The struggles of two of England's biggest clubs, Chelsea and Manchester United, have dominated headlines in recent seasons, strangely even during the off-season.
Both clubs find themselves entangled in their own issues, from ownership decisions to problematic recruitment to managers. Here’s a closer look at the current crises at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford.
Coincidentally both Chelsea and Manchester United have had their ownership structure reshaped recently, albeit some two years apart.
Poor Transfer Decisions by New Owners:
The Blues first announced their new owners in May 2022 as American Consortium, Clearlake Capital now known as BlueCo, led by American businessman Todd Boehly, took over the club while Manchester United got a new minority owner in British businessman Jim Ratcliffe who purchased 25% stake in the club this year.
The one thing both clubs have had in common about their new owners is that both have spent lavishly on transfers since taking over but either with little apparent strategy or with a “manager’s Dutch-blindness”.
The Blues, seemingly the worst of the two teams in this category, have had a more than chaotic approach to their transfer business which has seen them end up with an inflated squad and questions over their long-term vision.
The signing of players on unusually long contracts — often spanning six to nine years — has raised eyebrows and intensified scrutiny, with questions over the motives behind such unusually lengthy contracts and their relation or lack thereof to “cheating the FFP rules and Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations (PSR)”.
The fact that just this summer at a point, Chelsea had about 46 players on their books going into the new season, a number now standing at 29 currently, which is still one of the highest in the world, spells out the extent of the problem Chelsea had with signings.
In contrast, Manchester United's owners have just let the manager, Eric Ten Hag, a Dutch and former manager of Dutch club, Ajax, sign either Dutch players or players he formerly coached in the Dutch league at Ajax, seemingly with little regard to whether said players were a good fit and solutions for Manchester United and it’s playing problems or not.
Anthony, Lisandro Martinez, Malacia, de Ligt, Mazraoui, Onana and Josua Zirkzee, were all either Dutch players or at one point in their lives played not only in the Dutch Eredivisie but were managed by Manchester United’s boss Erik Ten Hag.
Transfer Market Craziness:
Chelsea’s recruitment has been frantic and unfocused. With 29 first-team players, including four (4) goalkeepers, Chelsea's squad management seems out of control, especially considering that since BlueCo’s £4.25bn takeover of the club in May 2022, they have spent £1bn-plus on transfers.
The club’s tendency to offload home-grown talents like Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah to make room for new ‘shiny and opportunistic’ signings reflects poor planning.
Just this season alone, players like Joao Felix signed for 52 million euros, Jadon Sancho signed on loan, Pedro Neto (60 million euros) signed permanently from Wolves, Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester for 35.40 million euros, Filip Jorgenson from Villarreal for 24.50 million euros and many others that totalled a little over have added to the overcrowded dressing room with no clear role.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have spent more than £400 million under Erik ten Hag, but their recruitment has been equally problematic. The Dutch manager’s preference for players he knows, such as Antony and Lisandro Martínez, has not consistently paid off.
Antony’s £82 million transfer fee looks increasingly unjustified given his performances, and new signings like Mason Mount have struggled to make an impact.
Dysfunction Squads:
Chelsea’s bloated squad poses a significant issue. Manager Enzo Maresca has to juggle an excessive number of players, many of whom were signed recently on long-term deals with little consideration for squad balance.
With young talents like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer vying for spots alongside veteran recruits, finding a cohesive unit has been a daunting task.
This is reflected in Ben Chilwell, one of the veterans, now left with no choice but to look for an exit in January, because he is surplus to manager Enzo’s requirements just like Sterling, Chalobah, Broja, and Gallagher.
At United, Ten Hag faces different squad issues. Injuries have disrupted team cohesion, but the bigger problem lies in the underperformance of key players. Marcus Rashford has struggled to replicate his form from seasons ago, and veterans like Casemiro and Shaw have been inconsistent.
Questions about Ten Hag’s tactical decisions and player management are also growing louder, with some doubting his high-intensity training methods and the severity of his handling of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo's disciplinary issues.
Managerial Woes:
Both clubs are struggling with managerial challenges. Pochettino, now sacked, was under pressure to mould Chelsea’s talent-heavy squad into a functioning team, but the chaos of the club’s recruitment made his job significantly harder.
Now Enzo Maresca has that responsibility after replacing the Argentine in the Chelsea dugout and already there are questions of whether the Italian can succeed at this with his handling of players like Sterling, Chalobah, Gallagher an Ben Chilwell.
Ten Hag’s issues at United stem from his inability to establish a clear playing style. After a successful first season, the Dutchman has come under fire for erratic tactical choices, such as dropping key players in crucial matches or making just the wrong substitutions.
His inability to get the best out of his signings, coupled with inconsistent performances, has intensified scrutiny over his position.
Who Has the Bigger Problem?
Both Chelsea and Manchester United face severe challenges, but Chelsea’s issues feel more self-inflicted. The Blues’ reckless spending, unorthodox contracts, and bloated squad reflect a chaotic and ‘suicidal’ approach from the top.
United’s problems, while serious, are more familiar — managers’ unchecked powers granted to him by owners, injuries, managers' tactical ineptness, and underperforming players.
Chelsea’s lack of direction from ownership down and dance with transfer and expenditure regulations appears to have the potential to put them in a deeper crisis, making their situation arguably the more complex of the two.
You can follow and bet on Chelsea and Manchester United’s games on MSport here.
The UEFA Champions League is back, but not in the way we've known it for years. The 2024/2025 season marks the introduction of a new league phase format that offers a fresh twist to Europe’s elite competition.
Game Week One sets the tone for an exciting new chapter, and here’s a detailed look at the key fixtures and what fans can expect!
The New League Phase Format: What’s Changed?🤔
Gone are the traditional group stages, replaced by a league phase where teams play against eight different opponents over the course of the campaign. This creates opportunities for matchups we wouldn’t usually see so early in the competition.
Fixtures and kick-off time for the Game week One. 👉👈
Tuesday 17 September 2024
🇮🇹Juventus vs 🇳🇱 PSV - 17:45 PM
🇨🇭Young Boys vs 🏴Aston Villa - 17:45 PM
🇩🇪Bayern Munchen vs 🇭🇷GNK Dinamo - 20:00 PM
🇮🇹Ac Milan vs 🏴Liverpool - 20:00 PM
🇪🇸Real Madrid vs Stuttgart - 20:00 PM
🇵🇹Sporting CP vs 🇫🇷Lille - 20:00 PM
Wednesday 18 September 2024
🇮🇹Bologna vs 🇺🇦Shakhtar Donetsk - 17:45 PM
🇨🇿Sparta Praha vs RB Salzburg - 17:45 PM
🇧🇪Club Brugge vs 🇩🇪Dortmund - 20:00 PM
🏴Celtics vs 🇸🇰S. Bratislava - 20:00 PM
🏴Manchester City vs 🇮🇹Inter Milan - 20:00 PM
🇫🇷PSG vs 🇪🇸Girona - 20:00 PM
Thursday 19 September 2024
🇷🇸FK Crvena zvezda vs 🇵🇹Benfica - 17:45 PM
🇳🇱Feyenoord vs 🇩🇪Levekusen - 17:45 PM
🇮🇹Atalanta vs 🏴Arsenal - 20:00 PM
🇪🇸Atletico Madrid vs RB Leipzig - 20:00 PM
🇫🇷Monaco vs 🇪🇸Barcelona - 20:00 PM
🇫🇷Brest vs 🇦🇹Sturm Graz - 20:00 PM
Headline Matchups to Watch in Game Week One: 💪⚽️
🇮🇹Ac Milan vs. 🏴Liverpool: European Heavyweights Collide:
The San Siro is set to host a thrilling clash between two of Europe’s most prestigious clubs—AC Milan and Liverpool. Both teams have undergone significant changes ahead of this season, with AC Milan now under the guidance of Paulo Fonseca and Liverpool led by Dutch tactician Arne Slot.
These managerial shifts add a new dynamic to what is already a high-stakes encounter. Milan will be eager to prove themselves under Fonseca, who is known for his tactical flexibility. On the other side, Liverpool, boasting an equally illustrious Champions League history, will rely on their deadly front three led by Mohamed Salah to put pressure on the Italian giants.
Key Battle⚔️: Milan’s defense, anchored by Fikayo Tomori, will be tasked with stopping the relentless attacking threat of Salah, Jota, and Diaz. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s high press could expose Milan’s sometimes shaky midfield.
Prediction💰: Over 2.5 goals, both teams have potent attacks, but vulnerabilities in defense could lead to a high-scoring game.
🏴Manchester City vs. 🇮🇹Inter Milan: A Champions League Final Rematch
Game Week One also serves up a rematch of the last two season’s final between Manchester City and Inter Milan. Pep Guardiola’s side are relentless, and with Erling Haaland leading the line, they are the favorites. However, Inter’s defensive resilience, led by Stephan de Vrij, will be key to nullifying City’s attack.
Key Battle⚔️ : Haaland vs. Stephan de Vrij. Can Inter’s defense hold firm against the Norwegian powerhouse? Meanwhile, Inter’s quick transitions, with Lautaro Martínez spearheading them, could pose a threat to City’s high defensive line.
Prediction💰: Manchester City win. With the Etihad behind them and Haaland incredible form, City should overpower Inter.
Other Key Fixtures to Look Out For: ⚽️⚔️
🇪🇸Real Madrid vs. 🇩🇪Stuttgart:
A fascinating clash as the La Liga giants take on Stuttgart. Kylian Mbappe’s outstanding attacking abilities could unlock the Bundesliga side, but Stuttgart may look to exploit Madrid’s sometimes vulnerable defense.
Prediction💰: Real Madrid win.
🇫🇷Monaco vs. 🇪🇸Barcelona:
Two teams with dynamic attacking options. Barcelona’s youthful squad, led by Arguably the most in-form winger in the world, Lamine Yamal, will look to outplay Monaco’s hardworking midfield anchored by Denis Zakaria. This could be a tactical chess match.
Prediction💰: Both teams to score (Yes).
🇮🇹Atalanta vs. 🏴Arsenal:
Arsenal’s return will face a dangerous Atalanta side that will be led by Ademola Lookman, Atalanta is known for their high pressing and counter-attacking football. Mikel Arteta will rely on his side’s Premier League form to edge out the Italian team.
Prediction💰: Arsenal win or draw
🇳🇱Feyenoord vs. 🇩🇪Bayer Leverkusen:
An intriguing battle between two exciting teams. Bayer Leverkusen, managed by Xabi Alonso, have a fluid attacking system that could overpower Feyenoord.
Prediction💰: Both teams to score(yes).
🇩🇪Bayern Munich vs. 🇭🇷GNK Dinamo:
Bayern Munich will be heavy favorites against Dinamo Zagreb. Expect a dominant performance from the Bavarians.
Prediction💰: Harry Kane to score
Key Players to Watch: ⚽️✨
👉Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The Norwegian goal machine is a constant threat and will be expected to add to his UCL tally against Inter.
👉Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid): The French attacker has made an instant impact in La Liga and will be vital to Madrid’s hopes in Europe.
👉Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Arsenal’s young talisman will be looking to make his mark on Europe after his standout performances in the Premier League.
👉Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): The teenage prodigy has taken La Liga by storm with his dazzling skills and creativity. His flair and vision will be crucial for Barcelona as they aim to reclaim their European glory.
👉Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): The Egyptian King continues to be Liverpool's talisman, providing goals and assists with remarkable consistency. Salah's pace and clinical finishing will be key to Liverpool's success in their European campaign.
👉Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): The English striker has seamlessly adapted to life in the Bundesliga, bringing his lethal finishing and playmaking abilities. Kane's experience and goal-scoring prowess will be pivotal for Bayern's ambitions in the Champions League.
Teams Under Pressure: 😓🏆
🇪🇸Real Madrid: Last year's winners, Real Madrid, face immense pressure to replicate their success. With the weight of their storied history and high expectations from fans, anything less than a deep run will be viewed as a disappointment.
🇫🇷Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): Having yet to win the Champions League, PSG are under significant pressure to prove themselves on the European stage. With the departure of key players like Mbappe, the team will be looking to silence critics and finally lift the coveted trophy.
🇩🇪Bayern Munich: Despite dominating domestically, Bayern have struggled to impose themselves in Europe in recent years. The arrival of Harry Kane brings renewed hope, and failure to progress deep into the competition would be seen as a major failure.
Final Thoughts and Predictions:⚽️✍️
The new league phase has heightened the drama, and Game Week One offers an incredible array of fixtures that set the tone for the rest of the campaign. Expect fireworks, tactical masterclasses, and plenty of goals as Europe’s finest begin their journey toward UCL glory.
Predictions Recap:💰💰
💰🇮🇹Ac Milan vs. 🏴Liverpool - Over 25 goals
💰🏴Manchester City vs. 🇮🇹Inter Milan: Manchester City win
💰🇪🇸Real Madrid vs. 🇩🇪Stuttgart: Real Madrid win
💰🇫🇷Monaco vs. 🇪🇸Barcelona: Both teams to score (yes)
💰🇧🇪 Club Brugge vs. 🇩🇪 Borussia Dortmund: Both teams to score (yes)
💰🇮🇹Atalanta vs. 🏴Arsenal: Arsenal win or draw
💰🇳🇱Feyenoord vs. 🇩🇪Bayer Leverkusen: Both teams to score(yes)
💰🇩🇪Bayern Munich vs. 🇭🇷GNK Dinamo: Harry Kane to score
💰🇪🇸 Atletico Madrid vs. 🇩🇪 RB Leipzig: Under 3.5 goals
👉Code for the predictions: B3V9U4A.
Find the link here
1. Jaap Stam: "I played with him at AC Milan, and he’s the type of full-back we like in Holland, who likes to take the initiative to attack, but also comes back as quick as he can to defend. He’s a great person as well. He’s played for the national team, won trophies for the national team, and he’s been outstanding for years and years."
2. Michael Owen: "I played against Brazil a couple of times, and he and Roberto Carlos were just awesome. They changed the way full-backs played. People thought a full-back should just defend, but in today’s game it’s important for full-backs to be good on the ball as well, and Cafu led the way in this respect."
3. Denis Irwin: "What a nightmare to play against. The last thing you need is an overlapping full-back, creating two-versus-one situations against you. He’d bomb on for 90 minutes and wouldn’t give you a minute’s peace. Although Cafu was a fantastic attacking threat, he was also a very capable defender. Never seemed to age."
4. Andrea Pirlo: "Trend-setting in being one of the first truly great attacking full-backs. Excellent at getting forward, but very strong defensively as well."
Player Profile:💪🦵
👉Full Name: Marcos Evangelista de Moraes
👉Age: June 7, 1970 (54)
👉Position: Defender - Right-Back
👉Preferred Foot: Right
👉Place of Birth: São Paulo, Brazil
👉Citizenship: Brazilian.
Style of Play:⚽️🌟
Cafu revolutionized the role of the right-back, transforming it from a purely defensive position to one that required full-backs to be as dangerous in attack as they were solid at the back. His ability to sprint up and down the wing for the full 90 minutes became a nightmare for opposition teams, constantly creating two-on-one situations with his overlapping runs.
Cafu’s speed, stamina, and technical ability made him a dynamic presence in attack, while his defensive skills remained rock solid. One of Cafu’s most remarkable attributes was his balance between attacking prowess and defensive reliability.
He wasn't just an offensive threat; he had the tactical intelligence and positional awareness to read the game defensively, making crucial interceptions and tackles. His relentless work ethic, both offensively and defensively, set a new standard for full-backs in modern football.
Achievements: 🏆🥇
🏆FIFA World Cup: 1994, 2002 (2x)
🏆Copa América: 1997, 1999 (2x)
🏆UEFA Champions League: 2006-07
🏆FIFA Club World Cup: 2007
🏆Copa Libertadores: 1992, 1993 (2x)
🏆FIFA Confederations Cup: 1997
A Legend:
Cafu’s career not only changed how full-backs played but also set a benchmark for generations to come. His combination of energy, technical skill, and leadership made him one of the best right-backs in football history.
From winning two World Cups with Brazil to lifting the Champions League with AC Milan, Cafu's impact on football is legendary.