United hammered by pundits
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane and ex-boss Jose Mourinho did not hold back from criticising the team’s performance following the humiliating 2-0 defeat to West Ham yesterday.
The Daily Mirror reports that Sky Sports pundits Keane and Mourinho were shocked at how awful United have been under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Keane said it was “scary how far United have fallen”. He added: “I don’t know where to start. I was shocked and saddened by how bad they were.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Mourinho, who was sacked by United in December last year, was also scathing in his post-match reaction, saying he “can’t find any positives”.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues free–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
England seal ‘Fergie time’ bonus
England kicked off their Rugby World Cup campaign with a 35-3 victory over Tonga yesterday and head coach Eddie Jones revealed that his side were inspired in part by former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Times, The Guardian and the Daily Express report that England needed “Fergie time” to seal a crucial bonus point against the Tongans.
Ferguson visited England’s training camp ahead of the World Cup and The Times says the Scot talked to the squad about playing under pressure at the close of a match.
Jones said: “Whenever you get great people in they make an impact. One of the things Sir Alex’s teams were renowned for was ‘Fergie time’.
“His message to us was be patient and that’s what I enjoyed about our team. There was no sign of panic, they kept on playing good rugby and the try came.”
England’s next Rugby World Cup pool C clash is against the USA on Thursday 26 September at 11.45am (BST).
Today’s newpspaper back pages
-
How do new stadiums affect football clubs?In the Spotlight Everton's decision to move its men's team out of Goodison Park could be a catalyst for vital change, but there are cautionary tales too
-
Liverpool's Anfield redemption: how did they do it?Talking Point Arne Slot's blueprint and standout player performances guide the Reds to record 20th league title
-
Where are all the English football managers?Talking Point Eddie Howe's Carabao Cup success underlines absence of homegrown coaching talent in the Premier League
-
New Trafford: can it fix Manchester United's footballing problems?Talking Point Plan for £2 billion stadium despite staff job losses and lack of success on the pitch
-
Denis Law obituary: fond farewell to 'the King of the Stretford End'In the Spotlight Scottish footballer who was one of Manchester United's 'Holy Trinity' has died aged 84
-
The biggest sporting events of 2025The Explainer Women's Rugby World Cup and African Cup of Nations are among sporting highlights this coming year
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten HagTalking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
