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In an effort to add spectacle to the closing match, the sport’s governing body pulled out all the stops—with Robbie Williams delivering a pre-match concert, dramatic individual player entrances, and an opening announcement by famed boxing ringmaster Michael Buffer. ..Continue Reading
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Despite entering Sunday’s clash at MetLife Stadium as the underdogs, Chelsea surprised the Champions League victors with an exceptional first-half showing. ..Continue Reading
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Despite its goal of providing clear-cut rulings, the system’s inconsistency and subjective interpretations have prevented it from fully achieving that purpose.
Even with the season now concluded, VAR remains a hot topic. Throughout the campaign, Squawka engaged fans in discussions about whether the technology had correctly handled key decisions. ..Continue Reading
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Garnacho expressed his frustration after United’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham, where he was left out of the starting lineup. ..Continue Reading
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Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has demanded accountability, insisting that he and his teammates have to look in the mirror following the Europa League final heartbreak vs. Tottenham Hotspur.
Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for a trophy as Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal proved enough to beat United in the European final at San Mames.
The Red Devils looked lifeless and uninspired – a puzzling display given their repeated pre-match claims of wanting to win the competition for the fans.
Even Fernandes, who has been one of the very few positives this term, endured a difficult game and he was not as influential as he usually is.
After the final whistle, the dejected Portuguese playmaker spoke to Hayters and gave his verdict on the game as well as what has been a truly calamitous campaign.
Fernandes said, “First of all, we need to look at what we did this season, everything that went wrong in every in every point, in every department, in every moment of the season.”
“Everyone has to look at themselves. I need to be the first one to look at myself, understand what I can do more to help the club to to become the club we were in the past.”
“I want, as everyone in that dressing room, wants to bring the club back where they deserve. And obviously it is a very disappointing day, because we couldn’t get a trophy for this club to try to make something positive from from a disappointing season.”
“But obviously, we need to look at ourselves, understand whatever each one of us can do to help the team to become better.”
Fernandes explained that even winning the Europa League would not have saved United’s season.
“It doesn’t change anything. Our season was bad, and it won’t change by the fact that we lost today. Obviously, winning today will give a little bit of of something bright, of something positive to the season, but won’t change that our season was very negative.”
“We had a very good competition until here, but obviously that is in the past, and unfortunately we know we’re not the winners and we’re not not going to be remembered for that.”
“So I think it’s very disappointing, a very difficult day for us. It was a competition where we had a big ambitions, but unfortunately, it wasn’t our day.”
Head coach Ruben Amorim will lead his side into Sunday’s final Premier League clash against Aston Villa with major doubts looming over his ability to turn things around at the club, following what has been United’s worst season since they were relegated in 1973/74.
Featured image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images
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Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount has revealed victory in the Europa League final on Wednesday night can bring a “positive end to a tough season” for the Red Devils.
Mount, 26, has endured a miserable time since his £55 million switch to Old Trafford from Stamford Bridge in 2023.
A barrage of injuries have limited the Cobham graduate’s opportunities for United on the pitch – a situation which can impact even the most mentally strong footballer.
“It is not always easy,” Mount reveals. “I have had many days at Carrington sitting on the treatment bed, when I want to be training. I have been in the stand watching games when I wanted to be playing.
“But that was the circumstances. I gave everything to continue my rehab to try and get back. I have learned a lot from these moments. You really appreciate it more.”
And this faith was rewarded with Mount’s outstanding cameo off the bench in the semi-final clash against Athletic Club offering a glimpse of the talent United’s number seven retains.
With United trailing 1-0 at Old Trafford in the second leg, the game hung in a precarious place following the 3-0 win in Spain in the reverse fixture. If Athletic grabbed the next goal, the stadium would have been on tenterhooks and the Red Devils would almost certainly have imploded.
But Mount produced a brilliant turn-and-finish combination to draw his side level, allowing United to settle and add two more goals, before an outrageous long-range effort from the 26-year-old in added time put the game to bed at 4-1, 7-1 on aggregate.
Mount will be hoping he gets the starting nod from Amorim in Bilbao as United face off against Tottenham Hotspur in the final – a side they have lost to three times already this season.
The Portuguese coach is thought to be a huge fan of Mount with the midfielder’s best season in a Chelsea shirt coming in the exact same 3-4-2-1 system Amorim utilises.
Mount has experienced heart-breaking losses in finals before – namely the penalty shoot-out loss to Italy for England in EURO 2020 – and is keen to avoid a repeat in Spain.
“The losses are hard,” said Mount. “I have had quite a few at Wembley and they stick with you for a long time. But when you do win, you understand that feeling and always want it.
“I don’t know how many of the lads have too much experience of that but I can tell you I have had quite a few losses and I don’t want that feeling.”
Mount insists United’s recent results do not reflect the actual performances Amorim’s side have produced, mirroring a point the Portuguese coach made last week.
“I feel we’re close,” the 26-year-old said. “It’s small details here and there in games, especially in the Premier League.
“If the small details aren’t right you can get punished, which can be devastating at times. I think we’re close to correcting them and when you win trophies you get extra confidence and you build that togetherness as a group.
“But we know the situation we are in. As a group, we try to block out the noise but we know the league has not been good enough. We won’t forget about what we have done in the league but if we can win, it can be a positive end to a tough season.”
The final in Bilbao on Wednesday arguably United’s most important match since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement as so much more rests upon it than just adding another trophy to the club’s glittering cabinet.
The prospect of Champions League football next season, despite having finished 16th in the Premier League, is almost invaluable given the vast array of financial benefits entry into Europe’s elite competition brings.
Bilbao or bust is the mantra at Old Trafford this week. Or, as Mount more diplomatically puts it, “a positive end to a tough season.”
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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The 2025 UEFA Champions League Final is set to be a thrilling encounter between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan. Both teams have demonstrated exceptional form throughout the tournament, and their contrasting styles promise an exciting match. This article comprehensively analyses their performances, tactical approaches, and key statistics to offer a data-driven Champions League Final 2025 prediction.
A potent attack and a cohesive team have marked PSG’s journey to the final play. Under Luis Enrique’s guidance, the team has evolved into a dynamic unit, shedding its reliance on individual stars. They have scored 25 goals in the tournament, averaging 2.09 goals per match, with a possession rate of 60.34% and a passing accuracy of 89.5%. Their offensive prowess is further highlighted by 21 assists and 16 clear chances created.
Defensively, PSG has conceded 10 goals, averaging 0.84 goals against per match, and secured five clean sheets. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been instrumental, recording 29 saves and a save percentage of 77%, conceding only 0.75 goals per game. His resurgence has been pivotal in PSG’s progression to the final.
Inter Milan, on the other hand, has built its campaign on a formidable defence. They have conceded just two goals in the tournament, averaging 0.2 goals against per match, and boast eight clean sheets. Their goalkeeper has made 31 saves, contributing to their defensive solidity. Offensively, Inter has scored 15 goals, averaging 1.5 goals per match, with a possession rate of 51.2% and a passing accuracy of 88.3%.
Lautaro Martínez has been a standout performer for Inter, scoring a hat-trick against Monaco and reaching 150 goals for the club. The team’s tactical discipline is evident in their 364 balls recovered and 55 tackles won.
In terms of tactical approaches, PSG’s high-possession game and fluid attacking movements contrast with Inter’s structured defence and counter-attacking strategy. PSG’s ability to control the midfield and create scoring opportunities will test Inter’s defensive resilience. Conversely, Inter’s capacity to absorb pressure and exploit counter-attacks could challenge PSG’s defence.
Considering the statistical data and tactical nuances, the Champions League Final 2025 prediction leans slightly in favour of PSG. Their superior goal-scoring record, higher possession rate, and cohesive team dynamics suggest they have the edge. However, Inter’s exceptional defence and experience in managing high-stakes matches cannot be underestimated. The outcome will likely hinge on key moments and individual brilliance.
In conclusion, the UEFA Champions League Final between PSG and Inter Milan is poised to be a closely contested battle. While PSG’s attacking flair positions them as slight favourites, Inter’s defensive prowess ensures they remain formidable opponents. We can all anticipate a match rich in tactical intrigue and high-quality football.
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Cunha has been a standout performer for Wolves this season, scoring 15 goals in the Premier League, and is set to leave the club in the summer. ..Continue Reading
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Manchester United have a big clash against Chelsea in the Premier League, but as crucial as their trip to Stamford Bridge this Friday might be, most fans have their eyes firmly set on the UEFA Europa League final.
United’s league form has been worrying — they have struggled to maintain their competitive edge for most of the season. They are winless in their last seven league games, with five defeats and two draws, and there is very little excitement among fans surrounding their clash with Chelsea.
Interestingly, United’s struggles have not extended to their Europa League campaign. They have been relentless in Europe, going unbeaten in 14 matches this season, with nine wins and five draws.
That impressive run has secured them a showdown with Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on May 21 at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.
With United on the brink of European glory, one might expect the club to spare no expense for the occasion. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s budget cuts have affected the final preparations. Club staff will not receive complimentary tickets for the showdown in Bilbao next week.
The co-owners have reportedly decided to ensure most of the club’s 15,000 allocation goes directly to fans.
While winning a major trophy like the Europa League is a prestigious achievement, many find it disappointing that the club has not tried to reward its staff, those who work behind the scenes to help the team reach such moments.
Paris Saint-Germain, for example, are sending 600 staff members to Munich for their Champions League final against Inter Milan on May 31.
With no club-funded tickets available, United staff have been left to cover their own costs should they wish to attend. However, according to ESPN, manager Ruben Amorim has stepped in with a classy gesture — personally sponsoring his backroom staff for the trip to Bilbao.
When he joined United, Amorim brought several of his trusted coaching staff from Sporting Lisbon, and he has now decided to fund the travel expenses for his support team, including lower-paid members, as a sign of appreciation for their commitment to his project.
“Ruben Amorim has paid for 30 of his Manchester United backroom staff to take their families to next week’s Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain, after being told by the club that his coaches, physios and support team would have to pay for their own tickets, sources have told ESPN.”
Upon learning about the club’s decision not to provide staff tickets, the Portuguese coach reportedly informed United officials that he would cover costs for his team, ensuring each member could bring up two friends or family members to witness the final.
With Amorim’s gesture, one cannot help but think—not all heroes wear capes. Now, all that remains is for the team to rise to the occasion, dispatch Spurs, and bring European glory back to Old Trafford.
If they do, perhaps INEOS will regret not backing their staff for such a monumental night.
Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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The Red Devils have endured a miserable Premier League campaign, suffering an astonishing 17 league defeats and sitting on just 39 points, with the possibility of finishing as low as 17th place. ..Continue Reading
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