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NNL Chairman Sarma Pledges Fairness And Firmness In Second Leg Fixtures
NNL Chairman Sarma Pledges Fairness And Firmness In Second Leg Fixtures....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have expressed contrasting views on the team’s tactical approach following their humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como on Wednesday night, October 22.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The loss at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium marked United’s fifth defeat in 11 matches this season and extended their winless streak to seven games across all competitions.
According to ESPN, Fernandes questioned the team’s pressing strategy after being substituted in the 67th minute, suggesting that the decision not to deploy a man-to-man pressing system contributed to their disappointing performance.
“It was a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind,” the Portuguese midfielder said.
However, Carrick appeared to challenge his captain’s assessment, arguing that the players’ work rate and failure to track opponents were significant factors behind the defeat.
“We actually were half-pressed man-to-man in the second half and then conceded a goal from that,” the United manager explained.
He added that no tactical system could deliver results if players failed to put in the necessary effort both offensively and defensively.
“And whatever system you play, whatever tactics you play, if you don’t run, and you don’t run forward, and you don’t run back, you aren’t going to win,” Carrick said.
The apparent disagreement between the manager and his captain has further intensified the pressure on Carrick, who signed a two-year contract in May after leading United to a third-place finish in the Premier League.
The latest defeat has also renewed concerns about the team’s inconsistency and Carrick’s ability to reverse their declining fortunes.
Despite growing speculation about his future at Old Trafford, the manager insisted that he had not considered the possibility of being sacked. Instead, he focused on the team’s poor display and the frustration experienced by supporters.
“Listen, I’ve not given my own position any thought. This is for the supporters; I was one of them watching that, and I wasn’t happy at all,” he said.
Carrick admitted that he was angry about the performance, stressing that although victories and defeats are part of football, the manner in which United approached the game was unacceptable.
“I’m really angry, to be honest. We might win, we might lose, but the way we went about it tonight wasn’t acceptable. I just wanted to let the fans know that I feel for them, for sure,” he added.
Following the final whistle, Carrick also apologised to the travelling supporters, acknowledging their disappointment over United’s lacklustre performance.
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Real Madrid’s 4-1 Victory: Yan Diomande Recreates Obafemi Martins’ Historic Champions League Feat.
Real Madrid winger Yan Diomande has equalled a remarkable Champions League achievement previously recorded by former Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins after scoring a goal and providing an assist in the Spanish club’s 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international became the youngest African player to score and register an assist in the same UEFA Champions League match since Martins accomplished the feat for Inter Milan against Arsenal in September 2003.
Diomande, who is 19 years, 11 months and seven days old, was introduced in the 70th minute against his former club. He subsequently provided an assist for Kylian Mbappe before finding the net himself in the 87th minute to complete Madrid’s emphatic victory.
Martins was 18 years and 10 months old when he scored and assisted in Inter Milan’s 3-0 triumph over Arsenal at Highbury on September 17, 2003.
Diomande joined Real Madrid from Leipzig in August 2026 in a deal reportedly worth €125 million, with an additional €15 million in potential add-ons. The transfer made him the most expensive African footballer in history and Real Madrid’s record signing.
Despite his high-profile arrival, the winger encountered criticism during the early stages of his Madrid career over his decision-making. Former manager Jose Mourinho described the youngster as a player who still had considerable room for development.
“He’s got a lot of room for improvement; he’s young, naive,” Mourinho said following the match against Sevilla at the weekend.
Diomande has since answered his critics with a series of impressive displays, contributing to six goals across his last four appearances for Real Madrid.
The winger also made headlines last weekend when he became the youngest Real Madrid player this century to score and provide an assist in the same La Liga match, breaking the previous record held by Jude Bellingham, who achieved the feat at 20 years and 51 days old.
Lille defender Alexsandro Ribeiro and head coach Davide Ancelotti have warned of the threat posed by Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen ahead of their UEFA Champions League meeting with Galatasaray on Wednesday, October 21.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Lille will welcome the Turkish champions to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy for their Matchday Three encounter, with both sides looking to secure their first points after losing their opening two matches.
Osimhen will return to a familiar venue, having played for Lille during the 2019/2020 season before moving to Napoli, where he helped the Italian club win the Serie A title.
Ribeiro, who is expected to be tasked with containing the Nigerian forward, described the encounter as a difficult challenge and said he was looking forward to testing himself against the Galatasaray striker.
“Yes, I’ll be playing against Osimhen. It’s going to be a tough match for us. It will be a bit of a battle between the two of us,” the Brazilian defender told reporters ahead of the game.
The centre-back also expressed satisfaction with his progress this season after injuries limited his playing time during the previous campaign.
“I’m back on the pitch. It feels great. My injury last year was different; I couldn’t play many games. I’m showing good progress this season, and I want to continue like that. The club have also made a big contribution to this,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti has stressed that his team must work collectively to contain Osimhen, warning that the responsibility should not fall on a single defender.
“We stop him as a team. It doesn’t depend on one player; it always depends on the team,” Ancelotti said, according to Le Petit Lillois.
The Italian coach also praised Osimhen’s influence during his time at Napoli, recalling the striker’s key role in their Serie A triumph.
“He’s a player who, in Naples, almost single-handedly won the Scudetto,” Ancelotti said.
He further emphasised the need for Lille to remain disciplined both in attack and defence to limit the Nigerian international’s impact.
“We know his potential; we know we always have to be vigilant when attacking and when defending,” he added.
Osimhen is yet to register a goal or assist in the Champions League this season. He missed Galatasaray’s opening match against Sporting Lisbon due to injury before featuring in their 4-1 defeat to Barcelona.
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