SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST’ – ERIK TEN HAG WORRIED ABOUT INJURIES TO ‘VULNERABLE’ MANCHESTER UNITED AHEAD OF NEW SEASON - soccerdelights.com
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SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST’ – ERIK TEN HAG WORRIED ABOUT INJURIES TO ‘VULNERABLE’ MANCHESTER UNITED AHEAD OF NEW SEASON

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has described his side as ‘vulnerable’ and needing to ‘catch up on squad depth’ after an injury-rocked Premier League campaign. The Red Devils have signed Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee this summer in a bid to shore up the squad and are keen on further signings. Ten Hag’s side finished eighth last year and often had several first-team players out of action.

 

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Erik ten Hag has described Manchester United as “vulnerable” and needing to “catch up on squad depth” to avoid a similar injury crisis to last season’s.

United finished eighth in the Premier League last season, their worst finish of the modern era, and suffered numerous injuries to first-team players.

The Dutchman said there were “so many reasons” for the long list of injuries his players suffered: “The amount of games. The fixture list. The load on the players, the pressure on the players is so high and we are not the only team with so many injuries, we were not even the worst.”

In fact, United were the worst affected all Premier League clubs last season on one metric, recording 45 separate injuries.

“Also, bad luck,” he added. “We had them at the end of the season in the back four and it cost us a lot of points.”

The manager was keen to move on from the difficult end to last season and frequent speculation over his future. New owners Ineos had been looking for a replacement manager before extending the Dutchman’s contract until the summer of 2026.

“We are now in a new season, we left everything behind, we are looking forward,” he said. “It’s a great project. We go with ups and downs… now we are very energised, looking forward, we want to work and we want to win.

“I never think if I’m in a strong position or weak position. I want to collaborate, I can’t do this on my own. [If] players, staff, leadership, everyone [helps] I’m sure we will have even more success.”

After playing Arsenal, United will also face Liverpool and Real Betis before heading to Wembley on 10 August for the Community Shield against Manchester City. In one of the few highlights of last season Ten Hag’s side triumphed against the Premier League champions to win the FA Cup.

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Dallas Cowboys’ Trevon Diggs could miss 2025 season, will undergo bone graft surgery

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Dallas Cowboys’ Trevon Diggs could miss 2025 season, will undergo bone graft surgery

 

Diggs to miss at least eight months with knee injury

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Dallas Cowboys standout cornerback Trevon Diggs has unfortunately seen his season cut short for the second consecutive year. The setback occurred following the team’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on December 9. Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones addressed the media regarding Diggs’ condition, describing the injury as “significant” and revealing it to be a “cartilage issue.” This type of injury will require an estimated eight-month recovery period, sidelining the star cornerback for the foreseeable future.

Although a surgery date has not yet been scheduled, additional information about the procedure has begun to emerge. According to reports from the Dallas Morning News, Diggs is expected to undergo bone graft surgery on his left knee. This particular procedure involves a longer recovery timeline but is considered “the best course to stimulate growth and strengthen the area.” While it’s a challenging road ahead, this approach is aimed at ensuring Diggs returns to full strength once healed.

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The injury is undoubtedly a tough blow for both Diggs and the Cowboys organization, especially as they navigate a competitive season. Known for his exceptional skills in the secondary, Diggs has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense, consistently delivering standout performances. Losing him for an extended period will require adjustments from the team as they strive to maintain their defensive edge.

What it means for the Cowboys’ season
Jones’ comments shed light on the severity of the situation, but they also reflect the organization’s confidence in Diggs’ ability to recover and return stronger. He emphasized that while it’s a significant injury, the team is committed to supporting Diggs throughout his recovery process. “It’s a tough situation for Trevon and for us as a team,” Jones stated. “But we’re focused on making sure he gets the best care possible.”

The news comes as the Cowboys face mounting challenges, including injuries across their roster. As Diggs begins his recovery journey, his absence will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the field. However, with a clear plan in place and the organization’s support, there’s optimism that he’ll make a strong return next season.

While fans and teammates alike will miss his presence on the field, all eyes will be on Diggs’ recovery process in hopes that he can reclaim his role as one of the league’s premier defensive players.

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ESPN insider slams ‘con artist’ Aaron Rodgers with New York Jets in disarray

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ESPN insider slams ‘con artist’ Aaron Rodgers with New York Jets in disarray

After the New York Jets’ struggles this season, an ESPN insider has taken aim at quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he made a series of remarks about the veteran star’s character

ESPN insider Dan Graziano has criticised Aaron Rodgers amid the New York Jets’ struggles(ESPN)

ESPN insider Dan Graziano has slammed Aaron Rodgers as a “con artist” and a “narcissist” – as he took aim at the veteran quarterback for his role in the New York Jets’ shorrible season.

It has been a season to forget for the MetLife Stadium outfit during 2024 as they struggled to a 4-10 record and failed to make the playoffs for the 14th year running. This tumultuous campaign also saw head coach Robert Saleh depart, while general manager Joe Douglas also was fired by owner Woody Johnson.

Meanwhile, quarterback Rodgers has completed 62.5 per cent of his passes for 3,255 yards – his worst showing for two decades – alongside tallying up 23 touchdowns with eight interceptions so far this term. Now, ESPN’s Graziano has turned his ire on the four-time NFL MVP following what has been a turbulent campaign.

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During an appearance on ESPN Radio’s “Unsportsmanlike”, he ranted as he considered whether Rodgers would be released by the Jets at the end of the season. He said: “If the effect of this story is that the organization decides that, ‘well it could be worse.

“Aaron Rodgers isn’t so bad because look at all this other goofiness that’s going on above him’ then the Jets are in bigger trouble than I thought. Because Aaron Rodgers is a con artist. He is a narcissist. He is self-absorbed to the absolute maximum,” he continued in a savage address. “And if he has you fooled — again — that’s on you.

“If the Jets go back to Aaron Rodgers next year, they deserve what they get and it will not be good. Like, they know this. They’ve lived it for the last two years. This is not the answer. If some team wants to do that, too bad for them. But if the team that it just happened to wants it to happen to them again, then that’s — there’s no fixing that. That’s just dumb.”

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has come under fire after his team’s struggles this season
Meanwhile, the under-fire quarterback explained his own thought process as he discussed his long-term future with the Jets during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” in November. The 41-year-old admitted that he is currently undecided over whether he will call time on his career as he weighed up his options.

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Report: Jets owner Woody Johnson vetoed Jerry Jeudy trade for wild reason

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Report: Jets owner Woody Johnson vetoed Jerry Jeudy trade for wild reason

 

Woody Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets, has gotten too involved in team and personnel decisions over the years according to various reports and rumors since he purchased the franchise in 2000.

In the midst of a 14-year playoff drought, the latest update on the 77-year-old’s potential involvement is perhaps the worst report of all.

The Athletic released a piece on the state of the 4-10 Jets and a report in that feature stated that Johnson did not want to acquire wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos last offseason… because of his rating in the EA Sports NFL video game, “Madden 24.”

Evidently the deal was expected to happen with former New York general manager Joe Douglas anticipating that to even be the case… but it did not:

“Douglas told the Broncos that Johnson didn’t want to make the trade because the owner felt Jeudy’s player rating in ‘Madden NFL,’ the popular video game, wasn’t high enough, according to multiple league sources. The Broncos ultimately traded the receiver to the Cleveland Browns.”

Instead, Johnson approved of the signing of Mike Williams in free agency last offseason. Williams was eventually traded this season after Davante Adams was acquired.

The Athletic report adds that Johnson has been swayed by “Madden 24” ratings by his teenage sons, Jack and Brick. However, a spokesperson for the Jets disputed that. In addition, Johnson reportedly cited “Madden 24” ratings when making player evaluation in regard to offensive lineman John Simpson as well… that free-agent signing still managed to happen.

A separate report from earlier this season had indicated that New York offered Denver receiver Allen Lazard and a day two pick in the 2024 NFL draft for Jeudy.

The Cleveland Browns wound up trading for Jeudy, giving up picks in the fifth and sixth rounds of the 2024 draft to the Broncos.

Jeudy currently has 1,052 receiving yards this season, which would be the most on the Jets roster. Garrett Wilson leads the Jets with 933 yards

 

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