Paris St. Germain defeated Manchester United 2-0 tonight and clinched the International Champions Cup title. Yes, "title" in a preseason friendly. It's oxymoronic, we know. Just be very glad that no one got hurt from either side in the final exhibition warm-up for both teams. We're just days away from the domestic regular season beginning for both sides. … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Manchester United pregame scoreboard intro
VIDEO: Pedro to Man United rumors inspire Barcelona fan to cry
Barcelona winger Pedro has been linked to both Chelsea and Manchester United this summer. Lately, the rumors have been all about Old Trafford because Angel Di Maria's inevitable departure to Paris St. Germain would open up the perfect position for him. The Spanish media are claiming Pedro to the Red Devils is a matter of when, not if, with a rumored fee in the neighborhood of … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Pedro to Man United rumors inspire Barcelona fan to cry
Tim Beckman coverage today was essentially pointless
It's understandable if you've grown weary of the Tim Beckman abuse allegations narrative. Since May, publicity for this scandal has been as pervasive as the trailer for the Amy Schumer film "Trainwreck" or Caitlyn Jenner hot takes. As far as Big Ten football story lines, it's more overplayed than Pharrell's "Happy." Yet, we have no more closure today than we did when this … [Read more...] about Tim Beckman coverage today was essentially pointless
Van Gaal, Manchester United making big changes to preseason
With their 2-0 victory yesterday, Paris Saint-Germain claimed the 2015 International Champions Cup (a preseason tournament). PSG, who were playing in the ICC for the first time, claimed the "championship" (as you can't really have a championship in a collection of friendlies) by finishing the tournament with 10 points and handed Manchester United its first lost ever in eight … [Read more...] about Van Gaal, Manchester United making big changes to preseason
How to have fun with Big Ten Media Day Cliches
Last year, my kitty question to then Nebraska Coach Bo Pelini ended up the lead in every national publication's Big Ten Media Day coverage. I'm not just #humblebragging here, I was genuinely shocked that a topic so trivial would become 2014's most compelling Big Ten Media Day storyline. People (like myself) love cats, but the greater point here is: very little, if any, actual … [Read more...] about How to have fun with Big Ten Media Day Cliches
AUDIO: Louis van Gaal postgame press conference vs PSG
(UPDATE: transcriptions of what Blanc, Van Gaal said in response to the Angel Di Maria questions tonight) Louis van Gaal sparred with reporters a little bit towards the end of the postgame press conference tonight. You can hear his back and forth with a reporter present in this audio file embedded below. You can also hear yours truly, in the middle towards the end. I asked … [Read more...] about AUDIO: Louis van Gaal postgame press conference vs PSG
VIDEO: PSG training event before Man United clash (EXCLUSIVE)
In advance of the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Manchester United friendly tonight, PSG will treat underprivileged children from Chicago to a “Dream Day.” 50 children from the Boys & Girls organization and the Chicago Magic Soccer Club will join the Paris Saint-Germain Foundation for a training session, player meet and greet and then attend the International Champions Cup … [Read more...] about VIDEO: PSG training event before Man United clash (EXCLUSIVE)
VIDEO: new 2015-16 Manchester United kit teaser; release date
Photos of the new Manchester United kit leaked online when the home red went on sale a week early in the United States. As you know Manchester United Football Club broke a shirt sponsor record when they switched from Aon to Chevrolet. They also broke a kit deal record for partnership with a manufacturer when they made the switch from Nike to Adidas. The new Manchester United … [Read more...] about VIDEO: new 2015-16 Manchester United kit teaser; release date
Manchester United getting in and out of Chicago QUICKLY
Chicago is the greatest summer city in the entire world (see the photo above for proof), but Manchester United won't have time to experience it. If they beat Paris St. Germain tonight at Soldier Field, the Red Devils will get the chance to lift a preseason trophy, so the city of broad shoulders could given the team some very pleasant memories. But the heat, and more so the … [Read more...] about Manchester United getting in and out of Chicago QUICKLY
Illini basketball have more serious issues beyond Abrams’ absence
It is not the fault of Illini basketball Coach John Groce that senior point guard Tracy Abrams has sort of become the Big Ten version of Derrick Rose. (Or maybe an Illinois version of Robbie Hummel; when it comes to being snake bit by injuries, but not in terms of talent). It is the fault of John Groce that he has no other options beyond Abrams. Yesterday's news is … [Read more...] about Illini basketball have more serious issues beyond Abrams’ absence