.

There are six, seven top-level teams, top in Europe, not only in England. It’s not easy to get in the Champions League. We have to try to stay very close on the table with the top level teams. And we have to try to improve more.

The post Sarri feels Chelsea are on a similar level to Liverpool appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Deschamps reveals who he supports in Pogba and Mourinho feud

France manager Didier Deschamps has once again supported his player Paul Pogba in the ongoing feud with Jose Mourinho and Manchester United.

The midfielder and the Portuguese boss have continued to butt heads since the start of the season in particular with it seemingly affecting the team’s performances.

United have just 10 points out of a possible 21 so far having only played one difficult opponent on paper in Tottenham.

Deschamps believes Pogba isn’t to blame for the team’s overall performances and that the collective aren’t playing well either.

The former Juventus man was part of the team that lost 3-1 to West Ham on Saturday and was hauled off in favour of Fred in the second half.

According to the Daily Mail, Didier said to the Observer: “For Paul it depends not only on him but also the team he is in, the collective way of playing.

“It is not a case of one player who makes the team win.”

It’s no surprise that Deschamps was going to protect one of his players over Mourinho but it doesn’t exactly help relationships.

Manchester United may be tempted to think twice in regards to how they deal with the France backroom staff in the future.

It’s unlikely anything as drastic as holding Pogba back from international duty will happen but perhaps they can prefer to deal with injuries themselves rather than trust the international set-up.

Nonetheless, Didier didn’t need to stoke the fire even further, particularly since he already protected Paul earlier this season.

Man United legend launches defence of Mourinho in Pogba war

Treble-winning former-Manchester United striker has launched a defence of current manager Jose Mourinho in the face of major criticism from a variety of people.

The Portuguese boss has seen his side begin the season in nightmare fashion. The Reds have lost three of their opening seven fixtures. It’s the worst start a Man United side has ever made to a Premier League season, since the competition’s inception in 1992. David Moyes’ team in the 2013/14 campaign was equally as bad, and the Scot was sacked by April.

Mourinho took part in a subtle war with the club’s board in the summer, demanding more transfer activity. As the season has unfolded, he’s also been at war with star midfielder Paul Pogba. The Frenchman flirted intermittently with FC Barcelona in the summer, and an exit looks likely. Mourinho removed Pogba of the vice-captaincy last Tuesday after comments made about United’s style of play.

Sheringham has backed Mourinho strongly against Pogba and placed huge blame upon the midfielder instead.
He told the Weekend Sports Breakfast

“It’s a real problem he’s got here with Paul Pogba. I don’t like his demeanour from a distance,” Sheringham told talkSPORT.

“I’ve never met the man but he just doesn’t strike me as captain material, that he’s a leader in the right manner.

“If you look back in our day with Roy Keane he was very hard, workmanlike and led the way you would like your leader to.

“Pogba doesn’t give off that same air for me and that causes problems in the ranks.

“I don’t think he’s doing it how Mourinho wants him to lead.”

Sheringham backed Mourinho as the real leader and told the Portuguese that he should drop Pogba from the side.

“He [Mourinho] is the leader, he is the main man,” the former-England man continued. “There was the thing the other day where he said that ‘on the way out of the office make sure you look at the letters up there and it says manager. I am the manager and I am in charge.”

“I feel if he is not going to make him [Pogba] captain, or vice-captain, I don’t think he should be playing either, at the moment, I think he has got to set out his stall and say, ‘you sort your own mind out that you are playing underneath me and then you can come and play in my team again.’ Until he does that he shouldn’t be playing.”

Mourinho cannot afford to drop Pogba. Even though the player’s behaviour hasn’t been ideal, and everyone accepts that he can perform better, he’s still United’s best outfield player. An underperforming Pogba is better than most other midfielders in the world.

Video: Selfless Luke Shaw makes a Man United fan's day just after loss to West Ham

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw has been praised for his selfless actions in the aftermath of the club’s humiliating 3-1 loss to West Ham United at the weekend.

Despite the heavy defeat to a side who came into Saturday lunchtime’s game in the relegation zone, Shaw was one of only a few players to properly go over to Man United’s travelling support and thank those who had made their way down to London for the game.

With it being a 12:30PM kick-off, many United had had to get up in the silly hours of the morning to make it to the game from Manchester. Shaw showed his thanks, and made one young girl’s day by giving her his shirt.

Shaw’s gesture was certainly appreciated by the United away fans, who had very little to cheer about at the London Stadium. The Reds haven’t seen much go their way already this season, and there’s a wholly negative mood at the club.

Small actions like Shaw’s ensures the relationship between the players and the fans remains good, and it’s great to see him showing his appreciation.

The England left-back has had a good season and is finally the first-choice in his position at United after struggling in Jose Mourinho’s first two campaigns at the club. He’s now rightly earning the plaudits for his displays.

Pundit backs Mourinho to be sacked soon by Man United

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has backed Jose Mourinho to be sacked as Manchester United manager soon.

The former-Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United striker, the highest goalscorer ever in the Premier League, believes Mourinho has created an unsalvageable situation for himself at Man United.

Mourinho’s United have lost three of their opening seven fixtures of the league season, making it their worst start to a campaign since the advent of the competition in 1992. Only David Moyes’ United have begun a season as badly as this current United side, and the Scot was sacked after eight months of the season, which was his first at the club.

Shearer thinks Mourinho will be on his way out of Old Trafford soon as one crisis is followed by another and another at United.

“I think Mourinho will lose his job. I can’t see him turning it around,” Shearer said, according to the Manchester Evening News.

“They were hopeless from start to finish. Too slow, lethargic and very weak.”

The BBC Sport pundit was speaking after United’s 3-1 loss to West Ham at the London Stadium. Mourinho was helpless on the touchline, as he was in defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion, Tottenham Hotspur and Derby County.

Many think Mourinho has lost his touch. The ‘Special One’ is said to no longer be ‘special’. That much is now clear. But whether no-longer-special-Mourinho can still lead United is the question.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will have to make that decision soon if this form carries on. United finished 19 points behind rivals and champions Manchester City last season. Going at their respective current rates, that gap would be recreated by as soon as December 4th this season.

Man United must stop publicising their internal wars, insists Rio Ferdinand

Ex-defender Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Manchester United must stop leaking internal problems to the media if they are to have any success as a team.

The Englishman was a model professional in the latter years of his Man United career and was part of the most successful era in the club’s history. United won five Premier League titles out of seven seasons at one point in Ferdinand’s time, and also reached three UEFA Champions League finals during that period.

It was a time of dedication, commitment, quality and teamwork. It is a time that seems so far removed from today. Manager Jose Mourinho is now embroiled in a battle with the club’s owners, as well as with star midfielder Paul Pogba. Other internal issues have been constantly document in the press over the last few years, whether it’s been between Louis van Gaal and his players not reading his emails or Mourinho and Pogba.

Ferdinand insisted all these issues must be kept inside the club to keep an air of professionalism and respect.

“What we saw on the training pitch the other day, I didn’t experience that when we were playing,” Ferdinand said.

“You deal with things like that in the training ground, far too many things are coming out the training ground and United fans aren’t used to that.”

“The club is more important than anyone, not just the players, the manager as well. They have to always bear in mind the club has to be respected at every moment.”

“The manager knows the camera is there. We’ve been in changing rooms where there’s been fights. You come outside, you know the cameras are there, you shut up and get on with it.”

Both manager and players are not currently respecting the club’s values. However, the board appear to have no desire to continue the club’s values. In 2014, they sacked David Moyes after just eight months as manager. In 2016, reports leaked that the club were to appoint Mourinho as van Gaal’s successor as the Dutchman was walking up to lift the FA Cup for United.

No one inside the club has control over it and it’s a mess throughout. Paul Scholes described it as a “war”. It must be sorted out, but there seems no desire to make things right.

Man United will never win the title with current shambolic defence, claims Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes has cited Manchester United’s defence as one cause for the club’s terrible start to the season.

No Man United team has kicked off a season in worse fashion since the advent of the Premier League in 1992. Only David Moyes’ side equalled the record of Jose Mourinho’s side, who have lost thrice in the first seven games and won only three fixtures.

The style of play has been dull, the attitude wrong and few chances are being created. Scholes thinks United have great quality in their side, apart from in defence.

“I think there are, in the squad, a lot of very good, talented players,” Scholes said on BT Sport.

“But then you look at the back four that finished the game [against West Ham]. Ashley Young, a left-winger/right-winger, playing at right-back. Scott McTominay: young players. Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw.

“That is not a back four that is going to get you anywhere near winning the league.

“We ask are they good enough to challenge at the top of the league? No, they’re not, because there’s so many teams who are better than them.”

The former-United midfielder was speaking in the aftermath of Saturday lunchtime’s torrid 3-1 loss to West Ham, who came into the game sitting in 18th in the Premier League table.

While there are other issues with United, many stem from a weak defence. Mourinho’s anger at the board is because they refused to sign his defensive targets before the end of the transfer window. He reportedly wanted to bring in one of Toby Alderweireld or Harry Maguire but the pair were labelled too old and too expensive respectively.

The Reds’ inability to build chances consistently comes from the defence being terrible on the ball. Midfielders like Paul Pogba have to drop back to receive the ball, slowing United’s whole game now.

The most obvious problem with the defence is that it simply lacks quality, as Scholes says. The centre-backs are exposed on a weekly basis. No side can challenge for the title with Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof, especially a Mourinho side because the Portuguese needs a solid back line to allow the best to come out of his team in attack.

Former Man United man warns of anarchy if this happens

Steve Bruce has warned his former club Manchester United and potentially Jose Mourinho that there could be anarchy if things are allowed to become a ‘free-for-all’.

Matters have continued to go from bad to worse for the Portuguese manager and his players as they experience a terrible start to the season.

Only seven games have been played but United are already stuck in mid-table and are nine points away from the league leaders.

Bruce is concerned the current struggle for power could make their current situation permanent and believes someone needs to be held accountable.

Fans are split over whether Mourinho, Paul Pogba, Ed Woodward or even the players are to blame for the ongoing mess.

According to Sports Mole, Steve said: “Let’s not kid ourselves, to a certain degree, player-power has always been there but there has to be respect between any player and manager.

“I worked under the master, Sir Alex Ferguson. He had that respect. As ­players, we didn’t always like it – but we respected him.

“And if that relationship doesn’t exist any more… well, the lunatics will be running the asylum.

“It becomes a ­free-for-all. One person has to be ­accountable because, if that’s not the case, I can guarantee that the club – and that’s any club, not just ­Manchester United – will have ­problems. It could be anarchy.”

This is where the board or Ed Woodward come in and where their decision making really is key.

They have the choice to back the manager no matter what to avoid a power struggle or they have the choice of getting rid of Mourinho since the results have been poor.

Fans are concerned the way the season has gone so far that it could be similar to Chelsea’s disappointing campaign a few years back when he left them just a single point away from relegation by December.

Chelsea star explains strong start to the season

Chelsea defender David Luiz has heaped praise on manager Maurizio Sarri, claiming the Italian’s positive approach has been a key reason for the Blues’ strong start to the season, the Evening Standard report.

The former banker has impressed since taking over from former boss Antonio Conte, guiding the Blues to third in the Premier League from the opening seven games, without tasting defeat.

Luiz, who featured heavily in Chelsea’s 2016-17 title winning campaign, has also enjoyed a solid run in the side after falling out of favour with Conte, playing every minute for the Blues in the league so far.

Talking to Chelsea TV, Luiz was full of praise for his manager, admitting he is enjoying playing under the 59-year-old.

Sarri is giving us a lot of happiness to play football. We are trying to enjoy. He gives us a lot of confidence. He shows us what he wants. He gives us the details about the game. He works hard in every situation. And also as a human he’s a fantastic person.

Every single day he says to us ‘you have the best job in the world, so you have to enjoy’. You have to try to do this with a big smile. Many people in the world don’t have this privilege.

Luiz was also quick to mention Eden Hazard’s influence on the current Chelsea side, with the Belgian scoring in the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Saturday evening.

When asked about Hazard, Luiz said:

He’s one of the best for sure. What he is doing is great. I am so happy for him. He’s a big friend and a big player, and he had another amazing game. He is doing better and better every week.

The post David Luiz heaps praise on ‘positive’ Maurizio Sarri appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Chelsea preparing Hazard offer

Chelsea are preparing a move for 15-year-old Ethan Hazard – the brother of Eden Hazard.

According to The Mirror, via the BBC, Chelsea are keeping their eye on Ethan Hazard and considering an approach for the attacking midfielder.

Hazard currently played for AFC Tubize in Belgium, where he has been dubbed as an up and coming talent.

Chelsea signed two of Eden Hazard’s brothers in the past, when they brought in Kylian Hazard and Thorgan Hazard.

Kylian is still a Chelsea player, out on loan to Cercle Brugge in Belgium, meanwhile Thorgan left Chelsea in 2015 to join Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Eden Hazard has been in form for Chelsea this season, with seven goals in his last six starts.

The forward scored against Liverpool at the weekend as they held the Reds to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge – with former Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge scoring for Liverpool.

The post Chelsea eyeing move for Ethan Hazard appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Man United dismiss reports of Zidane talks as “nonsense” - report

Manchester United have strongly dismissed reports that they have spoken with former-Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane about taking over from Jose Mourinho at the club.

ESPN FC and the Telegraph are two of a number of outlets reporting that Man United have told them in no uncertain terms that they have not contacted Zidane.

beIN Sports suggested as such in the aftermath of United’s third loss of the season in eight games. Despite a second-half goal from substitute Marcus Rashford, United were humiliated at the London Stadium on Saturday lunchtime in a 3-1 loss to West Ham, who started the game in the relegation zone.

Jose Mourinho hasn’t led his side to victory in the last three games, the second terrible run of form for the Reds this season. Hope has already been lost for the 2018/19 campaign, which is astonishing given the Premier League season is only seven games young.

United are already nine points behind rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, and seven behind Chelsea. Mourinho has also seen his side crash out of the League Cup on penalties to Championship side Derby County, managed by Frank Lampard.

Zidane, meanwhile, has been out of work since resigning as Real Madrid manager at the end of last season, when he won his third consecutive UEFA Champions League. The Frenchman has won the tournament in every season he’s been a manager of a top flight side.

United have dismissed reports that Zidane is replacing Mourinho as “nonsense”. It’s entirely unsurprising that United have responded in such a manner, but they also did so when they were lining up Mourinho himself to replace Louis van Gaal, even when the Dutchman had just lifted the FA Cup with United.

The club hardly acted in a loyal and honourable manner with the Mourinho-van Gaal situation, but now United fans will want a swift resolution if Mourinho is going to be sacked.

Shocking statistic emerges from Man United's disappointing loss to West Ham

Manchester United fans have plenty to worry about after their disappointing loss to West Ham on Saturday afternoon with some shocking statistics being revealed.

Unfortunately for Jose Mourinho the defeat wasn’t a slight hiccup in an otherwise perfect season as it’s proven to be quite the opposite.

If anything the match against the Hammers was the culmination of everything that’s gone wrong for United so far this campaign.

Mourinho’s bizarre decisions combined with the poor attitude from the players resulted in the 3-1 loss away from home.

The Red Devils were actually lucky to have even scored and maybe even more lucky to have not conceded even more.

United have conceded 12 goals in 7 games in the Premier League this season. It took United until December 17th to concede 7 league goals last season. #mufc [BT]

— United Xtra (@utdxtra) September 29, 2018

Manchester United’s defence has pretty much remained the same to the previous season so there’s no real excuse for the increase in numbers.

Perhaps it does come down to the players attitudes because Mourinho has made an attempt to protect his defence even more.

The former Chelsea man switched from a 4-2-3-1 formation to a 4-3-3 one as well as occasionally playing a five man back line yet the goals continue to leak in.

Jose’s not so confidence boosting comments about his centre-backs could also have made an impact as they’ve become more error prone than usual.

Chelsea set to swoop to sign Belgian forward

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Ethan Hazard, the younger brother of Eden, from Belgian club AFC Tubize, as per a report in The Mirror.

The 15-year-old is the fourth Hazard brother to make his way into professional football after Eden, Thorgan and Kylian.

The attacking midfielder could be the fourth of the Hazard brothers to have been on Chelsea’s  books.

Superstar Eden and 23-year-old Kylian are still at the club, whilst Thorgan spent three years on the books of Chelsea, before joining Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach.

Both Eden and Thorgan have gone on to become full Belgian internationals, whilst Kylian will hope to impress observers during his loan spell with Cercle Brugge as he too looks to earn a call up.

Chelsea’s policy of looking to buying the best young players in Europe will continue and with that in mind (plus the fact that they seemingly like to sign members of the Hazard family!), it will be surprised if the club sign up Ethan in the very near future.

The post Chelsea join race to sign Eden Hazard’s teenage brother appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Huge worry for Chelsea as star reveals that he is keen to move to Real Madrid

Eden Hazard has confirmed speculation of his desire to leave Chelsea for a “dream” move to Spain during the last summer transfer window but he insists that he remains happy at Stamford Bridge.

It was a fairly successful summer for Hazard – netting the winning goal in the FA Cup Final against Manchester United and helping Belgium to third place at the World Cup in Russia – which made high-profile interest almost inevitable.

Ahead of Chelsea’s second clash against Liverpool in the space of four days, the electric winger sat down with BT Sport for an honest interview.

I will tell you the truth. After the World Cup I wanted to leave because my dream is to play in Spain. Then I spoke to the board and the manager and I said “I can stay no problem.” The new manager has come in and we are enjoying playing with him and I’m happy I stayed. I’ve got three years on my contract left.

Yes [I can spend the rest of my career at Chelsea] for sure, but also the possibility is that I can leave also. I love the club, the fans, the city and my team-mates, I think, love me so it’s easy to stay. But if I leave or if I stay I will be happy. This club is now part of my life so we will see.

After netting terrific goals in both meetings with Liverpool this week, the 27-year-old is widely considered to be one of the most in-form players in Europe and will be a key component to Sarri’s side if they are to challenge for the Premier League title this season.

You wouldn’t be mad to put money on Hazard departing West London at the end of the current campaign, but there’s no doubt he’ll continue to perform for Chelsea until that time comes.

The post Eden Hazard admits wanting to leave Chelsea in the summer appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho makes baffling comment after defeat to West Ham

Jose Mourinho stressed that he could not fault the attitude of his players following Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham United.

Man United started awfully, inviting pressure with their back three and conceding with just six minutes on the block before falling 2-0 down before half time.

They produced something of a response in the second half, with Marcus Rashford pulling one back, but soon after let Marko Arnautovic walk through and score.

Speaking after the game, Mourinho refused to fault the attitude of his players at the Olympic Stadium.

Mourinho, "I have no complaints about the player's attitude. Snodgrass came to the pitch with an incredible attitude, you need that genuine humility."

— Chris Winterburn (@cmwinterburn) September 29, 2018

This was not a performance as lifeless as the Brighton defeat. There was, at the very least, a tangible attempt to get back in the game. But this idea of attitude, of not throwing in the towel, which Mourinho seems to be obsessed with misses the point entirely.

United’s tempo was, for a start, even worse than usual. The system used was cowardly, invited pressure from the hosts and caused greater dysfunction through the middle. Paul Pogba, you could see, was furious.

Attitude is not the problem here. That United are being constantly outplayed by lesser teams and conceding three goals a game is what Mourinho should be really worrying about.

There’s a war running throughout Manchester United at the moment, claims Paul Scholes

Manchester United are club with an internal “war” stretching right through them at the moment, according to ex-midfielder Paul Scholes.

The club legend, now a BT Sport pundit, was dismayed by Man United’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham on Saturday lunchtime. It signalled the worst start to a Premier League season in United’s history.

Scholes believes there are mini-wars going on between a number of individuals at Old Trafford. Manager Jose Mourinho seemingly challenged the club’s board during the summer after inactivity in the transfer market. Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward, who is in charge of transfers, failed to bring in a centre-back or a right-winger as Mourinho has requested.

Meanwhile, Mourinho is now fighting with star midfielder Paul Pogba, who has often underperformed since his £89 million move to the club in 2016. But at the same time, he’s United’s best outfield player.

“At the minute, this club seems to be in a bit of a mess,” Scholes told BT Sport.

“It seems like a war right throughout the club. It’s from Woodward to Mourinho and Mourinho to his players. The players look unstable.”

Few people have labelled it in such a way so far, but Scholes is accurate in what he says. United is a club in turmoil at the moment. The in-fighting is ridiculous and runs right throughout the club, from the players, the coaches and the board.

It’s a disgrace that there is no one to reduce the tension at the club and sort out any problems between manager and players or manager and the board. A Director of Football is a possible solution, but the key issue is that United is a club run by a group of non-football people who are actually bankers and accountants looking to make money.

Shearer makes huge claim about Mourinho's future at Man United

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is set to lose his job according to Alan Shearer who’s convinced there’s no turning it around.

In the Portuguese’s third season at the club his side are falling apart fast with the Premier League campaign only just begun.

United are already far behind in terms of challenging for the title and unfortunately qualifying for Champions League football would be considered a good end to the season.

Shearer though believes that Mourinho won’t even be given the opportunity to try to achieve the bare minimum.

It certainly seems as though that prediction is likely to happen, particularly since the Red Devils lost 3-1 against West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

Shearer: “I think Mourinho will lose his job. I can’t see him turning it around. They were hopeless from start to finish. Too slow, lethargic and very weak.” #mufc [MEN]

— United Xtra (@utdxtra) September 29, 2018

It’s spot on from Alan in terms of their performance against the Hammers and something has to change if Jose has any hopes of hanging on to his job.

Even the most dedicated of his supporters have started to lose faith in him and it would show true world class managerial ability if he managed to turn such a hopeless situation around.

The question now is who do Manchester United turn to if they move Mourinho on as there aren’t too many proven options to pick from.

Jose Mourinho picks out one Man United star he was impressed with in 3-1 loss to West Ham

Jose Mourinho has hailed young Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay for his performance in the club’s humiliating 3-1 defeat against West Ham United.

Even though McTominay was guilty of losing Felipe Anderson for the opening goal in the fifth minute of Saturday lunchtime’s game, Mourinho praised the Scot.

The midfielder was played on the right of a three-man defence by Mourinho in an odd move that completely backfired for the Man United manager, who saw his side look dismal throughout the game.

McTominay wasn’t the worst in a United shirt at the London Stadium, but quite why Mourinho has singled him out for praise when no player in ‘pink’ deserved anything but criticism is unknown.

“He was the best,” Mourinho said when asked about McTominay’s performance on BT Sport.

“He had a fantastic attitude. He’s aggressive, he’s brave and he has something that we thought was important for us which is quality on the ball.

“He knows how to play football, he is technically good, he can bring the ball into offensive areas. I’m really happy with the job the kid did.”

It’s positive that Mourinho is giving some credit to young academy graduates at United. But it feels as if he’s saying such comments for other reasons.

The attitude at United stinks of selfishness, from players to manager to the board.

Chelsea draw Frank Lampard’s Derby county in Carabao Cup

Chelsea have been drawn again Frank Lampard’s Derby County in the Carabao Cup.

The matchup will see Frank Lampard return to Stamford Bridge with his Derby County side. Derby beat Man United in the previous round, whilst Chelsea beat Liverpool.

The matchup will take place in the week commencing the 29th October.

The post Chelsea draw Frank Lampard’s Derby county in Carabao Cup appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho sends scathing message to Alexis Sanchez

Jose Mourinho noted after Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham United that Alexis Sanchez had not been playing well enough to merit a place in the starting XI.

The Chilean, who only has three goals for Man United since joining in January, produced perhaps his worst performance of them all against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

Anthony Martial took his place in the starting XI against West Ham and, although far from perfect, felt like an upgrade on the beleaguered former Arsenal man.

Speaking after the game, Mourinho noted that, this week, it was time for Martial to get the nod ahead of Sanchez.

Mourinho, "Look for how many months are people asking for Martial, Martial, Martial and saying how Alexis isn't play well enough. This week it was time to agree and leave Alexis out."

— Chris Winterburn (@cmwinterburn) September 29, 2018

The boss went on to say he wanted to play Martial but nonetheless criticised the Frenchman for failing to properly observe his defensive duties.

Mourinho: “I want to play Martial. Something that you are asking for a long, long, long time to play Martial, I left Alexis out, and I think that Martial is not a player very, very, very focused on his defensive duties.” #mufc [MEN]

— United Xtra (@utdxtra) September 29, 2018

Mourinho is entering the realm of madness, where almost everything he says – marked up against the results on the pitch – seems ludicrous.

The 55-year-old put Martial up front to create space for Lukaku and, more than anything, inject the spark Sanchez had failed to provide. Martial, you hope, was not on the pitch to defend and keep a good shape.

Surely anybody can realise that emphasis needs to be on how Mourinho’s team attacks and uses the ball. At the moment, even Championship teams are doing it better than United.

Chelsea player ratings: Liverpool (H)

A late Daniel Sturridge wonder strike denied Chelsea their second win over Liverpool in the space of four days, as the sides played out an end to end attacking match at Stamford Bridge.

A frenetic first-half saw both sides create chances, with Liverpool arguably in the ascendancy on that front, but whilst Mohammed Salah spurned his chance to score Hazard needed just one invitation to give Chelsea the lead, latching onto a Mateo Kovacic through ball to fire past Allison from inside the area. Salah and Liverpool’s best opportunity came when the Egyptian rounded Kepa Arrizabalaga, only to see his shot cleared off the line by Antonio Rudiger.

In the second half, the game became fractured, with just fractions coming between a Liverpool equaliser and a two-goal Chelsea lead, Xherdan Shaqiri and Hazard both coming within inches of scoring for their respective sides. In reversing fortunes to Wednesday nights dramatic encounter, Liverpool were the team to pop up with a superb late goal, however, with Daniel Sturridge – who scored a similarly sublime goal against the Blues in the Carabao Cup, picking out the top right hand corner of the net sumptuously in the 89th minute of the game.

Liverpool have now surrendered their lead at the top of the Premier League table, but with Manchester City winning Chelsea have some catching up to do if they’re to challenge for the title.

The post Chelsea player ratings: Liverpool (H) appeared first on Read Chelsea.

Man United fans react to Pogba's performance vs West Ham

Manchester United fans were certainly concerned with Paul Pogba’s performance in the dire loss to West Ham.

The Frenchman started the fixture and unfortunately couldn’t lead his side to a win.

United dropped all three points away from home in the 3-1 loss but it wasn’t Pogba who was all to blame.

Many of the players weren’t up to grade but the midfielder was also responsible for some passages of play.

It was an opportunity for him to prove to Jose Mourinho he is captain material but he couldn’t take advantage.

Paul Pogba for France vs Paul Pogba for Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/aQyvaUbJh0

— DaddyMO (@officialdaddymo) September 29, 2018

Pogba playing shit to get mourinho the sack is funny but it will be pogba that goes. He’s only ruining his signing on fee

— DAN DAN DAN DAN DAN DAN DAN (@dankthemanc) September 29, 2018

Aye @paulpogba this is your fault

— Ravishing Rick Rude (@BLACK_GATSBY) September 29, 2018

This is exactly the way Chelsea played when Mourihno lost the dressing room. Pogba and Martial are pathetic #WHUMUN

— fufu (@fufu91583703) September 29, 2018

It probably isn’t a good thing when the only thing your system does is get the best out of Fellaini.

Pogba, Lukaku, Martial just seem lost. It’s only when United are chasing the game and start lumping it in to Fellaini that they start to look dangerous. Not good.

— EiF (@EiFSoccer) September 29, 2018

Watching noble and pogba today was the absolute definition of the saying “ hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” #mufc #whufc

— Nathan Butterworth (@nathantoothy90) September 29, 2018

It wasn’t necessarily a terrible performance but it wasn’t a good one either with most fans looking to him to lead the way.

Things have continued to go downhill for Manchester United so there’s no surprise to hear Paul wants out.

The bad news is if he ends up staying, the midfielder would’ve already ruined his relationship with the fans.

United can’t afford to let a player of his calibre go but there’s no doubt he can’t think of himself as bigger than the club either.

People have the seen the potential he has and were reminded of it as he was outstanding for France over the summer but can he still salvage his career at Old Trafford?

Pogba is acting as mouthpiece for Man United squad with “attack, attack” comments, claims Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand believes Paul Pogba is acting as a mouthpiece for the entire Manchester United squad in the media.

The Frenchman made comments earlier this week that indicated a frustration at manager Jose Mourinho’s tactics at Old Trafford. Pogba insisted that Man United need to “attack, attack, attack” at home despite saying, “I am not the manager, I cannot say.”

It was seen as a challenge to Mourinho’s authority at the club, and certainly was a challenge to way that Mourinho sets his side up. United never take the game to teams and are far too reactive, waiting for opportunities to present themselves rather than seeking them out with a sustained spell of play with some kind of identity.

Pogba was voicing the concerns of many United fans, but Ferdinand believes he will also have been speaking for the majority of the United squad, too. The 25-year-old remains young but is one of the more senior, and definitely the most high-profile, players in the side.

“I don’t believe Pogba is on his own. I think there’s a group behind him,” Ferdinand told BT Sport ahead of United’s game against West Ham.

“I would lean towards that [Pogba acting as a mouthpiece for other players].

“If Paul Pogba is speaking out about anything, I don’t think he does it from a selfish point of view, he’s not that kind of boy. He’s doing it as a spokesperson for his team. Things like this shouldn’t get out.

“He is a man with character and personality. He wants to be the man who is talked about.”

It’s likely that a number of other United players have similar concerns to Pogba. While the midfielder insisted his words were not against Mourinho, what he was saying was telling about his attitude. United players and fans will only grow more frustrated with more defeats and shocking performances, as against West Ham on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho blames referee for “killing the game” in Man United’s 3-1 loss to West Ham

Jose Mourinho has laid a great deal of blame for Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham United upon refereeing mistakes.

After a truly woeful display from his side, Mourinho still pointed out that two of the Hammers’ goals had come after dubious decisions. Felipe Anderson gave the hosts the lead at the London Stadium after arriving from an offside position, but the linesman failed to spot that.

Later, after United had grabbed a goal back to take the score back to 2-1 through Marcus Rashford, Marko Arnautovic slipped through Man United’s defence after Pablo Zabaleta had pushed Rashford over to win the ball and start the move.

Yet West Ham were more than deserving of their victory, and the scoreline did not flatter them. United were terrible, and Mourinho used his classic deflectionary tactics by referring to those errors, as well as the second goal for West Ham, an own goal from United defender Victor Lindelof.

“I think a team that comes with that mental fragility of the [recent] bad result [in midweek against Derby], coming here and after 5 minutes is losing 1-0… it’s not the best way to start,” Mourinho told BT Sport.

“An offside goal, though. A goal that last Tuesday [in the League Cup] with the VAR wouldn’t be a goal.

“But no VAR and obviously the linesman’s mistake means it’s a goal.”

Mourinho went on to mention further mistakes from the officials in a very deliberated manner. His aim was obvious, and it’s tiresome for United fans to be bored by this response to defeats every time.

“In the first half we had a reaction, we had a good reaction,” Mourinho continued. “But an own goal makes it 2-0. We are not aggressive and intense enough to close that shot down.

“[In the] second half we took a little bit of time to react but then we did. The goalkeeper made a couple of good saves.

“[In the build-up to the third goal], there is a foul on Marcus Rashford. Zabaleta doesn’t have an attempt to play the ball. The third goal kills the game.”

It was one of a number of things that Mourinho said post-match. Yet it remains a dull point to make. Yes, the first goal was offside and the deflection off Lindelof for the second goal was unfortunate. The third goal was a contentious decision, but no United fan could possibly argue that their team deserved more from Saturday’s fixture.

[Match Highlights] Arsenal 2-0 Watford - All The Goals & Best Bits

Arsenal stole the three points against Watford after two late goals in a match they far from dominated.

—–
Team News – Player Ratings – Match Highlights
Match: Arsenal v Watford
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Kick-Off (GMT): 15:00 Sat 29 Sep
—–

It was always going to be a tough one but few expected it to be this hard.

Watford dominated the match against Arsenal at times, particularly at the start of either half.

Arsenal certainly had their chances, particularly in the latter stages of each half with Alexandre Lacazette at the centre of it.

The Frenchman looked to be having an afternoon to forget after missing a number of chances including a one-on-one opportunity against Ben Foster.

Watford had the better of the opportunities in the second 45 but Unai Emery’s substitutions certainly made the difference.

Alex Iwobi had a hand in the opening goal of the match when his squared ball bounced off Craig Cathcart and into the back of the net.

Alexandre Lacazette was closest to Cathcart for the opener but he turned provider for Mesut Ozil to make the points safe.

Here are the highlights from an entertaining match (will open in a new tab).

Man United fans react to Mourinho's decisions vs West Ham

It’s safe to say Manchester United fans were far from happy following Jose Mourinho’s decisions in the clash against West Ham.

The Portuguese boss couldn’t lead his side to a win away from home as the pressure continues to pile on his shoulders.

Mourinho’s time at United appears to be a matter of time rather than a case of if he stays or not.

Even those most supportive of him have started to turn on him as the club is on the brink of facing a season of disaster.

European football itself may be off the table let alone Champions League football and things continue to go from bad to worse.

Think this should be the end for Mourinho at United. Clear it has got so poisonous to the point of no return. The team selection was ridiculous and you can tell the players aren't there for the manager. Should just make the change this week.

— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) September 29, 2018

United have bigger problems than the manager, but he is the most immediate issue.

And the harsh truth is anyone that objectively looked at the patterns of Mourinho's career could have easily predicted this.

A lot of United fans willingly (and angrily) blinded themselves to this

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) September 29, 2018

One thing Mourinho had going for him, at least, was the defensive stability he put in place, especially at Old Trafford. That’s now gone. United are a mess at the back and he’s going as far as to putting midfielders at centre back. Every team will think they can beat Man Utd.

— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) September 29, 2018

Absolutely hurting. I’ve placed belief in Mourinho just as I placed belief in van gaal and moyes but every supporter has a breaking point. I just reached mine later than others. Abuse me all you wish but I only ever want best for a club I’ve followed since I could say ‘Cantona’.

— Anna_MUFC (@mufc_anna) September 29, 2018

I'm not worried about Mourinho. Unlike most people, I don't believe he's finished, but I do now believe he's finished with us.

— Man Like Diogo (@Dalot_Era) September 29, 2018

Thank you for every happy moment but this is goodbye pic.twitter.com/lGOw2Kxx7N

— De Gea FC (@TarekTamo) September 29, 2018

Jose definitely isn’t the sole cause of the downfall of Manchester United this season but his decisions of late have been more and more erratic.

Fans are sick of trying to justify the calls he makes as results continue to go against them.

In his third season Mourinho should be hitting his peak but just like with Louis van Gaal, his side are moving backwards instead of forwards.

There’s no longer any progression but at least this time around the Portuguese will leave a better side to his successor in comparison to the Dutchman.

[Player Ratings] Arsenal 2-0 Watford - Gunners Nick The Win With Two Late Goals

Arsenal grabbed two late goals to secure their seventh successive win against a Watford side which dominated the match.

—–
Team News – Player Ratings – Match Highlights
Match: Arsenal v Watford
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Kick-Off (GMT): 15:00 Sat 29 Sep
—–

It was always going to be a tough match against this physical, high-flying Watford team. The first twenty minutes of the match was evidence of this in what was an open match. Both teams had chances of scoring but the visitors certainly had the better of it in the early exchanges.

That changed as the match went on and the best chances fell to Alexandre Lacazette at the other end. The Frenchman scuffed his attempted chipped finish when one-on-one with Watford’s Ben Foster shortly after going down in the box in an incident which replays showed should have been a penalty.

There was another major incident late on in the half when Petr Cech went down clutching his hamstring. It looked like a clear muscle strain for the Gunners’ keeper and Bernd Leno was hurriedly brought on.

The visitors seemed to dominate the game after the break. Watford created chance after chance but either couldn’t find a way past Bernd Leno or couldn’t get them on target. There was always the feeling that Arsenal would get chances at the other end and with just ten minutes left in the match, that proved accurate.

Substitute Alex Iwobi was brought on to stretch the Watford backline and he did just that down the Gunners’ right flank. The Nigerian international put in a fine cross for Alexandre Lacazette but it was Watford’s Craig Cathcart who got the final touch as the ball found the back of the net.

Watford were shocked and Arsenal took advantage less than five minutes later. Lacazette again was at the centre of things as he burst forward down the right and squared a fine ball for Mesut Ozil. The German burst past his marker and found the bottom corner to make the game safe.

Here’s how we rate the Arsenal players:

Petr Cech – 6

No complaints about Petr Cech in his brief performance. The Czech stopper was playing relatively well and it was a shame to see him go off.

Sub: Bernd Leno (44′) – 7

Bernd Leno played well on his Premier League debut. The German had one sticky moment where he flapped at a cross but aside from that, he was solid.

 

Hector Bellerin – 5

He looked a little exposed at times defensively. Hector Bellerin didn’t have the best match of his Arsenal career.

Shkodran Mustafi – 6

He was okay. Shkodran Mustafi was solid enough but conceded a few too many free-kicks. The German made some silly challenges which only invited the opponents.

 

Rob Holding – 7

Rob Holding played well filling in for Sokratis for the most part. The Englishman was solid for the first hour or so of the match but look a little shaky in the final stages of the match.

 

Nacho Monreal – 5

It wasn’t his best performance in recent weeks. Nacho Monreal was a little stretched at the back and offered very little in attack. The Spaniard’s final ball was far from his usual standards.

 

Lucas Torreira – 6.5

He was okay. Lucas Torreira did well enough in the middle of the park without possession.

Granit Xhaka – 7.5

Granit Xhaka played well. The Swiss midfielder put in an impressive performance in midfield, particularly in possession. Xhaka was probably the best player in an Arsenal shirt today.

 

Mesut Ozil – 6.5

Much like his performance last week, Mesut Ozil didn’t see a great deal of possession during the match but stepped up in the crucial moments. The German playmaker became goalscorer, racing onto the end of a fine pass from Alexandre Lacazette.

 

Aaron Ramsey – 5

A quiet afternoon for Aaron Ramsey. The Welshman couldn’t find much possession in a congested midfield.

Sub: Alex Iwobi (63′) – 7

He made an impact. Alex Iwobi stretched the Watford backline extremely well and made the difference. He deserves a starting spot in the Premier League after this match.

 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 4

A quiet one for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabon international couldn’t really get into the match from open play and certainly not in goalscoring positions.

Sub: Danny Welbeck (77′) – 5

A quiet one from Danny Welbeck. He stretched the Watford backline well enough but didn’t see much of the ball.

Alexandre Lacazette – 6.5

He was perhaps the worst player on the pitch for the first hour byt Alexabdre Lacazette really stepped it up in the closing stages. The Frenchman had a hand in both of Arsenal’s goals and made the difference today.

Pundit accuses Man United players of not working hard against West Ham

Rio Ferdinand has slammed Manchester United players for failing to even work hard during their 3-1 defeat to West Ham United.

Jose Mourinho’s men, playing in a back three, performed pathetically in the first half, inviting pressure from the hosts, lacking any zip anywhere on the pitch, and conceding twice before the break.

Marcus Rashford‘s introduction, which saw him score his first goal of the season, marginally improved the attacking display but Man United’s flabby underbelly was exposed by Marko Arnautovic’s goal moments after the youngster had given his side a route back into the game.

Speaking after the 3-1 defeat, Ferdinand opined that United players were not even giving their all on the pitch anymore.

Ferdinand: “Part of your DNA, is hard work and effort. Today i didn’t see that. Chelsea came here last week and had 70% possession. They didn’t work hard.” #mufc [BT]

— United Xtra (@utdxtra) September 29, 2018

“As a football player, part of your DNA is hard work, effort. Today I just didn’t see that, making it difficult for them. If you come to a place like West Ham you put them under pressure, you don’t give them time on the ball. I barely saw them pass two three asses in succession, that’s criminal. I don’t see enough players working hard to say to the manager, this is my place in the team to keep. They didn’t work hard, they didn’t grind.”

You would be daft to think that United players – who have in the past played well for this club, all of them – are deliberately playing below what their lungs and hearts can offer.

When your manager has cut a miserable figure since the summer and insists you play a formation which slows your play down and invites pressure – even more so than in recent weeks – it becomes literally impossible to avoid your head dropping.

This team is playing well below its potential. The players know that. Pogba, in demanding United attacked, was speaking for the entire squad. The extra percentile of desire and energy which you need to beat teams at this level is no longer there. And that, without doubt, stems from the manager.

Pundit slams the attitude of Man United players after West Ham defeat

<!—Article Start–>Paul Scholes has questioned the Manchester United players’ attitude throughout this season after the Reds were once again humiliated in the Premier League.

A 3-1 defeat at West Ham United’s London Stadium was yet another blow to the mood at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho’s side have been terrible throughout the season but Saturday lunchtime’s showing was another level.

Marcus Rashford finished well from a corner in the second half to get Man United back in the game at 2-0, but the Reds’ woeful defence allowed the hosts to score again and secure the result just three minutes later.

It was a shambles from start to finish, and Scholes put that down to the United players’ poor attitude.

“It was probably as bad as you’ll see from a United team for quite some time,” Scholes said.

“The attitude has to be questioned again. The hunger, desire for the game to get against people just wasn’t there.

“Effort is the first thing you expect from a Manchester United players. They’re not showing that they’re good enough.”

Scholes is absolutely right. There was no movement when United’s midfield picked up the ball. Paul Pogba, in particular, was seen looking frustrated as he had no options to play the ball to.

United were so static in possession, and hardly put pressure on West Ham when out of possession. It was a shocking performance and the blame lies with manager Mourinho as well as the players. The start to this season is now as bad as the start to United’s season under David Moyes.

Player ratings: Another embarrassing performance from Man United

David de Gea 5 – Could not be blamed for West Ham’s opening two goals but should have been more dominant for Marko Arnautovic’s goal. Conceded three times once again.

Ashley Young 6 – Probably posed the biggest threat for Manchester United when they were playing with three at the back. Got into good positions out wide and sent in some dangerous crosses. Set pieces were poor.

Scott McTominay 5 – Clearly out of place in a back three and at fault for West Ham’s opener and third goal, although you can hardly blame someone for playing in a position which doesn’t suit them.

Chris Smalling 5 – Marshalled the defence throughout the game but his terrible positioning for two of West Ham’s goals cannot be ignored.

Victor Lindelof 5 – Never looked at ease with the game and saw the ball fly off him for West Ham’s equaliser. Came off for Marcus Rashford early in the second half and went straight down the tunnel.

Luke Shaw 6 – Another decent showing from Shaw. Positioning was poor for West Ham’s first goal but maintained a good level of commitment throughout, showing a determination to get forward.

Nemanja Matic 5 – Once again looked off the pace. Jose Mourinho’s decision to start him once again having played against Derby County was baffling.

Marouane Fellaini 5 – Had a completely anonymous first half but as United played more direct towards the end he posed more of a threat. Nonetheless lacked precision in the final third.

Paul Pogba 5 – Another painfully frustrating day for the Frenchman, who could offer nothing with the entire United team playing at a snail’s pace, the movement up front non-existent. Looked furious throughout the game.

Anthony Martial 6 – Could have been tidier on the ball at times but his ambition and cut-throat running was on show once again. Certainly better than what Alexis Sanchez has been offering.

Romelu Lukaku 5 – Completely anonymous aside from hitting the post in the first half. Failed to meaningfully hold up play or make his presence felt in the box.

Substitutes

Marcus Rashford 7 – Came on and, at the very least, injected some life into this rotting corpse of a performance from United, scoring a well-taken goal from a corner and running hard down each flank.

Man United fans react to team performance vs West Ham

Manchester United fans are quickly losing their patience with their side, clearly showing their disappointment with the team.

Jose Mourinho’s men found themselves 2-0 down at half-time against West Ham and had no one to blame but themselves.

United had the opportunity of putting behind them the recent poor form as well as all the noise surrounding Paul Pogba and his manager’s relationship.

Unfortunately there’s now even more pressure on the club as things go from bad to worse at a frightening pace.

Supporters are right to be concerned that it’s all a replication of Mourinho’s shocking season with Chelsea a few campaigns ago.

Pay Mourinho his money and he can do one @ManUtd

— Totally Man Utd (@TotallyMUFC) September 29, 2018

West Ham playing more organized than Manchester united. What is happening??#MUFC pic.twitter.com/61QaFK7rIU

— J A C K .. (@Agollajack) September 29, 2018

Not convinced they do anything in training. #MUFC

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) September 29, 2018

Jose has lost the dressing room, alienated influential players. He can't get the best out of anyone just look at Sanchez, Lukaku and Pogba! And every game changes his tactics so the players don't have a clue what they are doing.

He need to go.#MUFC #WHUMUN

— Kieran Stockton (@KieranStockton) September 29, 2018

It’s over. Mourinho knows it. The players know it. The fans know it. It’s only the ridiculous board that doesn’t.

— Jaydn (@JaydnMUFC) September 29, 2018

Imagine having 7 at the back & being 2-0 down at HT we deserve all of the banter that comes our way today #mufc

— Rants N Bants (@rantsnbants) September 29, 2018

Even those who wished for Jose to succeed at Old Trafford are starting to turn on him, hoping to see him out as soon as possible.

It’s difficult to continue supporting the manager as things continue to fall apart all around him with him hardly being absolved of blame.

There are certainly plenty of factors to do with the Red Devils’ failures but Mourinho holds his fair share as well.

Fans are hoping the rot can be stopped as soon as possible as they risk losing out on European football entirely next season let alone challenging for the title.

[Confirmed Lineups] Arsenal v Watford - Ramsey Starts Despite Transfer Rumours

Unai Emery has confirmed the starting lineup for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Watford at the Emirates.

—–
Team News – Player Ratings – Match Highlights
Match: Arsenal v Watford
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Kick-Off (GMT): 15:00 Sat 29 Sep
—–

It’s another Premier League clash for Arsenal as the Gunners look to continue their fine run of form.

Unai Emery’s men have won their last six matches in all competitions and will be looking to continue that against Watford.

The big Arsenal news this week was surrounding Aaron Ramsey and his decision not to renew his contract at the Emirates.

Many had expected the Welshman to be dropped from the squad but it seems as if that will not be the case.

Ramsey starts in the centre of midfield for an Arsenal team which looks pretty much at full strength.

Here’s how the two teams line up:

Arsenal

Petr Cech

Hector Bellerin

Shkodran Mustafi

Sokratis Papastathopoulos

Nacho Monreal

Lucas Torreira

Granit Xhaka

Mesut Ozil

Aaron Ramsey

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Alexandre Lacazette

Subs: Leno, Lichtsteiner, Kolasinac, Guendouzi, Iwobi, Mkhitaryan, Welbeck