The Frauen Bundesliga season opener between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday drew a...

The Frauen Bundesliga season opener between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday drew a German women's club record crowd of 57,762 in Munich.Double winners last season, Bayern won 2-0 thanks to two goals in two second-half minutes from Vanessa Gilles and Klara Buhl.It was just the fifth match Bayern women have played at the Allianz Arena, where the club's men's team play all their home games.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>While the 2011 Women's World Cup opener between Germany and Canada at Berlin's Olympic Stadium drew 73,680, Saturday's match broke the German club record of 57,000 set in last season's German Cup semi-final between hosts Hamburg and Werder Bremen.The previous Frauen Bundesliga record was 38,365, set in April 2023 between Cologne and Eintracht Frankfurt.The official world record of 91,648 for a women's football match was set in April 2022 in a Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Wolfsburg at the Camp Nou.

06 September 2025, Bavaria, Munich: Soccer, Women: Bundesliga, Bayern Munich - Bayer Leverkusen, Matchday 1 at the Allianz Arena. Vanessa Gilles (Bayern Munich) takes selfies with the fans after the match. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series.

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Bayern Munich set crowd record in Frauen Bundesliga opener

England extended their 100 percent record on the road to the World Cup but Thomas Tuchel's side a...

England extended their 100 percent record on the road to the World Cup but Thomas Tuchel's side again failed to impress in a laboured 2-0 win against minnows Andorra on Saturday.Christian Garcia's first-half own-goal at Villa Park was followed by Declan Rice's header after the interval as the Group K leaders made it four successive qualifying victories.But while England remain on course for next year's World Cup, this was another underwhelming display that raised questions about Tuchel's ability to produce a trophy-winning team from a gifted generation.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>England were efficient but unspectacular, lacking guile and intelligence in the final third.No wonder Tuchel wore a frustrated expression on the touchline.Claiming the subdued crowd played a role in the display, Tuchel said: "It's difficult because it's a very different crowd to a Premier League crowd."After the first goal we had 10 or 15 minutes with too many ball losses and lost our focus and concentration but in the second half, we found it again and should have scored more."The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss will want a more purposeful performance in the toughest test of his reign on Tuesday when England face their main Group K rivals Serbia in Belgrade.With the clock ticking towards the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Tuchel is under pressure to build a team with a clear identity and sense of purpose.The evidence from his lacklustre fifth game in charge suggested the German is some way from achieving that goal."I think we missed the little moments to accelerate the game. Maybe (Eberechi) Eze didn't have his best day, the last pass from Noni (Madueke) wasn't clinical enough and (Marcus) Rashford had good moments but couldn't finish them," he said."It's stuff that can happen against a narrow team. We've learned a lot and I'm glad for the players. Now we will prove a point in Belgrade."England spluttered to a 2-0 win against Albania in his first match in March and were only marginally better in a 3-0 victory over Latvia.A woeful 1-0 win against Andorra in June was alarming for Tuchel and there was even worse to come as the Three Lions finished their summer schedule with a dismal 3-1 defeat against Senegal in a friendly in Nottingham.It was a far cry from Tuchel's bold claim that he wanted his team to chase England's first major trophy since 1966 with an attacking style that would cast off the caution showed by his predecessor Gareth Southgate.<h3>Prosaic England</h3>After using the 35-year-old Jordan Henderson in midfield in England's last qualifier, Tuchel opted for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson this time and was rewarded with a composed debut.In the absence of the injured Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, Eze started as the most advanced of three central midfielders, while Madueke filled in on the right wing.It took 15 minutes for Tuchel's latest experimental line-up to fashion their first shot on target when Eze's low drive from the edge of the area forced Iker Alvarez to save.Faced with a side of Andorra's limitations, England were able to take the lead in the 25th minute without hitting top gear.Madueke was their most enterprising attacker and the Arsenal winger found space in the area for a cross that Garcia headed into his own net as he tried in vain to clear.Madueke's fourth goal involvement in eight internationals ensured England did not suffer the indignity of being shut out in the first half by Andorra for a second successive game.After their rather prosaic first half, England were slightly more dynamic at the start of the second.Anderson was denied a debut goal as Alvarez brilliantly clawed away the midfielder's scooped effort.England's territorial dominance finally brought a second goal in the 67th minute.Showing why Tuchel surprisingly preferred him at right-back to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James whipped a pin-point cross into the six-yard box for Rice to glance his header past Alvarez.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Declan Rice of England applauds during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Andorra at Villa Park on September 06, 2025 in Birmingham, England.

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Labored England beats Andorra to stay perfect on road to World Cup

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Saturday pledged changes to his side for Sunday's crunch World...

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Saturday pledged changes to his side for Sunday's crunch World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in Cologne after falling to a 2-0 defeat in Slovakia. The Germans were thoroughly outclassed against Slovakia on Thursday, losing to the underdog side for the first time in their history. The four-time World Cup winners had never previously lost a qualification match for the tournament.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A further disappointment against Northern Ireland would leave Nagelsmann's men with little room for error in their bid to qualify directly for the World Cup.Nagelsmann, 38, slammed his players' attitude after the defeat on Thursday, saying they lacked emotion and were "miles away" from a good performance."We had five decent minutes. That's not enough," the coach said. At full-time, captain Joshua Kimmich said "if we perform like we did today, we'll definitely not qualify" for the World Cup. On Saturday, Nagelsmann said: "There will certainly be some changes in terms of personnel. Not all 10 players will be rotated, but we have to put in a better performance than we did on Thursday."Germany have improved under Nagelsmann after a poor decade, with group stage exits at the Russia and Qatar World Cups bookending a last-16 Euros defeat to England in 2021. Taking over in late 2023, Germany lost just one of 15 matches in 2024 -- a quarter-final exit at the hands of eventual champions Spain at the European Championships. This year, Germany have lost three and drawn one of their five games and risk an unthinkable failure to qualify for next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The coach said he had no fears about his future despite copping criticism in the German press, saying "it's never good to be afraid"."I'm still brave enough and I want to win every game and we'll try and do our best tomorrow," he said."The team is important, not me, and I think we'll do a better job tomorrow than on Thursday."Germany were given a rare bit of good news on Saturday, with forward Serge Gnabry cleared to play after picking up an arm injury against Slovakia. The Germans are dealing with an injury crisis, particularly up front, with Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Tim Kleindienst and Niclas Fuellkrug all missing through injury. On Thursday, Germany called up Borussia Dortmund forward Maximilian Beier to replace the injured Fuellkrug.

04 September 2025, Slovakia, Bratislava: Soccer: World Cup Qualification Europe, Slovakia - Germany, Group Phase, Group A, Matchday 1, Narodny Futbalovy Stadion, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) on the sidelines. Photo: Christian Charisius/dpa

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Under-fire Nagelsmann promises 'changes' for Germany

Kylian Mbappe struck as France began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a win against Ukrai...

Kylian Mbappe struck as France began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a win against Ukraine on Friday.In the Polish city of Wroclaw, Michael Olise's early strike and Mbappe's 51st goal for Les Bleus handed the 2018 World Cup winners a 2-0 victory over Ukraine as Group D got underway."It was an important match because of the limited number of games (to qualify) against a quality team. We could have sealed the deal in the first half because we were in control and created a lot of chances," Deschamps said. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We faltered for four or five minutes in the second half, but the main thing is that we got the result."Olise started and finished the opening goal on 10 minutes when he released Bradley Barcola down the left flank from deep.The Bayern Munich man ghosted the length of the pitch to arrive unmarked into the Ukraine box and calmly sweep Barcola's return ball into the bottom corner.Olise and half-time substitute Ousmane Dembele nearly doubled the visitors' lead either side of the break but goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin denied them impressively.Ukraine responded by coming within inches of levelling the encounter twice inside two minutes after the hour.Ibrahima Konate first turned a goalbound Artem Dovbyk header off his own goal-line, before new Paris Saint-Germain signing Illia Zabarnyi struck the woodwork with a headed effort following a set-piece.But Mbappe made the win safe for France when he raced onto a pinpoint through-ball from his Real Madrid team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni before cutting inside and rifling home on 82 minutes. The goal tied Mbappe with Thierry Henry for second place on France's all-time scoring list.Deschamps had praise, in particular, for 23-year-old Olise after he netted his third goal in nine outings for Les Bleus."Michael is brilliant in everything he does, his movement, his combinations, his passing quality," the coach said.After the first matchday, France sit second in the four-team group behind Iceland, who beat Azerbaijan 5-0 in Reykjavik.Elsewhere, Denmark and Scotland played out a goalless stalemate in Copenhagen as Group C started, with Greece topping the pool following their 5-1 victory at home to Belarus.Switzerland opened Group B with a 4-0 win over Kosovo as group mates Sweden and Slovenia played out a 2-2 draw in Ljubljana.Former World Cup runners-up Croatia struggled to a 1-0 win away to Faroe Islands to stay second in Group L.Pool leaders Czech Republic beat third-placed Montenegro 2-0 to remain three points ahead of the Croats, although with two games in hand.

WROCLAW, POLAND - SEPTEMBER 05: Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Ukraine and France at Tarczynski Arena on September 05, 2025 in Wroclaw, Poland.

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Mbappe ties Henry as France opens WCQ campaign with win over Ukraine

The Luxembourg under-21 football squad was involved in a bus crash on the way to a Euro 2027 qual...

The Luxembourg under-21 football squad was involved in a bus crash on the way to a Euro 2027 qualifier in France, leaving five individuals in hospital, both countries' football federations said on Friday.The individuals have been discharged after receiving treatment, the Luxembourg Football Federation said.The incident happened between Lorient and Pontivy in western France, after the vehicle drove into a ditch as the driver fell ill, the bus company said.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We show all our support and we hope for a quick recover to the members of the Luxembourg delegation who were hurt and shocked, as well as the driver of the bus," French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo said.The game, scheduled for Friday, will now be played on October 3 next year.The bus was travelling from the stadium to the Luxembourg team's hotel after a training session."The driver of the bus, aged 53, had and has worked for nine years in the position, has no history of traffic accidents," the company said."His most recent medical tests were in order," it added before also saying a alcohol and drug test had returned negative results and the vehicle he was driving had passed a technical inspection in July 2025.

BOLTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: Players of Luxembourg pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA U21 Euro 2025 Qualifier between England and Luxembourg at Toughsheet Community Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Bolton, England.

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5 people treated in hospital after Luxembourg U21 bus crash in France

Athletic Bilbao were blocked from signing defender Aymeric Laporte by world football governing bo...

Athletic Bilbao were blocked from signing defender Aymeric Laporte by world football governing body FIFA, the Spanish club said Wednesday.The Basque side said they tried to sign him on September 1 from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, but it could not be completed for "external factors beyond (Athletic's) control", with Spanish media saying the paperwork was submitted late.The Spanish federation asked FIFA to grant an exception for Laporte's move but Athletic said they were informed on Wednesday FIFA had denied the request.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Athletic said they were "studying all possibilities within the existing legal framework" to still try and bring in Laporte, but if they could not then the agreements with the player and Al-Nassr will be void.Spain centre-back Laporte, 31, left Athletic for Manchester City in 2018 before joining Al-Nassr in 2023.

Nassr's French defender #27 Aymeric Laporte celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Saudi Pro League football match between Damac and Al-Nassr at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City in Abha on April 22, 2025.

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FIFA blocks Laporte move to Athletic Bilbao

Manchester City confirmed the signing of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-G...

Manchester City confirmed the signing of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday after selling the long-serving Ederson to Fenerbahce.Donnarumma, 26, has penned a five-year deal at the Etihad for a reported fee of £26 million ($35 million).Donnarumma, who will wear the 99 shirt, was an integral part of the PSG team that won the Champions League last season, and was in goal for Italy when they won Euro 2020.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But his omission from PSG's Super Cup squad made it clear he was surplus to requirements in Paris after the club signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille."To have signed for Manchester City is such a special and proud moment for me," said Donnarumma, whose signing was announced a day after the summer transfer window closed."I am joining a squad packed with world-class talent and a team led by one of the greatest managers in the history of football in Pep Guardiola. This is a club every player in world football would love to join."Donnarumma, who stands 1.96 metres (six feet, five inches) tall, started his career at AC Milan, where he made his debut as a 16-year-old, before signing for PSG in 2021.He has made 412 club appearances and won 74 international caps.City's director of football Hugo Viana said Donnarumma's arrival was a huge boost for the club, who have started the season poorly."Gianluigi's pedigree, quality and record speaks for itself, and we are all absolutely thrilled he has joined us here at City," he said."He has accumulated a wealth of top-level experience and knows what is required to achieve success on a sustained level."City called the departing Ederson, signed by Fenerbahce for reported fee of about £12 million, "one of the most successful players in the club's history". With his superb distribution, the Brazilian goalkeeper was instrumental to Guardiola's possession-based philosophy, but there were growing doubts last season about his shot-stopping."You helped us make history," City posted on social media on Tuesday, with pictures of Ederson celebrating trophies including the Champions League in 2023.Ederson, 32, also won six Premier League titles and two FA Cups and kept 122 clean sheets in 276 league appearances. "I arrived in Manchester eight years ago full of hope, but I could not have predicted such a beautiful time together," said the goalkeeper, who made 372 appearances in all competitions for the club."Playing for City has been the most special time of my life and I will always be a fan of this special club," he added."I'm going with my wife and children, but I'm leaving a big family here."City also brought in Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford during the transfer window but the Englishman has failed to convince so far.The club have also confirmed the exit of Swiss defender Manuel Akanji to Inter Milan on a season-long loan.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 09: Gianluigi Donnarumma #1 of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after Goncalo Ramos #9 (not pictured) scores his team's fourth goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid CF at MetLife Stadium on July 09, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

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Man City sign Donnarumma after selling Ederson to Fenerbahce

Jamie Vardy, the veteran English forward whose goals fired Leicester City to an unlikely Premier ...

Jamie Vardy, the veteran English forward whose goals fired Leicester City to an unlikely Premier League title truimph in 2016, joined newly promoted Serie A side Cremonese on Monday.Vardy, 38, a free agent since leaving Leicester in May, put pen to paper on a one-year contract with an option to extend just hours before the transfer window closed, the Italian club said.The player who scored 145 Premier League goals in 342 appearances is joining a team who have won their first two matches in Serie A, including a 2-1 win against AC Milan at the San Siro.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Vardy joins a growing contingent of former Premier League players in Serie A.Most prominently, Scott McTominay has found success since leaving Manchester United and joining Napoil, helping the side from southern Italy to win the Serie A crown in May.He has been joined at Napoli this season by former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City looks on during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at The King Power Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Leicester, England.

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Leicester legend Vardy inks deal with Cremonese

Jadon Sancho joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from Manchester United on Monday, ending a ...

Jadon Sancho joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from Manchester United on Monday, ending a long wait to find a new club.The 25-year-old has joined Unai Emery's side after spending last season on loan at Chelsea, where he helped the club win the UEFA Conference League."Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Jadon Sancho from Manchester United," the club said in a statement late on transfer deadline day.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Sancho has been playing at the highest level of the club game since he was a teenager, particularly impressing for Borussia Dortmund during his time in the Bundesliga."Last term the winger was on loan at Chelsea, where he helped the London club win the UEFA Conference League, scoring in the final against Real Betis."Sancho's move to Villa means he follows in the footsteps of his former Manchester United teammate Marcus Rashford who also made a temporary switch to Birmingham during the second half of the last campaign. Rashford is now at Barcelona.England international Sancho joined United for £73 million four years ago but has struggled to make his mark at Old Trafford.He has made 83 appearances for United but his last outing came in August 2024 in the Community Shield.Sancho's loan move to Villa will be his third away from Old Trafford after he spent the the bulk of the past 18 months at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.The winger still has one more year left to run on his contract in Manchester with the club holding an option of a further year.Villa also announced the signing of Harvey Elliott from Liverpool on deadline day.The 22-year-old joins the club on an initial season-long loan, and Villa have an option to make the transfer permanent for a reported £35 million.

WROCLAW, POLAND - MAY 28: Jadon Sancho of Chelsea celebrates after the UEFA Conference League Final 2025 between Real Betis Balompie and Chelsea FC at Stadion Wroclaw on May 28, 2025 in Wroclaw, Poland.

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Aston Villa beat the buzzer to add Sancho, Elliott in double swoop

Tottenham on Monday announced the signing of Randal Kolo Muani on a season-long loan from Paris S...

Tottenham on Monday announced the signing of Randal Kolo Muani on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain.The 26-year-old forward joined PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt early in the 2023/24 campaign but has struggled to convince in the French capital.He spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus and scored 10 goals in 22 appearances for the Italian club. Juve tried to make his move permanent, but couldn't come to terms with PSG after months of negotiations.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Spurs said they were delighted to announce the signing on transfer deadline day, subject to international clearance and work permit."I'm really happy and very proud to be at such a great club," Kolo Muani said in a club statement. "I can't wait to meet my teammates, all the fans and to get out on the pitch."I know what the coach expects from me. I will fight hard for the shirt, the club and the fans. I will give everything for this team."New Spurs manager Thomas Frank said: "Randal is a quality player who has proven himself over a number of years, playing for big teams in the Champions League and also with good experience for the France national team."He's a good age, in the prime of his career, has good qualities that will suit both us and the Premier League, and gives us a different option in the final third, being able to play out wide and through the middle."Tottenham, last season's Europa League winners, will play PSG away in the Champions League in November.

Juventus' French forward #20 Randal Kolo Muani celebrates scoring his team's second goal on a penalty kick during the Italian Serie A football match between Como and Juventus at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium in Como, Italy on February 7, 2025.

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Kolo Muani joins Tottenham on loan from PSG

Inter Milan slumped to a shock 2-1 home defeat to Udinese on Sunday to lose early ground on Serie...

Inter Milan slumped to a shock 2-1 home defeat to Udinese on Sunday to lose early ground on Serie A leaders Napoli and rivals Juventus, who won 1-0 at Genoa thanks to Dusan Vlahovic.Cristian Chivu's team trail by three points the champions, Juve, Roma and promoted Cremonese who all have two wins from their opening two fixtures of the new season."We started well but we weren't fluid. We didn't make the right plays and we struggled to create," said Chivu to DAZN.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Inter looked on their way to a thumping victory in the 18th minute when Denzel Dumfries ended a confused passage of play by tapping into an empty net.However, Dumfries was then at fault for handling in the area, giving Keinan Davis a chance to score from the penalty spot in the 29th minute which he did not waste.And France's Arthur Atta stunned the San Siro five minutes before half-time with a beautiful curling strike, his first in Serie A, which would give Udinese a win few would have predicted prior to kick-off.Federico Dimarco was denied a thumping leveller shortly after half-time when Marcus Thuram was caught offside and after that the hosts huffed and puffed to little effect against Udinese's resilient defence, even with four strikers on the pitch."The first thing that went against us was the penalty and we lost our heads a bit from that point on," added Chivu."We were better in the second half, there was more desire, determination and better quality play, but we couldn't take advantage of the chances we had nor create any more."Next weekend Inter travel to face their fiercest rivals Juve, who squeezed past Genoa with Vlahovic netting for the second time in as many games after being taken off the transfer list.

MILAN, ITALY - AUGUST 31: Players of Internazionale react with disappointment during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Milan, Italy.

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Inter stunned at home by Udinese in early setback

Dusan Vlahovic fired Juventus to a 1-0 win at Genoa on Sunday, the Serbia striker netting for the...

Dusan Vlahovic fired Juventus to a 1-0 win at Genoa on Sunday, the Serbia striker netting for the second time in as many games after being taken off the transfer list.Juventus, on six points, were struggling to break down spirited Genoa until substitute Vlahovic headed home Filip Kostic's corner when left completely unmarked in the 73rd minute.Vlahovic looked destined to be sold in the summer as Juve brought in Jonathan David and pushed to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But on Thursday sporting director Damien Comolli said that there was a "99 percent chance" that Vlahovic would stay at Juve and the 25-year-old rewarded the Turin giants with the winning goal at the Stadio Liuigi Ferraris."People are always going to talk, all I can do is to train as best I can. I'm very happy to have helped the team and I hope it will be the same in the future," said Vlahovic to DAZN."Honestly I don't know what's changed. I just want to train well and make myself available to the team."Vlahovic stood defiantly facing Juve's delirious support with his arms aloft, as he did when scoring against Parma last weekend, after managing to stay at the club that spent 70 million euros to snatch him from Fiorentina in January 2022.His 60th goal for Juve was the highlight from a keenly-contested match and put Juve level with champions Napoli, Roma and promoted Cremonese on a perfect points tally.However Juve escaped being pegged back in the final seconds of the game as Patrizio Masini's looping head struck the crossbar.

GENOA, ITALY - AUGUST 31: during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy.

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Defiant Vlahovic makes case to stay at Juve with winning goal vs. Genoa

Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning free-kick gave Liverpool first blood against Arsenal with a 1-0 win...

Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning free-kick gave Liverpool first blood against Arsenal with a 1-0 win in Sunday's battle between the Premier League title favorites.A tense tussle at Anfield looked set to end in a stalemate until the Hungarian's 83rd-minute strike ensured the defending champions remain the only side with a perfect record from the opening three games.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A special strike 🍿✨ <a href="https://t.co/cDz12e23CF">pic.twitter.com/cDz12e23CF</a>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1962259102039695589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>In all three matches, Arne Slot's men have scored late winners, also overcoming Bournemouth and Newcastle in dramatic fashion.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Liverpool may still be a work in progress after overhauling the squad that romped to the title last season.But they remain the team to beat thanks to an abundance of attacking talent capable of match-winning moments like the one Szoboszlai produced."We are not perfect, we weren't perfect last season, but (we have) a great mentality and everybody works so hard to get a result over the line," said Slot.Liverpool could even be stronger come the end of the transfer window on Monday as they look to add Newcastle's unsettled striker Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi to bolster their defence.Arsenal have backed Mikel Arteta with over £250 million ($338 million) worth of new signings in a bid to usurp the Reds and win the Gunners' first Premier League title since 2004.The visitors were hampered by the absence of the injured Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.But Viktor Gyokeres did little to silence doubts that he can make the step up from a prolific spell at Sporting Lisbon to the Premier League. The Swede was easily marshalled by Virgil van Dijk."An incredible moment won them the game," said Arteta, who said his side need more killer instinct to win the biggest games."That is the edge and when it's not him (Szoboszlai), it's (Mohamed) Salah or someone else. With the dominance and how we play the game, it's very clear we have to finish the moments to win the game."To add to the Gunners injury woes, William Saliba went off inside the opening five minutes, replaced by Cristhian Mosquera.The Spanish under-21 international is yet to make a Premier League start but was not seriously tested as Liverpool's new-look attack struggled to click into gear.Despite defensive issues this season, Slot again named a front four of club record signing Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike.At Arsenal, Noni Madueke's arrival was not met with enthusiasm by fans who even started a petition to block the England international's £48.5 million move from Chelsea.Deputising for Saka on the right wing, Madueke was by fair the visitors biggest threat.Milos Kerkez has had a difficult start to his Liverpool career and was consistently beaten for pace by Madueke, who lacked the finishing touch.A desperate Kerkez challenge deflected Madueke's strike over with the best effort of a disjointed first half.The second half followed the same cagey pattern with both sides wary of risking a damaging early defeat in the title race.Liverpool did have the ball in the net on the hour only to be denied by the offside flag.David Raya breathed a sigh of relief after he failed to hold Wirtz's effort and then tripped Gakpo before Ekitike forced the ball in.<h3>Psychological blow</h3>However, Gakpo had strayed offside before collecting the rebound.That excitement did at least bring the Anfield crowd to life to inspire a late Liverpool push for all three points.Arsenal had not conceded this season and it took something special to break down Arteta's men.Szoboszlai's free-kick dipped and curled perfectly in off the Raya's right-hand post to leave the Spaniard helpless."I took a risk. I was confident in myself, so I tried it and finally (I scored from a free-kick)", Szoboszlai told Sky Sports."I should mention Trent. He was taking the free kicks because, obviously, he has an unbelievable shot. But finally I could have my chance and I did it."I had to take a risk and shoot it a little bit harder because I know (David) Raya likes to jump behind the wall and, of course, he's an unbelievable goalkeeper. So if I think it goes a little bit more inside, he saves it."Arsenal had a penalty shout waved away for Joe Gomez's challenge on Eberechi Eze in their pursuit of an equaliser.Liverpool stood strong to register their first clean sheet of the season and land an early psychological blow in the title race.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool celebrates with his teammates after scoring his sides first goal to make it 1 - 0 during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on August 31, 2025 in Liverpool, England.

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Szoboszlai's stunning free-kick lifts Liverpool past title rivals Arsenal

Manchester City blew the lead in a shock 2-1 defeat at Brighton that extended their troubled star...

Manchester City blew the lead in a shock 2-1 defeat at Brighton that extended their troubled start to the Premier League season.City striker Erling Haaland marked his 100th Premier League appearance with his 88th goal in the competition since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.But the 25-year-old's third goal this season wasn't enough to help Pep Guardiola's side bounce back from last weekend's 2-0 home defeat against Tottenham.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>James Milner's second half penalty hauled Brighton level before Brajan Gruda's late strike completed City's collapse."We concede the goal and after that it shifted. Until then it was really good, we had chances and the team looked aggressive and dynamic," Guardiola said."We made a good hour and then after the last half an hour we were not good. We forgot to pass the ball, just played long balls and we were not good enough. "It is what it is. I like many things that we are doing and when we come back we know the squad we are going to have and we are going to try to compete."Spain midfielder Rodri made his first league start for City since suffering a serious knee injury against Arsenal in September 2024.But Ballon d'Or holder Rodri, who had also started a Club World Cup match in the summer, was unable to inspire City to their second win of the season.Haaland should have given City an early lead after racing clean through, but he scuffed a tame shot straight at Bart Verbruggen.He also lashed just wide from 18 yards after a flowing City move.The Norway striker missed another chance with a weak header from Rayan Ait-Nouri's cross, allowing Verbruggen the chance to claw it to safety.Haaland persevered and finally pierced the Brighton defence in the 34th minute, stabbing past Verbruggen from close-range after Omar Marmoush prodded the ball into his path.Haaland forced Verbruggen into a miscued clearance just before half-time, but Rodri blazed the chance over.Matheus Nunes handed Brighton a lifeline in the 67th minute.Lewis Dunk shrugged off Bernardo Silva's attempt to mark him and blasted a shot that Nunes blocked with his arm away from his body.Milner sent James Trafford the wrong way with a clinical penalty before copying Diogo Jota's goal celebration in tribute to his former Liverpool team-mate who died in a car crash in July.It was the 39-year-old's first Premier League goal since 2019, making him the second oldest scorer in the competition's history behind Teddy Sheringham, who was 40 when he set the record.City were in disarray and German youngster Gruda made them pay in the 89th minute, breaking into the area before delivering a composed finish to spark wild celebrations as Guardiola looked on in disbelief.

Brighton and Hove Albion's Brajan Gruda (left) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game with team-mates during the Premier League match at the American Express Stadium, Brighton and Hove. Picture date: Sunday August 31, 2025.

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Brighton battle back and rock Man City with late winner

Manchester United secured a much-needed first win of the season for under-fire manager Ruben Amor...

Manchester United secured a much-needed first win of the season for under-fire manager Ruben Amorim but needed a 97th minute Bruno Fernandes penalty to beat newly-promoted Burnley 3-2.After exiting the League Cup to fourth-tier Grimsby on Wednesday, the Red Devils twice blew the lead at Old Trafford on Saturday.But they were saved in stoppage time when Fernandes, who missed a penalty in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Fulham, scored from the spot after a VAR review for a pull on Amad Diallo.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Victory takes United onto four points from their opening three Premier League games and eases the pressure on Amorim ahead of a two-week international break."I'm not thinking about turning points," said Amorim after securing just his eighth win in 30 Premier League games in charge."I had this conversation with you guys (the media) like 10 times, so it's day by day ... we have a lot to do, but we returned a little bit to our level today."The 20-time English champions had suffered the latest and biggest embarrassment of Amorim's reign in losing to League Two opposition for the first time in the club's history in midweek.The Portuguese coach cast doubt on his future in the aftermath, saying "something has to change" and that he would "think things through".Amorim dropped goalkeeper Andre Onana after his role in both Grimsby goals, while £74 million ($100 million) new striker Benjamin Sesko started on the bench for the third consecutive Premier League game.United began like a side keen to make amends to their fans.Martin Dubravka did well to deny Bryan Mbeumo an early opener before United had a penalty overturned by a VAR review after Mason Mount went down under Kyle Walker's challenge.United's only previous Premier League goal of the season came via the opposition when Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz turned into his own net.Amorim's men needed another own goal to break the deadlock when Casemiro's header came back off the bar and in off the unfortunate Josh Cullen.United should have been further ahead before half-time as Diallo sliced a huge chance wide from Mbeumo's pass.Burnley had barely threatened as an attacking force in the first half but opened up United with ease to level on 55 minutes.Lyle Foster stretched to meet Jacob Bruun Larsen's pinpoint cross.Straight from the kick-off, United retook the lead.Mbeumo's slick movement took him away from his market to meet Diogo Dalot's cross and net the Frenchman's first Premier League goal since a £65 million move from Brentford.United's frailty from set-pieces and their goalkeeping woes continued as Burnley again came from behind.The Clarets and Foster were denied a second equaliser by the finest of margins for offside against the South African international.Instead, it was Jaidon Anthony who levelled when Altay Bayindir could only parry Loum Tchaouna's effort back into the middle of the goal.Amorim finally called for Sesko for the final 15 minutes in the search for a winner.Twice the giant Slovenian headed chances to make himself a hero off target.Instead Fernandes rode his his side's rescue after a lengthy VAR check on whether Anthony's pull on Diallo continued inside the box.An agonising defeat leaves Burnley with three points from their opening three games.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their side's third goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford on August 30, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Fernandes' 97th-minute penalty gives Man United much-needed 1st win

Chelsea took advantage of VAR controversy to beat Fulham 2-0 as the visitors were left to rue a s...

Chelsea took advantage of VAR controversy to beat Fulham 2-0 as the visitors were left to rue a series of costly decisions awarded against them at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.Enzo Maresca's side were fortunate not to fall behind in the west London derby when Fulham were harshly denied a first half opener.Josh King's strike was ruled out after VAR deemed Rodrigo Muniz's accidental collision with Trevoh Chalobah was worthy of a foul.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>As if that wasn't infuriating enough for Fulham boss Marco Silva, Joao Pedro put Chelsea ahead beyond the scheduled eight minutes of stoppage-time at the end of the first half.Adding to Silva's anger, Chelsea's second goal was also VAR-influenced as Ryan Sessegnon was adjudged to have handled a cross, leading to Enzo Fernandez converting from the penalty spot."Unbelievable the goal was disallowed," Silva said. "VAR found something unbelievable like a stamp from Rodrigo."For their second goal our players went with the referee to the screen and they were laughing. A stamp on Alex Iwobi, handball from Joao Pedro and the pushing on Joachim (Andersen)."Then after the second corner it was already nine minutes of extra-time. The game didn't stop during the eight minutes, so the game should be stopped after the first corner."After drawing with Crystal Palace and routing West Ham 5-1, Chelsea's third successive Premier League clash with a London rival extended their unbeaten start to three games.Alejandro Garnacho watched from the stands at Stamford Bridge after the Argentine winger travelled to Chelsea's training ground on Friday to finalise his move from Manchester United.Liam Delap, leading Chelsea's overhauled attack, lasted less than 15 minutes before he was forced off after pulling his hamstring while chasing a long pass.The striker's exit was another blow for Maresca after Blues forward Cole Palmer was sidelined by a groin injury that will keep him out of England's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.Delap is expected to be out for "six to eight weeks" according to Maresca, which is likely to force Chelsea to cancel Nicolas Jackson's proposed loan move to Bayern Munich.Chelsea had already allowed Christopher Nkunku to join AC Milan this week."Liam's injury doesn't look good," said Maresca. "He was full speed, hamstring, so that requires weeks."When you have two strikers it's enough. When one of them is injured for weeks, probably it's not enough."King thought he had broken the deadlock with his first professional goal in the 21st minute.<h3>Silva seethes</h3>The 18-year-old forward had accelerated away from the Chelsea defence and slotted low past Robert Sanchez in composed fashion.But, in the process of spinning away from Chalobah's tackle on the halfway line to launch the attack, Muniz made contact with the Chelsea defender's foot.Chalobah crumpled to the turf but play initially continued, allowing King to score.Told to consult the pitchside monitor to review the incident, referee Rob Jones disallowed the goal for a "careless challenge".Silva exploded at that explanation, berating the fourth official in a furious rant on the touchline.Teenager Tyrique George, on for the injured Delap, almost made the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time with a close-range effort that Bernd Leno saved at his near post.From the resulting corner, Chelsea took the lead in the ninth minute of what should have been eight minutes of stoppage-time.Fernandez curled the set-piece towards Pedro and the Brazilian rose unchallenged to head home from close-range for his second goal this season.Silva was seething again, this time over the costly additional seconds added on.He tried in vain to confront Jones when the half-time whistle blew as Fulham's fans chanted "1-0 to the referee".There was more VAR angst for Silva and Fulham in the 56th minute.Sessegnon's arm was away from his body when he blocked Chalobah's cross in the area.However, the penalty was only awarded after VAR ruled Pedro's challenge on Joachim Anderson and a potential handball by the Brazilian in the build-up were not fouls.Fernandez ignored the fuss to stroke home the spot-kick, leaving Silva fuming once more.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea celebrates their second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge on August 30, 2025 in London, England.

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Fulham furious after 'unbelievable' VAR calls help Chelsea win

Hamburg were outclassed by city rivals St. Pauli at home on Friday, losing 2-0 in the first top-f...

Hamburg were outclassed by city rivals St. Pauli at home on Friday, losing 2-0 in the first top-flight derby between the sides in 14 years. Goals in each half from Adam Dzwigala and Andreas Hountondji took St. Pauli to victory, with Hamburg reduced to 10 men when defender Giorgi Gocholeishvili was shown a second yellow with 13 minutes remaining. With the clock winding down and the home fans largely silenced, the giddy visiting supporters engulfed the away section in chants of 'city champions'.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Promoted in the summer after seven years in the second division, six-time German champions and one-time European Cup winners Hamburg rarely troubled the visitors, who have been in the top flight a season longer. St. Pauli, long in the shadow of their decorated city rivals, were in control throughout, upstaged the home side and looked far more comfortable at this level than their opponents, who will need to improve significantly to beat the drop. The atmosphere was electric before kickoff as Hamburg celebrated their first home Bundesliga match in seven years. Hamburg dominated possession for the opening 20 minutes but did little with it as St. Pauli were content to absorb pressure and wait for a chance on the counter. The chance came with a corner on the 19-minute mark and the visitors made the most of it, Dzwigala blasting in after a clever short corner clearly honed on the training ground. Hamburg had few good opportunities and Pauli should have been two up at halftime, Hountondji electing to pass rather than let fly with the goal begging moments before the break.The hosts' best period came early in the second half and they were unlucky to have a Ransford Konigsdorffer goal struck off for an offside on the halfway line. The home fans erupted as the goal was initially awarded, their first in the top flight since 2018, but VAR intervened, showing the narrowest of offsides. Just as they had done in the first half, Pauli struck ruthlessly on the counter, Hountondji taking advantage of some indecision from Hamburg 'keeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes with 60 minutes played.Heuer Fernandes retreated with Hountondji on the break but then decided to advance, allowing the Burnley loanee to round the 'keeper and slice home from a narrow angle. Hamburg's slim hopes of a comeback were quashed when Gocholeishvili was sent off, leaving the hosts waiting at least another year for their first top-flight victory over St Pauli since 2002.

St Pauli's Japanese midfielder #16 Joel Chima Fujita celebrates after the German first division Bundesliga football match between Hamburger SV and St Pauli in Hamburg on August 29, 2025.

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St. Pauli upstage city rivals Hamburg as derby returns to top flight

Sandro Tonali is fit to play in Italy's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel ...

Sandro Tonali is fit to play in Italy's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel after recovering from a shoulder injury in time to be picked in Gennaro Gattuso's first Azzurri squad on Friday.Midfielder Tonali was a doubt for the two Group I fixtures following the knock he picked up in Newcastle United's dramatic 3-2 loss to Liverpool last weekend.But the 25-year-old is among the 28 players picked by Gattuso who replaced the sacked Luciano Spalletti in June and is charged with trying to get Italy to their first World Cup since 2014 in Brazil.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Gianluca Scamacca is back in the squad for the first time since Italy's dismal Euro 2024 campaign which ended in the last 16, after the Atalanta striker's impressive return to action from a long-term knee injury last weekend.Promising teen defender Giovanni Leoni, who recently signed for Liverpool, is one of three new faces for Italy alongside Bologna midfielder Giovanni Fabbian and young Inter Milan attacker Francesco Pio Esposito.Italy are at risk of missing out on a third consecutive World Cup after a troubled start to their qualifying campaign left them nine points behind Group I leaders Norway after two games played.Gattuso has a tough job on his hands with only top spot in the group giving automatic qualification to next year's finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico, even with Italy having played two fewer games than Norway.As well as the significant points gap Italy have a goal difference which is 12 goals worse than Norway, who hammered Italy 3-0 in June.That leaves Italy with the play-offs, from which they failed to reach the last two tournaments, as their only realistic shot at qualification.Italy play Estonia in Bergamo next Friday night before travelling to Debrecen in Hungary to face Israel the following Monday.<h3>Italy squad for World Cup qualifiers</h3>Goalkeepers: Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Alex Meret (Napoli), Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham)Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Raoul Bellanova (Atalanta), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Giovanni Leoni (Liverpool), Gianluca Mancini (Roma)Midfielders: Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Giovanni Fabbian (Bologna), Davide Frattesi (Inter Milan), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Nicolo Rovella (Lazio), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)Forwards: Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter Milan), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Daniel Maldini (Atalanta), Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atletico Madrid), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta), Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)

HOTEL PARCO DEI PRINCIPI, ROME, ITALY - 2025/06/19: Gennaro Gattuso new CT of the Italian National Team during the Press conference of presentation Gennaro Gattuso new First Team Head Coach at Hotel Parco dei Principi in Rome.

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Gattuso names 1st Italy squad as bid to make World Cup return begins

Mikel Arteta said Bukayo Saka's recurring hamstring injuries are a "big concern" after the Arsena...

Mikel Arteta said Bukayo Saka's recurring hamstring injuries are a "big concern" after the Arsenal winger was ruled out for at least two weeks.Saka was forced off in the second half of Arsenal's win against Leeds last weekend and will be sidelined for Sunday's trip to Premier League champions Liverpool.The 23-year-old could be in a position to return to action next month, but Gunners boss Arteta is worried about his star forward's cycle of injuries.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Saka missed three-and-a-half months of last season following surgery on his right hamstring in December.He returned in April and played 13 times before sustaining the latest hamstring issue, this time in his left leg, in just his second appearance of this season."He does not need surgery. It's not as bad as the previous one. He felt something, so he will be out for a couple of weeks," Arteta told reporters on Friday."But it is obviously a concern, a big one, especially when we talk about a sprinter and a player that gets into that zone very often in a football match, who needs that burst, that change of rhythm of pace to be as threatening as possible."We will learn again as to why it happened and make him stronger. Unfortunately injuries are part of a career. He hasn't had that many to be fair with the amount of games that he has played at his age but it is something that we want to eradicate."Arteta could be without as many as seven players for Arsenal's early showdown with title rivals Liverpool at Anfield.Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are all out, while Martin Odegaard, Christian Norgaard, Leandro Trossard and Ben White are doubts.Havertz underwent what the club described as a minor surgical procedure on his knee this week.Odegaard could feature after falling awkwardly on his shoulder in the win over Leeds."It is very unfortunate, and very sad for him," said Arteta of Havertz, who missed three months of last season with a hamstring injury."He did tremendously well to recover from the previous one. He's never had an injury before. And suddenly this happens."Obviously, we lose another big player for many, many weeks. But it was the right thing to do. The doctors advised, and he was very convinced at the end, that it was the quickest and the best way to resolve that issue."Arsenal finished as runners-up to Liverpool last season, coming 10 points behind Arne Slot's side.Asked if Liverpool are the favourites to retain the crown, Arteta said: "The favourite is always the one that won the previous year."Somebody has to come and take that crown away from them so that is what we will try to do. The aim is to be better than them."

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal speaks with Mikel Arteta Manager of Arsenal after he is substituted off injured during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on August 23, 2025 in London, England.

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Arteta expects Saka to miss at least 2 weeks: Hamstring issues 'a concern'

Ruben Amorim admitted he has thought about quitting Manchester United as the under-fire boss reve...

Ruben Amorim admitted he has thought about quitting Manchester United as the under-fire boss revealed he sometimes "hates" his players.Amorim sparked speculation he is considering leaving Old Trafford with a cryptic interview after United's humiliating League Cup second round defeat against fourth tier Grimsby on Wednesday.United's penalty shoot-out loss to the Mariners prompted Amorim to say "something has to change" following their slow start to the season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Amorim's side were beaten by Arsenal and drew with Fulham in their opening two Premier League games before the Grimsby debacle.The 40-year-old former Sporting Lisbon coach has only been in charge of United since November, but he is already in deep trouble after the club's worst top-flight finish since 1973-74 last term.Another bad result against promoted Burnley on Saturday would pile further pressure on Amorim, who reportedly retains the support of United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe at present."Every time in the future we have one defeat like that I'm going to be like that, I'm going to say sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love my players, sometimes I defend my players and sometimes I think I cannot," Amorim told reporters on Friday."This is my way of doing things and I'm going to be like that. I felt that in that moment, I was so frustrated, I was so annoyed."Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years. "Sometimes I love to be with my players, sometimes I don't want to be with them. I need to improve on that, it's going to be hard but now I'm focused on the next game."<h3>'Disappointed with everything'</h3>Amorim said he felt like walking away from United after the Grimsby embarrassment, but he is now focused on dragging his team out of their latest slump."I felt that after the game. I don't feel that now. So it's a little bit like that. I think that is the hardest part of the defeat," he said."Sometimes it's not the result, it's the way we lost that game or draw that game. That is the thing that is hard to accept. "Because we can do better. In this moment, we cover positions, fight for the ball, running, all these small things, sometimes we drop a little bit the level. "The good thing is that we now have the next game to put that level up."I know, again, that you have a lot of experienced people talking about the way I should perform with the media, to be more constant, to be more calm. I'm not going to be like that."United's loss to Grimsby was a huge blow to Amorim after a £200 million ($269 million) spending spree on forwards Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha during the close-season.Amorim's overhaul came after United were beaten by fellow strugglers Tottenham in the Europa League final -- a dismal defeat that cost them a place in the Champions League.The Portuguese coach, highly-rated prior to his move to England, conceded he was surprised by United's failure to improve on last season."I felt we had a very good pre-season, we were playing better, we were being consistent in the way we played," Amorim said."We played badly for 30 minutes against Fulham and that kind of performance (against Grimsby) I was really disappointed with everything, but now it's a new game and we focus on that."

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: Ruben Amorim manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2025 in London, England.

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Amorim thinks about quitting Man United: 'Sometimes I hate my players'

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