Europa League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag hits back at Man Utd critics telling them ‘you’re looking a cow in the ass’ after Sevilla draw

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG has has mooed back at critics claiming ‘you’re looking a cow in the ass’.The phrase in Holland refers to people using the benefit of hindsight to criticise.
      Erik ten Hag hit back at his critics following the 2-2 draw with SevillaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Bruno Fernandes and Antony were both subbed off on yellow cardsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The Manchester United boss substituted both Bruno Fernandes and Antony on Thursday night saying the referee had warned him they were in danger of getting a second yellow card and being sent off.
      Both were playing well and United then crumbled drawing their Europa League quarter-final first leg with Sevilla 2-2 as they conceded two late goals.
      Ten Hag said: “Bruno was throwing a ball away, so the next time he is off.
      “With Antony, everything is going our way we are 2-0 up, we’re playing a good game, so don’t go into individual battles with your opponents, it’s not necessary, you’re heating up the opponent and the risk to get sent off. I don’t want to take the risk.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “So afterwards we call it where I’m coming from, you’re looking a cow in the ass. Yeah, a cow in the ass.
      “So we call it in my region from the Netherlands, that is easy. But if he gets sent off you tell me, ‘Why don’t you get him off? Why did you go for the risk?'”
      Ten Hag had made four unforced second-half subs in all adding to Harry Maguire replacing the injured Raphael Varane at the break.
      So when Lisandro Martinez went down injured in the 86th minute they were left with ten men at 2-1 and conceded a late goal as Maguire headed into his goal.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Now the Ten Hag is left with huge problems ahead of three games in eight days starting with the trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
      Then it is off to Seville for the second of their Europa League tie and three days after that it is the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton at Wembley.

      Both Varane and Martinez will definitely miss Sunday’s game as will Marcus Rashford who is set to miss six games in all with his groin injury.
      Add to that the fact that Fernandes is suspended for the game in Seville and likewise Magurie for the Cup semi-final.
      Ten Hag said: “Every game is a battle, every game is a fight and you have to be ready for that fight.
      “We have a squad – we have more than 11 starters – so now others are on and when their time is there you have to show and contribute to the team, you have to be ready. That is what we expect and what we demand.”
      And Ten Hag said there can be no excuses from players who are brought in from the cold to fill the gaps left by injury and suspensions if they don’t perform.
      He said: “If you want to find excuses you have to look for another club. When the moment is there you have to contribute and that is what we demand.” More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Bizarre reason why Juventus star Paredes couldn’t come on as sub sparking furious bust-up with Allegri

      by

      JUVENTUS manager Massimiliano Allegri was left fuming after Leandro Parades was not immediately able to come off the bench.The midfielder did not have a shirt on him and the switch was delayed as he ran back to the dressing room.
      Furious Allegri was not happy at having to delay his substitutionCredit: Reuters
      Paredes did eventually come on after grabbing a new shirtCredit: Getty
      Leandro Paredes thought he was not coming on and offered his shirt to a fan.When he was ordered to enter, in the 85th minute, he had to run to the locker room to get another shirt and enter the game. Allegri wasn’t happy with him… Again. pic.twitter.com/BBy28viAv9— Sporting160 EN (@Sporting160_EN) April 14, 2023

      Juventus were leading Sporting Lisbon 1-0 heading into the final stages of their Europa League first-leg quarter-final tie.
      Allegri was attempting to manage the final minutes of the game and turned to his subs bench – only to find one star was completely unprepared.
      Parades did not have a shirt with him when the Italian boss attempted to make the switch.
      One report suggests he had given it away to a fan in expectation that he would be left on the bench.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The 28-year-old, on loan from PSG, had to jog back to the dressing room to retrieve the right kit.
      But footage shows his manager absolutely raging on the touchline.
      Allegri can be seen shouting and gesturing wildly before re-taking his position in the dugout.
      Paredes did manage to get on and replaced Manuel Locatelli with five minutes to go in a double switch that also saw Paul Pogba come on for Angel Di Maria.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The Old Lady managed to see out the game and Federico Gatti’s second-half strike gives them a lead to take back to Portugal next week.
      But the incident appears to have further strained the relationship between Paredes and Allegri.
      The pair reportedly had an argument after training earlier this week with Paredes believed to be upset at his lack of minutes.
      The Argentine is not expected to stay at Juve beyond his loan spell and will return to PSG at the end of the season.
      He has appeared in 18 of Juve’s 29 league games with the Italian giants looking to storm into a European place after their points deduction. More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag reveals he was given warning as he explains why he subbed off key Man Utd pair at crucial time

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG has revealed he subbed Bruno Fernandes and Antony as they were getting close to red cards against Sevilla.The Dutch manager withdrew the duo in the Europa League clash at Old Trafford as he warned about their discipline by referee Felix Zwayer.
      Bruno Fernandes was cautioned for handballCredit: Getty
      Antony was booked for dissentCredit: Getty
      Manager Erik ten Hag was warned that they were close to getting red cardsCredit: AFP
      Manchester United had raced into a two-goal lead as Marcel Sabitzer netted a brace inside the opening 21 minutes.
      Despite having control of the tie on the scoreline, Ten Hag as forced into some unwanted changes as both Antony and Fernandes were on a tightrope.
      The pair had both been booked earlier in the game, with Fernandes being judged to have handled the ball while Antony was cautioned for arguing.
      And Ten Hag was then forced to replace them as he was warned they were close to seeing red.
      READ MORE IN MAN UNITED
      After the game, he said: “Antony as well, and Bruno [Fernandes] because they were close to a second booking.
      “So we had to make some subs and then lose control in the unlucky moment [Sevilla’s first goal].”
      The changes proved costly as United threw away their two-goal lead in the last ten minutes of the game.
      One of the goals came as a stoppage-time equaliser after being reduced to 10 men when Lisandro Martinez was carried off with an injury.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      United could not replace Martinez having used all of their substitutions earlier in the game.
      The final score means the Red Devils will have to go and get a result against the LaLiga side at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium next week. More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Ten Hag told he must ‘take blame’ for Sevilla draw as Man Utd fans blast ‘stupid’ tactics

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed Erik ten Hag for his substitutions in their 2-2 draw with Sevilla.The Red Devils squandered a two-goal lead in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night as the Spanish visitors struck late to level things up heading into the return fixture in seven days time.
      Christian Eriksen, Facundo Pellistri, Harry Maguire, Wout Weghorst and Anthony Elanga all came on in the second halfCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag has been criticised for his substitutionsCredit: Getty
      Man Utd conceded a stoppage-time equaliser after being reduced to 10 men when Lisandro Martinez was carried off with an injury.
      Ten Hag had used up all five of his changes at the time.
      Raphael Varane was forced off after 45 minutes for Harry Maguire, before a triple change in the 62nd minute saw Christian Eriksen, Wout Weghorst and Anthony Elanga replace Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho.
      Then with nine minutes remaining Antony made way for Facundo Pellistri.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      And the Man Utd faithful were left frustrated by Ten Hag’s changes after Tyrell Malacia and Maguire netted late own goals to surrender the Red Devils’ advantage.
      Reacting on social media, one person said: “Love the guy but Ten Hag’s subs were absolutely stupid.”
      Another replied: “Erik Ten Hag just take the blame for this. Zero impact from the subs.”
      A third added: “This was a self-inflicted implosion from #MUFC. Madness Ten Hag took off his best players and then made all 5 subs to ensure they were vulnerable and played end of game with 10 men.”
      Most read in Europa League
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      A fourth responded: “Ten Hag’s tactics and substitutions are infuriating as soon as he gets a lead.”
      And another said: “That one stupid pass from Weghorst shattered the whole timeline for Man Utd tonight. Butterfly effect thanks to ten hag and his tactics 🥴.”
      Amid the criticism from fans, Ten Hag defended his substitutions after the game.
      He said: “I had to make them. There was no other way. Rapha was injured, that was the first I had to make. And then Anthony Martial, first start after a long period, so we had to make him on the 60.
      “Then Bruno: I got the warning from the refs, he was short before a second booking and the same for Antony dos Santos. So I had to make the subs, I had no other choice.
      “But still we controlled the game. Still we had to score the third goal. It was a good action from Pelle [Pellistri] and Ty [Malacia] has a big chance for 3-0 in 81st minute.
      “And then the last 10 minute of the game everything was against us. We have to be smarter, we switch off for the first goal, then we get the injury of Licha [Martinez], another bad luck.
      “Both goals against, both deflected, what can you do? Sometimes you have bad days and bad luck. Tonight was not our night.”
      But Man Utd legend Paul Scholes agreed with the supporters that Ten Hag had got things wrong.
      He told BT Sport: “Great result for Sevilla. Man Utd were very quiet in second half, they didn’t create any chances.
      “Those subs weakened the team… you half-understand Anthony Martial, being fragile.
      Read More on The Sun
      “But second half, United were really sloppy. If away goals were still around, United would face an uphill battle.
      “You saw enough to see Sevilla aren’t great, but it’s gonna be difficult.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lisandro Martinez spotted leaving Old Trafford on crutches and in protective boot after Man Utd ace’s devastating injury

      by

      LISANDRO MARTINEZ left Old Trafford on crutches and in a protective boot in worrying scenes for Manchester United fans.The instrumental defender, 25, went down with nobody near him late on in the dramatic 2-2 draw with Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-final.

      He pulled up and gripped the back of his ankle as he broke down in tears.
      Two Sevilla players – Martinez’s Argentina team-mates Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel – carried him off the pitch before a stretcher took him away.
      But pictures from behind the scenes at the Theatre of Dreams showed the centre-back in his United coat using crutches and his right foot in the big boot.
      Erik ten Hag ruled out an Achilles injury, which would have been devastating for both the player and the club.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      But TyC Sports reporter Gaston Edul in Argentina suggested it could be a fifth metatarsal injury, with more tests expected today.
      Ten Hag, though, confirmed he is almost certain to be without his World Cup-winning defender Martinez for Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.
      The Dutchman said: “No, it is not the area. But I can’t tell what it is. But it is not the area of Achilles.
      “We have very good replacements with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, so we have players who can replace them. But of course, it is a miss.
      Most read in Europa League
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “I think he will not play on Sunday. It looks like that but I can’t say what is the diagnosis and I prefer to wait and then we are clear and we know exactly what it is.
      “I have spoken with him, he is okay, he is calm. Of course and we compete in three competitions and then you need a squad.
      “So if Licha Martinez, Raphael Varane are not available on Sunday then others have to do it.
      “We have seen on Saturday Harry Maguire played a good game and he came in tonight and also played a good game.

      “I have an idea what we can play on Sunday but first we have to see tomorrow and talk with the medical team, see who came out of the game and then we have a plan and then we will bring a good team on pitch.”
      The injury blow could be worsened if United are without Martinez for the second leg in Spain next week – with Varane and Marcus Rashford doubts plus Bruno Fernandes is suspended following a harsh yellow card.
      Lisandro Martinez went down clutching the back of his ankle against SevillaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The Argentine looked devastated as he was carried off on a stretcherCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd icons Scholes and Schmeichel slam ’embarrassing, complacent’ team for blowing 2-0 lead vs Sevilla

      by

      PAUL SCHOLES slammed into Manchester United after they threw away a 2-0 lead to draw with Sevilla.The Red Devils were coasting thanks to Marcel Sabitzer’s first-half double before the Spanish visitors turned the game on its head.
      Paul Scholes questioned Manchester United’s complacencyCredit: Getty
      Peter Schmeichel expressed his disappointment and said some players need to look at themselvesCredit: Getty
      The Spaniards will be feeling confident ahead of next week’s return legCredit: Getty
      But Scholes bemoaned United’s complacency and claimed Erik ten Hag let Sevilla back into the game by weakening the team with his subs.
      Own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire produced an unlikely result and evened up the tie ahead of the second leg in Seville next week.
      Scholes fumed after the match on BT Sport, saying: “Great result for Sevilla. Man Utd were very quiet in second half, they didn’t create any chances.
      “Those subs weakened the team… you half-understand Anthony Martial, being fragile.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “But second half, United were really sloppy. If away goals were still around, United would face an uphill battle.
      “You saw enough to see Sevilla aren’t great, but it’s gonna be difficult.
      Scholes continued: “United were too complacent, too confident that Sevilla weren’t great in that first half.
      “United were playing so well and so confident – you’re thinking this is gonna be 3, 4, 5-0 and it’s gonna be tie over tonight.
      Most read in Football
      How Man Utd let the game slip
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      “The second half was a complete disaster.
      “Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t have allowed us to be complacent in the second half of a quarter-final.
      “This is the time to win this game. You win it here tonight. That should be 3, 4, 5-0.”
      “Malacia really should have dealt with that first goal – he’s unaware of the danger – and from then on it was a really difficult night.
      “From then on it goes from bad to worse… injuries, suspensions, then they get the second goal.
      “We’ve just [they took their foot off the gas].
      “The manager should not let them take their foot off the gas in a big European quarter-final.”
      Sabitzer was Utd’s best player
      United were cruising through Marcel Sabitzer’s double before a late meltdownCredit: Reuters
      Bruno Fernandes will miss the second leg after picking up a yellow cardCredit: Getty
      To make matters worse for United Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane were forced off with injuries in the second half.
      Bruno Fernandes also picked up a booking which means he is suspended for the second leg.
      Another club icon Peter Schmeichel also piled into the players while appearing on BBC Radio 5 Live.
      He said: ”It’s a fair enough result, the way that it developed in the second half.
      “The players of Manchester United have missed a very good opportunity here.
      “A few players today need to have a look at themselves and think about whether they are contributing to the team enough.
      “There are a few players who should be embarrassed with their performances.
      “De Gea played well, he made two fantastic saves, could not do anything about the goals. He kept Man Utd in the lead to no avail.
      “Casemiro came back and played really well as well.
      “The best player is the guy who scored two goals, Marcel Sabitzer was really good.
      Read More on The Sun
      “His team-mates have let him down…he showed the way and they didn’t catch on to it.
      “It’s 2-2 and as a Man Utd supporter, I’m really disappointed. This could and should have been a 5-0 win.” More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Lisandro Martinez in TEARS after injury as two Sevilla stars – his Argentina pals – carry him off in touching gesture

      by

      LISANDRO MARTINEZ was in tears after he was carried off the pitch by two Sevilla stars as Manchester United suffered a late collapse against Sevilla.The Red Devils were cruising to a victory over the Spaniards in the first leg of their Europa League quarter final thanks to Marcel Sabitzer’s first half brace.
      Lisandro Martinez looked to be in tears after suffering a suspected Achilles injury for Man UtdCredit: Reuters
      The defender was carried off the pitch by fellow Argentines Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel of SevillaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Martinez was then placed on a stretcher after reaching the sidelinesCredit: Getty
      The defender was then carried on the stretcher by medical staff back to the dressing-roomCredit: Getty
      But Sevilla grabbed one back in the closing stages as Tyrell Malacia turned a pull back from Jesus Navas’ cross into his own net.
      However, more bad news was in store as United suffered a major injury blow when key centre-half Martinez pulled up with nobody near him.
      The World Cup winner immediately gripped the back of his ankle despite there being no contact from anyone else.
      But before a stretcher could even come on the pitch, his Argentinian compatriots Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel of Sevilla hoisted him up and carried him to the sidelines.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Martinez was then placed on a stretcher and taken back to the dressing-room, forcing United to finish the game with ten men having used all of their substitutes.
      And things got even worse for United moments later as another own goal, this time courtesy of Harry Maguire, earned Sevilla a 2-2 draw to take back to Spain.
      Asked if Martinez had an Achilles injury, United manager Erik ten Hag said: “No, it is not the area.
      “But I can’t tell what it is. But it is not the area of Achilles.
      Most read in Europa League
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      “We have very good replacements with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, so we have players who can replace them. But of course, it is a miss.
      “I think he will not play on Sunday. It looks like that but I can’t say what is the diagnosis and I prefer to wait and then we are clear and we know exactly what it is.
      “I have spoken with him, he is okay, he is calm. Of course and we compete in three competitions and then you need a squad. 
      “So if Licha Martinez, Rapha Varane are not available on Sunday then others have to do it.
      “We have seen on Saturday Harry Maguire played a good game and he came in tonight and also played a good game.
      “I have an idea what we can play on Sunday but first we have to see tomorrow and talk with medical, see who came out of the game and then we have a plan and then we will bring a good team on pitch.”
      Ten Hag did not rule out the possible return of Marcus Rashford from an apparent groin strain in the return leg: “There is a chance but I can’t confirm it in this moment.”
      Martinez’s expected absence will cause another huge headache for boss Ten Hag.
      His centre-half partner Raphael Varane came off at half time and was replaced by Maguire after suffering a knock.
      Read More on The Sun
      And influential midfield maestro Bruno Fernandes will also be missing for next week’s second leg.
      He was harshly booked for handball during the first half – leading to a furious reaction from United legends and supporters. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd player ratings: Marcel Sabitzer impresses at No10 but Tyrell Malacia struggles in crunch Europa League tie

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED had a host of good performers before they collapsed in an eventful night at Old Trafford.Loan signing Marcel Sabitzer will take most of the plaudits as his first-half double set the tone for the Red Devils.
      Marcel Sabitzer was the star of the show with two goalsCredit: Reuters
      Anthony Martial impressed in a false nine roleCredit: Getty
      Tyrell Malacia was not at his best and scored an unfortunate own goalCredit: Getty
      The Austrian midfielder proved to be a fantastic choice to start for manager Erik Ten Hag, who was questioned as to why Christian Eriksen was not in the starting eleven.
      He played as the most advanced midfielder, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in behind him, but seemed to almost find himself thriving in the false nine position more often than not.
      Bruno Fernandes ran him close in a bid to be the best performer on the night, after providing a wonderful assist and controlling the game when United were in charge.
      It was a magnificent United display until they collapsed in the last 10 minutes of the game, which saw them concede twice, both of which were own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Here is how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Red Devils display.
      David De Gea – 6
      It was a solid display from the Spaniard in net, whose wait for a win over Sevilla in a career-spanning eight attempts goes on.
      He made a great save to deny Nianzou just before the half-time whistle and there was not a lot that he could do about the Sevilla goals after two deflections from close range.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
      Solid whenever he was required, made a few good sliding tackles and clearances.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Linked up well with Antony going forward, generally well positioned throughout the game. Dealt well with Acuna all game long on the right-hand side.
      Raphael Varane – 6
      Performed well in the first half before being substituted for Harry Maguire due to what looked like an injury.
      The Frenchman was always composed, solid at the back and strong in the air when his team needed him. Would have been rated higher if it wasn’t for his minutes.
      Lisandro Martinez – 7
      Another great performance from the man they call ‘The Butcher’ in some parts of Manchester.
      Nothing got past him today, and he was ever-dependable for Erik Ten Hag’s side. Great performance as he marshalled the back line and covered for Tyrell Malacia at times.
      Unfortunately for him and for United he looked to pick up a pretty serious injury, and had to be substituted in the second half.
      Tyrell Malacia – 4
      Malacia looked the weakest of the United defence, as they missed Luke Shaw through injury.
      The youngster was not great and gave the ball away on a few occasions. As for the own goal, he fell asleep at the back post, and allowed Navas to creep in behind him to give Sevilla hope.
      Casemiro – 6
      Another solid showing for United in his return to the Red Devils midfield.
      Did his job, and everything just seems so much calmer with his presence on the pitch. Some nice passes going forward, but nothing special from the Brazilian.
      Bruno Fernandes – 8
      A brilliant performance from the Portuguese magnifico, marred only by an unfortunate yellow card for handball on the edge of his own area, which will see him miss the second leg in Spain.
      His assist for Marcel Sabitzer’s first goal was a perfectly placed ball that split the defenders.
      Subbing him off for Christian Eriksen was a mistake by Erik Ten Hag.
      Marcel Sabitzer – 9
      Hardly put a foot wrong for United tonight, and scored both goals for United.
      Both of them were fine left-footed finishes as he often found himself in a false nine position, rather than his usual midfield slot.
      Almost got a brilliant backheel assist in the dying embers of the game too, but was let down by some poor finishing.
      Jadon Sancho – 6
      Thought he had opened the scoring inside thirty seconds for United, but then failed to really impact the game.
      Had a few good moments, and showcased his brilliant footwork on occasion, but lacked the end product.
      Antony – 8
      Another one of United’s better performers tonight, he caused no end of problems for Marcos Acuna on the right hand side.
      Skilful, direct and packed full of ability, he was unfortunate not to be on the scoresheet when he rattled the woodwork with a great effort on his wonderful left peg.
      Anthony Martial – 7
      Played really well for 60 minutes before being substituted for Wout Weghost in the second half.
      Got a wonderful assist for Marcel Sabitzer’s second goal, and looked dangerous every time he got on the ball in the attacking third. Good in the build-up phase for the Red Devils too.
      SUBS
      Harry Maguire – 4 (HT)
      Scored a very unfortunate own-goal as Sevilla equalised late on. Failed to really inject the composure into the backline that Varane and Martinez did.
      Christian Eriksen – 5 (62′)
      Didn’t really impact the game, or show the quality that we know he has in the locker. Bruno Fernandes was controlling the game before Eriksen came on.
      Wout Weghorst – 5 (62′)
      Missed a half-chance following some good work from Marcel Sabitzer. The Dutch striker looked a step down from Anthony Martial in the first half.
      Read More on The Sun
      Anthony Elanga – 5 (62′)
      Failed to impact the game in any real way.
      Facundo Pellistri – 5 (81′)
      Only played ten minutes, and looked full of energy on the right hand side, created a few half-chances but nothing too concrete. More