Latest news with #PaulInce
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Paul Ince interview: Manchester United players are mentally weak
Manchester United have fallen from being the standard-bearers of English football to its laughing stock after their worst season in more than 50 years. A 15th-place finish in the Premier League, defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final and, just this week, further humiliation in a post-season tour of Asia have left United fans yearning for the dominance of the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Paul Ince is no different. When United won their first league title in 26 years in 1993, Ferguson did so with a team famed as much for their character as ability. Hardened warriors such as Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson, Mark Hughes and Ince, an uncompromising, abrasive driving force in midfield, were at the heart of it all. The contrast to today could not be greater. 'It really saddens me to see where Manchester United are now,' the former England captain tells Telegraph Sport. 'In the teams I played in, we not only had so many top players, but tough competitors and great characters, too. 'You hear Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane talk about there being no characters in the game because players haven't got that mental toughness nowadays. 'When I was at United, as players we used to analyse potential signings and say, 'Is he good enough to play for Man United?' 'It wasn't just about being a top player, but how you conducted yourself and dealt with the pressure and expectation of playing for United. 'The fans demand that you produce week in and week out, but some of the current players can't cope with that mentally. They haven't got the character to do it.' Ruben Amorim, the manager, and indeed the United hierarchy, have come under mounting scrutiny amid a wave of brutal cutbacks and redundancies at Old Trafford. While Ince says stability is needed, he queries some of the Portuguese coach's tactics, such as rigidly sticking to a formation that simply has not worked. The 57-year-old also questioned Amorim's decision to play Luke Shaw and Mason Mount in the Europa League final while Alejandro Garnacho started on the bench. 'We had the best manager in the world in Sir Alex Ferguson, who laid the foundation for the club to be as great as it was,' Ince says. 'Since he left, United have had numerous different managers, which has shown that they can't get it quite right. Amorim's had these players since he came in and there has been no improvement whatsoever. 'We're not talking about bad players here – we're talking about players who can't play in a system that Amorim wants to play. He's said he's not going to change his system of three at the back and that he believes in it, but the balance doesn't look right. 'As a manager, you play with the players you've got and in a system that suits them. Garnacho had played all season in the Europa League, but was on the bench for the final and for some reason Amorim started two players [Shaw and Mount] who have barely played for God knows how long. They spent over £40 million on Manuel Ugarte and he couldn't even get on the pitch in Bilbao! 'People say, 'I feel sorry for Amorim', but I don't feel sorry for anybody – he's manager of Manchester United and it's the greatest job in the world. The fans are patient with him, as are the board, because they can't be in a position where they're chopping and changing managers because that won't get them anywhere. 'But this summer is going to be vital because United are currently miles away from the top five in the Premier League.' Recruitment will be key after last summer's splurge under Erik ten Hag failed to pay off. 'United have spent a lot of money, so there's absolutely no excuse for where they finished in the league,' Ince says. 'We finished 13th in my first season at United in 1989-90 but won the FA Cup that year and we kept progressing. I'm hoping it's going to be a similar scenario under Amorim, but it's going to be a very long road. 'These next two to three months are a very important period for Amorim and the board at United.' Matheus Cunha is expected to complete a £62.5 million move from Wolves, but Ince warns United need more firepower and described their recent recruitment as substandard. Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins is a player he feels United need to try to bring to Old Trafford. 'If you picked your best 11 players from the Premier League, you wouldn't have one United player in there. And you probably could have said that in the last six or seven years. How can Liverpool go and sign the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, and Arsenal get Declan Rice? 'Why haven't United been in the market for them? Are they looking in the right places? I don't think they are right now, so it's a big summer for everyone involved at the club, that's for sure. 'They badly need more firepower and I'm looking at someone like Ollie Watkins – a striker who can actually score goals – as a player United need to be going for.' Ince arrived at Old Trafford from West Ham United in 1989 and won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a League Cup, the European Cup Winners' Cup and European Super Cup. He left to join Inter Milan in 1995 and became a pantomime villain among United fans after being branded a 'big-time Charlie' by Ferguson before returning to the Premier League to join arch rivals Liverpool in 1997. Ince, who won 53 international caps and was the first black player to captain England, believes Inter can defeat Paris St-Germain in Saturday's Champions League final. 'A lot of people are getting caught up in this PSG side because the likes of [Lionel] Messi, Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappé have been there. But all their stars have gone now and they're more of a team,' Ince says. 'Yes, PSG have had some games leading into this final where they have been very good. But they've also been very vulnerable at times, especially against Aston Villa, so defensively you can get at them. I believe that, with their experience of the past two to three years, this Inter Milan side can go on and lift the trophy.' Ince has been out of management since being sacked by Reading in April 2023, but he is open to the prospect of finding a route back in. 'I did a fantastic job at Reading and getting sacked set me back a bit,' he admits. 'But I've proved myself as a manager, having managed in every league in English football. 'I've always been firefighting, so I'm quite proud of my managerial career and if I get another opportunity then I'd love to manage again.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paul Ince: ‘Inter have no superstars for PSG clash, but they have big game players'
Paul Ince: 'Inter have no superstars for PSG clash, but they have big game players' Former Inter striker Paul Ince pointed out that while the Nerazzurri may not have any true 'superstars' in their squad, they could make their experience count in the Champions League final against PSG. Although most expect a tightly balanced contest, Simone Inzaghi's side are not considered favourites in Munich, largely due to the combination of qualities that make the French giants a particularly challenging opponent for them. MILAN, ITALY – MAY 18: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Marcus Thuram during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by) However, Ince noted that Inter can rely on a cohesive group that has faced numerous tests and challenges together in recent years, suggesting they may know how to manage a game of such magnitude—despite lacking headline names in their ranks. Ince trusts in Inter's mentality and experience for PSG clash despite lack of superstars 'I think, you know, obviously a lot of people fancy PSG,' Ince told Bet 365, as quoted by The Mirror. Advertisement 'I can see that from an attacking point of view, but I also look at Inter. 'They've been here before, lost to Manchester City a couple of years back. That's probably still in their minds as a bitter pill to swallow. Paul Ince believes Inter Milan's experience could be the difference in the Champions League final 🏆#intermilan | #ucl — Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) May 30, 2025 'But they've got an experienced team and big game players. They haven't got any superstars. Lautaro Martinez might be a superstar to some people. But if you look at the team, there are no superstars. 'There's no like PSG, used to have the likes of Messi, Mbappé and Neymar, it's not like that. 'So I just feel they're big game players, as I said. They've won the Scudetto, they're players who played in big events, and big matches. So I think from an experience point of view, experience could be a massive factor in this game on Saturday.' ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – MARCH 05: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between Feyenoord and FC Internazionale Milano at De Kuip on March 05, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by) For the first time in their history, the Nerazzurri are going to play a European Cup or Champions League final in their third kit, which they have only used twice throughout their European campaign, winning on both occasions. PSG have confirmed their 22-player squad for Saturday's final, which also includes former Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I was idolised by Inter's ultras – they smashed fan's nose when he touched me'
The ultras in Italian football are some of the most unique supporters in the game, as one ex-Inter Milan star can attest to after his shocking first-hand experience Italy is known for romance, but a punch in the face was the Inter Milan ultras' way of expressing their love for Paul Ince. Fortunately for the ex-Manchester United and Liverpool star, he was not the one left tasting iron. In 1995, Ince departed Old Trafford and moved to the San Siro, where he shared a dressing room with the likes of Roberto Carlos, Ivan Zamorano, Nicola Berti and many others. It didn't take long for Ince to establish himself in Serie A. He dominated the midfield while wearing the No. 8 shirt of the Nerazzurri, and their iconic fan base took him in as one of their own - quite literally on one occasion. Like their most extreme supporters, who light up the stands with flares as their drums and megaphones radiate chaos around stadiums in Europe, Ince will be willing Inter on in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Italian clubs have their own unique way of showing their love for players, as Ince found out during his time in the capital. Yet, the endearment they paid to him had unfortunate and painful ramifications for one poor ultra. In an exclusive interview with Mirror Football, while speaking on behalf of bet365, Ince recalled a time he joined the ultras in the stands. As a reminiscing smile stretched across his face, Ince said: "I'll tell you a story, alright? "I got sent off against someone, unlike me. I missed a couple of games. We were playing against some team, I think it was Sampdoria or someone like that. I said to my best mate, who played for Inter, 'I'm going to spend a game upstairs with the ultras.' Watch our full Champions League final interview with Paul Ince and Claude Makelele here "I spoke to the ultras and this bossman came down with two of his sidekicks and took me all the way up to where all the ultras are. Some geezer went to grab me to say, 'Ah, Paul Ince.' "The ultra turned around and smashed him straight in the nose. This poor geezer's nose was like that (mimicking a nose that has been flattened). I thought, 'Wow.' They were like, 'Don't touch Paul Ince, nobody touches Paul Ince.'" Seeing a man take a huge hook to the nose would normally be anybody's cue to leave the area, but the blue and black lions den that is the Internazionale ultras is no normal place. Ince continued to follow the head ultra, while other fans in the area cleared a path and maybe avoided looking at the Englishman. While that supporter was left tasting their own blood, the ex-England international was hooked on the adrenaline rush of being with the fanbase - and nearly 30 years later, there's only one thing Ince wants to do. He added: "They took me right to the front, right up to the nets and they were singing and chanting, it was the best atmosphere ever. To this day, I want to do it again, I'd love to do it again. I did not get many red cards in the Premier League. But in Italy, it was different. Players were rolling over, feigning injuries. "I got sent off about three times, which was very rare for me. I was a strong tackler, but in Italy, I got sent off a lot. I think the fans loved me because of that. The fans were devastated when I left. The fans still love me and still idolise me, so it was great.' He would go on to leave Inter and return to Liverpool after two seasons, in a move that broke the hearts of the Italian giants and their ultras. Family reasons is what drove Ince back to England. Despite his exit, he is still admired by fans at the club to this day, so it's hard to imagine he'd struggle to secure another invite from the ultras.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tom McIntyre nets stoppage time winner at Sheffield United to boost survival hopes
On this day in 2023, Reading scored a stoppage-time winner against promotion-chasing Sheffield United, winning 2-1 at Bramall Lane to take a giant leap toward Championship safety. Paul Ince took over from Veljko Paunovic in February and the Royals battled a points deduction to keep survival in their own hands. Deservedly ahead through Lucas Joao, Iliman N'Diaye thought he had saved the Blades a point with his 90th-minute equaliser, only for Tom McIntyre to restore the lead moments later to send the 800 travelling supporters behind the goal wild. Take a look below at where those 11 are today. *************************************************************************** Orjan Nyland- Sevilla Reading's fourth goalkeeper of the season, after Rafael, Luke Southwood and Karl Hein, Nyland arrived in March 2022. Already a Norway international with the likes of Molde, Ingolstadt and Aston Villa on his CV, the 34-year-old made 10 appearances at the back end of the season, infamously conceding a horror goal in his final match as he dropped the ball without realising a Luton Town player was lingering behind him. Since departing Berkshire, he has gone on to feature at the top level with Red Bull Leipzig and Sevilla. Andy Yiadom- Reading The only player involved still at the club now, club captain Yiadom has recently celebrated his 200th appearance, having first joined back in 2018. Struggling with injury for almost 12 months, the Ghana international has become a regular again under Noel Hunt since returning to fitness last month. Michael Morrison- Cambridge United A vastly experienced central defender with hundreds of appearances for the likes of Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City, Morrison arrived in 2019. Remaining a firm favourite for three years, the 37-year-old made over a century of appearances for the Royals before moving on at the end of the 2021/22 season. A short-lived stint with Portsmouth was followed up with a return to boyhood club, Cambridge. Featuring against the Royals four times since the League One return, Morrison is likely to drop into League Two as the U's look set for the drop. Experience the pulse of Reading at your fingertips! 🚨 With our flash sale, Reading Chronicle keeps you updated for less: only £3 for 3 months or save 40% on an annual subscription. Don't miss out on what's happening locally! 👇#DigitalDeal #LocalJournalism — Reading Chronicle (@rdgchronicle) April 15, 2025 Tom Holmes- Dender A boyhood Reading supporter, Holmes made over 120 appearances before signing for Luton Town last January. Returning to Berkshire on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign, departing with supporters singing his name, just 20 appearances for the Hatters followed before a move to Belgium with Dender. This is his second spell in the country, having played for KSV Roselere before they went bust under Dai Yongge. Baba Rahman- PAOK An experienced full back who has played in Germany, Spain, France and Greece, as well as a handful of appearances for Chelsea, Baba had two spells with Reading. Popular during his first stint during the 2021/22 campaign, making nearly 30 appearances, he returned for the 2022/23 campaign and made another 20 as the Royals were relegated to League One. Moving to PAOK in 2023, Rahman has over a century of appearances for the giants, even contributing 15 goals in that time. Tom McIntyre- Charlton Athletic Similar to Holmes, McIntyre was a boyhood supporter and made 120 appearances for the club, scoring the crucial last-minute winner at Bramall Lane before doing the same in a 4-4 draw with Swansea City three days later. Departing his hometown in January 2024, McIntyre had a debut to forget for Portsmouth as he was sent off and injured for the season. Pompey earned promotion last season and McIntyre made 14 appearances before joining Charlton Athletic on loan in February. Danny Drinkwater- Retired A Premier League winner with Leicester City, Drinkwater moved to Reading on loan for the 2022/23 campaign after failing to find a home at Stamford Bridger following a £35m switch to Chelsea. His 34-match spell with Reading was to be his final professional club, released by Chelsea in 2023 and exiting the game at 33. As of July 2024, Drinkwater was working as a property developer. Josh Laurent- Burnley A fan favourite who won Player of the Season in his debut campaign, the former Shrewsbury Town and Wigan Athletic midfielder remained at Reading for two seasons and nearly 90 appearances. Two-and-a-half years followed with Stoke City before making the move to promotion-chasing Burnley in January. He made a return to the SCL Stadium this season as the Clarets knocked the Royals out of the FA Cup, applauding the home supporters as he departed the field. Ovie Ejaria- Unattached A Liverpool starlet as a youngster, Ejaria was Reading's last paid-for signing as he cost the club £3.5m in 2020. This followed from one-and-a-half years on loan, ultimately making over 120 appearances for the club before his release in 2023 under somewhat controversial circumstances. The former Rangers and Sunderland loanee has had trials with Oxford United and Zamalek in Egypt, but at 27 he is still without a club. Tom Ince- Watford On loan for the second half of the 2021/22 season, joining a month before his father became manager, he scored two crucial goals to help keep the Royals up. Signing permanently the following he, he scored nine goals in 39 appearances as the club were relegated. A big name who had played for the likes of Derby County, Crystal Palace and Blackpool, predominantly at second tier level, Ince returned to the Championship for £50,000 after the club dropped to League One where he has gone on to play nearly 70 times. Lucas Joao- Ümraniyespor A Championship regular with Sheffield Wednesday between 2015 and 2019, Joao cost the Royals £5m in 2019, joining just a day after scoring against the club for the Owls on the opening day of 2019/20. Remaining for four years, the Angola and Portugal international is one of the best forward's the club has had in recent years, scoring 45 goals in 119 appearances. Leaving under a cloud, reportedly refusing to play in the final match after the club's relegation had been confirmed, the 31-year-old has since taken in short spells in China, Qatar and Turkey.
