Tag: Manchester United

Buck: Lining up with players like Mainoo is why I picked England

Buck and Mainoo started together with England’s U-19s last fall

Noel Buck has said the chance to play alongside the likes of Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo is why he’s committed his international future to England.

The New England Revolution midfielder has been involved with the U.S. at the youth level, but accepted a call-up from England’s U-19 side last fall and has made eight appearances for the Young Lions.

Buck is now provisionally cap-tied to England, meaning he would now need to file a one-time change of association to play for another country.

In an interview with The Athletic, Buck said that England made a strong push for him and that he’s happy with where he is for the time being.

“I’m in a good spot with England now, we’ll see what the future holds,” he said.

Buck was born and raised in the U.S. but is eligible for England and Wales through his father. The 19-year-old said that the quality of players at England’s disposal is one of the main reasons he’s cast his lot with the Three Lions for now.

“Each time I go with England, I learn a couple of new things, meet new people and get better experiences,” Buck said. “They’re all fantastic players — especially Kobbie. The fact he’s playing right now for England (seniors) is unreal to think about.

“It’s why I wanted to play for England: you get to play with these types of players and I’ll include (Leeds United’s) Archie Gray in that, fantastic player, and Jack Hinshelwood at Brighton. Quality.

“What Kobbie’s success does is also highlight the pathway and how quickly things can change.”

Mainoo, 18, has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Manchester United that has seen him go from starting alongside Buck with England’s U-19s to making his senior debut last month.

Buck isn’t shy about his desire to one day play in the same league as Mainoo, but added that his focus for now is on the Revs.

“I’ve always wanted to go and play in England,” Buck said. “That’s always been a dream — whether it’s in the Premier League or the Championship — but at the moment I’m focused on my football here.”

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‘I’ve accepted reality:’ Rory McIlroy opens up on LIV Golf, Saudi investment and his role in the negotiations

McIlroy has realized Saudi investment in golf is a good thing, but he wants it to be done the right way.

Rory McIlroy is a diehard soccer fan who supports Manchester United, which made the four-time major winner a fitting guest for The Overlap’s “Stick to Football” show that features former United stars Roy Keane and Gary Neville as well as fellow greats Ian Wright and Jamie Carragher.

As a guest on the show’s most recent episode, McIlroy began by telling a hilarious story of Keane rejecting his autograph request in a hotel when he was just 12 years old before the discussion ventured toward topics like LIV Golf and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund investment in sport.

One of the most shocking answers McIlroy gave was to a question about the governor of the PIF, Yasir Al-Rumayyan. McIlroy said he met Al-Rumayyan at the end of 2022 and asked him what he wanted to do with golf. That conversation, as McIlroy tells it, was the spark that would eventually light the framework agreement between the PIF and the PGA Tour.

“We had a really good chat, and we talked about how he loves the game and he wants to do certain things, he thinks the team element in golf can really take off and try to build franchise value in some of these teams and I understood some of it,” McIlroy explained. “So when I got back to America at the start of (2023), I was on the board of the PGA Tour and I said to the guys, ‘someone’s got to go talk to this guy.’ So then there was a plan put in place that one of the board members would try to develop a relationship with him, see if we can try to figure something out and we can all move forward together.”

“So I knew that there was conversations being had,” he continued, “but I didn’t know that it would happen so quickly. Then obviously on June 6, a framework agreement was announced and a lot of the players were angered by it because they were completely blindsided by it.”

A staunch defender of the PGA Tour, McIlroy wasn’t shy about admitting how he has been wrong over the last two years and that he viewed the struggle in professional golf with an “altruistic approach” and that if he regrets anything, it was being so judgmental of players who left for LIV.

McIlroy also said LIV has “exposed flaws in the system” by taking advantage of players as independent contractors and making it impossible for the Tour to financially compete.

“(The Tour is) asking sponsors for millions of dollars to sponsor these events, and you’re not able to guarantee those sponsors the players that are going to show up, it’s very hard,” said McIlroy. “I can’t believe (the PGA Tour has) done so well for so long. So it’s actually exposed some flaws in the system that hopefully golf will have a look at.”

“If we’re going to ask these people for so much money, we need to be able to guarantee them what they’re getting, and I think that was part of the stuff that we’ve been trying to do for the last two years to figure out how can we bring the thing back together again and learn from some of the things that have happened and some of the stuff that LIV has exposed.”

McIlroy also admitted that he has realized Saudi Arabia investing money in golf is a good thing, but he wants it to be done the right way.

“Instead of giving someone $100 million, why don’t you put $50 million into a grassroots program for the R&A or USGA so you can actually help. Whenever they say ‘growing the game,’ spending that money elsewhere to actually grow the game and not just try to buy talent I think would be a way better way to spend that money.”

The Northern Irishman said things have cooled down between players but admitted he’s still bothered those who spoke poorly about the PGA Tour and DP World Tour after they left for LIV. He then dished on his Ryder Cup teammate, Jon Rahm, who recently signed for the Saudi-backed league after he made critical comments about LIV and its format for years. McIlroy argued the Tour legitimized what LIV was trying to do with the shocking framework agreement and the proposed deal made it easier for guys like Rahm to make the move.

“I think Jon, he’s smart and I think he sees things coming together at some point,” said McIlroy, who also claims he’s never received an offer from LIV. “It’s a smart business move. It’s opportunistic. I think he sees that things will come back together and he’s in a lucky position. He’s exempt for all the majors. There’s not one person that wouldn’t want him on our Ryder Cup team because of you know how good he is. He was in a great position where there wasn’t a ton of risk involved for him to go.”

McIlroy also talked about the TGL, his desire to complete the grand slam, Ryder Cup glory and where he sees the game going in the future. Watch the episode here.

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Sports world mourns death of English soccer legend Sir Bobby Charlton

English soccer legend Sir Bobby Charlton has died.

One of the true legends of English soccer has died.

Sir Bobby Charlton died at the age of 86 his family confirmed on Saturday, leaving behind a towering legacy in the sport.

He was a key member of the historic 1966 FIFA World Cup-winning England team where he also won the Ballon d’Or, and he scored 199 goals with Manchester United as one of its banner players from 1956-73.

He scored 49 goals for England while he played for the national team to join his incredible scoring tally with Manchester United.

Charlton is only one of nine players to ever win a World Cup, the European Cup in the now-Champions League and the Ballon d’Or. He was also a surviving member of the 1958 Munich air disaster that claimed the lives of a number of Charlton’s Manchester United teammates.

He inspired many future soccer players with his career on the pitch, including English soccer legend David Beckham. One of Beckham’s middle names is “Robert,” which honors Charlton’s accomplishments.

Beckham shared a tribute to Charlton’s life on Instagram after news of his death broke.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyqp2LeokM_/?hl=en

Many around the sports world paid tribute to Charlton and his monumental life in the game of soccer.

Amid abuse allegations, Antony returns for Manchester United

Police investigations in Brazil and the UK are ongoing, and no charges have been filed at this point

Amid allegations of violence from three different women, Antony has returned to the Manchester United squad and will be available for selection.

United confirmed the decision in a statement released on Friday.

“Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has cooperated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so,” the statement read.

“As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed. This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.

“As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognize the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”

United’s decision comes three weeks after announcing the 23-year-old would be taking a leave of absence from the team.

Antony’s former partner Gabriela Cavallin has made several allegations of abuse, which have since been followed by two more women making similar claims against the winger.

The Brazil international has denied all the accusations of abuse.

Police investigations in Brazil and the UK are ongoing, and Antony has not been arrested or charged at this point.

At a press conference on Friday, United manager Erik ten Hag insisted that the winger’s return while under police investigation would not be a distraction for his team.

“We make the statement so I refer to the statement, everything has been made clear in the statement,” Ten Hag said.

“No, I don’t think it’s a distraction. We will focus on the games. He will do as well. On Saturday, he will be back in training, so tomorrow. I have to see, but I think, yeah [he’s fit].”

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Man Utd fans fly ‘Glazers Out’ banner at Tampa Bay Buccaneers game

A group of American-based supporters claimed responsibility

American-based Manchester United fans flew a “Glazers Out” banner above Raymond James Stadium before Monday night’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Glazer family owns both Manchester United and the Buccaneers, with several family members in attendance on Monday as the Bucs lost 25-11 to the Eagles in Tampa.

A group of United supporters shared video online of a plane flying the banner over Raymond James Stadium, adding that supporters groups from Pittsburgh and Tampa were behind the flyover.

The move was the latest in a years-long campaign against the Glazer family, who have grown increasingly unpopular with United supporters amid a relatively barren run for the Premier League giants.

United hasn’t won the Premier League since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, and hasn’t won the Champions League since 2008.

This February, United won the Carabao Cup to break a streak of six years without a trophy of any kind.

United is off to a difficult start to the 2023-24 season both on and off the field. The club sits only ninth in the Premier League table and has dealt with criticism over its handling of Mason Greenwood and Antony, who have both been accused of sexual violence. Jadon Sancho is also currently away from the team amid a spat with head coach Erik ten Hag.

The Glazer family announced last November that it was considering a sale of the team but despite strong interest from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim, no sale appears to be forthcoming.

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Which Premier League teams are owned by Americans?

Half of the Premier League’s 20 teams are now under majority American ownership. 

With the news of Everton’s takeover by U.S. private equity firm 777 Partners, the influence of American owners in the Premier League has never been higher.

When that deal goes through, it will mean that exactly half of the Premier League’s 20 teams are under American ownership. That includes four of the league’s biggest teams: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.

The English top flight has become an attractive investment for prospective owners as the league’s revenue from broadcast deals continues to skyrocket.

Here, we have listed all 10 Premier League clubs currently under American ownership. Some of the clubs include multiple owners/investors, so the American owners are italicized in those cases.

OL Reign’s Tullis-Joyce joins Manchester United in women’s record transfer for goalkeeper

A popular player is leaving Seattle for the WSL

Deadline day for the Women’s Super League saw a world record transfer for a goalkeeper in women’s soccer.

Phallon Tullis-Joyce has joined Manchester United, departing OL Reign in a deal reported by Sounder at Heart to be worth nearly $160,000.

“Today has been pure excitement for me,” said Tullis-Joyce in a press release from her new club. “Manchester United is such an historic club, that has already done so much in the women’s game. I’m so honored to get this opportunity.”

“Phallon joins us at an exciting time for Manchester United Women, as we embark on our first European season,” added manager Marc Skinner. “We are delighted to welcome Phallon to our family.”

The transfer fee and various add-ons surpass the financial side of Kailen Sheridan’s December 2021 move from NJ/NY Gotham FC to the San Diego Wave, which is believed to be the previous global record for a goalkeeper in women’s soccer. That deal saw the Wave put up $130,000 in allocation money, along with a guarantee that the then-expansion club would not select any players from Gotham in that year’s expansion draft.

With the Red Devils, Tullis-Joyce may have a battle on her hands. England No. 1 Mary Earps was the subject of a huge amount of transfer speculation following the World Cup, but a mooted move to Arsenal was not completed before the WSL’s deadline closed late on Thursday.

A blow for OL Reign on and off the field

Tullis-Joyce finishes her three years in Seattle with 47 appearances in all competitions, and holds the club record for regular-season shutouts (13). The 26-year-old was ever-present in goal as the Reign won the 2022 NWSL Shield.

Tullis-Joyce became a fan favorite in Seattle, particularly through a series of comedic videos on her second love, marine biology. Tullis-Joyce majored in the topic during her time at the University of Miami.

“Phallon is someone who we value and has achieved quite a lot both on and off field during her time here,” Reign GM Lesle Gallimore said in a club statement. “We worked with Phallon and Manchester United to make sure all parties were satisfied with the move and once we got to an agreement, everything moved pretty quickly. We will be forever grateful for Phallon’s achievements with OL Reign and wish her all the best in the WSL.”

In the meantime, it appears that the Reign have been preparing for Tullis-Joyce’s departure in recent games. Claudia Dickey and Laurel Ivory have both appeared in recent games, with Ivory most recently getting the nod in the team’s Challenge Cup semifinal loss to Racing Louisville.

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Manchester United signs record shirt sponsorship deal with U.S. tech giant Qualcomm

The deal will bring in a reported $75 million per year

Manchester United has announced that U.S.-based telecommunications giant Qualcomm will be the club’s new shirt sponsor starting next season.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon brand will be on the front of United’s home, away and third kits, replacing current sponsor TeamViewer, a Germany-based software company.

Per multiple reports, the deal is worth more than $75 million per year, which United believes to be the largest in world soccer.

“Manchester United has agreed to an expanded strategic collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., that will see the Snapdragon brand displayed on the front of the club’s famous shirt,” United said in a press release on Tuesday.

“Qualcomm Technologies is already a global partner of Manchester United, promoting its Snapdragon brand.

“Under the expanded agreement, Snapdragon will become Manchester United’s front-of-shirt partner from the start of the 2024-25 season, featuring on the home, away and third kits of the men’s and women’s teams.”

In July, United announced a 10-year extension of its apparel agreement with Adidas, which will bring in a minimum cash guarantee of  $1.16 billion.

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Antony sidelined ‘until further notice’ amid abuse allegations

Three women have accused the 23-year-old of violence

Manchester United has announced that Antony will take a leave of absence from the team amid allegations of violence from three different women.

Antony’s former partner Gabriela Cavallin has made several allegations of abuse, which have since been followed by two more women making similar claims against the winger.

The 23-year-old was removed from Brazil’s squad last week after Cavallin revealed more details to UOL, including photographs and screenshots of messages.

Antony has denied all of the allegations.

“Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony,” read a club statement released on Sunday.

“Players who have not participated in international matches are due back in training on Monday. However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations.

“As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognize the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”

In his own statement, Antony added: “I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me. This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction to my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club. I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.”

Cavallin has filed separate police complaints against Antony in Brazil and in England.

United signed Antony from Ajax last year in a deal worth an initial €95 million.

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Manchester United has an Antony problem

The club hasn’t said whether they’ll allow the Brazilian to keep playing amid serious allegations

They may have stepped on a few rakes in the process, but Manchester United managed to ultimately ship Mason Greenwood out of the club. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, there is a new problem brewing with a player still very much in the picture.

Antony has been accused of assault and domestic abuse by his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who first made the charge back in June. On Monday, Cavallin revealed more details via the Brazilian outlet UOL, including photographs and screenshots of messages.

The forward was quickly dropped by Brazil after being initially called into the country’s roster for World Cup qualifiers.

“Due to the facts that became public this Monday involving Manchester United player Antony, and which need to be investigated, and in order to safeguard the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team and the CBF, the organization informs that the athlete has been withdrawn from the Brazilian team,” read a federation statement.

The allegations from Cavallin, which Antony has denied, are serious. They include accusations that Antony attacked her while pregnant with their child, headbutted and punched her, attempted to hit her in the face with a glass bowl, threatened to kill her, and caused damage to her breast implant that required surgery, among other allegations.

In response to Cavallin’s allegations, Antony posted a statement on social media in which he insisted the “accusations are false.”

“My relationship with Ms. Gabriela was tumultuous, with insults [made] on both sides, but never did I commit any act of physical aggression,” the 23-year-old said.

On Wednesday, Manchester United issued a statement light on details, particularly when it came to the most pertinent issue of whether they would allow the Brazilian to keep playing for the club.

“Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the police are conducting enquiries,” the statement read. “Pending further information, the club will be making no further comments.

“As a club we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact of these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse.”

Cavallin has filed separate police complaints against Antony in Brazil and in England.

United will be even further under the microscope when it comes to Antony after the club completely mishandled the situation with Greenwood.

Greenwood was arrested and suspended by United in January 2022, after a recording and images were released on social media of an alleged sexual attack. The charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behavior eventually were dropped this February after the withdrawal of key witnesses, and new material coming to light.

As revealed by The Athletic, United was planning on bringing Greenwood back for the current season despite protests from fans and some club employees. Ultimately, the public outrage grew too strong, and Greenwood was shipped off on loan to Getafe.

United appeared to be club without a real sense of the world in which it operates. The leaked plan to bring back Greenwood produced an entirely predicable blowback which somehow seemed to catch the club off guard. Ultimately, United made the correct decision, but in a way that left nobody satisfied.

The Greenwood situation will be very much front of mind as another United player faces similarly serious allegations. United now has another unwanted opportunity to do the right thing. Time will tell if the club will take its chance.

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