Story – Football Scout

Manchester United should study Liverpool’s rebuild in order to overcome self-inflicted wounds

In Jamie Carragher’s 2008 autobiography, there are 20 pages that reference Manchester United but one in particular perfectly frames the power shift in the north-west of England. The book paints the domestic landscape when Sir Alex Ferguson walked into Old Trafford in 1986 to undertake his “greatest challenge” of “knocking Liverpool right off their f—–g perch” — the Reds were up by 11 league titles and three European Cups at that point — before examining how United then became the conquerers-in-chief.

The…

Any hope for Man United vs. Liverpool? Man City to slip up again?

All you need to know about this weekend’s Premier League action, all in one place.
Jump to: Spurs better without Lloris? | Palace to trip up City? | Fantasy Tips | Game to Watch | Match Predictions 

THE WEEKEND’S BIG QUESTIONS
Is United’s best hope to keep the score down against Liverpool??

Manchester United’s prospects for their game against Liverpool on Sunday weren’t looking good even before it became clear that David De Gea and Paul Pogba would not be available….

Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne, John Stones return from injuries

Ian Darke questions where Phil Foden fits into Pep Guardiola’s plans after failing to secure regular football.

Rodri tells Sid Lowe the challenges of being a defensive midfielder in Pep Guardiola’s system.

Spain teammate interreputs Rodri’s interview with Sid Lowe to exclaim how impressed he is with his English.

Mark Ogden explains why Man City couldn’t pursue another top centre-back after missing out on Harry Maguire.

The FC guys break down how Wolves shut down a potent Manchester City attack in their 2-0 upset at the Etihad.

Craig Burley says Manchester City need to get healthy after falling eight points behind Liverpool.
MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City’s injury problems are easing after Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones and Benjamin Mendy returned to training.
Defender Aymeric Laporte and winger Leroy Sane are long-term absentees but De Bruyne and Stones could feature against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
– ESPN Premier League fantasy: Sign up now!
– VAR in the Premier League: Ultimate guide
– When does the transfer window reopen?
– Premier League winter break: All you need to know
Mendy missed…

Rimando and Beckerman, close friends over 20-year career, hoping to lead RSL to one final MLS Cup

Mark Donaldson and Alejandro Moreno share their predictions for the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.

HERRIMAN, Utah — The first time Nick Rimando crossed paths with Kyle Beckerman, the goalkeeper felt compelled to engage in something of a rescue operation.

It was the summer of 2000, and Beckerman was a teenage rookie who had just signed on with the Miami Fusion after starring for the U.S. under-17 national team. He was living with the late Doug Hamilton, Miami’s general manager at the time.

“It was like kind of still living at home, but at somebody else’s house,” Beckerman said in an exclusive…

Solskjaer’s start at Man United not comparable with me – Klopp

Steve Nicol says the fans at Old Trafford have to inspire Manchester United to have a chance vs. Liverpool.

Craig Burley says Roberto Firmino’s health will be a key factor for Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

Craig Burley and Mark Donaldson give you five overreactions from the weekend in European football.
Jurgen Klopp has dismissed the comparison between his start at Liverpool to under-fire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s spell in Manchester United’s dugout ahead of Sunday’s showdown at Old Trafford.
The Norwegian, who was handed a three-year contract in March after a successful period as caretaker manager, but has a return of just 14 points from 15 league games since gaining the position permanently, has requested time to fully implement his vision. Chief executive Ed Woodward has summarised this as “winning…

Chelsea’s Frank Lampard criticises Didier Deschamps over N’Golo Kante injury

Frank Leboeuf feels Olivier Giroud may need to leave Chelsea in order to secure regular first team action.

Gregg Berhalter explains why he played Christian Pulisic in multiple positions in the USMNT’s win vs. Cuba.

ESPN FC’s Stewart Robson says there’s only one way for Christian Pulisic to get extended minutes.
Frank Lampard has said that France’s handling of N’Golo Kante’s groin injury during the international break was “not a laughing matter.”
Kante suffered an injury while warming up ahead of France’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Iceland last Friday, a game his nation went on to win 1-0, and the midfielder then sat on the bench during France’s 1-1 draw with Turkey on Monday. The injury has ruled the 28-year-old out of his club’s Premier League match against Newcastle this Saturday.
– ESPN Premier League…

Zlatan Ibrahimovic on future: If I leave MLS you will have less to write about

Taylor Twellman previews Minnesota United vs. LA Galaxy and outlines the biggest concerns for the visitors.

The FC crew examine how Zlatan Ibrahimovic would fit in at Fiorentina should he depart LA Galaxy this January.

Taylor Twellman previews the MLS playoffs and explains why Bob Bradley won’t let LAFC rest on their laurels.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic doesn’t shy away from a joke during his speech after receiving a statue of himself in Malmo.
LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has joked that the media will have nothing to write if he decides to leave Major League Soccer.
Ibrahimovic, 38, can leave Galaxy when his contract expires at the end of December and he has refused to rule out a potential move.
– Stream MLS games LIVE on ESPN+
– MLS Cup playoffs 2019: All you need to know
Galaxy face Minnesota United in the MLS playoffs on Sunday and when asked whether it will be his last game for the club, Ibrahimovic replied: “Could be.
“There…

Man United’s Pogba pictured with Real Madrid boss Zidane in Dubai

Juan Mata criticised racist comments aimed at Paul Pogba as “cowardly” in an interview with ESPN’s Rob Dawson.

Following Paul Pogba’s penalty miss against Wolves, the FC crew share their thoughts on who should take the spot kicks for Manchester United.

Sid Lowe looks at the possibility of El Clasico being moved from the Camp Nou to Miami, Florida.

Alejandro Moreno says Kylian Mbappe can learn from Neymar about the Real Madrid transfer speculation.
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has been pictured alongside Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane in Dubai, following a summer of speculation the pair were interested in linking up in the Spanish capital.
Pogba had said he was interested in a “new challenge,” while Zidane made his admiration for his compatriot public. However, Pogba stayed at Old Trafford as Madrid were unable to match United’s valuation of the France international.
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– When does the…

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Summer decisions have harmed United

Steve Nicol says the fans at Old Trafford have to inspire Manchester United to have a chance vs. Liverpool.

Julien Laurens questions Man United making a managerial change with rumours of the club pursuing Max Allegri.

Gab Marcotti identifies areas of Manchester United’s squad that need strengthening in January.
MANCHESTER, England — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said the Manchester United manager’s job is not too big for him, but admits summer decisions have “harmed” his team.
United could end the weekend in the bottom three if they lose to Liverpool on Sunday, but Solskjaer said he believes he can handle the mounting pressure at Old Trafford. 
– ESPN Premier League fantasy: Sign up now!
– VAR in the Premier League: Ultimate guide
– When does the transfer window reopen?
“I’ve never felt it’s too big for…

Luck Index 2019-20: Liverpool’s Premier League lead is double what it should be

We’re eight games into the Premier League season, and and it already looks as if our hopes of a title race might be over. Liverpool have amassed an eight-point lead in winning every match, but they are lucky to be so far ahead. 
ESPN and the team led by Dr. Thomas Curran, at the London School of Economics, compile the Luck Index, to examine how the Premier League would be if luck were not a factor through this season. And our latest update shows that Liverpool’s lead would in…

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