Chelsea
Manchester United Vs Chelsea – Player Ratings + Highlights
It was a typical cup tie as each half belonged to a team and predictably the match ended in a 2-2 stalemate resulting in a replay at Stamford Bridge. Manchester United had a brilliant first half and were cruising through to the semis, but a woeful second half and total lack lustre passing let them down. Goals from Hazard and Ramires cancelled out Hernandez and Rooney’s first half goals.
For once United were definitely lucky to escape with a draw thanks to some spectacular saves from De Gea and last night was easily the best Chelsea had played this year. The spirit showed by the Blues in the second half earned them a deserving replay at home.
Take a look at the player ratings here:
David De Gea: Though he let in two goals, De Gea had a brilliant night and if not for his last minute save off Juan Mata’s shot United could have bowed of the FA Cup in front of their home fans. A solid performance from the ever improving Spaniard 7.5/10
Rafael: The Brazilian was silent throughout the game, probably tired after his midweek shackles with Cristiano Ronaldo. His failure to stop Hazard resulted in Chelsea’s first goal and his usual forward runs were also missing 6/10
Johnny Evans: Had a difficult night having been asked to mark the muscular Demba Ba, but the center back rose to the occasion and did not allow Ba to out muscle him. Won almost every header under pressure as well 7/10.
Rio Ferdinand: Was composed as always and put in some strong tackles to stop the Blues. overall a good performance from Rio 7/10.
Patrice Evra: A decent first half both in attacking and defending was followed by a horrible second half performance from the French International. Found it difficult to stop the likes of Mata and Moses and spent most of second half inside his half 6/10.
Luis Nani: It looks like the Portuguese is still important to United than some of the f ans thought he was. After he left the field due to an injury, United’s attack from the wings were totally clueless. Won the free kick which led to the second United goal 7/10.
Tom Cleverley: The midfielder, surprisingly had an off day. Lost possession way too much and failed to link-up with the attackers 5.5/10.
Michael Carrick: Assisted for United’s first goal with a delightful cross, but failed to get a grip on the game and gradually lost the midfield duels 6.5/10.
Shinji Kagawa: The Hazard vs Kagawa comparisons would have taken a new dimension after last night’s performance from the Japanese International. A hat-trick against Norwich followed by a woeful display at home is never a good sign off a quality player.
Wayne Rooney: Back in the starting line-up and back on the score sheet. The England International gave a perfect reply to all the media attention he has been getting after being benched against Real Madrid in the mid-week. Was influential in almost all of United’s attack in the first half and should have driven in a few more shots on target than he actually did. A solid performance overall 7.5/10
Javier Hernandez: Another decent from performance from the Mexican. Scored United’s first goal and looked threatening whenever he had the ball 7/10.
Subs: Valencia came in the second half and had a shocker off a night. Lost the ball way to easily and even failed to beat Mikel for pace.
Petr Cech: Could have done better in the first half as he disappointingly let in two goals very early on and Henandez’s first goal was totally his fault. However, had a much better second half with some good saves 6/10.
Ashley Cole: Was strong in his defensive duties but failed to support his attackers 6.5/10.
Cesar Azpilicueta: Stuck to his defensive duties well but much like his full back partner offered nothing in the final third other than a few mazy runs forward 6.5/10.
David Luiz: Drived in a long range effort on goal which tested De Gea and had a good performance in the back as well 7/10.
Gary Cahill: Was totally clueless when United scored their first goal and had a pretty poor match overall. Failed to put a block on either of United’s forwards 6/10.
Frank Lampard: Surprisingly an off day for Super Frank as he looked tired for most part of the game. The midfielder was a liability and should have been rested. Benitez’s tactics of playing him in a pivotal role is really questionable 5.5/10.
Oscar: Showed glimpses of potential as good as Kaka during his AC Milan days. But overall never really had an impact over the game 6.5/10.
Ramires: Scored the all important equaliser which earned the Blues a replay after starting slowly. Won the midfield duels with Cleverley and Carrick with ease especially in the second half 7/10.
Victor Moses: Went past Evra with ease but never looked like a threat in the final third and also missed a sitter 6.5/10.
Demba Ba: Failed with his wavered shooting and was frustrated too easily 6/10.
Subs: Hazard came in and took the game to United. Scored the first goal and was influential throughout the time he was on the pitch.
Watch the highlights here:
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Chelsea
Sonia Bompastor Refuses to Address Sam Kerr Exit Speculation Amid Chelsea Striker’s Uncertain Future
Sonia Bompastor has declined to discuss Sam Kerr’s future at Chelsea amid mounting speculation the Australian superstar will walk away from Stamford Bridge as a free agent this summer. The prolific striker’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign, with numerous reports claiming she has already decided to leave after seven years in English football.
Bompastor shut down questions about Kerr’s situation during her pre match press conference, stating that both the forward and captain Millie Bright, remain under contract for now. The Chelsea boss made clear she will not be drawn into speculation about player futures while matches remain to be played this season.
Sam Kerr Departure Would End Glorious Era
The potential exit of Kerr alongside long time captain Bright would signal the end of Chelsea’s most successful period in their history. The club has already lost Guro Reiten permanently, while Catarina Macario is heading to America on what reports claim will be a record shattering NWSL contract worth millions.
Chelsea appears committed to rebuilding around younger talent rather than extending deals for established stars entering the latter stages of their careers. This strategic shift could see several high profile names depart simultaneously this summer.
American Clubs Preparing Lucrative Offers for Sam Kerr
Multiple NWSL franchises are circling for Kerr’s signature, hoping to lure the Australian back to the United States, where she previously starred before joining Chelsea. The American league has dramatically increased investment in recent years, offering salaries that can now compete with European clubs.
Ian Wright publicly criticized any decision to offer Kerr merely a short extension rather than a substantial long term deal, arguing her legendary status deserves better recognition. However, Chelsea’s transfer strategy appears already set, with youth recruitment taking priority over sentiment towards club icons nearing the end of their peak years.
Chelsea
26-Year-Old Set for $8M Move to San Diego Wave as Chelsea Striker Expected to Leave Stamford Bridge With Transfer Window Nearing Final Days
Catarina Macario is expected to leave Chelsea F.C. Women and complete a move to San Diego Wave FC with the transfer window nearing its final days. Reports suggest the NWSL side is working quickly to finalize the deal, which could be worth roughly $8 million in total contract value.
The proposed transfer fee is believed to be around $300,000, which is frankly a favorable outcome for Chelsea given that Macario’s contract expires this summer. Without a sale now, the American international could have left the club as a free agent at the end of the season, which would have been disastrous business.
San Diego Using High Impact Player Rule
San Diego Wave are planning to sign the forward using the NWSL’s High Impact Player rule, a mechanism that allows clubs to pay certain star players up to $1 million outside the league’s salary cap. To qualify, players must meet specific performance or profile criteria, which Macario certainly does.
The current NWSL salary cap stands at $3.7 million, making the rule an important tool for attracting top international talent. This represents a significant investment from San Diego, who are absolutely serious about building a championship winning squad.
Has Not Featured Regularly for Chelsea
Macario has not featured regularly for Chelsea in recent weeks, partly due to injury concerns and the uncertainty surrounding her future. Despite her absence, Chelsea recently secured their first trophy of the season by defeating Manchester United Women in the Women’s League Cup final.
The London club remain active on multiple fronts, still competing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and preparing for the quarter final stage of the Women’s FA Cup.
Chelsea Sit Third in WSL
However, Chelsea’s domestic league campaign has been more challenging. For the first time in five seasons, they are no longer clear favorites for the Women’s Super League title under manager Sonia Bompastor.
Chelsea
Joe Montemurro Makes Remarkable Juventus vs Chelsea Comparison After Matildas Gets Past Best Team at Asia Cup
Joe Montemurro showed a flexibility to his approach in the Women’s Asian Cup quarter finals that meant the Matildas prevailed by adapting to the circumstances in front of them, even if it was contradictory to the style that is in his DNA. Australia edged North Korea 2-1 in Perth to make the semi finals in what was a resilient performance against the tournament’s best team.
“Let’s be frank and honest here. Winning football games like that, it usually happens in tournaments,” Montemurro said after the victory. The Italian boss then turned to his captain, Sam Kerr, in the press conference and referenced one of his key wins in European football with Juventus against her Chelsea side.
Had 450 Million Shots and We Had One
“I’ve done it a few times like that in Champions League. I think there was a game against Chelsea, we got a draw. They had 450 million shots, and we had one,” Montemurro said with a smile. This Champions League reference perfectly illustrated the type of performance Australia needed to overcome North Korea.
He added, “We knew that they were a great side. They’re the best team in the tournament. They really are. So we just had to be methodical. Where we won the game were the little bits in between, as we were losing the ball or as we were winning the ball to keep our shape and keep our organisation. We didn’t create much. We had to resist a lot.”
It’s Who I Am But Part of Remit to Win
Montemurro was absolutely honest about abandoning his preferred style for tournament pragmatism. “Do I want to play a possession based game? Do I want to keep the ball? It’s who I am. It’s my DNA, but part of my remit is to win football matches,” he explained.
He continued, “Sometimes you have to have that flexibility. At this level, it’s all about moments. It’s all about taking those moments.”
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