Godwin Odiko: What is the way forward for Erik Ten Hag’s dwindling Manchester United?

No one would have predicted that Manchester United will lose scandalously to Brighton and Brentford after their impressive outing in pre-season. Those two defeats came as a shock to Manchester United fans. As if losing at home against Brighton on the opening day of the league is not enough, Manchester United were already 4-0 down at halftime against Thomas Frank’s Brentford.

So, what’s the way out of this colossal mess? Firstly, Manchester United need to find a way to get rid of their owners and hand the club over to someone who really wants to see the team progress. The Glazers for all I care are only after their selfish interest and not after the well-being of the club. They need to be booted out for a well-meaning owner to come in and take charge.

Secondly, the club needs to get rid of some deadwood and replace them with quality players. If we are being honest, players like Marcus Rashford, Fred, McTominay, and even club captain Harry Maguire won’t make it into Manchester City’s first eleven. Yet, they are always the first on the team sheet at Manchester United. It’s totally unacceptable!

Going forward, the manager has to stop utilizing Lisandro Martinez as a center half. Martinez doesn’t have the height to function properly as a CB in the Premier League. He was targeted against Brentford last Saturday and had to be hauled off at halftime. Manchester United are still in the market for a decent defensive midfielder. Meanwhile, they have a Lisandro Martinez who can function well in that position. So, instead of using him as a CB, I would prefer he plays as a DM behind the likes of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.

Can Arsenal rival Manchester City for the title this season?

Mikel Arteta and his men have really impressed so far in this campaign; winning their first two games. But can they sustain the momentum and rival Manchester City for the title this season?

I think they should make the top four if they don’t drop their current momentum. I still see Liverpool as Manchester City’s main rival for the title.

They have really done good business in the window so far; bringing in the likes of Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus. These two players are really quality players and they are already showing their quality so far. William Saliba who has returned from his loan spell at Marseille has also been very impressive at the back, forging a very formidable partnership with Gabriel. I really see the Gunners finishing in the top four this season if they can find a way to sustain their early season momentum.

The Falconets are making Nigerians proud at the U-20 Women’s World Cup

After the Super Eagles disappointed many Nigerians by failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and also the Super Falcons disappointing at the CAF Women’s AFCON, the Falconets have so far given Nigerians reasons to be hopeful with their current performance at the U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Having qualified for the quarter-finals by defeating strong footballing nations like France and South Korea, the Falconets will be eying Gold in Costa Rica. They were runners-up in 2010 and 2014, and they can go on to clinch the title for the very first time if they can build on their current form.