Tottenham are still searching for their first Premier League win in 2026 after Manchester United claimed their fourth successive victory under Michael Carrick with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off. The match appeared to be finely poised up until the 29th minute, when Cristian Romero was shown his second red card of the season.
Bryan Mbeumo put the finishing touches to a well-worked set-piece in the 38th minute to take full advantage of the numerical superiority, before Bruno Fernandes scored with 10 minutes left. That proved enough in the end for the Red Devils to consolidate their place in the Premier League’s top four, ahead of both Chelsea and Liverpool, while they sit just two and three points below third and second.
Yet, while the two goalscorers will deservedly get most of the plaudits as the quiet hums of “United are back” continue to grow louder, another player is also receiving plenty of praise for how much he has improved since Ruben Amorim’s sacking at the start of January.
Romero’s week went from bad to worse on Saturday afternoon as he was shown a straight red card at Old Trafford.
Matheus Cunha Hailed For Performance Against Tottenham
He may not have been involved in either of the goals, while he came off with 15 minutes still on the clock, but Cunha is getting a lot of love from his fans on social media. His movement and one-touch play with teammates were the crux of yet another brilliant team performance, and his newfound form showed no signs of slowing down at the weekend.
“Cunha has been great, I can’t lie. Probably his best performance for us,” one X user remarked, while a second added: “What a player Matheus Cunha is, by the way.” Elsewhere, a fourth wrote:
“Matheus Cunha could play for Manchester United in ANY era…Special talents like him belong in any team! Talent wise, he’s the best in the country.”
A fifth continued: “Cunha is going to be world class,” while another said: “I’m so happy to have a player like Cunha at Man Utd.” A seventh concluded: “Cunha has been brilliant, really simplified his game today.”
Carrick’s Audition for Permanent Role Picks Up Steam
Carrick’s audition for the permanent role at Man United couldn’t have got off to a better start, having now overseen four successive victories over Man City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham. That run has extended the Red Devils’ unbeaten streak to eight matches, lifting them to fourth in the Premier League as they look to return to Europe’s top table.
United have scored more goals than anyone else since their retired midfielder took charge, while they have also created the most big chances and rank among the top three sides for expected goals from open play. Their high-octane, attacking brand of football is something rarely seen under Carrick’s failed predecessors, but so far it is going down an absolute treat.
With United’s next four matches coming against relegation candidates West Ham, as well as Everton and out-of-form Crystal Palace and Newcastle, there is every chance Carrick’s side continue their rich vein of form, and his INEOS-led hierarchy will be given little choice but to appoint him long-term.
Jurgen Klopp’s comments about Arsenal after Jonathan Tah had a goal controversially ruled out by VAR in Germany’s World Cup exit vs Paraguay have gone viral.
Germany were easily expected to overcome Paraguay in their last 32 tie at Boston Stadium.
However, despite having the lion’s share of possession in the first 45 minutes, it was the underdogs who took the lead just before half-time through Julio Enciso.
Germany needed to up their game in the second half, and it didn’t take long for them to restore parity as Arsenal’s Kai Havertz found the back of the net.
There were no further goals for the remainder of regulation time as the game went to extra-time. Jonathan Tah thought he had given his side the lead in the 103rd minute, only for his goal to be controversially ruled out.
The decision to rule out Tah’s goal was extremely controversial. Moments before Tah headed home, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill briefly fell to ground following contact from Germany substitute Waldemar Anton.
Gill had got to his feet by the time the ball reached Tah, but he could not do anything to stop the Bayern Munich defender from finding the back of the net.
Fortunately for Paraguay, VAR deemed that Anton had committed a foul on Gill and disallowed the goal, leaving Germany incensed. Julian Nagelsmann in particular was outraged and was shown a yellow card for his protests.
Former Liverpool manager Klopp was covering the match as a pundit for Magneta TV, and he did not agree with the decision as he made reference to Premier League champions Arsenal. He said:
“If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won’t be English champions. They’ve scored 60 percent of their goals that way. We win the game when the ball goes in. So, of course, this is brutal.”
He added: “There are worse things than defeats in sports. But there was only one goal, one dream, and that has been shattered. It was dramatic. There are 500,000 ways to win a football match. You just have to find one.”
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Alan Shearer Slams Officials
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Winslow Townson
Alan Shearer slammed the decision and claimed that Gill had ‘conned’ the referee. He said, per the BBC: “I don’t agree with that decision at all. The keeper falls to the ground on a slight touch and it’s very soft. I thought it was a terrible decision.
“You have to understand it is a contact sport, the goalkeeper has conned the referee and the VAR. The way he went down was pathetic.”
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann also believed the goal shouldn’t have been ruled out. Just before the decision was made, he said:
“This is soft, in my opinion. But judging by what we’ve seen in the tournament so far, it wouldn’t surprise me if they do rule it out. We’ve seen two or three goals ruled out for very small offences. This is hardly anything.
“It’s a small block on the goalkeeper, but for me, it’s not enough. I suspect they will be ruling this out. We feel this should not be disallowed.”
Paraguay will now take on either France or Sweden in the last 16 of the competition. The match will be played at Philadelphia Stadium on Saturday, July 4.
Manchester United suffered a big blow after it was confirmed Manuel Ugarte has suffered a serious knee injury.
The Red Devils were considering offloading the Uruguayan midfielder, but the injury has hampered their plans to do so.
Ornstein: Man Utd Midfielder Update
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester United’s midfield recruitment plans are unaffected by the injury to Ugarte. West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes remains the immediate priority, and others are also being considered.
Liverpool are looking at some new winger options in the transfer market, according to TeamTalk, alongside a possible switch for Bradley Barcola this summer.
Bradley Barcola is a key target, not least as Diomande’s move to PSG may force an exit as he enters the final two years of his contract with the European champions.
While he may be the most high-profile candidate on the club’s radar, it appears as though another two options are being assessed for a deal this summer.
Liverpool Eye Said El Mala
via Reuters
One of those options, according to TeamTalk, is Koln forward Said El Mala, who appears likely to leave the German club in the coming weeks.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a successful campaign last time out, making 36 appearances, bagging 13 goals and five assists for the Bundesliga outfit.
In that time, the youngster largely featured on the left wing, but also received minutes as a centre-forward, in attacking midfield, and on the right wing.
The Germany youth international continues to receive plenty of interest as a result, and was seemingly close to joining Brentford earlier in the transfer window.
That move fell through, however, and now a switch to Liverpool could be on the cards as they continue to monitor a potential deal to sign El Mala.
A move does appear complicated, however, as his brother, Malek El Mala, is believed to want a move with his brother to wherever his next destination is.
It remains to be seen whether that could be a deal-breaker for Liverpool, while Premier League rivals Newcastle United remain in the hunt for his signature too.
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Liverpool Want Bazoumana Toure
Ulrik Pedersen/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA
The other winger Liverpool have been linked with is Hoffenheim star Bazoumana Toure. The 20-year-old Ivorian star has impressed over the past year, bagging five goals and 12 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
The forward largely features on the left wing, but has also received some minutes on the right and as a centre-forward when required for his team.
It’s claimed that Toure, who is currently at the World Cup with the Ivory Coast, is viewed as a “long-term” option for Liverpool to help improve their options.
Liverpool have discussed a move for one of their transfer targets this summer, as they move on from Yan Diomande’s rejection.
He would join Rio Ngumoha in becoming a young development player for the long-term, while Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz are expected to take up roles as the more experienced options.
It remains to be seen who the Reds will land, as they must now adjust to the blow of missing out on Yan Diomande in the transfer window.
