Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano had two very difficult legs against Man City in the Champions League. That being said while pundits didn’t hold back on their criticism across the tie, one commentator chose a very unique way of describing his performance: by calling him ‘Upamaguire’.
It’s not too often you hear footballers described as playing badly through the means of comparing them to another top-flight professional on live television.
Nevertheless, as City sent themselves quite comfortably into the semi-finals 4-1 on aggregate, a broadcaster providing beIN Sports‘ Arabic commentary decided to compare Upamecano’s sup-par showing to fellow down-on-his-luck defender, Harry Maguire.
The 24-year-old nearly got sent off, gave away an unfortunate penalty and got sat down for Haaland’s goal.
It’s giving Jack Grealish slating Miguel Almiron for absolutely no reason. Man United fans can only hope it at least results in a similar upturn in form.
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Yes, sadly the unfortunate United defender can’t escape criticism even when it’s not him that’s playing, with the commentator clearly throwing out ‘Upamaguire’ as a dig at the French centre-back’s faltering performance across the tie.
It goes without saying that this isn’t the most professional behaviour from the broadcaster, but only further goes to show just how bad a moment Maguire is going through.
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As if that wasn’t unexpected and outlandish enough, it’s not even close to being the most bizarre moment of criticism the 30-year-old has faced of late; it was only last year that an MP in Ghana tried to mock the opposition by comparing them to the England international. No, we’re not joking.
To make matters worse, Maguire had a similarly poor game in his last outing for the Red Devils against Nottingham Forest last weekend and the game prior saw him head home one of two own goals in their disappointing draw against Sevilla.
With the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final being played this evening and both of Erik ten Hag’s first-choice centre-back partnership out injured, Maguire will have to step up if his team are to have any hope of going through. Unnecessary jibes like this certainly don’t help.
Featured Image — Upamecano (via IG)/BT Sport/Harry Maguire (via Twitter)
Sport
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Therme Manchester was initially touted as a £250m project that would complete in 2025, but it’s now up to £500m and is scheduled to complete it 2029.
It marks one of the most significant building developments to ever take place in the North.
Featured Image – Supplied
Sport
Manchester City release limited-edition Blossoms shirts exclusively in new flagship store
Daisy Jackson
Manchester City have released a limited run of special Blossoms shirts, which will be available exclusively at the new flagship City Store.
Etihad Airways has donated the front-of-shirt space for the special drop, which celebrates the Stockport band’s lifelong support of Man City and will fundraise forCity in the Community’s 40th anniversary.
The Manchester City x Blossoms collab features the band’s logo across the chest of the 2024/25 season’s away shirt – one of the Club’s most popular designs in recent years.
Profits from sales of the shirts will be donated to CITC to support its 40th anniversary fundraising, which empower healthier lives with city youth through football.
Blossoms have just secured their fifth UK number one album with their latest release, ‘Songs From The Wedding Cake’, and will soon be heading on an arena tour that includes two massive shows at the Co-op Live.
There’s a very limited run of the Man City Blossoms shirts, available in sizes small to large, which will exclusively be sold at the new flagship CityStore.
The shirts have dropped in-store this morning, with further drops to be released around the band’s tour dates this November and December.
As for that new City store – it’s a whopping 21,000 sq ft, three-floor space at Medlock Square, right beside the Etihad Stadium, and is the biggest shop in the club’s history.
The new flagship has opened today in collaboration with PUMA and Stichd, and features a new, interactive ‘Make It Yours’ customisation station as well as an expanded range of Manchester City products.
Danny Jones -
20th April 2023 
