When Manchester United faced Liverpool on October 1, 1995, the footballing world had its eyes on one man: Eric Cantona. The enigmatic Frenchman was making his long-awaited return from an eight-month suspension following his infamous "kung-fu kick" incident at Selhurst Park. As United hosted their fierce rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford, anticipation was electric. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, but the story was all about Cantona's comeback.
Some moments in football are destined to go down in history, and Wayne Rooney’s UEFA Champions League debut for Manchester United on 28 September 2004 was one such moment. At just 18 years old, Rooney delivered a performance that left fans in awe, announcing his arrival on the grandest European stage. Facing Turkish giants Fenerbahçe at Old Trafford, Rooney not only scored a hat-trick but also laid on an assist, leading United to a commanding 6–2 victory.
When it comes to picking a Liverpool all-time XI, the task is nothing short of daunting. The club's rich history is packed with legendary names, each contributing to one of the most successful clubs in world football. However, former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher dared to take on this challenge, curating his ultimate Liverpool XI. His selections reflect a perfect blend of historic greats and modern-day heroes who have left an indelible mark on the club. Let’s break down Carragher's selections and why each player has earned their spot in this prestigious lineup.
The 1998/99 PFA Team of the Season encapsulated the best of Premier League football. It was a year defined by Manchester United’s treble, but players from across the league contributed moments of brilliance that shaped the season. From the defensive solidity of Sol Campbell and Jaap Stam to the attacking flair of David Ginola and Nicolas Anelka, this team was packed with talent that would go on to define an era of English football.
The legacy of this team endures, as many of these players became icons of the sport. Whether it was through their leadership, creativity, or goal-scoring prowess, each member of the 1998/99 PFA Team of the Season left an indelible mark on the history of the Premier League.
In the storied history of English football, few managerial reigns have been as short and tumultuous as that of Sam Allardyce. Known affectionately as "Big Sam," Allardyce's tenure at the helm of the England national team lasted just 67 days, making it the shortest in history. His reign began with a sense of optimism, but it ended almost as quickly as it started, with controversy overshadowing his lone game in charge—a World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on September 4, 2016. Let's revisit that match, which turned out to be both his debut and his swan song as England's manager.