Few appointments in modern football would resonate with Manchester United supporters as deeply as that of Michael Carrick. In an era defined by constant managerial turnover, contrasting philosophies, and an ongoing search for identity, Carrick’s appointment represents something different — not a radical experiment, nor a glamorous outsider, but a return to internal understanding. It signals a club looking inward for answers rather than outward for quick fixes. Michael Carrick is not just a former player. He is a product of Manchester United’s most successful modern era, a quiet architect of dominance, and a football mind shaped by years of elite experience. His appointment, therefore, carries implications far beyond tactics or results. It speaks to ambition, culture, patience, and a potential redefinition of what the club wants to be. This deep dive explores how Carrick’s appointment could shape Manchester United’s future — tactically, culturally, psychologically, and institutionally. ...
Four talking themes ahead of the Champions League semi-finals, including a clash between England's biggest stars and Paris Saint-Germain's soft centre.
Kane and Bellingham go head-to-head
Only two English players have won the Champions League with a foreign club: Steve McManaman and Owen Hargreaves, who won in successive seasons with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich from 2000 to 2002.
This week, the former teams of that couple compete for a spot in the final, with English influence once more at the forefront of their concerns. Harry Kane's Bayern Munich will face Jude Bellingham's Real Madrid in continental competition, pitting arguably England's most influential players against foreign powers.Kane has been Bayern's shining light this season, scoring 42 goals and being personally involved in 10 Champions League goals, a joint-record for an English player in a single season with David Beckham (1998/99 and 2001/02) and Steven Gerrard (2007/08).
🏴 England's highest rated players in Europe's top five leagues:
🥇Harry Kane - 7.81
🥈 Jude Bellingham - 7.76
🥉 Bukayo Saka - 7.63
🏅 Phil Foden - 7.52
🏅 Cole Palmer - 7.43
Meanwhile, Bellingham has been a revelation to Real. The pressure of a Galactico arrival has not deterred the 20-year-old, who has 21 goals and 10 assists in 36 games for the Spaniards.It promises to be a memorable duel.
Thomas Tuchel faces a selection headache ahead of Bayern Munich's match against Real Madrid, as the German giants' injury troubles worsen. Matthijs de Ligt and Konrad Laimer were forced to make early substitutes over the weekend, while Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, and Dayot Upamecano are doubtful, as are Kingsley Coman and Sacha Boey.
Not for the first time this season, the onus will be on the aforementioned Kane to make an impact. Kane's brace against Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend brought his season total to 42 goals, a new career high for a single campaign.
PSG, the pre-game favourites, must find a solution to the soft core that has afflicted recent performances. Luis Enrique's team trailed three times in a 3-3 draw with Le Havre at the Parc des Princes over the weekend, and they have only kept one clean sheet in their previous seven Ligue 1 matches.
It is far from ideal preparation for the Bavarians ahead of a winners League showpiece match against the 14-time European winners. It is the eighth time the teams have played at this stage, and Real Madrid has advanced from the previous two.
🎙️ Kimmich: "It's a clash between two big clubs. We know that Real have a lot of experience and quality in their team. They believe in themselves and know their strengths."
Not for the first time this season, the onus will be on the aforementioned Kane to make an impact. Kane's brace against Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend brought his season total to 42 goals, a new career high for a single campaign.
Paris Saint-Germain needs to address its soft center.
With Ligue 1 locked up for the record-extending 12th time at the weekend, Paris Saint-Germain's whole emphasis is on securing a European crown. The French champions face Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals, with the Parisians hoping to reach the Champions League final for the second time.
A 1️⃣2️⃣th title won TOGETHER! ❤️💙
🗣️ THIS IS PARIS
In Europe this season, there have only been three shutouts in ten games. Enrique must find the ideal mix for his backline ahead of Wednesday's trip to Dortmund, and Milan Skriniar is expected to return after starting from the bench against Le Havre. Nuno Mendes and Lucas Hernandez are also candidates to return.
Has Dortmund learned their lessons?
Borussia Dortmund have outperformed expectations by reaching the last four, despite a dismal domestic season. Dortmund advanced to this stage after winning the tournament's Group of Death, which included matches against PSV and Atletico Madrid.
Paris Saint-Germain are waiting for a rematch of their group-stage games. Despite winning the group, Dortmund were unable to match PSG in those two games.The French champions won 2-0 in Paris and drew with Dortmund in the return match. On both instances, PSG dominated possession and opportunities, and Dortmund will need to learn from those games if they are to reach their first final since 2013.
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