Football

Manchester United's dismal start to the season continued as they suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. Erik ten Hag's side, who were looking to bounce back from their opening day loss to Brentford, were left shell-shocked by Joao Pedro's last-gasp winner.Brighton took the lead in the 32nd minute through Danny Welbeck, who tapped in Kaoru Mitoma's cross. United equalized through Amad Diallo in the 60th minute, but their joy was short-lived as Joshua Zirkzee prevented Alejandro Garnacho from putting the visitors ahead in the closing stages.With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Brighton struck a devastating blow in the 95th minute. Pedro, who had been left completely unmarked at the far post, headed home from Simon Adingra's cross to secure all three points for the Seagulls.The defeat leaves United with just one point from their opening two games, while Brighton have made a perfect start to the season under new manager Fabian Hurzeler.Meanwhile, Manchester City continued their impressive start to the season with a 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town in the EFL Cup. Erling Haaland was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick to take his tally to four goals in two games.City took the lead in the 12th minute through a penalty from Haaland, after Leif Davis fouled Savinho. Ipswich equalized through Sammie Szmodics in the 7th minute, but City restored their lead through Kevin De Bruyne in the 14th minute.Haaland made it 3-1 in the 58th minute with a deft flick past Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, and completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute with a typically predatory finish.Tottenham Hotspur also enjoyed a comfortable victory, thrashing Everton 4-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Yves Bissouma opened the scoring in the 14th minute, before Son Heung-min doubled Tottenham's lead in the 25th minute. Cristian Romero and Son added further goals in the second half to seal a convincing win for Antonio Conte's side.West Ham United earned their first win of the season under new manager Julen Lopetegui, with a 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace. Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen scored the goals for the Hammers, who had lost their opening two games.Fulham secured a 2-1 win over Leicester City at Craven Cottage, with Alex Iwobi scoring the winning goal in the 70th minute. Nottingham Forest also picked up their first win of the season, with a 1-0 victory over Southampton thanks to Morgan Gibbs-White's 70th-minute strike.

Brighton vs Manchester United: Premier League Clash PreviewManchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion will face off in a highly anticipated Premier League encounter on Saturday, August 24th. Both teams enter the match with momentum after securing victories in their opening fixtures.United narrowly defeated Fulham 1-0 thanks to a late goal from debutant Joshua Zirkzee. Brighton, under the guidance of new manager Fabian Hurzeler, made a resounding statement with a 3-0 triumph over Everton. Former United striker Danny Welbeck played a pivotal role, scoring a goal and assisting another.The match will take place at the Amex Stadium in Brighton and Hove. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM IST. The encounter will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.Key Players to Watch:* Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United): The Portuguese superstar is expected to lead the United attack and will be eager to make an impact after a quiet performance against Fulham.* Danny Welbeck (Brighton): The former United forward has been in impressive form for Brighton and will be a threat to his former club's defense.* Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): The Portuguese playmaker is United's creative hub and will be crucial in unlocking Brighton's defense.* Marc Cucurella (Brighton): The Spanish left-back has been a revelation for Brighton and will be tasked with containing United's attacking threats.Tactical Battle:United manager Erik ten Hag is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ronaldo leading the line. Brighton, under Hurzeler, has shown a preference for a 3-4-3 system, with Welbeck operating as a central striker.The match promises to be a tactical battle between two teams with contrasting styles. United will look to dominate possession and create chances through their attacking midfielders, while Brighton will aim to exploit United's defensive weaknesses on the counterattack.Prediction:Both teams are in good form, but United's superior quality and experience should give them a slight edge. A narrow 2-1 victory for the Red Devils seems like a likely outcome.

Arsenal's Premier League title aspirations face an early test as they travel to Aston Villa, a team that has proven to be a bogey side for the Gunners in recent seasons. Manchester United, meanwhile, will face a stern examination of their defense when they visit Brighton.Arsenal's two defeats to Villa last season played a significant role in their failure to win the league title for the first time in 20 years. The Gunners are determined to dethrone Manchester City this season, but their trip to Villa Park marks the beginning of a challenging run of fixtures.Mikel Arteta's men will also face north London rivals Tottenham and Manchester City in their opening five games. However, they got off to a winning start at home to Wolves, with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz showing no signs of fatigue from their exertions at Euro 2024.Arsenal will need to maintain that level of performance against a Villa side that also started the season with an encouraging 2-1 away win at West Ham. Villa have strengthened their squad in preparation for their first Champions League campaign since 1982/83.Manchester United's 1-0 win over Fulham on the opening night of the season could be interpreted in two ways. On the one hand, it was a much-needed victory for a team that finished eighth last season. On the other hand, the ease with which Fulham created chances raised concerns about United's defensive capabilities.A truer test of United's credentials will come at the Amex on Saturday against a Brighton side that is flying high after a 3-0 win at Everton. The Seagulls have Kaoru Mitoma back fit and could hand a debut to new signing Georginio Rutter.Chelsea, meanwhile, are looking to steady the ship after a chaotic summer at Stamford Bridge and an opening defeat to Manchester City. Manager Enzo Maresca has been tasked with fostering a team spirit from a squad that has been described as a "double squad" by Pep Guardiola.Raheem Sterling has been added to the list of star names cut out from first-team training, and his squad number has been handed over to Pedro Neto. Maresca has insisted that he is not working with a "mess," but the Blues squad continues to grow, with Joao Felix joining on a permanent deal from Atletico Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo's recent defeat in the Saudi Super Cup final has reignited speculation about his future, with former Manchester United teammate Luis Saha suggesting a sensational return to Old Trafford.Ronaldo, known for his unwavering determination, was visibly disappointed after Al-Nassr's loss to arch-rivals Al-Hilal. Saha believes that this setback could motivate Ronaldo to consider a return to the club where he first rose to stardom."Cristiano Ronaldo has the passion and dedication to return to Manchester United one day, that could be as a coach or even a manager," Saha told TVSporten. "His second spell didn't end how everyone had hoped and you can see why that frustrated him."Ronaldo's second stint at Manchester United was marred by a lack of success and a perceived disconnect with the club's younger players. Saha believes that Ronaldo's experience and winning mentality would make him a valuable asset to the club in a coaching or managerial role."He will know that he needs to find a new way to communicate when he becomes a coach, which maybe isn't as harsh or direct as it was when he was at the club," Saha said. "He will work out how to be successful and use all his knowledge to do that."Ronaldo's next appearance will be on Thursday when Al-Nassr faces Al-Raed in the Saudi Pro League. While his future remains uncertain, Saha's comments have fueled speculation that a return to Manchester United could be on the cards.

The Premier League 2024/25 season kicked off with a bang as the league's heavyweights flexed their muscles in the opening week. Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United all secured convincing wins, while Aston Villa, Brighton, and Newcastle United also impressed.Manchester City's Erling Haaland made an immediate impact, scoring the opening goal against Chelsea and silencing Spanish defender Marc Cucurella, who had previously mocked the Norwegian striker. City's 2-0 victory extended their winning streak in the Premier League to four titles.Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, with Mohamed Salah continuing his tradition of scoring on Matchday 1. Manchester United also earned a 1-0 victory over Fulham, with Joshua Zirkee scoring on his debut.Arsenal, who narrowly missed out on the title last season, started strongly with a 2-0 win over Wolves. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka opened their accounts for the season, setting the tone for a potential title challenge.Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, continued their progress with a 2-1 win over West Ham. Brighton, under Fabian Hürzeler, also impressed with a 3-0 victory over Everton. Newcastle United, despite a red card to Fabian Schar, secured a 1-0 win over Southampton.Other notable results included Nottingham Forest's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth and Brentford's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. The Premier League title race is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with several teams vying for the coveted trophy.

Manchester United's Premier League campaign got off to a winning start with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday. Despite a lackluster first-half performance, the Red Devils secured the three points thanks to a late goal from substitute Joshua Zirkzee.The home crowd was in high spirits before kickoff, with four new signings being unveiled on the pitch and new faces in the United boardroom. However, United struggled to break down a resolute Fulham defense in the opening 45 minutes. Captain Bruno Fernandes came closest to scoring, but his efforts were denied by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.Frustrations grew after the break as United continued to misfire in attack. However, Dutch substitute Zirkzee arrived right on cue three minutes from time to earn United victory. The 21-year-old striker, who joined from Bayern Munich this summer, pounced on a loose ball in the Fulham area and fired home from close range."To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn't be better," Zirkzee told Sky Sports. "I've been told (scoring at the Stretford End) is one of the best feelings at Man United. I'm so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It's an amazing feeling."The victory was a much-needed boost for United, who have not won a Premier League title since 2013. Manager Erik ten Hag will be pleased with the result, but he will know that his team still has much to improve on."We defended and pressed very well," Ten Hag said. "We created a lot of chances and we should have scored earlier. That is the only criticism of the team - kill in the box."Fulham manager Marco Silva was disappointed to take nothing from the match. "It is really tough for us to lose this game the way we lost," he said. "We started really well, but after 20 minutes United reacted well. We adjusted at halftime and the second half was much better."

Manchester United's talismanic midfielder, Bruno Fernandes, has extended his stay at Old Trafford until June 2027, signaling his unwavering commitment to the club. The Portuguese maestro has been a pivotal figure for the Red Devils since his arrival in January 2020, amassing an impressive tally of 79 goals in 234 appearances.Fernandes' new contract, which includes an option for a further year, is a testament to his exceptional contributions and the club's belief in his abilities. The 29-year-old has played a key role in United's recent resurgence, helping them secure the FA Cup last season and guiding them to a promising start under new manager Erik ten Hag."Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United," Fernandes declared. "I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club."Fernandes' unwavering loyalty to United is evident in his words: "I have had so many special moments here already... But I wouldn't have signed this contract if I didn't believe that my best moments in a United shirt are still to come."The Portuguese international's new deal is a major boost for ten Hag's team, which has already witnessed the arrivals of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui this summer. United will be hoping to build on their FA Cup triumph and improve upon their eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season.Fernandes' presence in the midfield will be crucial for United's aspirations. His exceptional vision, passing range, and goalscoring prowess make him a formidable force on the pitch. With his leadership and determination, he will undoubtedly continue to inspire his teammates and drive the club towards success.

Manchester United has made a significant move in the transfer market by acquiring two highly-rated defenders from Bayern Munich: Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. The signings are part of a major overhaul of United's defense, which has been a source of concern in recent seasons.De Ligt, a 25-year-old center back from the Netherlands, has signed a five-year deal with the option to extend for another year. He is known for his exceptional defensive abilities, including his physical presence, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game. De Ligt's arrival is expected to bolster United's backline and provide much-needed stability.Mazraoui, a 26-year-old full back from Morocco, has signed a contract until June 2028, also with the option to extend for a further year. He is a versatile defender who can play on either the right or left side. Mazraoui is known for his attacking prowess, including his ability to create chances and deliver crosses. His addition to the squad will provide United with more options in the full-back positions.The transfer fees for De Ligt and Mazraoui were not officially disclosed, but British media outlets have reported that United paid a combined fee of 60 million pounds ($77 million) for the duo.To make way for the new arrivals, United has sold Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham for a reported fee of 15 million pounds ($19 million). Wan-Bissaka, a right-back, had been with United for five years and was known for his exceptional one-on-one defending. His departure opens up a spot for Mazraoui in the starting lineup.The signings of De Ligt and Mazraoui, along with the acquisition of 18-year-old center back Leny Yoro from Lille, represent a significant investment in United's defense. The club is hoping that these new additions will provide the stability and quality needed to challenge for major trophies in the coming seasons.

Manchester United's talismanic captain, Bruno Fernandes, is poised to become the club's highest-paid player after agreeing to a lucrative new contract extension. The Portuguese maestro, who has been the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer, is set to sign a deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2027, with an option to extend for a further year.Fernandes's new contract, which is expected to be announced imminently, will reportedly see him earn a staggering £250,000 per week, eclipsing the current top earner, David de Gea. The 28-year-old has been a transformative figure for United since his arrival from Sporting CP in January 2020, inspiring a resurgence in the club's fortunes.In 233 appearances for the Red Devils, Fernandes has amassed an impressive tally of 79 goals and 66 assists, establishing himself as one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League. His leadership qualities and creative brilliance have made him a fan favorite and a key component of Erik ten Hag's rebuilding project.Despite United's disappointing Community Shield defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, the club has been active in the transfer market, bolstering their defensive options with the signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. The departures of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Andreas Pereira have also freed up space in the squad for new arrivals.Ten Hag has acknowledged the need for further reinforcements, particularly in defense, and has hinted at more transfer activity in the coming weeks. The Dutchman is keen to build a squad capable of challenging for major honors and believes that Fernandes's long-term commitment is a significant step in that direction.