Latest news with #GraemeSouness
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Manchester United need a new midfielder more than they need a new striker
The way we discuss football has changed a lot in recent times, tactics and data to the fore. Nevertheless, there remain some simple, simplifying truths that, when delivered by someone with elite-level experience, must be taken seriously. So, when Graeme Souness reminds us that 'the team that gets to the ball first wins', we should pay just as much attention as when hearing about hybrid pressing, on-ball value and chance-creating actions. The players most obliged to reach that ball first are, like Souness, central midfielders. And, though there are operative off-pitch factors, the longstanding absence of players able to do that is a significant reason why Manchester United have been so poor for so long. This has not escaped the attention of Ruben Amorim. After last Saturday's goalless draw with Leeds, he noted: 'The gaps between our sectors was sometimes too big. We have a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park and you can feel it is hard to win and bring the ball.' The problem, though, predates him by well over a decade – surprisingly so, given a relentlessly self-mythologising institution which has been home to some of the greatest midfields and midfielders. The Busby Babes featured a half-back line of Jackie Blanchflower, Duncan Edwards and Eddie Colman; the 60s side had Nobby Stiles, Paddy Crerand and Bobby Charlton; then, under Alex Ferguson, United moved seamlessly from Bryan Robson to Paul Ince to Roy Keane – who was partnered by Paul Scholes and flanked by David Beckham and Ryan Giggs, both comfortable playing inside. Things changed, though, after the 2005 takeover when, constrained by the Glazer family's debt and interest, Ferguson focused on stopping and scoring goals. The side that won the league and Champions League in 2007-08 boasted an all-time defence and attack but the midfield, though more than useful, was a weakness – one exploited by Barcelona in two Champions League finals, their superiority in that area putting United's back four under pressure while stifling their front three. Thereafter, Ferguson interpreted midfield in the most literal way possible: the middle of a field. Between signing Owen Hargreaves in 2007 and retiring in 2013, he signed only one player for the role, punting on Nick Powell – who could easily be categorised as a second striker. Instead, he accumulated wingers and strikers of different profiles able to turn tight games; in his final season, United won 16 league games by one goal. In the 12 years that followed, United signed all manner of midfielders for all manner of amusing expense, namely: Marouane Fellaini, Ángel Di María, Daley Blind, Ander Herrera, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Donny van de Beek, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte, with Marcel Sabitzer and Sofyan Amrabat joining on loan. So far, only Fernandes could be said to have succeeded. Footballistically, to borrow Arsène Wenger's phrase, midfield has been United's biggest failing; even Ole Gunnar Solskjær's side, the best of the post-Fergie wilderness years, were counterattackers not dominators. Indeed, it was when he tried to convert them into a more proactive outfit that things went wrong because, in the aftermath of Euro 2020, his back four collapsed and he lacked the midfielders able to protect it – respectively, Matic and Pogba lacked the legs and inclination to get to the ball first. Had the money spent on Harry Maguire been used to get Declan Rice, things might have worked out differently, but in the event United's defence was open and their attack starved, because they couldn't dictate games by controlling the centre of the pitch. There are different ways of doing this. Pep Guardiola has deployed midfielders not just in midfield but also in defence and attack, while Jürgen Klopp used dominating athletes to run opponents off the pitch, with playmaking slack taken up by his full-backs. As soon as he tried something different, bringing in Thiago Alcântara, the balance departed. Nor has it fully returned, last season's title was based largely on the form of Mohamed Salah; Liverpool's 41 goals conceded is the most by a champion side since United in 2012-13. In Europe, meanwhile, their relative lack of box-to-box class was exploited by Paris Saint-Germain and, though they have reinforced expensively and impressively this summer, the lack of work done in this area – so far – offers the chasing pack a chance. United, though, cannot take such a risk. They began under Amorim as a team unable to create chances, their development into one unable to take chances a significant leap forward. As such, it makes sense that this summer's priority was adding goals, but with that addressed by the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, midfield must become the priority. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion This is not to say the centre-forward Amorim wants is not necessary. But the market is offering little, while his system, fielding two midfielders where the majority of opposing sides use three, leaves a difficult gap to bridge; one Ferguson had to combat first when English clubs returned to Europe, then again when his famous four were shut down by Bayern Munich in 2001, then again in 2007 when Milan's narrow diamond proved a problem. The explosion in player athleticism means things have become harder since then. Though Amorim's game model uses defenders, wing-backs and inside-forwards to create central overloads, it remains the case that he needs physical monstrosity in midfield – all the more so now he has decided that Fernandes, indefatigable but no one's idea of a shuttler, is a No 8 not a No 10. Casemiro is no longer the man for this job, while Ugarte – a stop-gap whom PSG replaced with the infinitely superior João Neves – lacks authority, personality and quality. Should United purchase the right midfielder, they will be in better shape than if they do not but do find a centre-forward. Prime Ronaldo Nazário would struggle in a team unable to dominate possession, whereas Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Højlund and Chido Obi have shown potential and, with creative quality behind them in a team able to pin opponents back, they would have more scoring opportunities and the chance to grow into a role one of them might yet make theirs permanently – something beyond Ugarte and this version of Casemiro. Consequently, the centre of the pitch and the heart of the team must be Amorim's only priority – United cannot afford to split their funds and wind up with someone not quite good enough in two positions. They must find the best, most suitable midfielder they can and only after that worry about what's next because, though without the right centre-forward they will not be complete, without the right midfielder getting to the ball first, they simply cannot be good.
Scottish Sun
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Rangers hero spotted in the Royal Box at Wimbledon as he takes centre stage on Centre Court
He was afforded a warm welcome by the crowd CENTRE STAGE Rangers hero spotted in the Royal Box at Wimbledon as he takes centre stage on Centre Court Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RANGERS hero Graeme Souness took a place in the Royal Box at Wimbledon on the day which is traditionally known as Sportsperson's Saturday. The former Gers and Scotland hero was in the company of his wife Karen in the most famous arena in the sport to check out a day's play which includes the likes of Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 5 Graeme Souness and his wife Karen at the All England Club Credit: Getty 5 Graeme Souness looks on from the Royal Box Credit: Getty 5 Graeme Souness in the Royal Box Credit: PA 5 Karen Souness and Graeme Souness attend day sixat Wimbledon Credit: Getty Souness was given a warm welcome as he was introduced alongside other football figures such Jamie Redknapp and Graeme Le Saux - two men who both played under him - and England 1966 World Cup hero Geoff Hurst. The Sounesses are regular attenders at Wimbledon - and so too were many of the others who attended on Saturday. The list included cricketers Andrew Strauss and Ian Botham, and Team GB cycling power couple Jason and Laura Kenny. Multiple Olympic sailing medallist Ben Ainslie was present too as was Irish rugby hero Brian O'Driscoll and Olympic sailing and rowing stars Ben Ainslie and Steve Redgrave. Denise Lewis and Kelly Holmes represented athletics with Anthony Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn present from the world of boxing. Souness recently completed a second gruelling English Channel swim in honour of Debra - after he and his team spent 22 hours crossing the channel and BACK. The big-hearted Rangers hero has made it a personal mission to raise awareness of a condition called butterfly skin (EB) - despite the fact he underwent an emergency heart operation as recently as September. He was taken to hospital after suffering chest pains while watching football on TV at home. Souness also needed shoulder SURGERY after completing the last charity channel swim - but he was determined not to let the side down and duly did his bit for a good cause. But a video early in the swim shows how tough he found it, admitting he felt terrible in the break between his first leg of the day and his second. Moment dehydrated and seasick Rangers hero Graeme Souness, 71, says 'I feel terrible' during latest charity channel swim Asked about the "dodgy period" he had suffered since the last swim, Souness replied: "It was one of two things, I think I've either gone and dehydrated myself sitting for three hours in the sunshine before the first swim or a bit of seasickness but I felt terrible. Speaking at the conclusion of the event, Souness added: "How do I feel? I'm knackered! I really am, no amount of training can prepare you for what we just did. "Last time it was tough, but this time was even tougher. The weather was nice though! "I am emotional when I think about why we did this. To support Isla and everyone else living with this horrendous condition." 5 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Everton's enforcer... and courage personified'
Dave Watson? Thomas Gravesen? Martin Keown? Who is the ultimate Everton hard man? Phil McNulty has been revealing his top five on Wednesday. In third spot... Peter Reid Peter Reid was Everton's great midfield general, the master of dictating tempo and the engine of the great mid-80s team in partnership with the vastly underrated (although not by anyone at Goodison Park) Paul Bracewell. Advertisement Reid was courage personified, not simply in the manner in which he battled back from career-threatening injuries, but in his fearless approach on the pitch. No battle was too intense for the hugely popular Huyton-born Reid, who revelled in an era when no quarter was given in midfield. He would stand toe-to-toe with Graeme Souness at Liverpool, Norman Whiteside and Bryan Robson at Manchester United, who all had total respect for Reid, both as an opponent and a personality. There is no doubt at times he took on the role of Everton's enforcer. A boyhood Red, Reid joyously tells the tale of how he was being verbally abused by a Liverpool fan at Anfield after fouling John Barnes - only to find the supporter in question was his Uncle Albert. Reid was so much more than a hard man, as his success with Everton and England proves, but he also had that cutting edge required in what was hostile midfield territory in the 1980s. And come back in a few hours to see who McNulty has at the top of his list, plus the chance to have your say on who should have made the cut.
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Everton's enforcer... and courage personified'
Dave Watson? Thomas Gravesen? Martin Keown? Who is the ultimate Everton hard man? Phil McNulty has been revealing his top five on third ReidPeter Reid was Everton's great midfield general, the master of dictating tempo and the engine of the great mid-80s team in partnership with the vastly underrated (although not by anyone at Goodison Park) Paul was courage personified, not simply in the manner in which he battled back from career-threatening injuries, but in his fearless approach on the pitch. No battle was too intense for the hugely popular Huyton-born Reid, who revelled in an era when no quarter was given in would stand toe-to-toe with Graeme Souness at Liverpool, Norman Whiteside and Bryan Robson at Manchester United, who all had total respect for Reid, both as an opponent and a personality. There is no doubt at times he took on the role of Everton's enforcer.A boyhood Red, Reid joyously tells the tale of how he was being verbally abused by a Liverpool fan at Anfield after fouling John Barnes - only to find the supporter in question was his Uncle was so much more than a hard man, as his success with Everton and England proves, but he also had that cutting edge required in what was hostile midfield territory in the come back in a few hours to see who McNulty has at the top of his list, plus the chance to have your say on who should have made the cut.
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
The most expensive seaside area to buy a house where properties cost over £1 million
You'll need deep pockets to buy a house at this exclusive costal enclave. The UK's most expensive coastal area to buy a house has been named and it's the only area where properties cost £1,282,565 on average. The exclusive Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset has taken the crown where asking prices for a home is over three timesmore expensive than the national average. And Sandbanks, home to footballing legend Graeme Souness and Harry and Jamie Redknapp, is now the only coastal area in Great Britain with average asking prices above the £1million mark. The new data from property experts Rightmove looked at the priciest seaside spots and the most affordable across the country. Sandbanks is home to a stretch of Blue Flag certified golden beach and clear blue water and is located on a peninsula at the meeting point of Poole Harbour and the English Channel. The popular beach has also made appearances in films such as Dunkirk and Walking on the Moon. The neighbourhood has a sweeping view over the Dorset and East Devon coast - also known as the Jurassic Coast. It's long been an affluent area and known as an enclave for celebrities. Home to football manager Harry Redknapp, it is also where celebrity chef Rick Stein lives. Joining Harry and Rick on a street known as millionaire's row is comedian Karl Pilkington. And former Liverpool and Rangers star, Souness, also bought a home there, reported to have cost £3 million. In second place of the most expensive coastal area, with an average asking price of £974,635, was Canford Cliffs in Poole while Milford-on-Sea in Hampshire is third where average asking prices are £728,460. Saltcoats in Ayrshire, by contrast is the cheapest seaside spot in the UK with an average asking price of £122,208. Peterlee in County Durham is a close second (£122,246), and Ashington in Northumberland came third (£135,050). Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove said: "Sandbanks now stands out as the only seaside spot with an average asking price of over the million-pound mark. "By contrast, lower-priced seaside spots like Saltcoats and Peterlee offer home-movers a sea view at a fraction of the price, with average asking prices over a quarter of a million pounds below the national average." Across the top 50 most expensive coastal areas, average asking prices have dropped by 1 per cent, while buyer demand has risen by 8 per cent compared to last year Top 10 most expensive seaside spots in Great Britain Sandbanks, Poole - £1,282,565 (-3% YoY) Canford Cliffs, Poole - £974,635 (-9% YoY) Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire - £728,460 (+1% YoY) Lymington, Hampshire - £639,316 (-2% YoY) Budleigh Salterton, Devon - £535,761 (0% YoY) St. Ives, Cornwall - £507,139 (-2% YoY) Dartmouth, Devon - £500,006 (+4% YoY) Sidmouth, Devon - £494,811 (-5% YoY) Whitstable, Kent - £469,586 (-2% YoY) Hythe, Kent - £466,898 (0% YoY) Top 10 most affordable seaside spots in Great Britain Saltcoats, Ayrshire - £122,208 (+13% YoY) Peterlee, County Durham - £122,246 (+6% YoY) Ashington, Northumberland - £135,050 (+4% YoY) Bootle, Merseyside - £135,208 (+3% YoY) Grimsby, Lincolnshire - £142,072 (0% YoY) Blackpool, Lancashire - £142,804 (0% YoY) Fleetwood, Lancashire - £148,101 (+1% YoY) Birkenhead, Merseyside - £149,527 (+2% YoY) Blyth, Northumberland - £153,487 (+1% YoY) Workington, Cumbria - £158,956 (0% YoY)
