Match story
- England created the clearer chances on xG (3.20 vs 0.70, Δ 2.50).
- England fired more attempts (22 vs 10 shots).
England defeated Croatia 4-2 in the World Cup. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 1 stage in the 2026 season. The match was played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Clement Turpin, France officiated the match. The full-time result capped a England vs Croatia meeting in World Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for England and Croatia. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World CupRecorded meetings: 4 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
England defeated Croatia 4-2 in the World Cup. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 1 stage in the 2026 season. The match was played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Clement Turpin, France officiated the match. The full-time result capped a England vs Croatia meeting in World Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for England and Croatia. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World CupRecorded meetings: 4 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
INTERVIEW BY NATHAN SALT IN DUBLIN: It's why United were comfortable throwing open the doors to Amazon filmmakers for this season's 'All or Nothing' behind-the-scenes documentary.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick wants to keep getting the best out of skipper Bruno Fernandes. The 31-year-old has entered the final year of his contract, although United do have the option to extend it by another year. Ideally, Fernandes would stay at Old Trafford but so far there has been no progress on a new deal.
Former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit (Picture: Getty) Ruud Gullit believes that Marcus Rashford’s return to Manchester United could prove to be the ‘best Premier League signing of the summer’. Rashford’s time in Manchester appeared to be up when he joined Barcelona on loan last summer, a deal that was expected to be made permanent in a £26million deal. The 28-year-old had made no bones about his desire to extend his stay at the club, but the Catalan giants instead decided to pursue a deal for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon. After a break following the World Cup, Rashford has now joined up with United’s pre-season training, watching from the sidelines as the Red Devils drew 1-1 against Leeds United on Wednesday. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. And while an exit from Old Trafford appeared far more likely earlier in the summer, a lack of serious suitors prepared to meet United’s £40m asking price means the Englishman now looks set to return to his boyhood club. But former Chelsea manager Gullit expects Rashford to come back to the Premier League with a point to prove, and believes keeping the winger could prove United’s best piece of business this summer. ‘Marcus Rashford could end up being the best signing,’ he told Sport Witness. Marcus Rashford has joined pre-season training with Manchester United (Picture: Getty) ‘He learned a lot at Barcelona and played much better, with far more freedom, than he ever did at Manchester United. ‘Was that his fault, or was it down to the environment at the club? It’s very easy to point fingers at the player. But if he performs well elsewhere, it suggests something was wrong in his previous environment. ‘So that could prove to be a fantastic move, for Manchester United if he stays, and performs like he did at Barcelona.’ Rashford’s return to United has also been endorsed by former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand, who recently said: ‘Rashford is back at Manchester United at the training ground and guys, he’s like a purring Ferrari man. Michael Carrick has hinted that Rashford is in his plans for the new season (Picture: Getty) ‘He looks fit, he looks ready. And you know what, there’s a smile on his face and there’s a little spring in his step. ‘We don’t know which way this is going to go and how it’s going to pan out by the end of this transfer window. But you know what, I hope he stays and he will be like a new signing at the football club. ‘And could this be the motivated Marcus Rashford to come out and prove all the doubters and all the people wrong? And all the naysayers.I hope it is. Let’s watch this space.’ Speaking after United’s draw with Leeds, Michael Carrick hinted that Rashford was in his plans ahead of the new season. ‘He’s our player, you know, and he’s come back great. He’s just like any other player,’ Carrick told ITV1. ‘I’ve known Marcus a long time and, you know, he gives us something a little bit different. And he’s been in great spirits since he’s been back. ‘He’s been back two or three days training and it’s just pretty normal, to be honest. And we’re looking forward to the start of the season.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Manchester United signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa last month (Picture: Getty) Youri Tielemans has issued a heartfelt apology to Aston Villa fans after suggesting Manchester United were a level ‘above’ his former team. After wrapping up a deal with Chelsea for Andrey Santos, United further strengthened their midfield by triggering a £35million release clause in Tielemans’ contract at Villa Park. Tielemans enjoyed three years with the Villains after joining the club from Leicester City back in 2023, racking up ten goals and 25 assists in 134 appearances across all competitions. The 29-year-old made sure to depart Villa on good terms after helping Unai Emery’s side get their hands on the Europa League trophy – the club’s first European title in 44 years. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. However, some seemingly innocuous remarks he made in the week managed to rub many up the wrong way, prompting an online backlash from those supporters who had been singing his name not so long ago. ‘I am very thankful to Aston Villa. I owe them the world,’ Tielemans said. ‘It is a great club, we did amazing things, and they have put me back to my best level. But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them. Tielemans made his second United appearance versus Leeds on Wednesday (Picture: Getty) The Belgian scored in the shootout in Dublin (Picture: Getty) ‘It is a great achievement for any footballer to end up here. It means you have done well in your career. But it does not end there. I want to be successful.’ Tielemans made his unofficial United debut last weekend as Michael Carrick’s men draw 1-1 with European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg. United fans got a second look at Tielemans as the Belgian featured again versus Leeds on Wednesday night, coming onto the field with half an hour remaining at Dublin’s Croke Park. Tielemans finished the match on a high, making no mistake from the spot as United beat their bitter rivals 5-4 on penalties. Tielemans apologised on his social media pages (Picture: Instagram) But less than 24 hours on, Tielemans felt the need to reach out to those Villa supporters who he may have upset with his comments prior to the friendly. ‘Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or undermine the institution of Aston Villa Football Club which I massively respect and I’m grateful to for the past three years,’ he wrote. ‘I must however admit my mistake and apologise for my choice of words, will be more careful in the future.’ Tielemans put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty) Tielemans took the opportunity to send his best wishes to his former club, who begin their Premier League campaign away to Brighton in just over a week’s time. ‘Wishing the club the best in the future. Youri,’ he added. Tielemans could be in line to make his Premier League debut for United against newly promoted Hull City on August 22. The former Villa, Leicester and Monaco man will no doubt be desperate to hit the ground running in the No.18 shirt, previously worn by the likes of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Scholes. The midfielder won the Europa League with Villa last season (Picture: Getty) Featuring as a guest on talkSPORT this week, Ben Foster applauded United on their transfer business thus far – and branded Tielemans the ‘signing of the summer’ in the Premier League. ‘I still think Youri Tielemans is the signing so far. What a bit of business,’ the ex-United and England goalkeeper said. ‘I’ve watched a load of transfers happen, Tottenham spending a lot of money, Arsenal have just spent a lot of money, but I still think Youri Tielemans is the signing of the summer so far. ‘For £30m (£35m), whatever it was, he is a ready-made, good-to-go, starting XI player and if you can spend that money on a ready-to-go sta
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino (Picture: Getty) Mikel Merino says Arsenal ‘probably’ have the ‘best midfield in football’ after Bruno Guimaraes’ £75m move from Newcastle United. The Premier League champions signed Brazil international Guimaraes on a four-year deal after a protracted saga with Newcastle. Guimaraes bolsters an Arsenal midfield that already includes captain Martin Odegaard, England stars Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze, former Real Madrid target Martin Zubimendi, academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly and World Cup winner Merino. Arsenal will try to retain their Premier League crown this season while mounting another challenge for the Champions League after losing to PSG in the final back in May. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Merino, who has returned to Arsenal after helping Spain win the World Cup, believes the Gunners are in good shape to do just that after the ‘amazing’ signing of Guimaraes. Guimaraes made his first appearance for Arsenal in Wednesday’s pre-season draw with Cesc Fabregas’ Como. ‘Amazing signing,’ Merino said when asked about the Newcastle star swapping St James’ Park for the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta and new Arsenal signing Bruno Guimaraes (Picture: Getty) ‘He has proved throughout these years how good he is at Newcastle. And he showed it today again. A lot of composure, technical ability, a lot of defensive effort as well. ‘So it’s a very good signing. A top player, but we have many of those in this team. So everyone that comes to help the team is welcome.’ Asked about the strength of Arsenal’s midfield following Guimaraes’ arrival, Merino added: ‘Honestly, it’s unreal. Probably the best midfield in football. Arsenal are hoping to retain the Premier League (Picture: Getty) ‘The amount of quality that we have there, with every player that can come on the pitch and make a good shift. It’s great. ‘That’s good for the team. That’s good for the squad. It raises everyone’s level because if you have a bad day, the one that is close to you is going to do a great job. ‘I think we have an amazing squad. The hunger is still there. Not because we won it last season, we’re going to be happy with it. https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbyqbq_COQ2/?hl=en&img_index=1 ‘We want more and more and more and we want every trophy possible. That’s the best quality of this team. Not only the amount of depth that we have, the quality that we have in every position, but that hunger.’ Premier League legend and ex-England striker Alan Shearer also believes Arsenal boast arguably the best midfield on the planet following the deal for Guimaraes. ‘Arsenal are signing a top-quality player in Bruno Guimaraes,’ the Newcastle hero told Betfair. ‘There’s no doubt about that. ‘They’re signing a player who’s so comfortable on the ball under pressure, who can make that killer pass. He’s got a great attitude, too, we’ve seen that at Newcastle. ‘So, there’s no doubt he’ll improve them. I think with the likes of Rice, Odegaard and Bruno, there won’t be many better midfields out there.’ Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence with a home match against newly-promoted Coventry City a week on Friday. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Rangers goalkeeper Mason Munn could leave on loan this summer, with clubs across England and Scotland showing interest. The post Rangers Prospect Drawing Significant Loan Move Attention appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
Manchester United aren’t quite ready to compete for the title, says club legend Steve Bruce (Picture: talkSPORT) Steve Bruce has played down Manchester United’s Premier League title hopes and picked out reigning champions Arsenal as the ‘team to beat’ this coming season. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal cantered to the title with a game to spare last term, holding off nearest rivals Manchester City to end the club’s painful 22-year wait for top-flight glory. Having finished with an imperious seven-point advantage at the summit, the Gunners will hope to carry that same form into the new campaign, which starts at home to Premier League new boys Coventry in a week’s time. First, though, the north Londoners will look to build some confidence in what promises to be an intriguing Community Shield showdown against Enzo Maresca’s City at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Sunday. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. For Bruce’s former club United, the season gets up and running away to newly promoted Hull City – the team he managed from 2012 to 2016 – on August 22. A dramatic end-of-season resurgence under Michael Carrick has Bruce feeling positive about the year ahead at Old Trafford, with the club competing in the Champions League again for the first time since 2023/24. Earlier this week, ex-United and England goalkeeper Ben Foster put his neck on the line by tipping the Red Devils for the title while featuring as a guest on talkSPORT. Arteta steered Arsenal to a first league title in 22 years last season (Picture: Getty) Carrick was given the Manchester United job on a full-time basis back in May (Picture: Getty) When asked for his thoughts on Foster’s bold prediction, though, Bruce replied: ‘I think that’s too much too soon. I’d love to say he was right! ‘But I still think Arsenal are the one to beat and they’ve just strengthened as well with Bruno Guimaraes alongside Declan Rice. And I still believe there’s one or two coming into Arsenal. ‘They’re still the one to beat. They won it at a canter in the end, didn’t they? So they’re the ones to beat. ‘Look, Manchester United have made huge strides. I would think getting in the Champions League would be a success for Michael Carrick. But for United to go on and win it? I’m not sure they’re quite ready yet.’ The Gunners are the ‘team to beat’ this coming season, says Bruce (Picture: Getty) Bruce has been hugely impressed with the work Carrick has done in ‘simplifying’ the task at hand at United, with the club rising from seventh – when he took over – to finish third in the table last season. ‘He’s come in and steadied the ship in his own way,’ Bruce – who won three Premier League titles with United – went on. ‘He’s put his stamp on them and he’s played in a certain way which is very simple. Carrick steered United to a third-placed finish last term (Picture: PA) ‘It looks as if he’s simplified it whereas before it always looked so complicated. ‘I’m never going to criticise a head coach of anybody because I know how difficult it is, but the last manager [Ruben Amorim] seemed to be just obsessed with the way he wanted to play and it wasn’t working. ‘He [Amorim] seemed reluctant to change what he wanted to do which is fair enough, but certainly Michael has come in, played a back four and been very simple in what he’s done, but the players have responded to it.’ Bruce won three Premier League titles with the Red Devils (Picture: Getty) According to Bruce, the added workload that comes with qualifying for the Champions League means this season will be a ‘different kettle of fish’ for Carrick and his team compared to the last. ‘A foray into Europe would be fantastic,’ he continued. ‘The big thing Michael had in his advantage last year was that Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup and League Cup very quickly and they didn’t have Europe, so they played
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
INTERVIEW BY NATHAN SALT IN DUBLIN: It's why United were comfortable throwing open the doors to Amazon filmmakers for this season's 'All or Nothing' behind-the-scenes documentary.
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick wants to keep getting the best out of skipper Bruno Fernandes. The 31-year-old has entered the final year of his contract, although United do have the option to extend it by another year. Ideally, Fernandes would stay at Old Trafford but so far there has been no progress on a new deal.
Former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit (Picture: Getty) Ruud Gullit believes that Marcus Rashford’s return to Manchester United could prove to be the ‘best Premier League signing of the summer’. Rashford’s time in Manchester appeared to be up when he joined Barcelona on loan last summer, a deal that was expected to be made permanent in a £26million deal. The 28-year-old had made no bones about his desire to extend his stay at the club, but the Catalan giants instead decided to pursue a deal for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon. After a break following the World Cup, Rashford has now joined up with United’s pre-season training, watching from the sidelines as the Red Devils drew 1-1 against Leeds United on Wednesday. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. And while an exit from Old Trafford appeared far more likely earlier in the summer, a lack of serious suitors prepared to meet United’s £40m asking price means the Englishman now looks set to return to his boyhood club. But former Chelsea manager Gullit expects Rashford to come back to the Premier League with a point to prove, and believes keeping the winger could prove United’s best piece of business this summer. ‘Marcus Rashford could end up being the best signing,’ he told Sport Witness. Marcus Rashford has joined pre-season training with Manchester United (Picture: Getty) ‘He learned a lot at Barcelona and played much better, with far more freedom, than he ever did at Manchester United. ‘Was that his fault, or was it down to the environment at the club? It’s very easy to point fingers at the player. But if he performs well elsewhere, it suggests something was wrong in his previous environment. ‘So that could prove to be a fantastic move, for Manchester United if he stays, and performs like he did at Barcelona.’ Rashford’s return to United has also been endorsed by former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand, who recently said: ‘Rashford is back at Manchester United at the training ground and guys, he’s like a purring Ferrari man. Michael Carrick has hinted that Rashford is in his plans for the new season (Picture: Getty) ‘He looks fit, he looks ready. And you know what, there’s a smile on his face and there’s a little spring in his step. ‘We don’t know which way this is going to go and how it’s going to pan out by the end of this transfer window. But you know what, I hope he stays and he will be like a new signing at the football club. ‘And could this be the motivated Marcus Rashford to come out and prove all the doubters and all the people wrong? And all the naysayers.I hope it is. Let’s watch this space.’ Speaking after United’s draw with Leeds, Michael Carrick hinted that Rashford was in his plans ahead of the new season. ‘He’s our player, you know, and he’s come back great. He’s just like any other player,’ Carrick told ITV1. ‘I’ve known Marcus a long time and, you know, he gives us something a little bit different. And he’s been in great spirits since he’s been back. ‘He’s been back two or three days training and it’s just pretty normal, to be honest. And we’re looking forward to the start of the season.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Manchester United signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa last month (Picture: Getty) Youri Tielemans has issued a heartfelt apology to Aston Villa fans after suggesting Manchester United were a level ‘above’ his former team. After wrapping up a deal with Chelsea for Andrey Santos, United further strengthened their midfield by triggering a £35million release clause in Tielemans’ contract at Villa Park. Tielemans enjoyed three years with the Villains after joining the club from Leicester City back in 2023, racking up ten goals and 25 assists in 134 appearances across all competitions. The 29-year-old made sure to depart Villa on good terms after helping Unai Emery’s side get their hands on the Europa League trophy – the club’s first European title in 44 years. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. However, some seemingly innocuous remarks he made in the week managed to rub many up the wrong way, prompting an online backlash from those supporters who had been singing his name not so long ago. ‘I am very thankful to Aston Villa. I owe them the world,’ Tielemans said. ‘It is a great club, we did amazing things, and they have put me back to my best level. But there are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them. Tielemans made his second United appearance versus Leeds on Wednesday (Picture: Getty) The Belgian scored in the shootout in Dublin (Picture: Getty) ‘It is a great achievement for any footballer to end up here. It means you have done well in your career. But it does not end there. I want to be successful.’ Tielemans made his unofficial United debut last weekend as Michael Carrick’s men draw 1-1 with European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg. United fans got a second look at Tielemans as the Belgian featured again versus Leeds on Wednesday night, coming onto the field with half an hour remaining at Dublin’s Croke Park. Tielemans finished the match on a high, making no mistake from the spot as United beat their bitter rivals 5-4 on penalties. Tielemans apologised on his social media pages (Picture: Instagram) But less than 24 hours on, Tielemans felt the need to reach out to those Villa supporters who he may have upset with his comments prior to the friendly. ‘Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or undermine the institution of Aston Villa Football Club which I massively respect and I’m grateful to for the past three years,’ he wrote. ‘I must however admit my mistake and apologise for my choice of words, will be more careful in the future.’ Tielemans put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty) Tielemans took the opportunity to send his best wishes to his former club, who begin their Premier League campaign away to Brighton in just over a week’s time. ‘Wishing the club the best in the future. Youri,’ he added. Tielemans could be in line to make his Premier League debut for United against newly promoted Hull City on August 22. The former Villa, Leicester and Monaco man will no doubt be desperate to hit the ground running in the No.18 shirt, previously worn by the likes of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Scholes. The midfielder won the Europa League with Villa last season (Picture: Getty) Featuring as a guest on talkSPORT this week, Ben Foster applauded United on their transfer business thus far – and branded Tielemans the ‘signing of the summer’ in the Premier League. ‘I still think Youri Tielemans is the signing so far. What a bit of business,’ the ex-United and England goalkeeper said. ‘I’ve watched a load of transfers happen, Tottenham spending a lot of money, Arsenal have just spent a lot of money, but I still think Youri Tielemans is the signing of the summer so far. ‘For £30m (£35m), whatever it was, he is a ready-made, good-to-go, starting XI player and if you can spend that money on a ready-to-go sta
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino (Picture: Getty) Mikel Merino says Arsenal ‘probably’ have the ‘best midfield in football’ after Bruno Guimaraes’ £75m move from Newcastle United. The Premier League champions signed Brazil international Guimaraes on a four-year deal after a protracted saga with Newcastle. Guimaraes bolsters an Arsenal midfield that already includes captain Martin Odegaard, England stars Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze, former Real Madrid target Martin Zubimendi, academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly and World Cup winner Merino. Arsenal will try to retain their Premier League crown this season while mounting another challenge for the Champions League after losing to PSG in the final back in May. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Merino, who has returned to Arsenal after helping Spain win the World Cup, believes the Gunners are in good shape to do just that after the ‘amazing’ signing of Guimaraes. Guimaraes made his first appearance for Arsenal in Wednesday’s pre-season draw with Cesc Fabregas’ Como. ‘Amazing signing,’ Merino said when asked about the Newcastle star swapping St James’ Park for the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta and new Arsenal signing Bruno Guimaraes (Picture: Getty) ‘He has proved throughout these years how good he is at Newcastle. And he showed it today again. A lot of composure, technical ability, a lot of defensive effort as well. ‘So it’s a very good signing. A top player, but we have many of those in this team. So everyone that comes to help the team is welcome.’ Asked about the strength of Arsenal’s midfield following Guimaraes’ arrival, Merino added: ‘Honestly, it’s unreal. Probably the best midfield in football. Arsenal are hoping to retain the Premier League (Picture: Getty) ‘The amount of quality that we have there, with every player that can come on the pitch and make a good shift. It’s great. ‘That’s good for the team. That’s good for the squad. It raises everyone’s level because if you have a bad day, the one that is close to you is going to do a great job. ‘I think we have an amazing squad. The hunger is still there. Not because we won it last season, we’re going to be happy with it. https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbyqbq_COQ2/?hl=en&img_index=1 ‘We want more and more and more and we want every trophy possible. That’s the best quality of this team. Not only the amount of depth that we have, the quality that we have in every position, but that hunger.’ Premier League legend and ex-England striker Alan Shearer also believes Arsenal boast arguably the best midfield on the planet following the deal for Guimaraes. ‘Arsenal are signing a top-quality player in Bruno Guimaraes,’ the Newcastle hero told Betfair. ‘There’s no doubt about that. ‘They’re signing a player who’s so comfortable on the ball under pressure, who can make that killer pass. He’s got a great attitude, too, we’ve seen that at Newcastle. ‘So, there’s no doubt he’ll improve them. I think with the likes of Rice, Odegaard and Bruno, there won’t be many better midfields out there.’ Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence with a home match against newly-promoted Coventry City a week on Friday. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Rangers goalkeeper Mason Munn could leave on loan this summer, with clubs across England and Scotland showing interest. The post Rangers Prospect Drawing Significant Loan Move Attention appeared first on Inside Futbol | Latest Football News, Transfer Rumours & Articles.
Manchester United aren’t quite ready to compete for the title, says club legend Steve Bruce (Picture: talkSPORT) Steve Bruce has played down Manchester United’s Premier League title hopes and picked out reigning champions Arsenal as the ‘team to beat’ this coming season. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal cantered to the title with a game to spare last term, holding off nearest rivals Manchester City to end the club’s painful 22-year wait for top-flight glory. Having finished with an imperious seven-point advantage at the summit, the Gunners will hope to carry that same form into the new campaign, which starts at home to Premier League new boys Coventry in a week’s time. First, though, the north Londoners will look to build some confidence in what promises to be an intriguing Community Shield showdown against Enzo Maresca’s City at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Sunday. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. For Bruce’s former club United, the season gets up and running away to newly promoted Hull City – the team he managed from 2012 to 2016 – on August 22. A dramatic end-of-season resurgence under Michael Carrick has Bruce feeling positive about the year ahead at Old Trafford, with the club competing in the Champions League again for the first time since 2023/24. Earlier this week, ex-United and England goalkeeper Ben Foster put his neck on the line by tipping the Red Devils for the title while featuring as a guest on talkSPORT. Arteta steered Arsenal to a first league title in 22 years last season (Picture: Getty) Carrick was given the Manchester United job on a full-time basis back in May (Picture: Getty) When asked for his thoughts on Foster’s bold prediction, though, Bruce replied: ‘I think that’s too much too soon. I’d love to say he was right! ‘But I still think Arsenal are the one to beat and they’ve just strengthened as well with Bruno Guimaraes alongside Declan Rice. And I still believe there’s one or two coming into Arsenal. ‘They’re still the one to beat. They won it at a canter in the end, didn’t they? So they’re the ones to beat. ‘Look, Manchester United have made huge strides. I would think getting in the Champions League would be a success for Michael Carrick. But for United to go on and win it? I’m not sure they’re quite ready yet.’ The Gunners are the ‘team to beat’ this coming season, says Bruce (Picture: Getty) Bruce has been hugely impressed with the work Carrick has done in ‘simplifying’ the task at hand at United, with the club rising from seventh – when he took over – to finish third in the table last season. ‘He’s come in and steadied the ship in his own way,’ Bruce – who won three Premier League titles with United – went on. ‘He’s put his stamp on them and he’s played in a certain way which is very simple. Carrick steered United to a third-placed finish last term (Picture: PA) ‘It looks as if he’s simplified it whereas before it always looked so complicated. ‘I’m never going to criticise a head coach of anybody because I know how difficult it is, but the last manager [Ruben Amorim] seemed to be just obsessed with the way he wanted to play and it wasn’t working. ‘He [Amorim] seemed reluctant to change what he wanted to do which is fair enough, but certainly Michael has come in, played a back four and been very simple in what he’s done, but the players have responded to it.’ Bruce won three Premier League titles with the Red Devils (Picture: Getty) According to Bruce, the added workload that comes with qualifying for the Champions League means this season will be a ‘different kettle of fish’ for Carrick and his team compared to the last. ‘A foray into Europe would be fantastic,’ he continued. ‘The big thing Michael had in his advantage last year was that Manchester United were knocked out of the FA Cup and League Cup very quickly and they didn’t have Europe, so they played
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
