FOOTBALL

EPL: Toothless United held by Newcastle

Published

3 years ago

December 28, 2021

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Manchester United fans were hoping to see a rejuvenated Red Devils side following a lengthy covid-induced break.

But, Ralph Rangnick’s men looked rusty in action and would deem themselves lucky to come back with a point from St. James Park.

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe had covid concerns as well, since he only had eight substitute players at his disposal, including two goalkeepers.

But, he had his strongest starting XI available, which gave United a run for their money.

The hosts started on the front foot and reaped their reward soon.

Defensive error costs United

Allan Saint-Maximin, who was perhaps determined to prove his worth following some vague criticisms from his manager, had no trouble shrugging off three red shirts, including that of Harry Maguire’s, to fire the ball into the net.

Raphael Varane would not be keen to watch the replay of that goal, as the move started when he poorly lost possession to Sean Longstaff and the 24-year-old released Maximin to wreak havoc.

Manchester United saw a lot of the ball, but they rarely threatened the Newcastle backline.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood, and Marcus Rashford cut three alienated figures throughout the first half, devoid of any chemistry whatsoever.

Jonjo Shelvey made a fantastic run penetrating the midfield and launched a fantastic strike towards the United goal.

David de Gea, who would make a few more crucial saves in the night appearing as United’s saving grace, had to make sure the ball stayed out of the post and the visitor’s deficit remained the same.

Rangnick stormed down the tunnel after the first half whistle, knowing he needed to make some changes to bore through the resolute United defence.

Apart from Saint-Maximin, Joelington stole the show for the Magpies in the first half as the Brazilian lined up as a midfielder alongside Shelvey, rather than leading the line.

Joelinton. Sensational. 👏🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/ZTgZvZQwNH
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 27, 2021

With the defensive cover of Shelvey, Joelington patrolled the midfield with authority, cutting down opposition passing lanes, and probing the United defence with splitting passes.

Rangnick makes changes

Edinson Cavani and Jadon Sancho entered the fray to change the dynamics of the game, and they did make United a bit more formidable going forward.

🔃 A double change at the break for United.#MUFC | #NEWMUN pic.twitter.com/y8WYrUDKli
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 27, 2021

Cavani squandered two good chances as he couldn’t keep his efforts on target from a Bruno Fernandes cross and a Sancho cutback.

Ronaldo, who was lucky to stay on the pitch after recklessly kicking Ryan Fraser without the ball, volleyed an effort wide, summing up a night that will not go down to his archive of countless heroics.

On the other end of the pitch, Saint-Maximin, who was now the centrepiece of the Newcastle attack as Callum Wilson limped off with an ankle injury, shot straight at De Gea after getting the ball in a promising position from Emil Krafth.

Cavani strikes

That miss proved costly, as Cavani made amends for his earlier misses and drew the scores level.

The onrushing Uruguayan met Diogo Dalot’s cross with a powerful header. Martin Dubravka managed to keep out the first attempt, but he had no answer for the rebound.

Second time of asking for @ECavaniOfficial 🏹⚽#MUFC | #NEWMUN pic.twitter.com/JX7i8VSAGu
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 28, 2021

De Gea brilliantly denied Miguel Almiron in the later stages of the game and heaved a sigh of relief watching Jacob Murphy’s shot hit the post.

Meanwhile, @D_DeGea has been called into action at the other end with some big saves 💪#MUFC | #NEWMUN pic.twitter.com/u56qCcOyal
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 27, 2021

The draw leaves Newcastle 19^th on the table, but with a favourable run of fixtures coming, last night’s performance will give them renewed hope of escaping relegation.

Man United are seventh in the point table, seven points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal.

FOOTBALL

WATCH: Georgina Rodriguez makes huge claim on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement in Football

Published

9 months ago

March 3, 2024

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Georgina Rodriguez made a huge claim on the future of her husband and star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, in Football. In a brief interaction with a host recently, Rodriguez was asked about the time left for Cristiano to make an impact at the highest level. Georgina looked honest in her approach to the question of the host and claimed something the fans would not love to hear.

Georgina claimed that the Portugal star has maybe one year more from him at the highest level. She felt that Ronaldo might play two more years before retiring and not more than that. She was however not sure if he would play for just one or two years and added that the Al Nassr star could also play more than that.

Watch the video of Georgina Rodriguez here –

🚨🎙️| Georgina Rodriguez on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Paris Fashion Week yesterday:

“Cristiano one more year, then it’s over. Maybe two, I don’t know.”

(via @ArobaseGiovanny)pic.twitter.com/4dxw2j5DuC

— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) March 3, 2024

“Cristiano one more year, then it’s over. Maybe two, I don’t know,” said Rodriguez in the little chat she had with the host. The video has gone viral on X and the fans have started sharing it on different platforms. Some of the fans feel that Georgina might be right, while others feel that she could be wrong, given the fitness and longevity of the star player.

Legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo

On the 5th of February, Ronaldo celebrated his 39th birthday. He is currently one of the oldest players in the world. In the past, players at this age would have retired way back. But the fitness and consistency of Ronaldo make him play the sport as long as he wishes. In his career so far, Ronaldo has won many major leagues for Portugal and league teams like Real Madrid, Al Nassr, and Manchester United.

With United, Portugal won some major leagues like the FA Cup and the Champions League. With Real Madrid, the 39-year-old won the leagues like the UCL, Copa Del Rey and La Liga. He won it three consecutive times for Real Madrid. For Portugal, Cristiano had a huge contribution to Portugal. He has the most number of appearances and goals for an international team and won the Euro 2016 with Portugal.

FOOTBALL

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham slapped with Red Card as he argued with referee

Published

9 months ago

March 3, 2024

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Jude Bellingham shown Red Card (Image Credit: Twitter)

England and Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham was slapped with a Red Card during the La Liga game against Valencia. In the game, the home team, Valencia was leading by 2-0 after 30 minutes before Madrid scored in the injury time of the first half. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring for Madrid while Hugo Duro (27′) and Roman Yaremchuk (30′) scored a goal each.

In the 76th minute, Junior scored an equalizer to keep the team in the game. However, in the injury time of the second half, Bellingham was given a red card as he argued with the referee against calling it a full-time before he could score. In reply, the match official decided to slap the England international with a Red Card. The team coach Carlo Ancelotti wasn’t happy with the verdict as the Three Lions player was making a pass at the time.

Jude Bellingham verbally abusing officials and other footballers at the slightest provocation needs to be talked about more. It’s embarrassing he gets applauded by Real Madrid Fans.

Mason Greenwood should’ve allowed La Liga to deal with this simp. pic.twitter.com/ixYSw6YxaC

— Herman Facundo© (@hermanfacundo_7) March 3, 2024

“I think what’s just happened is unprecedented. It’s never happened to me,” Ancelotti told reporters.

“We had possession of the ball and the match should have been finished when Valencia had the ball.

“What bothers us is the red card for Bellingham because he didn’t say anything insulting. He was frustrated of course,” said Ancelotti, adding that Bellingham had used a common English swearword when telling the referee it was a goal.

We are annoyed with Jude Bellingham’s Red Card: Carlo Ancelotti

“We were annoyed with Bellingham’s red card. He didn’t say any insults. He said in English ‘it’s a f—ing goal,’ but he was just saying what we were all thinking … [The referee] allowed play to continue. I think he made a mistake.”

“[Bellingham] was clear in what he said,” Ancelotti added. “He was quite vehement [in his reaction] but that’s normal, after what happened. It wasn’t an insult, not at all.”

FOOTBALL

PL 2023-24: MCFC vs MUFC Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI, Fantasy League Today’s Captain, Vice-Captain, and more for Manchester derby

Published

9 months ago

March 2, 2024

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Super Sunday is set to witness the Manchester Derby in the Premier League 2023-24. The match between Manchester City (MCFC) and Manchester United (MUFC) is set to take place in Etihad Stadium, the home ground of Manchester City. The two teams have had a contrasting journey in the league till now. The fortunes of City changed ever since Pep Guardiola took over the club as the manager.

While the home side are placed in the second position in the points table currently, United are in the sixth place in the points table. In their previous encounter, City hammered Luton Town by 6-2 in the FA Cup. United have shown massive improvements in the last few weeks after not having a good start to their campaign. United were involved in a thrilling game where they beat Nottingham Forrest by 1-0 in their last game.

Both teams feature some of the best players in the world. The likes of Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford, Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and others would be taking part in the match. Manchester City will start the match as the favourites, given their record in the ongoing league so far and the match taking place in their home. United with their improved record can challenge the home side.

MCFC vs MUFC – Match Details

Match – Manchester City (MCFC) vs Manchester United (MUFC), Premier League 2023-24

Venue – Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Date and Time – 3^rd March 2024, 21:00 IST

Live Coverage – Star Sports Network and Disney plus Hot Star

MCFC vs MUFC – Head-to-Head

Both the teams from Manchester have a rich history in the sport. they have been up against each other in 191 instances. In as many games, Manchester United have been historically the better side with 78 wins to their name. City have managed to win 60 wins, as 53 games ended in a draw. In the last five games between the two sides in the Premier League, City have won four of the five games.