• Loading stock data...
Thursday, January 16, 2025

Manchester United’s Latest Star-Studded European Failure

  • The Red Devils were knocked out of the Champions League Round of 16 after falling to Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford.
  • It is their worst trophy drought in 40 years.
UEFA Champions League/Design: John Regula

Manchester United’s European woes continue as they contemplate another trophyless season.

On Tuesday, United were knocked out of the Champions League Round of 16 after falling to Atletico Madrid 1-0 at Old Trafford — another monumental failure for a club that have doled out $1.8 billion in transfer fees over the past decade, trailing only Chelsea and Manchester City. 

Their current payroll of $229 million features stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire, and Marcus Rashford, but with an interim coach and a string of underwhelming performances, this is not the all-conquering side fans have come to expect.

  • The Red Devils haven’t claimed a major trophy since winning the 2017 Europa League, their worst trophy drought in 40 years.
  • They haven’t won the UCL since 2008 — and haven’t won a home match in the knockout rounds since 2014.
  • United’s 45% win rate across all competitions is their lowest since 1989-90.
  • This will be Ronaldo’s first trophyless season in 12 years.

United were bounced from the EFL Cup in the third round in September and crashed out of the FA Cup in the fourth round in February. 

Winning their first Premier League title since 2013 is off the table, and their place in next season’s UCL is up in the air with their fifth-place standing.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Don Garber

NASL Trial Could Get in Underbelly of American Soccer

NASL alleges an illegal conspiracy between MLS and U.S. Soccer.
JJ Redick

Steve Kerr, JJ Redick Among Sports Figures Who Lost Homes in L.A...

Kerr said his family had owned the home since the 1960s.

Liverpool Denies Elon Musk Sale Rumors

Musk’s father said his son is interested in buying the club.
NWSL Logo

$110 Million Denver NWSL Expansion Fee Shows Speed of Women’s Sports Explosion

Colorado beat out Cleveland and Cincinnati, which was backed by Caitlin Clark.

Featured Today

Showboats’ Daewood Davis (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the UFL game between the San Antonio Brahmas and Memphis Showboats in Simmons Liberty Bank Stadium in Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

The UFL Is Primed for Success—If It Can Resist Its Impulse for..

The spring football league must buck temptation if it wants to succeed.
Race leader and eventual stage winner Primož ROGLIČ (SVN/RedBull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in the final kilometer up the finish climb of stage 19 from Logroño to Alto De Moncalvillo (ESP/168km) of the 79th La Vuelta Ciclista a España 2024 on 6 September. // Kristof Ramon / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202409060905 // Usage for editorial use only //Primož ROGLIČ (SVN/RedBull-Bora-Hansgrohe) congratulated by teammate Florian LIPOWITZ (DEU/RedBull - BORA - hansgrohe) after a very strong stage 13 from Lugo to Puerto De Ancares (ESP/171km) of the 79th La Vuelta Ciclista a España 2024 on 30 August
January 13, 2025

Red Bull Is on a Hot Streak in Sports. Can It Win..

The company is betting on a big future in cycling.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) knocks the ball out of the hands of Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) and returns the fumble for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl Classic during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on January, 10, 2025.
January 11, 2025

College Football Is Closer Than Ever to Perfecting the Championship Process

Despite valid criticisms, the first expanded Playoff is working.
Jan 2, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman (R) reacts on the sidelines in the final minute against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome.
January 9, 2025

Amid Realignment Mania, Notre Dame Stayed Independent. It Paid Off

How the CFP semifinal-bound Fighting Irish made their business model work.

Sasaki Sweepstakes Heat Up: Blue Jays, Dodgers, Padres Lead Race

The star Japanese pitcher will soon sign with an MLB club.
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) reacts after making a catch against Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine (24) in an NFC wild card game
January 14, 2025

Eagles Fan Barred from Lincoln Financial Field in Latest Instance of Bad..

There have been serious consequences recently for sports fans caught misbehaving.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (4) during the first half in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium.
January 14, 2025

Darnold Dilemma Deepens: Vikings Face Questions After Wild-Card Loss

Sam Darnold will be a free agent this offseason.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
January 13, 2025

As Rams Play in Arizona, Lakers and Clippers Resume Games in L.A.

The two NBA teams in Los Angeles have lengthy homestands this month.
January 13, 2025

Cowboys Part Ways With McCarthy, Who Could Join Bears or Saints

McCarthy’s contract expired after five seasons in Dallas.
January 12, 2025

How Rams Are Preparing for Home Playoff Game at Rival Stadium

Monday night’s game was moved out of Los Angeles due to wildfires.
January 8, 2025

Bears Grapple With Coaching Search, Stadium Plans, and Power Struggles

The NFL team relies heavily on president and CEO Kevin Warren.