Alex Ferguson Returns - Manchester United

Incredible Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, will be available to control Ole Gunnar Solskjaer through his time at Old Trafford as interval manager.

Solskjaer has been acquired to supplant Jose Mourinho, who was sacked by official bad habit director Ed Woodward, at the club's preparation ground last Tuesday.

The previous United striker got off to the ideal begin, by directing the group to a 5-1 triumph over Cardiff City on Saturday.

Solskjaer has just conceded that he bases a ton of his administrative style on what he realized while playing under Ferguson.

Also, as per The UK Sun, the Norwegian will be in "normal contact" with Ferguson, after Woodward chose to bring back the Scot as a specialist.

Premier league rival set to sign Victor Moses

Chelsea winger, Victor Moses is set to leave Stamford Bridge to join Premier League side, Crystal Palace for £12million when the move window opens in January 2019.

As per The Sun, Chelsea are prepared to capitalize on the 28-year-old one month from now as the Blues manager, Maurizio Sarri hopes to reinforce his group for the second 50% of the season.

Moses has dropped out of support at Chelsea since Sarri assumed control from individual Italian comrade, Antonio Conte early this season.

The ex-Nigerian universal has scarcely included for Sarri's side so far this crusade.

The winger has neglected to awe Sarri at the West London club and that has prompted theory about his future at Stamford Bridge.

Moses will would like to play for Chelsea when they handle Watford on Boxing Day.

Chelsea make a beeline for the diversion following a 1-0 annihilation to Leicester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

Ozil reactions to Arsenal victory against Burnley

Arsenal playmaker, Mesut Ozil, has talked on his side's 3-1 triumph over Burnley on Saturday in the Premier League.

Two objectives from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and an objective from Alex Iwobi guaranteed triumph for Unai Emery's men at Emirates.

Be that as it may, Ashley Barnes scored for the guests.

Ozil, who did not highlight in Arsenal's 2-0 thrashing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, said he was happy to enable his group to crush Burnley.

"#YaGunners, truly significant 3 points won! Happy I could help the group today," Ozil tweeted.

Arsenal presently sit in fifth position on the Premier League table with 37 points from 18 diversions.

The North London club will handle Brighton on Wednesday in their next Premier League apparatus

TRANSFER LATEST! Chelsea To Splash £70 Million To Sign Real Madrid Star

Previous Premier League champions, Chelsea have at long last chosen to offer £70 million to Real Madrid in an offer to sign their midfielder, Isco when the move window opens in January.

As per The Sun, the Blues will give Isco a four-and-a-half-year bargain worth £250,000 per week.

Isco has not been an ordinary starter at Madrid since Santiago Solari supplanted Julen Lopetegui as supervisor in October.

The Spain worldwide has tumbled down the pecking request in Solari's squad this battle.

The ex-Malaga star, who just begun one match under Solari, has shown up as a substitute this term.

Isco was booed by Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabeu in Los Blancos' 3-0 crush by CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

The 26-year-old's present contract in Madrid will end in 2022.

The midfielder will want to include for Real Madrid when they handle Villarreal in their next La Liga fixture

We don't need Jose mouriho: Real Madrid board decide

Previous La Liga champions, Real Madrid have at long last chosen not to re-sign previous Manchester United administrator, Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho has been connected with an arrival to the Los Blancos after he was sacked on Tuesday by Manchester United.

Madrid are said to at present be in the market for another administrator with current mentor, Santiago Solari known to be just a transient arrangement.

In any case, Spanish outlet, Marca, is presently revealing that the Champions League holders don't need the Portuguese gaffer back at the Santiago Bernabeu regardless of his unique association with Madrid president, Florentino Perez and executive, Jose Angel Sanchez.

The report likewise guaranteed that Perez and Sanchez both concurred that the entryway at Madrid is "shut" for Mourinho's arrival.

Mourinho won one La Liga title amid his three years at Real Madrid

Real Madrid Win Third consecutive Club World Cup Title

Real Madrid facilitated to a third straight Club World Cup title as Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos scored in a 4-1 last triumph over home group Al Ain in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

The European heroes have battled on occasion this season yet had little inconvenience in neglecting Al Ain, whose unexpected hurried to the last incorporated a rebound from 3-0 down against Team Wellington and a stun last-four win over River Plate.

The Spanish mammoths have now won a record four Club World Cup titles, pulling one clear of most despised opponents Barcelona, who were in La Liga activity on Saturday.

"These players merit it. They're here subsequent to buckling down and winning numerous trophies," said Real mentor Santiago Solari.

"Today they included a completing touch with the third sequential Club World Cup, which I believe is an extraordinary accomplishment for the club, obviously for Real Madrid and this gathering of players specifically."

Solari, who has needed to manage bits of gossip encompassing his future after previous Los Blancos mentor Jose Mourinho's sacking by Manchester United not long ago, named a solid side including Modric, Toni Kroos and Gareth Bale.

Ballon d'Or luka Modric gave Real a fourteenth moment lead, and Marcos Llorente's awesome volley multiplied the lead on the hour check before Sergio Ramos' late third and Tsukasa Shiotani's comfort.

Pogba returns for United in Solskjaer squad

Paul Pogba came back to the Manchester United beginning line-up without precedent for four Premier League diversions as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rolled out four improvements for Saturday's outing to Cardiff from Jose Mourinho's last amusement in control.

Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday after a 3-1 annihilation to Liverpool a weekend ago that left United 19 off the highest point of the table and 11 hapless of the main four.

Pogba was left on the seat for the full a hour and a half at Anfield, yet returns alongside Phil Jones, Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial with Eric Bailly, Diogo Dalot, Matteo Darmian and Romelu Lukaku left out.

Man City staggered by Crystal Palace, Arsenal jump on Chelsea defeat

Manchester City drooped to a second thrashing in three Premier League recreations to hand Liverpool an early Christmas present in the title race as Crystal Palace stunned the Etihad with a 3-2 win on Saturday. 

Chelsea were additionally dazed at home by Jamie Vardy's champ for Leicester in a 1-0 triumph at Stamford Bridge to enable Arsenal to move level on focuses with their London matches in fourth after a 3-1 prevail upon Burnley. 

Triumph for Watford at West Ham pushed Manchester United down to seventh in front of their first excursion since Jose Mourinho was sacked as supervisor in midweek with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reviewing Paul Pogba for his first amusement in control against Cardiff. 

Liverpool opened up a noteworthy lead at the best with an exceptionally great 2-0 succeed at Wolves on Friday to stretch out their unbeaten begin to the battle. 

What's more, City neglected to cut the hole as they dropped focuses at home out of the blue this season notwithstanding proceeding through Ilkay Gundogan's header. 

Jeffrey Schlupp leveled for Palace against the pursue of play only the half-hour check and after two minutes Andros Townsend pounded a shocking volley into the best corner from well outside the territory. 

Kick Guardiola gathered Sergio Aguero from the seat not long after the break, however City had a mountain to ascend when Kyle Walker cleaved down Max Meyer and Luka Milivojevic dispatched the subsequent punishment. 

Kevin De Bruyne was additionally tossed on to attempt and turn the diversion around and his planned check that flew in off the post brought City once more into the amusement a short ways from time. 

In any case, in spite of ceaseless weight, the victors couldn't discover an equalizer to hand Liverpool a colossal lift in front of their outing to City on January 3. 

– Aubameyang at the twofold – 

Chelsea were additionally beaten at Stamford Bridge out of the blue under Maurizio Sarri as Vardy terminated home James Maddison's go to give the Foxes their first triumph in five amusements. 

Thrashing for the Blues enabled Arsenal to close on a main four complete as two objectives from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang beat Burnley 3-1 of every a terrible tempered conflict.

Hazard Sends Warning To Liverpool & Man City After Chelsea’s Win Against Brighton

Chelsea ace, Eden Hazard has issued out warning to Manchester City and Liverpool following his side’s 2-1 victory over Brighton in the Premier League encounter played on Sunday.

Goals from Pedro and Eden Hazard ensured victory for Maurizio Sarri’s side against Brighton.

However, a goal from Solomon March was not enough to give the hosts a point against the Blues.

Hazard warned Pep Guardiola’s men and Jurgen Klopp’s side that Chelsea are determined to finish top on the Premier League table this term.

“We want to be top of the league at the end of the season,” Hazard was quoted by Metro UK as saying after the match.

“We know Man City and Liverpool are good teams – we don’t want the gap to be big.”

Hazard added:

“I like to score, but it’s not important for me. “The most important thing is to win games. I just enjoy my football and that’s why I’’m on the pitch.

“We knew before the game that we need to score a third goal. When it’s 3-0 it’s harder for teams to get back. But we didn’t and conceded – you feel the pressure. “But we managed the game well.”

Chelsea are fourth place on the Premier League table with 37 points from 17 games

Liverpool currently top the Premier League table with 45 points from 17 games, while Man City are second place with 44 points from the same number of games.

EPL: Sarri slams Chelsea players after 2-1 win over Brighton

Maurizio Sarri has warned Chelsea to avoid becoming “dangerous to ourselves” after they withstood a late barrage to secure a 2-1 victory over Brighton.

Chelsea were dominant for an hour at the Amex Stadium, with first-half goals from Pedro and Eden Hazard putting them in control before Solly March’s 66th-minute strike gave Brighton renewed hope.

The result moved Chelsea clear of Arsenal — beaten 3-2 at Southampton — in fourth place in the Premier League, but Sarri was keen to stress areas for improvement.

“I think we could have won better because we played very well for 60 minutes,” he said.

“We conceded a goal in a moment in which we were in full control of the match, and so, in my mind, it was clear in that moment that we have to suffer in the last five minutes with the long balls into the box.

“We are not a physical team. With the substitutions, I tried to have a more physical impact for the last five minutes, but it was clear it was really very difficult in the last five minutes. We could have won better.

“I think that when we have the feeling of being in full control of the match, we are dangerous for ourselves. Suddenly the level of application and attention is lowered.

“The feeling when we are in confidence, when we are sure of being in control of the match, is dangerous for us.”

Sarri stuck with the same XI that defeated Manchester City last weekend, deploying Hazard as a false No. 9 with Olivier Giroud among the substitutes and Alvaro Morata sidelined by a knee injury

Hazard speaks on goal target, gives update on his ankle injury

Chelsea star man, Eden Hazard has insisted he is more focused on securing wins for Chelsea than getting personal achievements with the Blues.

Hazard set up Pedro for the first goal before scoring also, as Chelsea beat Brighton 2-1 at the Amex Stadium on Sunday.

The win helped Chelsea retain fourth place in the Premier League.

The Belgian international now boasts a combined total of 17 goals and assists in 16 league matches this term, already more than the 16 he accrued in 34 appearances last season.

He now has 98 goals for Chelsea, but admitted he is not focusing on those individual achievements.

Asked if he has a special celebration in mind for his 100th Chelsea goal, Hazard told Chelsea TV, “I don’t know!

“I know it’s close to 100 goals for Chelsea, but that’s not in my mind, I just want to win games for Chelsea, that’s important.”

On an ankle knock he picked up late on in Sunday’s clash, the 27-year-old said he feels confident that it will not hold him back for long.

“I think it’s not too bad, I’ll chat with the doctor, but not too bad.

“I just twisted it a bit.

“It’s a long season. We want to close the gap with the teams above us so we need to win games, and step by step try to be the best team in England.

“I always enjoy my football. We have good players in the team, we understand each other more now than we did at the beginning of the season, so we just want to be on the pitch and create something,” he said.

Jose Mourinho Finally Reveals Why He Benched Pogba For Man United Loss Against Liverpool

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, has explained why he dropped midfielder, Paul Pogba from his side’s Premier League 3-1 defeat by Liverpool on Sunday.

Goals from Sadio Mane (1), Xherdan Shaqiri (2) gave Jurgen Klopp’s men all three points against United.

However, Jesse Lingard did score for Jose Mourinho’s men.

Mourinho said his decision not to feature Pogba against Liverpool was because he wanted to bring more aggressiveness and intensity in midfield.

When asked why Pogba did not feature against Liverpool, Mourinho told Sky Sports:

“I made many decisions. I made many decisions with starting with 11 players and leaving others on the bench.

“I always try to choose what I think is best for the team. I think the team lately with [Ander] Herrera, [Nemanja] Matic and [Jesse] Lingard lost some qualities.

“But at the same time we become more aggressive, more simple, more intense without the ball and that’s what I think we need to play against such a fast team like Liverpool.”

City will not sacrifice League Cup for title race: Guardiola

Holders Manchester City will take Tuesday’s League Cup quarter-final with Leicester City seriously, says manager Pep Guardiola, even though they are in a tight duel with Liverpool for the Premier League title.

Guardiola — whose Premier League champions trail Liverpool by a point — says it is only by winning trophies the club can get better, even if the League Cup is viewed as the third most important domestic trophy in English football.

The 47-year-old Spaniard concedes Liverpool may benefit from no longer being involved in the League Cup — their next match is against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday — and if City progress they will face a two-legged semi-final in January.

“We could say yes,” said Guardiola, answering a question at his press conference over whether Liverpool had an advantage in having a lighter fixture list.

“But I’d prefer to be in the League Cup than not.

“I cannot imagine going into a game thinking, ‘Oh, it will be better to lose because then we’ll have more time to rest’. I have never thought in that way.

“That is the only way a club like Manchester City — who 10 years ago were not in this position — can grow up, and get better and better. And that’s what we have to do.”

Guardiola said that those players who had played on Saturday in the 3-1 win over Everton would probably have to shoulder the responsibility of backing up against Leicester due to a growing injury list.

Belgian star Kevin de Bruyne returned against Everton and should play again whilst record goalscorer Argentinian Sergio Aguero could start after a four week absence through injury.

“We don’t have many players,” said Guardiola.

“We have a lot of injured players. Some players that played Saturday and in the last games have to play.

“But it is a chance to reach a semi-final and since I’ve been here my teams have never dropped one game, not even a friendly game.

“It is a competition, it must be respected, like we did it last season. We are going to try and win the game.”

De Bruyne Names The Team That Can Stop Man City From Winning The Premier League (Guess Who??)

Manchester City play maker, Kevin De Bruyne has named Liverpool as the club that can stop Pep Guardiola’s men from retaining the Premier League title this season.

City won the English topflight league title last season with a record 100 points from 38 games.

But De Bruyne believes Jurgen Klopp’s men will fight City ‘to the end’ in the title race this term.

The Belgium international stated this following City’s 3-1 victory over Everton in the Premier League encounter over the weekend.

The midfielder played his first Premier League match of the season as a second-half substitute against Everton after recovering from a knee injury he sustained some months ago.

Speaking on the club that can stop City from retaining the Premier League title, ESPN quoted De Bruyne as saying:

“I don’t know why they [Liverpool] can’t sustain it. I think Liverpool will go on to the end.

“To be fair, I’m not too worried about them. They will do what they do and we’ll have to try to win our games and go forward.

“They’ll try to keep pace with us and vice-versa. But it’s still early. There’s no pressure — we need to do what we do.”

De Bruyne will hope to lead Guardiola’s men to victory when they tackle Leicester City on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup

BREAKING! Man United Board Finally Takes Decision On Sacking Mourinho After Liverpool Loss

Manchester United board have decided not to sack manager, Jose Mourinho, despite the Red Devils’ 3-1 defeat by Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.

Goals from Sadio Mane (1), Xherdan Shaqiri (2) gave Jurgen Klopp’s men all three points against United.

However, Jesse Lingard did score for Jose Mourinho’s men.

Mourinho is under intense pressure at United following his side’s poor form of run so far this campaign.

According to The Guardian, United’s hierarchy have decided that Mourinho’s future at Old Trafford is not under immediate threat following Sunday’s defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s men.

The report claimed that United’s chiefs are willing to give the Portuguese time to improve his side’s performances and turn things around for good so as to save his job.

Mourinho’s men will now tackle Cardiff City in their next Premier League fixture on Saturday.

Man United currently sit in sixth position on the Premier League table with 26 points from 17 games.

What Klopp told me before I scored two goals against Man United – Liverpool’s Shaqiri

Liverpool forward, Xherdan Shaqiri has disclosed what manager, Jurgen Klopp told him before he came on and scored a brace in the Reds’ Premier League 3-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday.

Goals from Sadio Mane (1), Xherdan Shaqiri (2) gave Jurgen Klopp’s men all three points against United.

However, Jesse Lingard did score for Jose Mourinho’s men.

According to Shaqiri, Klopp told him to be in the game directly before he came on.

The Swiss international also said that he watched the match from outside and there were a lot of spaces between the lines.

“He [Klopp] said to me he wanted me to be in the game directly. I tried to be direct in the game and you can see also I prepared myself very well,” Shaqiri was quoted by Metro UK as saying.

“I watched the game from outside also, so you can see the spaces and there were a lot of spaces between the lines.

“I am very good between the lines and try to stay there and pick the ball up to have an impact and stay in the game.

“In the end I scored two goals and we won the game, that’s a perfect day for us.”

Shaqiri added: “Obviously I’d be lying if I said you are not disappointed when you are on the bench – every player is disappointed when he’s on the bench,’ he said after the final whistle.

“But I always stay positive and try to help the team when I come on and you saw today when I came on I tried to help the team and to have an impact.”

Europa League Round of 32: Arsenal, Chelsea Get Easy Draws

File Photo

Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea have been added easy opponents in the Round of 32 fixtures of the Europa Leagues.

Arsenal play Bate Borisov of Belarus, while Chelsea – who won the competition in 2013 – take on Swedish side Malmo.

Most of the two-legged ties will be played on the 14 and 21 February 2019.

Arsenal’s home second leg will be on Wednesday, 20 February at 17:00 GMT.

The Gunners and Chelsea were both seeded for the draw, meaning they host their second legs and teams from the same city cannot play at home on the same night.

The timing of the fixture is to avoid a clash with the Champions League games taking place later on that Wednesday.

Arsenal and Chelsea both finished top of their respective groups, each winning five and drawing one of their six matches.

The Gunners are facing the same opponent they met in the group stage of last season’s competition, winning twice – 4-2 in Belarus and 6-0 in London.

Europa League last-32 draw in full

Viktoria Plzen v Dinamo Zagreb

Club Brugge v Red Bull Salzburg

Rapid Vienna v Inter Milan

Slavia Prague v Genk

Krasnodar v Bayer Leverkusen

FC Zurich v Napoli

Malmo v Chelsea

Shakhtar Donetsk v Eintracht Frankfurt

Celtic v Valencia

Rennes v Real Betis

Olympiakos v Dinamo Kiev

Lazio v Sevilla

Fenerbache v Zenit St Petersburg

Sporting Lisbon v Villarreal

Bate Borisov v Arsenal

Galatasaray v Benfica

Cristiano Ronaldo sets new record for Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo took no time to make a mark in his new club and Serie A record champions Juventus as he became the fastest player to score 10 goals across all competitions. The Portuguese talisman Cristiano Ronaldo set the new record for Juventus while making his 16th appearance for the club on Saturday in a league match against SPAL. Ronaldo slotted home Miralem Pjanic's free-kick after 29 minutes in Turin to join Genoa's Krzysztof Piatek at the top of the Serie A scoring charts with nine goals.

Later Mario Mandzukic sealed the three points on the hour mark in a simple warm up for Tuesday's crucial Champions League visit of Valencia.

The pair also scored both in Juventus' 2-0 win over AC Milan before the international break, and Ronaldo's strike was his seventh in eight games in all competitions for his new club, for a total of 10 goals this season.

"Cristiano does things that catch opponents off guard and that's exactly what we need," said coach Massimiliano Allegri.

"Sometimes we play one pass too many and the moment is lost.

"Cristiano moves and thinks so quickly, he saw Douglas Costa coming out the corner of his eye and pulled the pass back. We need to all improve in that sense, being able to

EPL: Manchester United’s squad to face Liverpool revealed

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, has named his provisional squad for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool.

Mourinho will have the dilemma as to whether or not to bring Paul Pogba back into his starting line-up at Anfield.

David De Gea and Nemanja Matic will return after being rested midweek against Valencia.

Those who did not make the trip to the Mestalla (Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, Matteo Darmian and Chris Smalling), will be checked on before the short trip to Merseyside.

Mason Greenwood and James Garner, both 17, have joined the group while Mourinho will still have to make do without Victor Lindelof (groin) and Alexis Sanchez (hamstring).

Provisional squad Romero, Grant, Young, Valencia, Bailly, Jones, Rojo, Fred, Pereira, Herrera, McTominay, Garner, Pogba, Lingard, Fellaini, Mata, Lukaku, Rashford, Greenwood

Liverpool vs Manchester United: Mourinho worried about Salah’s threat

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, is worried about the “nuclear threat” that Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah carries, ahead of their Premier League clash on Sunday.

Salah played under Mourinho at Chelsea, but his initial spell in the Premier League failed to catch fire and the former Basel man moved to Serie A.

He returned last season, joining Liverpool for £36.9million following spells with Fiorentina and Roma.

“He has developed incredibly well at every level.

“Physically, an amazing development. He was a fast, fragile boy and now he is a fast, strong man.

“He was psychologically not adapted, coming directly from a small club in Switzerland [Basel] to a big club in the Premier League.

“It was too much. I remember I played him at White Hart Lane and at the Etihad and it was too much for him.

“Now he plays everywhere against any team – he can go to Barcelona, can go to Madrid and he plays like, ‘I am Mo-Mo Salah and I am afraid of no one and nobody’.

“He is a fantastic player, completely different from the potential player we bought from Basel to Chelsea. He was a projective player and now he is one of the best players in the world.

“I think the fact that I know him does not help me because I knew the projective player and now he is a top player,” Mourinho said according to Goal.

Jesus shines as City regain top spot, Eriksen fires Spurs

Manchester City swept back to the top of the Premier League as Gabriel Jesus struck twice in the champions’ 3-1 win over Everton, while Christian Eriksen kept Tottenham in the title hunt in a last-gasp 1-0 victory against Burnley on Saturday. Jesus hadn’t scored a Premier League goal since August, but the Brazil forward ended that drought to put Everton to the sword at the Etihad Stadium. The 21-year-old’s goals and a strike from Raheem Sterling put City two points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, but Jurgen Klopp’s team can regain top spot if they beat bitter rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday. Coach Pep Guardiola, whose team had surrendered pole position with their loss at Chelsea last weekend, was pleased to see Jesus get back on track with his seventh and eighth goals of the season. “It is so important for him, strikers need to score goals,” said Guardiola. “What he has done today, he has done in other games but the difference is he has scored goals. “He has done it in a fantastic way. It was so valuable, his performance.” Jesus opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a cool finish from a tight angle after Leroy Sane’s pass opened up the Everton defence. Pep Guardiola’s side had to wait just five minutes after the break to make it 2-0, when patient build-up found Sane on the left and the German’s cross was met by a bullet header from Jesus. Everton got back into the game in the 65th minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s header from a high-hanging Digne cross flicking off Fabian Delph and past the helpless Ederson. But Raheem Sterling came off the bench to end the contest four minutes later when the City winger met Fernandinho’s cross with a firm header. City were also cheered by the return of playmaker Kevin De Bruyne as a 75th minute substitute after a six-week lay-off with his second knee injury of the season. – Late show for Spurs – At Wembley, Tottenham left it until stoppage-time before finally breaking Burnley’s stubborn resistance as the north London club moved within five points of the leaders. Mauricio Pochettino’s third-placed side featured a first league start for 18-year-old midfielder Oliver Skipp, with Eriksen and Son Heung-Min on the bench. Joe Hart kept fourth-from-bottom Burnley level when the former England keeper plunged low to his right to save Erik Lamela’s low shot. But Denmark playmaker Eriksen came on in the second half and he provided the match-winning moment with a clipped finish after Fernando Llorente and Harry Kane battered down the Burnley barricades in the 90th minute. Eriksen’s winner capped a fine few days for Tottenham, who qualified for the Champions League last 16 in midweek after drawing 1-1 at Barcelona. “It is a very good week for us, a fantastic win for us today, it is so important to be focused and try to keep our energy,” Pochettino said. “After the Barcelona game it is difficult to find the way to perform like this.” Watford caught the eye in a stylish 3-2 win over Cardiff at Vicarage Road that left Neil Warnock’s side just four points above the relegation zone. Javi Gracia’s team took the lead in the 16th minute thanks to a superb solo strike from former Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu. Jose Holebas was next to impress, netting with a blistering 20-yard drive in the 52nd minute before teenager Domingos Quina bagged his first Premier League goal with a fine effort in the 68th minute. Cardiff got one back through Junior Hoilett in the 80th minute before Bobby Reid’s 82nd minute strike set up a tense finish. Luka Milivojevic lifted Crystal Palace five points away from the bottom three as the Serbia midfielder’s superb strike clinched a 1-0 victory against Leicester. Newcastle won for the first time in four matches to ease their relegation worries as Salomon Rondon’s 55th minute goal earned a 1-0 victory at third bottom Huddersfield. Wolves are up to seventh place as Raul Jimenez’s 12th minute goal and Ivan Cavaleiro’s 90th minute effort wrapped up a 2-0 win at Molineux that condemned Bournemouth to a sixth defeat in their last seven games.

EPL: Manchester United players told to ignore Mourinho’s instructions

Former Arsenal defender, Martin Keown, has told Manchester United players to ignore instructions from manager Jose Mourinho and take matters into their own hands. The Red Devils travel to Anfield on Sunday to take on title-chasing Liverpool, 16 points behind their bitter rivals. A much-changed United side slipped to another demoralising defeat against Valencia in midweek and Keown believes Mourinho’s men are turning in the worst performances he has seen in 25 years. “These performances are some of the worst we’ve seen from United in 25 years,” Keown told Football Focus. “They are there for the taking – these United players almost need to stop listening to their manager now. “If this is how they’re being told to play, the players are on their own – I don’t know the identity of this United team. “They’re almost dreading games. Whether they change the manager is another thing but every game feels like a crisis now. “Mourinho has an incredible job there but the ‘special one’ has become the ‘lonely one’. “He’s almost enjoying the process of it coming to an end.”

Champions League draw guide: Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester to face who in knockout stages?

Who can Premier League sides face in last-16? Manchester City Potential opponents: Atletico Madrid, Schalke, Ajax, Roma Best scenario: Schalke Worst scenario: Atletico Madrid (Pix Sterling, Pix Griezmann) Manchester United Potential opponents: Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, PSG, Porto, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid Best scenario: Porto Worst scenario: Barcelona (Pix Courtinho, Pix Lukaku) Liverpool Potential opponents: Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Porto, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Juventus Best scenario: Porto Worst scenario: Juventus (Pix Ronaldo Pix Mane) Tottenham Potential opponents: Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Porto, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Juventus Best scenario: Porto Worst scenario: PSG When is the Champions League draw? The draw will take place on December 17 in Nyon, Switzerland. It will start at 12 noon and the draw will be streamed on the UEFA website. We will bring you all the action when it takes place. Who is in the Champions League draw? .Borussia Dortmund (seeded) .Atletico Madrid (unseeded) .Barcelona (seeded) .Tottenham (unseeded) .PSG (seeded) .Liverpool (unseeded) .Porto (seeded) .Schalke (unseeded) .Bayern Munich (seeded) .Ajax (unseeded) .Manchester City (seeded) .Lyon (unseeded) .Real Madrid (seeded) .Roma (unseeded) .Juventus (seeded) .Manchester United (unseeded) How does the Champions League draw work? Quite simply, the eight group winners are seeded while the runners-up are not. Teams from the same group or country cannot be drawn together meaning City, United, Liverpool and Tottenham will not face each other. When are the Champions League last-16 games? The ties will take place on February 12/13 or February 19/20, with the second legs being played on March 5/6 or 12/13.

Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been voted BBC African Footballer of the Year for the second time in a row.

The 26-year-old beat Medhi Benatia, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sadio Mane and Thomas Partey to the prize. The Premier League’s player of the year scored 44 goals in 52 games for Liverpool last season. “It’s a great feeling to win again. I’m happy and I would like to win it also next year!” said Salah. As well as inspiring his club to the Champions League final, Salah scored twice for Egypt at this year’s World Cup, having netted both goals in the match which took his country to the tournament for the first time since 1990. “There have been many good moments in 2018,” he added. “The game against Roma at Anfield [Champions League semi-final first leg] was unbelievable. I’m scoring goals and helping the team to get the points to be top of the league. That’s always a great feeling.” Salah said his aim for 2019 is “to win something with the club so everyone is excited”.

Can Klopp’s wrecking ball finally defeat United at the Anfield

Facts only: Liverpool have not defeated Manchester United in five games Klopp’s army is a wrecking ball, the army of locusts that consumes all before them. Admittedly, they are an exhilarating watch, right from their goalkeeper to Klopp himself. Manchester United on the other hand, are at best enigmatic. At least, for the conflicting soundbites, conspiracy theories, Paul Pogba and yeah, Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese manager has tried against all odds to get Manchester United to 6th, 24 points behind Liverpool after 16 games. The team is fighting to finish in the top four. The contrast is made starker by their form over the last five games, Liverpool with five wins and United with a lone win and four draws. Liverpool are riding the crest of a wave, clinching Champions League knock out stage qualification, overtaking Manchester City at the top of the log and mute celebrating Mo Salah. Southampton vs Arsenal Facts only: Southampton could set a club record of 13 Premier League games without a win. Their longest streak since 1989 Here’s another fact: in Arsenal’s defence, Rob Holding is out; Shkodran Mustafi is out, Sokratis Papastathopoulos is suspended, Dinos Mavroapnos is out. Three out of the four defenders who have featured heavily at the heart of the Arsenal defence. However, Unai Emery shouldn’t have much of a worry because of the state of Southampton’s attack. They have the joint-second worst attack in the Premier League with only 13 goals scored in their last 16 matches; a perfect game to ease Laurent Koscielny back into the side as the Gunners head into a testy and packed schedule in the festive season. Manchester City vs Everton Facts only: Manchester City vs Everton has produced a draw in three of their last four meetings After Chelsea ended the City’s unbeaten run, Pep Guardiola’s men will look to bounce back from the disappointing defeat. Though Everton are by no means mincemeat, they possess one of the best defence in the league only behind City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Watford. The Merseyside team are capable of springing a surprise with their fast-paced attackers, especially Richarlison who has been deployed as a central striker by Marco Silva. Sergio Aguero, who has just returned from injury could play a cameo in the game as City hope to return to the league summit after dropping off last week.

EPL: Owen predicts results of Liverpool vs Man United, Chelsea vs Brighton, Arsenal vs Southampton, others

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker, Michael Owen has tipped Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to defeat Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United on Sunday evening in the Premier League fixture at Anfield. He also predicted Chelsea to beat Brighton in Sunday’s Premier League fixture. According to him, Tottenham will defeat Burnley on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League fixture. Owen, however, tipped Arsenal to defeat Southampton on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League fixture. “I was surprised to see that Liverpool are without a win in their last eight Premier League games against United, but I think the hosts will keep all three points at Anfield in the game of the weekend,” Owen told BetVictor. “The last couple of league games between the clubs at Anfield have finished goalless, but United have struggled to keep clean sheets in the Premier League so far this term and I would be surprised if Jose Mourinho’s side were able to keep Liverpool at arm’s length. “That said, Liverpool’s much-vaunted attacking trio of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have yet to score, or indeed assist, a goal against United in a combined total of 855 minutes in the EPL. “I expect the Reds front-three to buck that trend at Anfield in what promises to be a fiercely-fought game between these two great clubs.” Commenting on the Arsenal vs Southampton game, Owen said: “Arsenal have scored at least twice in their last seven away games in the Premier League and I expect to see goals at St Mary’s with Unai Emery’s side coming out on top of an entertaining game. “The Gunners have lost just two of their last 17 games against Southampton in all competitions and the hosts are currently on a barren run of 14 games. These are difficult and worrying times for the Saints and I can’t see them getting anything against an in-form Arsenal.” On the Chelsea vs Brighton game, Owen said: “Chelsea have lost their last couple of Premier League games on the road, but they are a quality outfit and are taken to take the points back to the capital even though Brighton have only lost one of their last ten home Premier League games. “Chelsea have won all six games between the clubs in top-flight English football and the last time Brighton beat the Blues in any competition was a 1933 3rd Round FA Cup tie! “Eden Hazard has provided an assist in his last three Premier League games and the Belgian international has been back to his brilliant best of late. “He might be the difference between the sides at the Amex.” Commenting on the Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley, Owen added: “Burnley picked up a valuable three points at home to Brighton last weekend, but they continue to struggle away from Turf Moor, having picked up just six points from their last ten away league games. “Spurs’ confidence will be sky-high as a result of their 1-1 draw in Barcelona in midweek, a result which ensured all four Premier League sides would be in Monday’s draw for the last 16 of the Champions League. A comfortable home win for me.”

Liverpool 6 years without a throphy.... Klopp vs mouriho criticism

Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, has responded to Manchester United manager, Jurgen Klopp’s comment on Reds’ lack of trophy. Klopp said he was not concerned by his lack of silverware at Liverpool after Jose Mourinho said that ‘trophies mattered.’ The Reds welcome Mourinho’s Manchester United to Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool are sitting top of the Premier League table. Klopp has lost all three of the cup finals he has appeared in as Liverpool boss, while the club has not won any silverware for six years. During his press conference on Friday, Mourinho suggested trophies were important, but dismissed the idea Klopp should be solely judged on his silverware record at Liverpool. Klopp, while addressing his pre-game press conference at Ansfield, agreed with his rival manager. He said, “Do I have to? Do I have to win it?’ he said. “If people say the Champions League campaign last season was not a success because we didn’t win the final, then I cannot change that. Was it the successful finish? No, but the ride was brilliant. “I enjoyed it a lot. Going to the final was fantastic but in life – in all departments of life including your job – if only the best counts and effort doesn’t count then life is s***. “You can do whatever you want but if I’m not as smart as Einstein or whatever, I can’t try a little bit? “I will never be him. I love the challenge. Make the best of it. That is how I understand life, I learned it a little bit in football. In the end other people have to judge that.”

6 football clubs owned by famous footballers The life of a professional footballer is short. Most footballers who play in top tiers of Europe tend to start their career by the end of their teenage years and their careers fizzle out by the time they hit the mid-30s. Once their playing careers come to end, these players invest their money and time elsewhere. Some become television pundits and columnists, others go into coaching and few others venture into the business world like Cristiano Ronaldo who owns a clothing brand or Mathieu Flamini who has a biochemical company. Most players do the groundwork for their post-playing careers even before retirement. As already stated, footballers find different avenues to invest their money and one way is to invest their money in a football club. So here is a list of six football clubs you probably haven’t heard of but is owned by superstars that you’ve definitely heard of. 6 Phoenix Rising - Didier Drogba Phoenix Rising is an American club playing in the second tier the US football pyramid and it was founded in 2014 as Arizona United Soccer Club. In 2016, after a change in ownership, the club was rebranded Phoenix Rising FC. On April 12, 2017; Phoenix signed Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba on a free transfer. The Ivorian also purchased an ownership stake in the Arizona based club and thus became the first ever player-owner in football history. Among the other notable owners are baseball star Brandon McCarthy, DJ and record producer, Diplo and songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Pete Wentz. After a fantastic 2018 season in which they finished third in the Western Conference Standings just two points behind the table toppers, Phoenix Rising will now compete in the conference playoffs. Former England, Chelsea and Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips played for Phoenix Rising in 2017. 5 Salford City - Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt Salford City is a football club based in Salford, Great Manchester and in 2014, a part of Manchester United’s famous Class of 92 completed a takeover of the club when they were playing in Premier League Division North which is the seventh division in England. In September 2014, the ownership team comprising of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt agreed to sell a 50% stake in the club to Singapore based billionaire Peter Lim who also owns La Liga club Valencia. The remaining 50% was split equally between Giggs, Scholes, Butt and the Neville brothers. Since the takeover, Salford City has earned two promotions and are currently playing in England’s fifth division, National League North. The team is currently top of the table and if they finish the season on top, then they will gain promotion to EFL League Two. Giggs previously stated that the aim is to bring Salford City to the Championship in fifteen years and if they move forward at the current pace, then that target should be met with time to spare. 4 Paolo Maldini - Miami FC Paolo Maldini is currently serving as sporting strategy & development director for Milan and is also the co-owner of American second division club Miami FC. Maldini owns 50% of the club and the rest is owned by Italian businessman Riccardo Silva who is also the president of the club. "Miami has been my second home for 15 years, so I look forward to spending more and more time here as co-owner of Miami FC, giving my enthusiastic contribution for its success” - Maldini Miami played its first season in 2016 with Maldini’s former Milan teammate Alessandro Nesta as the manager. In addition, Italian sportswear brand, Macron, signed as the club’s kit suppliers on a three years deal. In 2017, Miami won the Spring and Fall NASL season but after the outright cancellation of the 2018 NASL season, the club is in a limbo. However, in January 2018, Miami FC announced the creation of Miami FC 2 in the National Premier Soccer League and many of the players from Miami FC were transferred to Miami FC 2. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Maldini’s club. 3 San Diego 1904 - Eden Hazard, Demba Ba, Yohan Cabaye and Moussa Sow San Diego 1904 is another club based in the United States owned by football stars. Founded in June 2017 by current stars Demba Ba, Eden Hazard, Yohan Cabaye and Moussa Sow, the club was supposed to start activities in 2018 in the North American Soccer League. However, due to the cancellation of NASL, San Diego attempted to join the United Soccer League in 2019 but an agreement couldn’t be reached in time. San Diego was later announced as the first member of a planned Division III league, National Independent Soccer Association. The club will play its home games temporarily in University of San Diego’s Torero Stadium but the plan is to build a new stadium in Oceanside, approximately 40 miles north of downtown San Diego. Demba Ba has labelled San Diego as the ‘project of their life’. “One of our goals is to sign players who have a strong passion for the game, who are competitive and love to win. All my life as a football player I lived with competition and competition is going to be good for us and for San Diego.” Eden Hazard also has great hopes on the San Diego project. “We see great things for this club and for soccer in San Diego. It’s a tremendous honour be a part of this club and to give San Diego what it deserves – professional football.” 2 Real Valladolid - Ronaldo Real Valladolid earned promotion to the La Liga at the end of the 2017/18 season after four years. On September 3, 2018, it was announced that former Brazil international Ronaldo Nazario became the majority shareholder after purchasing 51% controlling stake of the club. "The arrival of Ronaldo puts Real Valladolid on the map and will allow the club to take a leap in quality," said president Carlos Suarez. Ronaldo played in the La Liga for Barcelona and Real Madrid, and speaking at a news conference after the takeover he said: "I have gone through many stages in my training in football to prepare. Football is a passion. This new management will be defined by four words: competitiveness, transparency, revolution and social." Ronaldo’s new team is currently seventh in the league table with 12 points from eight games and is only four points behind table-toppers Sevilla. Prior to owning Valladolid, Ronaldo had a minority stake in NASL club Fort Lauderdale Strikers which was dissolved in 2016. 1 Inter Miami CF - David Beckham David Beckham’s move to the MLS in 2007 was a landmark moment in the history of the league as it thrust the relatively unknown league into the limelight. As a part of his transfer to LA Galaxy, there was an agreement which allowed Beckham to own an MLS expansion team at a discounted franchise fee. In 2014, Beckham exercised his option to buy an MLS expansion team for $25m. The initial plan was to start playing in 2016 or 2017 but it was pushed to 2020 due to delay in getting a stadium deal completed. Beckham’s business partner Simon Fuller and five other businessmen also have stakes in the club. The team’s official name is Internacional de Futbol Miami but is popularly known as Inter Miami. The club intends to build a new stadium the location of which is still to be finalised. Although the club is yet to start its operation, a host of current superstars including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been linked with a future move to the Miami based club. Hopefully, that happens and we get to see Ronaldo and Messi share the field as teammates week in week out.

When Liverpool and Napoli meet in the Stadio San Paolo on Wednesday, one man could be forgiven for wondering what might have been. Piotr Zielinski could, had things worked out differently, have been wearing red instead of blue. He could have been part of Jurgen Klopp’s fast-emerging side, dreaming of Champions League glory and a Premier League challenge. Instead, the Poland international will be looking to stop the Reds in their tracks in Naples. It is more than two years since Zielinski was on Liverpool’s radar, two years since he was close to a move to Anfield. Much has changed since then, of course, but the story is worth revisiting. Klopp arrived on Merseyside in October 2015, replacing Brendan Rodgers, whose once-promising reign had disintegrated rapidly following the title challenge of 2013-14. Liverpool’s feeling was that Rodgers was failing to get the most out of a talented, expensively-assembled group of players. A divide between the management and his recruitment team had done little to help matters, with the Reds operating almost a ‘one for you, one for us’ transfer policy. The club backed Rodgers with signings such as Christian Benteke, while asking him to give ‘committee picks’ such as Roberto Firmino and Emre Can an opportunity. Rodgers, unfortunately, struggled to fully trust those who had been signed for him. Klopp’s first impressions of the squad he inherited were simple; it was talented but imbalanced, lacking pace in attack, depth at centre-back and dynamism in midfield. It was a view shared by Michael Edwards, then the club’s technical director but who would later be appointed to the wider role of sporting director. The January 2016 window, Klopp’s first, saw only one arrival – the emergency short-term signing of defender Steven Caulker – but deals for Schalke defender Joel Matip and Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujic were arranged, to be completed that summer. Zielinski, too, was targeted. He had been looked at the previous summer, when Rodgers was still in charge. At that point, he was 21 and in the middle of a two-year loan from Udinese to Empoli. HD Piotr Zielinski Liverpool’s scouts had been alerted to his impressive performances with the Tuscan minnows. Their reports, fed back through Edwards and head of recruitment Dave Fallows, were glowing. Zielinski was two-footed, had terrific awareness and excellent running power, he moved the ball quickly and he had scope for improvement too. He had also, it seemed, flown under the radar of most top clubs; he had made his senior debut for Poland as an 18-year-old in 2013, but would not become a regular for his country until 2016. Initial enquiries were positive, with the player and his representatives keen on a move to England. A fee of around €10 million (£9m/$12m) was suggested, though Liverpool were informed that both Napoli and AC Milan were keen on the player. Liverpool opted to wait that summer, instead bringing in the likes of Benteke, Firmino, James Milner, Danny Ings and Nathaniel Clyne at significant cost, but continued to track Zielinski’s form at Empoli as Rodgers’ era ended and Klopp’s began. And by January 2016 they were ready to make their move. Zielinski, who was unsure as to his future, would later claim to have met Klopp at this point, discussing a potential move to Anfield for that summer. “I saw a different world and after returning my head was an even bigger mess,” he said. At Empoli, though, he continued to impress. Liverpool, though, found negotiations difficult. Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo informed that due to the interest in Zielinski being reported in the media – the player was even pictured wearing a Liverpool shirt on Polish television - the price would be going up. Ian Ayre, then the Reds' chief executive, met with Pozzo on numerous occasions to try and finalise a fee, but was told that Liverpool would have to pay a lot more to secure the player, as much as double the initial €10m quoted. An initial offer of €11m (£10m/$13m) was lodged in June 2016, but immediately rejected by Pozzo. Liverpool were also informed that Napoli were close to agreeing a deal with Udinese – crucially, one which would involve one of their players, Juan Camilo Zuniga, as a makeweight. Juan Camilo Zuniga Watford The idea was that once Zielinski signed for Napoli, Colombia international Zuniga would be loaned immediately to Watford, the English arm of the Pozzo family’s football portfolio. Liverpool still felt they were in pole position, with even Aurelio De Laurentiis, the Napoli president, appearing downbeat about his chances of landing Zielinski. De Laurentiis told reporters the player was doing “everything he could” to avoid moving to Naples, joking that “maybe he just loves The Beatles.” Liverpool, meanwhile, were offering a higher price than Napoli but getting no joy out of Pozzo. The Reds had missed out on other targets that summer – Mario Gotze rejected a reunion with a disappointed Klopp, joining Borussia Dortmund from Bayern Munich, while moves for Ben Chilwell and Christian Pulisic failed to materialise. A midfielder, Klopp insisted, was vital. Liverpool looked at another young talent, Mahmoud Dahoud of Borussia Monchengladbach, but were told it would take in excess of £30m ($39m) to land the 20-year-old and backed away. The following spring, Dahoud moved to Dortmund for £10.5m ($14m). Ayre, Edwards and Klopp worked hard to clear out the deadwood that summer, raising substantial funds through the sales of the likes of Benteke, Jordon Ibe, Joe Allen, Martin Skrtel, Sergi Canos and Brad Smith, and releasing high earners such as Mario Balotelli, Kolo Toure and Jose Enrique. They could have gone back for Zielinski and/or Dahoud. The money was there. Instead, it was proposed that they target a more established midfielder, one who would need no time to adapt to the Premier League, and who could be an immediate fixture in the first team. Gini Wijnaldum was the man, signed from recently-relegated Newcastle in a £25m ($33m) deal as Klopp’s squad headed off on their US tour in July 2016. Georginio Wijnaldum Liverpool Premier League Team of the Week Wijnaldum’s role since joining has evolved somewhat – he arrived with a reputation as a gambling, goalscoring midfielder but has settled as more of a continuity player under Klopp, protecting the ball well, recycling possession and using his football intelligence to make a positive impact defensively. He was Liverpool’s last signing of that summer window, with Zielinski eventually completing his move to Napoli two weeks later. The reported fee was €16m (£14m/$19m) – lower than Liverpool had been willing to pay. Zuniga, incidentally, had moved to Watford on loan a month earlier. In Naples, Zielinski has made an impact, albeit in moments rather than any sustained period of brilliance. He has made more substitute appearances than starts for Napoli in Serie A, though under new boss Carlo Ancelotti he looks like he will be a permanent fixture, starting seven of the first eight games of this campaign. Under Ancelotti’s predecessor, Maurizio Sarri, he was used almost as the ‘12th man’ dipping in and out without ever nailing down a place. Think of Pedro or Willian at Chelsea under Sarri now, perhaps? The expectation is that he will soon pen an extension to his Napoli contract, complete with a buy-out clause of €100 million (£89m/$116m). His current deal expires in 2021 and has a clause worth €65m (£58m/$75m). Chelsea, predictably, and Arsenal were both linked during the summer. Those close to Zielinski, and those who have tracked his career closely, still believe he can go on to become one of the best players Poland has ever produced. The talent is there, the attributes are there; now it’s about putting it all together, taking his opportunities. Zielinski Feyenoord Napoli Champions League As for the long-term future, who knows? Dreams of one day playing in England remain – Klopp and Liverpool continue to track his progress from afar – and at 24 time is very much on Zielinski’s side. For now, though, his aims are simple; stay in the Napoli team, make his presence felt under Ancelotti. And in the short, short term, show Liverpool what they could have won.

In many ways this was exactly the kind of fixture Manchester United needed. After the week from hell which culminated in a pathetic 3-1 defeat at West Ham on Saturday, the visit of an under-performing Valencia to Old Trafford on Tuesday could have been hand-picked.

But their inability to create anything of any note in a tense and tepid 0-0 draw emphasised the state of things right now in M16. Paul Scholes claimed before kick-off that Jose Mourinho’s management of the club had reached “embarrassing” levels, and the events on the pitch will have done nothing to alleviate the pressure on the under-fire Portuguese.

For the opening 10 minutes it looked like United were ready to throw everything at the cause, with their attacking tempo being high and their football smart. Yet that quickly evaporated and thereafter United’s performance was lacking in confidence, belief and creativity.

Aside from a couple of moments of individual intent from Marcus Rashford there were few signs that the home side were going to cause serious issues for a Valencia side boasting only one win in eight matches this season. United’s build-up was far too slow, far too predictable, and the result was a bore-fest for much of the night.

Things could easily have been worse for them, as Goncalo Guedes proved time and again to have the beating of Antonio Valencia but on almost every occasion he managed to waste the opportunity to cause United serious damage.

Right now United need to be much, much better than this. There are rifts in the camp, with the manager barely speaking to many of his players, and all the while the football has become as tedious as at any stage in the 55-year-old’s reign.

They needed more than anything to work up the supporters tonight, subsequently generating the kind of vociferous atmosphere which has dragged Manchester United kicking and screaming over the line in many a Champions League night for years gone by. But instead they sucked the life out of the whole occasion.

And that is exactly where we are with United at this moment in time. Mourinho is questioning his players’ desire at every turn, the players are questioning the manager’s tactics, and the rest of the world has been forced to pick a side. Add in the fact the game had to be delayed because United arrived late for a home game and the club's slow slide into the realms of ridiculousness are there for all to see.

All the while, their football is every bit as anxious and uncertain as is every supporter of a red, white and black persuasion.

With the likes of Ryan Giggs, Denis Law and David Beckham in attendance this should have been a night to remind the United greats of some of the wonderful Old Trafford nights of yesteryear. Instead, every time they were caught on camera they looked as though they would rather be anywhere else, and their mood reflected that of the whole stadium. As a neutral it was hard not to feel embarrassed on their behalf given the turgid rubbish being served up in front of them.

There was a flicker of late drama when Rashford drove a left-wing free-kick onto the far corner of the Valencia woodwork, but like so many United performances of late they never really looked likely to grab a winner.

But neither did they really deserve one. When your football is too slow, your passing too indecisive and your every move carrying signs of nervousness, 0-0 draws are about the best you can hope for.

This mess is not about to end quickly, and could get far more embarrassing yet.

Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has apologised for inadvertently 'liking' an Instagram post calling for manager Jose Mourinho to be sacked.

Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia has apologised for inadvertently 'liking' an Instagram post calling for manager Jose Mourinho to be sacked.

The Red Devils manager came under increasing pressure on Tuesday following a 0-0 draw with Spanish club Valencia at Old Trafford in the Champions League, prior to which club legend Paul Scholes had said that he was "embarrassing the club".

Fuel was poured on the fire by the 33-year-old, who liked an Instagram post criticising the manager after the draw.

"I'm not even surprised about the outcome of this game," the user posted. "I always look forward to our games but recently Mourinho has made watching us a punishment now. Something needs to change. It's time for Mourinho to go."

Valencia was spotted as having 'liked' the post and was forced to post a hasty apology online.

Posting on Twitter, he said: "Yesterday, I liked a post on Instagram without reading the text that accompanied the picture. These are not my views and I apologise for this. I am fully supportive of the manager and my teammates. We are all giving our everything to improve the results."

Yesterday, I liked a post on Instagram without reading the text that accompanied the picture. These are not my views and I apologise for this. I am fully supportive of the manager and my teammates. We are all giving our everything to improve the results.pic.twitter.com/bMEsrAwMkh

— Antonio Valencia (@anto_v25)October 3, 2018

In the aftermath of the game, Valencia had pledged his support to the former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter boss amid reports of a falling out between the duo.

"No, I have never had any problem with anyone, thank God," Valencia said. "The decision [about the captaincy] is for the coach to make, now we need to see the positives. We played an important game and got a point, now we have a game against Newcastle and we need to fight.

"What I can say from the inside is that the lads are calm, working every day with a good attitude. We haven't got good results and that's why rumours arise."

The Ecuador international right-back played his fifth match of the season for the Old Trafford side on Tuesday. He had missed the opening couple of fixtures of the season due to a calf strain, meaning Paul Pogba took the captain's armband, and was also rested for last weekend's surprise 3-1 defeat at West Ham.

Why Ronaldo feels he's been persecuted since leaving real Madrid

Once Ronaldo announced that he would not be attending the FIFA Best awards ceremony, it was clear that this was one trophy that would not be gracing the Portuguese superstar's mantelpiece this year. 

We have some very recent 'previous' here, of course, as he also skipped the UEFA Player of the Year award festivities. I was in Monaco at the time and I could see his assistants running around in a tizzy as it became clear that Ronaldo had decided at the very last minute not to go.

On both occasions, Ronaldo had clearly been irked by the realisation that he would not be receiving the top gongs. His agent and friend Jorge Mendes came out swinging on his behalf.

"Football is played on the field and that's where Cristiano won,” he told Portuguese outlet Record. 

"He scored 15 goals, carried Real Madrid on his back and conquered the Champions League again."

Mendes’ headline-generating hyperbole was unsurprising; after all, there’s a reason why he’s the best agent in the business. But the next line was interesting.

"It's ridiculous, shameful," he fumed. "The winner is not in doubt, as Ronaldo is the best in his position."

The implication here appeared to be that Ronaldo's decision to swap Real Madrid for Juventus during the summer may have been behind the “shameful” snub. 

Certainly, in Italy, there is a general feeling that it is much easier to win games (and awards) if you play for Madrid. 

Controversial and decisive refereeing decisions remain fresh in the memory, particularly at Juventus, who were eliminated by an injury-time penalty – ironically scored by Ronaldo – in the quarter-finals of last season’s Champions League.

Indeed, in interviews with the Italian media following the update of my Ronaldo biography, I dared to suggest that Juve are not as big a club as Real Madrid right now, meaning they are not, by consequence, as influential or powerful.

However, I argued that Juve’s smaller standing had actually worked in their favour when it came to persuading Ronaldo to leave Madrid for Turin.

It seems to me that the decision to swap Spain for Italy, without any dramatic increase in wages and only marginal tax benefits, was driven more by status than football.

By which I mean, amongst other things, why would Ronaldo stay at Real Madrid, where he would only ever be regarded as a mere mortal, when he could go to Juventus and be treated as a god?

The thing with Ronaldo is that it has never really been about the money, except that in the commercial jungle that is top-level football, the size of your salary is the only true barometer for understanding how highly you are valued, loved, respected and adored.

Ronaldo left Madrid fundamentally because he felt the powers that be had fallen out of love with him – and that the fans started seeing him only as a footballer.

I have spoken recently to psychologists to try to understand the complex rationale that determines CR7's modus operandi. The conversations were fascinating. 

They told me that throughout any player's career there is a complicated blend of technical, tactical, physical and emotional factors all interacting with each other, any one of which at any given time can take a prominent role.

Towards the end of a career, as the physical element diminishes, anxiety levels rise and the emotional levels step up. The motivational boundaries change. It no longer becomes just about the sport, but primarily about how one's performance and presence within that particular sport is perceived by others. 

This becomes particularly prevalent when an individual joins a new club and the bar is set particularly high. For Ronaldo at Juventus, it has been placed in the stratosphere. Ultimately, the game becomes little more than a means to an end. Results are the ultimate litmus test but only when taken in conjunction with personal performance.

Football, and the game's lofty expectations of its elite players, are to blame. It is difficult to be a god on a one-off basis, but Ronaldo now finds himself having to perform miracles on a weekly basis.  

The vast majority of the 'man-boys' that inhabit the profession suffer stunted growth because football does not encourage maturity of thought and prefers to wrap its players in a world of prolonged adolescence because it makes the players easier to control by the coaches and clubs.

The flip side of that, unfortunately, is that as the emotional stakes rise, as happened after Ronaldo's controversial dismissal against Valencia, it results in histrionics, tantrums and the employment of friends, family and sympathetic journalists to fight your cause. They work together to convey the impression that the player is being victimised. 

Anything else would be perceived as weakness, an error, and Gods don't make errors, do they?

Think of Paul Gascoigne at Italia '90 and you have the same scenario.

Riding a publicity-fuelled emotional rollercoaster that eventually led to him winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year, the former England midfielder broke down on the field after realising that a booking in the World Cup semi-final against West Germany would rule him out of the final.

The Three Lions failed to progress anyway but Gascoigne's tears became the defining image of the tournament for English football fans. Yet nobody ever pointed out that he only had himself to blame for making such a reckless challenge.

The public simply felt sorry for him. And there was plenty of sympathy for Ronaldo, too, after his red at Mestalla but the tears still felt like a smokescreen, an attempt to distract people from the possibility that he had erred in putting his hand on Jeison Murillo's head.

Whether that act really deserved a red is debatable but Ronaldo's reaction was far more interesting anyway.

I admire Cristiano but I will not stop describing or trying to understand his behaviour. 

He has many enemies for all manner of reasons and precious few friends; and by friends I don't mean people that will fawn over him, asking him about his games and his goals, but simply enquire as to how he is; how he's feeling.

The brilliant and oft-quoted American basketball player and coach John Wooden summed it up perfectly when he said: "Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.

"Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

Cristiano is playing so many different games, fighting so many different battles. Sometimes it feels like too many. Even for him. He’s only a human, after all.