Captain v Coach: Fernandes and Carrick Trade Words as Big Weekend Looms

Captain v Coach: Fernandes and Carrick Trade Words as Big Weekend Looms

Your Thursday night catch-up: drama at Old Trafford, A-League team news, a Wallaroos farewell and a family showdown at the Rugby League World Cup.

Bruno questions the game plan, Carrick bites back
Manchester United’s 4-1 Champions League loss at Como has turned into a public row. Skipper Bruno Fernandes told TNT Sports the team didn’t press enough and suggested the coaching staff’s decision not to press man-to-man left space in behind. Jamie Carragher called the captain’s comments a disgrace. Michael Carrick hit back, saying United did press man-to-man for part of the second half and conceded from it, and that results come down to effort whatever the system. United are now seven games without a win and host Bournemouth on Sunday. Wear your colours through the tough times with the Manchester United FC Bar Scarf ($36, in stock).

Bournemouth’s European adventure faces AC Milan
Before the trip to Old Trafford, the Cherries host AC Milan in the Europa League early Friday morning (AEDT). This is the club’s first-ever European campaign and they’ve won both games so far, away at Real Sociedad and at home to Sturm Graz. On the weekend they also got their first Premier League win of the season, against Sunderland. Back them with the AFC Bournemouth Essential Black Cap ($36, in stock).

Palace head to Istanbul
Crystal Palace are in Turkey to face Besiktas in the Europa League, with kick-off at 6am AEDT Friday. Pierre Sage’s side need a response after their 5-0 thrashing by Brighton. Eagles fans can fly the flag with the Crystal Palace FC Large Eagles Pennant ($28, in stock).

A-League Men Matchweek 2: who’s in, who’s out
Round 2 kicks off with Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium on Friday at 8pm. Melbourne City welcome back Emiliano Marcondes from injury ahead of the Melbourne Derby. Western Sydney Wanderers promote Brandon Borrello but lose Awan Lual to a hamstring problem for Saturday’s clash with Auckland FC. Sydney FC are without Jake Hollman (knock) for Sunday’s game against Adelaide United, and Perth have announced the signing of Jay O’Shea.

Wallaroos chase a clean sweep in Canberra
Captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona says the Wallaroos want to turn an emotional week into a series sweep against Scotland on Friday. It’s the last Test for Emily Chancellor and Cecilia Smith, who have played close to 80 Tests between them. Prop Eva Karpani is set to become only the second Wallaroo to reach 50 caps. The match is live on Stan Sport.

Family feud at CommBank Stadium
Tonga and Lebanon have locked in their teams for Friday’s World Cup clash in Sydney (8:05pm AEDT). Tonga field Jason Taumalolo, Addin Fonua-Blake and Haumole Olakau’atu, while Lebanon have Jacob Kiraz and Jason Saab out wide. There’s a family twist too: brothers Tony and Tupou Francis line up for Lebanon against their cousin, Tonga fullback Lehi Hopoate.

Whichever team you follow, Football Heaven has been an Australian home for officially licensed football and rugby merchandise since 2006, with more than 250 brands. Browse your club’s range at footballheaven.com.au or start with Shop by Club.

Sources:

Related posts