Manchester United's bold decision to appoint Ruben Amorim marks a significant turning point for the club. Known for his tactical acumen and revitalizing Sporting Lisbon, Amorim brings high expectations and sweeping changes. The "winners" in this new era include Bruno Fernandes, who shares Sporting Lisbon roots with Amorim, boosting his confidence and influence at the club. However, "losers" might be players linked to Ajax, as Amorim looks to establish his unique vision by reshuffling the squad. This shift could herald a fresh start or add pressure for immediate success at Old Trafford.
Amorim's leadership promises excitement and intrigue as fans await to see if he can break the cycle of fleeting managerial stints at Manchester United and bring lasting progress to the club.
Erik ten Hag’s recent sacking marks yet another chapter in Manchester United’s turbulent managerial history. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, the club has seen a string of managers try, and ultimately fail, to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford. The cartoon begins with Ferguson’s memorable farewell speech on the pitch, setting the stage for the dramatic ups and downs that would follow.
After Ferguson’s exit, David Moyes was handpicked to fill his shoes, but his stint was cut short in the face of poor performance, illustrated here as he’s struck by a football and a computer explosion—signaling an abrupt end to his time at United. Louis van Gaal, with his well-known chant, “Louis van Gaal’s army!” seemed to bring hope, especially with an FA Cup victory. Yet, despite lifting a trophy, Van Gaal was shown the door, his dreams ending as swiftly as a pink slip in hand.
Jose Mourinho added his own brand of drama, clutching a silver trophy and demanding “RESPECT, RESPECT!” before also meeting a bitter farewell. Ten Hag’s arrival was marked with high hopes, and he brought in familiar faces from his Ajax days, crafting a new vision for United. However, the harsh realities of Premier League demands left him drenched in disappointment—depicted here as his signings and trophies dissolve under a symbolic storm. The final blow arrives when Jim Ratcliffe, one of United’s decision-makers, sternly points him off the field, marking yet another premature end to a manager’s reign.
The turbulent journey of managers at Manchester United underscores the pressure and expectation that comes with the role. Will the next one finally end the post-Ferguson curse?
Barcelona’s rivalry with Bayern Munich has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, one that has haunted Barca fans for years, especially after the infamous 8-2 defeat in the 2020 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. But in a thrilling turn of events, Barcelona finally got their sweet revenge with a 4-1 win over Bayern, powered by a Raphinha hat trick and a goal from Lewandowski. In this animation, we dive into the highs and lows of this rivalry, leading up to Barca’s triumphant moment.
It all began with that unforgettable night in 2020. Barcelona were utterly demolished by Bayern, losing 8-2 in one of the most humiliating defeats in the club’s history. We start our animation by revisiting this painful memory. Messi, the iconic figure of Barcelona, looks completely dejected, his disappointment mirroring the anguish of Barca fans worldwide. Meanwhile, Piqué, stunned and at a loss for words, stands in disbelief. Lewandowski, Muller, and Bayern coach Hansi Flick, however, celebrate as if it were a training match. The scoreboard shines brightly: Barcelona 2-8 Bayern, a symbol of utter dominance by the German side.
Fast forward to the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League draw, and fate brings Barcelona and Bayern together again in the group stage. With Barca still recovering, the scenes from the past repeat themselves. Muller, Lewandowski, and Sane celebrate as Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and coach Xavi watch helplessly, knowing they are once again on their way to the Europa League.
By the summer of 2022, things looked different for Barcelona. They had signed Bayern's star striker Robert Lewandowski, hoping his arrival would turn the tide. Xavi and club president Laporta are all smiles, full of hope that Lewandowski will help Barcelona reclaim their former glory.
But once again, in the 2022-23 season, Barcelona finds themselves drawn into the same group as Bayern. This time, Lewandowski, now wearing the Barcelona colors, finds himself on the losing side. Muller and Sane celebrate yet again, while Lewandowski, alongside Xavi, cries as they head for the Europa League once more.
Now, the stage is set for 2024. Barcelona and Bayern face off once again in what seems like an endless cycle. But this time, things are different. In my cartoon’s triumphant version of events, Barcelona finally gets the better of Bayern. Raphinha scores a stunning hat trick, while Lewandowski adds another goal to seal the victory. Bayern's stars Harry Kane, Muller, and Kompany are left frustrated and defeated.
Barcelona has finally broken the curse, winning 4-1 in a match that will be remembered for years to come. It's a story of redemption, determination, and the never-ending pursuit of victory.