The Busby Babe
Where it's always squeaky bum time
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JJ Gabriel verbally agrees to Real Madrid move
Real Madrid have secured a verbal agreement to sign 16‑year‑old forward JJ Gabriel from Manchester United in January, pending FIFA approval. Gabriel, who holds a European passport through his parents, requested a transfer in September and has not trained with United since. While United considered legal action, they have not made direct contact with Madrid. The teenager, who featured briefly in a pre‑season friendly against AC Milan, opted for a long‑term deal with the Spanish giants over interest from PSG, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Manchester United 3-2 Roma: Proof of life in 2nd half comeback
Manchester United snap a 50‑day winless streak with a dramatic 3‑2 comeback against AS Roma in the Champions League group stage on November 3, 2026. Down 2‑0 after early goals from Diogo Dalot’s error and a Donyell Malen penalty, United rally when captain Bruno Fernandes converts a VAR‑awarded penalty in the 58th minute. Brazilian Matheus Cunha then nets two late goals – a lucky finish in the 83rd and a powerful strike three minutes later – to complete the turnaround. The win, boosted by academy graduate Shea Lacey’s assist, gives United three points heading into their weekend clash with Aston Villa.
Manchester United v Roma: Live stream, Time & How to watch
Manchester United host Roma at 20:00 GMT on November 3, 2026, in their second home Europa League tie after defeats to Atletico and Como. United, managed by Michael Carrick, aim for their sixth win over the Italian side, while Roma sit third in Serie A with only one loss— a 4-3 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. Recent meetings include a 3-2 Roma win in the 2021 Europa League semi‑finals, but United advanced on an 8‑5 aggregate after a 6‑2 first‑leg victory. Injuries hover: Donyell Malen returns, Lisandro Martínez serves a ban, and Paulo Dybala is doubtful. Watch on Prime Video (UK), Paramount+ (US) or DAZN/Fubo (Canada).
Available or not, it’s time to drop Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez receives a red card after Manchester United fall behind to Chelsea on Oct. 31, 2026, sparking criticism that his poor form and costly mistakes warrant an immediate benching. The column argues United should drop him ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Roma, noting his injury‑plagued four‑year stint, expiring contract, and the emergence of alternatives like Matthijs De Ligt and younger prospects. With United’s defensive depth thin and morale low after defeats to Como and Bournemouth, the piece questions whether Martinez can ever fulfil the "Butcher" hype.
Match Preview: Manchester United vs. Roma
Manchester United head into Tuesday’s Champions League matchday four against 15th‑placed Roma after nine winless games and a recent 3-0 loss to Bournemouth. Manager Michael Carrick, under pressure, may see his final charge if United lose again, as the Red Devils sit 17th in the Premier League, just outside the relegation zone on goal difference. Roma arrive on a five‑match unbeaten run, scoring three or more goals in four of those games, but defensive frailties persist. United’s lineup could see Martinez suspended, Tielemans moved forward, and Rashford’s fitness in question.
Chelsea 2-0 Manchester United: Positive start wasted by Martinez, defensive stupidity
Chelsea claim a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 31, 2026, after a chaotic second half sparked by Lisandro Martinez’s red card and a penalty concession. Morgan Rogers opens the scoring early in the second period, exploiting a sloppy United turnover, while Cole Palmer converts Martinez’s reckless foul into a penalty. United, already struggling with seven points from nine games, missed chances from Amad, Matheus Cunha, and Bruno Fernandes, and the defense appeared disjointed. The defeat leaves United heading to Europe for a tough clash with Roma at Old Trafford.
Chelsea vs Manchester United: Live stream, Time & How to watch
Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge for a lunchtime Premier League clash on October 31, 2026. Both Xabi Alonso and Michael Carrick risk a third straight defeat, with United struggling in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone after a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth. Bruno Fernandes is set to return after being dropped, while Marcus Rashford’s fitness remains doubtful. United’s predicted 4-2-3-1 lineup features Lammens, Mazraoui, Maguire, Martínez, Dalot, Santos, Baleba, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Mount and Cunha. The game airs on Sky Sports in the UK, USA Network in the U.S., Telemundo in Spanish, and DAZN/Fubo in Canada.
Three Points: Chelsea vs. Manchester United
Manchester United face Chelsea this Saturday with three key factors in play. Captain Bruno Fernandes, back after a benching, must find form to lift United’s win‑rate, echoing his turnaround two seasons ago. Emerging midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returns, offering fresh spark alongside the new signing Carlos Baleba, though his start is uncertain. Chelsea arrive weakened: Joao Pedro is sidelined and Cole Palmer lacks his past sharpness, giving United a chance to capitalize despite their own inconsistency. The preview highlights United’s need for midfield firepower and the opportunity to secure three points against a vulnerable Chelsea side.
Benjamin Sesko Represents the Issues of the INEOS Era
Benjamin Sesko's shin injury sidelines Manchester United's £66.3 million striker until at least January, highlighting the INEOS era's transfer missteps. The Slovenian forward, who debuted in a 3‑2 Carabao Cup loss to Brighton, has matched Rasmus Hojlund’s goal output but remains a backup option despite being bought as a starter. United’s reliance on his 10‑plus goals this season underscores a broader squad crisis, with aging veterans set to depart and limited funds for replacements. The article argues Sesko epitomises the board’s failure to balance ambition with realistic player development.
Indecision is a costly decision every day for Manchester United
Manchester United’s executives met this week after back‑to‑back defeats, choosing to keep Michael Carrick as manager despite fan pressure and a worsening squad. An ESPN report notes the Stretford End’s emotional backing helped secure Carrick’s short‑term stay, while a Glazer‑family briefing tried to downplay the crisis. Critics argue that Director of Football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada have assembled a less talented team, warning that indecision threatens a third managerial search in three seasons. The article calls for replacing Wilcox and Berrada to halt the club’s decline.
A Fragile Truce Will Make Little Difference
Manchester United's turmoil deepens as reports confirm a tentative reconciliation between captain Bruno Fernandes and interim manager Michael Carrick after a disastrous week that saw Fernandes benched against Bournemouth. The board appears set to retain Carring, not out of confidence but to avoid the cost of a new hire, while executives Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell face scrutiny over their lack of viable replacements and questionable transfer spending. With United set to travel to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the newly‑formed truce may have little impact on Saturday's crucial fixture.
The INEOS Group’s Naivety and Arrogance Has Been Staggering
The Busby Babe critiques INEOS Group’s transfer strategy at Manchester United, noting that none of the five signings from their first window—including £50m target Leny Yoro—have delivered, while only low‑cost prospects Ayden Heaven and Senne Lammens show potential. Veteran hires like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have offered flashes of form but not the impact expected. The article argues that the club’s repeat of a failed, INEOS‑centric approach, despite Michael Carrick’s steadying influence and a third‑place finish with 71 points, reveals arrogance rather than strategic growth, and questions the future of directors Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell.
Sesko out until January
Manchester United confirm that Slovenia striker Benjamin Šeško will miss the rest of the season, returning no earlier than January, as he recovers from a shin injury that flared up after a kick last season and a collision with Liverpool’s Ibrahim Konate. The 23‑year‑old, who scored 12 goals last campaign and has two in six this term, last played on September 16 in the Carabao Cup loss to Brighton. United’s medical team are opting for rest over surgery to ensure a full, setback‑free recovery.
Grappling with another chaos spiral
Another manager under fire and another string of historically poor results for a once great club. New episode of The Fergie Fledglings Colin, Nathan, and Pauly do their best to grapple with another chaos spiral at Manchester United.
Where does Manchester United go next?
Manchester United reels after a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, sitting 16th with eight winless games. Fans blame the Glazer ownership for under‑investing in signings—midfielders, full‑backs and a backup striker—leaving Michael Carring’s side forced to field out‑of‑position players and 19‑year‑old Harry Amass at left‑back. Injuries to Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Benjamin Šeško exacerbate the crisis, while banners at Old Trafford decry ‘standards’ and ‘snakes and rats.’ The article argues only an ownership overhaul can revive United, naming Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe as preferred managerial candidates, with Antonio Conte deemed unlikely. Without new funds, long‑term success seems impossible.
Staff Takeaways: Manchester United 0-3 Bournemouth
Manchester United suffer a 0-3 home loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026, marking the club's third 3‑0 defeat to the Cherries in four years. Staff writers critique United's midfield signings, especially underwhelming Andrey Santos, and lament the failed summer transfer window and lack of identity under Michael Carrick’s departing tenure. They highlight Bournemouth’s hard‑working, physical style under Eddie Howe’s influence, which overwhelmed United’s disjointed side.
Opinion: The Glazers Aren’t Selling Manchester United. It’s Time We Accept That.
The article argues that the Glazer family has no incentive to sell Manchester United, citing a record £677.6 million revenue in 2026 and a shift from an £18.4 million loss to a £22.6 million profit despite missing European competition. It contends the owners prioritize commercial success over on‑field results, while blaming players for a lack of effort—evidenced by FotMob data showing United covering 21.04 km less total distance and 83 fewer sprints than opponents in the first eight Premier League games. The piece also dismisses the idea that manager Michael Carrick’s removal will solve the club’s deeper issues, urging fans to accept the ownership’s business‑driven outlook.
Manchester United 0-3 Bournemouth: The end is nigh, again…
Manchester United suffer a 3-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford, marking the third loss to the Cherries in four seasons and the third different United manager to endure it. Goals come from Rayan (a free‑kick scramble), Marcus Tavernier after Leny Yoro’s slip, and Evanilson capitalising on a defensive error that left keeper Senne Lammens exposed. United dominate possession but create few chances, with Youri Tielemans and the wings largely ineffective. Fans vent frustration with chants targeting Michael Carrick and ownership, while Bournemouth secure only their second win of the season, leaving United languishing with seven points from eight games and casting doubt on Carrick’s future.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth: Live stream, Time & How to watch
Manchester United face Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in a must‑win Premier League clash. Bruno Fernandes is expected to start, while Michael Carrick remains in charge despite recent criticism and a seven‑game winless streak highlighted by a 4‑1 Champions League loss to Como. United can recall Lisandro Martinez, Marcus Rashford and Ayden Heaven after they sat out the Como match, and Leny Yoro returns from a European ban to partner Harry Maguire in defence. Injured players include Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and others, while Joshua Zirkzee may earn a rare start after scoring a consolation goal. The game kicks off in the afternoon UK time (10 a.m. ET) on Sky Sports in the UK, USA on NBC, Telemundo in Spanish, and DAZN/Fubo in Canada.
On Invoking History
After Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Como, Bruno Fernandes criticised the habit of judging the club by its past, echoing Lisandro Martinez’s claim that the current era differs from Michael Carrick’s early‑year tenure. Carrick, however, invoked United’s history ahead of the weekend game, insisting the team has “lost its way” and must return to the standards set by legends like Bryan Robson. The article debates whether such nostalgic references help or hinder modern managers, noting Carrick’s sincere, emotion‑driven approach versus the tactical focus of contemporary coaching.
Match Preview: Manchester United vs Bournemouth
Manchester United chase a morale‑boosting Premier League win over Bournemouth on Sunday after a 4‑1 Champions League loss to Como. The Reds, now under Marco Rose, sit a point behind Bournemouth following a 2‑0 victory over Sunderland, while the Cherries, fresh from a 4‑4 draw with United last season, could field returning loanee Eli Junior Kroupi after foot surgery. United may have defensive options with Leny Yoro back and Matthijs de Ligt fit, but Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and others remain sidelined. Bournemouth miss Alex Scott and Julian Araujo.
Three Points: Manchester United vs. Bournemouth
Manchester United faces Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 24, 2026 amid mounting pressure on interim boss Michael Carrick. After a disappointing 2-1 loss to Como in Italy, Carrick's resilience in bouncing back has been praised, but fans remain impatient as the club tussles with off‑field drama, including Bruno Fernandes’ recent home burglary and criticism of the coaching staff. With United’s Champions League qualification at stake, the article stresses the need for genuine effort and a motivational spark, warning that both Fernandes and Lisandro Martínez’s frustration could force decisive managerial choices before the home game.
What Now?
Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Como 1907 on Oct. 21 has ignited fresh criticism of the club’s direction. The author cites Lisandro Martinez’s pre‑match rant, Bruno Fernandes’ post‑match comments and Michael Carrick’s reaction as signs of deep unrest. Under the Glazers and now INEOS/Jim Ratcliffe, United suffer from erratic recruitment, cost‑cutting and a lack of tactical identity, leaving key positions thin and the squad disjointed. With only seven league games played, the pundits foresee a possible managerial change and a broader reset, though a quick fix could still keep European hopes alive.
Como 4-1 Manchester United: Player Ratings
Manchester United suffer a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League group stage, prompting a brutal player rating roundup. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens earns a 4, while defenders Diogo Dalot (5) and the makeshift back‑line of de Ligt, Maguire and Mazraoui receive low marks (3, 3 and 1) as lapses expose United’s defensive frailties. Midfielders Mount, Cunha, Tielemans and Fernandes are rated between 2 and 3, highlighting mismatched roles and a lack of mobility. Substitute Amad shines with a 5 and an assist, but manager Michael Carrick is condemned with a 2 for his selection amid injury woes and limited investment. The article details each player's performance and critiques United’s tactical plan.
Como vs Manchester United: Live stream, Time & How to watch
Manchester United return to Champions League action on Oct. 24, 2026, travelling to Italy for a first‑ever clash with Serie A newcomers Como. The Lariani, coached by Cesc Fabregas, leap‑frogged from the fourth tier in 2018/19 to a fourth‑place finish last season, highlighted by a 4‑1 home win over RB Leipzig and a 3‑1 away victory at Fiorentina. United seek to bounce back from a recent loss to Atlético Madrid and will field a likely 4‑2‑3‑1 line‑up featuring Lammens, Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot, Santos, Baleba, Amad, Tielemans, Fernandes and Mbeumo. The match kicks off at 3:00 p.m. UK time (evening in the US) and streams on Prime Video (UK), Paramount+ (US), DAZN/Fubo (Canada), with other options via LiveSoccerTV.
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