Manchester United Banter
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16 Jul 2026 19:47:09
Another signing confirmed!
Cristian Orozco the young Colombian we agreed a deal for last year turned 18 a couple of days ago so was able to sign a contract.
He is a highly rated, defensive midfielder. His strengths, he believes to be "his physicality and technique."
He has joined the academy and will go through a process of integration, including English lessons! It is expected he will play for the U21s.
Let's hope he makes the grade and makes it to the first team.
16 Jul 2026 20:59:54
Good to see the club invest in that sort of player. Hope he makes it.
16 Jul 2026 19:32:49
Regarding Martinez i think you all need a recap of why they feel hatred to Britain.
The Falklands War is a fascinating example of how badly one side can misread the other.
Britain had announced the withdrawal of HMS Endurance and was cutting back its naval presence. Argentina looked at that and seemingly decided Britain simply wasn't that bothered anymore.
Then, on South Georgia, a group of Argentine scrap-metal workers arrived and an Argentine flag was raised on British territory.
Argentina saw weakness.
What they didn't see coming was Margaret Thatcher.
I don't know if I'd have wanted to cross her — but I can absolutely imagine her thinking:
" that old jealous ex who dumps a bloke and hates anyone else to have him "
And just like that, Britain went to war.
Ten weeks later, Argentina had been defeated, its military junta had been humiliated and the entire country was left counting the cost of one of the biggest miscalculations in modern military history.
They thought Britain didn't care.
They were very, very wrong.
Now as an Irishman I can recount 2 major incidents at Lansdowne Road. 1 being very political but I want plant seeds again so let's give martinez a pass because a guy that is more injured than Phil Jones lately just played 5 games straight i believe.
16 Jul 2026 22:03:02
Let's not forget that General Leopoldo Galtiere, the Military dictator of Argentina at that time, had, the previous year led the military junta that overthrew the legitimate government.
He then established a brutal and authoritarian regime, with him at the head of it.
He took personal control of a State death squad which dealt with any political dissidents and civilians, in a violent and brutal manner.
Facing complete economic collapse in the country, due to their incompetence, along with rising civil unrest he authorised the invasion of the Falkland Islands.
Galtieri did not care about the sovereignty of the Islands. He used this as a cynical political stunt to attempt to create a false feeling of nationalism to unify the country and take the spotlight of brutality away from him.
Having lost the war, he resigned his office. He was pardoned for many of his crimes in the 1990s but was placed under house arrest in 2002 for his involvement in human rights abuses. He died in 2003 so nothing further came of it.
This whole episode can be put down to an exercise in staggering cynicism, along with a vainglorious attempt at self survival.
The end result of the totally correct retaking of the Islands by U.K. forces were 255 U.K. military personnel and 649 Argentinian military personnel were killed. There were also 3 islanders killed.
These were all brave young men, making the ultimate sacrifice for
their countries, although it can certainly be argued the Argentinian troops were misled and manipulated.
As with many war's, the side that ends up losing often carry a feeling of injustice and resentment. This, I believe is a big part of the residual feeling's of the Argentinians as having 649 killed and still losing does not sit well.
The Argentinian people need to remember that it is estimated Galtieri was responsible for many more 'disappeared' people, than those killed in the war.
16 Jul 2026
New image uploaded to the
Manchester United Player Sightings page entitled, Interestimg analysis
Click picture for larger image
16 Jul 2026 19:20:00
Interesting chart. It's another way of viewing things. Thanks.
16 Jul 2026 20:55:23
These are Ugarte's prime years. 😆
16 Jul 2026 14:50:16
Can any of the Eds or punters explain the exact rules for home grown players both FA and UEFA? Assuming Rashford leaves will United meet the requirements or will the size of the squad they can name be reduced? Does UEFA require 4 home grown academy players in the European squad?
We have a lot of youngsters coming through but if they're not yet 21 can they count towards meeting the requirements.
16 Jul 2026 15:23:36
You'd definitely find the rules on the World Wide Web.
16 Jul 2026 16:02:36
8 players trained by a club in the same country for at least 3 years between the ages of 18-21.
4 players trained at the same club for at least 3 years between the ages of 18-21.
The 4 at the club count towards the 8 from the country.
16 Jul 2026 16:05:03
If you register players at a club under the age of 21, they count towards the number; however, players under 21 that come under the club rule do not have to be registered.
Players under 21 who fall into neither group, nor the country group, do have to be registered.
16 Jul 2026 17:41:13
We should be ok on the homegrown quota.
Dalrow, Heaton, Shaw, Maguire, Mainoo, Mount, Rashford all count as homegrown players.
Heaton, Mainoo, Rashford, and I think Shaw are club trained, so we should be ok in that aspect.
16 Jul 2026 12:45:08
I don't mind losing, I mind losing whilst whimpering in the corner.
Last night was awful, an even game until we scored, at which point we simply retreated to the edge of our area and the inevitable happened. I don't blame the players, a number of them enhanced their reputation, but when push came to shove, Tuchel blinked.
Kane and Bellingham were exhausted but remained on the pitch. Watkins, Toney, Saka were all available to bring fresh legs and act as an outlet but were ignored. We needed help in midfield but brought in another defender to play there.
Yes I'm biased but if Mainoo can't be trusted why pick him?
At 1-0 Argentina needed to open up and attack, but instead of looking to exploit the extra space we packed the defence and tried to cling on, and we got what we deserved.
It wasn't just last night, we played 7 games and were poor for 4 and a half of them with some very strange substitutions throughout, some worked, some failed miserably.
Tuchel failed his exam last night, he had the chance to win or go out in a blaze of glory but instead he meekly surrendered.
16 Jul 2026 14:37:51
England got exactly what they deserved, mate, and it genuinely gives me no pleasure in saying that.
16 Jul 2026 14:59:40
And you guys thought Southgate was bad. 😂
16 Jul 2026 16:17:31
Why are so many surprised that a man who left Trent, Palmer, and Foden at home would be defensive.
16 Jul 2026 16:34:16
I saw an estimate that 92% of neutral football fans worldwide were expected to be up for Argentina last night.
I've no idea how they measure these things, but it seems a bit low to me. 🤣
I was sort of up for England myself, as I support English football, but wanted Messi to win really.
I just think he is so brilliant. Possibly the best ever player.
You're right, ajh, nobody minds losing, but it was a loss without really going for the win.
16 Jul 2026 12:27:57
Woke up this morning on vacation with family to an explosion of political content. Comments on both discussions:
1) Licha and Argentina should be disciplined by FIFA. End of. Right or wrong most likely every Argentinian player and supporter holds the same view, and they're supposed to keep their views private. Should we just ban them all from entering or playing in the UK? The only question for United is whether he's good enough.
2) Soccernomics by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski explains in detail how in England football was/is traditionally very much a working class game. Middle and upper class players were and maybe still are viewed with suspicion. Managers were generally drawn from the same pool. A style of hard work and grit over tight skills became the norm. Even today, how many English players and managers speak more than one language? Wenger was known as the Professor because he brought a different approach to management. They believe that England's history of underperformance is firmly rooted in its class system. Middle and upper classes played rugby, except in Wales.
16 Jul 2026 06:56:48
Tuchel's England, three chickens on the shirt replace the lions.
They looked tired, yet the tactical answer was not to bring on like for like or a fast attacker to break, or a very fresh young midfield player with zero minutes in his legs, but to pack defence.
Terrible management, frankly.
When we needed to control midfield or hit on the break we sat back, far too deep, you could see it coming. We needed fresh legs yet never used Mainoo, not once.
Last night was on Tuchel.
16 Jul 2026 07:42:46
I thought they got rid of Southgate. 😂
16 Jul 2026 08:27:04
That was worse than Southgate.
16 Jul 2026 11:20:18
Mental thing for me is it was literally signposted in prior games. Attack Argentina, they struggle and look vulnerable. Try to hold on to a lead and they will punish you. So naive. 😕
16 Jul 2026 20:06:06
It was negative beyond belief, Red Man.
I couldn't understand why they went so passive so early. Sometimes you need to sit in with 5 minds to go, but not with 30.
Its a shame they didn't press for a 2nd. I dont think Argentina are a great side at all, and if it weren't for Messi they'd have gone the same way as Brazil.
Ill be rooting for Spain, but wouldn't begrudge Messi a 2nd World Cup, so either way I'm happy. Attacking intent was rewarded and won the CL for past couple of seasons. Lets hope same goes for wonder in Sunday.
16 Jul 2026 06:31:18
This may be seen as controversial by some but I think it is important
Lisandro Martinez was seen holding a banner reading "The Falkland Islands are Argentinian".
Get him out of our club.
16 Jul 2026 07:51:00
I know it's controversial, but that's how Argentinians see it. It's not something that warrants a reaction like that.
16 Jul 2026 07:44:16
What are you on about 😂
If an Irish man held a banner asking for the 6 counties back, would you want him out to?
{Ed001's Note - I don't think it is the same thing, Argentina has never held the Falklands has it? Argentina didn't exist until after Britain took hold of them and it had never colonised them either. They were empty space. They are not asking for them back, they are saying that as it is near to us it must be ours.}
16 Jul 2026 08:03:46
Well one things for sure ed001. It ain't England's 😂 but that's never stopped them before.
{Ed001's Note - not sure it really matters, it was an empty rock before so why is it sure it is not England's? Personally don't care, but the Argentinians only want it now to stop anyone else having it.}
16 Jul 2026 08:13:53
They want the oil rights as well.
I have Irish heritage, so Angel doesn't need to try to lecture me on that.
This is England, the country Martinez works in, and he is paid by a club in England from the money generated at an English club. He disrespects this country, that's simple for me.
No issues with Argentinians. I stood in OT after the Beckham 1998 abuse and chanted Argentina, but waving that sign last night was utterly wrong. As a Mancunian, whose family have served in the forces at varying stages, it's like having a malcontent in the ranks.
Sell him now.
16 Jul 2026 09:13:51
He's got Irish heritage, as does half the country lol. No one's trying to lecture you, Red Man. 😂 You're the one trying to lecture: "This is England, works and pays tax in this country, simple, get him out of my club, sell him now."
Footballers are vessels that will come and go, and he will play in a different country soon enough.
He has his beliefs just like you have yours.
16 Jul 2026 09:21:39
Sell him? Makes me laugh how many people suddenly care about the Falklands when we play Argentina. I would be very surprised if you have ever mentioned them previously in any post. They shouldn't have held the banner, I'm sure a fan just gave it to them, but what an overreaction to say, 'get him out of the club'.
{Ed001's Note - to be fair, this is not the first time they have held the banner, so I doubt it was just a fan giving it to them. They were fined recently for holding another banner with the same wording. They knew exactly what they were doing. I don't care about the Falklands or England, but to suggest the Argentines were innocent is nonsense, just like they aren't when they repeatedly sing racist songs.}
16 Jul 2026 09:33:16
Reminder: the Argentina players made it about the Falklands by carrying that banner. It is a political statement, banned by FIFA I believe. Let's see if FIFA have any guts about it.
Not lecturing anyone. My opinion is the club should sell this summer, don't want him near the club after that.
I would remove Martinez's work permit, frankly.
16 Jul 2026 09:38:15
It's a few players airing their opinions. I bet they couldn't even tell you why it's so important who controls the land. Most of us couldn't. They are proud of their country, and, like most footballers, not particularly well educated.
Forget about it, and certainly to ask for Martinez to be sold is a huge overreaction. He always seems to try hard for Utd. That's what he is paid to do. End of.
{Ed001's Note - that is untrue about footballers. It is mainly in the UK where they are not well educated. Most countries have standards that they have to maintain educationally to advance within the academy system. Particularly in Eastern Europe.}
16 Jul 2026 09:44:11
He's Argentinian expressing a political view held by many Argentinians. You can disagree with him, but wanting him gone for a lawful political opinion seems excessive. We employ players from all over the world with different views on history, politics and territorial disputes. What matters is how he performs for the club, not whether he shares our opinion on the Falklands.
16 Jul 2026 09:48:51
When both he and Romero were on yellows, I thought we were sorted! Alas, didn't pan out that way.
16 Jul 2026 09:56:40
Lolll and the irony of english people talking about false claimss lolllll. The english looted the whole world to be where they are lolllll. london was a s.ithole tooo before they went around takin people from around the world to fill it up! Lolll
16 Jul 2026 10:12:45
Singh, that is such a lazy, simplistic argument that's always wheeled out to score a few moral integrity points.
What you're referring to happened centuries ago. Not a single living English person was around to make those decisions.
Holding people today personally responsible for the actions of long-dead governments is hardly a serious argument.
If we're going to discuss modern issues, let's do it on their own merits instead of reaching for "England bad because empire" every time. It's a cliché, not an argument.
16 Jul 2026 10:53:30
Let's keep the talk on Martinez actions.
Yes, he can have an opinion, we all have one. But if you express certain ones you can even end up in jail.
It's not an illegal opinion. Doing it on a pitch breaks FIFA rules, so it's up to them. I suspect they will do little; a fine.
They won't want to upset the Messi and Argentina story.
My anger is about one of our players showing disrespect to the shirt, to the club and to our country. It embarrasses our great club.
Get Martinez out of United for what he did last night.
16 Jul 2026 11:05:14
Is this becoming a political site... It's the same as saying it's wrong for Argentina to make football political; it's plainly wrong. But, as I have said many times, get rid of Martinez because of his injuries and being a poor CB in the EPL before even worrying about political views.
16 Jul 2026 11:12:49
Give him a new 5 year contract. 🤣🤣
16 Jul 2026 11:14:22
He can have the view, can hold his opinion, but do not disrespect our club and this country by doing that. Stepped over the line completely.
Sell him for football reasons, fine, Atletico Madrid was mentioned. Just get him out.
16 Jul 2026 11:23:10
Lol a massive overreaction here.
16 Jul 2026 11:36:34
Agreed, spenno. It is a massive overreaction.
Martinez wasn't acting as a representative of Manchester United when he did it. He was representing Argentina at an Argentina match, expressing a view connected to an issue that is deeply political and emotional in his own country. Whether people agree with that view or not is a separate discussion.
Saying he has disrespected Manchester United or the shirt feels like a stretch. He didn't make the statement while playing for United, wearing a United kit, at a United event, or speaking on behalf of the club. The only connection to United is that he happens to be one of our players.
If every player had to be judged by every political or national view they hold away from their club duties, we'd be opening a can of worms that football clubs simply can't manage.
Players represent their countries, cultures, and personal beliefs outside of club football all the time.
You can disagree with the message, find it provocative, or think it was the wrong place to make that point. That's fair enough. But calling for United to sell him because of something he did while representing Argentina, rather than Manchester United, seems disproportionate.
For me, the question isn't whether people agree with his view. It's whether he brought Manchester United into it. I don't think he did. He acted as an Argentine international expressing an Argentine political position, not as a Manchester United representative.
16 Jul 2026 12:02:25
Remove his work permit? I don't think they can do that.
16 Jul 2026 12:22:57
Agree, Kurtis.
This is nothing to do with Utd.
16 Jul 2026 10:56:32
As the great Eddie Izzard said.
"We need it for strategic sheep purposes"
Incidentally for the anglers amongst you great fishing in the Falklands!
16 Jul 2026 14:26:53
Redman your talking nonsense.
I what world do you think they can revoke his work permit. He broke a work rule policy not a law.
He was not representing united last night.
Silly thing for him to do but its England not north Korea.
He was silly as it brings heat on the squad but I think they like it like that. You often tell people you understand business. Obvious not so well up on employment law.
We can't sell him for what he did or we will end up in court and lose our case and the club will lose face you can't bully employees nor can you terminate their employment for the reasons your stating.
Did your relations serve in Blair illegal invasions. Perhaps they are the ones who should be in court for war crimes. Whet they pay of the many British soldiers charged with those types of offences?
16 Jul 2026 17:22:34
TW
Bit naive there. We are not sacking him, that would end up in court. We can sell him by accepting an offer, there were already rumours we were thinking of selling. We don't have to make our reasons public.
The UK PM has, I believe, issued a statement on this, so it isn't something to be dismissed lightly.
He broke FIFA rules, but it is a slap in the face for this country, the country he plays in and who pays him. He has a responsibility to his employers and that's United.
Sorry, don't understand the last paragraph.
16 Jul 2026 18:04:48
Redman, Trump, you said you would remove his work permit.
Who is being naive?
You said the club should sell him after his actions last night.
You've made ridiculous comments.
For what reason would you remove his work permit, Redman, Trump?
You made emotional statements without engaging your brain, but you're not likely to admit that, and you're quick to call out a DOF for emotional decisions.
You can't, nor can anybody, revoke his work permit for his actions last night; that's totally ridiculous.
What sort of way is that to treat law-abiding people when they do something you don't agree with? That's just a disgusting outlook on any humanitarian front.
Did your relatives that served in the forces fight for democracy and freedom of speech; are they pro or anti dictatorships?
I'm very surprised at your stance and recommendations. It's exactly that type of thought process that people fought a 2nd WW to get rid of.
I agree with you on a lot of United related topics, but one thing for sure is you've said he has gone a step too far last night, and you've suggested actions that are a whole marathon of footsteps too far.
In his statement, did your outgoing PM say any of the ridiculous things you've suggested? I very much doubt it, because I'm sure he understands people's rights when they live in a democracy.
16 Jul 2026 17:40:55
Iraq. One million dead.
And Red Man, what's with the "our club" nonsense? Jewish American owners plus a guy who lives in the tax haven of Monaco!
Martinez is a great player indulging in a bit of over exuberance.
Get over the sour grapes! You lost to the better team.
Anyway, I thought the Malvinas first belonged to France? Could be wrong but who gives a toss?
16 Jul 2026 20:08:48
Start with Patrick.
No sour grapes. They won, our manager was very poor and has to shoulder a lot of blame. My point was about what one of our players did after. That is unacceptable.
Learn some history: first recorded landing by an Englishman in the 1690s, and never been part of Argentina.
16 Jul 2026 20:23:59
TW,
I am neither orange, nor do I like Trump.
In terms of work permit, no idea what terms are in it, politicians are involved, so who knows? Personally, I would rather we sell and get good money.
Last night was a game of football. Politics are banned by FIFA; some have been instantly banned.
My point is last night breached rules, and puts those Argentinian players who play in the UK in a very difficult place. It puts our club in a very difficult place, potentially putting other players at higher risk. It should never have happened. He should have thought about the consequences.
16 Jul 2026 21:44:49
You've done more than that, Red Man. You indulged in nationalistic rhetoric against him. You cannot get angry at one guy making a political statement and then, on the other hand, suggest what would be a complete fascist act to punish him for it.
If democracy is to stand for anything, it is freedom of opinion. You generally come across like a good sort, so I'm saying this more to recapitulate why you're getting such blowback.
16 Jul 2026 22:46:15
Funniest thing of all in the above comments is someone saying he is a great footballer!
16 Jul 2026 23:08:56
French, Spanish, English, Argentinian. Then English.
Thanks for the history lesson, Red Man.
15 Jul 2026 22:43:25
Maybe tonight also showed that we really need a better mid-season break. Our league is the most physically demanding. Rice and Saka def not 100%.
We need to give our teams the best chance of success by giving them proper rest during the season.
15 Jul 2026 22:56:45
Enzo and McCalister looked decent, tbf. I wonder what league they play in.
Tonight was a skill issue, or, more plainly, a coaching cock up.
15 Jul 2026 23:30:42
Both I'd say, and also a matter of obvious fatigue. We decided to defend narrowly, conceding large spaces down the wings, giving Messi free rein, and then, despite having a surfeit of tall defenders trying to clog up the box, we were simply out-jumped. Whether going for a second would have yielded a better result, we'll never know, but for that last 15 minutes England were shambolic, and were actually lucky not to concede earlier and more often.
Other than the one for the goal, I thought our crosses tonight were dreadful, nearly all of them too low and being cut off by the first defender. Kane was anonymous.
15 Jul 2026 23:46:37
Kane was poor, but I think that's partly because Rodgers was playing and occupying the space he and Bellingham take up. I think England did well to make the semis. That defence is really ordinary, and it showed with Pickford giving the ball back immediately to Argentina rather than showing composure and picking out a teammate.
Taking Gordon off for a defender was madness too, as that removed a big outlet. But the bottom line, I think, was Argentina had more overall quality in breaking the lines. I hope your media has some balance. Tuchel had a bad night, but he did really well to get you lads to this stage of the tournament.
15 Jul 2026 23:49:40
Kane was pretty poor for most of the tournament, imo. For Tuchel to create a squad to get the most out of Kane was a massive flop. Saka and Rice were clearly not fit enough, although Rice played well enough for the most part. Toney & Henderson & even Mainoo (since he didn't play) were complete wastes of space in the squad.
Madueke was woeful.
Yes, going super defensive was clearly the wrong decision, but TT backed himself into a corner with the squad he chose. If he'd chosen some more technical players, it's possible England could have done what Spain did last night and just tried to play keep ball instead of dropping deep.
16 Jul 2026 00:21:49
Any manager that leaves Palmer, Foden and Trent at home, and takes Henderson, deserves all that he got. Martinez and Romero are both accidents waiting to happen if you drive at them. What did we do, try to play balls into the box, and they were pretty bad balls at that. Kane and Rice were running on empty.
Did they even need to play in that P poor group stage... No creativity in the team whatsoever. I'm not over sold on Anderson at 116m either. Tt got that all wrong tonight, trying to defend with a poor defence anyway, and your saviour is bringing on Dan Burn.
16 Jul 2026 02:35:31
Rice is very overrated. He looked very ordinary, but perhaps he was unwell/unfit. Why then not bring in someone else when we quite clearly needed to improve in the midfield? Kobbie and Eze both would have been a better choice than Dan Burn. Konsa, at the end, getting no crosses into the box, was brutal, but he is a CB being asked to play as a fullback-turned attacking winger.
Bottom line is that the players and coach bottled the biggest games of their lives and deserved to lose. You earn wins by being brave. The players dropped to the 18 yard box, and the manager tried to run an attack versus defense training drill. I would honestly sack Tuchel over his decisions. But people will probably celebrate getting so close.
16 Jul 2026 03:34:28
He had plenty of players to spread the load so fatigue is a poor excuse.
Down to bad tactics.
15 Jul 2026 23:25:02
DSG, I disagree, its not a skill issue, the English players are technically on par with most players in the world.
It's a mentality issue. We are weak between the ears, our players don't value education and learning. They think they can learn everything about football by kicking a ball. They don't want to understand tactics, to develop their intelligence, their football tactical knowledge.
English people, particularly the working class (which I'm a part of) have a deep mistrust of intelligence and anyone with a good education. We don't value learning. And seeing as most of our footballers come from that working class background they also don't value intelligence and education.
There is a reason why there has never been an English manager able to win the EPL. Most managers are ex-players, and our players lack the intelligence to be successful managers.
16 Jul 2026 07:40:34
Tuchel's lack of trust in the squad, other than the core group, did us in. Certain players looked exhausted, either carrying injuries or not being rested during the group stage.
He needed to stick to the formation once we got ahead; it was working and the changes were frustrating them.
He should have replaced players with others in their actual positions and pushed higher up, letting the defence deal with the attackers, as they had done the whole game.
The post tournament debrief will be interesting!
16 Jul 2026 08:50:38
I am working class and very well educated through choice. Similarly, I have never held a mistrust of anyone well educated or with intelligence. In fact, I admire their ability to improve themselves.
You have a great deal of good things to say, Shappy, and I deeply respect your opinions, but that was a very sweeping and frankly poor generalisation.
16 Jul 2026 09:36:17
Keefy, you, my friend, are the exception to the rule. I work in education, and while there are many students and parents who care about their education and learning, the vast majority of those that do don't come from an English working class background. They come from middle class families whose parents are highly educated, or they come from migrant families.
I come from a working class background, and I am one of only 4 of my siblings and cousins who went to university (I have 4 brothers and 22 cousins, so 4 out of 27).
I don't say anything with the intent to offend; what I say is always based on my experience, from what I've observed and learned. I don't ever claim to be an expert, just another voice with another opinion. I'm also always open to change my opinions when presented with compelling evidence to the contrary.
16 Jul 2026 09:48:30
Keefy, I think Shappy is partly right in what he says. It's reflected in football here by how much people, ie managers, players, fans, pundits, big up players who will "run all day."
The sad truth is that in all the top English teams it's a foreign player who is usually the most creative/dominant player in midfield.
The England team yesterday should have had the game intelligence to shut down Messi, double up on him, and stop the crosses. How come no England player closed down Enzo, having seen him try several times to shoot before he scored? It's basic football intelligence.
You should not need a manager to tell you. It's schoolboy stuff.
Also, if Rice or any other player is not physically up to it, then you don't try to be a hero and tough it out. Use your brain. Tell the manager to put fresh legs on. Team before self.
How can two supposed top defenders let Martinez get in between them so easily for a free header? Not even a physical challenge.
So many basic things wrong.
16 Jul 2026 09:58:09
Shappy, working-class people in this country, and I mean proper working-class, have always valued education as a means to better ourselves.
It was drummed into all of us by our parents in my estate, from an early age, that getting a good education was vital.
Our parents had the utmost respect for local doctors, teachers, etc.
They certainly did not 'have a deep mistrust of intelligence and anyone with a good education'.
Maybe, it's a different attitude in England, but I doubt there's not a similar sentiment over there.
I'm sure you didn't mean to be, but your comment was pretty patronising, mate.
16 Jul 2026 11:13:31
Shappy, I don’t agree with much you say, but you are on to something with the education bit, especially in football. There is a distinct lack of education. I’m not sure that’s just in the U.K. though, but we are the main culprits. It is worrying that in this day and age many see routes other than education to riches, that’s a real concern.
Even common sense has gone out the window now... Who is to blame? That’s an old debate, but our national teams 100% lack the savvy to win big tournaments.
16 Jul 2026 11:15:39
Shappy, I must say I do not disagree with your sentiment. It does seem that a good number of football players appear to be less educated than they choose to be, or, indeed, were allowed to be due to the amount of focus on playing over study. That is a problem of the system compared to other countries.
Were I a better player, then there is every possibility that I would have fallen into that category.
I was not in the slightest bit offended. I merely question the prevalence amongst the working class. Of course, as a teacher, you see this first hand, so you have more experience than most of us on there.
15 Jul 2026 22:39:58
Reckon Kobbie will take his 3 week break? Basically been on one. Feel for him not getting a kick.
16 Jul 2026 02:18:39
He will play in the third place playoff.
16 Jul 2026 02:36:30
He should refuse to play. Make that shower go through the embarrassment of being stuffed by France.
16 Jul 2026 09:50:57
Yeah, I reckon Saturday's line-up will be vastly different. Maybe even Henderson in a body cast.
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