Alarm bells are ringing amongst Liverpool supporters, and rival fans are rubbing their hands with glee after the Premier League champions continue their dreadful run of form.
Liverpool have now lost their last four league matches following a perfect start to their title defence, with five wins in their first five league fixtures.
Add their League Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, and some fans are in panic after watching their team experience the 6th-worst Premier League start by reigning champions in the history of the competition.
Title Defence. Worst Performing Champions’ Starts to EPL Seasons
However, is it really as bad as it seems? They are only two points off the Champions League qualification spots, seven points behind leaders Arsenal (with 29 games remaining).
They are only outside the Champions League automatic knockout qualification zone due to goal difference.
Add the fact that they have suffered some key injuries and a few out-of-form players, most of whom will be returning to action soon, and it really isn’t all that bad.
Liverpool’s next three games are at home to Aston Villa (EPL) and Real Madrid (UCL) followed by a trip to Manchester City who are only one point ahead of them in the league and a single point ahead in the Champions League.
If Liverpool win against Villa, Madrid and City, all will be forgotten, and their current poor run will just be remembered as a mere blip.
However, a loss against an improving Aston Villa team and an ever-threatening Real Madrid side, Liverpool fans will rightly start to doubt their team and its manager.
It will be an interesting couple of weeks for Liverpool fans and rivals alike.
Likeable Liverpool manager Arne Slot has taken full responsibility for Liverpool’s run of poor form. However, the Dutchman has blamed his latest defeat, a three-nil home loss to Crystal Palace, on having a squad that is too small as well as four key injuries.
“We don’t have such a big squad as people might tell.” Arne Slot (Liverpool Manager)
It is common for top teams to rest players for League Cup matches. Still, many of the Liverpool manager’s increasing number of critics say that he didn’t involve enough key players, which contributed to the performance and the resulting defeat.
With huge games against Real Madrid and Manchester City looming, Slot will be under tremendous pressure to turn things around quickly.
If Liverpool lose the next three or four games, there will be massive pressure on the club owners to sack the Premier League-winning manager.
Speaking to Sky Sports TV following the match, Slot said: “Last time we played Southampton here for the League Cup, Giovanni Leone got injured.”
“We don’t have such a big squad as people might tell (we) mainly have 20 players.”
“So then if we have four injuries. I only have one right fullback. Are you willing to take that risk if such a big week is coming up?”
“If one of them was injured people would have said what a stupid choice. Also with them it was very difficult for us with our starters to beat Palace.”
I genuinely understand Slot’s points. However, when a team is on such a poor streak of bad results, they must get back to winning ways to boost confidence throughout the squad, regardless of the competition they are playing in.
Liverpool have been dumped out of the League Cup after losing 3-0 at home to Crystal Palace, causing dismay for their worldwide fanbase.
After a simply superb title-winning season in the Premier League last time around, the 2025/26 season is causing many Liverpool fans concern following an alarming set of results in recent weeks.
When the summer transfer window slammed shut, most pundits, fans and journalists believed Liverpool had just completed a near-perfect selection of high-quality transfer deals.
LFC Transfers
However, the Premier League Champions have now lost their last four league games in a row and have now been knocked out of the Cup by Crystal Palace. Disaster.
After beating title rivals Arsenal at Anfield, most observers believed it was business as usual, as Liverpool defeated a well-organised Gunners team set up in a defensive formation. Liverpool passed the test.
“Our reaction must start now.” Virgil van Dijk
Many fans are becoming worried that their new signings, formations, and results are resulting in what many see as a short-term crisis.
In contrast, others believe the problems are deeper than a blip in league results.
Captain Virgil van Dijk has issued a rallying cry to fans, players and staff alike in an attempt to turn things around and return to winning ways.
Speaking on the Liverpool FC Official Website, the Dutch international defender said, “Our reaction must start now.
“Anfield needs to be a place that no team wants to come to, and for that we need everybody, players, staff and supporters to be at their very best.”
Should Liverpool win their next league game at home to Aston Villa, the confidence levels could very well begin to return amongst fans and players alike.
However, a failure to get three points against an improving Villa side could seriously add to the pressure on manager Arne Slot.
“Our reaction must start now.” Virgil van Dijk
The Liverpool boss believes many teams have worked out effective tactics to beat his star-studded squad.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Slot said: “It is definitely that teams have a certain playing style against us.”
The Dutchman added, “It is a very good strategy to play. We have not found an answer yet.”
Whilst the manager is undoubtedly working on tactics to overcome Liverpool’s next opponents, some pundits are not entirely confident they can.
“Slot’s long-ball comments are a big concern.” Paul Merson
In fact, former Arsenal legend Paul Merson does not rate the Liverpool manager’s comments to the media.
“I didn’t like Arne Slot’s comments about not being able to handle long balls and then the low block.
“They just bought Florian Wirtz in for over £100m to get past 10 players behind the ball.”
Liverpool also has the best centre-back in the world in Virgil van Dijk. That’s why Slot’s long-ball comments are a big concern,” added Merson. (Source: Sky Sports)
“We have a fantastic manager so I don’t see any trouble.” Federico Chiesa
Liverpool’s in-form maestro, Federico Chiesa, is more optimistic, however.
Speaking in the Guardian, the Italian international said: “We’re not winning. I always think positively, and I hope we’re going to bounce back.”
Chiesa added, “We have the quality and the players to do so, and we have a fantastic manager so I don’t see any trouble.”
Liverpool have such a strong squad, a great manager as well as a superb set of fans. That is why, in my opinion, I think that they will turn things around over the next two or three league games. If they don’t, then Anfield could become a very nervy place for fans and players alike.
As I walk through the bustling streets of Manchester today, there is an unusual buzz about town.
Usually the chat in pubs, greasy spoons and on the trams is about City’s latest victory or who should be the next manager of United.
This week is different. United fans are starting to come out of their shells with a sense of happiness, relief and guarded belief.
It started after United beat Sunderland at Old Trafford. My brother and his friends all went to the match and said that United had turned things round and that United are finally clicking in all areas.
I reminded him that Sunderland were a newly promoted team and United should always be beating sides recently promoted from the Campionship.
He told me that was true but there was something in the energy, formation and performance of the team that gave United fans hope ahead of the remainder of the season as they try to get back into Europe and, more importantly, ahead of their match at Anfield against arch rivals Liverpool.
I feared for optimistic fans such as my brother’s mates and genuinely thought that United would either lose heavily to Liverpool or, if they played their hearts out, snatch a lucky draw.
I was totally wrong. Despite Liverpool having plenty of chances, United beat Liverpool 2-1 and had plenty of other chances to score themselves.
They inflicted Liverpool’s fourth defeat in four matched on their bitter rivals and the reds half of the city are absolutely buzzing.
Man United’s under-pressure manager, Ruben Amorim, described the victory as his biggest win since he took over as manager at Old Trafford and that his team played the game with a great spirit.
My brother was correct about his analysis of the Sunderland victory as United went on to win back-to-back Premier League matches for the very first time under Amorim.
Is this a real turning point for United or a just a mere flash in the pan? Possibly.
However, with United not having midweek European matches this season, Amorim and his coaching staff have plenty of time to rest the players as well as to work them hard on the training pitch to guide his team closer towards the top four and gain entry to next season’s Champions League.
Liverpool are having a nightmare patch of form and, following their home defeat to Manchester United, questions are being asked about the EPL champions’ chances of winning the league as well as the performance of their expensive squad and popular manager.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that he is concerned that his team have now lost four matches in a row following their disastrous defeat at the hands of a struggling rivals, Manchester United.
Speaking at the post-match press conference following the 2-1 home loss, Slot stated that “There are concerns. If you lose four times in a row, you have to have concerns.”
The Premier League Champions’ manager went on to attribute United’s low block and long-ball team tactics to his team’s painful defeat, but still thinks that his team should have overcome such negative tactics.
“If you had told me before the game that against the low block, against the team that plays so many long balls, we would have created as many chances as we did, I would not have expected us to lose this game,” added the Dutchman.
A defiant Slot went on to say that his team had enough chances to win, but the defeat concerned him and that losing four times in a row will definitely have an impact on his high-quality team’s chances moving forward.
Liverpool have a UEFA Champions League game on Wednesday, which he will see as a great chance to get Liverpool back on track and get a much-needed victory against Eintracht Frankfurt to stop the slide.
Personally, I think that this is a mere blip. However, one or two more defeats could see Slot and his team under some serious pressure as they contiinue to slip behing title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City in the race to become champions of England.
Bluebirds fans are upset as the discussion over Cardiff City’s future heats up as Gareth Bale’s consortium pursues the Welsh club, while dissatisfied fans push for Vincent Tan to step down. With the Bluebirds relegated to League One for the first time in more than two decades, the question isn’t whether change is necessary, but whether it is unavoidable.
The Latest Takeover Developments Gareth Bale’s Renewed Push
Welsh legend Gareth Bale has stated that his consortium has made a new, better offer to take full ownership of Cardiff City. Bale called the current bid as “more than fair,” and it represents a big increase over the previously rejected £40 million deal.
“We have a brand new offer on the table, recently just gone in. We think it’s a great offer. We’re very happy. We think it’s very fair, if not more than fair, and something we hope the current owners will take serious,” Bale revealed to Front Office Sports.
The consortium, backed by US private equity group The Storch Family, sees owning Cardiff as Bale’s “dream come true” a chance to return his hometown club to the Premier League where they belong.
Vincent Tan’s Silence Frustrates Supporters
Despite the high-profile nature of Bale’s bid, Malaysian owner Vincent Tan has been uncharacteristically hesitant in the takeover discussions. The Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust has sharply criticised the club for failing to clarify the situation, calling it “extremely unacceptable”.
The Trust contacted three Europe-based directors seeking an official position, only to receive a dismissive reply that the club would not comment on “rumours”, a response that has done little to ease growing fan unease.
Vincent Tan’s Turbulent 15-Year Legacy
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since taking over Cardiff City in 2010, Vincent Tan has overseen a period of dramatic inconsistency: • 16 different managers (including caretakers) across his ownership • 8 managers in the last four years alone • Two Premier League campaigns (2013/14 and 2018/19) • Over £200 million invested in the club • £117 million in outstanding loans from Tan to the club
Recent Relegation Sparks Fan Revolt
Cardiff’s relegation to League One in May 2025 marked a devastating low point in Tan’s ownership. Fans responded with chants of “Vincent Tan, get out of our club” outside the stadium, while protests calling for the board to be sacked became increasingly common.
In his first public statement to fans since 2018, Tan acknowledged the criticism: “We hear your words and I share your hurt and frustration. Not all decisions when it comes to the First Team have worked as I had hoped for us”.
However, many supporters remain unconvinced by what they see as empty promises, with fans on social media dismissing his statement as “waffle” and a “token gesture”.
The Mike Ashley Comparison
Parallel Frustrations
The comparison between Vincent Tan and former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is particularly striking when examining fan sentiment and ownership patterns:
Mike Ashley’s Newcastle Legacy: • Net spend of just £129.8 million over 14 years • Consistently ranked as the worst Premier League owner • Fan protests and calls for his departure throughout his tenure • Reluctance to invest meaningfully in the club’s success
Vincent Tan’s Cardiff Similarities: • Frequent managerial changes undermining stability • Growing disconnect between owner and fanbase • Broken promises and repeated cycles of disappointment • Resistance to selling despite clear fan dissatisfaction
Both owners have been criticized for treating their clubs more as business assets than sporting institutions, leading to sustained fan unrest and calls for new ownership.
What New Ownership Could Bring Bale’s Vision for Cardiff
Gareth Bale’s consortium offers a compelling alternative to the current regime: • Local connection and passion: Bale’s uncle Chris Pike played for Cardiff from 1989-1993 • Clear sporting ambition: Stated goal of returning Cardiff to the Premier League • Financial backing: Support from established US private equity • Fresh leadership: An end to the cycle of managerial instability
The Potential Transformation
Under new ownership, Cardiff could see: • Sustainable long-term planning rather than short-term fixes • Investment in youth development and infrastructure • Restored connection between club and community • Professional management structure to support on-field success
The Fan Verdict: Time for Change
The evidence from supporter reactions is overwhelming—Cardiff City fans want Vincent Tan to sell. The Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust has been particularly vocal, criticizing the “failure to address fundamental required changes from the top down”.
Fan sentiment reflects a clear belief that Tan’s promises ring hollow after 15 years of unfulfilled potential. As one supporter noted on social media: “These words are nothing if they don’t turn into proper action, this has gone far enough”.
What Happens Next?
With Cardiff facing their first season in League One since 2003, the pressure on Vincent Tan has never been greater. Gareth Bale’s consortium continues to wait for a response to their improved offer, while fans grow increasingly impatient with the lack of transparency from current ownership. The parallels with Mike Ashley’s eventually successful sale of Newcastle United suggest that sustained fan pressure and credible takeover interest can eventually force change. The question now is whether Vincent Tan will recognise that his time at Cardiff City has reached its natural conclusion.
Should Vincent Tan sell Cardiff City? Based on fan sentiment, the club’s recent trajectory, and the credible alternative offered by Bale’s consortium, the answer appears to be a resounding yes. The only remaining question is whether Tan himself will finally listen to the supporters who have consistently supported Cardiff City and deserve so much more.
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Since joining Manchester United, Ruben Amorim has not held back when challenging the status quo; it seems his tolerance with the Red Devils’ misfiring attack has run out.
Following a horrific first half of the season, Amorim allegedly has a simply incredible move in mind as Marcus Rashford looks like he is on his way out of Old Trafford and, in his place, world-class Nigerian sensation Victor Osimhen could be on his way to Manchester.
The action would be bold, divisive, and purely box office. Currently tearing up the Süper Lig with Galatasaray, Osimhen is loaned from Napoli but might be called back at short notice should a big-money offer come in from United.
The 25-year-old striker has nine goals and three assists in just 11 league appearances. It makes sense Amorim is interesting in making a HUGE statement by signing the Nigerian star.
Bringing Osimhen to Old Trafford will not be cheap. Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli’s famously austere president, has priced the forward at €75 million. Given United’s owners have allegedly opted to tighten the purse strings following years of extravagant expenditure, that is a large sum of money. But it would surely help United back to winning ways and also make a huge statement.
Osimhen to Set Old Trafford ablaze?
Victor Osimhen is a game-changer not merely another striker. Having a blazing speed, physicality, and killer instinct in front of goal, the Lagos-born forward has all the ingredients to rule in the Premier League.
A move to Manchester United could at last see him realise his dream of playing in England, a wish he has apparently been carrying for years.
United have reportedly already started corresponding with Osimhen’s officials; personal terms are not likely to cause problems. Convincing Napoli to cut ties with their top striker mid-season presents the true difficulty. De Laurentiis is known for his aggressive bargaining strategies, hence any agreement for Osimhen will probably be close to collapse.
Can United afford to indulge €75 million on Osimhen?Their ability to recover funds from player sales will determine the response. Rashford’s leaving would surely raise some money. If they pulled this one of, it would be surely the start of a new era for the once great Manchester United?
Would he go to United though? It is a basketcase of a club at times but you never know.
Whispers of a developing transfer war between European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are abound on the football grapevine. Apparently looking at several important players, both teams are preparing for a high-stakes confrontation during the next transfer window.
Real Madrid has focused on Bayern’s flexible defender Joshua Kimmich, whose contract is almost expired. Furthermore highly sought for by Manchester City is the German international; Pep Guardiola is eager to start negotiations in January.
Feeding the fire, Liverpool is drawn to Bayern’s left-back Alphonso Davies. The Canadian speedster might be on the move with his contract running down, which would cause Real Madrid to keep a close eye on things.
Bayern Munichis not sitting about either in meantime. Looking to increase their attacking options, the Bavarians are allegedly thinking about moving for Barcelona’s Leroy Sané.
In a strange turn of events, Barcelona’s financial problems might cause them to release some talent. If Barcelona fails to register Dani Olmo, who joined the Catalan club for £52 million this summer, he could be free transferred. Should the chance present, Arsenal and Manchester City are ready to grab.
Fans should anticipate a frenzy of activity among Europe’s top teams as the January transfer window draws near. Contracts winding down and clubs looking to strengthen their teams sets the scene for a dramatic overhaul in the football hierarchy.
As the transfer story develops, keep tuned for more updates!
And he’s off…. In a bombshell revelation, Manchester United’s once-golden boy, Marcus Rashford, has declared his intention to leave Old Trafford, citing a desire for “a new challenge and the next steps” in his career.
I think many United fans will be happy to see him leave after numerous seasons on inconsitency along with distractions off-the-pitch.
The 27-year-old forward, who has been with United since the tender age of seven, has seen his form wane over the past 18 months, leading to his omission from both the starting lineup and the England squad. Despite inking a lucrative five-year deal in 2023, Rashford’s recent performances have failed to justify his hefty £325,000-a-week wages.
Adding fuel to the fire, whispers around Old Trafford suggest that Rashford’s off-field lifestyle has raised eyebrows among the club’s hierarchy. Concerns about his focus and commitment have been mounting, with sources alleging that the forward is grappling with numerous distractions away from the pitch.
The situation reached a boiling point when new manager Ruben Amorim axed Rashford from the squad for the recent Manchester derby. Amorim, known for his no-nonsense approach, is reportedly keen on overhauling the squad’s culture, and Rashford’s perceived lack of application in training hasn’t done him any favors.
In the wake of these developments, Rashford has maintained a diplomatic stance, stating, “When I leave, it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United.” He further emphasized his lifelong allegiance to the club, asserting, “I’ll always be a Red! 100 per cent. 100 per cent.”
As the January transfer window looms, speculation is rife about Rashford’s next destination. While a move to a Premier League rival like Arsenal has been mooted, with pundit Danny Murphy suggesting it could rejuvenate his career, the financial implications of his substantial wages pose a significant hurdle.
Alternatively, the cash-rich Saudi Pro League has emerged as a potential suitor, with clubs like Al Ittihad, managed by ex-United defender Laurent Blanc, reportedly expressing interest. Such a move could offer Rashford a fresh start away from the relentless scrutiny of English football.
As the saga unfolds, one thing is clear: Marcus Rashford’s imminent departure marks the end of an era at Manchester United. Whether his next chapter leads to redemption or further decline remains to be seen, but for now, the Theatre of Dreams prepares to bid farewell to one of its own.
Huge rumours are emerging ahead of the reformatted Club World Cup regarding Cristiano Ronaldo joining Messi at Inter Miami.
The two have never played for the same team before and, after dominating club football for such a long time, many (including myself) would love to see them on the same team. It would be incredible.
The rumours were driving Inter Miami, Messi and CR7 supporters crazy this week after reports began emerging, speculating that Inter Miami owner David Beckham was investigating the possibility of reuniting Ronaldo and Messi in the United States, producing a footballing spectacle unlike any other.
A defensive and dismissive reaction from Ronaldo’s club did little to pour water on the suggestions that where there is smoke, there is fire, with Al-Nassr officials in Saudi Arabia labelling the reports as “science fiction.”
Beckham’s Inter Miami, which has already seen a significant rise in appeal since Messi arrived last year, is still driven about drawing marquee players. Fans around the world are now familiar with the MLS giants, and you can see people all over Europe wearing the distinctive pink jerseys with Messi’s name plastered over the back. Imagine how many shirts they would sell if Ronaldo joined Messi?
Transfers of other well-known stars could still be on the cards as Beckham and his ownership group have always underlined their aim to make Inter Miami one of the biggest clubs in North America.
Although Ronaldo’s relocation to MLS is still just hope and speculation for now, the sheer buzz created by the rumours emphasises the rising profile of Inter Miami and the MLS as a venue for the top football players worldwide.
