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Michael Owen Blasts Joshua Zirkzee After Match

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Manchester United crashed to a first defeat in five games on Monday night against a ten-man Everton side at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils were beaten by a fine Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall strike in the first-half, after the Toffees had been reduced to ten men in bizarre fashion following Idrissa Gana Gueye’s red card for striking teammate Michael Keane in the face.

But Ruben Amorim’s side really struggled to create many clear-cut chances throughout the game, with both Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha forced to watch from the sidelines due to injury, and former striker Michael Owen has picked out one star as particularly underwhelming during the game.

Owen: Zirkzee Not Right Fit for Man Utd

Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee holds his head in his hands.
Premier League – Manchester United v Everton – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – November 24, 2025 Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee reacts REUTERS/Phil Noble

With Sesko and Cunha both unavailable, Amorim opted to give Netherlands international Joshua Zirkzee his first start of the campaign as the central striker, flanked by Bryan Mbeumo and Amad.

But the 24-year-old struggled to make an impact, and Owen admitted, via Metro Sport, that he doesn’t ‘get excited’ when watching him, and feels he’s the wrong fit for what Man Utd are trying to build under their Portuguese manager.

“I can’t watch him and get excited, I must admit.

“Cunha missing today was a big blow. He [Zirkzee] was the closest to scoring for Man Utd but they are almost resorting to playing like this with hopeful crosses because he’s in there.

“If you have Cunha playing, a different profile of player, you probably don’t go knocking crosses in all game.

“It’s not how Manchester United want to play and I always think if you start lumping the ball it becomes desperation.

“One or two landed on Zirkzee’s head but the way Man Utd are playing prior to tonight, it’s not the right profile of player, he doesn’t excite me at all.”

Man Utd Fans Back Owen Over Zirkzee

Everton's Idrissa Gueye in action with Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee
Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee struggled against Everton. Credit: REUTERS/Phil Noble

With a number of fans frustrated by the situation at the club currently, with Amorim still trying to win some of the fan base over after a year in charge, many share Owen’s thought process around Zirkzee.

Responding to his comments, one fan took to X to state, “For once, I agree with Owen. Despite criticism, Sesko is far better player leading the line. As for Zirkzee, I don’t know his best position. He doesn’t excel at leading the line or being prolific and not quite good as 10s either. Jack of all trades, master of none.”

Another fan responded by saying, “I’ve been saying it from the day we signed him! Zirkzee brings nothing to this team! No creativity & has zero killer instinct in front of goal! We need to get rid of him in January!”

X user Enyicoco also agreed, stating: “He’s rubbish. Has been rubbish since day 1.”

Man Utd fans are clearly annoyed, and with injuries in the squad and AFCON quickly approaching, Amorim must find a solution to their problems as soon as possible.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim watching on from the touchline


Ruben Amorim Gives Three-Word Verdict on Joshua Zirkzee After Man Utd 0-1 Everton

Joshua Zirkzee was handed his first start of the Premier League campaign in Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Everton.

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Man Utd Eyeing Move to Sign Matias Fernandez-Pardo to Replace Marcus Rashford

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Manchester United are eyeing a move to sign highly-rated Lille star Matias Fernandez-Pardo to bolster their attack, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The Red Devils have made bolstering their midfield a priority this summer, but there is also scope to add a new forward to the squad as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund will all leave permanently during the transfer window.

A new left-winger is understood to be a key area that the club want to strengthen ahead of the new season, and a 21-year-old sensation has now emerged as a target.

Man Utd Eyeing Fernandez-Pardo Deal

Matias Fernandez-Pardo

Fernandez-Pardo, who has been described as ‘explosive’, is expected to leave Ligue 1 side Lille this summer after a fantastic campaign with the French side, where he registered eight goals and six assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.

The Belgian has been identified by Newcastle United as a top target to replace Anthony Gordon, who has joined Barcelona in a £70m deal, but Man Utd are also understood to be showing an interest in the exciting forward.

Lille need to sell players this summer to help them raise funds, and the winger is regarded as one of their most sellable assets. Despite reports that he is valued at around €50m (£43.2m), United could be willing to pay it as they look for competition in the wide positions for Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Patrick Dorgu.

The 21-year-old is also understood to be of interest to Man City, with his versatility being a big point of interest, as he is able to play across the forward line out wide or through the middle.

Fernandez-Pardo is part of the Belgium squad heading to the World Cup this summer, and Lillle will be hoping that he can turn in some serious performances to help raise his price tag.

Man Utd Need Attacking Additions

Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick admitted months ago that left-wing is a position that Man Utd need to strenghten, and now that he has the role permanently, he is likely to make it a priority.

Fernandez-Pardo is the type of signing that would fit in well at Man utd as a young player with plenty of room to grow, but also having experience at a high level and performances that prove he is ready to make the step up.

Considering the likely fee he will be available for, this could be a real bargain deal considering usual market value, and he would give the squad a boost in a position that needs reinforcements ahead of next seaosn.


Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick claps the fans


Romano: Man Utd Hold Talks Abroad to Sign Elite Star Better Than Ederson

Manchester United are looking to wrap up some early summer transfer business

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Chelsea Issue Statement After Tweet Backlash Following Arsenal UCL Final Defeat

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Chelsea have released a statement after their eyebrow-raising tweet following Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday evening went viral.

Arsenal, competing in only their second-ever Champions League final, pushed PSG all the way but eventually lost on penalties. Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes missed their spot-kicks in the shootout as the Parisians secured their second successive European Cup.

Shortly after the final whistle, Chelsea posted a photo of their most-recent Champions League trophy (sealed in May 2021, courtesy of a 1-0 win over Manchester City), alongside the caption: “Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now.”

Chelsea’s cheeky tweet has racked up 139k reposts, 14k bookmarks and a whopping 421k ‘likes’, not to mention a further 24k replies.

Chelsea’s Statement After Posting Controversial Tweet

Chelsea Corner Flag

While Chelsea supporters and other fans of Arsenal rivals have seen the funny side, the same can’t be said for the crestfallen Gunners’ faithful.

Following some backlash to their tweet, Chelsea released a statement on X (Twitter) around 1am. Mocking their own red card record this season, the west London outfit posted:

“We probably deserve another red card for that last post! But in all seriousness, congratulations to Arsenal on winning the Premier League and a great run in the Champions League.

“Looking forward to picking up the battle again with you next season.”

“What in the utter woke nonsense is this…” replied one Chelsea fan, while another tweeted: “Oh my god, delete this you wet wipes.”

The tweet hasn’t appeased Arsenal supporters either, with one commenting: “Thanks but no thanks for the congratulatory message. You won’t be competing with us… know your place in the food chain.” Ouch.


Gabriel and Erling Haaland


Erling Haaland’s Post After Arsenal Lose Champions League Final Goes Viral

Erling Haaland is one of a few rival players to fire indirect shots at Arsenal following their Champions League final defeat.

Arteta Devastated After Champions League Final Defeat

Mikel Arteta walks past Champions League trophy

While Arsenal have enjoyed an excellent season, ending their 22-year wait for the Premier League trophy in the process, missing the opportunity to become European champions for the first time in the club’s history will still be a bitter pill for Mikel Arteta and his players to swallow this summer.

Asked to sum up his emotions after the final, Arteta was quoted by The Guardian as saying: “Pain, that’s it.

“When you are so close in the competition, and you are a few penalties away from winning the biggest club competition, that’s the way we should feel.”

The Spaniard added: “First of all you have to go through that pain, digest it, and turn it into fuel. To improve and to reach a different level, because it would demand a different level with the quality around Europe. I want to congratulate PSG because they are in my opinion the best team in the world.”

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Erling Haaland’s Post After Arsenal Lose Champions League Final Goes Viral

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Erling Haaland is one of several players to seemingly fire indirect shots at Arsenal with a post on social media, following the Premier League side’s defeat in the Champions League final.

The Gunners took the lead early on through Kai Havertz, as they hunted down the trophy for the first time in their history, but Ousmane Dembele‘s coolly finished penalty in the second half drew PSG level.

Both teams pushed for a winner in regulation time and extra time, but neither could find that one golden opportunity to seal the win, forcing it to be decided by a penalty shootout.

In the end, misses from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes sealed Arsenal‘s fate, losing the Champions League final and a chance at a historic double.

While the Premier League title will be the main focus for the players, who will get an opportunity to celebrate on Sunday at an Emirates Stadium parade, it is their rivals who celebrated on Saturday night.

Erling Haaland’s Wordless Arsenal Post

Erling Haaland

Plenty of Arsenal’s rivals seemingly relished the team losing in the Champions League final, taking an opportunity to rub it in on social media.

Chelsea posted a savage shot at the Gunners over the defeat, making reference to their two Champions League triumphs, as well as their Club World Cup win.

And shortly after, Erling Haaland appeared to take a cheeky dig at Arsenal with a post of his own on social media.

The Norwegian striker posted a photo of himself smiling, surrounded by friends, with the caption remaining wordless, but posted conveniently just after the Gunners lost.


Noni Madueke appeals for a penalty in Arsenal's match with PSG


Arsenal v PSG: Ex-PL Ref Gives Verdict After Madueke is Denied Penalty in UCL Final

Former referees have given their verdict on Daniel Siebert after the official’s performance in the Champions League final.

The time is likely no coincidence, with the 25-year-old knowledgeable when it comes to what people will talk about in football, as seen in his many battles with Arsenal.

Haaland famously told the Gunners to “stay humble” in a previous clash with the side, as both teams have continued to battle it out for the Premier League over the past four years.

Earlier this campaign, the striker simply smirked and sang lyrics Flo Rida song “Good Feeling” after he helped Man City secure a huge win over Arsenal, ripping the title race wide open.

While that didn’t go in his favour in the end, it appears as though Haaland has got at least one last laugh over his rivals, and he isn’t the only one.

Tottenham Players Fire Shots At Arsenal

Richarlison celebrating after scoring for Tottenham Hotspur

It wasn’t just Haaland who had his fun after Arsenal’s defeat, as their nearest and dearest rivals, Tottenham, seemingly joined in the mix through a few of their key players.

Richarlison was among the first, posting a video of a child laughing, with awfully coincidental timing to the Gunners losing the final in the shootout.

Djed Spence quickly followed, responding to an Arsenal tweet from back in February that said “Locked up” in reference to the full-back struggling in the North London Derby.

He simply replied with eye emojis and an unlocked lock, without making too many comments on the actual match itself.

That may make for a slightly frosty reception when Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke all meet up with Spence in the England camp in a few days time for the 2026 World Cup.

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