Miguel Delaney
@migueldelaney.bsky.social
Chief football writer at the Independent. Author of 'States of Play'
Pinned
‘States of Play’ is out today in paperback, featuring new material and a brand new chapter on football in the age of autocracy and billionaires, with focus on Gianni Infantino’s relationship with Donald Trump and the new Manchester United.
geni.us/StatesOfPlay
geni.us/StatesOfPlay
Reposted by Miguel Delaney
For a club obsessed with "identity", United's big problem is they don't have one in the way that now matters
What do they want to look like?
Worse, Ratcliffe's ownership makes that worse - as countless stories, including the Amorim case, illustrate
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
What do they want to look like?
Worse, Ratcliffe's ownership makes that worse - as countless stories, including the Amorim case, illustrate
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ruben Amorim was doomed to fail inside Manchester United’s broken machine
Without a clear ideology, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford hierarchy will struggle to ever deliver the trophies Manchester United fans crave – whoever takes over as manager
www.independent.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 9:04 PM
For a club obsessed with "identity", United's big problem is they don't have one in the way that now matters
What do they want to look like?
Worse, Ratcliffe's ownership makes that worse - as countless stories, including the Amorim case, illustrate
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
What do they want to look like?
Worse, Ratcliffe's ownership makes that worse - as countless stories, including the Amorim case, illustrate
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Miguel Delaney
Sources say Amorim named Tuchel, Conte, Mourinho on Sunday because they were the names used to him to contrast "pedigree"
A 2024 candidate found 4 levels of interviews, with ever more officials, and a meeting delayed because Ratcliffe was "off cycling"
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
A 2024 candidate found 4 levels of interviews, with ever more officials, and a meeting delayed because Ratcliffe was "off cycling"
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ruben Amorim was doomed to fail inside Manchester United’s broken machine
Without a clear ideology, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford hierarchy will struggle to ever deliver the trophies Manchester United fans crave – whoever takes over as manager
www.independent.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 9:08 PM
Sources say Amorim named Tuchel, Conte, Mourinho on Sunday because they were the names used to him to contrast "pedigree"
A 2024 candidate found 4 levels of interviews, with ever more officials, and a meeting delayed because Ratcliffe was "off cycling"
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
A 2024 candidate found 4 levels of interviews, with ever more officials, and a meeting delayed because Ratcliffe was "off cycling"
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Miguel Delaney
US action in Venezuela is only the third time a World Cup host has launched an act of aggression after being awarded it
People can forget moving it, but this alone points to Fifa’s inability to handle any of this - let alone Infantino’s proximity
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
People can forget moving it, but this alone points to Fifa’s inability to handle any of this - let alone Infantino’s proximity
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
How Trump’s attack on Venezuela backs Fifa into a corner over World Cup
The United States’ attack on Venezuela has shifted focus on the 2026 World Cup hosts, writes Miguel Delaney, with Fifa left conflicted by its allegiance with Trump
www.independent.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 12:09 PM
US action in Venezuela is only the third time a World Cup host has launched an act of aggression after being awarded it
People can forget moving it, but this alone points to Fifa’s inability to handle any of this - let alone Infantino’s proximity
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
People can forget moving it, but this alone points to Fifa’s inability to handle any of this - let alone Infantino’s proximity
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Miguel Delaney
Video piece on Manchester United, and how minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is making their identity crisis worse
They probably can't be fixed until he comes to a realisation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo4e...
They probably can't be fixed until he comes to a realisation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo4e...
Does Ratcliffe make Man Utd's identity crisis worse?
YouTube video by Independent Sport
www.youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Video piece on Manchester United, and how minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is making their identity crisis worse
They probably can't be fixed until he comes to a realisation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo4e...
They probably can't be fixed until he comes to a realisation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo4e...
Video piece on Manchester United, and how minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is making their identity crisis worse
They probably can't be fixed until he comes to a realisation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo4e...
They probably can't be fixed until he comes to a realisation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo4e...
Does Ratcliffe make Man Utd's identity crisis worse?
YouTube video by Independent Sport
www.youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Video piece on Manchester United, and how minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is making their identity crisis worse
They probably can't be fixed until he comes to a realisation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo4e...
They probably can't be fixed until he comes to a realisation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo4e...
US action in Venezuela is only the third time a World Cup host has launched an act of aggression after being awarded it
People can forget moving it, but this alone points to Fifa’s inability to handle any of this - let alone Infantino’s proximity
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
People can forget moving it, but this alone points to Fifa’s inability to handle any of this - let alone Infantino’s proximity
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
How Trump’s attack on Venezuela backs Fifa into a corner over World Cup
The United States’ attack on Venezuela has shifted focus on the 2026 World Cup hosts, writes Miguel Delaney, with Fifa left conflicted by its allegiance with Trump
www.independent.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 12:09 PM
US action in Venezuela is only the third time a World Cup host has launched an act of aggression after being awarded it
People can forget moving it, but this alone points to Fifa’s inability to handle any of this - let alone Infantino’s proximity
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
People can forget moving it, but this alone points to Fifa’s inability to handle any of this - let alone Infantino’s proximity
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Sources say Amorim named Tuchel, Conte, Mourinho on Sunday because they were the names used to him to contrast "pedigree"
A 2024 candidate found 4 levels of interviews, with ever more officials, and a meeting delayed because Ratcliffe was "off cycling"
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
A 2024 candidate found 4 levels of interviews, with ever more officials, and a meeting delayed because Ratcliffe was "off cycling"
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ruben Amorim was doomed to fail inside Manchester United’s broken machine
Without a clear ideology, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford hierarchy will struggle to ever deliver the trophies Manchester United fans crave – whoever takes over as manager
www.independent.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 9:08 PM
Sources say Amorim named Tuchel, Conte, Mourinho on Sunday because they were the names used to him to contrast "pedigree"
A 2024 candidate found 4 levels of interviews, with ever more officials, and a meeting delayed because Ratcliffe was "off cycling"
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
A 2024 candidate found 4 levels of interviews, with ever more officials, and a meeting delayed because Ratcliffe was "off cycling"
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
For a club obsessed with "identity", United's big problem is they don't have one in the way that now matters
What do they want to look like?
Worse, Ratcliffe's ownership makes that worse - as countless stories, including the Amorim case, illustrate
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
What do they want to look like?
Worse, Ratcliffe's ownership makes that worse - as countless stories, including the Amorim case, illustrate
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ruben Amorim was doomed to fail inside Manchester United’s broken machine
Without a clear ideology, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford hierarchy will struggle to ever deliver the trophies Manchester United fans crave – whoever takes over as manager
www.independent.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 9:04 PM
For a club obsessed with "identity", United's big problem is they don't have one in the way that now matters
What do they want to look like?
Worse, Ratcliffe's ownership makes that worse - as countless stories, including the Amorim case, illustrate
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
What do they want to look like?
Worse, Ratcliffe's ownership makes that worse - as countless stories, including the Amorim case, illustrate
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Solsjaer has spoken to Manchester United about returning as interim. Carrick also being considered and Fletcher will be given two games, that could yet see him stay until the end of the season
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in talks over shock return as Man United manager
Solskjaer managed United from November 2018 until December 2021 and has been out of work since being sacked by Besiktas last August
www.independent.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Solsjaer has spoken to Manchester United about returning as interim. Carrick also being considered and Fletcher will be given two games, that could yet see him stay until the end of the season
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Video on Amorim, whether call was right, what next (Carrick then Glasner?) but also the big Q - the dysfunction of Ratcliffe's United
He empowers this head coach structure but his reasons for hiring Amorim by definition made him more than a head coach
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px45...
He empowers this head coach structure but his reasons for hiring Amorim by definition made him more than a head coach
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px45...
United look to Glasner, amid big questions about what next
YouTube video by Independent Sport
www.youtube.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Video on Amorim, whether call was right, what next (Carrick then Glasner?) but also the big Q - the dysfunction of Ratcliffe's United
He empowers this head coach structure but his reasons for hiring Amorim by definition made him more than a head coach
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px45...
He empowers this head coach structure but his reasons for hiring Amorim by definition made him more than a head coach
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px45...
In my free Monday newsletter
- United basically decided before yesterday
- Amorim touches on PL shift, and what is called "football by LinkedIn"
- the unhappiest PL ever?
- Rosenior likelier to take charge weekend rather than Wednesday
Sign up here:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
- United basically decided before yesterday
- Amorim touches on PL shift, and what is called "football by LinkedIn"
- the unhappiest PL ever?
- Rosenior likelier to take charge weekend rather than Wednesday
Sign up here:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter
Packed with snippets of behind-the-scenes gossip and updates from Miguel Delaney's reporting trips, subscribers will have a backstage pass as he covers the 2025/2026 season, the 2026 World Cup and mor...
www.independent.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 4:25 PM
In my free Monday newsletter
- United basically decided before yesterday
- Amorim touches on PL shift, and what is called "football by LinkedIn"
- the unhappiest PL ever?
- Rosenior likelier to take charge weekend rather than Wednesday
Sign up here:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
- United basically decided before yesterday
- Amorim touches on PL shift, and what is called "football by LinkedIn"
- the unhappiest PL ever?
- Rosenior likelier to take charge weekend rather than Wednesday
Sign up here:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
The Amorim situation - and Maresca - also lay bear a classic tension in 21st-century football, which is how much power a head coach has v a football leadership
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
How Man United can finally break their cycle of doom after Amorim sacking
The United hierarchy face a huge question after binning Ruben Amorim just 14 months into his Old Trafford tenure, writes Miguel Delaney, and their next move will define Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership
www.independent.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 1:12 PM
The Amorim situation - and Maresca - also lay bear a classic tension in 21st-century football, which is how much power a head coach has v a football leadership
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Yesterday might have been Amorim’s last words at United but he was aware he could be facing up to final days after the football leadership spoke on New Years Day
Obstinacy cost him - but this is now INEOS United’s third big decision going wrong in a row
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Obstinacy cost him - but this is now INEOS United’s third big decision going wrong in a row
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
How Man United can finally break their cycle of doom after Amorim sacking
The United hierarchy face a huge question after binning Ruben Amorim just 14 months into his Old Trafford tenure, writes Miguel Delaney, and their next move will define Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership
www.independent.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Yesterday might have been Amorim’s last words at United but he was aware he could be facing up to final days after the football leadership spoke on New Years Day
Obstinacy cost him - but this is now INEOS United’s third big decision going wrong in a row
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Obstinacy cost him - but this is now INEOS United’s third big decision going wrong in a row
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Manchester United want Glasner - likelier to go permanent in summer
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man Utd identify top candidate to replace Amorim as club favour summer appointment
United’s INEOS owners will assess names who were on their manager shortlist back in the summer of 2024
www.independent.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 11:27 AM
Manchester United want Glasner - likelier to go permanent in summer
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Has Amorim provoked his own departure at Man United?
YouTube video by Independent Sport
youtu.be
January 5, 2026 at 9:58 AM
United appoint Amorim as head coach
It's official! Read the club statement here...
www.manutd.com
January 4, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Got back from Fulham for the last 10 minutes of this and it was basically a game Chelsea - if still a slightly tepid Chelsea - repeatedly breaking City's press. They were often through in two moves.
January 4, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Got back from Fulham for the last 10 minutes of this and it was basically a game Chelsea - if still a slightly tepid Chelsea - repeatedly breaking City's press. They were often through in two moves.
A game at Fulham of fine margins... and very wide margins,
Slot perhaps said a lot more than intended when discussing Reed's equaliser, and it says a lot about Liverpool right now
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Slot perhaps said a lot more than intended when discussing Reed's equaliser, and it says a lot about Liverpool right now
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
The warning Liverpool ignored to underline Arne Slot’s alarming issue
Fulham 2-2 Liverpool: After taking the lead in stoppage time through Cody Gakpo, the Reds ignored a recurring problem, gifting Harrison Reed the space to rifle a shot into the top corner and ensure th...
www.independent.co.uk
January 4, 2026 at 7:05 PM
A game at Fulham of fine margins... and very wide margins,
Slot perhaps said a lot more than intended when discussing Reed's equaliser, and it says a lot about Liverpool right now
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Slot perhaps said a lot more than intended when discussing Reed's equaliser, and it says a lot about Liverpool right now
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Slot says the space for Reed's winner was due to the set-up for facing throw-ins and set-pieces this season.
January 4, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Slot says the space for Reed's winner was due to the set-up for facing throw-ins and set-pieces this season.
Slot:
"I would love us to create more. My philosophy of football hasn’t changed from previous seasons, but we have to do it with the players we have available."
"I would love us to create more. My philosophy of football hasn’t changed from previous seasons, but we have to do it with the players we have available."
January 4, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Slot:
"I would love us to create more. My philosophy of football hasn’t changed from previous seasons, but we have to do it with the players we have available."
"I would love us to create more. My philosophy of football hasn’t changed from previous seasons, but we have to do it with the players we have available."
Wirtz goal allowed as Premier League uses thicker lines to give attacker benefit, and specifically to avoid offsides by small number of millimetres.
January 4, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Wirtz goal allowed as Premier League uses thicker lines to give attacker benefit, and specifically to avoid offsides by small number of millimetres.
January 4, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Wirtz goal allowed as Premier League uses thicker lines to give attacker benefit, and specifically to avoid offsides by small number of millimetres.
Kick-off at Fulham delayed by 15 mins due to a medical emergency at the ground.
January 4, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Kick-off at Fulham delayed by 15 mins due to a medical emergency at the ground.
A beautiful if freezing day in west London
January 4, 2026 at 2:26 PM
A beautiful if freezing day in west London