Sports

Man United Crash Out Of FA Cup After Penalty Shootout Loss To Fulham

Published

1 year ago

March 3, 2025

Man United’s dismal season hit a new low as the FA Cup holders crashed out after a 4-3 penalty shoot-out defeat against Fulham in the fifth round on Sunday.

Ruben Amorim’s side trailed to Calvin Bassey’s first-half opener at Old Trafford before Bruno Fernandes equalised to force a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Fulham keeper Bernd Leno was the hero in the shoot-out as he saved from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee, with the visitors converting all four of their kicks.

Booed off at half-time, it was another wretched result for United in a season that sees them languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.

The 13-time FA Cup winners had reached the final for the last two seasons and beat Manchester City to lift the trophy last year.

But there will be no trip to Wembley this season for United, who have only the Europa League left as a silverware chance.

It has been another testing week at Old Trafford, with 200 job cuts announced and United struggling to draw with Everton and barely beat lowly Ipswich.

Amorim admitted that life is “hard” just now for United and this was the latest hammer blow to the under-fire Portuguese coach, who only arrived in November to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag.

United head to Real Sociedad for the Europa League last 16 first leg on Thursday before hosting Arsenal in the Premier League.

It didn’t take long for Amorim to realise United were in for another dispiriting afternoon.

Rasmus Hojlund fired over from an acute angle after Christian Eriksen’s cross found the much-maligned United striker, whose goalless drought has now reached 18 games.

Eriksen’s curler was fisted away by Leno, but that did little to satisfy fans frustrated by years of underachievement.

– United woe –
Abusive chants directed at United owners the Glazer family and Jim Ratcliffe were audible in the first half, while banners criticising ticket price increases were displayed in the stands.

Fulham threatened for the first time when Sasa Lukic headed over from Alex Iwobi’s cross.

It was a warning United failed to heed as Fulham snatched the lead with their first shot on target seconds before half-time.

United’s weakness at set-pieces was exposed as Andreas Pereira’s corner was flicked on by Rodrigo Muniz and Bassey reacted quicker than Noussair Mazraoui to head home from six yards.

Amorim left Alejandro Garnacho on the bench for the first 53 minutes after the Argentine’s petulant response to being substituted against Ipswich.

The 20-year-old had stormed straight down the tunnel in an incident that Amorim said had been resolved after the winger agreed to buy dinner for his team-mates.

Amorim was forced to turn to Garnacho with United trailing, his introduction sparking a roar from the stands but little improvement from his team.

United keeper Andre Onana had to plunge to his right to stop Emile Smith Rowe increasing Fulham’s lead.

Not for the first time this season, United captain Fernandes papered over the cracks for a while.

Fernandes hauled his side level in the 71st minute, meeting Diogo Dalot’s cross with a superb low finish into the far corner from 12 yards.

Yet, although United had come from behind to beat Ipswich and draw with Everton, there would be no escape act this time.

Onana denied Smith Rowe in stoppage-time, setting up a scrappy extra-time period featuring few chances until Chido Obi nearly squeezed his shot past Leno.

Ryan Sessegnon went close with a powerful effort that Onana pushed away, but United’s fate was finally sealed in a nerve-wracking shoot-out.

Sports

Manchester United Confirm Carrick As Permanent Head Coach

Published

3 days ago

May 15, 2026

Editor

Manchester United on Friday confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as the club’s permanent head coach, ending months of speculation over the managerial position at Old Trafford.

The 44-year-old former midfielder, who had been serving in an interim capacity since January, signed a multi-year contract reportedly running for two years with an option for a further 12 months.

Carrick took charge following the departure of Ruben Amorim earlier this year and has overseen a strong revival in the club’s fortunes.

Under his leadership, United have won 10 of their last 15 matches in all competitions, secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League and climbed to third place in the Premier League.

The club’s chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox reportedly recommended Carrick for the role, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe approving the appointment after talks progressed this week.

Carrick enjoyed a successful playing career at United, making 463 appearances and winning several major honours, including the Champions League and multiple Premier League titles.

Fernandes enters history book after Man Utd’s 1-0 win against Chelsea

After retiring from football, he managed Middlesbrough before returning to United’s coaching staff.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes is among senior players understood to have backed Carrick’s appointment, while assistants including Jonathan Woodgate are expected to remain part of the coaching setup.

The decision marks another managerial change for Manchester United since the retirement of legendary former manager Alex Ferguson in 2013.

Carrick said he was “honoured and excited” to take charge permanently.

“This club means everything to me. We have momentum now, and I can’t wait to build on it with the players and staff,” he said.

United face Nottingham Forest on Sunday as preparations continue for next season.

Sports

CAF Introduces New Laws After Chaotic AFCON Final In Morocco

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2026

Editor

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has revealed that the continental football body introduced new laws and regulations following the controversial conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.

The final, played on January 18, descended into chaos after Senegal’s national team walked off the pitch in protest when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review in stoppage time with the match still goalless.

Senegal were initially crowned champions before the result was later overturned, with the match declared forfeited in favour of hosts Morocco. The delayed ruling sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning why the decision was not taken immediately during the game.

Speaking to BBC Sport Africa on Wednesday, Motsepe admitted that shortcomings in officiating and match management contributed to the controversy.

“We’ve done good work in terms of building the confidence and the trust amongst the football community of our referees and of our VAR,” Motsepe said.

“But there are still these challenges and we’ve recognized what the deficiencies were that led to the unfortunate incidents we had in Morocco.”

According to the CAF president, new regulations have now been implemented to prevent a repeat of such incidents in future continental competitions.

Motsepe stated that the measures introduced “will ensure that doesn’t happen again.”

He further disclosed that visits to both Senegal and Morocco formed part of CAF’s efforts to rebuild trust and confidence following the disputed final.

“We are waiting for the judgement of the Court of Arbitration for Sport and African football is continuing to grow and develop,” he said.

“Whatever decision comes, we will respect and implement.”

Motsepe also defended CAF’s decision to appoint Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to officiate a major continental club final despite the controversy surrounding his handling of the AFCON final.

“After the final in Morocco, the chairman of the referees committee came to the executive committee, and they gave a thorough report of his performance and assessed how he refereed the match in accordance with global best refereeing practices,” Motsepe added.

Sports

FULL LIST: Top 10 Goalkeepers With The Most Clean Sheets In Europe’s Top Five Leagues

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2026

Editor

A new statistical ranking across Europe’s top five leagues has revealed the goalkeepers with the most clean sheets in the 2025-26 season, with David Raya leading the standings.

This article covers performances across the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga. Goalkeepers tied on the same number of clean sheets are ranked by goals conceded.

Here are top 10 goalkeepers with the most clean sheets in Europe’s top five leagues

1. David Raya – 18 clean sheets

The Arsenal shot-stopper has played a crucial role in the club’s defensive solidity this season, producing several important saves as he edges closer to the Premier League Golden Glove award.

2. Jean Butez – 18 clean sheets

The Como goalkeeper has matched Raya’s tally and has been central to the Italian side’s impressive defensive organisation under Cesc Fàbregas.

3. Mile Svilar – 16 clean sheets

Roma’s goalkeeper has continued his rise with a string of consistent performances as the club battles for European qualification.

4. Yann Sommer – 15 clean sheets

The experienced Swiss international has delivered key performances for Inter during their successful Serie A title campaign.

5. Joan García – 15 clean sheets

Barcelona’s new first-choice goalkeeper has impressed since taking over from Marc-André ter Stegen between the sticks.

6. Gianluigi Donnarumma – 15 clean sheets

The Italian international has continued to show his quality with several commanding performances throughout the campaign.

7. Mike Maignan – 14 clean sheets

AC Milan’s French goalkeeper remains one of Europe’s most dependable shot-stoppers, maintaining his strong form in Serie A.

8. Michele Di Gregorio – 14 clean sheets

The Juventus goalkeeper has been a reliable figure for the Turin side, helping maintain defensive consistency throughout the season.

9. Gregor Kobel – 14 clean sheets

The Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper leads Bundesliga representation on the list and continues to strengthen his reputation as one of Europe’s elite keepers.

10. Berke Özer – 13 clean sheets

The Lille goalkeeper rounds off the top 10 after an impressive campaign in Ligue 1, contributing significantly to the club’s defensive record.

With the season still ongoing, the race for the highest number of clean sheets remains open, although Raya currently leads the standings.