Man Utd savaged as Chelsea star issues one-word response to transfer question
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has ridiculed struggling Manchester United, comically admitting he would never join the Red Devils.Fofana arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2022, having emerged during a two-year spell with Leicester City. His £70million plus add-ons fee raised eyebrows but promised the Blues a defensive stalwart. Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has ridiculed struggling Manchester United, comically admitting he would never join the Red Devils. Fofana arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2022, having emerged during a two-year spell with Leicester City. His £70million plus add-ons fee raised eyebrows but promised the Blues a defensive stalwart. However, a knee injury sustained during his debut season sidelined him for most of the term, and his ill luck continued into 2023, with an ACL tear seeing him miss an entire year of football. Now, under Enzo Maresca, Fofana is back to full fitness and playing regularly, helping his side to a 2-1 home win over Newcastle this weekend. At the same time as this victory, United were being put to the sword by the same score in east London. With the Manchester club now sitting down in 14th, their wounds had salt rubbed into them by the Frenchman, who amusingly claimed post-match he would never jump ship for Old Trafford. Driving back from the Newcastle clash, Fofana can be seen in his car speaking and taking photographs with complementary fans. However, when a fan of the Red Devils approaches and asks, "are you coming to United”, the 23-year-old can be heard laughing and simply replies: “Never.” The fan further questions, “why not?” It prompted Fofana to then waggle his finger in the air while continuing to sustain an amused grin at the thought of joining the in-peril United. Fofana is heading in the right direction to warranting his huge transfer fee this campaign, and new boss Maresca has been complimentary of his performances, stating earlier in the term: “Wes is a player that I really love. I am in love with Wes! “He is doing fantastic after one year injured and, for any player in the world, when you are out for one year and then you come back, it is not easy, and he is doing top. This is the only thing we want from him.” On the other hand, those who have been brought in to man the backline at Old Trafford have been far from satisfactory. Despite its controversial nature, Matthijs de Ligt, who arrived from Bayern Munich for £42million this summer, gave away the late penalty that saw United stunned at the London Stadium. The Dutchman has been considered lacklustre so far this term, and those around him have often been the subject of criticism, too, especially during some of the club's more embarrassing results against the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham - both of which ended 3-0 to the opposition. Such defensive frailties, partnered with a lack of attacking potency, have seen manager Ten Hag called into question. A 2-1 win against Brentford reinstalled him with some trust, but this latest failure has seen the calls grow once more for him to be relieved of his duties. Fofana’s Chelsea travel to Old Trafford on Sunday in a crunch match, and the defender could double down on his mercilessness by helping his side put the final nail in under-pressure Ten Hag and United's coffin.
Ballon d’Or 2024: who voted for who as Rodri, Bonmatí, Yamal, Ancelotti
A panel of 100 journalists from different countries all had their say on who should be the Ballon d’Or winners.The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony provided the necessary blend between glitz, glamour and drama to keep just about everyone interested in what went on at the Théâtre du Châtelet in the French capital. A panel of 100 journalists from different countries all had their say on who should be the Ballon d’Or winners. The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony provided the necessary blend between glitz, glamour and drama to keep just about everyone interested in what went on at the Théâtre du Châtelet in the French capital. In the end,Rodri took home the men‘s award, with Barcelona‘sAitana making it two in twoas the best women’s player in world football. Lamine Yamal was crowned the best young player on the planet while cheeky Dibu Martínez was named as top stopper, and Real Madrid got their award for not being the best behaved side in all the land. Nobody from Real Madrid - not Florentino Pérez, nor Carlo Ancelotti, Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos, Emilio Butragueño, Dani Carvajal, a single executive, the host of social media workers, nor Vinicius Jr - appeared on the night. The Real Madrid flight from the capital’s airport was booked for 3pm local time. By ten past, news was spreading across the world like the arms of a solar flare that the Brazilian was not receiving the award. But who was behind it?Who voted for Rodri? How does Ballon d’Or voting work? Before we get into the injustice of Malta not voting for your favourite player, let’s take a look at how things actually work. For the men’s award,a total of 100 journalists - one each from the top 100 nations in FIFA’s world ranking- vote for the winner from a 30-player shortlist. They also cast their ballot for the recipients of the Yashin Trophy (for the best men’s goalkeeper), and the Men’s Coach of the Year and Men’s Club of the Year awards. The women’s Ballon d’Or, meanwhile, is chosen from a 30-player shortlist by a group of 50 journalists, one each from the highest 50 nations in the FIFA women’s world ranking. The same jury also decides the winners of the Women’s Coach of the Year and the Women’s Club of the Year. Which journalists voted for which players in the Ballon d’Or? Football is different nowadays in so many ways, and while media ‘leaks’ are always happening, the instant news of the Ballon d‘Or voting is no longer available. Last year, it was days before we knew (remember the pain?) which way the votes went to give Lionel Messi his 8th Ballon d’Or, and it seems like this year might be the same. No information is availableat the time of writingregarding the journalists who voted for Rodri, Aitana, Viniand the rest, but the list should be revealed at some point in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled and your social media firestorms in the drafts folder. Of course,as soon as the news is out we’ll have it here for you on AS USA, so just keep this tab open and get mashing the F5 button on your keyboard.
What Are the New Player Traits in FIFA 21? Player Traits Analysis
I’m sure many of you are curious about the new player traits in FIFA 21. As a new feature added this year, what makes it special? Below, I’ll provide an analysis of the player traits in FIFA 21. Let’s take a look together! FIFA 21 Player Traits Analysis New Player TraitsTo ensure that world-class players can showcase their talents in all aspects, just like in real life, FIFA 21 has added a greater number of attributes that determine the quality of each player’s action. For example, in the past, the quality of through balls was determined only by the "Short Pass" or "Long Pass" attributes. However, in FIFA 21, the quality of through balls will now be determined by a combination of "Short/Long Pass," "Vision," and "Composure." This change will allow us to elevate player personality to a new level, and you will be able to feel its significant impact in FIFA 21. Personal Analysis:The dimensions have increased, and the data has become more complex, making it harder for players to choose the right players, as it’s not entirely clear which specific attribute ultimately has the most impact. However, it depends on which abilities will work together to have a combined effect. In the end, players may still focus on a few PAC-related attributes. This concludes the analysis of FIFA 21 player traits. I hope it helps everyone!
Erik ten Hag handed huge Man Utd full-back headache before Brentford clash
Erik ten Hag facing selection dilemma at left-back before return to Premier League Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Noussair Mazraoui all out for Brentford visit Diogo Dalot is fit but Harry Amass and Victor Lindelof could get minutes Erik ten Hag is facing a selection crisis in defence as Manchester United prepare to host Brentford in their first game after the October international break. The Dutchman remains under significant pressure after leading the Red Devils to their worst start to a Premier League season ever, securing only eight points from seven games to sit 14th in England's top flight. Ten Hag's key attackers like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have all misfired, while heavy defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have exposed some glaring issues at the back. United have not been helped by a frustratingly long injury list, a problem which also plagued them throughout 2023/24, and the 13-time Premier League winners could be without as many as ten senior squad members when Brentford visit Old Trafford on Saturday. A major problem area has been at left-back. Diogo Dalot has often filled in away from his more favoured right flank due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, but the situation has been exacerbated by Noussair Mazraoui's enforced absence. The Morocco international underwent a precautionary procedure on his heart during the international break and is expected back before the next pause for national team fixtures in November. In the meantime, however, Ten Hag will have to find an alternative at left-back with Shaw, Malacia and Mazraoui all unavailable this weekend. 17-year-old Harry Amass featured in the first-team during pre-season and may get the chance to make his competitive debut for the senior side, while Victor Lindelof has been deployed at left-back when needed in the past. The Swede made his first league appearance of the season in the goalless draw with Aston Villa earlier this month but played at right-back, with Dalot staying on the left. On top of the left-back conundrum, Ten Hag is also without Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire, while there are further doubts over the fitness of Garnacho, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo. There are also fears over Manuel Ugarte, who suffered an injury while playing for Uruguay.
Arteta and his wife lead his stars and their stunning Wags on red carpet at gala
MIKEL ARTETA and his wife led Arsenal stars and their stunning Wags out on the red carpet.The Gunners manager and players attended the The 2024 Global Gift Gala in London on Monday night. MIKEL ARTETA and his wife led Arsenal stars and their stunning Wags out on the red carpet. The Gunners manager and players attended the The 2024 Global Gift Gala in London on Monday night. The glitzy evening was held at the luxury Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel in Russell Square. Arteta was joined on the red carpet by his wife and Spanish actress Lorena Bernal. The boss looked smart in his black tuxedo while Lorena stunned in a blue dress. He was joined by many of his players on the red carpet such as goalkeeper David Raya and injured captain Martin Odegaard. Raya wore a full black tux and shirt paired with a white bowtie as he was joined by Wag Tatiana Trouboul. The glamorous model wore a long black dress with a beautiful glittering necklace. Odegaard was accompanied by his pregnant partner Helene Spilling at the event. The couple recently sparked engagement rumours after Helene was spotted with a ring on her finger on a walk. She is a dancer who won "Skal vi Danse" - Norway's version of Strictly Come Dancing in 2021. Kai Havertz also hit the red carpet in a tuxedo along with his wife Sophia Weber. The couple tied the knot in July in a ceremony in Germany and were full of smiles at the event. Defender Jurrien Timber was flanked by his Wag Roos de Back on the red carpet. She wore a lovely black dress which she combined with a heart-shaped bag. Club legend David Seaman was also in attandance as he arrived with wife Frankie Poultney. Frankie wore a tight-fitting red dress as the couple wowed the crowds. The Arsenal stars attended the gala just a day after the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at the Emirates. The result has left the Gunners five points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, and four behind Arne Slot's Reds. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka did not attend as they were at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Rice finished 26th while Saka placed 21st. Odegaard was also nominated for the award and finished 19th in the final list.
Vinicius 'lost votes because of two players' claims Ballon d'Or organisers
Ballon d'Or organisers have been quick to respond to the controversial absence of Vinicius Jnr and Real Madrid stars from Monday's ceremony.Despite being billed as one of the favourites to win football's greatest prize for solo achievements over the past year, the Brazilian forward came second place to Manchester City's Rodri. Ballon d'Or organisers have been quick to respond to the controversial absence of Vinicius Jnr and Real Madrid stars from Monday's ceremony. Despite being billed as one of the favourites to win football's greatest prize for solo achievements over the past year, the Brazilian forward came second place to Manchester City's Rodri. After reports had emerged earlier in the day that Vinicius would not be lifting the iconic golden ball, Real Madrid reportedly were not left too pleased by the decision, while ESPN Brazil claimed club sources called it a 'historic robbery'. Given Rodri was the key figure in arguably the best club team and the best national team of 2024 in City and Spain, it would appear to be a justifiable call to hand the award to him, however Vinicius Jnr seemingly remains unconvinced. Yet after the gala in Paris, the editor-in-chief of France Football - who are in charge of the award - gave his verdict on why the Brazilian missed out, and commented on his controversial absence. 'Obviously, Vinicius surely suffered from the presence of Bellingham and Carvajal in the top 5 because, mathematically, that took away some points from him. This also sums up Real Madrid's season, which took between three and four players and the judges shared their decisions between them, which benefited Rodri,' explained Vincent Garcia. He added: 'I had a lot of pressure from Real Madrid but, as with other clubs, I was always clear, fair and perhaps my silence pushed them to the limit. 'But it was the same as with the others. I was very unpleasantly surprised by his absence.' On any other evening it would have been considered nothing short of a massive success for the Spanish side. Real Madrid picked up awards for the best team of the year, as well as men's manager of the year for Carlo Ancelotti. However, in addition to the fact that their star man missed out on the individual men's gong, arch nemesis Barcelona had a successful evening too. Their universally acclaimed La Masia academy produced yet another Kopa Trophy winner in Lamine Yamal, and superstar Aitana Bonmati earned a second successive women's Ballon d'Or award as well. Meanwhile, Vinicius had been the overwhelming favourite to win the Ballon d'Or this year, having scored 24 goals and registered 11 assists during a stellar campaign last time out. RMC reported that Madrid president Florentino Perez was furious with the decision. Journalist Jose Luis Sanchez claimed a 50-strong party was scheduled to jet out, only for them to cancel after discovering Vinicius would not win. Sources at the club told ESPN Brazil that the snub was 'historic robbery'. Marca also reported that Madrid insiders have furiously declared 'the Ballon d'Or no longer exists for us'. A statement from Madrid to AFP said: 'If the award criteria doesn't give it to Vinicius as the winner, those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner. 'As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d'Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.' In response to Madrid's boycott, the organisers of the Ballon d'Or said in a statement: 'No player and no club knows the winner of this year's Ballon d'Or yet.' Vinicius and Jude Bellingham were set to take their seats in the front row at the Theatre du Chatelet but their name tags were swiftly removed after it was confirmed they would not be in attendance.