It might be more economical for Manchester United to consider parting ways with Ruben Amorim rather than prolong his contract, and Arne Slot has seemingly thrown one of his own teammates under the bus in recent comments.
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Arne Slot’s Contamination by the Kop Virus
Initially, I held high hopes for Slot, believing he appeared to be a mature coach with multiple tactical options and not needing a decade-long wait to secure a league title, unlike his highly overrated predecessor. However, recent developments have cast doubt on that optimism.
Recently, Slot remarked, “I wasn’t entirely pleased with every moment of his training sessions,” and added, “In some key moments, he could have done a bit more, to put it mildly, and that’s what we discussed.”
It seems the childish influence of the Kop has infected him, much like it has affected other managers of the “This Methodology Extra/We Never Achieve Anything” club. His comments appear to be mere attempts to curry favor with the youth supporters, even if it means throwing one of his own under the bus.
Sadly, this seems to be an inevitable consequence of the current football culture.
– RHT/TS
Is Newcastle’s Recent Performance Too Good to Be True?
First, congratulations to Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur. Achieving even a glimpse of success is a sweet reward for long-suffering fans. While it’s great to see clubs gaining recognition, in a one-off match with so much at stake, the final result and the overall standings matter most. The fact that these victories, along with Newcastle’s, came against teams struggling with their own issues makes the achievements even more impressive.
As a Newcastle supporter, I can say this season has been a rollercoaster. The team has broken some long-standing jinxes-beating Manchester United twice, securing a win against Liverpool, and winning a cup-while playing attractive football. December brought moments that rekindled the joy of supporting the club, reminding us why we love the game.
The race for the Champions League spots is now extremely tight, with the final day promising plenty of drama. Securing a win at Everton, especially with a motivated Pickford in goal, could be enough. The fixture list favors some teams over others; for instance, Aston Villa’s upcoming matches against Spurs and Manchester United could be pivotal, while Chelsea’s schedule against Liverpool and United might be equally decisive.
It’s worth noting that Newcastle’s recent loss to Bournemouth, despite being a team in decline, highlights how the timing of fixtures and individual form can influence the league standings. Teams that faced Newcastle after their cup victory had a tougher time than those who met them earlier in the season. I’m pleased that Newcastle didn’t fall off a cliff after their cup success, a testament to the quality of their management and the resilience of their players.
If Newcastle ends up in the Europa League, it might be a blessing in disguise, offering a chance to gain European experience, secure more wins, and perhaps reach a final or semi-final. However, it could also make a departure like Isak’s more likely. I believe the new Champions League format is more forgiving for lower-budget teams, allowing them to compete against similarly ranked opponents, which could make Newcastle more competitive next season. Overall, it’s been an exceptional campaign, one that will stay in my memory for a long time. Have a fantastic summer, everyone.
– Derek from Dundalk
More Coverage: Weekend Highlights and Title Races
Check out our detailed analysis of Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest’s recent form, Ruben Amorim’s future, James Palmer’s insights, the playoff final, and the Serie A title race.
The Enigma of English Football Fans
As an Australian observer, I find the behavior of English football supporters quite perplexing. Why do you take everything at face value? If someone tells you something you’d prefer to believe, you’re often gullible enough to accept it. For example, coaches making theatrical moves in games they’re destined to lose-like Chelsea’s 9v11 scenario-just to create the illusion of resilience, only to reveal they’re more interested in winning the matches that truly matter.
How much time have you spent watching Amorim prepare his team for a low-block, 5-4-1 setup? Is Ange a tactical genius or just an overhyped coach? The truth is, his team scored one of the ugliest, most fortunate goals in recent final memory, and it’s not clear if his tactics are anything special or just luck.
Many fans seem to overvalue the importance of finishing third or winning a trophy, while ignoring the broader context. If Spurs finished third without winning any silverware, the UK media would hail Ange as a genius. Yet, in 17 years, no one will remember the specifics of the 24/25 season. Conversely, finishing 17th and winning the Europa League would be a significant achievement, securing Champions League qualification and leaving a lasting impression. The obsession with the league position over tangible success is baffling.
Debunking Ange’s Tactical Reputation
Sorry, but Ange is not some tactical mastermind hiding his best tricks for the big moments. The goal in the recent final was a scrappy, fortunate strike, and the game was largely dictated by United’s inability to threaten from anywhere on the pitch. It’s not clear if Ange’s tactics outsmarted anyone; rather, it was a game won by a fortunate goal and some defensive resilience.
Most football fans, including some Arsenal supporters, might believe Spurs dominated the game, but the stats and commentary suggest otherwise. I believe Ruben Amorim should have made his substitutions earlier, but I don’t see Ange pulling a tactical rabbit out of his hat either.
– M (I often confuse the surnames of Ange and Amorim!)
The True Cost of Amorim’s Approach
Sorry, Tom from Tooting, but the issue isn’t whether Amorim is capable; it’s about the cost of his vision. If the goal is to rebuild the club, it requires tearing everything down-every age group, every player-and starting anew. But can he coach these players to fit his system, or are they simply incapable? The reality probably lies somewhere in between.
This process would demand 10-12 new signings, and even if the club manages to sell some players to fund this overhaul, it would still be insufficient. It’s a self-destructive approach, risking the club’s future without a clear plan. The truth is, the club needs a coach who can work with the current squad, develop a clear tactical identity, and oversee recruitment effectively-something Amorim has yet to demonstrate.
Remember when recruitment was managed separately from coaching, ensuring a cohesive strategy? That’s the model that worked. Now, it seems the club is back to square one, with no clear direction. Many players nearing the end of their careers should be moved on, but the real change requires patience and a solid foundation. Sadly, Amorim’s approach has only confirmed that he’s not the right person for this task.
Thank goodness for Ange, who has dispelled any remaining doubts about the club’s direction.
– Badwolf
Additional Manchester United Insights
- 👉 Reasons why Ruben Amorim might still be sacked by Man Utd
- 👉 Manchester United’s £205m transfer plan including Cunha and Muñoz after Europa League defeat
- 👉 Predicted timeline for Amorim’s departure amid mounting pressure
The Sir Alex Ferguson Clone
Dear readers,
A fellow contributor suggested that Manchester United needs a manager who resembles Sir Alex Ferguson. Is that a joke? That’s a recipe for disaster, given the club’s current state. The only thing Ferguson’s legacy guarantees is luck and a unique set of circumstances that are impossible to replicate.
– Romulus Shani (Congratulations to Spurs on their well-deserved European trophy, even if it was a brutal final)
Manchester United and Social Media Obsession
Andy H from Swansea mentioned that Manchester United might have the most Instagram followers in Kenya, but that doesn’t translate to success on the pitch. It’s a reminder that social media metrics are superficial; they’re just tools to generate revenue, not indicators of sporting excellence.
Today, everyone seems obsessed with likes and followers, believing they measure reputation or success. But in reality, they’re meaningless in terms of actual football performance. The club’s focus on history, trophies, and nostalgia has distracted from the core issue: what happens on the pitch.
Manchester United has been caught up in a cycle of chasing past glories, while the current squad and management struggle to deliver. The club’s obsession with “glory years” and “reputation” has only deepened its decline. The real task is to focus solely on football-winning matches and developing players-rather than chasing likes and superficial praise.
Get back to basics, and everything else will follow.
– Mike D (not even a fan anymore, but it’s hard to ignore the truth)
Bruno Fernandes and the Club’s Future
It’s interesting to hear Bruno Fernandes’ comments about possibly leaving if the club needs the funds. It seems he prefers being a big fish in a small pond, which might influence his decision. Time will tell whether he stays or moves on.
– Chris, NUFC
What Defines a “True Fan”?
I read Jim French’s letter about what makes a “proper fan,” and I can’t help but feel a mix of amusement and exhaustion. His confidence is astonishing. Jim and others like him seem to believe that supporting a top-tier club automatically makes them “true fans,” especially when their team is winning.
But supporting a club through thick and thin isn’t about bragging rights or reflected glory. It’s about loyalty, regardless of success or failure. Football has been commodified, turned into a product designed to extract maximum profit from supporters. Manchester United’s decline exemplifies this, with oil sheikhs and oligarchs using clubs as status symbols or cash cows.
Meanwhile, the obsession with social media likes and superficial metrics distracts from the real game-winning on the pitch. Many so-called “fans” are more interested in their own image than supporting their team genuinely. If more fans attended grassroots clubs like FC United of Manchester instead of chasing fleeting fame, clubs like United might not be in such peril.
Supporting football isn’t about status; it’s about passion. Remember that.
– Your Old Friend, Stevo
