17/09/2025

SPORTS WEDNESDAY | SEPT 17, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Ű BY CARL MARKHAM

Has Amorim lost the United dressing room?

Ruben Amorim’s side fell behind in the 18th minute when Phil Foden netted his first Premier League goal since January, heading home a cross from Jeremy Doku. Shaw was criticised for allowing Doku to bypass him with ease before delivering the cross, while Bruno Fernandes also came under scrutiny for letting Foden exploit space to score. Keane, speaking post-match on Sky Sports , didn’t hold back in his criticism of Shaw. “United are throwing money and if these are brilliant coaches, you are going ‘when are you going to coach these players to make them better?’ “Because some of the decision making, it’s just all wrong,” the United legend said. “Shaw for the first goal, so Shaw is an international footballer. For him to get caught out like that. “I think Shaw has been getting away with murder for years at United. Always injured, never quite fit. “We make excuses and then he gets a few games under his belt and then he’s making decisions like he doesn’t even want to tackle people.” During the half-time analysis, Keane criticised Shaw for his role in City’s opening goal, stating: “Very good from City, Doku and Foden. Timing perfect not getting in there too early. “But United’s defending, the two midfielders beforehand are too square and Shaw just gives up. It’s a nice bit of skill, but Shaw’s an England international player. “He’s got hundreds of games under his belt, he doesn’t even get his body position right. It’s like he has thrown the towel in. “We know people can run off the back of Bruno, that’s been going on for years. “But my goodness, even before that, you’ve got two midfielders – they are too square. One pass takes them out. Far too easy. Shaw just throws the towel in there.” – Express Newspapers RUBEN AMORIM is battling to maintain the trust of his Manchester United squad after their humiliating derby collapse. Sunday’s defeat at the hands of Manchester City has intensified the scrutiny on Amorim, with the Portuguese boss now fighting for his position. It is believed several of United’s experienced players have grown increasingly frustrated and confused by Amorim’s stubborn adherence to his tactical approach. His inflexible 3-4-3 system and his unwillingness to consider alternative setups is understood to have sparked significant alarm amongst influential squad members. Some United stars are reportedly feeling that Amorim is doing them a disservice by continuously demanding they operate within a framework they are not suited to execute. The heat is building on Amorim to engineer a turnaround at United following their dismal campaign opening, which has yielded just four points from four matches. United insiders maintain that “nothing has changed” regarding their confidence in

This year, United splashed out nearly £236 million (RM1.36b) to bolster his squad. However, many of their expensive new signings are yet to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, Amorim remains steadfast in his tactical approach and formation. United icon Wayne Rooney has voiced his concerns over the team’s performance under Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag 10 months ago. Speaking to BBC Sport , Rooney said: “It’s hard to see how it continues,” and “I don’t think anyone can understand and comprehend what’s going on. Frankly, it’s not good enough. “I want to be as supportive and positive as I can be on the manager and the players. But it’s very difficult to sit here and say we’re seeing progression and at least we’re seeing things that will get results in the near future. “When Ten Hag got sacked and Ruben came in, we were hearing how they’re going to play and how it was going to change. “I think if the manager is honest with himself, it’s got worse.” – Express Newspapers

Amorim and that he continues to enjoy unwavering support from the club’s leadership. United denied the squad had lost confidence in Amorim and claimed he still had the backing of the players. However, fans were left shell-shocked by their team’s feeble surrender at the Etihad Stadium, with many believing they were fortunate to escape with merely a 3-0 defeat. United have secured victory in only one fixture this campaign, requiring a late penalty to overcome newly-promoted Burnley, and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two outfit Grimsby Town. Following a 15th-place finish last term, their worst league result in fifty years, Amorim desperately needed a robust beginning to the fresh season but has fallen woefully short. Despite only securing eight victories in his 31 Premier League matches in charge, and United’s dismal four-point start to the season, their worst since 1992, Amorim has received significant backing in the transfer market.

Trust in Slot in Slot Van Dijk approves of manager’s attacking intent at Liverpool L IVERPOOL head coach Arne Slot’s (above) attacking intent has got the seal of approval from captain Virgil van Dijk. A fourth successive win – all coming from goals after the 83rd minute – was secured at Burnley courtesy of Mohamed Salah’s penalty in the fifth minute of added time on Sunday. It was achieved with a forward line of Salah and Cody Gakpo plus late additions Federico Chiesa, a 72nd-minute substitute for Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Rio Ngumoha, both introduced after Lesley Ugochukwu’s 84th-minute red card for a second bookable offence. Before the international break Slot was praised for his intent to win against Arsenal rather than settling for a draw against a title rival and after the Dutchman guided them to the title last season, he has the full backing of his squad. “The manager knows what he is doing and he has full trust in me and the others at the back,” said Van Dijk. “At the end of the day, I always say that we defend together and we attack together. “What I do know is that the additions (in the summer transfer window) that we made, they are quality additions, without a doubt. “It’s not additions, it’s replacements because we let a lot of quality leave as well, so everyone has a role to play this season. “You have to be ready and fit and in the best shape for when you are called upon. “You have to be in your best form and that is the responsibility that everyone has. Everyone has to push each other.” British record signing Alexander Isak was absent as he builds up his fitness after missing pre-season with Newcastle but he is set to be involved at home to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League tomorrow (3am Malaysian time). “Obviously it was a very difficult time. Negotiations go on behind the scenes and the whole team and everyone connected to the club was very pleased that the deal got done,” added Van Dijk. “Now he’s here, he’s a part of the family and it is time for him to be as fit as he can as quickly as possible, and be important for us with goals, with assists, with link-up play and with what Hugo (Ekitike) has already been showing and doing, pushing each other and bringing us to the next level.” During the transfer saga surrounding the Sweden international – who said there was a breakdown in trust with Newcastle over the intentions he claimed he had outlined to the club last season – a video clip kept doing the rounds on social media showing Isak speaking to Van Dijk privately after Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool. However, Van Dijk refused to say what the pair had discussed, although his reluctance to divulge details suggested it was not idle small talk. “I’m not telling you. Maybe in two years’ time or three years’ time, I will tell you,” he said, laughing. – The Independent

Shaw getting away with murder, says Keane ROY KEANE doubled down on his criticism of Manchester United defender Luke Shaw post-match after slamming the defender during his halftime analysis. Keane was unimpressed with Shaw’s defending in the lead-up to the opening goal during a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City’s Erling Haaland (left) in action with Man United’s Luke Shaw during their English Premier League match at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. – REUTERSPIC

Wilder returns to Blades for third time

Ű BY REBECCA JOHNSON

supporters and deliver the results necessary to achieve our objectives this season. “We would like to thank Ruben Selles for his hard work and professionalism during his time at the club. “Responsibility for recent results lies with us as owners, and we remain fully committed to supporting the team and pursuing promotion.” A former Sheffield United defender, Wilder represented the club across two spells during his playing career. He then guided the club from League One to the Premier League in his first stint in charge and was re-appointed as manager in December 2023 following Paul Heckingbottom’s departure. – The Independent

losses and Selles’ last game at the helm came on Friday when his side were beaten 5-0 by Ipswich. A statement from the Sheffield United board of directors said: “Following a difficult start to the season, the board felt it necessary to make a change in order to stabilise performances and strengthen our push for promotion. “While the adoption of a different style of play was pursued with ambition, results have clearly not met expectations. “Chris Wilder returns with proven leadership and an unparalleled understanding of Sheffield United. “We are confident he is the right person to restore momentum, unite the squad and

SHEFFIELD UNITED have confirmed the reappointment of Chris Wilder as their new manager. The 57-year-old has signed a contract until summer 2027 for his third spell as Blades boss. On June 18, Wilder parted company with the club for a second time in the aftermath of their Championship playoff final defeat to Sunderland at Wembley. He was swiftly replaced by Ruben Selles, who had his spell in charge at Bramall Lane ended on Sunday only five games into the new season. The Blades are currently rock bottom of the Championship table following five straight