Having weighed it up for days, Bruno Fernandes decided not to join Saudi Arabia’s top league team, Al-Hilal. After discussing this with his family, they chose not to leave Manchester United. Even though the salary was rumoured to be ‘double�?of his current one, he still decided not to transfer. 

Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, asked the captain not to leave the team. Fernandes stated ‘They said if I wanted to go I could, but they didn't need the money. I spoke to coach Ruben Amorim who, throughout that period, he was pushing for me not to go.�?nbsp;

‘For better or worse, this is how I see football and I'm passionate about football and this is the decision I've made,�?he added. 

With this decision, the loyal captain will surely gain more fans. By rejecting an ‘exciting offer�?that would change his career trajectory and staying with Manchester United, even though they are at their ‘worst�? his loyalty will not remain unseen. 

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Aston Villa’s dream of reaching the Champions League ended in anger after a costly referee mistake at Manchester United. The turning point came in the 73rd minute when Villa believed they had scored a crucial goal.

Harry Maguire’s weak header forced United keeper Altay Bayindir to scramble. As he tried to grab the ball, Villa’s Morgan Rogers poked it free and scored. However, referee Thomas Bramall had blown his whistle before the ball went in. The video assistant referee (VAR) couldn’t review the goal, so it didn’t count. This angered Villa’s players, manager Unai Emery, and their fans.

The match stayed goalless until United struck late. Amad Diallo scored with a header from Bruno Fernandes�?cross. Later, Bramall gave United a penalty when Ian Maatsen fouled Diallo. Christian Eriksen scored, sealing the 2-0 win.

Emery said the referee’s call killed Villa’s Champions League hopes. The team had been close to a top-four finish, but this mistake ended them in sixth place.

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Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final didn’t just cost them a trophy—it also means they won’t be playing in the Champions League next season. This could cause big problems for their summer transfer plans.

Two possible signings that might be affected are Viktor Gyökeres, worth £55 million, and Liam Delap, estimated at £30 million. Both players are looking for clubs playing in the Champions League, so United’s failure to qualify could stop these deals from happening.

Football legend Rio Ferdinand shared his worries after the match, saying, ‘That recruitment list they had will have to be scrapped now because they are not going to have Champions League football. It is a completely different list to recruit from.�?/p>

Because of money limits and not being in Europe’s top tournament, Manchester United may have to rethink their transfer plans for next season. 

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Manchester United head coach Rúben Amorim defended his decisions, resulting in the club’s youngest-ever Premier League lineup in a 3-4 match loss to Brentford. He emphasised that the team's primary focus is their Europa League campaign.

The loss marked United’s 16th Premier League defeat of the season, with an average starting lineup age of just 22. With the setback, United remains in 15th place, while Brentford’s victory propelled them into ninth.

Amorim explained that he rested his senior players in preparation for their Europa League semi-final second leg game against Athletic. United sits in 3rd place, behind Athletic in the Europa League table. ‘We as a club we need to understand in this moment we have a big responsibility. We have to prepare a squad for different competitions�? 

Meanwhile, United’s loss got worse with Matthijs de Ligt’s injury, but Amorim stayed hopeful. Even after the loss, he saw value in giving young players more experience. His main goal now is to make their Europa League run a strong end to the season.

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The Red Devils booked their place in next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) qualification after a 2-2 draw with Manchester City on May 4 at Old Trafford for the Women’s Super League (WSL). Grace Clinton and Melvine Malard scored for United, which helped the team come back from a two-goal deficit.

City struck early with Laia Aleixandri scoring the game’s first goal. Soon after, Rebecca Knaak slotted a second that gave City full control. United didn’t give up, however, as Clinton scored 2-1 before the first half ended.

The match stayed tight in the second half, as Malard scored an equaliser. City still pushed forward, with the ball in their possession for 60% of the match. Shortly after, Aoife Mannion received a red card for a bad foul, which left United with 10 players. Still, the event did not stop them from holding their defensive game strong to keep the match at 2-2.

WSL final day looms

The WSL is down to its final match day on May 11. Third-place Man Utd will host second-place Arsenal, while league leaders Chelsea face Liverpool. The UWCL is set to return in June 2025, starting with the first qualifying round. 

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In football, every moment counts. A single goal or foul can turn a team’s hope into heartbreak in just seconds. That’s why the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) came into play. Introduced to bring more fairness to the game, this tech aims to help football referees make better calls by using video footage.

Since its launch, VAR has corrected key game errors, some even deemed crucial for a win. Yet, despite all the good it’s done, it remains one of the most argued tech tools in the football field. Fans, players, and coaches often clash over whether it helps or ruins the flow and feel of the match.

Dive into the story of VAR. Discover what it is, how it works behind the scenes, and the big football moments where it either made history or caused backlash.

What is VAR?

The Video Assistant Referee is a support system designed to help match referees review major decisions. It is a team of three people, assisted by video technology, who revisit key incidents during a match, especially those that could impact a match result.

Think of VAR as a second pair of eyes. It’s not there to replace the main referee and take over the game. Instead, it works like a safety net that catches big mistakes before they can affect the final score. The main referees still oversee the match; the VAR is only there as a backup when things get unclear.

The use of VAR in football was introduced during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, following its inclusion in the 2018/19 edition of the Laws of the Game. Since then, the system has been used in over 100 competitions worldwide.

How does VAR work?

The VAR review follows a simple three-step process:

1. Incident occurs

A possible mistake or controversy happens on the pitch. It could be a foul, offside, or handball. The referee can request a review, or the VAR team can recommend one if they spot an error.

2. Review by the VAR team

The VAR team replays the footage from various camera angles. They confirm whether the decision was wrong or not. The VAR head then notifies the main referee about it.

3. The referee makes the final call

The main referee receives the team’s verdict. If unsure, they can also review the footage from the pitch-side monitor to double-check before making a final call.

To break this down, here are some key factors and considerations that keep the VAR process fair and accurate.

When is VAR used?

Unlike other sports, where video reviews are only presented when asked by a referee or players, VAR monitors each match nonstop. They’d instantly alert the referee in case a wrong call was made or if there had been an overlooked mistake.

However, the VAR doesn’t get involved in every play. It can only step in during four key incidents on the pitch where ‘a clear and obvious error�?is likely to occur:

• Goals: Checks if a foul, offside, or handball occurred before the team scored a goal.
• Penalty: Confirms whether a foul happened inside the box or a penalty was wrongly given or denied.
• Direct red cards: VAR is also used to judge if a serious foul deserves a straight red card. The team also checks for possible red-card incidents that the referee might have given a yellow card for.
• Mistaken identity: Fixes cases where the wrong player is shown a yellow or red card.

Timing rules for VAR intervention

Timing plays a big part in how VAR works. The team must flag an issue as quickly as they can, as they can only intervene in the match after the ball goes out of play. Once the game restarts, though, the chance to use VAR for that play has passed, and any calls made can’t be overturned.

For instance, if the VAR team spots an incident as the ball goes out of play, they must notify the referee to pause the game until it is dealt with. Otherwise, no reviews or calls can be made unless it’s a case of mistaken identity. 

Moments caught on VAR

Since its debut in 2018, VAR has captured some of football’s most dramatic moments. It has helped referees make the right call, but also triggered outrage from fans and players due to errors or missed calls.

In the Premier League, there has been a drop in incorrect VAR calls. From 23 mistakes last season, the 2024-25 season has only seen 10 so far. Even so, fans still call out flaws in how VAR handles real-time decisions. The loudest comments are all about missed fouls, inconsistent offside lines, and long delays. 

Here are some of the most talked-about VAR calls that still get football fans debating:

• RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid (UCL 2024)

Leipzig scored a goal early in the game, thanks to Benjamin Šeško. However, the VAR flagged an offside in the build-up, which meant the goal was ruled out. The call made fans and the club itself furious for questioning a clearly kicked goal. The match ended in a Real Madrid win at 1-0.

• Wolves vs Man Utd (EPL 2023-24)

In stoppage time, the Utd goalkeeper André Onana collided with Wolves player Sasa Kalajdzic inside the box. Despite loud protests, neither the referee nor the VAR awarded a penalty. A later review admitted that one should have been given after PGMOL manager Jonathan Moss said it was a mistake. The Wolves lost the match 1-0.

VAR in football: Its future or flaw?

VAR was built to make football fairer, and in many cases, it has. It helped clear up mistakes, which then led to major trophies and careers. Still, no system is perfect. Football authorities are working hard to refine VAR for future seasons. You may love or hate the VAR, but one thing’s sure: it will always be a part of football’s identity.

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Manchester United’s slip to 14th in the Premier League table says a lot about their season performance. The club’s recent 4-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday, April 13 only added salt to their wounds. While setbacks aren’t new this season, this result and United’s current run raise questions about what’s going on at Old Trafford.

New head coach Ruben Amorim’s arrival in November 2024 sparked a wave of hope among fans and the team. As one of Europe’s biggest coaches, Amorim was expected to spark United’s quick revival. Yet, his plans and the squad’s performances don’t seem to align. Could the issue lie beyond just tactics and results?

The wake-up call

The heavy loss to Newcastle wasn’t just a poor result; it highlighted systemic issues within the club. It reflected how far United have fallen in the league. Amorim made headlines by admitting post-match that they ‘made a lot of mistakes that made it harder to win a game�? 

Accounts from previous players underscore the lack of urgency and response among Man Utd players during critical matches. The club’s former midfielder, Paul Scholes, even ranted about United players being ‘lazy�? labelling the team as ‘rubbish�?

The players�?flat response made the loss feel even heavier, proving that the issue may no longer be just form or skill; it could be a deeper struggle with the club’s direction.

Keane: United is weak physically and mentally

Former United midfielder and now pundit Roy Keane saw the struggle and didn’t hold back. After the Newcastle game, he slammed the club, stating that they are ‘physically and mentally a weak team�? He wasn’t alone, though, as many fans and ex-players have echoed the same frustration. United's former captain, Gary Neville, even called out the club’s lack of quality in their games.

Amorim on the edge; are hopes still alive?

To Amorim’s credit, there has been hope. Wins over Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and a few more in cup games showed glimpses of what the team could have become. The coach’s system has shown moments of clarity and structure.

Sadly, these are rare moments. Inconsistency brings down Amorim’s reign at the moment. Critics shared that his 3-4-3 formation system doesn’t suit United, which only adds to their unimpressive results. After matches, Amorim’s frustrations have been evident. He’s pointed out individual mistakes and the lack of focus, hinting at growing tension within the club.

The team needs to save itself

United’s dull performance this season can’t be pinned on one man. Amorim has shown intent and desire to shift the club’s path, but even someone as sharp as him can’t fix a broken system alone.

Right now, the club has lost 14 of its 32 matches. Their next match is set against Wolves on Sunday, April 20. If players don’t make any moves, results will keep slipping, and the team will keep sinking.

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In a tense Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday, April 6, Manchester United and Manchester City played out a 0-0 draw. Despite both teams showing moments of promise, neither could find the back of the net.

United struggled to create clear chances throughout the match. Midfielders Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes had some attempts, but City’s defence kept them at bay. On the other hand, City also tried to slot a goal with their forward Omar Marmoush almost scored from 25 metres, which pushed United keeper André Onana to save it.

Following the goalless draw, United head coach Ruben Amorim acknowledged the team’s struggles. ‘We have to spend more time near the final third to have more opportunities�?I can look to the opponents and I understand there is a big gap�? he remarked.

Meanwhile, City manager Pep Guardiola called out the ‘lack of class�?from some United fans, who made demeaning chants about player Phil Foden’s mother, telling them to be ashamed.

The draw leaves City at 6th place, and also 21 points behind table leader Liverpool, while United barely hangs on to 13th place in the Premier League table. Both teams face serious struggles as City’s top-four hopes fade and United fights to climb the table.

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Manchester United is set for a major squad overhaul under manager Ruben Amorim, with at least 10 players to leave this summer. The club is looking to raise funds for new signings after a disappointing season. Ruben eyes to get Sporting CP's Francisco Trincão on the team.

Several players, including Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton, are likely to exit as their contracts expire. The club is also looking to offload Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, who have struggled to find roles in the squad. 

Aston Villa has shown interest in Rashford, while Chelsea can buy Sancho after his loan spell.

Amorim already gave the players a heads-up. Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe insists the club isn't facing any financial crisis. This overhaul aims to refresh the squad and improve their form in the upcoming season.

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Old Trafford was filled with fans�?cheers and chants as Manchester United and Arsenal played an intense match on Sunday, March 9, 2025. The game ended in a draw as Arsenal’s midfielder, Declan Rice, scored the equaliser.

The first half of the match was uneventful, but as the half time neared, Manchester United’s midfielder Bruno Fernandes was given a free kick. He took this opportunity to score for his team and showed a masterful kick that infiltrated Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya’s wall and through his hands.  

The second half had more intensity as both teams tried their hardest to change the flow of the game. Multiple kicks, counter-attacks, and near-misses occurred on both sides. As the second half neared its end, at the 74th-minute mark, Rice kicked the equalising score for Arsenal. 

Desperation grew even thicker, with both teams trying to score a winning goal for their teams. 

Arsenal’s midfield had another chance for a goal outside the penalty area, but the ball was deflected by Man UTD’s goalkeeper André Onana. With no luck on both sides, the game ended in a 1-1 tie.

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