HesGoal

Rooney Loses Faith Amorim Can Save United

LONDON: Wayne Rooney admitted that he has lost faith in Ruben Amorim’s ability to turn around Manchester United’s fortunes as they continue to sink in the Premier League (EPL) campaign.

United have only collected 34 points from 33 matches since Amorim took over, including a 1-3 defeat to Brentford yesterday which sees them now in 14th place in the league.

Last season, the Red Devils finished 15th – their worst finish in 51 years – and have now splashed out big on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.

Rooney, United’s all-time leading scorer, said he came to the stadium expecting the team to lose.

“What happened is not Manchester United. I hope Amorim can turn things around, but honestly I have no confidence,” he said on a BBC podcast.

The former United and England captain insisted that he did not see any fighting spirit among the players.

“I don’t see them fighting, there’s no character, no desire to win. The club’s soul is gone, the players don’t deserve to wear the jersey and it hurts,” he said.

Rooney also expressed concern about the club’s culture, which he said had deteriorated since the end of Alex Ferguson’s golden era.

“I’ve seen staff lose their jobs, people leave the club. I have two children in the United academy and I hope it doesn’t affect their development,” he said.

Chelsea Almost Humiliated By Lincoln

LONDON: Chelsea were almost humiliated by third division club Lincoln City before coming back to record a 2-1 victory in the third round of the League Cup early this morning.

The Blues are on the brink of a shock relegation after manager Enzo Maresca made eight changes following a 1-2 defeat to Manchester United last weekend.

Chelsea fell behind in the 42nd minute after Enzo Fernandez’s mistimed pass in his own area was intercepted by Ivan Varfolomeev before the ball was passed to Rob Street who calmly beat goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

This situation adds to the pressure on Chelsea, who previously lost two consecutive matches against United and Bayern Munich.

However, the revival came as soon as the second half began.

Tyrique George equalized in the 48th minute with a volley that hit the post before hitting the goal.

Shortly after, Facundo Buonanotte displayed an outstanding individual performance to break through the Lincoln defence before scoring the winning goal in the 50th minute.

“I’ve told the players it won’t be an easy match. That’s why I’m disappointed with the first half performance.

“However, overall they managed to get back up and do the job,” Maresca said after the match.

Dembele Wins Ballon d’ Or Award

PARIS: Ousmane Dembele made history when he was crowned the Ballon d’Or winner, beating out Barcelona star Lamine Yamal after a brilliant season that ended with Champions League success.

The 28-year-old Paris Saint Germain (PSG) striker scored 35 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions last season, helping the French club win the treble of Ligue 1, the French Cup and their inaugural Champions League title.

PSG also reached the Club World Cup final in the United States, but had to accept defeat to Chelsea.

Dembele, who is currently still struggling with injury and was not fielded against Marseille earlier this week, received the prestigious trophy at a glittering ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet, Paris, early this morning.

The Ballon d’Or, run by France Football magazine, is awarded to the world’s best player based on individual performance, team achievements and sportsmanship, as voted on by international journalists.

“Thank you all. What happened is truly incredible.

“I’m lost for words. My season with PSG has been amazing.

“More special, receiving this award from Ronaldinho is something unforgettable,” Dembele said in a tearful tone.

He also expressed his gratitude to PSG who signed him in 2023, including the club’s President, coaching staff and teammates.

“Luis Enrique is like a father to me. This success belongs to all of us because every trophy won is the result of teamwork,” he said.

Previously, Barcelona spent more than 100 million euros to get him in 2017, but Dembele failed to shine throughout his six seasons at the Nou Camp.

His move to PSG for 50 million euros proved to be a turning point as he emerged as the team’s mainstay after Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Real Madrid.

Last season, in addition to 35 goals, Dembele also recorded 16 assists for PSG, which created treble history.

His closest competition, Yamal, also shone with Barcelona when he won La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, in addition to winning the Kopa Trophy as the world’s best under-21 player.

In other categories, Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the third consecutive year, while Viktor Gyokeres and Ewa Pajor won the Gerd Muller Trophy.

PSG and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton were named the world’s best goalkeepers.

Meanwhile, PSG coach Luis Enrique and England women’s team manager Sarina Wiegman were named the winners of the Johan Cruyff Trophy as the best coaches.

Rangers

Haaland Never Lets Us Down – Guardiola

MANCHESTER, England: Pep Guardiola praised Manchester City’s excellent performance in defeating Manchester United, describing sensational striker Erling Haaland as a special player after scoring two goals.

Haaland, who has now scored six and seven goals in a remarkable week for club and country, was the star of City’s 3-0 win over their neighbours in their 197th game.

His two goals in the second half ensured that the match seemed to be over after the 68th minute.

“Erling has never disappointed since he arrived,” said Guardiola.

“Erling’s commitment is high, which is why he signed a long-term contract. He’s a special player.”

Guardiola also praised the actions of right-back Abdukodir Khusanov, who appeared calm when absorbing United’s attacks.

“We have a tight schedule of playing every three days for the next 11 months. No human being can do it easily.

“I know he’s incredibly physical, fast and covers space well in that area. He doesn’t lose the ball much although sometimes his energy makes him miscalculate.

“(Patrick) Dorgu is fast, but today (Khusanov) was really good,” said Guardiola.

The Catalan manager was also thrilled with the energetic performance of Phil Foden, who returned to his best form in the 2023-24 season with stylish runs in midfield and opened the scoring with a beautiful header.