There's been plenty of flak flying about over the refusal of Manchester United ’s galaxy of players-turned-pundits to criticise Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian has somehow survived after an aggregate 7-0 embarrassment at Old Trafford at the hands of Manchester City and Liverpool.
After Steven Gerrard ’s appointment at Aston Villa, it will be interesting to see how Jamie Carragher approaches the same thorny topic.
The least surprising story of the week was one former Liverpool legend giving his backing to another former Liverpool legend after the news was announced.
Gerrard’s had a fierce taster in management up in Glasgow with Rangers. Big names mean the square root of sod all in the Premier League.
It will be interesting to see how far Carragher goes if results turn against his pal at Villa Park.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Gerrard be a success at Aston Villa? Comment below
Ronaldo should be firm
I’m being a killjoy here - but if Cristiano Ronaldo rewards every on-field pitch invader with his shirt as he did after Portugal’s game against Ireland, surely it’s only encouraging copycats?
I don’t want to see kids being hauled off the field but there will come a time when someone runs on to get a souvenir and there’s a squabble or fight - and that looks just as bad - no-one wants to see a child in tears.
But this is almost like rewarding bad behaviour. Kids need to be stopped from running on - and players need to stop handing over their jerseys, then the problem disappears.
Why, Harry?
Harry Maguire says his ‘cupped ears’ goal celebration against Albania ‘wasn’t directed at anyone.’
Why do it, then?
It sparked an unusual reaction - he was in the firing line from every single pundit ITV employed on Friday night after his ill-advised antics.
It doesn’t take much to light Roy Keane’s fire but when Ian Wright and Jermain Defoe lace into you as well, perhaps it’s wise to listen.
Fact is, Maguire’s form for his club hasn’t been great. Scoring against opposition who looked like they’d been out viewing the sights of our capital all day isn’t proof that you’re doing a good job for your £10m-a-year.
Also, if you’ve been running the gauntlet on social media from @anyoldpubbore that’s one thing - it’s another altogether being panned by your fellow professionals.
Turn it in, Harry. You’re better than that.
