Sports
Man Utd’s Performances Are Unacceptable -De Gea
Manchester United, goalkeeper David de Gea has said that the team’s performances this season have been “unacceptable” and this is the “most difficult” period he has experienced since joining the club.
The Red Devils lost 0-1 at Newcastle United last Sunday to extend their worst start to a league season for 30 years.
They are 12th in the Premier League, two points above the relegation zone.
“The game isn’t acceptable,” said Spain international De Gea, 28. “The whole season isn’t acceptable for us.”
Speaking to Tidesports source, he added: “We didn’t create any proper chances. We have a lot to improve. I don’t know what to say. We need to step up.
“We have injuries but it’s not an excuse. We are Manchester United. We need to train hard to keep fighting and to get back to winning games.”
Midfielder Matty Longstaff, 19, scored the only goal on his Premier League debut to secure the points for Newcastle at St James’ Park.
It extends Manchester United’s winless away run in the league to eight matches, going back to a 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace on 27 February. It is their worst run on the road since September 1989.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side host league leaders Liverpool on 20 October, after the international break.
For De Gea, it is the most difficult spell he has endured since joining the Old Trafford club from Atletico Madrid in 2011.
The Spaniard won the Premier League in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2013. Since then, they have finished second once but failed to mount a serious title challenge.
He has also worked with four permanent bosses and two caretakers during that time – including Solskjaer, who was appointed manager in March after a successful spell in temporary charge.
When asked what the team needed to do to improve, De Gea replied: “Everything. A lot of things to improve.
“Keep trying, keep trying, keep fighting every day. It’s a hard moment for us – but we are United and we need to keep fighting.
“It’s probably the most difficult time since I’ve been here. I don’t know what is happening. We cannot score even one goal in two games. Sorry to the fans. We will keep fighting, for sure. We will come back, but at the moment we’re in a difficult situation.”
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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