Europa League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Like vintage Sir Alex Ferguson’ – Erik Ten Hag lauded by Man Utd legend after Red Devils beat Barcelona

      by

      PETER SCHMEICHEL believes that Manchester United have found their next Sir Alex Ferguson in Erik ten Hag.The Dutch manager masterminded the club’s Europa League victory over Barcelona last night at Old Trafford.
      Peter Schmeichel has heaped praise on Erik ten HagCredit: Getty
      He believes the Dutchman is the ‘right man’ for the clubCredit: Getty
      Schmeichel compared ten Hag to iconic manager Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty
      Ferguson and Ten Hag had dinner ahead of United’s clash with BarcelonaCredit: Red Issue
      United came from behind on the night after Robert Lewandowski’s opener to win the game 2-1, and 4-3 on aggregate.
      The Europa League is not the only competition that the Red Devils are doing well in.
      The club are in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, are third in the Premier League and are still in the FA Cup.
      It is ten years since Ferguson retired having led the club to 38 trophies in 26 years as manager.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Ten Hag met with Ferguson ahead of the clash with Barcelona at a restaurant in Wilmslow to discuss the match.
      Schmeichel now believes that Ten Hag has proved he is the “right man” for the club, and compared him to the legendary Scot.
      He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It has taken 10 years to get to this point,’ for me this season anything can really happen.
      “Manchester United can win everything or nothing but we have seen the progress.
      Most read in Football
      “Every situation has been dealt with properly by Erik ten Hag, like a good manager should.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “Like vintage Sir Alex Ferguson… I am sitting here thinking ‘wow, we have got the right man’.”
      Schmeichel was not the only former United player to laud the former Ajax boss as Owen Hargreaves insisted that he has “transformed” the club.
      He told BT Sport: “It feels like everything has changed.
      “The atmosphere, the performance on the pitch, the manager.
      “It feels so much more positive and gives confidence. It feels a different place.
      “Ten Hag has transformed this football club. The energy is different. It has been a breath of fresh air.
      “It feels like the feel-good factor is coming back. Sunday [Carabao Cup final] could be another big step.
      “[It’s] amazing. Everyone is smiling. The manager’s changes affected this game and the crowd, this is what they have been dreaming of.
      Read More on The Sun
      “They have a huge game on Sunday but this was a big match in Manchester United’s season.”
      United will now face Real Betis in the next round of the Europa League. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal land tricky Europa League last-16 draw against Sporting Lisbon while Man Utd get easy route after Barcelona win

      by

      ARSENAL will face Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon in the last 16 of the Europa League.Manchester United, meanwhile, have drawn Real Betis.
      Antony celebrates booking Man United’s place in the last 16Credit: Getty
      Arsenal won their Europa League group prior to the World CupCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils booked their place in the last 16 with a dramatic 4-3 aggregate win over fellow European giants Barcelona.
      While Arsenal enjoyed a more serene route, sparing themselves the play-off round by winning their group prior to the World Cup.
      The Gunners’ opponents Sporting Lisbon dropped out of the Champions League at the expense of Eintracht Frankfurt and Arsenal’s bitter rivals Tottenham.
      They boast former Spur Marcus Edwards, who shone against his old side despite Sporting being knocked out.
      Read More in Football
      After coming third in their Champions League group, Sporting were forced to take on Danish side FC Midtjylland in the Europa play-off.
      They drew 1-1 in the first leg in Portugal, before an emphatic 4-0 victory in Denmark.
      United’s opponents Real Betis, meanwhile, emphatically won Europa League Group C under the guidance of ex-Man City boss Manuel Pellegrini.
      They overcame Jose Mourinho’s Roma in the process, as well as Ludogorets and HJK.
      Most read in Europa League
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

      The first legs will take place on March 9, with the return fixtures a week later on March 16.
      Elsewhere in the draw, Italian giants Juventus landed German side Freiburg.
      While Europa League specialists Sevilla will face Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.
      Roma were drawn with LaLiga side Real Sociedad, with Bundesliga surprise package Union Berlin taking on Belgian last 16 debutants Union Saint-Gilloise.
      Bayer Leverkusen take on Hungarians Ferencvaros, who will host their home leg at Puskas Arena, the venue that this year’s final will be played at.
      While Shakhtar Donetsk face Dutch side Feyenoord.
      Meanwhile, in the Europa Conference League, West Ham will face Cypriot side AEK Larnaca.
      David Moyes’ side reached the Europa League semi-finals last term, but are struggling in the Prem.
      Former Spur Marcus Edwards will have an opportunity to take on ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Real Betis are coached by ex-Man City Prem winner Manuel PellegriniCredit: EPA
      West Ham will continue their European adventure with a trip to CyprusCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans all say the same thing after Bruno Fernandes slams ball into Man Utd target Frenkie de Jong sparking brawl

      by

      FANS were all saying the same thing as Bruno Fernandes whacked the ball at a floored Frenkie de Jong from close range.The Manchester United star was booked for booting it at the Barcelona ace during the Red Devils’ 2-1 win last night.

      Bruno Fernandes thumped the ball at Frenkie de Jong from close rangeCredit: BT Sport
      The Portuguese star sparked a mass meleeCredit: BT Sport
      The LaLiga leaders were furious with Fernandes, who had thumped the ball at his grounded opponent AFTER the referee’s whistle had been blown.
      As De Jong writhed around in pain, his team-mates swarmed around Fernandes.
      With Barca stars trying to confront the Portuguese star for his action, it was actually Raphinha that dragged him away.
      Along with Fernandes, Sergi Roberto was also booked for his role in the melee.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      United spent almost all of last summer’s transfer window trying to sign De Jong from Barca.
      But, even after agreeing a fee, they were turned down by the 25-year-old.
      Posting images of their own attacking midfielder, 28, thwacking the ball at De Jong, United fans came to their own conclusions.
      One wrote: “Bruno to De Jong…….For rejecting us to play Champions League and end up playing in the Europa League just to be knocked out by us too.”
      Most read in Europa League
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      A second tweeted: “Bruno Fernandes to Frenkie de Jong, ‘this is for rejecting us.'”
      And a third posted: “Bruno to De Jong ‘this is for wasting our time during the transfer window.'”
      Another joked: “Never forget De Jong forfeited 2 years salary, settled for a pay cut to try and avoid Europa League with United only to be knocked out of the Europa League by United.”
      De Jong was also booed at times by the United faithful.
      The Red Devils enter Friday morning’s last-16 draw with the possibility of drawing Real Sociedad, Freiburg or Feyenoord.
      Barca stars were fuming with FernandesCredit: Alamy
      De Jong was given some rough treatmentCredit: Reuters More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Ten Hag reveals motivational dressing room talk that inspired Man Utd to beat Barcelona with five key tactical tweaks

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG has revealed the five tactical changes he made that helped Man United beat Barcelona.The Red Devils dumped the LaLiga giants out of the Europa League with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford last night.
      Erik ten Hag made five changes during half time against BarcelonaCredit: PA
      He wanted the team to press more and use Casemiro moreCredit: Getty
      He also brought on match-winner AntonyCredit: Getty
      Fred and Antony fired back for United after Robert Lewandowski has initially given Barcelona the lead from the spot.
      But it was not until the second half that the hosts started to really play well.
      Manager ten Hag after the game revealed to the press that there were five tweaks that needed to happen.
      The Dutchman wanted his players to have more “belief” and to use midfielder Casemiro more.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      He also wanted Aaron Wan-Bissaka to get more of the ball and for the team to be braver in the press as well as bringing on match-winner Antony.
      He said: “I emphasised the belief. It was too flat first half.
      “We had our spare man, Casemiro we didn’t use enough. 
      “Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a lot of space on the right side, we didn’t use enough.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      “I think in the pressing we could be more brave.
      “So that is what we emphasised.
      “The second was to make the sub with Antony, who brought more speed in the play and who brings belief on the pitch.”
      United midfielder and goalscorer Fred praised the team-talk after the game.
      He told BT Sport: “He said in the first half that we didn’t play like how we [normally] play.
      “But in the second half we were much better, we started very well and scored early.
      “We had a good talk in half-time with the coach, we changed our minds at half-time and the second half went very well.”
      United will find out their round of 16 opponents today with he draw starting at 11am. More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Europa League draw LIVE: Arsenal to play Sporting Lisbon in last-16, Man Utd drawn with Real Betis – Stream FREE

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED will play Real Betis in the last-16 of the Europa League. Arsenal, on the other hand, will take on Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon.
      United beat Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate on Thursday night to secure their spot in the last-16, while the Gunners topped their group.

      Start time: 11am GMT
      Stream: BT Sport YouTube

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow along with our live blog below…
      Europa Conference League draw
      Here is the Europa Conference League draw in full:
      AEK Larnaca vs WEST HAM
      Fiorentina vs Sivasspor
      Lazio vs AZ Alkmaar
      Lech Poznan vs Djurgardens
      Basel vs Slovan Bratislava
      Sheriff Tiraspol vs Nice
      Anderlecht vs Villarreal
      Gent vs Istanbul Basaksehir
      Credit: AFP
      AEK Larnaca vs WEST HAM
      WEST HAM have been handed a beauty of a round of 16 clash.
      With the Hammers struggling in the Premier League, they’ll face Cypriot side AEK Larnaca.
      Europa Conference League draw
      The last 16 draw of the Europa Conference League is underway.
      West Ham are representing England.
      Bellerin reunion
      Arsenal will reunite with Hector Bellerin when they play Sporting Lisbon.
      Bellerin spent a decade in North London before leaving for free to join Barcelona in 2022, after a successful loan spell at boyhood club Real Betis.
      However, his return to Barca, where he spent time in the academy from 2003-2011, didn’t go to plan.
      Bellerin joined Sporting in January this year.
      Credit: Getty
      When will the round of 16 games take place?
      First leg: March 9
      Second leg: March 16
      Draw recap
      Here’s how the round of 16 looks:

      Union Berlin vs Union Saint-Gilloise
      Sevilla vs Fenerbahce
      Juventus vs Freiburg
      Bayer Leverkusen vs Ferencvaros
      Sporting Lisbon vs ARSENAL
      MANCHESTER UNITED vs Real Betis
      AS Roma vs Real Sociedad
      Shakhtar Donetsk vs Feyenoord

      Credit: AFP
      Shakhtar Donetsk vs Feyenoord
      Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk will take on Dutch team Feyenoord.
      AS Roma vs Real Sociedad
      The Uefa Europa Conference League holders, AS Roma, will play Real Sociedad.
      MANCHESTER UNITED vs Real Betis
      MANCHESTER UNITED will play Spanish team Real Betis!
      Sporting Lisbon vs ARSENAL
      2005 finalists Sporting Lisbon will play ARSENAL!
      Bayer Leverkusen vs Ferencvaros
      German side Bayer Leverkusen will take on Ferencvaros.
      The final is being held in Ferencvaros’ city, Budapest.
      Juventus vs Freiburg
      Here we go… Italian giant Juventus will play Freiburg, who are flying high in the Bundesliga.
      Sevilla vs Fenerbahce
      Six-time record winners of the Europa League, Sevilla, will play Fenerbahce.
      Union Berlin vs Union Saint-Gilloise
      Union Berlin will play Belgian team Union Saint-Gilloise.
      Who’s still in the Europa League
      Here’s a reminder of the final 16 teams left in the competition.
      Seeded teams

      Arsenal
      Real Betis
      Real Sociedad
      Freiburg
      Fenerbahce
      Union Saint-Gilloise
      Feyenoord
      Ferencvaros

      Unseeded teams

      Manchester United
      Sporting Lisbon
      Union Berlin
      Sevilla
      Juventus
      Shakhtar Donetsk
      Bayer Leverkusen
      Roma

      Here we go…
      The coverage for the Europa League draw has started.
      A new winner WILL be crowned this year with Eintracht Frankfurt contesting the Champions League.
      Credit: Reuters
      Barc-ing mad
      Barcelona’s decline in Europe is quite something…

      2019 – UCL Semis
      2020 – UCL Qf
      2021 – UCL RO16
      2022 – Europa league QF
      2023 – Europa League RO 32

      TOP SCORER
      Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford is joint top scorer in the competition.

      Hour warning
      Just under an hour to go until the Europa League draw gets underway.
      With Barca out, the English teams will fancy their chances this year.
      There is still, however, Juve in the mix.
      Europa League final venue
      This year’s Europa League final will be held in Hungary.
      The Puskas Arena will play host on May 31.
      Credit: Getty
      Ten Hag reveals dressing room talk
      Erik ten Hag has revealed the five tactical changes he made that helped Man United beat Barcelona.
      The Red Devils dumped the LaLiga giants out of the Europa League with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford last night.
      He said: “I emphasised the belief. It was too flat first half.
      “We had our spare man, Casemiro we didn’t use enough. 
      “Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a lot of space on the right side, we didn’t use enough.
      “I think in the pressing we could be more brave. So that is what we emphasised.
      “The second was to make the sub with Antony, who brought more speed in the play and who brings belief on the pitch.”
      Fighting on four fronts
      Manchester United are still left in all four competitions.
      The Red Devils are third in the Premier League, will contest the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, play West Ham in the FA Cup and are into the round of 16 in the Europa League.

      Unseeded teams

      Manchester United
      Sporting Lisbon
      Union Berlin
      Sevilla
      Juventus
      Shakhtar Donetsk
      Bayer Leverkusen
      Roma

      Alamy Live News. 2NKK6PF Manchester, UK. 24th Feb, 2023. Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez celebrates at the final whistle of the UEFA Europa League play-off 2nd leg match between Manchester United and Barcelona in Manchester, Britain, Feb. 23, 2023. Credit: Xinhua/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of […]Credit: Alamy
      Seeded teams

      Arsenal
      Real Betis
      Real Sociedad
      Freiburg
      Fenerbahce
      Union Saint-Gilloise
      Feyenoord
      Ferencvaros

      Gunners want Shakhtar
      Arsenal fans want to face unseeded team Shakhtar Donetsk in the round of 16.
      The Gunners were chasing Mykhailo Mudryk in January but wouldn’t match the Ukrainian club’s asking price.
      Mudryk himself looked incredibly keen to join the North London club.
      That was until rivals Chelsea hijacked the deal.
      The Blues signed the 22-year-old for a fee north of £80million.
      An Arsenal fan said: “Shakhtar please – so we can punish them for Mudryk.”
      Load more entries… More

    • 313 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Robin van Persie tells Erik ten Hag the one team to avoid in Europa draw and says he would back them to BEAT Man Utd

      by

      ROBIN VAN PERSIE has told Erik ten Hag there’s one team he will not want to face in the Europa League last-16 draw.And he hopes they would BEAT old side Manchester United.
      Erik ten Hag has been told to avoid one team in the Europa League drawCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils booked their spot in the next stage of the continental competition after beating Barcelona 2-1 at Old Trafford.
      Goals from Fred and Antony secured a stunning 4-3 aggregate win.
      And United now eagerly await their next opponent in today’s midday draw.
      They will avoid another Champions League dropout after being classified as a non-seeded side.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      And a simulated draw yesterday saw United paired with Ferencvaros of Hungary.
      However, former striker Van Persie reckons there’s one team the Red Devils will not want to face… Dutch side Feyenoord.
      The Premier League winner is now a coach with the Eredivisie side.
      And United boss Ten Hag came up against Feyenoord numerous times while at the helm of rivals Ajax.
      Most read in Europa League
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Robin van Persie hopes Feyenoord beat United if they are drawn togetherCredit: Getty
      But Van Persie reckons his new club can get the better of United should they be paired together today.
      When Ten Hag was asked about who he wanted in the draw by BT Sport, he replied: “It doesn’t matter for me!
      “I focus on Newcastle [in the Carabao Cup final], that is the only thing that counts.
      “Doesn’t matter who will come, we have to beat them all, we know that, if you want to win a cup.
      “We will see. We will respect every opponent, don’t get me wrong, but we are well prepared and we have a strong belief we can do it.”
      This prompted Van Persie, who was alongside Ten Hag on the pitch, to say: “I think Erik wants to play against anyone except one team. Who’s that? Feyenoord!”
      Ten Hag replied: “I go to [Robin] to get all the information! No, I think it’s a possibility!”
      Van Persie added: “I work for Feyenoord now, and Feyenoord is my childhood team so… difficult one.
      “Listen, Man Utd won so many things over the years, let Feyenoord win this one then!” More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Man Utd icon Patrice Evra’s amazing reaction to Antony’s goal as he joins fans in stands for Barcelona clash

      by

      PATRICE EVRA went as wild in the stands as any fan on the night Old Trafford recaptured the joy of his own glory nights.The ex-Manchester United defender was caught roaring with delight and punching the air as Antony sealed Barcelona’s Europa League KO.
      Patrice Evra rejoices after Antony put Man Utd 2-1 up on the night to clinch a stunning 4-3 aggregate win over BarcelonaCredit: https://twitter.com/Evra/status/1628872176223780865?s=20

      Antony hails the greatest moment of his United career so far, as the sub winger downed Barcelona at Old TraffordCredit: AP
      Evra posted “Let’s go!” along with a clip of himself rejoicing after the Brazilian sub cracked a scintillating winner.
      The Frenchman won the Champions League in 2008 plus five Premier League titles during eight years with United.
      So Evra knows what it feels to experience an evening that former Red Devils’ team-mate Paul Scholes reckons provided the finest atmosphere since Alex Ferguson’s golden reign as manager.
      And the ex-West Ham ace’s social media post clocked up 12,500 likes within two hours as fans loved the glimpse of a on-pitch icon becoming an in-stand inspiration.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      One wrote: “Great to see our legends happy again.”
      Another said: “Just like you. The club is already under his skin. There’s nothing on earth like being a red.”
      United go into Friday’s last-16 draw after star man Fred and pacy winger Antony overturned Robert Lewandowski’s penalty opener for Barca.
      That 2-1 victory clinched a 4-3 aggregate success that boss Erik ten Hag hailed as the greatest achievement so far of his first season in charge.
      Most read in Europa League
      The Dutchman said: “Yes, we’ve had some good wins, Liverpool and Arsenal but I think this over two legs – Barcelona are La Liga leaders – to beat them it’s a big win.”
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Now his mind is already on Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
      Asked about who he wants in the Europa League next round, Ten Hag replied:  “Doesn’t matter for me, I’m focused on Newcastle now.
      “Doesn’t matter who will come, we have to beat them all.”
      Looking Evra so happy, the ex-defender shows his French blissCredit: https://twitter.com/Evra/status/1628872176223780865?s=20 More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fans brutally troll Xavi for forgetting Bruno Fernandes’ name as ‘the Portuguese’ gets revenge versus Barcelona

      by

      BARCELONA boss Xavi has been brutally trolled for forgetting Bruno Fernandes’ name after they were defeated by Manchester United.The Red Devils took another step towards the quadruple after coming from behind to beat Barcelona 2-1 and dump them out of the Europa League.
      Man Utd fans have been rubbing salt in Xavi’s woundsCredit: PA
      The Barca boss forgot Bruno Fernandes’ name in the build-up to the gameCredit: PA
      Robert Lewandowski silenced Old Trafford early by slotting home an early penalty, which was given away by Fernandes, to give Barcelona the half time advantage.
      However, the introduction of Antony in place of Wout Weghorst paid instant dividends as they took over.
      Brazilian Fred rifled home an equaliser straight after the restart before Antony fired home the winner with just 18 minutes remaining.
      Boss Erik ten Hag was hailed with his tactical masterstroke afterwards – and he even had the club’s most-successful manager ever Sir Alex Ferguson up on his feet fist-pumping.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      However, after the dust had settled on United’s win and attentions turned to the Europa League Last-16 draw on Friday, fans quickly took to Twitter to rub salt in Xavi’s wounds.
      The Barcelona legend hit the headlines after he forgot Fernandes’ name ahead of his side’s trip to United, with him instead calling him “the Portuguese guy”.
      He dropped the clanger while discussing the impact of Ten Hag, saying: “He is getting all the talent out of his players. You see [Jadon] Sancho, [Marcus] Rashford, the Portuguese guy and look how Fred is playing.”
      One tweeted: “Hello Xavi, his name is Bruno Fernandes, you can call him the Magnifico if you like. He is my captain. Put some respect on his name.”
      Most read in Europa League
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Another wrote: “Trust me Xavi will NEVER again forget the name Bruno Fernandes.”
      While a fellow fan commented: “Remember the name Xavi, it’s Bruno Fernandes.”
      Fernandes is enjoying a fine season and has taken over the captain’s armband from Harry Maguire due to the defender being regularly benched.
      The attacking midfielder has played 37 times for Man Utd this season, scoring seven goals and registering ten assists.
      Fans used Breaking Bad memes to troll Xavi after the Europa League win More