Latest news with #UefaEuropaLeague
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ruben Amorim told drastic improvement needed by Man Utd chiefs
Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has admitted drastic improvement is needed at the club next season after their worst campaign for more than half a century. Ruben Amorim's side finished in 15th position, the club's lowest league placing since top flight relegation in 1974, and ended the campaign empty-handed and with no European qualification after losing the Europa League final to Spurs. 'We were proud to reach the final of the Uefa Europa League but, ultimately, we were disappointed to finish as runner-up in Bilbao,' United chief executive Berrada said. 'We had a difficult season in the Premier League, which we all know fell below our standards and we have a clear expectation of improvement next season.' United released their third-quarter accounts for this season on Friday, which reflected the impact of the club's cost-cutting measures and the new hierarchy's early moves to reshape the squad and wages. Having posted a £66.2 million operating loss for the corresponding period last season, United recorded an operating profit of just under £1 million for the three months to March 31 this year. Significantly, United's wage plummeted almost 21 per cent to £71.2 million for the quarter on the back of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's staff cuts, Marcus Rashford's exit on loan to Aston Villa and other January departures. The net loss for the period was £2.7 million compared with £71.5 million in the corresponding quarter last year. United are forecasting total revenues of between £660 million and £670 million for the year but Berrada admitted the club were under no illusions about the scale of underperformance this term and the need for a marked turnaround next season. United have made positive early moves in their effort to rebuild the squad for next season by signing Brazil forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million. Captain Bruno Fernandes has also signalled his intention to stay at Old Trafford by rejecting an enormous contract offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal and United are in talks about signing Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, who rejected an initial £55 million offer. Work on a £50 million revamp of United's Carrington training base is due to finish next month in time for the start of the new season and the club have announced plans to pursue the development of a new 100,000 capacity stadium next to their existing Old Trafford home. 'We remain focused on infrastructure, with the redevelopment of our Carrington Training Complex continuing and on track, which will be the heart of our club, providing world-class facilities for all our teams and our staff,' Berrada added. 'We have also announced our aspiration to pursue a new 100,000 seat stadium, sitting at the heart of the regeneration of the Old Trafford area, which would be a catalyst for growth and investment in our local community. 'We are continuing to work with all the relevant stakeholders, including central government, to support their vision for growth.' United incurred exceptional items of £2.7 million for the quarter relating to their restructuring programme, with another 200 jobs due to be shed on top of last summer's cull of 250 staff. The club's debt stood at £500.9 million with a further £212.3 million owed on their revolving credit facility. United's cash balance stood at £73.2 million compared with £67 million in the prior quarter last year, which shows that the balance sheet remains strained, despite Ratcliffe's £237 million capital injection. It goes without saying that the level of underperformance at United last season was shocking and wholly unacceptable for a club of their size, stature and ambition. Berrada has not hidden from that and has made it clear in the club's latest accounts that there is an expectation of significant improvement next term. But what will improvement look like? What can they realistically expect to achieve? United have wasted no time in the process of rebuilding the squad and hope to make Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo their second summer signing after Matheus Cunha as they target the team's chronic shortage of goals, which amounted merely to 44 in 38 Premier League matches en route to a 15th-placed finish. Captain Bruno Fernandes also appears to be staying after rebuffing the advances of Al-Hilal and fans will hope to see more signings and a host of players departing amid Amorim's plans to run with a leaner, meaner squad given the absence of European football. United have fallen so far that, whereas once Champions League qualification felt like the minimum requirement, it could now be argued a top-six finish would constitute success next season. No European football will allow Amorim to focus almost exclusively on the Premier League and also potentially reduce the injury threat, although it will also heighten the expectation among fans of strong showings in the domestic cup competitions and increase the pressure to deliver in the league. United are not battling with the top clubs alone any more and it is worth noting that the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea have all signalled notice of their intention to spend big this summer. The likes of Newcastle, Aston Villa and even smaller but well-run and ambitious clubs like Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Brentford have leapfrogged United, which makes the challenge facing Amorim and his players all the greater. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. 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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
🏆 Tottenham end their drought, clinch Europa League glory over United
🏆 Tottenham end their drought, clinch Europa League glory over United This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here. The Uefa Europa League 2024/2025 title would salvage the season for one of them. And it was up to Tottenham to make history this Wednesday (21) at San Mamés, Bilbao's home, by beating Manchester United 1 x 0. Advertisement Ending their trophy drought that had been ongoing since 2007/2008, when they celebrated the English League Cup. That's SEVENTEEN YEARS without any trophy. Tottenham, who were the first winners of the then Uefa Cup in 1971/1972 - also won in 1983/1984. Adds to its trophy gallery the "updated" version of the tournament. And that carries more weight. And it secured them a spot in the Champions League 2025/2026 after the feat achieved in the Basque Country. Highlight for coach Ange Postecoglou who had "prophesied" at least one victory for Tottenham this season by stating that "Usually, in my second season, I win things". Advertisement Control and... lethal Tottenham 🔥 United were better at ball handling. Diallo showed his usual personality and Bruno Fernandes, playing more withdrawn, distributed the game well. But they lacked efficiency. Something that Tottenham had minutes before the interval. Sarr's cross found Brennan Johnson and Luke Shaw, with the attacker getting the better after the defender's deflection (42'). Red Devils on the attack and... Spurs celebration! The final stage had a United with ball possession over 70%. Trying to find spaces in front of a well-positioned Tottenham on their field, attempting counter-attacks and relying on a tireless Richarlison without the ball. Advertisement United only didn't celebrate at 68' thanks to Van de Ven saving on the line. Shortly after, Bruno Fernandes appeared alone in the box, but missed the target. Ruben Amorim ensured fresh legs in his attack. And Postecoglou - who didn't have the injured Madidson and Kulusevski - bet on Son, who wasn't 100% to start. United continued to be more present in the opponent's field. Almost got there at 96', but Vicario frustrated Zirkzee by making a great save. Ensuring a London celebration in Bilbao. United without European travel for 2025/2026 United and Tottenham put everything into this Wednesday's decision due to their dismal campaigns in the Premier League. Advertisement The Manchester team occupies the 16th position, with 39 points after 18 losses. The London team, defeated 21 times in the PL, has 38. It is just behind. 📸 THOMAS COEX - AFP or licensors
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ruben Amorim faces a challenging rebuild at Manchester United
Ruben Amorim is set for a major overhaul of his ailing Manchester United squad. Image: AFP Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim is running out of excuses as he braces for a rebuild he hopes will result in a squad capable of delivering the success he enjoyed playing with his preferred formation at Sporting CP. United have lurched from one disaster to the next under the Portuguese manager, who led them to a dismal 15th-place finish in the league. He even threatened to walk away if the United hierarchy wanted him to go, after the club lost last week's Europa League final against Tottenham — and with it, the opportunity to sneak into the Champions League through the back door. He later backtracked. At his pre-match press conference on Saturday, Amorim insisted that this season's mistakes would not be repeated next term. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'In this moment, I am really glad we arrived six months before we started a new season,' said the United boss. 'I think we will avoid a lot of mistakes in the next season. Now is the time we can use all that suffering to change things in the summer.' The response from the club had been equally drastic in the aftermath of the Uefa Europa League hammer blow in Bilbao. Reports from the UK claimed that all the players in the squad were up for sale. News of a potential fire sale at the fallen English giants came as no surprise after they lost out on a potential £100m payday, which could have been a major boost to Amorim's transfer kitty. Reports of cut-price deals for some of the club's big-money signings could become the norm over the next few months, as Amorim searches for the perfect players for his favoured 3-5-2 formation. However, the overhaul could be complicated by the massive wages of many of United's underperforming stars. This season's final standings 🤝 — Premier League (@premierleague) May 25, 2025 They have hardly covered themselves in glory in one of the worst seasons in United's history, so the list of potential suitors is not expected to be a long one. There are likely to be a fair number of bargain hunters among those, too. As is the case with Marcus Rashford's loan move to Aston Villa, the Old Trafford side may have to subsidise future wages to get players off their books—or accept reduced fees. This could also potentially affect the wages they are able to offer incoming players, who will not even have the consolation of European football at Old Trafford. Those players unwanted by the club, who refuse to take a pay cut to facilitate a move away, could also dig in their heels and insist on seeing out the remainder of their contracts. So Amorim's restructure is by no means a fait accompli.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Our pick of top performers in the Premier League: Who made the cut?
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah holds aloft the English Premier League during their open-top bus victory parade in Liverpool on Monday. | AFP Image: AFP Picking a list of the 'best' players in a certain league is highly subjective most of the time. At others it can seem impossible. This English Premier League season falls into the latter category as the Top 6 morphed into a Top 8 during the recently concluded campaign. Liverpool's title triumph was among a number of shocks in a campaign where there have been three winners of the three major domestic trophies: the League, FA Cup and League Cup. The rise of the likes of Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Bournemouth and FA Cup kings Crystal Palace has also coincide with the fall of giants Manchester United and Tottenham. Spurs managed to salvage some redemption in the Uefa Europa League final win over the Red Devils. United and noisy neighbours Manchester City don't have much to shout about. While in previous seasons Pep Guardiola's City side would have dominated any team of the season selection, it is hard to make the case for any City players after a Rodri injury derailed their campaign. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Picking even one Red Devils player seems even harder, though Bruno Fernandez did manage to stand out. Arsenal managed to hold on to second place (barely) as they were also hobbled by the injury absence of Bukayo Saka for a chunk of the season, as well as the failure to sign a finisher. Goalkeeper David Raya has been in outstanding form for the Gunners this season, justifying Mikel Arteta's faith in him. There are few better goalkeepers with the ball at the feet. However, my pick of goalkeeper is giant Belgian Matz Sels of Forest, who shared the Golden Glove with Raya. There's no doubt Forest's campaign would have unravelled a lot sooner without the giant shot-stopper who pulled off stunning saves throughout the season, even if he doesn't have the fancy footwork. The temptation at right-back would have been to go with Trent Alexander-Arnold, based purely on unrivalled passing ability and the crucial role he has played in igniting Liverpool attacks, However, I'm partial to defenders who can defend, so have opted for a player who is equally adept in the opposition box as in his own: Daniel Munoz of Palace. The centre-backs pick themselves, as far as I'm concerned, with Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk partnering William Saliba of Arsenal. Bournemouth left back Milos Kerkez has been a menace on attack and equally solid in defence this season. Image: Getty Images The pacey Atonee Robinson of Fulham was a tantalising prospect at left back, Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez gets the nod based on my aforementioned preference for defenders who can defend, first and foremost. The Hungarian is also a more intelligent footballer, in my opinion, able to provide better quality crosses on his frequent forays into the final third, and more robust in the tackle than the American. There is also a defensive bias in the choice of midfielders, though they aren't simply destroyers or disrupters of opposition attacks. Bruno Guimaraes has been in outstanding as the fulcrum of a Newcastle midfield, driving the Magpies to their first piece of silverware in decades with their League Cup triumph. He is joined by Declan Rice of the Gunners, who showed off his versatility all season with his ability to play anywhere in midfield, and do a great job. Those stunning free-kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League only served to add to his reputation, and the sense that there is a lot more more to come from the big Englishman. The third midfield slot goes to a Arne Slot player, and it's not Ryan Gravenberch, despite a breakthrough season. Alexis Mac Allister has had to curb his natural attacking instincts for the good of the team, yet he has still managed to drive himself and the team forward, popping up with some scorchers. His true value is most evident in his absence, as the Liverpool team just isn't the same without the nuggety playmaker. Mo Salah of Liverpool was named Premier League Player of the Season. Image: EPA Choosing the forward live is much more straightforward, with Mohamed Salah the obvious choice on the right, and Alexander Isak of Newcastle the striker, narrowly edging out Erling Haaland of Man City. The lanky Swede is better in his hold-up play, has the skill to take on and beat defenders, and is equally clinical, in my opinion. The left-wing berth goes to Morgan Gibbs-White of Forest for his tireless hustle, vision and game-breaking ability. Team of the Season Goalkeeper: Matz Selz Defenders: Daniel Munoz, Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, Milos Kerkez Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes, Declan Rice, Alexis Mac Allister Forwards: Mo Salah, Alexander Isak, Morgan Gibbs-White
Irish Examiner
22-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Amorim to be handed less than £100m to shake up United as shares slump
Ruben Amorim has a summer transfer budget of a little less than £100m and retains Manchester United's firm backing despite Wednesday's Europa League final defeat by Tottenham. As the Guardian previously reported, the executive's belief in Amorim was not going to be affected by the result at San Mamés in Bilbao. The football department, headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, wants the Portuguese to have a first pre-season with his team and to strengthen the squad. Wolves' Matheus Cunha, Ipswich's No 9 Liam Delap and a playmaker remain Amorim's prime targets and the club do not have to sell to buy either. This is because of the cuts made by Ratcliffe, which include a latest round of redundancies that when executed will take the total number of job losses to about 450. Delap's price is £30m but his potential signing remains in the balance because he is also of interest to Newcastle and Chelsea. A deal to buy Cunha, whose release clause is £62.5m, is thought to be closer. United shares have slumped after the club was defeated in the final of Europe's second-tier tournament, which will ultimately lead to £100m in lost revenues. United lost 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Uefa Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday night, dealing a further blow to its billionaire owners, the Glazer family and Ratcliffe. It means the club has failed to qualify for next season's lucrative Uefa Champions League, Europe's top-tier football competition. Manchester United shares fell by nearly 8% in early trading on Thursday, their steepest drop in more than eight months, but later pared back losses to 6.7%. The stock, which has lost about a fifth of its value this year, had hit its highest level in 11 weeks hours before the game. Shareholders will be hugely disappointed that the Premier League club has missed out on the lucrative place in next season's Champions League. Participation leads to earnings from tickets, broadcast money, and sponsor bonuses estimated at more than £100m. The defeat means United will not play in European competition at all next season, which will damage the club's revenues and profits for 2025-26 as a rebuild of its squad gets under way. It also plans to build a new £2bn, 100,000-seat stadium that would be the largest in the UK. United's former first-team coach René Meulensteen had called it a 'crossroads moment' after 'the most disastrous season'. The club is languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, just above Spurs, and is heading for its lowest finish in the table in 50 years. Following the 2005 takeover by the Glazers, the majority owners, United is more than £1bn in debt, leading to hefty interest payments every year. The club reported a loss of £113m last year (compared with £26m for Spurs), which took United's total pre-tax losses to £300m over the past three years. It has taken tough actions such as cutting jobs, increasing members' match-day ticket prices to £66 with no reductions for seniors or children, raising parking charges for disabled fans and scrapping the steward-of-the-match £50 award. The minority owner Ratcliffe decided in February to cut about 200 more jobs to help the club avoid going bust. In November, United predicted a profit of £145m-£160m, measured by Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation), for the financial year ending 30 June 2025. It forecast annual revenue of £650m-£670m from commercial, broadcasting and match-day sources, including new and renewed sponsorships. The Guardian
