He has really made a name for himself this season – unfortunately it’s the wrong one. Chris Smalling has enjoyed the form of his life in 2015, as maturing into one of the most accomplished defenders in the country under the mentorship of Louis van Gaal. If the Dutchman is to thank for his rapid development, […]

11 years ago

The unsubstantiated blame game started as soon as the tragic events in Paris became depressingly apparent. As shocking images and bone-chilling reports flickered across our television screens, the conjecture commenced in earnest. In equal parts understandable debate and irresponsible assumption, the facts were padded out by what was essentially guesswork. The very nature of rolling news is that airtime […]

11 years ago

Jonah Lomu’s sad passing has brought to focus just how much he was loved and revered around the world. Rugby fans are mourning the death of arguably the greatest exponent of their sport. He was someone whose sparkling career was far too brief but massively significant. In many ways, he transcended the sport. This can […]

11 years ago

Sexy and he knows it…

11 years ago

This is painful viewing for Man United fans. Following England’s 2-0 victory over an understandably below-par France side, Anthony Martial was seen leaving Wembley Stadium on crutches. The Man United forward has enjoyed a sparkling start to his Old Trafford career, playing with skill, class and end-product. For many he has been the one exciting […]

11 years ago

It’s official. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has overcome the laws of physics. Sweden beat Denmark 4-3 on aggregate on Tuesday to qualify for Euro 2016. The second leg ended 2-2, with Ibrahimovic scoring both of his country’s goals. The first was a straight-forward penalty, but the second was sheer insanity. His free-kick seemed to be skewing horribly wide, as […]

11 years ago

The mood changes so quickly. A matter of weeks ago, the internet was racked with urgent concern for desperate refugees fleeing Syria. Their suffering wasn’t a new thing, but there was a sudden swell of concern for their well-being and safety. These things grow rapidly in the information age. Social media allows people to learn […]

11 years ago

Yes!

11 years ago

The French national will face England just four days after the tragic events of Friday night. The terror attacks in Paris had a very personal impact on the French squad, with Lassana Diarra losing his cousin in a shooting, and Antoine Griezmann’s sister witnessing the mass murder at the Bataclan Theatre. Nevertheless, it was decided on Saturday that […]

11 years ago

With qualification resting on 90 minutes (plus possible extra time and penalties), tensions were high at the Aviva Stadium as Ireland prepared to take on Bosnia. With the double-header evenly balanced following a 1-1 draw in Zenica, it was clear that everyone was thoroughly wound up before the game – not least Robbie Keane. With Bosnian […]

11 years ago

France captain Hugo Lloris has spoken with eloquence and great heart ahead of his country’s game with England on Tuesday night. It was confirmed on Saturday morning that the international friendly would go ahead just four days after the tragic terrorist attacks on Paris. A sombre Lloris described the game as an “escape for one hour […]

11 years ago

Way back when…

11 years ago

Why?

11 years ago

He’s so f**king cool. Nothing seems to fluster David Beckham. He always seems to come across as cool, affable and incredibly charming. Of course he was no different at the press conference following Unicef’s ‘Match for Children’ on Saturday. Even a telephone call interrupting his flow didn’t phase him. Along with the standalone microphones recording […]

11 years ago

Thank God…

11 years ago

France international Lassana Diarra has confirmed that his cousin was one of the victims of Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris. Tragically, on the same night that the Marseille midfielder represented his country against Germany in the Stade de France, his cousin, Asta Diakite, lost her life in one of the city’s horrific shootings. A rough translation of the player’s […]

11 years ago

Nearly perfection!

11 years ago

Class is permanent

11 years ago

“The best defence is to p*ss them off with humanity, tolerance and empathy”

11 years ago

Louis van Gaal has implored the Manchester United faithful to take out their anger on him as the manager, and not the players. United supporters have expressed their unhappiness at the current staid tactics by chanting that they want the team to attack. Boos were also heard echoing around Old Trafford when Anthony Martial was substituted […]

11 years ago

“I don’t want interesting! Rock ‘n’ roll’s not about that. To me, it’s about f**king utter gobsh*tes just being f**king headcases.” So says Noel Gallagher in an interview for Esquire, in what is a rant about the middle-0f-the-roadness of modern rock. The indie legend wants music to be exciting, dangerous and provocative – not media-friendly […]

11 years ago

We’re in the first week of November, so of course Louis van Gaal and his Man United squad went and had their Christmas party. The great and the good (and Wayne Rooney) were out in force, looking preemptively festive and dressed to the nines. But how did they stack up on the style stakes? We […]

11 years ago

Famous foes…

11 years ago

Portugeezers

11 years ago

Breathtaking…

11 years ago

JK howling…

11 years ago

Another win…

11 years ago

Ibe be back…

11 years ago

Arry Kari…

11 years ago

Taking the Mickey…

11 years ago

Mathieu Valbuena – the player Karim Benzema allegedly blackmailed over a sex tape – is not a tall man. He stands at a pocket-sized 5ft 5. He is diminutive, but not outrageously so. There are plenty of footballers out there who are in the same ball park. However, Valbuena has a habit of looking far shorter […]

11 years ago

Silver Lin-Ings

11 years ago

Typical…

11 years ago

What a difference a few weeks makes. It wasn’t long ago that Arsenal fans were bragging about a famous victory at home over the mighty Bayern Munich. Well a 5-1 trouncing on Wednesday night to Pep Guardiola’s men was enough to bring even the most giddy Gooner back down to earth. An early goal from Robert […]

11 years ago

He’s got skills…

11 years ago

This is absolutely glorious. And very very weird. Xabi Alonso is renowned around the world for his effortless grace and rare style. He plays the game as if wearing a dinner jacket and a pair of loafers. Which is why it’s great seeing a true artisan of the game f**k up just like you and I […]

11 years ago

Stevie Returns?

11 years ago

A strong, powerful centre-half is worth his weight in gold. So much money is spend on defensive recruits who end up failing miserably. It’s a vital yet often elusive piece in a successful side’s jigsaw. You can have the finest attacking talents in the world, but if you’ve got a joker in your backline, all their very best […]

11 years ago

No nonsense…

11 years ago

Blood on the dance floor…

11 years ago

They scored!

11 years ago

45 and out…

11 years ago

To save a bit of time, we thought we’d jump into the old DeLorean and fast-foward a couple of hours into the future to bring you player ratings before anyone else. Manchester United face CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford tonight – or already have faced CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford if you’re us. Here is how each […]

11 years ago

Centre of attention…

11 years ago

Foxy bingo…

11 years ago

Drag-ba…

11 years ago

What?!

11 years ago

Attack! Attack! Attack attack attack!

11 years ago

Belter…

11 years ago

Impotent…

11 years ago