Former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimović has defended the Glazers in his recent exclusive interview with Piers Morgan.
The 42-year-old retired from professional football back in June but is considered to be one of the best strikers of all time and remains a global sporting icon, so naturally when the controversial journalist and former Good Morning Britain host had the opportunity to speak with him, he didn’t pass it up.
During a nearly two-hour conversation, the pair discussed everything from Zlatan’s decorated career and recent retirement to Saudi Arabia, his fraught relationship with current Manchester City and ex-Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, his time at Old Trafford and much more.
When it came to the subject of Man United and how Erik ten Hag is faring at present, Piers pressed the ex-Swedish international on what he made of the club during his time there and why things aren’t going so well at the moment.
"I think it's a little bit wrong saying that they are not doing what the fans expect them to do."
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) October 5, 2023
Zlatan has his say on the Glazers.
In contrast to his fellow former United star Cristiano Ronaldo, who famously said that he believes the Glazers “don’t care” about the club and the fans, Zlatan argued the other side somewhat.
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“I think now in, I don’t know, there are some kind of demonstrations about the owners to sell it and that, but just a reminder, the owners are investing”, says Ibra.
He continued by insisting, “It’s not like they are not investing because they brought in many players for a high amount of money, so I think it’s a little bit wrong saying that they are not doing what the fans expect them to do… I don’t know what the real reason is behind everything.”
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As for the coach, with whom he shared a connection as both spent formative years at Ajax, despite Morgan suggesting that the Dutchman may be “out of his depth”, Zlatan argued that he “needs time” to get used to a different situation — time being a commodity not many are afforded in the Premier League.
Extrapolating from his own time there where he claims everyone was too focused on “what Fergie would have done”, he did note that there was a leadership gap between the manager and the people above him, going on to suggest that this is still part of the problem for ten Hag‘s team.
While it was clear he had lots of time and respect for the likes of ten Hag and his long-time coach Jose Mourinho — the man who was also responsible for bringing him to Manchester — the footballing veteran had much less glowing things to say about Guardiola.
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Recounting a period when he had been benched by the Catalan coach, the big number nine explained how he ended up arriving at training in a Ferrari knowing full well it would cause a “situation” and that their issues soon became personal rather than professional.
‘We couldn’t see f**k all’ – Bizarre Altrincham FC FA Cup clash played in thick fog leaves fans baffled
Daisy Jackson
Altrincham FC’s FA Cup clash with Notts County descended into extraordinary scenes on Saturday night as thick fog engulfed the stadium, leaving supporters struggling to see the players and even broadcasters questioning what was happening.
The bizarre first-round encounter at the J Davidson Stadium saw visibility deteriorate so badly that fans resorted to holding their mobile phone torches aloft in an attempt to follow the action.
What should have been a memorable FA Cup occasion turned into something resembling a scene from a horror film, with the players increasingly disappearing into the mist.
Altrincham Today captured the surreal atmosphere, posting: “Extraordinary scenes here at the J Davidson Stadium. Visibility down to a few yards. No-one has any idea what is going on. Supporters holding mobile torches aloft, like it’s an Elton John concert. It is still 2-2, we think.”
Even television coverage struggled to make sense of the conditions.
Broadcaster Jason Mohammad joked: “Bear with us at the end of the game. We’ve not seen much of extra time where we are. We don’t have the foggiest what’s going on down the away end. Fair play – cracking game and atmosphere!”
One social media user summed up the extraordinary conditions simply, writing: “Altrincham v Notts County is currently being played in a cloud.”
Others were equally bewildered, with one supporter asking: “Spot the ball anyone? #FACup @altrinchamfc on the verge of another league scalp – although who knows what’s going on?!”
Another fan was less than impressed, posting: “Shame we couldn’t see f**k all for most of it”.
Even the stadium’s advertising boards were struggling to make an impression. James Timpson joked: “It was hard to see the investment we have made in to our pitch side advertising boards last night at Altrincham V Notts County!”
It was hard to see the investment we have made in to our pitch side advertising boards last night at Altrincham V Notts County! https://t.co/trW9imo7Xu
The unusual conditions also prompted questions over whether the match should have continued.
One Notts County supporter reflected after the game: “Unlucky guys you gave us a great game and the conditions didn’t help still say it should have been abandoned even though we scraped through!!!! Good luck for the rest of the season lads”.
And it was certainly a dramatic contest before the fog took centre stage.
Notts County initially took the lead through Jacob Bedeau in the 28th minute, but Altrincham responded through Lucas Weaver just before half-time.
Lewis Banks then put the hosts ahead in the 59th minute, raising hopes of another famous FA Cup upset against higher-league opposition.
@altrinchamfc If you say so https://t.co/6ub5YiIogD
However, Callum Roberts equalised for County in the 84th minute, sending the tie into extra time.
With neither side able to find a winner, the match went to penalties, where Notts County eventually prevailed 3-2 to book their place in the second round.
While the result was heartbreaking for Altrincham, the extraordinary conditions ensured the match would be remembered for more than just the football.
For supporters at the J Davidson Stadium, it was certainly one FA Cup tie where seeing wasn’t necessarily believing.
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.”
Danny Jones -
6th October 2023 
