EPL
Kevin de Bruyne admits he ‘missed’ being on the pitch
Kevin de Bruyne made a stunning return from a five-month injury layoff, sending a powerful message to the Premier League with his performance.
In a dramatic match against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, Oscar Bobb, coming off the bench, scored his first league goal and secured a last-gasp winner for Manchester City, propelling them to a 3-2 victory.
However, it was De Bruyne who stole the spotlight with his 21-minute cameo, scoring the equalizer and providing the assist for Bobb’s decisive goal.
His performance showcased the impact he brings to the team and highlighted what Pep Guardiola’s side has been missing during his absence.
“I missed this,’ De Bruyne said. ‘I enjoyed myself. I think it was more willpower than anything else. It was crazy. I know I’m not able to do that for 90 minutes at the moment.
“I can put in a shift for 30 minutes at the moment. I feel it in my lungs, especially with the cold.’
De Bruyne praised Bobb’s mature and well-timed run, which proved pivotal in City’s victory. Despite Jack Grealish being unavailable due to a virus that had kept him out of training during the week, Bobb’s performance was noteworthy.
Guardiola had high expectations of De Bruyne, anticipating that his very first touch, a free-kick just outside the Newcastle box, would have a significant impact on the game.
“I am so disappointed in him and upset and grumpy because he didn’t score with the free kick,’ the City boss joked.
“He is a legend, he is loved by our people and hopefully in the last months he can help us be there to the end.
“The way we play is quite similar without him but to win games we need players like Kevin or Erling [Haaland].
“After eight years together we know exactly what we have to do, he sees something special in the final third. That is not tactical but talent.”
Manchester United has reportedly cancelled their end-of-season awards meal, originally scheduled for May 20, to avoid distracting players ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
This tradition, dating back more than a decade, typically includes prizes for men’s, women’s, and academy team players, such as the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award.
This decision, consulted with Erik ten Hag and management, marks the second time in three years that the ceremony has been called off.
Despite the cancellation of the gathering, awards will still be voted for and handed out among the players.
The cancellation comes amid a challenging season for United’s men’s team, currently sitting eighth in the Premier League and on course for their worst finish in the club’s Premier League history.
In contrast, the women’s team recently celebrated success by lifting the FA Cup with a 4-0 win over Tottenham.
Manchester United faced another setback on Sunday as rain poured through Old Trafford’s leaky roof after a home defeat to Arsenal.
Despite improvements from their previous match, Erik ten Hag’s side couldn’t find the net, succumbing to a 1-0 loss.
The sudden thunderstorms exposed issues with the roof, leading to a torrent of water cascading onto the pitch.
Fans had to seek cover, highlighting the sorry state of the iconic stadium.
Many supporters expressed frustration on social media, criticizing the Glazers for neglecting Old Trafford’s upkeep and maintenance.
Some fans called for immediate action to fix the roof and address other stadium issues, pointing out that the neglect has left the club trailing behind others.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, following his purchase of the club, planned significant upgrades, including addressing the roof and other infrastructure problems.
The decline of Old Trafford, once a premier stadium, has become symbolic of the Glazers’ neglect over the past 18 years.
As rivals enjoy modern facilities, Manchester United’s stadium woes have become a target for mockery, with even opposing fans singing about its deterioration.
REACTIONS
Kylian Mbappe has confirmed that he will be departing Paris Saint-Germain at the conclusion of the current season.
The announcement, made through a video posted on social media, puts an end to the speculation surrounding the World Cup winner’s future with the Parisians.
Mbappe, 25, has decided not to sign an extension with the Ligue 1 club after a prolonged period of uncertainty about his contract situation.
More to follow…
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