FOOTBALL

Merson: Amorim’s System Wrong for United but Perfect for Chelsea

Paul Merson
September 2025

Paul Merson criticised Ruben Amorim’s rigid 3-4-3 system, arguing it doesn’t suit Manchester United’s squad but would be ideal at Chelsea. United sit 14th after four league games, with fans already questioning the coach’s suitability following another derby defeat. Merson highlighted United’s lack of quality wing-backs and midfield legs as fatal flaws in Amorim’s setup. He insisted Chelsea’s squad — with Reece James, Malo Gusto, and Moisés Caicedo — would thrive in such a system, while United struggle to adapt.

Oracle Mogul Larry Ellison Overtakes Musk as World’s Richest

Larry Ellison (Oracle)
September 2025

Oracle founder Larry Ellison leapfrogged Elon Musk to become the world’s richest man, with his fortune jumping by $89 billion to $393 billion. The surge followed Oracle’s booming cloud and AI ventures, boosting shares more than 40% in a matter of days. Musk’s net worth dipped after a market correction, while Ellison’s holdings skyrocketed. Notably, Ellison once explored buying Aston Villa in 2016 after their Premier League relegation. Though no deal materialised, football links highlight the tycoon’s wide-ranging interests beyond technology and investments.

Mbappé Double Saves Madrid in Nervy Win Over Marseille

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
September 2025

Kylian Mbappé struck two penalties as Real Madrid scraped a 2-1 Champions League win over Marseille. Tim Weah’s opener and Dani Carvajal’s red card created tension, but Los Blancos found a late way through in typical European fashion at the Bernabéu. Weah’s finish gave Marseille a shock lead, but Mbappé equalised from the spot before half-time. After Carvajal’s reckless headbutt left Madrid down to 10, fortune struck — a harsh handball call gave Mbappé another penalty, which he calmly converted to seal victory.

Kompany Leans on Nicolas Jackson Ahead of Chelsea Clash

Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich)
September 2025

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany admitted he spoke with loanee Nicolas Jackson to gain insights on Chelsea ahead of their Champions League clash. The striker joined Bayern from Chelsea this season and could now help unlock tactical advantages against his parent club. Kompany said he has already studied “40 Chelsea games” but welcomed Jackson’s input to refine Bayern’s preparation. Familiar with Enzo Maresca’s methods, Kompany stressed execution will depend on players showing “personality” in decisive moments, with Bayern determined to impose themselves in Europe.

Allegri Backs Goal-Shy Giménez After Milan’s Narrow Win

Santiago Giménez (AC Milan)
September 2025

AC Milan edged Bologna 1-0 for their second Serie A win, despite striker Santiago Giménez extending his scoreless drought to five matches. Allegri praised the Mexican’s relentless pressing, movement, and work rate, insisting it was his “best game” since joining the Rossoneri. Giménez struck the post in a one-on-one chance but kept Milan’s attack alive with constant runs. Allegri embraced him post-substitution, underlining faith in his contribution beyond goals. Milan’s win, their second straight clean sheet, keeps them fifth and firmly in the European qualification race.

Messi and Alba Spark Inter Miami to 3-1 Win Over Seattle

Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba (Inter Miami)
September 2025

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba combined brilliantly to power Inter Miami past the Seattle Sounders 3-1 in a fiery Leagues Cup final rematch. Their goals, plus Ian Fray’s header, lifted Miami to fifth in the Eastern Conference with games in hand. Manager Javier Mascherano’s tactical tweaks — Alba pushed higher into attack and a 4-3-3 system — paid immediate dividends. Messi assisted Alba for the opener, then scored himself before half-time. Though Seattle threatened late through Jordan Morris and Obed Vargas, Miami held firm.

Di Matteo Backs Chiesa to Shine at Liverpool

Federico Chiesa (Liverpool)
September 2025

Roberto Di Matteo claims Liverpool fans haven’t yet seen the “true qualities” of Federico Chiesa. Despite limited minutes and being left out of the Champions League squad, the ex-Juventus winger is backed to prove his worth across Liverpool’s packed campaign. Chiesa arrived cut-price last summer, winning the Premier League title in a cameo role. Though linked with a Serie A return, no move materialised. Di Matteo insists Liverpool’s schedule will provide enough chances for Chiesa to make an impact if trusted.

Julian Alvarez Misses Atletico’s Liverpool Clash Through Injury

Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
September 2025

Atletico Madrid travel to Liverpool for their Champions League opener without Julian Alvarez, sidelined by a knee injury sustained against Villarreal. Midfielder Johnny Cardoso is also absent, with Diego Simeone forced to shuffle his 22-man squad ahead of the Merseyside clash. Alvarez was substituted at halftime against Villarreal despite assisting Pablo Barrios’ opener. Atletico won 2-0, but Simeone’s side must now adapt without him. With Thiago Almada and Jose Maria Gimenez also omitted, Atletico face depth concerns against the defending Premier League champions.

Arsenal Snap Up Teen Talent Archie Stevens

Archie Stevens (Arsenal)
September 2025

Arsenal confirmed the signing of 18-year-old winger Archie Stevens on a free after his Rangers deal expired. The England youth international, once a Scottish Cup debutant at just 16, will now step into the Gunners’ U21 setup for development. Stevens left Rangers after limited first-team chances and gained experience on loan at Dunfermline last season. Having impressed with England’s U17 and U18 squads, Arsenal moved swiftly, handing him a professional deal aimed at shaping his progress into a senior-level contributor.

Luis Enrique’s Brutal Goodbye to Neymar Revealed

Luis Enrique (PSG)
September 2025

PSG director Luis Campos revealed Luis Enrique bluntly told Neymar “it’s good that you’re leaving” before the Brazilian’s €90m switch to Al-Hilal in 2023. Enrique began reshaping PSG around youth and training-ground merit, ending Neymar’s six-year stint in Paris. Neymar departed having won five Ligue 1 titles but failing to deliver the Champions League alongside Messi and Mbappé. Ironically, PSG lifted Europe’s biggest prize the year all three were gone, with Enrique’s merit-based approach proving vindicated through a historic clean sweep.