Manchester United’s Europa League journey begins with a clash against Rangers, and they’ll also face Jose Mourinho’s current side, Fenerbahce. The new league phase format sees the top eight teams advance directly to the Round of 16, while the remaining teams face off in knockouts. The match against Fenerbahce holds special significance as it will see Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils face off against their former manager, Jose Mourinho.
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland and captain James Tavernier have been nominated alongside Celtic’s Matt O’Riley and Lawrence Shankland of Hearts for the PFA Scotland Scottish Premiership Player of the Year award. Butland has impressed since joining from Crystal Palace, while Tavernier is Rangers’ top scorer. O’Riley has provided a creative spark for Celtic, while Shankland has been prolific for Hearts.
Jack Roslovic, acquired by the Rangers at the trade deadline, scored a crucial goal in Game 2 against the Capitals, breaking a 2-2 tie and helping the Rangers secure a 4-3 victory. Roslovic’s performance, which included noticeable improvements in transition and space creation, was praised by Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery as ‘high, high-end, elite play.’ Additionally, Mika Zibanejad moved up the Rangers’ franchise all-time list with his seventh career playoff power-play goal, and K’Andre Miller became the fourth defenseman in the past 20 years to score a game-winning shorthanded goal in the playoffs.
Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery expressed confusion over the lack of a penalty call on New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin’s hit on T.J. Oshie in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. Oshie left the game after the hit, which appeared to catch him high, and the concussion spotter removed him from the game. Carbery questioned the decision, stating that when the spotter removes a player, it usually indicates contact with the head. The Rangers ultimately took Game 2, giving them a 2-0 lead in the series.
Former Rangers legend Ally McCoist has dismissed comments made by Jeff Stelling, claiming that Scottish football fans do not care about the opinions of English supporters. McCoist’s response comes after Stelling suggested that English fans are not interested in the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers due to the frequency of their meetings.
Tom Wilson, known for his physical play, ignited controversy after delivering two questionable hits on Mika Zibanejad during Game 1 of the Rangers-Capitals series. The incidents sparked outrage from Rangers fans, leading to a scuffle between Wilson and Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider. Wilson’s history with the Rangers, including a previous altercation with Pavel Buchnevich, fueled the ongoing animosity between the teams. The NHL is reviewing the hits, while Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night.
