Dhoni in Chennai as CSK promise tight bio-bubble for IPL 2021 preparation

Ambati Rayudu, Ruturaj Gaikwad part of preparatory camp starting from March 9

Nagraj Gollapudi04-Mar-2021MS Dhoni has landed in Chennai. That means the Chennai Super Kings are back in town ahead of IPL 2021. Dhoni reached Chennai on Wednesday evening for the Super Kings preparatory camp, which is set to begin on March 9. Among the other Super Kings players that will join Dhoni in the camp, which will be held at the MA Chidambaram stadium, are the batting pair of Ambati Rayudu and Ruturaj Gaikwad along with the uncapped Tamil Nadu players.Related

  • IPL Governing Council yet to meet and finalise dates

  • Deepak Chahar rejoins Chennai Super Kings squad after recovering from Covid-19

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad: 'Covid has made me tough'

  • MS Dhoni 'definitely not' retiring from IPL

  • Team review: Ageing Chennai Super Kings need an immediate revamp

According to Kasi Viswanathan, the Super Kings’ chief executive officer, Suresh Raina, the second-most senior player in the franchise, is expected to join the camp at some point next week. Viswanathan said that the majority of the squad, along with head coach Stephen Fleming and the other overseas support staff, are expected to assemble around March 18. Former India fast bowler L Balaji, who is the Super Kings’ bowling coach, along with fielding coach Rajeev Kumar, will assist Dhoni during the initial part of the camp.Ravindra Jadeja, who has been ruled of the Test and T20I segments of India’s series against England due to a finger surgery he underwent during the Test series in Australia, will be joining the Super Kings only in the first week of April. Jadeja is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, and earlier this week posted videos and pictures of him returning to active training. It is not clear if he will picked for the three-match ODI series against England, scheduled in Pune in late March.”The camp will begin with all available players from March 9. The tentative plan is to go on until the tournament starts,” Viswanathan said. Viswanathan pointed out that the Super Kings will operate out of bio-secure environment, a mandatory requirement during the pandemic. Incidentally, several members of the Super Kings contingent tested positive – including the pair of Gaikwad and fast bowler Deepak Chahar – last August, immediately after landing in Dubai for the 2020 IPL. The franchise has decided to be extra vigilant this time around.Asked whether the franchise planned to vaccinate players, Viswanathan said no firm decision had been taken. “All the players, coaching staff and those part of the team bubble who arrive to Chennai will be in quarantine for five days at the team hotel, where they cannot come out of the room during this period,” Viswanathan said. Post quarantine all members in the bubble will undergo testing before starting the camp. Testing will carry on every fifth day.Ahead of IPL 2020, the Super Kings were the only team to conduct a preparatory camp before heading to the UAE. However once more than a dozen positive cases were reported from the Super Kings contingent in the UAE, questions were raised about how secure the camp was in Chennai.Vishwanathan said that the franchise had taken all necessary precautions last year, too. He said crowds and media would not be able to enter the ground to watch the preparatory camp. Also, the groundstaff and security at the venue would be undergoing testing and stay away when the squad is training. “The entire staff at the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, along with ground staff and security, will be tested frequently.”

'That's a bad impression' – Thomas Tuchel sends out strong message to Jude Bellingham as England star sulks after being substituted against Albania

Thomas Tuchel says it gives off a "bad impression" when England players don't embrace the team's collective spirit after Jude Bellingham seemed to take exception to being substituted against Albania. The Real Madrid star returned to the starting lineup for the Three Lions' 2-0 win but was replaced by Morgan Rogers in the second half as the battle for the No.10 spot intensified.

  • Bellingham returns to England starting XI

    After four straight games of Rogers being in the England starting line-up, former Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham got his chance to shine, this time away in Albania. The 22-year-old impressed in the World Cup qualifying victory, even though the ball didn't always bounce his way. The midfielder was, naturally, disappointed to be taken off in the 84th minute, but he still celebrated Harry Kane's goals with the team. However, when one journalist accused Bellingham of not "embracing the collective", Tuchel said he would look into the matter, while stressing the importance of everyone being on the same page.

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    'That's a bad impression'

    When asked whether Bellingham is possibly not buying into the collective of the England team, he told reporters: "That is a bad impression. It should be about the collective. What we did in camp is all about the collective. I have to then review it – I was happy about the goal. I had a quick talk with Morgan Rogers and I was sure that everyone celebrated together. I will have a look at it. That is not the image we want to transport. We feel everyone is committed and that everyone accepts tough decisions, be it before the match or in the match."

    The German added about the substitution: "He [Bellingham] has to accept it, he has to accept it. We should not make more out of it than it is. Rogers was not happy when he couldn't start today because he deserves to play, and he wants to play all the time. We gave him a bit of a rest because he came with a lot of minutes playing at club [level] and played for us against Serbia. I also don't want to make more out of it. I stick to my words – behaviour is key. Decisions are made, and you have to accept it as a player."

  • Bellingham defended by Ancelotti

    In the build up to these England games, former Madrid boss and current Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti came to the aid of Bellingham when question marks were being asked of his attitude. The former Everton manager said on the Rest is Football podcast that Bellingham was a top player and even likened him to Brazilian great Kaka.

    "I think Jude is a fantastic player. If I have to compare, we were talking about Kaka. He is this kind of player, a really intelligent player, who is physically really strong, fantastic to arrive in the box at the right time," said Ancelotti. "He's doing really well, and maybe he had a problem with his shoulder. He was out for two or three months, now he's back. No question mark. But why do you have to put a question mark on Bellingham?"

    He added, "No, I never had a problem with Jude about his attitude. He is really professional, really serious, works hard in training, like all English players do. And no, no complaints."

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    What comes next for Bellingham?

    It remains to be seen if certain sections of the media are making a mountain out of a molehill or if Bellingham will be punished for his alleged actions. England finished their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 100 per cent winning record, and just when they appear to be on a roll, they will break for a while before returning next year. The Three Lions' fixtures ahead of next year's tournament in North America are yet to be confirmed, but it will be interesting to see what role Bellingham will play in Tuchel's plans going forward.

    Incidentally, the ex-Chelsea boss added on the Albania win, "I cannot believe that I see all of them only in March – it is a tough one for me to swallow. I have to say I love to be on the sideline. I love to compete with them. This will be a long, long period now. They did amazing – from all our players full credit to them. We are very proud. We had a lot of changes and sometimes a lot of changes is not fair to the ones that play because then you miss a core of players who are used to playing with each other, but everyone did well. You could see we had a high quality bench to turn things around and influence things, so why not?"

Série B: como o Avaí deve começar o jogo diante do Brasil de Pelotas

MatériaMais Notícias

da betobet: Uma presença e uma ausência dentre os nomes mais experientes que fazem parte do elenco do Avaí devem marcar a composição da equipe que vai enfrentar o Brasil de Pelotas, na próxima terça-feira (2), às 16h (de Brasília), pela 33ª Rodada da Série B.

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da doce: >Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

No caso da presença, o zagueiro Betão deve retornar a equipe titular de Claudinei Oliveira depois de ficar de fora na derrota por 2 a 1 para o Operário, em Ponta Grossa. Na oportunidade, ele cumpriu suspensão pelo terceiro cartão amarelo.

Curiosamente, o mesmo motivo obriga o time Azzurra a encontrar uma alternativa para a lateral-direito pelo fato de Edilson, apesar de não ter entrado no último jogo, ter tomado o terceiro cartão do banco de reservas.

Por outro lado, a ausência de Edilson acabará naturalmente dando mais tempo para o jogador melhorar suas condições físicas. Sentindo dores ainda no aquecimento do revés para o Operário na região do púbis, ele deu lugar na equipe para Diego Renan, nome que deve permanecer para o compromisso diante da equipe gaúcha.

Assim, a escalação provável do Avaí temGlédson; Diego Renan, Alemão, Betão e João Lucas; Bruno Silva, Lourenço e Jean Cléber; Jadson, Copete e Getúlio.

Enzo Maresca shares 3 new Chelsea injury concerns after Cole Palmer blow

Cole Palmer is set to miss the next six weeks for Chelsea with head coach Enzo Maresca warning that the club’s medical staff are “not magicians”.

The 23-year-old has been struggling with a groin injury for much of the season and has not played since being taken off 20 minutes into the 2-1 defeat by Manchester United on September 20.

Maresca shares Chelsea injury blow on Palmer

Prior to the international break Maresca said he had hoped to have Palmer back for Saturday’s game at Nottingham Forest but, when asked about the progress of the injury, he admitted:

The injury, which first presented when he was forced to withdraw from the line-up minutes before kick-off in the 5-1 win over West Ham in August, will not require surgery.

“He looks relaxed,” said Maresca. “He’s doing all the therapy that he needs to do. He looks good.”

Caicedo, Fernandez and Neto also Chelsea injury concerns

There was mixed injury news elsewhere in the squad with Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto, who featured against Liverpool, all doubts for the trip to the City Ground.

However Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana are set to return to ease Maresca’s selection issues in defence while Andrey Santos is also back.

Newcastle favourites to sign "skilful" £31.5m ace who Franco Baresi loves

Newcastle United are thought to be leading the race to sign a “skilful” player in the January transfer window, with a £31.5m deal possible.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have the chance to build on an improved run of form when the January window opens later this week, following a frustrating quiet time of things in the summer.

Newcastle still look to be interested in signing Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but they may wait until next summer to get a deal done, in order to snap him up on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, the Magpies are reportedly keen on securing the services of Wolves star Matheus Cunha, who has been one of his side’s standout players in recent months. The 25-year-old has registered 14 goal contributions (10 goals and four assists) in 18 Premier League starts this season, highlighting the influence he has had.

There may be some concern about the future of Newcastle hero Bruno Guimaraes, however, with the Brazilian wanted by Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. They are believed to see him as a priority signing, but it remains to be seen if his head will be turned or not.

Newcastle in pole position to sign "skilful" ace

According to a fresh update from Caught Offside, Newcastle are in pole position to sign AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori in January.

The Englishman is “keen on a potential return to the Premier League”, with his future at his current club now in “major doubt”. The Magpies are “currently showing the strongest interest” in him, in a deal that would cost £31.5m at the most.

AC Milan's Christian Pulisic celebrates scoring their first goal with Samuel Chukwueze and FikayoTomori

Tomori ticks so many boxes for Newcastle, not least the fact that he would be a far cheaper centre-back option than Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who would likely cost around double what Milan want for their player.

Perhaps the highest praise you can aim at the England international is that all-time Milan great Franco Baresi has spoken fondly of him in the past: “He is young and has played well so far when he’s had the chance,’ he told Sportsmail exclusively. He is skilful and has great physical attributes. He is still adapting to the Italian league and I think he can only grow as a defender and help us out.”

The fact that such a great of the game rates Tomori says a lot about his ability, and this feels like a natural time for him to return to England, improving his chances of getting back into the international fold under Thomas Tuchel.

Now 27, there is every chance that the former Chelsea man is about to enter his prime, and the idea of him alongside Sven Botman is an exciting proposition for Newcastle supporters.

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Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles are all good options for Eddie Howe, but none represent the long-term future and it is vital that a younger alternative is brought in. Tomori fits the bill perfectly, having completed 93.1% of his passes in Serie A this season, as well as averaging 1.8 clearances and 1.7 aerial duel wins per game.

إسلام سليماني: حققنا مكاسب عددية من مواجهتي منتخب مصر الثاني.. وسنصل لنهائي كأس العرب

تحدث إسلام سليماني لاعب منتخب الجزائر، عن تعادل فريقه مع منتخب مصر الثاني، على هامش الاستعداد لبطولة كأس العرب.

وكان منتخب مصر الثاني تعادل بدون أهداف مع منتخب الجزائر، في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين، على ملعب القاهرة الدولي.

طالع.. التعادل يحسم نتيجة مباراة منتخب مصر الثاني والجزائر استعدادًا لـ كأس العرب

وقال إسلام سليماني في تصريحات على قناة أون سبورت: “جئنا للتحضير لكأس العرب، ولاعبين جدد، الفريق المصري قوي ومعروف، المباراة الأولى خسرنا في الدقائق الأخيرة، لكن في المباراة الثانية أدينا بشكل جيد، والمكاسب جيدة، جئنا من أجل أن نتحسن قبل كأس العرب، وسنخوض كأس العرب خطوة بخطوة”.

وأضاف: “كل المنتخبات قوية، هذه النسخة ستكون أقوى من النسخ الماضية، مصر والسعودية والأردن وتونس، نحن كحامل اللقب سنلعب كل مباراة على حدة”.

وتابع: “جئنا هنا لكي نتجانس أكثر خاصة وأن هناك لاعبين جدد، وواجهنا منتخب مصر الفريق القوي، وسنصل إلى نهائي كأس العرب رفقة منتخب مصر”.

McCoist left stunned by "incredible" Martin decision after Rangers defeat

The pressure is continuing to mount on Rangers manager Russell Martin, with Gers legend Ally McCoist now describing one situation as “incredible”.

New update on Martin's Rangers future

It was another terrible day at the office for Rangers on Saturday afternoon, with Hearts winning 2-0 at Ibrox thanks to Lawrence Shankland’s double.

For Martin, it was potentially another nail in the coffin, with the 39-year-old making an extremely disappointing start to life in charge of the Gers, not yet winning a game in the Scottish Premiership this season.

That said, fresh reports suggest that the Englishman has been given a vote of confidence by the owners for the time being, with The Daily Record claiming that 49ers Enterprises have “decided to stick” with him.

It is clear that huge improvements are required at Rangers, in terms of results, performances and also Martin’s relationship with certain players.

McCoist fumes at "incredible" Martin decision

Speaking live on talkSPORT on Monday [via Rangers Review], McCoist bemoaned the Nicolas Raskin situation at Rangers, with Martin’s continuing to freeze the key midfielder out of the squad.

“Now, there’s obviously a problem with Raskin. There’s no doubt about that, something has happened. But from where I’m sitting, you cannot bite your nose off to spite your face. If you’ve got a problem with Raskin – and he [Russell Martin] clearly has – I think he’s got to let the public know what that problem is.

Ally McCoist on TNT Sports

“Because we’re all sitting there watching that game at the weekend, and Raskin would walk into that team. He scored for Belgium during the week in an international. There’s nobody on the planet going to tell me that Raskin should not be in the Rangers starting 11.

“Why is he not in the starting 11? There has to be an incredible reason for it, because you can’t leave him out if it’s to the detriment of the team. The team is the most important thing, not an individual problem between a manager and a player.”

This is a saga that desperately needs sorting, with Martin’s stubbornness in not playing Raskin now arguably backfiring, with the manager needing to bite the bullet and bring him back in.

It feels as though Martin is right on the edge at Ibrox, so frankly, he may as well make a change and play an important player, in order to potentially help save his job.

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It remains to be seen if he is willing to do so, however, and if his decision has been made with Raskin, nothing will change unless he is dismissed, or until the midfielder possibly leaves in January.

Wilson, Wellington combine for Somerset's first win

Esmae MacGegor takes 3 for 19 but Essex succumb in final over

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay08-Jul-2025Amanda-Jade Wellington played a match-winning innings under pressure as Somerset beat Essex by four wickets at Taunton’s Cooper Associates Ground to register their first win of the Vitality Blast T20 campaign in their tenth game.The Australian international raised 29 from 23 balls, struck four fours and shared in a crucial stand of 45 off 29 balls for the fourth wicket with Fran Wilson, who contributed 41, as the home side chased down a victory target of 156 with three balls to spare.Esmae MacGregor claimed 3 for 19 to keep Essex in the hunt, but Wellington and Alex Griffiths, required to score 16 runs off the final 17 balls, held their nerve to carry the cider county to their first win of the season at headquarters.Returning from England A duty, Jodi Grewcock top-scored with 45 from 34 balls and shared in a stand of 58 for the third wicket with Cordelia Griffith, who contributed 31, as Essex posted 155 for 5 after being put into bat. The pick of the Somerset bowlers, Wellington returned figures of 1 for 25 from four overs.Deputising for the injured Sophie Luff, stand-in Somerset captain Niamh Holland won the toss, inserted the opposition and watched her bowlers reduce the visitors to 30 for 2 in 4.1 overs. Lauren Winfield-Hill plundered three boundaries in moving effortlessly to 19 from 14 balls, only to be cut down in her pomp by an Olivia Barnes delivery that pinned her in the crease. Three balls later, fellow opener Grace Scrivens followed the former England batter back to the pavilion after pulling a shortish ball from Erin Vukusic to midwicket for 6.Charged with the task of repairing the damage, Griffith and Grewcock advanced the score to 40 for 2 at the end of the powerplay and 66 for 2 at the halfway stage, despite finding boundaries hard to come by. The 50 partnership occupied 45 balls and Griffith, having raised 31 from 29 balls, was beginning to accelerate when she attempted to pull Mollie Robbins to the deep midwicket boundary and succeeded only in finding Griffiths with the score 88 for 3.That was the cue for Grewcock to take centre stage, the England A batter opening her shoulders to harvest three successive fours in an over from Barnes as the fielding side came under real pressure for the first time. Grewcock had made 45 from 34 balls and was eyeing a half-century when she gave the charge to Wellington’s legspin and holed out to Vukusic at long-on.
Essex were 115 for 4 in the 16th over with work still to do as Jo Gardner joined Maddie Penna in the middle. These two staged a useful stand of 40 from 27 balls, Australian Penna scoring 21 at a run a ball and the forthright Gardner 22 from 12 deliveries, to hoist Essex to a competitive total.Somerset required the reassurance of a good start and Bex Odgers and Holland provided exactly that, adding 41 in five overs before the former blotted her copybook and top-edged to short third for 20 off the bowling of Eva Gray. Holland had also scored 20 when she surrendered her wicket in similar fashion next over, skying a catch behind off MacGregor as the home side slipped to 41 for 2.Buoyed by her half-century against Hampshire last time out, Wilson hit the ground running as Somerset passed 50 in the seventh, while debutant Ruby Davis calmed any nerves by straight-hitting Gray for four as the third-wicket partnership began to profit. These two added 46 in 36 balls and were threatening to take the contest by the scruff of the neck when Davis, having raised 19 from 16 balls, attempted to reverse sweep MacGregor and was adjudged lbw with the score 87 for 3 in the 12th.Wellington drove Grewcock down the ground and pulled Sophia Smale for four to serve notice of her intentions, but Abtaha Maqsood and MacGregor kept things tight to push the asking rate above eight. Somerset’s fourth wicket pair took 15 off the 15th, bowled by Smale, at which point they required 35 off the last five.Victory looked to be a formality, only for Wilson to dance down the wicket and lose off stump to MacGregor with 24 needed off 22 balls. Wellington then hit Scrivens to long-on in the final over, but Griffiths and Chloe Skelton saw the job through.

Sold for £5m: Man Utd must rue selling £43m star who'd get Sesko firing

da marjack bet: Manchester United’s need for added attacking reinforcements this summer was evident after only managing to find the net on 44 occasions in the Premier League last season.

da imperador bet: Anthony, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford have all departed the Red Devils, freeing up funds for Ruben Amorim to make the additions he wanted this summer.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are two signings who have joined the club, with the latter already opening his account after netting against Burnley last Saturday.

Whilst the duo may have cost the hierarchy around £130m, they do have the Premier League experience needed to help the club avoid a bottom-half finish – just like they did in the 2024/25 campaign.

However, other additions have been made within the final third throughout the off-season, leading to Amorim and the board taking a gamble on one young European talisman.

Benjamin Sesko’s move to join United this summer

A new striker was a huge priority for United this summer, with Benjamin Sesko the man chosen to lead the line for the Red Devils in 2025/26 and beyond.

The hierarchy forked out a deal totalling £73.7m, including add-ons – a figure that is a huge gamble on a player who’s only featured in Europe’s top-five leagues for two seasons.

RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann

The Slovenian has only made one start for United to date – coming in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby Town – but has been named as a substitute in all three league outings.

As a result of his limited action, the 22-year-old is yet to open his account for the club, but judgement will need to be held on his addition, given his lack of action in recent weeks.

Hopefully, Sesko will get the chance to showcase his talents after the current international break, but he could’ve been aided at the club had the hierarchy kept hold of one talent.

The former United star who would’ve got Sesko firing

As previously mentioned, Cunha and Mbeumo have also been added to the United attacking department – injecting needed goals and assists to the club’s frontline.

Manchester United's Matheus Cunha

The pair combined for 48 combined goal contributions throughout 2024/25, with such a record higher than the Red Devils squad managed as a whole last season.

If they can replicate such numbers, they will make themselves fan-favourites, whilst also providing Sesko with the opportunities he will need to thrive within the final third.

Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system relies upon two attacking midfielders – the positions Cunha and Mbeumo have featured in – but also two wing-backs, who are tasked with having an impact in forward areas.

Patrick Dorgu currently occupies the role down the left-hand side, but former United star Alvaro Carreras is a player whom the hierarchy may regret selling too prematurely.

Alvaro Carreras for Benfica.

The 22-year-old spent four years at Old Trafford – but failed to make a single senior appearance – being sent on loan spells at the likes of Preston, Granada and Benfica.

It was the Spaniard’s spell at the latter that catapulted him to stardom, with the Portuguese outfit triggering the £5m option in his contract at the end of his loan spell in 2023/24.

His numbers from last season are nothing short of mind-boggling, registering eight combined goals and assists across all competitions – numbers which could’ve handed Sesko the ammunition he’ll need for success in Manchester.

Carreras, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, also created 1.2 chances per 90 last campaign – completing 23% of the crosses attempted, with the latter aiding the Slovenian’s aerial abilities had the hierarchy kept hold of him.

Alvaro Carreras – stats for Benfica (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

52

Goals & assists

8

Chances created

1.2

Cross accuracy

23%

Pass accuracy

83%

Dribble success

53%

Tackles won

61%

Recoveries made

5.5

Stats via FotMob

However, despite only joining Benfica a year ago, he secured another transfer in the recent window, this time moving to LaLiga giants Real Madrid in a reported £43m transfer.

Such a transfer has just compounded the Red Devils’ misery over recent years, further highlighting how many mistakes they’ve made in the transfer market, whether that be incomings or outgoings.

FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal in action with Benfica's Alvaro FernandezCarreras

The prospect of the Spaniard linking up with Sesko in forward areas is something the supporters would’ve loved to see under Amorim – but unfortunately, it’ll always be a case of what could’ve been with their loss, now Madrid’s gain.

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'Ruben Amorim is talking absolute nonsense' – Premier League legend rips into Man Utd boss after Portuguese hit out at media coverage of broken system

Premier League icon Emmanuel Petit has berated Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for his response to criticism of his struggles at Old Trafford. The Portuguese head coach has blamed the media coverage of his stubborn tactics for the pressure around the club, an excuse the French legend refuses to accept.

Amorim critisices media for Man Utd coverage

Manchester United's rut continues under Amorim, as they struggle to fully implement his three-at-the-back formation in the Premier League. After finishing in the bottom half of the table and missing out on Europe last season, the 2025-26 campaign has not provided much more success so far. As a result, pressure continues to grow around the former Sporting boss and his players, something he has picked up on and used as a reason for the team's struggles this term. 

Speaking before the international break – which has Man Utd sitting 10th with just three wins from their opening seven games – Amorim let loose on the impact of the media inside the Red Devils' dressing room. He said: "It’s not the system. It’s the small details, the way we play the game. And I understand what people think, what would be this team in a different system? I don’t know. Maybe this team would win more games. But if we don’t change certain things, we are not going to win titles if we change for 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, and that is my point with the players. Not with you, I don’t want to change your mind, but my players, I guarantee you, they are listening to you, all that opinions, and they are putting that inside because we are not winning games. And they have to believe in me because I watch more games of Manchester than you guys combined."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPetit slams 'nonsense' excuses

Petit had spells at both Arsenal and Chelsea during his playing days, and knows exactly what it takes to succeed in the Premier League. He won the Premier League and FA Cup with the Gunners, before heading to Barcelona and then back to England with the Blues. Speaking to Boyle Sports, who offer the latest football betting odds, the Frenchman could not hold back his anger at the words coming out of Amorim's mouth. 

He believes that managing a club like Man Utd will always come with pressure and criticism, and that is should never be used as an excuse. The ex-defender said: "That's the first time I've heard a manager use that as an excuse for the failure of his players. Don't be ridiculous. Ruben Amorim is talking absolute nonsense. Your players know what you're saying is absolute nonsense too. How can you say that when you manage for Manchester United? If you are not able to deal with critics when you manage or play for big clubs and are receiving so much money, then change clubs. Don't work with top clubs.

"I read that and thought, ‘Did he seriously say that?’ I've been a player for top clubs with huge expectations. When I was on the pitch, I never tried to find excuses. You just take your own responsibility, be a man. I know I've been very upset with critics, some of what they said was unfair most of the time, but you have to deal with it.

"The beauty of football is that you have your own destiny in your hands, which means you can be on the floor after one game and then be the hero of the next. You can change that situation. You have the power to change it, so just do it."

Take the blame and make the change

Petit also offered up a solution for the struggling Man Utd boss, suggesting he must stop listening to the outside noise, while admitting his methods may not be working and be brave enough to make the change. He added: "Stop focusing on what people are saying in videos from players on social media. Every single player and the manager, all together, should try to change the situation, the environment. There are so many people at Manchester United who are missing the character and personality to change it. Honestly, guys, if you can't do that, just be honest with yourself in the mirror. Say, ‘I'm not able to do that because I'm scared.’ This is it. So be honest and change."

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Getty More tough times ahead for Man Utd?

Things do not get any easier for the Red Devils. This weekend, they return to action in the Premier League, where they face champions Liverpool at Anfield. Should United lose, they could find themselves nine points off the top spot. From a more positive perspective, the club are only four points adrift of the Champions League spots, suggesting their results have fared better than last season. Nonetheless, Amorim is continuing to struggle in the hot seat, and has the eagle eyes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS watching over him as the pressure reaches boiling point.

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