Tag: Manchester United

Categories
football Sports News

MANCHESTER UNITED DISMISS REPORTS OF OLD TRAFFORD GATE BEING OPEN DURING FAN PROTEST

Manchester United have dismissed reports that protestors gained entry to Old Trafford through a door deliberately opened by club staff.

A group of United supporters were able to make it inside the stadium and onto the pitch during a demonstration aimed at the team owners, the Glazer family, on Sunday. It led to the postponement of the team’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.

A club statement issued on Monday read. “Following events yesterday, while many fans wanted to exercise their right to protest and express their opinion peacefully, some were intent on disrupting the team’s preparation and the game itself, as evidenced by activity at the Lowry Hotel and at the stadium.

“Reports in mainstream and social media that protesters were able to access the stadium and pitch via a gate opened by club staff are completely incorrect.

“After breaking through barriers and security on the forecourt, some protestors climbed the gates at the end of the Munich tunnel, then forced access to a side door in the stand, before opening an external door that let others through to the concourse area and the pitch.

“A second breach occurred when a protestor smashed the door of a disability access lift, enabling a group to enter the stand.”

Sources say United are not expecting a points deduction for failure to fulfil a fixture because the the Premier League and Greater Manchester Police agreed with the decision to postpone the match.

The violent acts committed by a minority of supporters in the protest were condemned by the UK government. Both the club and the police have launched an investigation into events surrounding the protest, including injuries suffered by two police officers following clashes while protestors were moved away from the stadium.

The statement continued: “The majority of our fans have and will condemn criminal damage, along with any violence towards club staff, police or other fans, and these now become a police matter.

“The club has no desire to see peaceful protestors punished, but will work with the police to identify those involved in criminal activity, and will also issue its own sanctions to any season ticket holder or member identified, per the published sanctions policy. Information on the rescheduling of the game and any possible implication on other fixtures will be announced after discussion and agreement with the Premier League.

“We remain committed to dialogue and engagement with our fans through the fans forum and other appropriate channels.”

Categories
football Slides Sports News

PREMIER LEAGUE RELEASES STATEMENT ON OLD TRAFFORD INCIDENT

Following the security breach at Old Trafford, the Manchester United v Liverpool game has been postponed.

This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities.

The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance.

We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and trespass, especially given the associated COVID-19 breaches.

Fans have many channels by which to make their views known, but the actions of a minority seen today have no justification.

We sympathise with the police and stewards who had to deal with a dangerous situation that should have no place in football.

The rearrangement of the fixture will be communicated in due course.

Source: premierleague.com

Categories
football Slides Sports News

MAN UTD V LIVERPOOL GAME POSTPONED FOLLOWING FANS’ ANTI-GLAZER PROTEST

Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Liverpool has been postponed following widespread protests at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon – with fans getting onto the pitch.

The fixture between the two old rivals was been targeted by home supporters as a continuation of their recent discontent over Glazer ownership of the club.

While the planned kick-off time of 4:30pm was initially delayed, that plan was scrapped following talks over the safety of those involved – including players.

As well as numerous groups forming outside the ground, many were spotted on the Old Trafford pitch just hours before their fixture was due to start.

The latest protest comes after a large scale gathering outside the ground following the failed European Super League plans, as well as a training ground meeting.

While supporters were cleared from the pitch and the surrounding area long before the announcement, the disruption was said to have put those involved in danger.

The full United statement reads: “Following discussion between the Police, The Premier League, Trafford Council and the clubs, our match against Liverpool has been postponed due to safety and security considerations around the protest today.

“Discussions will now take place with the Premier League on a revised date for the fixture.

“Our fans are passionate about Manchester United, and we completely acknowledge the right to free expression and peaceful protest.

“However, we regret the disruption to the team and actions which put other fans, staff, and the police in danger. We thank the police for their support and will assist them in any subsequent investigations.”

As chants and songs broke out among the group that entered the pitch earlier in the day, a flare could be seen flying through the air and hitting the side of the open-air Sky Sports studio.

Fans were also spotted necking cans of lager on the Old Trafford pitch, with tempers even rising among the pundits watching the game.

While Dave Jones hosted proceedings, Graeme Souness, Roy Keane and Micah Richards had all stepped away from the box as they awaited the 16:30 kick-off.

On their return, Gary Neville hit out at Jones for interrupting as he was discussing the reasons behind the protests, and how they might’ve got out of control.

Neville said: “I’ve never thought they were brilliant owners but I’ve also seen in football that there are worse owners than the Glazers family.

“However, I think all football fans should unite today behind what United fans have done because what they [the Gazers] did two weeks ago was dangerous for English football.

“We must not forget that. They tried to walk away and create a closed-shop league that would have created a famine in this country for every other football club…”

As Neville looked to continue , though, the Jones jumped in for some clarification on the former defender’s call to arms.

Jones interjected: “Gary, what are you saying here? Are you saying that all fans should try and get matches called off?”

But the United legend was not impressed at all, laying into the Sky Sports presenter with: “Dave, let me finish. Dave, this is not a time to interject and start that.”

A Premier League statement on the postponement reads: “This is a collective decision from the police, both clubs, the Premier League and local authorities.

“The security and safety of everyone at Old Trafford remains of paramount importance. We understand and respect the strength of feeling but condemn all acts of violence, criminal damage and trespass, especially given the associated COVID-19 breaches.

“Fans have many channels by which to make their views known, but the actions of a minority seen today have no justification.

“We sympathise with the police and stewards who had to deal with a dangerous situation that should have no place in football.

Categories
football Slides Sports News

EUROPA LEAGUE: MANCHESTER UNITED HAMMER ROMA 6-2 AFTER SLOW START

Manchester United ran amok against Roma once again as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s comeback kings triumphed 6-2 and took a giant stride towards the Europa League final.

Having fallen short in four semi-finals in the last two seasons, the Red Devils were looking to underline their progress by reaching their first final under the 1999 treble hero.

Solskjaer was part of the side that thrashed Roma 7-1 in 2007 and oversaw another famous victory against the Giallorossi on Thursday as United took charge of this Europa League semi-final.

Bruno Fernandes got the first leg off to a dream start at Old Trafford, only for Lorenzo Pellegrini to swiftly level and ex-Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko to give Paulo Fonseca’s side a shock half-time lead.

But United have dug deep to bounce back time and time again this season, with Cavani inspiring the latest comeback when smashing home a superb leveller just minutes into the second half.

The veteran put Solskjaer’s men ahead after an error by substitute Antonio Mirante, before Fernandes added a penalty and Paul Pogba headed home.

Mason Greenwood came off the bench to add gloss on a night when Roma’s three first-half injuries took their toll in a dramatic first leg.

Categories
football Sports News

LEEDS HOLD MAN UTD. TO GOALESS DRAW AS CITY EDGE CLOSER TO TITLE

Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw at Leeds United that gives Manchester City the chance to win the title next weekend.

The Red Devils are now 10 points behind the league leaders with five matches left, meaning City will win the title if they beat Crystal Palace on Saturday and Man Utd lose to Liverpool on Sunday.

The visitors had the best opportunities at Elland Road, with Marcus Rashford going closest in the first half as his free-kick was well saved by Illan Meslier.

Man Utd’s best chance fell to Bruno Fernandes from Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s pass on the hour mark, but he dragged his shot wide.

Leeds went close shortly after that chance when Helder Costa’s deflected shot landed on the roof of the net, but neither side could make a breakthrough.

A sixth match unbeaten lifts Leeds up to ninth with 47 points.

Manchester United stay second with 67 points and are now 13 matches without defeat.

Categories
football Sports News

SUPER LEAGUE: UNITED FANS IN ANTI-GLAZERS PROTEST AT OLD TRAFFORD

Hundreds of Manchester United fans protested the Glazer ownership outside Old Trafford on Saturday, following the club’s intent to join the breakaway European Super League.

Protests have been a familiar sight across the Premier League this week after United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City announced their intentions to join six other clubs in a European Super League.

The decision was met with widespread anger from fans who forced the clubs into a U-turn on their decision to join the league.

A large group of Chelsea fans gathered outside Stamford Bridge on Monday and delayed the kick-off of their game against Brighton. During the protests, reports came through that Chelsea would not be joining the breakaway league which prompted the other clubs to follow suit.

Despite the fact plans for the league are now in ruins, the fallout has continued to run throughout the week as fans protest their club’s ownerships.

United fans have been particularly vocal with a group of supporters breaking into the club’s training ground in protest of the Glazer’s ownership.

On Tuesday, the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward also announced that he would resign from his position at the end of the year.

Several hundred Arsenal fans also protested outside the Emirates Stadium before the team’s match against Everton on Friday to call for owner Stan Kroenke to sell the club.

United do not have a game on Saturday but travel to face Leeds United on Sunday.

Categories
football Sports News

ED WOODWARD RESIGNS AS MAN UNITED’S EXECUTIVE VICE-CHAIRMAN

Ed Woodward has resigned as Manchester United executive vice-chairman and will leave at the end of the year.

The 49-year-old joined the club in 2005 and becomes the first high-profile departure since plans for the now stuttering Super League were unveiled on Sunday evening.

Woodward’s exit is understood to be amicable with the owners, the Glazer family, and he will continue in his role until the end of 2021.

“I am extremely proud to have served United and it has been an honour to work for the world’s greatest football club for the past 16 years,” the outgoing executive vice-chairman said.

“The club is well positioned for the future and it will be difficult to walk away at the end of the year.

“I will treasure the memories from my time at Old Trafford, during a period when we won the Europa League, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.

“I am proud of the regeneration of the club’s culture and our return to the Manchester United way of playing.

“We have invested more than £1billion in the squad during my time here and I am particularly delighted with the progress the players have made under the astute leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching team in the last two years.

“I am sure that with the changes we have made on-field and to the coaching and football staff in recent years this great club will soon be lifting silverware again. It deserves to.

“I desperately wanted the club to win the Premier League during my tenure and I am certain that the foundations are in place for us to win it back for our passionate fans.”

Concluding a lengthy statement, Woodward said: “I would like to thank United’s passionate fans for their support during the good and bad times.

“I know this has been a challenging period in our history, but your support for the team has never, ever been in doubt.

“Finally, it has been a pleasure to work with so many magnificent, talented and hard-working people.”

Woodward made no mention of the Super League in his comments and it is reported that his exit his unrelated to the controversial plans.

The 49-year-old played a key role in the newfangled competition and was singled out for criticism by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

News of the breakaway league has been met by intense and relentless criticism, with the Old Trafford giants among six Premier League clubs to join the 12-strong breakaway European competition.

United co-chairman Joel Glazer was named as vice-chairman of the Super League, hailing it as a “new chapter” amid a storm of condemnation.

In a statement confirming Woodward’s departure, Glazer said: “Ed Woodward has served the club with great distinction. On behalf of everyone at United I would like to place on record our sincere thanks for his tireless work and dedication.

“His contribution to the club has been massive, and he will always be welcome at Old Trafford as a part of the Manchester United family.”

A significant figure in the Glazers’ controversial takeover in 2005, he took responsibility of United’s commercial and media operations two years later.

Promoted to executive vice-chairman in 2012, he took over the responsibilities of departing chief executive David Gill on July 1, 2013 and proved an unpopular figure with fans.

Big-money signings brought precious little success during his time calling the shots.

Woodward wielded the axe on Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor David Moyes towards the end of a poor first season.

Louis Van Gaal came in and had a topsy-turvy time in charge, with the Dutchman sacked just days after winning the FA Cup in 2016 – the club’s first major trophy since Ferguson retired.

Jose Mourinho arrived, winning the EFL Cup and Europa League in his first term as United boss and leading them to the second in the Premier League in 2017/18.

But things unravelled and he was dismissed in December 2018, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought in on an interim basis and impressing enough to get the job permanently.

The Norwegian has led United through to this season’s Europa League semi-finals and second in the Premier League, putting them on course for back-to-back top-four finishes for the first time since Ferguson stepped down.

Categories
football Slides Sports News

MASON GREENWOOD NETS BRACE AS MANCHESTER UNITED BEAT BURNLEY 3-1

Mason Greenwood’s second-half double and a stoppage-time goal from Edinson Cavani helped Manchester United close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to eight points after a hard-fought 3-1 win over Burnley.

It looked set to be a frustrating outing for the Red Devils as Greenwood’s 48th-minute opener was almost instantly cancelled out by James Tarkowski for Burnley, who had not lost on their previous four visits to Old Trafford.

But Greenwood’s deflected strike in the 84th minute put his side ahead again before substitute Cavani added gloss to the scoreline as United kept their remote hopes of reeling in their crosstown rivals alive.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were far from fluent – and had some luck in the opening seconds as Chris Wood saw his header ruled out for a marginal offside call – but this was their fifth successive league victory.

Marcus Rashford, doubtful beforehand because of a foot complaint he has been managing for the last few weeks, was influential for United but he was withdrawn before Greenwood and then Cavani made sure of a win for the hosts.

A third successive defeat was cruel on 17th-placed Burnley, who find themselves six points above the drop zone after Fulham’s draw at Arsenal earlier on Sunday.

Categories
football Slides Sports News

MAN UNITED DISPLACE GRANADA TO SET UP EUROPA LEAGUE SEMIS AGAINST ROMA

Edinson Cavani set Manchester United on course for a comfortable victory against Granada as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side reached the Europa League semi-finals for the second successive season.

Marcus Rashford’s fine goal and a late Bruno Fernandes penalty in Spain last week put the Red Devils in control of the quarter-final tie heading into Thursday’s reverse fixture at an empty Old Trafford.

United extinguished any hope of a remarkable Granada turnaround when veteran Cavani volleyed home in the sixth minute, with Jesus Vallejo’s late own goal wrapping up a 2-0 win on the night, 4-0 on aggregate.

The reward is a mouth-watering semi-final clash against Roma and a reunion with Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan – starters when United won the Europa League in 2017.

That was the Old Trafford giants’ last trophy and they never looked in danger of being denied a fifth semi-final in two seasons after Cavani volleyed home a smart flick on by Paul Pogba.

The France midfielder captained the side in the absence of Harry Maguire – one of three suspended players – and was withdrawn at the end of a first half in which Granada called for him to receive a second booking.

United continued in the ascendancy after the break and ex-Wolves defender Vallejo turned into his own goal under pressure from substitute Juan Mata at the death as Granada’s remarkable first continental campaign came to an end.

Coach Diego Martinez had spoken on the eve of the game about his belief that the Andalusians could seal a historic Old Trafford triumph, but the “perfect game” required was soon beyond them.

Alex Telles, in for the suspended Luke Shaw, sent over a cross from the left that Pogba smartly headed back towards the penalty spot area, where Cavani expertly steered a left-footed volley into the far corner.

The classy sixth-minute strike all but ended Granada’s faint hopes of progress, yet it did not dent their competitive endeavour.

Yangel Herrera, on loan from Manchester City, headed wide as the LaLiga side looked to hit back immediately, before turning their attention to getting Pogba sent off.

The stand-in skipper showed impressive skill and strength to hold off the visitors when driving forwards, only to inadvertently catch German in the face and earn a 17th-minute booking.

Within minutes former Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado joined him in referee Istvan Kovacs’ notebook as he screamed for Pogba to be handed a second yellow card for a challenge on Herrera.

Pogba got away with that clumsy tackle, both in terms of staying on the field and seeing Herrera head the resulting free-kick wide, but still spoke to the referee during a break in play about the initial yellow card decision.

Fernandes flashed a stunning volley just over from a delightful clipped Nemanja Matic pass as half-time approached.

The Portuguese mishit his next attempt well wide and other half-chances came to nothing before the break, with Donny Van De Beek replacing the booked Pogba when the teams returned.

Mason Greenwood headed straight at Rui Silva after Jorge Molina was denied by David De Gea at the other end, with United still on top as Cavani glanced a header wide before Van De Beek struck just off target.

Cavani was withdrawn in the 60th minute with half an eye on Sunday’s clash with Burnley – perhaps adding to a sense of complacency that De Gea snapped his team-mates out of after German was allowed to fire wide.

United’s changes took the sting out of the game as Solskjaer’s side trundled along in second gear, with De Gea stopping Victor Diaz’s stinging effort and a close-range Herrera attempt.

But this was as comfortable as a European quarter-final could be and Vallejo turned Telles’ cross into his own net as Mata challenged in the 90th minute.

Categories
football Slides Sports News

CAVANI INSPIRES UNITED COME BACK WIN AGAINST SPURS

Late goals by Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood earned Manchester United a 3-1 comeback win at Tottenham Hotspur that reduces the gap to leaders Manchester City.

Cavani thought he had given the visitors a first-half lead but the goal was overturned by referee Chris Kavanagh, following a Video Assistant Referee review, for a Scott McTominay foul on Son Heung-min in the build-up.

Son opened the scoring after 40 minutes, converting Lucas Moura’s squared pass for his 14th league goal of the season.

Fred then reacted quickest to a Hugo Lloris parry to fire in a 57th-minute equaliser from close range.

Spurs went close to retaking the lead as Son and Harry Kane forced saves from the legs of Dean Henderson but Cavani headed in a superb Greenwood cross with 11 minutes to go to give United the lead.

Greenwood wrapped up the win deep into stoppage time, leaving second-placed Man Utd on 63 points, 11 behind Man City with a match in hand.

Spurs stay seventh with 49 points from 31 matches.