
<p>Lewis O’Brien has given <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a> a rave review in a recent interview with <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65422544" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBC Sport</a></em>. The English midfielder is currently on loan at D.C. United from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> side Nottingham Forest. Despite playing just four matches for the MLS club so far, O’Brien insists that it’s not a retirement league.</p>



<p><em>“The standard is a lot better than people in England think,”</em> <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65422544" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> O’Brien. </p>



<p><em>“People in the UK don’t watch it, so they will never know. They just assume it is where players go to retire or go at the end of their careers. It is not like that at all.</em></p>



<p><em>“Some of the players you have never heard of, but they are unbelievable. Technically, they are some of the best I have ever seen.”</em></p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lewis O’Brien on MLS:<br><br>"The standard is a lot better than people in England think… They just assume it is where players go to retire.. it’s not like that at all. Some the players you have never heard of, but they are unbelievable. Technically, some of the best I have ever seen." <a href="https://t.co/SasiiIUSv8">pic.twitter.com/SasiiIUSv8</a></p>— MLS Buzz (@MLS_Buzz) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS_Buzz/status/1652306546397683712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>MLS switch was plan B for O’Brien</h2>



<p>O’Brien’s move to D.C. essentially helped revive the 24-year-old midfielder’s career. The Englishman was set to make a temporary switch to Blackburn Rovers during the January transfer window. However, the deal fell through because documents were not exchanged in time. To compound the issue, Forest signed Jonjo Shelvey, a player in O’Brien’s position, to fill out the club’s 25-man roster.</p>



<p>In stepped Wayne Rooney. The D.C United head coach grabbed O’Brien on a short-term loan in March. There is also a buy option attached to the player’s loan agreement with Forest. However, it certainly seems as if the Englishman is still hoping to prove himself in his home country.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🗣️ "It was a no-brainer to come, with Wayne Rooney being the manager"<br><br>Lewis O&apos;Brien spoke to PSW about his D.C. United move, and his time in limbo after a loan from Nottingham Forest to Blackburn fell through on deadline day<a href="https://t.co/ZgWQ9twio5">https://t.co/ZgWQ9twio5</a></p>— Pro Soccer Wire (@prosoccerwire) <a href="https://twitter.com/prosoccerwire/status/1649532203733331971?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Player still sees future in England</h2>



<p><em>“I am really grateful to Wayne Rooney and D.C. United, but personally I want to prove I can be in the Forest team and I can play in the Premier League every week,”</em> proclaimed O’Brien.</p>



<p><em>“I want to be the player they signed. I still watch all the [Forest] games and speak to some of the lads. It is tough. Any newly-promoted club will find it tough. It is almost a different game, not even football.</em> </p>



<p><em>“Now it is head down and graft it out. It might be we finish one place above relegation. But you have to do what you have to do to stay up.”</em></p>



<p>O’Brien will remain in D.C. until at least July 16th. If the MLS club does not opt to buy the player, he will return to Forest after this date.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</p>


Lewis O'Brien has praised the level of play in MLS. The midfielder is currently on loan at D.C. United from Nottingham Forest.

Forest’s O’Brien impressed by technical skill of MLS players

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<p>Despite the fact that Europe’s major soccer leagues return in a week, there are recommended games galore to watch this weekend.</p>
<p>In fact, this weekend puts a wrap on the summer schedule, and acts as a prelude to the main European season. For example, there are notable summer friendlies this weekend. Simultaneously, one of the major soccer tournaments from this summer comes to a conclusion.</p>
<p>That is not the only trophy awarded in this weekend’s slate of games. While many English fans focus on the resumption of the Championship, there is a precursor to what the Premier League may hold. Two teams that bathe in recent success go head-to-head yet again. This time, it is at Wembley, in a less-competitive fixture than other ties.</p>
<p>Knowing that, here are my top five recommended games to watch this weekend.</p>
<h3>Recommended games to watch this weekend</h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Three out of four of last season&apos;s UEFA Champions League semi-finalists are in action this weekend, including England&apos;s freshest rivalry.</p>
<p>Plus, the UEFA Women&apos;s Euro Final is on Sunday. Is football coming home, or does Germany reestablish dominance?<a href="https://twitter.com/kylefansler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KyleFansler</a> UF has more. <a href="https://t.co/vS6oECFFIG">pic.twitter.com/vS6oECFFIG</a></p>
<p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1553003002914545665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2022</a></p></blockquote></div>
<p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h5>5. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> vs. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> – Saturday, 10 p.m. ET</h5>
<p>Let’s start with the outgoing soccer. This summer’s schedule of friendlies provided some interesting storylines. Everton losing 4-0 to MLS side Minnesota United. Also, Real Madrid and Barcelona showed&nbsp;<em>El Clásico&nbsp;</em>to Las Vegas, with Barcelona edging out Los Blancos, 1-0. Then, Erling Haaland made his debut with Manchester City against Bayern Munich at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI.</p>
<p>Now, two of Europe’s most successful clubs put a bow on the major summer friendlies in the United States. Juventus and Real Madrid are at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of recent success. However, this is a chance for both teams to play one final tune-up against strong opposition before the European calendar kicks into high gear.</p>
<h5>4. Orlando City vs. DC United – Sunday, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN+)</h5>
<p>On paper, this game is not full of the ‘wow factor.’ After all, DC United has the lowest point total in all of Major League Soccer. However, we could see the managerial debut of Wayne Rooney at Audi Field. The former Manchester United skipper awaits his work visa, even though he attended each game since his announcement.</p>
<p>Orlando City is a respectable fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference. The push for playoffs is one thing. However, Orlando City recently punched its ticket to the US Open Cup Final in September. Therefore, use this game as a way to familiarize yourself with the squad taking on Sacramento Republic FC.</p>
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<h4>ESPN weekend of soccer</h4>
<p>Includes: MLS, Championship, Community Shield and more</p></td>
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<h5>3. Huddersfield Town vs. Burnley – Friday, 3 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN+)</h5>
<p>Now, let’s get into the games with true, pivotal meaning. That starts with the return of league play in Europe. The Championship is one of the most contentious leagues due to the parity involved in the competition. However, if there are two teams that have strong odds to be in the mix for promotion, these are two clubs that fit that description.</p>
<p>Last season, Huddersfield Town narrowly missed out on a return to the Premier League. Nottingham Forest defeated Huddersfield in the Championship Playoff, 1-0. On the other hand, Burnley just missed out on survival in last season’s Premier League. One point in the Clarets’ last four games doomed the side to relegation.</p>
<p>That is in the past. This is a new season with new aspirations for both clubs wanting to get back to England’s top flight.</p>
<h5>2. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> vs. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> (FA Community Shield) – Saturday, noon ET (ESPN+)</h5>
<p>Understandably, the Community Shield is not of the grandeur of something like the Champions League. However, this game holds significance for a couple of reasons. First off, it is still a trophy. Dreams of a sextuple to match Barcelona are not in the picture like they were for Chelsea a season ago. Yet, both Liverpool and Manchester City are the favorites in each English competition this season. An early trophy lays the path for success over the next eight or nine months.</p>
<p>Plus, this game serves as a statement of intent. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/28/2022-community-shield-adds-chapter-to-liverpool-manchester-city-rivalry/">Manchester City and Liverpool have a budding rivalry</a> that features trophies, clashes and drama. With new signings like Darwin Núñez and Erling Haaland joining the fray, fans can get a true glimpse of what this season holds using the Community Shield.</p>
<h5>Our recommended game to watch this weekend: England vs. Germany (2022 Women’s Euro Final) – Sunday, noon ET (ESPN)</h5>
<p>Not just a final, but a major final in the women’s game. There is no area of growth in soccer faster than women’s soccer in Europe. That allowed the 2022 Women’s European Championship to be laden with drama and fantastic play. In the end, it is a familiar rivalry for glory. England battles Germany in a sold-out Wembley Stadium.</p>
<p>On the men’s side, this is a well-documented derby. On the women’s side, England takes a hefty back seat to the successes of Germany. In fact, Germany’s eight Euro titles doubles every other nation’s tally combined. England, for its part, is playing in its third Women’s Euro Final. Last time the Lionesses reached this stage, they lost to Germany, 6-2. For reference, Germany is undefeated in Women’s Euro Finals. England, of course, is winless in two previous attempts.</p>
<p>These two nations are the class of play in this competition. Germany conceded for the first time in the entire tournament during its semifinal fixture against France. England’s 20 goals vastly exceeds any other team’s output. Plus, it has the honor of playing in front of a home crowd 90,000 strong. It has all the makings of a momentous fixture.</p>


As the European season continues to near, here is World Soccer Talk's list of recommended games to watch this weekend for July 29-31.

Top 5 recommended games to watch this weekend - World Soccer Talk

Top 5 recommended games to watch this weekend

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<p>Wayne Rooney signed on as the new manager of DC United. The same day the club made it public, the Manchester United made his presence known among supporters.</p>
<p>Of course, most of these fans recognize the Englishman’s name, face and illustrious career. After lighting up the Premier League with Manchester United and Everton, Rooney switched to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">MLS</a> in June 2018. In his 48 games in Major League Soccer, he racked up 23 goals and 15 assists. He finished his inaugural season as an MLS MVP Finalist and reached the MLS Best XI in 2018.</p>
<p>Recently, Rooney resigned from his first coaching job with Derby County. Now, he begins a fresh managerial tenure here in Washington, DC.</p>
<h3>Wayne Rooney meets with DC United supporters</h3>
<p>Fans braved the pouring rain as Wayne Rooney came out to say a few words of encouragement to the fans. To make it more authentic and grand, local DC sportscaster Dave Johnson introduced the club’s new boss.</p>
<p>To start, Rooney discussed his recent struggles with Derby County. At Derby, he faced the challenge of <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/why-derby-deducted-21-points-can-rooney-keep-them-up-rams/bltd6f036768519e024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">points deductions</a> for reasons out of his control. With DC United, Rooney acknowledged that he faces a new challenge. In fact, he must be the driving force in turning around a floundering DC United side.</p>
<p>As of his takeover, DC United sit at the bottom of its division, tied for the <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/2022/conference#season=2022&amp;live=true">lowest point total in all of Major League Soccer</a>. Managing the team is a good challenge for him. After all, he is a young manager eager to learn and develop himself as such.</p>
<p>Rooney left by saying that it’s an exciting time for him and the club. He hopes to bring some pride and respect to a team that has lost its way in the past few years. Before he left he took a few pictures with some of the leaders of the local supporter clubs and left with a thunderous applause and cheer to see him off.</p>


Wayne Rooney, recently announced as the new manager of DC United, made an instant impression on supporters by meeting with them.

Wayne Rooney meets with DC United supporters as new boss - World Soccer Talk

Wayne Rooney meets with DC United supporters as new boss

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<p>The slate of July summer friendlies on TV includes a number of world-class players. Oftentimes, these players are part of new teams, looking to make an instant impression on their new teammates and fans.</p>
<p>Plus, summer friendlies provide an opportunity to see matchups that would otherwise seem bizarre. A top Italian team playing a French side that finished the past season battling for a Champions League spot. Or, a Champions League team from Germany playing against a team just five points away from relegation in England.</p>
<p>These are weird fixtures, but that is what makes them fun. For some players, they use these games to just get fit with match-level intensity. Other plays have something to prove, generally for play time in the upcoming season.</p>
<p>We, as fans, have the opportunity to watch these players go head-to-head. However, due to the fact that these games are not part of an official league, they are not always available on TV in the United States. For example, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> plays Crystal Palace on Tuesday, July 19. In the United States, this game does not have a broadcaster. However, you can watch the game using the club website. Oftentimes, that requires a paid-subscription specific to that club.</p>
<p>In any case, here are a few examples of the July summer friendlies that you can watch on TV.</p>
<h3>July summer friendlies on US TV</h3>
<h5>Benfica vs. Nice – Friday, July 15 – 4 p.m. ET – ESPN Deportes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/signup/?irad=359590&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5531305-15177288" aria-label="Watch on DirecTV Stream">DirecTV Stream</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://vidgo.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&amp;aff_id=1004" aria-label="Watch on Vidgo">Vidgo</a></h5>
<p>This is one of those games that fans seldom get to see. Are either club a true European powerhouse constantly threatening for the UEFA Champions League? No. Yet, that does not make this a boring or bland game. Instead, take it as an opportunity to see how two of the underdogs in less-discussed leagues shape up heading into the 2022/23 season.</p>
<p>These two sides have just one prior meeting, coming back in 2013. Therefore, this July summer friendly is a rare meeting for the two.</p>
<h5>Inter Milan vs. AS Monaco – Saturday, July 16 – 2:15 p.m. ET – ESPN3,&nbsp;<a href="https://sling-tv.pxf.io/c/330866/1324302/14334" aria-label="Watch on Sling Orange">Sling Orange</a></h5>
<p>The return of Romelu Lukaku could be in store for Inter Milan as they take on a Monaco side prepping for another stint in the UEFA Champions League. Historically, Monaco played Inter in a total of four games. Those came over two legs in European Cup and Champions League qualifying. On both occasions, Inter advanced.</p>
<h5>DC United vs. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> – Wednesday, July 20 – 7:30 p.m. ET – <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" aria-label="Watch on ESPN+">ESPN+</a></h5>
<p>On the 20th, there are five July summer friendlies involving MLS clubs and European opposition. One of those is DC United battling the most dominant side in German soccer. Wayne Rooney is the new head coach of DC United, making this something of a test for the former Derby manager. Even if it is a friendly, it can be a learning experience to play against a talented a strong side like Bayern.</p>
<h5>Borussia Dortmund vs. Villarreal – Friday, July 22 – 1 p.m. ET – ESPN Deportes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/signup/?irad=359590&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5531305-15177288" aria-label="Watch on DirecTV Stream">DirecTV Stream</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://vidgo.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&amp;aff_id=1004" aria-label="Watch on Vidgo">Vidgo</a></h5>
<p>Two constant underdogs that put out great efforts on the European scene. Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal are fan favorites due to the passion they provide despite a relative lack of hardware compared to their rivals. Dortmund underwent some change this offseason, bringing in Sebastian Haller for the departing Erling Haaland. Villarreal will look to have a similar campaign to last season. However, there will be no European competition for the Yellow Submarine. Therefore, this contest is perhaps the side’s best competition outside Spain.</p>
<h5><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> vs. Bayern Munich – Saturday, July 23 – 6:30 p.m. ET – ESPN, ESPN Deportes,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/signup/?irad=359590&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5531305-15177288" aria-label="Watch on DirecTV Stream">DirecTV Stream</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sling-tv.pxf.io/c/330866/1324302/14334" aria-label="Watch on Sling Orange">Sling Orange</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://vidgo.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&amp;aff_id=1004" aria-label="Watch on Vidgo">Vidgo</a></h5>
<p>Without a doubt, this is the best of the July summer friendlies. Two clubs that have realistic expectations of not just success, but a treble of trophies or more, go head-to-head from historic Lambeau Field. The talent on display is second to none it seems, with Manchester City potentially bringing out the aforementioned Erling Haaland. Bayern Munich could have its way with some transfers as well. Matthijs De Ligt is a rumored name to be eyeing up a move to the Bavarians.</p>
<p>Check out our new schedule of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/club-friendlies-tv-schedule/">club friendlies on US TV and streaming</a>. Please note that the listings are subject to change. And with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/schedule-of-soccer-friendlies-in-us-this-summer/">more than 50 friendlies scheduled in the United States</a> alone this summer, there may be some late additions.</p>


The July summer friendlies feature a number of games that U.S. soccer fans can watch that include some of the biggest names in the sport.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "DC United"

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