This weekend’s quarterfinals of the FA Cup provided high-intensity clashes that demanded stoppage-time and extra-time goals to set up a fascinating semifinal draw. In the end, three familiar faces emerged to reach the semifinals of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/fa-cup-tv-schedule/">FA Cup</a> at Wembley Stadium. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a>, the defending champions, comfortably advanced over Newcastle courtesy of a first-half brace from Bernardo Silva. 



The other three games in the quarterfinals were far more exciting. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> overcame more self-inflicted blunders to defeat Leicester City at Stamford Bridge. Despite holding a two-goal lead at halftime, Chelsea allowed the Foxes to waltz back into the game. An Axel Disasi own goal opened Leicester’s account on Sunday. Then, 10 minutes later, Stephy Mavididi pulled Leicester level with a <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesFACup/status/1769366578577940918" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensational solo effort</a>. 



However, Chelsea capitalized on Leicester defender Callum Doyle picking up a red card in the 73rd minute. Doyle brought down Nicolas Jackson on the edge of the area, but the spot of the foul did not warrant a penalty. Instead, Raheem Sterling blasted a ball into the crowd in a notoriously poor free kick.



Fortunately for Chelsea supporters, Carney Chukwuemeka provided the game-winning goal in the second minute of stoppage time. A well-worked give-and-go with Cole Palmer allowed Chukwuemeka to slot the ball home. Noni Madueke provided the insurance with the last kick of the game with another impressive goal.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240318_WST_495628_Chelsea-Leicester-1-1200x670_2f7e7ad8.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-495634" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Chelsea-Leicester-1-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Chelsea-Leicester-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Chelsea-Leicester-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Chelsea-Leicester-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Manchester United and Coventry win FA Cup classics</h2>



The other two quarterfinals will go down as two of the best FA Cup games in recent memory. On Sunday, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> hosted <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> in the latest derby. Scott McTominay opened the scoring to give United a precious lead. Yet, Liverpool responded with two goals before halftime to take a lead into the interval. Alexis Mac Allister tied the game before Mohamed Salah scored his 13th goal in 14 appearances against Manchester United. 



United would not pull level until the 87th minute when Antony scored just his second goal of the season. Even more bizarrely, it came with his right foot on the turn. The game entered extra time, when Harvey Elliott scored to re-establish Liverpool’s lead. However, goals from Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo stunned Liverpool to give United the win and a place in the FA Cup semifinals. Rashford’s goal came in the 112th minute. Then, Diallo scored on a counterattack with Alejandro Garnacho. It was Diallo’s first goal for Manchester United this season.



In Saturday’s FA Cup quarterfinal between Coventry and Wolves, similar drama transpired at Molineux. A scoreless first half preceded a five-goal second half. Coventry’s Ellis Simms scored in the 53rd minute to give the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/championship-tv-schedule/">Championship</a> side a precious lead. Then, in the 83rd minute, Rayan Air-Nouri leveled the contest. Just five minutes later, Hugo Bueno had Wolves in front and destined for the semifinals for the first time since 2019.



In the 97th minute, Simms scored once again to bring the tie level. Finally, in the 10th minute of stoppage time, USMNT forward Haji Wright scored to assuredly win the contest for the Championship team.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240318_WST_495628_Haji-Wright-Coventry-1200x670_b0ab8c2a.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-495633" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Haji-Wright-Coventry-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Haji-Wright-Coventry-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Haji-Wright-Coventry-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Haji-Wright-Coventry.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



As a result of their triumph on the road, Coventry is through to the FA Cup semifinals for the first time since 1987, when the side won the FA Cup in its only trip to the finals. 



<h2>City and United on opposite sides of FA Cup semifinal draw</h2>



The Championship side will face Manchester United in the semifinals in late April. Then, in the other semifinal, Chelsea faces Manchester City. As a result, the likelihood of a rematch of last season’s FA Cup Final is likely. Manchester City defeated Manchester United to lock up the second leg of its historic treble in the 2022/23 season. 



Coverage of both FA Cup semifinals is available for viewers in the United States on ESPN+. The official schedule is not locked in, but the games are happening on April 20 and 21 at Wembley Stadium. 



PHOTOS: IMAGO

FA Cup last-eight drama yields another potential derby in Final

The FA Cup semifinal draw benefited from dramatic games in the quarterfinals that demanded stoppage-time and extra-time goals.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed that Marcus Rashford remains “part of the project” at the club as PSG continues to lurk. As a result, the coach insists on keeping the English forward beyond the upcoming summer transfer window. Rashford has been heavily linked with a move abroad in recent months.



These rumors began to swirl earlier in the current campaign even though the forward only just signed a new bumper contract last summer. The five-year extension saw Rashford’s weekly wages exceed $380,000. This is <a href="https://www.capology.com/club/manchester-united/salaries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly</a> the third-highest salary among all <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a> players. Only Casemiro and Raphael Varane currently make more in the team.



Despite the rumors, Ten Hag told reporters on Friday that the Englishman remains in his plans. “He should be part of this project,” <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68579172" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> Ten Hag. “It is not a subject we talk about. We did not sign him last season for five years with the intention to sell him now.”



<h2>Rashford has struggled on and off of the pitch this season</h2>



United brass offered Rashford a massive new contract last summer following his standout 2022/23 campaign. The versatile forward netted 30 goals in all competitions last season, the most he has ever scored in a single campaign. 17 of these scores occurred during <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> play as United finished third in the English top-flight table.



Nevertheless, Rashford has struggled throughout the 2023/24 season. The winger/striker only netted two league goals up until Christmas. It was during this time that the star was mostly used as a substitute by Ten Hag. Rashford entered the fray in the second half of four consecutive league matches in December. The club only managed one victory during this particular stretch.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240315_WST_495224_Rashford-PSG-1200x670_9b750e58.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-495251" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Rashford-PSG-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Rashford-PSG-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Rashford-PSG-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Rashford-PSG.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Off of the pitch, Rashford has also endured tough times as well. Ten Hag disciplined the player in January after he was seen out without permission while in Northern Ireland. The forward then claimed to be sick and missed a training session immediately after the trip.



While he has struggled, Rashford has been linked with a move to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a> for weeks now. The French side is set to lose Kylian Mbappe to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> and will likely need to find a replacement. Recent <a href="https://www.eurosport.com/football/transfers/2023-2024/paris-saint-germain-plot-75-million-move-for-manchester-united-forward-marcus-rashford-paper-round_sto10060696/story.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> have even suggested that PSG would offer United around $95 million for the forward.



<h2>PSG must turn to other targets if Rashford stays at United</h2>



Ten Hag could very well just be playing hardball in the possible deal with the French team. Nevertheless, United would seemingly have to be blown away by an offer if they would even think about selling one of their key players. While Rashford has struggled this season, his form has picked up as of late. The forward has scored five goals in his last nine Premier League matches.



On the other side, PSG could likely target a more qualified player to replace such a superstar as Mbappe. Although Rashford has been better lately, the Parisians perhaps should opt to sign a different star. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states/">Napoli</a> striker Victor Osimhen and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> winger Luis Diaz have both been mentioned recently as possible Mbappe replacements.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

United boss pours cold water on Rashford move to PSG

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed that Marcus Rashford will not be sold to PSG during the upcoming summer transfer period.

The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> is closing in on securing a fifth spot in next season’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League</a>. Due to upcoming changes in the format of the top European club competition, extra places in the tournament are set to be awarded. Two of these spots will ultimately come down to UEFA coefficient rankings.



Italy’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> has essentially wrapped up one of these extra places. This is due to the success of the nation in recent UEFA competitions, as well as in the current campaign. As of now, there are four Italian teams still alive in European club tournaments. Although Serie A is not represented in the recent Champions League draw, they do have three teams in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a> quarterfinals. Fiorentina has also qualified for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/conference-league-tv-schedule/">Europa Conference League</a> quarters as well.



This continental success means that there will almost certainly be five Italian clubs in the 2025 Champions League. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/roma-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Roma</a> currently occupies the fifth spot in the Serie A table at the moment. The Roman side, however, only holds a narrow one-point lead over Atalanta. Napoli and Fiorentina could be in play for fifth place as well.



<h2>Europa victory massive in earning Premier League a Champions League spot</h2>



England was previously behind Germany in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/premier-league-likely-to-grab-fifth-champions-league-spot-20240220-WST-490754.html">previous round</a> of UEFA coefficient rankings. Nevertheless, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/west-ham-tv-schedule/">West Ham</a>‘s dominating performance against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/freiburg-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Freiburg</a> Thursday night in the Europa League round of 16 has effectively tipped the scales for the Premier League.



The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/bundesliga-tv-schedule/">Bundesliga</a> side held a 1-0 advantage in the tie after beating the Hammers earlier in the month. However, the English club thumped Freiburg 5-0 in London on Thursday to qualify for the quarterfinals. The victory not only helped West Ham advance in the competition, but it could aid one of their English rivals.



Due to the West Ham win, UEFA has now given the Premier League a 90% chance to grab the extra Champions League place. Assuming the English top flight does earn the spot, teams such as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> or <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> could benefit.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240315_WST_495195_Spurs-Villa-1200x670_3aa5f392.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-495219" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Spurs-Villa-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Spurs-Villa-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Spurs-Villa-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Spurs-Villa.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Spurs currently hold on to fifth place in the Premier League standings. Despite leading the division at Halloween, the north London side’s form has since dipped in recent months. The Red Devils, on the other hand, have been erratic all season and find themselves sixth in the standings. Although they may find it difficult to grab a top-four place, United could finish fifth and still potentially earn a Champions League place. 



<h2>Champions League qualification set to be intense race among English clubs</h2>



The win by West Ham may also provide Aston Villa with a bit of a safety net. The Villans currently occupy the fourth spot in the English top-flight table. Spurs, however, are breathing down their necks after a recent 4-0 demolition on March 10th. Unai Emery’s club could now still qualify for the Champions League even if Spurs eventually overtake them in the standings.



The Premier League title race between Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City is surely set to be one of the most intriguing finishes in the division’s history. Nevertheless, the contest for a spot in next season’s Champions League could also prove to be enthralling as well.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

West Ham helping English rival qualify for 2025 Champions League

West Ham's recent 5-0 demolition of Freiburg may essentially help another Premier League side earn a spot in the 2025 UEFA Champions League.

Manchester United has reportedly set a starting price for forward Mason Greenwood should the Englishman transfer. The former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/england-national-team-tv-schedule/">England</a> international is currently on loan at Spanish side <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/getafe-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Getafe</a> after spending the 2022/23 campaign on the sidelines. Despite not playing last season, the forward has performed fairly well for the Azulones. As a result, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> club is open to keeping Greenwood beyond the current campaign.



Nevertheless, <a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/getafe/2024/03/14/65f2c91cca4741236e8b4586.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marca</a> is reporting that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a> is looking for a significant transfer fee to sanction a sale of the attacker. Red Devils brass is welcoming a bidding war for Greenwood. The Spanish news outlet claims that the English club wants to start negotiations for the player at about $54 million.



This potential fee would essentially price Getafe out of a move. The club’s record transfer in their history was when they purchased Marc Cucurella from Barcelona for around $12 million back in 2020. The Spanish side eventually sold the defender to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/brighton-tv-schedule-where-to-watch-the-seagulls/">Brighton</a> for nearly $20 million just a year later.



<h2>Several big clubs are reportedly interested in attacker despite previous arrests</h2>



With Getafe possibly out of the way, United is hoping that big clubs step up their interest in Greenwood. <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12863625/Barcelona-Real-Madrid-Bayern-Munich-Mason-Greenwood-transfer.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mail Sport</a> reported that Barca, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich were monitoring the loanee. The news outlet even claimed that John Murtough and Matt Hargreaves were recently spotted in Spain having lunch with Barca sporting director Deco.



A move to Barca, however, could very well prove to be difficult. The Spanish club is currently experiencing financial problems and will likely need to focus on offloading players this summer. Their incoming transfer business will almost certainly depend on how much money they create through player sales.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240314_WST_495061_Greenwood-Getafe-1200x670_692c3a5c.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-495098" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Greenwood-Getafe-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Greenwood-Getafe-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Greenwood-Getafe-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Greenwood-Getafe.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



New United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously opened the door for Greenwood to potentially return to the Red Devils. Nevertheless, this was met with strong backlash due to the player’s arrest record. As a result, Ratcliffe essentially backtracked on the issue.



Greenwood starred as United’s best young player just a few years ago. Nevertheless, police arrested the youngster in early 2022 on charges of assault and rape. United Kingdom police eventually dropped all of the charges due to the withdrawal of key witnesses a year later.



<h2>Greenwood would prefer to stay in Spain</h2>



Any club that signs Greenwood will likely receive staunch criticism due to his previous actions. The forward, however, <a href="https://theathletic.com/5302295/2024/02/28/what-do-sir-jim-ratcliffes-comments-mean-for-mason-greenwoods-man-united-future/?source=emp_shared_article&amp;access_token=3440021&amp;redirected=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly</a> has no real desire to return to United due to two specific reasons. Greenwood was not happy that the club essentially turned its back on him following the aforementioned arrest. Secondly, the attacker realizes that he will be under immense pressure if he returns to England.



These opinions by Greenwood could very well affect his upcoming permanent transfer away from United. After all, other clubs know that the forward does not want to return to the Red Devils. As a result, and assuming there is no serious bidding war, these foreign teams can essentially control the negotiations.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

United names starting price of upcoming Greenwood transfer

Hoping for an upcoming bidding war, Manchester United has reportedly set a starting price for the permanent transfer of Mason Greenwood.

Tickets to the Manchester United tour of the US are selling fast. With three games on the schedule for the Red Devils, Erik ten Hag’s side will be one of the top teams playing in the United States this summer. United is playing two games on the country’s west coast before venturing east. In the third, the latest edition of a familiar European clash happens midweek.



These games are scheduled for July 27 to Aug. 3. To start, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> is playing Arsenal at SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles area. Then, on Wednesday, July 31, United returns to Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA, to face Real Betis. The last game on Manchester United’s summer schedule is in Columbia, SC, at Williams-Brice Stadium. United is playing Liverpool to add another chapter to their historic rivalry. 



Tickets to the Manchester United summer tour are a hot commodity, so securing a seat at the three venues is best before they are all gone.



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When you use Vivid Seats, use the promo code SOCCER20 at checkout to take $20 off your first order. 



Unlike other clubs, Manchester United’s summer tour of the United States is set in stone. The Red Devils will not add more games to the three listed above. The club has played more than three games in previous years, but this is the extent of its trip across the Atlantic Ocean in 2024.



<h2>Tickets to Manchester United US tour among best opportunities for Americans</h2>



Manchester United always draws major crowds in the United States. Last summer, United averaged 58,792 fans over its four games in San Diego, Houston, Las Vegas, and East Rutherford. Manchester United’s official sale of tickets for the 2024 contest against Arsenal has sold out already, but if you look in the right spots, you can <a href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/330866/952533/12730?u=https%3a%2f%2fwww.vividseats.com%2farsenal-fc-tickets-sofi-stadium-7-27-2024--sports-soccer%2fproduction%2f4838910" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">find availability</a>. 



That is true for the other friendlies coming to the United States, too. For example, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-liverpool-and-united-to-play-summer-friendlies-in-usa-20240129-WST-486203.html">Arsenal and Liverpool are playing one another</a> on the same day Manchester United faces Betis. Lincoln Financial Field is hosting the two Premier League title contenders, with <a href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/330866/952533/12730?u=https%3a%2f%2fwww.vividseats.com%2fliverpool-fc-tickets-lincoln-financial-field-7-31-2024--sports-soccer%2fproduction%2f4838920" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">tickets also available</a> for that contest. Several other clubs in the Premier League are planning trips to the United States, too. For example, Aston Villa scheduled a friendly against defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew, and <a href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/330866/952533/12730?u=https%3a%2f%2fwww.vividseats.com%2fleagues-cup-tickets-lowercom-field-7-27-2024--sports-mls%2fproduction%2f4838774" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">tickets are available</a>. Also, Chelsea and Manchester City are planning a game in the United States. 



<h2>Copa America is also in the United States</h2>



While clubs coming to the United States is nothing new, the 2024 friendlies are special because they join an already busy <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/schedule-of-soccer-friendlies-in-us-this-summer/">soccer schedule in the United States</a>. The Copa America in June and July highlights the beginning of soccer in the United States. Once that tournament finishes, clubs from Europe play their preseason schedules Stateside. 



PHOTO: IMAGO.

Man United tickets for US tour: Schedule, dates, host cities

Tickets to the Manchester United tour of the US are selling fast, with three games on the schedule for the Red Devils.

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Celta Vigo sacked Rafa Benitez on Tuesday, and the Champions League winner is out of a job again. Since having domestic success with Valencia and continental triumphs with Liverpool, the Spanish manager has constantly rotated jobs. Since departing Liverpool at the end of the 2009/10 season, Benitez has worked as manager of eight clubs. That includes stops at Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Everton, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/rafa-benitez-expected-to-be-sacked-at-napoli-increasing-speculation-of-liverpool-return-20141216-CMS-124679.html">Napoli</a> and Chelsea. Each of those clubs wanted to capitalize on Benitez’s past success. However, they succumbed to overly high expectations and early dismissals.



Benitez is yet another example of a club looking too closely at past successes rather than seeing how a manager adapts to the modern game. Rafael Benitez will always be an iconic manager. He led Liverpool to one of the most historic nights in the history of the UEFA Champions League with a squad that balked at the talent of Milan. That success earned him jobs for the next 10 years. Brief success with Chelsea, where he won the Europa League as the interim manager in 2012/13, eventually led him to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/its-done-real-madrid-has-fired-rafa-benitez-replace-him-with-zinedine-zidane-20160104-CMS-161171.html">disastrous spells at Real Madrid</a>, Everton and now Celta Vigo. 



Several factors connect managers and their age with success, or lack thereof, on the pitch. Oftentimes, managers retain their tactics throughout their careers. New managers and coaches develop tactics to counter those philosophies. For example, Rafael Benitez will play more defensively against strong opposition. Dependency on wingers to hit out on the counter in these games proved a strong tactic early on in his career. Despite managing elite players at top clubs, the shift of successful clubs transferred to attacking styles like Jurgen Klopp or possession-laden tactics like Pep Guardiola. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240312_WST_494720_Benitez-Celta-Vigo-1200x670_9696ce71.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-494761" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Benitez-Celta-Vigo-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Benitez-Celta-Vigo-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Benitez-Celta-Vigo-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Benitez-Celta-Vigo.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Benitez is not alone as other managers fade with age</h2>



This same fall from stardom as a manager is not exclusive to Rafa Benitez. Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal have struggled to maintain previous successes despite regular stops at other clubs or national teams. Jose Mourinho is one of the best examples of this. A treble-winner with both Porto and Inter Milan, Mourinho is indisputably one of the greatest managers of all time. However, his dated antics have curtailed his brilliant career. He propped Manchester United to success. Yet, his recent spells with Tottenham and Roma have had isolated instances of triumph. His time with Spurs ended just before his best chance to bring a trophy to the north London club. At Roma, Mourinho won the inaugural Europa Conference League. League struggles led to his dismissal in the 2023/24 season.



Analyzing what went wrong with Mourinho, and it is another issue that has come with the developing game. Man-management has become more of a focus for managers, especially at a club like Manchester United or Tottenham. That is what Pep Guardiola has done well compared to other coaches that fall by the wayside. He understands his players and knows how to get the most out of them.



Oftentimes, coaches can be too set on their ideals to modernize tactics. Louis van Gaal is a great tactician, but he is unwilling to compromise. Many managers, as they age, will not adapt to fit the standards of soccer. Louis van Gaal had sensational success with Ajax by winning the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup and multiple domestic trophies. Manchester United wanted to recapture some of that at Old Trafford by bringing in the then-63-year-old Dutchman. Disappointing finishes in the league were saved by the FA Cup. Yet, Manchester United realized the error in its way when it sacked van Gaal after winning the FA Cup. Ironically, Jose Mourinho replaced van Gaal.



 PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Managers, like players, lose touch and ability as their careers age

Rafael Benitez is the latest example of managers suffering from losing their touch of the game as they age.

Manchester United is returning to San Diego and Snapdragon Stadium to play a friendly. Last summer, the United Academy played against Wrexham. In the summer of 2024, United’s first team will be in action when Man United plays Real Betis from La Liga. This game is happening on Wednesday, July 31. It is in the middle of United’s two other confirmed games on the schedule: against Arsenal and Liverpool. 



Tickets for Man United vs. San Diego will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, March 14. However, you can <a href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/330866/952533/12730?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vividseats.com%2Fmanchester-united-fc-tickets-snapdragon-stadium-7-31-2024--sports-soccer%2Fproduction%2F4867969" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">purchase tickets</a> immediately through Vivid Seats before they go on sale at Ticketmaster. World Soccer Talk readers can get $20 off their first ticket purchase with Vivid Seats when they use promo code <a href="https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/c/330866/952533/12730?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vividseats.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">SOCCER20</a>



Tickets to Manchester United’s other <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-liverpool-and-united-to-play-summer-friendlies-in-usa-20240129-WST-486203.html">friendlies against Arsenal and Liverpool</a> in Los Angeles and Columbia, SC, are selling fast. This friendly against Real Betis may not have the rivalry draw, but it is at a smaller stadium. Therefore, tickets will, once again, be in high demand.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1280" height="720" data-id="494789" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240312_WST_494764_man-united-real-betis_ef980c29.webp&amp;width=1280&amp;height=720" alt="United San Diego friendly" class="wp-image-494789" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/man-united-real-betis.jpg 1280w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/man-united-real-betis-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/man-united-real-betis-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/man-united-real-betis-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px"></figure></figure>
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<h2>Betis is a familiar opponent for Manchester United</h2>



The English side was always going to play a game at Snapdragon Stadium. As part of the upcoming <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/manchester-united-planning-summer-return-to-the-united-states-20240110-WST-482401.html">shirt sponsorship deal with Snapdragon</a>, Manchester United agreed to play two friendlies at the stadium in San Diego. Then, in 2024/25, Snapdragon will replace TeamViewer as the sponsor on the front of the team’s shirt. Snapdragon Stadium has become a popular host of soccer. In addition to hosting Manchester United against Wrexham last summer, the venue hosts the San Diego Wave of the NWSL. Come 2025, San Diego FC will use the stadium when it joins Major League Soccer. 



Real Betis has become one of the better teams in La Liga over recent seasons. That has led to qualification for Europe and more demand from teams to play Betis in a friendly. Manchester United has been on the opposing side of Real Betis in both European play and off-season clashes. The first was during a winter break in the 2022/23 campaign. Real Betis defeated Manchester United in Spain. Then, the two met later that season in the Europa League Round of 16. Manchester United won both legs to advance on aggregate by a score of 5-1. 



This game will feature many of the same faces in those European clashes. For example, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Antony scored in that tie. Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has ample experience against Manchester United, too. Pellegrini is the former manager of Manchester City, and he made way for Pep Guardiola. Pellegrini has an impressive record of five wins, five draws, and five losses against the Red Devils in all competitions. 



<h2>United friendly in San Diego among an array of contests in USA</h2>



This summer, Manchester United’s three friendlies in the United States are part of a busy soccer scene. Not only are Arsenal and Liverpool tagging along, but Manchester City, Wrexham, and Chelsea are planning friendlies in the United States. Then, the Copa America brings the best national teams from North and South America to the United States. As the summer nears, more clubs will announce plans to play friendlies in the USA.



Here’s the most updated <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/schedule-of-soccer-friendlies-in-us-this-summer/">list of summer soccer friendlies</a> in the USA.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Man United tickets on sale for San Diego game against Betis

Manchester United is making a return to San Diego and Snapdragon Stadium to play a friendly this summer against Real Betis.

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