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Manchester United were made to suffer in Germany after a promising start to their Champions League opener against Bayern Munich. Christian Eriksen should have opened the scoring inside the first five minutes only to be denied by a sharp save from Sven Ulreich. United were quick to transition the ball up the pitch and looked comfortable in the game until a howler from Andre Onana gave the hosts the opening goal. Leroy Sane added a second before the break following a wonderful solo run from Jamal Musiala who took the ball through midfield before pulling it back to Sane for the finish. Rasmus Hojlund netted his first goal for United to give them hope of a comeback after the break but Harry Kane restored the host’s cushion with a beautifully taken penalty. The goals kept on coming with three being scored late. Casemiro bagged a brace either side of a Mathys Tel rocket but United couldn’t get the win. Here’s how all the players rated at the Allianz Arena: Bayern Munich Sven Ulreich - 6. Denied Christian Eriksen an opening goal in the fourth minute after his defenders lost the ball deep in their own half and kept out a wild shot from Marcus Rashford. Could do nothing about Rasmus Hojlund’s or Casemiro’s goals and unfortunate to conced three. Konrad Laimer - 6. Thought primarily about getting forward on the wing and linked up nicely with Leroy Sane to exploit the spaces in behind Sergio Reguilon. Dayot Upamecano - 7. Stayed switched on to cover Laimer’s forward runs, handled Rashford and Hojlund with composure and poise until United’s first goal. Minjae Kim - 6. A top partner for Upamecano against a United attack that lacked persistent bite. Drove the ball up the pitch a couple of times but went to sleep late in the game with the match won. Alphonso Davies - 7. Stuck a foot on the ball first when tackling Facundo Pellestri, stopping the Uruguayan youngster from scoring a simple tap-in early in the match. Joshua Kimmich - 6. Was a valuable link between defence and attack providing pressure high up the pitch towards the end of the game. Leon Goretzka - 6. Commanding in midfield though wasn’t put under enough pressure from United’s attacking personnel. Took umbrage with a tackle on Kane from Lisandro Martinez and got booked. Leroy Sane - 9. His movement off the ball caused real problems and he was Bayern’s biggest threat. Scored the opening goal and curled one past the post in the first half before hitting the post in the second. Jamal Musiala - 8. Developing a solid relationship with Harry Kane making several forward runs when the England captain dropped back. A wonderful solo run and cutback set up Bayern’s second goal. Serge Gnabry - 7. Drifted into space inside the box and slotted a clinical finish past Andre Onana to double his team’s lead in the first half. Harry Kane - 8. Went through several spells without touching the ball but proved his quality by setting up the first goal thanks to some top quality hold up play and slotted home a perfect penalty when called on. Subs: Kingsley Coman - 6, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting - 7, Mathys Tel - 8, Thomas Muller - n/a Manchester United Andre Onana – 5. Picked out a few good passes and made some nice saves but all that is overshadowed by a howler that allowed Sane’s shot to sneak under him and give Bayern the lead. Diogo Dalot – 6. Out-paced and out-classed by Musiala in the build-up to the second goal. Seemed to suffer from a lack of confidence like most of United’s defence but was willing to put his body on the line. Victor Lindelof - 6. Dealt well with the aerial balls into the box but got caught a couple of times out of position and didn’t have the legs to recover properly. Lisandro Martinez - 6. Grew frustrated as the night went on before getting into a scrap with Leon Goretzka and earning an unnecessary yellow card. Sergio Reguilon - 7. Wasn’t afraid to make sharp forward runs trying to force United into the final third whilst also relishing the battle against Sane. Looks to be settling into his role at left-back. Casemiro - 8. The more defensive of United’s two holding midfielders, sat deep to keep the shape compact and provide cover for the back line but played a couple of wonderful passes over the top for Bruno Fernandes before scoring two late goals with his first real forays up the pitch. Christian Eriksen - 5. Latched onto a loose ball early in the game but drilled a shot straight at the goalkeeper when he should have scored. Harshly judged to have handled the ball inside the box leading to the penalty. Facundo Pellestri - 5. Failed to toe United ahead early in the game and was denied any better chances for the rest of the match. Bruno Fernandes - 7. Was the playmaker for most of United’s attacks and led the press well off the ball. Misplaced a couple of difficult passes but was always looking to get the ball into the box even with his team chasing the game. Assisted Casemiro for the third goal. Marcus Rashford - 6. Pacey down the line, getting the better of Laimer on a few occasions. Set up Hojlund’s goal with a deft touch inside the penalty area but needs to be more creative in the wide areas. Rasmus Hojlund - 7. Made an impact at the top of the pitch with a well taken goal in the second half. His first for the club and signs are there that he’ll get plenty more. Subs: Scott McTominay 6, Anthony Martial - n/a, Alejandro Garnacho - n/a Read More Bizarre clash with Bayern ends in predictable outcome for Manchester United Arsenal are back in the Champions League — and they look like contenders too Bizarre clash with Bayern ends in predictable outcome for Manchester United Tottenham have Harry Kane ‘buy-back clause’ as Daniel Levy reveals option Erik ten Hag concerned by Manchester United’s mounting injury problems

Jude Bellingham’s dream start to his Real Madrid career continued after he fired home a stoppage-tine winner against Champions League debutants Union Berlin at the Santiago Bernabeu. The hosts looked destined to be heading for a frustrating goalless draw after failing to find a way past the resilient Bundesliga side. But England international Bellingham converted from close range with virtually the last kick of the Group C clash to claim his sixth goal in as many matches and land all three points for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot in Bayern Munich’s 4-3 win against Manchester United. Absentee-hit United began brightly enough at the Allianz Arena, only for Serge Gnabry to score shortly after former Manchester City forward Leroy Sane’s effort squirmed past summer signing Andre Onana. Rasmus Hojlund scored his first goal for the club, but Kane quickly slammed a penalty, with Casemiro scoring either side of Mathys Tel’s stoppage-time strike as the Red Devils suffered a fourth defeat in five matches. In Group A’s other fixture, Galatasaray scored two late goals in a 2-2 draw against 10-man Copenhagen. The Danish side went 2-0 at half-time through Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves. Elias Jelert was sent off in the 73rd minute for two bookable offences and Galatasaray took advantage with Sacha Boey and Tete earning a point. Arsenal enjoyed a fine return to the Champions League as they cruised past PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium. Six years of absence were brushed to one side as a scintillating attacking display saw Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard all score in a one-sided 4-0 win. The result puts Arsenal top of Group B after Angelo Fulgini cancelled out Lucas Ocampos’ opener as Lens secured a 1-1 away draw at Sevilla. In Group D, Lautaro Martinez salvaged a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad with a 87th-minute equaliser following Brais Mendez’s early goal, while Red Bull Salzburg cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win at 10-man Benfica. Karim Konate missed a third-minute penalty for Salzburg before Antonio Silva was sent off 10 minutes later. Roko Simic scored from the resulting spot-kick and Oscar Gloukh wrapped up the points. Elsewhere, Sikou Niakate put through his own net with just two minutes remaining as Napoli secured a late 2-1 victory at Braga. Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time before Bruma headed home a deserved equaliser in the 84th minute. Read More Bizarre clash with Bayern ends in predictable outcome for Manchester United Arsenal are back in the Champions League — and they look like contenders too Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists they are in the Europa League to win it and they arrive in Linz “to compete, not to give opportunities”. On Thursday the Reds take on LASK as they return to a competition in which their last appearance was the 2016 final defeat to Sevilla in the German’s first season at the club. Since then Liverpool have won the Champions League and reached two other finals and lifted the Premier League, the Club World Cup, the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. As it stands the Europa League is the only major trophy Klopp has not won in his near-eight years at Anfield and he wants to add that missing silverware to his honour role. That means fans who were hoping to see exciting fringe talents like youngster Ben Doak, Harvey Elliott and new signing Ryan Gravenberch may have to wait for now. “We are here to compete, not to give opportunities,” he said. “My first year I thought the Europa League was a bit too much for us until we got to the final. We had to fly to Russia, played on a frozen pitch in Sion. “That was a different squad. We were not ready and we came through somehow. I don’t think we were exceptional until the quarter-final, semi-final. “It is a different time, a different team. We are better prepared. We enjoy it more to be here because we had no clue at that time what to expect. “We have to be motivated and we are excited to play in the Europa League. I didn’t watch the Champions League (this week), I didn’t miss the anthem.” None of the 2016 final squad remain at Anfield with Joe Gomez – who was 18 at the time but out injured – the only current player to have played in the Europa League for Liverpool. But while there have been significant alterations to the playing staff this summer the core of that trophy-winning band are still together and Klopp’s side are favourites to win the competition. However, captain Virgil van Dijk brushed off the expectations. “It’s a reflection of the world we live in at the moment, it’s from one extreme to the other,” he said. “We have to just stay calm and level-headed, there are so many games to play and twists and turns to happen. “We know we had a good start but there are so many things still we need to improve. We need to stay calm. “Everyone else from the outside world will say things but we should not worry and think about it.” Van Dijk has had to watch from the sidelines for the last two matches due to suspension but he has been impressed with the way his team-mates have gone about their business. And he is not the only one who has been heartened. Klopp added: “Virgil is right. He did not play now twice and you can see something is growing. “We were late (arriving in Linz) today and it wasn’t our fault and we were waiting around and you see they enjoy spending time with each other.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Next season I’ll be back – Emma Raducanu out for rest of year through injury Majority of Spain’s World Cup winners reach agreement to end boycott – CSD boss Van Dijk dunks and Zlatan shows off – Wednesday’s sporting social

Manchester United will face a tough test when they travel to the Allianz Arena to face Bayern Munich for their opening fixture in this year’s Champions League group stages. Erik ten Hag’s team are in disarray thanks to three defeats in four Premier League matches and an ever-expanding injury list. The Red Devils have lacked the conviction and skill to beat big teams like Arsenal or well-drilled upstarts such as Brighton. It’s a situation that can only get worse as they face the Bundesliga champions in Germany tonight. Bayern signed England captain Harry Kane in the summer and he has made an immediate impact leading the line, scoring four goals in as many games for the club. Kane left Spurs to chase silverware with the prolific German side and he will want to impress on the biggest stage in Europe. Follow all the action from the Allianz Arena below. Plus you can get all the football betting sites offers and latest Champions League odds here. Read More Manchester United’s date with Harry Kane is a reminder of what they could have had Tottenham have Harry Kane ‘buy-back clause’ as Daniel Levy reveals option How the Champions League lost its spark and led to the end of an era

As Oregon State and Washington State try to determine their future, some ADs have suggested that they should keep the Pac-12 in a relegation system.

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has conceded the club’s re-signing of Cristiano Ronaldo “turned out wrong”. Solskjaer was in charge when United brought the five-time Ballon d’Or winner back to Old Trafford amid much optimism and fanfare in August 2021. At the time the transfer was viewed as a coup that could potentially fuel a Premier League title challenge. Yet things soon unravelled as the team struggled and Solskjaer was sacked in November that year. Ronaldo left the club in acrimonious fashion 12 months later. Solskjaer told The Athletic: “It was about taking the next step to challenge for the title. And, unfortunately, it just didn’t work out. “It was a decision that was very difficult to turn down and I felt we had to take it, but it turned out wrong. “It felt so right when he signed and the fans felt that at that Newcastle game (when he scored twice), when Old Trafford was rocking. He was still one of the best goalscorers in the world, he was looking strong.” But he added: “When you have a group you need everyone to pull in the same direction. When things didn’t go right, you could see certain players and egos came out.” Solskjaer was also the manager when the club signed England defender Harry Maguire in the summer of 2019. The Norwegian feels the recent criticism, and even ridiculing of Maguire, has been very unfair. He said: “Harry Maguire – it’s a disgrace that he’s getting so much abuse. I feel sorry for him, but he’s a strong lad and I hope it turns for him. “He raised our defence big time when he arrived and lifted the mood around the place.”

Lionel Messi is the only footballer whose shadow carries a gun. While he plays for Inter Miami, his bodyguard stalks the touchline: Yassine Cheuko is an ex-Navy Seal with a thick beard and a shaved head who treats his client like a president in a warzone, staring down giddy autograph-hunters and swatting away selfie-chasing children. During a recent match, a young pitch-invader in a Messi shirt made a dash towards his hero only to be walloped by Cheuko’s torso on arrival. Messi is like the sun: by all means enjoy his presence and bask in his glow, but by god do not look him in the eye – and if you touch him, you’re dead. It is just one of the more bizarre symptoms of Messi fever which has gripped Miami and Major League Soccer since his arrival in June. It began before he kicked a ball: Messi’s pink shirt outsold any sports jersey in history in its first 24 hours, generating $600m to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United and Tom Brady’s move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Miami’s Instagram account exploded from 1 million to 15 million followers, a bigger audience than every NFL team. Kim Kardashian bought tickets to his debut, while the list of special guests to watch him play at Los Angeles Galaxy was like Wimbledon’s Royal Box on steroids, featuring LeBron James, Selena Gomez, Owen Wilson, Gerard Butler, Leonardo DiCaprio and genuine royalty in Prince Harry, to name but a few. On the pitch Messi has been phenomenal, even at 36 years old and in the winter of his career: 11 goals and five assists in 11 games, and one trophy already. He has turned a terrible team into a good one, lifting Miami off the bottom of the table to be in with a chance of reaching US soccer’s Super Bowl equivalent, the MLS Cup, in December. He has brought with him from Barcelona two close allies: the left-back Jordi Alba, who built a career pretending to cross the ball only to cut back for Messi to score, and the great midfield conductor Sergio Busquets. It is a bit like a singer bringing along his sound and lighting technicians – not the full band but enough to put on a show. Perhaps his most memorable moment so far came in the final of the Leagues Cup against Nashville: as the ball bounced to Messi arriving on the edge of the box, the commentator let out a foreboding “uh oh” before he shuffled away from two defenders and curled the ball into the top corner. Major League Soccer is rightfully indulging in the moment. “The 🐐 plays here,” reads the Twitter bio these days. This is now an unprecedented window of opportunity: the US will host the Copa America in 2024, the Club World Cup in 2025, the men’s World Cup in 2026 and quite possibly the women’s World Cup in 2027 too. The football landscape is more competitive than ever amid the aggressive emergence of the Saudi Pro League and the greed of Europe’s superpowers, but if MLS cannot shed its image as a paid vacation for retirees and establish something serious now, it never will. That mission was part of Miami’s sales pitch to Messi. David Beckham and his fellow owners knew they couldn’t compete with the base salary being offered in Saudi Arabia, but they could offer other benefits which the Saudis couldn’t. They appealed to Messi’s family – he already owned a home in Miami, from where it is relatively easy to fly back to Argentina, and the Messis have enjoyed partying with the Beckhams behind the scenes. And they included huge commercial investments, like a share in sales of MLS broadcaster Apple, with whom Messi had an existing relationship, and a stake in Inter Miami which he can activate when he departs. Messi was convinced by the long-term opportunities for his brand and his legacy in North America. He was also wooed by some romantic history. Pele became a pioneer when he turned down offers across Europe to join the New York Cosmos in 1975. It had appealed to his ego to be the catalyst who made US soccer catch fire, and he was certainly that: the Cosmos played in front of 200 people before Pele, yet two years later they were filling the Giants Stadium with 77,000 converts. Beckham himself has had the greatest impact in America since Pele, and Messi is next in the dynasty. The problem for MLS is where to go next. Each new star since Beckham delivered another flurry of excitement – Thierry Henry, Kaka, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney – but there is no footballing high greater than watching Messi, no bigger dopamine hit than seeing his feet shuffle into life and create magic. Messi is football hedonism, and when he goes he cannot simply be replaced by a bigger, shinier star. The come down will hurt. How do you sell yourself as a serious sporting product when one player is that much better than the rest? So MLS has a plan to harness the hype and turn it into something that will last. Last year the league ditched long-term broadcast partner ESPN and signed with Messi’s friends at Apple, in what represented the tech company’s biggest step yet into the sports arena. Apple committed to a 10-year contract worth $250m per year for the right to show MLS on its platforms, and more lucrative media deals will follow. Long-time MLS commissioner Don Garber wants to invest in youth development, better stadiums and infrastructure for the long-term success of American soccer. But the league’s immediate need is to acquire talent, and here the clubs are met with restrictions. The MLS adheres to a strict salary cap designed to stop clubs overspending. It can be dodged via the designated player rule – or Beckham Rule – which allows each team to pay three star players more than the salary cap, but unless restrictions loosen further it will be impossible for the biggest teams in the league to sign more elite talent. Miami have certainly filled their quota and are in no position to sign more ex-Barcelona stars until those rules change. All the while, the danger is that Messi makes football look so easy, he undermines the league’s integrity. The drop-off from European football or the World Cup to MLS is a void – not just physically and technically, but in its tactical sophistication and defensive organisation. The worst MLS teams, of which Miami were one before Messi, match the upper echelons of England’s League Two, according to the models of consultancy Twenty First Group. That’s like dropping Messi into Gillingham’s first XI: how do you sell yourself as a serious sporting product when one player is that much better than the rest? It will be a hard journey to raise standards across the board, but Messi does at least provide the best possible platform from which to grow. Most European football fans have been devotees for a long time, but now the gospel of Messi is spreading throughout the United States. New followers are flocking to see him in the flesh. So enjoy watching Messi, America. Seize the moment. Just don’t try to touch him. Read More Every Lionel Messi goal, assist and key moment for Inter Miami Mbappe and Haaland begin new Champions League rivarly after Messi-Ronaldo era When does Lionel Messi play next? Inter Miami schedule and fixtures Cristiano Ronaldo declares rivalry with Lionel Messi ‘is over’ Messi favourite for men’s Ballon d’Or with four Lionesses on women’s list It turned out wrong – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Man Utd return

Spain players have ended their boycott of the women’s national team after showdown talks with the Spanish Football Federation (Rfef) which lasted more than seven hours. The squad was named at the start of the week with several World Cup winners included, despite the fact they had publicly stated their intention to not represent the national team following the sexism row which erupted following Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso after the final. That fallout of that moment, which outrageously overshadowed Spain triumphing on the biggest stage of all, included the team’s head coach Jorge Vilda losing his job and Rubiales being suspended from his duties by Fifa, though he refused to resign his post initially before succumbing to pressure and exiting. But the issues within Spanish football have not stopped there, with players called up for action after saying they would not make themselves available - though it now appears they have reached an agreement with their FA. “The players have expressed their concern about the need for profound changes in the Rfef (Spanish Football Federation), which has committed to making these changes immediately,” said Spain’s National Sports Council (CSD) president, Victor Francos. “It is the beginning of a long road ahead of us,” Futpro - the players’ union - president Amanda Gutierrez said. “Once again, they [the players] have shown themselves to be coherent, and the vast majority have decided to stay for the sake of this agreement.” A joint commission is to be set up to oversee changes and “follow up on agreements” from the meeting, though it was not confirmed what those agreements were. The now-former Rfef president continued to insist his kiss with Hermoso, one of the team’s forwards, was consensual - but Hermoso rejected that notion and filed a complaint against Rubiales with the state prosecutor, with an investigation for sexual assault now underway. He has also been handed a restraining order, preventing him from being in close proximity to the World Cup winner. Hermoso was not called up to the latest Spain squad, with new head coach Montse Tome saying the national team wanted to “protect” the 33-year-old. Hermoso responded with a question of “from what?” to that claim, saying that the national team call-ups for players who had made themselves unavailable only proved that “nothing had changed” despite Rubiales’ forced exit. Spain face Sweden and Switzerland in the Nations League across the next week or so, with the competition also serving the purpose of qualifiers for the Paris Olympics next year. Read More Jenni Hermoso says Spain call-ups are a ‘strategy of manipulation’ by Rfef Spain plunged into fresh chaos after boycotting women’s players selected to play Jenni Hermoso not included in Spain’s first squad since winning Women’s World Cup

Julian Alvarez is revelling in his partnership with Erling Haaland in Manchester City’s attack. The Argentinian World Cup winner continued his strong start to the season with two goals as the holders began their Champions League title defence with a comfortable 3-1 win over Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday. An injury for Kevin De Bruyne has seen Alvarez handed a run of games in support of prolific centre forward Haaland and it is a role he is relishing. “I am very happy with the goals, to help the team,” the 23-year-old said. “We are doing well, we are winning – which is the most important thing – and playing good games. “I am trying to adapt and I continue growing in this position, where I am moving freely, to give the team another option and add to the attack.” Alavarez was the dominant figure in City’s forward line as they threatened to overwhelm Red Star in their opening Group G game at the Etihad Stadium. Yet despite creating a plethora of chances – with Haaland hitting the bar and goalkeeper Omri Glazer making several saves – City fell behind to an Osman Bukari strike just before half-time. Alvarez began the fightback with a fine dinked finish after the restart and then put Pep Guardiola’s side ahead when his free-kick was inadvertently punched into the goal by Glazer. Rodri wrapped up a thoroughly deserved victory with a typically composed finish 17 minutes from time but, again, City could have had several more. Haaland went the closest when he hit the goal frame for a second time. “We played a good game,” said Alvarez. “It was important to start with a win and three points at home in this difficult competition. We are very happy. “We had many chances we could not convert but Pep told us to keep doing what we were doing and the goals would come. “It was the same in the previous game where we were losing and came back, so it was fine. We always try to stay calm, play well in the second half and win.” Alvarez was not a regular starter last season, despite his starring role in his country’s World Cup triumph, but Guardiola believes he can do an important job in easing the goalscoring burden on Haaland. Guardiola said: “It’s the same player as last season but being a World Cup winner doesn’t mean you have to play all the time. “Last season we had Kevin and (Ilkay) Gundogan in that position. Kevin was in top form and Gundo was incredible. “In that moment sometimes it was difficult to find spaces but I never had a doubt. “Now Gundo has gone and Kevin unfortunately is injured. We need players to be close to Erling, don’t put all the responsibilities just on the shoulders of Erling to score all the goals. “That’s why when Phil (Foden) has played there, when Julian plays there, we have the feeling that we create a lot of chances.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Eddie Howe backs Newcastle to keep improving after Milan stalemate Football rumours: Ivan Toney targeted for £60m January move by London trio On this day in 2005: Neil Lennon banned after barging referee in Old Firm derby

Lionel Messi is the only footballer whose shadow carries a gun. While he plays for Inter Miami, his bodyguard stalks the touchline: Yassine Cheuko is an ex-Navy Seal with a thick beard and a shaved head who treats his client like a president in a warzone, staring down giddy autograph-hunters and swatting away selfie-chasing children. During a recent match, a young pitch-invader in a Messi shirt made a dash towards his hero only to be walloped by Cheuko’s torso on arrival. Messi is like the sun: by all means enjoy his presence and bask in his glow, but by god do not look him in the eye – and if you touch him, you’re dead. It is just one of the more bizarre symptoms of Messi fever which has gripped Miami and Major League Soccer since his arrival in June. It began before he kicked a ball: Messi’s pink shirt outsold any sports jersey in history in its first 24 hours, generating $600m to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United and Tom Brady’s move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Miami’s Instagram account exploded from 1 million to 15 million followers, a bigger audience than every NFL team. Kim Kardashian bought tickets to his debut, while the list of special guests to watch him play at Los Angeles Galaxy was like Wimbledon’s Royal Box on steroids, featuring LeBron James, Selena Gomez, Owen Wilson, Gerard Butler, Leonardo DiCaprio and genuine royalty in Prince Harry, to name but a few. On the pitch Messi has been phenomenal, even at 36 years old and in the winter of his career: 11 goals and five assists in 11 games, and one trophy already. He has turned a terrible team into a good one, lifting Miami off the bottom of the table to be in with a chance of reaching US soccer’s Super Bowl equivalent, the MLS Cup, in December. He has brought with him from Barcelona two close allies: the left-back Jordi Alba, who built a career pretending to cross the ball only to cut back for Messi to score, and the great midfield conductor Sergio Busquets. It is a bit like a singer bringing along his sound and lighting technicians – not the full band but enough to put on a show. Perhaps his most memorable moment so far came in the final of the Leagues Cup against Nashville: as the ball bounced to Messi arriving on the edge of the box, the commentator let out a foreboding “uh oh” before he shuffled away from two defenders and curled the ball into the top corner. Major League Soccer is rightfully indulging in the moment. “The 🐐 plays here,” reads the Twitter bio these days. This is now an unprecedented window of opportunity: the US will host the Copa America in 2024, the Club World Cup in 2025, the men’s World Cup in 2026 and quite possibly the women’s World Cup in 2027 too. The football landscape is more competitive than ever amid the aggressive emergence of the Saudi Pro League and the greed of Europe’s superpowers, but if MLS cannot shed its image as a paid vacation for retirees and establish something serious now, it never will. That mission was part of Miami’s sales pitch to Messi. David Beckham and his fellow owners knew they couldn’t compete with the base salary being offered in Saudi Arabia, but they could offer other benefits which the Saudis couldn’t. They appealed to Messi’s family – he already owned a home in Miami, from where it is relatively easy to fly back to Argentina, and the Messis have enjoyed partying with the Beckhams behind the scenes. And they included huge commercial investments, like a share in sales of MLS broadcaster Apple, with whom Messi had an existing relationship, and a stake in Inter Miami which he can activate when he departs. Messi was convinced by the long-term opportunities for his brand and his legacy in North America. He was also wooed by some romantic history. Pele became a pioneer when he turned down offers across Europe to join the New York Cosmos in 1975. It had appealed to his ego to be the catalyst who made US soccer catch fire, and he was certainly that: the Cosmos played in front of 200 people before Pele, yet two years later they were filling the Giants Stadium with 77,000 converts. Beckham himself has had the greatest impact in America since Pele, and Messi is next in the dynasty. The problem for MLS is where to go next. Each new star since Beckham delivered another flurry of excitement – Thierry Henry, Kaka, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney – but there is no footballing high greater than watching Messi, no bigger dopamine hit than seeing his feet shuffle into life and create magic. Messi is football hedonism, and when he goes he cannot simply be replaced by a bigger, shinier star. The come down will hurt. How do you sell yourself as a serious sporting product when one player is that much better than the rest? So MLS has a plan to harness the hype and turn it into something that will last. Last year the league ditched long-term broadcast partner ESPN and signed with Messi’s friends at Apple, in what represented the tech company’s biggest step yet into the sports arena. Apple committed to a 10-year contract worth $250m per year for the right to show MLS on its platforms, and more lucrative media deals will follow. Long-time MLS commissioner Don Garber wants to invest in youth development, better stadiums and infrastructure for the long-term success of American soccer. But the league’s immediate need is to acquire talent, and here the clubs are met with restrictions. The MLS adheres to a strict salary cap designed to stop clubs overspending. It can be dodged via the designated player rule – or Beckham Rule – which allows each team to pay three star players more than the salary cap, but unless restrictions loosen further it will be impossible for the biggest teams in the league to sign more elite talent. Miami have certainly filled their quota and are in no position to sign more ex-Barcelona stars until those rules change. All the while, the danger is that Messi makes football look so easy, he undermines the league’s integrity. The drop-off from European football or the World Cup to MLS is a void – not just physically and technically, but in its tactical sophistication and defensive organisation. The worst MLS teams, of which Miami were one before Messi, match the upper echelons of England’s League Two, according to the models of consultancy Twenty First Group. That’s like dropping Messi into Gillingham’s first XI: how do you sell yourself as a serious sporting product when one player is that much better than the rest? It will be a hard journey to raise standards across the board, but Messi does at least provide the best possible platform from which to grow. Most European football fans have been devotees for a long time, but now the gospel of Messi is spreading throughout the United States. New followers are flocking to see him in the flesh. So enjoy watching Messi, America. Seize the moment. Just don’t try to touch him. Read More Every Lionel Messi goal, assist and key moment for Inter Miami Mbappe and Haaland begin new Champions League rivarly after Messi-Ronaldo era When does Lionel Messi play next? Inter Miami schedule and fixtures Cristiano Ronaldo declares rivalry with Lionel Messi ‘is over’ Messi favourite for men’s Ballon d’Or with four Lionesses on women’s list Julian Alvarez proves Man City’s man for all occasions as the unlikely No 10

It was an early reminder of what Manchester United could have had. Or, more pertinently, who they could have had. For years, there was a certain irresistible logic to Harry Kane joining United. Instead, as Thomas Tuchel outlined: “We took the skipper of England out of England, out of the Premier League, so it is a huge deal.” Because when Kane left Tottenham for one of the European aristocracy, it was for Bayern Munich, for a club with 10 league titles since United won their last. The vagaries of the Champions League draw may rub it in for United: Kane’s European debut for Bayern is against them. And if the serial German champions opted to send a message by putting Kane on media duties the day before the game, it was understandable. It allowed England’s record scorer to confirm that Bayern was his first choice and, if he was never going to say anything else, that probably served a purpose for his employers anyway. “Over the summer, I know there were some talks between a few clubs in the background but Bayern was a team I was really interested by and really excited by,” Kane said. “There weren’t too many other discussions once they came in.” Which underlined the reality that United had bowed out of the race at a relatively early stage. Perhaps they had assumed Daniel Levy would refuse to sell to anyone and thus Kane could be available on a free transfer in 2024. Certainly, however, they could not afford Kane and the other signings they wanted as well; but while he cost £86m, a date in the Allianz Arena provides a chance to evaluate if the £72m striker Rasmus Hojlund, the man they bought instead, the £55m midfielder Mason Mount, who is not fit to feature yet, and the £43m goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has conceded 10 goals in his last four games, are overpriced or integral. For Hojlund, a comparison with Kane may be unavoidable. Tuchel did not mention the young Dane by name but, surveying the summer transfer market, nonetheless concluded that Kane was the outstanding striker. “Everybody in Europe who is looking for a number nine would have been very happy to have Harry because he makes your team better and gives you what you expect from a number nine: personality, goals, quality,” the 2021 Champions League winner said. “He can drop deep on a number 10 position, turn and use the speed of the players around, he can arrive in the box with the right timing, he is excellent [at] finishing, he is a good penalty-taker so everybody wanted to have him.” That appraisal of Kane’s abilities may brook little dissent at Old Trafford. Kane was, along with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, one of three dream signings the former executive vice president Ed Woodward wanted for years; he only secured one and the reunion with Ronaldo did not go as planned. Each of the four permanent managers from Louis van Gaal onwards has admired Kane. His appeal is obvious. In each of the last nine seasons, Kane outscored United’s leading marksmen in the respective campaigns, accumulating 275 of his record 280 Tottenham goals in that time. That average – slightly above 30 – is the kind of guarantee United could do with. Marcus Rashford got exactly 30 last season, but no one has topped it since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Kane reached 20 in six Premier League campaigns; no one has for United since Robin van Persie. And now it is Harry Kane for Bayern, kein Harry for United. Thus far, he has four goals for Bayern. Hojlund, whose United debut was delayed by injury, is yet to get off the mark for his new club. “Whenever there is a big transfer there is more pressure and expectation to see how you start,” said Kane. “I am really pleased to score the four goals and I think I can play better.” A greater understanding with his new teammates will help, he feels: Tuchel expects him to be a catalyst for them. “He will always be a difference maker in any game; not only in goals,” the manager said. “In time he will make our players around him better, he will learn how to make them shine, he will assist and not only score.” There is a different sort of expectation, not directly connected to his goal tally or his price tag. Erling Haaland was deemed the final piece in the jigsaw for Manchester City as they won the Champions League. Kane is yet to win a trophy in his career but noted: “There is a reason that Bayern Munich brought me to the club: they were eager to get back to winning the Champions League. They feel I can be a big help.” And it feels a difference with his long-term suitors. Bayern begin as one of a handful of the most serious candidates to win the Champions League; 13th in the Premier League, United do not. “I don’t know about the perfect time [to face them],” Kane said. “United they have been going through a bit of a tough spell but that can be dangerous.” Or an opportunity for Bayern in a fixture where they may still want revenge for 1999, for a Champions League final turned by a striking signing from Tottenham, in Teddy Sheringham, who got a goal and an assist in injury time. It is the kind of impact United may have envisioned Kane having. He still might, just not in a United shirt. Read More Harry Kane finally gets his move — but it’s not the one he wanted Manchester United are a mess — and it could be about to get even worse Champions League 2023/24: Schedule, groups, fixtures and match dates

Manchester United have been in disarray recently in terms of their league form, and will face a tough test when they travel to the Allianz Arena to face Bayern Munich. When once the prospect of facing Bayern Munich would immediately lead to discussions over the 1999 comeback victory to win the trophy, an entire generation of United fans will only have heard stories of the glory days. Bayern signed England captain Harry Kane in the summer, and he will be looking to impress against a team which was once rumoured to be in the hunt for his signature. Erik ten Hag will be hoping his side can bounce back quickly from their disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Brighton on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash. Plus you can get all the latest football betting sites offers here. When is Bayern Munich vs Manchester United? The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 20 September at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Where can I watch it? Bayern Munich v Manchester United will be shwon live on TNT Sports 2 with coverage starting at 7pm BST. It will be streamed live on the Discovery+ app and desktop website for subscribers. What is the team news? Manchester United were dealt with a further injury blow to their already-depleted squad against Brighton, when Aaron Wan-Bissaka picked up an injury as a late substitute. He was on the bench having dealt with an illness, but will now face a period of time out. Left backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are already ruled out, along with Raphael Varane and deadline-day arrival Sofyan Amrabat still waiting to make his debut. Mason Mount has not featured since last month, with Tom Heaton, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo also out, with Jadon Sancho not allowed to train with the first time, and Antony given a leave of absence following the assault allegations against him. Predicted lineups Manchester United XI: Onana, Dalot, Lindelof, Li Martinez, Reguilon, Casemiro, McTominay, Eriksen, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial Bayern Munich XI: Ulreich, Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies, Kimmich, Goretzka, Sane, Muller, Gnabry, Kane Odds Bayern Munich 2/5 Draw 11/4 Manchester United 9/2 Prediction Given the recent turmoil at United, the lack of available players, and the recent results it is hard to look past Bayern to win the clash, especially adding in the home advantage. Bayern are unbeaten in the league this year, while United have lost three matches. Bayern Munich 2-0 Manchester United Read More Aaron Wan-Bissaka injury adds to Manchester United’s list of problems Manchester United are a mess — and it could be about to get even worse How Man Utd and Chelsea struggles compare to previous Premier League seasons Tottenham have Harry Kane ‘buy-back clause’ as Daniel Levy reveals option Erik ten Hag concerned by Manchester United’s mounting injury problems Harry Kane and Bayern Munich out to ‘dominate’ Manchester United