Richard Jolly
@richjolly.bsky.social
Senior Football Correspondent, the Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/author/richard-jolly
Man Utd likely to appoint an interim for the rest of the season. Gives them more time to find a successor to Ruben Amorim:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man United settle on new plan for next manager after sacking Ruben Amorim
The Red Devils sacked Amorim on Monday and Fletcher has been installed on a temporary basis, but another short-term solution could provide valuable time before a permanent successor is hired next summ...
www.independent.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 1:14 PM
Man Utd likely to appoint an interim for the rest of the season. Gives them more time to find a successor to Ruben Amorim:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
On Nuno and West Ham. It's not going well:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Why another Nuno reunion could bring an end to West Ham’s match made in hell
Nuno’s dismal time could be up at West Ham after the visit of another former employer
www.independent.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 10:38 AM
On Nuno and West Ham. It's not going well:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ruben Amorim, Jason Wilcox and a meeting that led to managerial change at Manchester United. On Amorim and an inability to adapt:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Inside the furious Ruben Amorim row that sparked the end at Man United
The relationship between Amorim and those inside United’s structure broke down, with a tactical stubbornness and key targets missed
www.independent.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Ruben Amorim, Jason Wilcox and a meeting that led to managerial change at Manchester United. On Amorim and an inability to adapt:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
The injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias could come at quite a cost to Manchester City; two of their three other centre-backs are injury prone. And, as Rodri shows, injuries can upend a season:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man City’s crushing injury blow leaves season hanging by a thread
Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were both forced off against Chelsea to spark an injury crisis that may cost Pep Guardiola’s side their season
www.independent.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 12:11 PM
The injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias could come at quite a cost to Manchester City; two of their three other centre-backs are injury prone. And, as Rodri shows, injuries can upend a season:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Farewell to Ruben Amorim. Overhyped and overpromoted, he took Manchester United to historic lows and was arguably their worst manager since the 1930s. But he did like 3-4-3. On a reign of error:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
How Ruben Amorim’s reign of error leaves Man Utd with a damning conclusion
Amorim’s reign has been brutally ended by Man United after a disastrous spell that included a loss to Grimsby and being held by a Wolves side with just two points at the time
www.independent.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 11:53 AM
Farewell to Ruben Amorim. Overhyped and overpromoted, he took Manchester United to historic lows and was arguably their worst manager since the 1930s. But he did like 3-4-3. On a reign of error:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Calum McFarlane described Pep Guardiola as the best manager ever. But McFarlane was the unknown who held Guardiola, changed the game and may have altered the title race. On a triumph for the interim and Man City 1-1 Chelsea:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
How Chelsea’s ‘nobody’ exposed Enzo Maresca as dispensable
Man City 1-1 Chelsea: A supposed nobody, Calum McFarlane impressed by showing tactical variety to frustrate Pep Guardiola and then change the game to secure a deserved point for the Blues, with Liam R...
www.independent.co.uk
January 4, 2026 at 9:28 PM
Calum McFarlane described Pep Guardiola as the best manager ever. But McFarlane was the unknown who held Guardiola, changed the game and may have altered the title race. On a triumph for the interim and Man City 1-1 Chelsea:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Enzo Maresca contrived to bring the subject of Pep Guardiola's future back into the spotlight. Whether he leaves this summer or next, it was a reminder of how hard it will be to replace him. And perhaps best not to replace him with Maresca:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
‘Just a rumour’: Why Enzo Maresca to Man City never made any sense
The Italian was linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium to replace his former master, but the City boss has dismissed speculation as he bids to reel in Arsenal in a gripping Premier League title race
www.independent.co.uk
January 3, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Enzo Maresca contrived to bring the subject of Pep Guardiola's future back into the spotlight. Whether he leaves this summer or next, it was a reminder of how hard it will be to replace him. And perhaps best not to replace him with Maresca:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Liverpool have had three distinct phases to their season so far. The common denominator, Arne Slot admitted, is a constant struggle to be 20 percent better than opponents. It is why they have had so many close games:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
The Arne Slot trade-off that will make or break Liverpool’s title defence
The Reds have endured a season of thirds, explains Richard Jolly, with fluid attacking play and defensive solidarity rarely co-existing and posing Arne Slot a unique problem
www.independent.co.uk
January 2, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Liverpool have had three distinct phases to their season so far. The common denominator, Arne Slot admitted, is a constant struggle to be 20 percent better than opponents. It is why they have had so many close games:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
History was made in rather dull fashion as, for the first time under Arne Slot, Liverpool drew 0-0. Leeds defended well, though it was the opposite of these clubs' 3-3 last month. On Liverpool 0-0 Leeds:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Daniel Farke hails ‘special performance’ as Leeds frustrate lacklustre Liverpool
Liverpool 0-0 Leeds: A well earned point at Anfield extends Leeds’ unbeaten run to six games thanks to a display of defensive solidity
www.independent.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 9:59 PM
History was made in rather dull fashion as, for the first time under Arne Slot, Liverpool drew 0-0. Leeds defended well, though it was the opposite of these clubs' 3-3 last month. On Liverpool 0-0 Leeds:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
On the unravelling of Enzo Maresca and Chelsea. There are questions for the owners but, despite winning the Club World Cup, not sure he overachieved in the job.
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Enzo Maresca’s hurried exit shows that Chelsea are still a club of chaos
Maresca won two trophies during his time as head coach but his departure points to the enduring instability at Stamford Bridge
www.independent.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 2:45 PM
On the unravelling of Enzo Maresca and Chelsea. There are questions for the owners but, despite winning the Club World Cup, not sure he overachieved in the job.
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Manchester United's draw against Wolves was a missed opportunity. The danger is their season becomes one too, with too many leads lost, home disappointments, poor second halves and chances to go into the top five spurned:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man Utd’s draw with Wolves sums up their season: one giant missed opportunity
Without the burden of European football this season and after a £230m summer spending spree, a Champions League place feels like United’s for the taking - but missed chances, second-half collapses and...
www.independent.co.uk
December 31, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Manchester United's draw against Wolves was a missed opportunity. The danger is their season becomes one too, with too many leads lost, home disappointments, poor second halves and chances to go into the top five spurned:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arne Slot expects more from Liverpool's summer signings in the second half of the season & that it is his job to get more. So far, while Hugo Ekitike has been excellent, they have not seen enough for £450m. Some of which, of course, reflects on Isak:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Liverpool’s £450m spending spree, examined: This has been an underwhelming experiment
Arne Slot expects to see more from his expensive recruits in the second half of the season - and he will be judged on what they deliver
www.independent.co.uk
December 31, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Arne Slot expects more from Liverpool's summer signings in the second half of the season & that it is his job to get more. So far, while Hugo Ekitike has been excellent, they have not seen enough for £450m. Some of which, of course, reflects on Isak:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
One last low to finish off 2025. Manchester United couldn't beat a Wolves team who had lost their previous 11 games. Against perhaps the worst team in PL history, they looked the inferior side. On Manchester United 1-1 Wolves:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ruben Amorim’s tactics fail again as Man United’s horror year ends in indignity
Man United 1-1 Wolves: United allowed Wolves to earn just a third point of their dismal Premier League season and were the inferior side for large stretches at Old Trafford
www.independent.co.uk
December 30, 2025 at 10:39 PM
One last low to finish off 2025. Manchester United couldn't beat a Wolves team who had lost their previous 11 games. Against perhaps the worst team in PL history, they looked the inferior side. On Manchester United 1-1 Wolves:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Liverpool set-piece coach Aaron Briggs leaves as he pays the price for their inability to defend corners:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Liverpool sack set-piece coach over dismal Premier League record
The Premier League champions have parted ways with first-team coach Aaron Briggs after a number of goals were conceded from set-pieces this season
www.independent.co.uk
December 30, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Liverpool set-piece coach Aaron Briggs leaves as he pays the price for their inability to defend corners:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man City in talks with Bournemouth about Semenyo. Liverpool also like him.
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man City move ahead of Liverpool in Antoine Semenyo battle
Semenyo has been impressive for Bournemouth this term, attracting interest from City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United, with his release clause proving attractive
www.independent.co.uk
December 29, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Man City in talks with Bournemouth about Semenyo. Liverpool also like him.
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man Utd have played two games with a back four under Ruben Amorim. In one, they scored four and attacked well. In the other, they defended well. Which does suggest they wasted 13 months with an obstinate insistence on 3-4-3:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ruben Amorim’s philosophy has failed to leave Man United with a new problem
The Portuguese manager has belatedly shifted systems, suggesting the last 13 months have been a total waste for Manchester United after stubbornness towards his preferred formation
www.independent.co.uk
December 28, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Man Utd have played two games with a back four under Ruben Amorim. In one, they scored four and attacked well. In the other, they defended well. Which does suggest they wasted 13 months with an obstinate insistence on 3-4-3:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Virgil van Dijk says it is up to Liverpool's players to improve their set-piece record, and reckons the second phase is the real killer as they keep on conceding goals:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Virgil Van Dijk identifies solution to Liverpool’s biggest weakness
The Reds have struggled at set-pieces throughout the campaign and Van Dijk has underlined how they can save their season by eradicating a worrying trend extended in the victory against Wolves
www.independent.co.uk
December 28, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Virgil van Dijk says it is up to Liverpool's players to improve their set-piece record, and reckons the second phase is the real killer as they keep on conceding goals:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Florian Wirtz had waited six months and 23 games for his first Liverpool goal. Arne Slot accepts players are judged on goals but thinks it could be the first of many. On Wirtz and Liverpool 2-1 Wolves:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Florian Wirtz finally scores as Liverpool win again – but Wolves reveal same old flaw
Liverpool 2-1 Wolves: Florian Wirtz scored his first Reds goal as the Premier League champions edged past their Championship-bound opponents
www.independent.co.uk
December 27, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Florian Wirtz had waited six months and 23 games for his first Liverpool goal. Arne Slot accepts players are judged on goals but thinks it could be the first of many. On Wirtz and Liverpool 2-1 Wolves:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Patrick Dorgu was a revelation as a right winger. Man Utd were short of players, but not spirit as Dorgu's first United goal took a side with a back four to victory over Newcastle. On Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ruben Amorim baffles his players but new-look Man United hold on for gutsy win
Manchester United 1-0 Newcastle: Casemiro was not the only home player to be surprised by Amorim’s substitutions but Patrick Dorgu was the hero with his match-winning volley
www.independent.co.uk
December 26, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Patrick Dorgu was a revelation as a right winger. Man Utd were short of players, but not spirit as Dorgu's first United goal took a side with a back four to victory over Newcastle. On Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Manchester United may have thought Bruno Fernandes would never get injured. But they were negligent in not buying a midfielder in the summer. Now they are in a mess of their own making:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
How to replace Bruno Fernandes? This is why Man Utd are in a mess of their own making
With Manchester United set to be without their captain and talisman for up to a month, it’s as if it never occurred to the club that Fernandes might get injured
www.independent.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Manchester United may have thought Bruno Fernandes would never get injured. But they were negligent in not buying a midfielder in the summer. Now they are in a mess of their own making:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
A superb double from Morgan Rogers as Aston Villa get a seventh straight win to continue their unlikely title charge. A rare injury for Bruno Fernandes. On Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Morgan Rogers is the superstar fuelling Aston Villa’s unlikely title challenge
Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United: Rogers scored both goals as Villa claimed a crucial three points to maintain their pressure on league leaders Arsenal
www.independent.co.uk
December 21, 2025 at 8:04 PM
A superb double from Morgan Rogers as Aston Villa get a seventh straight win to continue their unlikely title charge. A rare injury for Bruno Fernandes. On Aston Villa 2-1 Man Utd:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Bruno Fernandes is out for a while, Ruben Amorim thinks, and he said Man Utd cannot panic buy and have to find solutions in the current squad:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Fernandes injury means Man Utd can’t make mistakes in transfer market says Amorim
The 31-year-old was subbed off during the Premier League defeat to Aston Villa and will be out ‘for a while’
www.independent.co.uk
December 21, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Bruno Fernandes is out for a while, Ruben Amorim thinks, and he said Man Utd cannot panic buy and have to find solutions in the current squad:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Liverpool fear Alexander Isak has suffered a significant injury. MRI scan will determine full extent of damage to his lower leg and how long he will spend out:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Liverpool fear long lay off for Alexander Isak after ‘significant’ injury
Arne Slot admitted that the injury ‘did not look good’ after Isak was subbed off against Tottenham
www.independent.co.uk
December 21, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Liverpool fear Alexander Isak has suffered a significant injury. MRI scan will determine full extent of damage to his lower leg and how long he will spend out:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal are the Christmas No 1 again. Some early presents for Viktor Gyokeres with a penalty given by first Jake O'Brien and then his teammates. On Everton 0-1 Arsenal:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Gyokeres gets early Christmas present as Arsenal overcome depleted Everton
Everton 0-1 Arsenal: Mikel Arteta ushered his side back to the top of the Premier League tree on the six-year anniversary of his Arsenal appointment
www.independent.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Arsenal are the Christmas No 1 again. Some early presents for Viktor Gyokeres with a penalty given by first Jake O'Brien and then his teammates. On Everton 0-1 Arsenal:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Kobbie Mainoo is yet to start a PL game for Man Utd this season. "Free Kobbie Mainoo," said his brother. Ex-Utd players think he should leave. But part of the issue is that Ruben Amorim does not appear to rate him as highly as many others do:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Ruben Amorim has picked a fight he is unlikely to win
Amorim insisted he has no issues with Kobbie Mainoo but if the midfielder continues to be frozen out Manchester United could lose another of its bright young things due to the manager’s stubbornness
www.independent.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Kobbie Mainoo is yet to start a PL game for Man Utd this season. "Free Kobbie Mainoo," said his brother. Ex-Utd players think he should leave. But part of the issue is that Ruben Amorim does not appear to rate him as highly as many others do:
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...