Latest news with #AvramGlazer
New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Man Utd 0 Arsenal 1 – Analysing Arsenal's ‘new' set-piece, Amorim's goalkeeper problem, Gyokeres and Sesko watch
Arsenal began their attempt to go one better in the Premier League title race this season with a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford thanks to a 'new' set-piece routine. Avram Glazer was in attendance at Old Trafford and saw the team he co-owns line up without fit-again goalkeeper Andre Onana and striker Rasmus Hojlund, who The Athletic revealed has been told he faces a challenge to get minutes under Amorim. For Arsenal, 15-year-old midfielder Max Dowman travelled with the team but was not in the matchday squad. Advertisement Amorim chose Altay Bayindir to start in goal but he was powerless to stop Riccardo Calafiori heading in Declan Rice's corner on 13 minutes. United responded well and Patrick Dorgu hit a post before David Raya saved superbly low-down with his fingertips to deny Matheus Cunha. New Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, signed for an initial £55m ($75m) from Sporting CP, played an hour but struggled to make an impact, while Benjamin Sesko, United's new striker signed from RB Leipzig as part of a new £200m attack appeared off the bench five minutes later. Raya pushed away Bryan Mbeumo's header and then Sesko headed wide after the ball was recycled as Manchester United pushed for an equaliser but Arsenal held firm and are now unbeaten in their past 15 Premier League away games. Here The Athletic's Carl Anka, Art de Roche and Ahmed Walid break down the key talking points. It may be a new season, but that doesn't mean Arsenal will stop being inventive from set-pieces. No team has scored more goals from set-pieces, excluding penalties, (71) than them since the start of the 2021-22 season, when specialist coach Nicolas Jover arrived from Manchester City. Liverpool (64) and Manchester City (60) have the next highest tallies in the league. The routine with five players starting at the edge of the box just before the corner is taken is not necessarily brand new. They first trialled it against Tottenham Hotspur in their third game of pre-season this summer, and they benefited in their first corner of the season. The two runners from those five (Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Zubimendi) helped cause more chaos centrally as the ball was delivered. Mason Mount should have dealt with William Saliba better, getting the wrong side of him and Altay Bayindir, but all that meant less attention was paid on Riccado Calafiori at the back post. Arsenal did score from the back post at a corner in pre-season, Christian Norgaard against Villarreal, but it was from a different routine. Either way, ensuring that space is free can often be more dangerous than what is going on in the centre of the goal. Arsenal taking the lead from a set-piece probably should not be a massive surprise either considering where their goals against Manchester United came last season. Art de Roche Viktor Gyokeres lasted just under an hour on his Premier League debut, which was somewhat reminiscent of his first start for Arsenal against Villarreal in pre-season. The 27-year-old showed a willingness to make an impact but was just off in his execution at the vital moments. Matthijs De Ligt started on top in their individual battle but the Swede grew into the game and managed to give Arsenal an outlet at moments when they needed it. Advertisement As was the case in his pre-season starts, his runs in behind were not selfish ones. He often looked for his fellow attackers, Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, but overhit his passes and failed to take real advantage of the situations he was in. That subpar decision-making was not just a theme of Gyokeres' performance, but Arsenal's as a team. From the opening exchanges, it seemed like Arteta's side struggled to get up to pace with Manchester United, and were therefore playing in a more reactive than proactive way — even if they had some nice attacking moments. They will count themselves lucky that David Raya did quickly come out of that, as his saves in both halves allowed them to just about start the season with a win and a clean sheet. Kai Havertz wasn't amazing in Gyokeres' place, even with the fouls he won. So with Leeds United at home as Arsenal's next game, the Swede shouldn't have to worry about his starting spot. Art de Roche Amorim said before the game that Andre Onana had 'recovered' from his hamstring injury but that he had decided on other options, choosing Bayindir to start. The 27-year-old has had a strange two seasons in England. Where many clubs use their second-choice goalkeeper in the domestic cups, Bayindir is more of a classic deputy, mostly stepping in when Onana is injured, as he was in pre-season, or in need of a break. Part of that is down to Bayindir's more rudimentary passing ability and his weaknesses when defending corners. Last season saw him concede an Olympic goal and more than one team have opted to pack the six-yard box to limit his movement before a set piece is delivered. Arsenal's opening goal had an impressive set up to it, but it also owed a debt to Bayindir's inability to wrestle past Saliba to get a proper handle of the ball as it was whipped in. 'The goalkeeper has got to be stronger,' said former Manchester United defender Gary Neville on Sky Sports commentary. 'He will complain that he was fouled. He has a player in front of him; there is a lot of pushing and pulling, but he has to be stronger.' Former Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart said Bayindir should have used his left arm to push off Saliba, while using his right to punch the ball away. To be a successful Premier League number one, a goalkeeper should know when to scrap as well as make saves. Bayindir's comparative timidness — coupled with United's inability to protect him on set pieces — mean the team has a soft underbelly at crucial moments. Advertisement Unfortunately for Amorim, this is not a problem that gets solved if he brings back Onana, who has trained only three times with the team since regaining fitness. The Cameroon international has also been vulnerable against teams that pack the six-yard box, and his ability to make saves has often been erratic. Does this mean United should re-prioritise a goalkeeper signing before the summer window closes? The Athletic has reported that the club are unlikely to sign another goalkeeper unless one of Bayindir or Onana are sold. United fans may want a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma, but he too has difficulty when defending corners and high balls, despite his 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) frame. Emiliano Martínez excels in this regard, but it is thought Aston Villa are unlikely to sanction a sale for less than £40 million. United have a confidence issue in and around their penalty area. Amorim may have to be bold when looking to fix it. Carl Anka Since Ruben Amorim's arrival in November 2024, Manchester United have looked like they are lacking the physicality to operate in the 3-4-3 shape and the principles the Portuguese head coach wants the team to abide by. Amorim even spoke about the subject in his press conferences, explaining that one of the reasons United were performing better in the Europa League was the difference in physicality between it and the Premier League. Fast forward to United's opening game in the 2025-26 Premier League season against Arsenal, and United have looked sharper off the ball. The timing of their forward jumps looked better, there's no hesitation when being tight to one of the Arsenal players and United won more duels in midfield. The improvement in intensity and physicality doesn't only help United out of possession, but it also creates more transitional opportunities for them. More than once in the first half United won the ball back and quickly switched the play towards Mbeumo down the right side, or carried the ball forward and had an effort on goal like Dorgu, who struck the post in the 30th minute from an offensive transition. Ahmed Walid There was a moment close to the 20-minute mark where a Mbeumo pass found Diogo Dalot's overlapping run in the final third. It was the sort of play that Amorim enjoys. A direct ball into the channels, won by his No 10, before a spare attacker burst into space against a disorganised defence. The problem with Dalot's run — outside of the fact it was about to be pulled back for offside — was he had no one in the penalty box to direct a cross towards. Amorim's front three of Mbeumo, Cunha and Mount offered a lot of off-ball energy and plenty of rotations, but limited penalty box threat. After an hour played, United had mustered four shots on target compared to Arsenal's three, but the majority came from wide angles with a lower chance of success, Cunha's low shot the closest. Advertisement It was little surprise that Amorim turned to Sesko in the 65th minute. The striker replaced Mason Mount at the tip of the attacking spear and got right to work, hunting the spaces between Gabriel and Calafiori in the event a teammate could find him with a quick pass in behind. A quick run prior to the second half water break was smart; as the ball was carried on the left wing, the striker bolted across Gabriel and Saliba to drag both centre-backs away from Mbeumo lurking at the back post. Mbuemo and Amad couldn't quite sort their feet out to have a proper shot on goal. Five minutes later, Sesko would again bolt from his preferred hunting ground and in towards the penalty spot when chasing a cross from Dorgu. The ball would sail over his head to Mbeumo, whose header was saved. The striker's burst of pace over the first five yards will make him a handful for Premier League defenders this season. Sesko's willingness to press from the front will please Amorim and season ticket holders alike. His first touch will take some time to sharpen up, as will his timing when leaping for crosses. But the energy is there. As is a sense of movement and ability to tussle with defenders that marks him above Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. Sekso bought a combative focal point to a United team that had spent too many games without one last season. The 22-year-old will ultimately be judged on how many goals he brings to Amorim's team, but there were promising moments in his 30-minute appearance Carl Anka We will bring you this after he has spoken at the post-match press conference. We will bring you this after he has spoken at the post-match press conference. Sunday, August 24: Fulham (Away), Premier League, 4.30pm UK, 11.30am ET Saturday, August 23: Leeds (Home), Premier League, 5.30pm UK, 12.30pm ET Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Man United co-owner Avram Glazer spotted at Old Trafford as Red Devils kick off Premier League campaign against Arsenal
Avram Glazer is in attendance this afternoon for the beginning of Manchester United 's Premier League season. The Red Devils co-owner has been rarely seen at Old Trafford in recent years amid huge disgruntlement in the United fanbase over his refusal to complete a full sale of the club. Supporters have accused the Glazers of burdening United with huge debts and failing to invest in the club's infrastructure. But Avram, who was seemingly without his brother Joel in Manchester, appeared in good spirits as he was spotted strolling around Old Trafford ahead of kick-off with United CEO Omar Berrada. The American even stopped for a photo with a couple of United supporters before disappearing beneath the stands. Avram and Berrada, along with Jason Wilcox, will no-doubt be desperate for Ruben Amorim and his side to make a positive start to their league campaign this afternoon as they host the Gunners. Avram Glazer here today with Omar Berrada. He even stops for a selfie with a #mufc fan on his way — Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) August 17, 2025 United have spent north of £200m this summer on new recruits Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo and more recently Benjamin Sesko. Two out of the three have been named in the United starting eleven against Mikel Arteta's side, with Sesko amongst the substitutes. Cunha, Mbuemo and Mason Mount make up Amorim's frontline, with a midfield four of Patrick Dorgu, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot behind them. Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw start in defence, with Altay Bayindir in goal. Amid speculation over their futures, both Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund have been left out of the matchday squad entirely. Hojlund has been linked with a United exit this summer with AC Milan thought to be one of the club's interested in him. The Dane's exile from today's squad comes after he was an unused substitute last week against Fiorentina.
Free Malaysia Today
17-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Man Utd CEO Berrada sticking to 2028 Premier League title aim
Manchester United's co-chairman Avram Glazer (left) and CEO Omar Berrada applaud during a match against Chelsea. (AFP pic) LONDON : Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada is sticking to his ambitious target of winning the Premier League in 2028 to mark the club's 150th anniversary despite a historically bad season for Ruben Amorim's team. The 20-time English champions endured their worst top-flight campaign since they were relegated in 1973/74, finishing 15th, 42 points behind champions Liverpool. They also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, meaning they will have no European football next season. Berrada told staff of his 'Project 150' vision in September last year, setting out his aim to win the Premier League and the Women's Super League (WSL) titles in 2028. While United's men's team has a mountain to climb, the women's side, which has never won the WSL, will have to dislodge Chelsea, which has won the past six titles. United finished third in the WSL, 16 points behind champions Chelsea, who also beat them in the FA Cup final. But Berrada, formerly chief football operations officer at Manchester City, believes a double title success within three years is possible, despite the huge challenges. 'It's establishing a series of targets within a timeframe so we can focus our efforts and energy on that goal,' he said in an interview with the United We Stand fanzine, to be published on Wednesday. 'Can the team win the Premier League title by 2028? Of course. 'We've just finished 15th and it seems an impossible task. But why not aim for it? Why not do everything in our power?' United, in three years' time, will mark 150 years since the club was founded as Newton Heath in 1878. They have not been crowned English champions since Alex Ferguson's final season in charge in 2012/13 but Berrada remains confident. 'I firmly believe we can do it,' he said. 'We have two or three summer windows to build a team to start competing to win the Premier League.'
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
New footage shows Sir Alex Ferguson looking absolutely 'DISGUSTED' with Manchester United after their miserable Europa League final defeat to Tottenham
Sir Alex Ferguson looked disgusted with Manchester United after their abject loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final, new footage shows. Ruben Amorim 's side put in a limp performance on Wednesday to compound an already miserable season. The Red Devils sit in a lowly 16th place with just one Premier League fixture remaining and they won't compete in any European competition next season for just the second time in 35 years. Tens of thousands of United fans travelled to Bilbao in the hope of ending their season with some silverware but they were left disappointed as Brennan Johnson's effort gave Spurs their first trophy in 17 years. Sir Alex Ferguson was also in attendance at the San Mames Stadium in the directors' box and was sat next to co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and Avram Glazer. United's most succesful manager ever, who famously said 'Lads it's Tottenham' to motivate his side against the north Londoners, appeared appalled after the full-time whistle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by lifeinthesouthstand at Tottenham Hotspur (@lifeinthesouthstand) Footage posted on Instagram shows the 83-year-old grimacing as Tottenham's post-match celebrations continued. Social media users were quick to react. One wrote: 'Sir Alex Ferguson looking absolutely disgusted with what he was witnessing last night.' Others expressed sympathy for the Scot. Another fan said: 'I honestly feel bad for him, he built up this club, took it to the top of the world all for it to come crashing down the moment he leaves.' 'He's seen enough,' another added, accompanied by laughing emojis. The trouble for United extends far beyond the pitch, with Ratcliffe in the midst of a ruthless cost-cutting process. Ferguson, who won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions League titles during 26 years in the Old Trafford hot seat, became the highest profile victim after he lost his £2million-a-year contract as a global club ambassador in October. A further 200 United staff members could lose their jobs following extra financial cutbacks, with MailOnline reporting that United began the process of telling staff they have lost their jobs just hours after the team's defeat in the Europa League final. Around 250 employees were made redundant in a first round of job cuts, which is believed to have saved the club between £8million and £10m. Some fans expressed sympathy for Ferguson after the footage of the former boss emerged United chief executive Omar Berrada previously said another 150 to 200 redundancies could follow. The Europa League final loss, which means United won't compete in next season's Champions League, has left a £100m hole in the club's finances. United host Aston Villa on Sunday in the final game of a wholly disappointing campaign. If they fail to win they could end the season in 17th, while a victory could only push them as high as 14th.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘booed by Man Utd STAFF at screening of Europa League final' with more savage cuts on horizon
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE received a chorus of boos from Manchester United staff members during a screening of the Europa League final, it's been claimed. The INEOS chief had one of the best seats in the house for the Red Devils' lacklustre 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday night, taking in the match with club legend Sir Alex Ferguson. 4 4 4 Ratcliffe made the unpopular decision NOT to give club staff free tickets for the San Mames stadium clash, instead arranging a viewing at the Diecast warehouse venue in Manchester. And The Athletic claims the billionaire was booed when he came up on the screen along with Avram Glazer. The pair were said to have been booed once when they came up on the screen during the match and an additional time afterwards. The reported booing of Ratcliffe comes as no surprise as he's made a series of brutal and sweeping cuts at the club since his official acquisition of shares in February 2024. Last September, Ratcliffe axed a whopping 250 members of staff as part of a major cost-cutting scheme. And SunSport exclusively revealed in February that a further 200 staff members were informed they're in danger of being laid off. Ratcliffe's scrimping led manager Ruben Amorim to pay for 30 of his backroom staff and their family members to attend the final out of his OWN pocket. Amorim's future under Ratcliffe is in major doubt following defeat to Spurs, which has condemned them to a 2025/26 season without European football. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Man Utd ratings: Diallo best player in Europa League final but Hojlund out of his depth AMAD DIALLO'S fizzing first-half display was little consolation for Manchester United in a dismal 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham. Rasmus Hojlund's plight up front continued in one of the worst European showpieces for many years - as both sides showed why they will finish in the Premier League lower reaches. Spurs clinched it from virtually their first opportunity - on 42 minutes. Brennan Johnson bundled in Pape Sarr's inswinging cross, with United left-back Luke Shaw also getting a touch on the way. The Red Devils dictated possession more and more after the break, with Leny Yoro stretching to test Guglielmo Vicario from a free-kick. But United's chances only arrived regularly in the final quarter of a patchy contest. The Red Devils belatedly piled on the pressure in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Spurs just held on. And the Portuguese has offered to leave the club for FREE if Ratcliffe and the rest of the Red Devils brass don't believe he's the man for the job. He said: 'In this moment, I am not going to be here defending myself. Sir Jim Ratcliffe launches scathing attack on struggling Man Utd squad saying some 'not good enough' and 'overpaid' "It's not my style, I cannot do it. It is really hard for me. 'So I have nothing to show to the fans and say, 'I'm going to improve because of this, I have these problems…' I will not do nothing. 'In this moment, it is a little bit of faith. Let's see. 'I'm always open, if the board and the fans feel that I am not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation. 'But I will not quit. I am really confident in my job. "As you can see, I will not change nothing in how I do things.'
