Ruben Amorim said his Manchester United players abandoned their attacking principles after taking the lead against Fulham, claiming their defensive mentality cost them victory in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Craven Cottage.

United scored through an own goal off Rodrigo Muniz’s back, but surrendered their advantage when Fulham substitute Emile Smith Rowe struck 93 seconds after entering the fray.

The result leaves the visitors with a solitary point from their opening two Premier League matches.

“We scored the goal and then we forgot about how we play. We want to win so badly and that is a good feeling, that we scored a goal and everyone on the pitch was thinking, ‘Let’s hold onto the advantage and try to win the game’,” Amorim told the BBC.

“For me that is the moment that we have to enjoy more and push the opponent. We tried to press the opponent super high and left a lot of space.

“We have to grow up a lot as a team. For me the most important thing is that during the week they were working really hard. Today we worked really hard and we are going to improve. The moment that changed the game was our goal.”

A pivotal moment in the first half saw United skipper Bruno Fernandes miss a penalty that was awarded after a VAR check, with the playmaker sending it high over the bar.

It marked the fifth time he has missed a penalty since his Premier League debut in 2020.

“I think he is not used to missing penalties. He knows the importance, that this moment can have a huge impact on the team,” Amorim told Sky Sports.

“During the game he was not happy because he was not involved and he has so much responsibility and I think he thought missing the penalty was huge for us.”

Despite already trailing league leaders Arsenal by five points early in the campaign, Amorim remained bullish about United’s prospects in the league.

“We just want to win games. The players know they are playing in a club where they need to be better,” he said.

-Reuters

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By KUNLE SOLAJA.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) roars fully into action this Sunday with ninefixtures spread across the country, as the 2024/25 season begins to take shape.

The campaign officially kicked off on Friday night when champions Remo Stars were held to a 1-1 draw at home by last season’s runners-up Rivers United. Now, attention turns to the rest of the league, with heavyweight clashes, fierce derbies, and tricky tests for newcomers on the opening weekend.

Barau vs Enyimba (Umuahia)
League debutants Barau face a baptism of fire as they welcome record champions Enyimba International. The People’s Elephant, boasting a history of dominance, are tipped to start strong, but the hosts will hope home advantage sparks an upset.

Wikki Tourists vs Plateau United (Bauchi)
North-Central pride is on the line when Wikki Tourists meet Plateau United in Bauchi. Always a fiery fixture, Wikki’s grit will be up against Plateau’s pedigree as former champions.

Katsina United vs Warri Wolves (Katsina)
Newly promoted Warri Wolves mark their NPFL return away to Katsina United. The Wolves will be keen to announce their comeback with a statement result, but Katsina remain formidable at home.

Abia Warriors vs Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors take on the legendary Kano Pillars. The spotlight will be on Ahmed Musa, making his debut outing as General Manager of Pillars. With Pillars banking on tradition and a passionate fan base, the Warriors will be eager to remind everyone of their giant-killing reputation.

Rangers Int’l vs Kun-Khalifat (Enugu)
The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium sets the stage as Rangers International host newcomers Kun-Khalifat of Imo State, one of four private clubs in this season’s NPFL. Rangers, with their rich history, will look to kick off in style, while the spotlight is firmly on how Kun-Khalifat adapt to top-flight football.

Kwara United vs Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
In Ilorin, Kwara United face Lagos-based Ikorodu City, who are making their NPFL debut after narrowly missing out on continental football last term. The newcomers face a stern opening test against Kwara’s experienced side.

El-Kanemi Warriors vs Bendel Insurance (Maiduguri)
Maiduguri hosts a heavyweight clash as El-Kanemi Warriors take on traditional giants Bendel Insurance. Insurance, renowned for their pedigree, must navigate a notoriously difficult away ground.

Shooting Stars vs Bayelsa United (Ibadan)
The Oluyole Warriors, Shooting Stars (3SC), kick off their campaign at home to Bayelsa United in Ibadan. With their history and fan culture, 3SC aim to relive their glory days, while Bayelsa—FA Cup specialists—are determined to prove their league credentials.

With fixtures scattered from Maiduguri to Ibadan, Umuahia to Bauchi, Sunday promises a thrilling showcase of Nigerian football’s diversity and passion as the NPFL season gets into full swing.

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Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has released a 31-man provisional list for the next two Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying against Rwanda and South Africa, with a mix of established stars, returning faces and fresh prospects setting the stage for intense selection battles.

Captain William Ekong, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and Europe-based regulars Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline the squad.

But with Nigeria languishing in fourth place in their group, the stakes could not be higher as the Eagles chase six points to revive their qualification hopes.

Competition for Places
The return of striker Victor Osimhen, now at Galatasaray, will dominate headlines, but he faces competition from Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers—who impressed at the 2025 Unity Cup in London—and Terem Moffi of Nice. With Sadiq Umar and Nathan Tella also included, Chelle has one of the deepest attacking rosters in years, raising questions about who will lead the line in Uyo and Bloemfontein.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi’s recovery from injury to secure a recall is timely, but he will need to prove his fitness in camp. Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika and Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru provide energetic alternatives, while Fulham’s Iwobi remains the creative hub.

The inclusion of youngster Christantus Uche offers a glimpse of future depth in the middle of the park.

The defence sees familiar names in Ekong, Bassey and Aina, but the call-ups of Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks and Igoh Ogbu add youthful competition.

Chidozie Awaziem, making a return, will hope to cement his place after a patchy international form.

Injury Watch
While the squad is rich in talent, injury concerns loom. Osimhen has endured stop-start fitness issues in recent months, while Ndidi’s recent move to Turkey’s Besiktas was shadowed by questions about his durability. Striker Mbaoma Victor, a regular at the Unity Cup, was overlooked due to a recent injury setback.

Coach Chelle will be hoping his first-choice players stay fit in the week leading to the camp’s opening on 1 September in Uyo.

What’s at Stake
Nigeria sit fourth in their qualifying group and cannot afford further slip-ups. The Super Eagles host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, 6 September in Matchday 7 before travelling to Bloemfontein to face long-time rivals South Africa on Tuesday, 9 September in what could prove decisive for their qualification push.

Chelle’s selection blends experience with experimentation, but his challenge will be to strike the right balance between proven performers and emerging talents.

With group leaders pulling away, anything short of two positive results could place Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes in jeopardy.

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