Blockbuster Champions League draw is intriguing but ultimately irrelevant | Jonathan Wilson

Blockbuster Champions League draw is intriguing but ultimately irrelevant | Jonathan Wilson

Fans will continue to lap up massive games but perhaps the teams involved will conclude they are not that important Liverpool v Real Madrid! Arsenal v Bayern! Chelsea v Napoli! Madrid v Manchester City! Bayern v Chelsea! Newcastle v Barcelona! Inter v Liverpool! PSG v Bayern! City v Napoli! Madrid v Juventus! Chelsea v Barcelona! It can’t be denied that the Champions League draw threw up some ties that look like massive games. These are games that have massive teams in them. They are happening in a massive competition. There will be famous players in famous kits in famous stadiums. There will be Champions League branding. They will play the Champions League theme tune. They will use the Champions League ball, taking its cues this season from the night sky and featuring hand-drawn zodiac signs in gold that symbolise heroic deeds and heavenly destiny. It will all look like something really important. Continue reading...

Ruben Amorim says ‘something has to change’ at United. What should that be?

Ruben Amorim says ‘something has to change’ at United. What should that be?

Despairing head coach is searching for answers to his team’s malaise and promises a rethink in the international break Ruben Amorim apologised to fans after Manchester United’s stunning defeat on penalties to fourth-tier Grimsby in the Carabao Cup and was clear that a line needed to be drawn. “I think this is a little bit the limit,” he said. “Something has to change. In this moment, we need to focus on the weekend and then we have time to think.” There are plenty of pointers. Continue reading...