It has been a whirlwind week or so for football. First of all, news emerged that 12 of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester United, were planning to create a breakaway competition called the European Super League.
The competition was supposed to be a 20-team affair with 15 of the spots guaranteed for the founding members and the rest of the 5 teams being selected based on their performances the previous season.
It is safe to say that the idea was controversial and most of the fans were not pleased with it. After just days of the announcement, all six English sides decided to withdraw from the competition as a result of the pressure coming from all corners of the football world.
The players’ stance on the matter was very interesting as well as it did not look like a lot of them were behind the idea. Nemanja Matic appeared to confirm that thought when it comes to the Manchester United players. While speaking with Sky Sports and as reported by Goal, he said:
"“First, the information came to us was on Sunday after the game.“What I can say on behalf of all players is that we are happy that all clubs listened to supporters, to the fans, and I think this was a victory for football.“We all share the same opinion, we are with our supporters, I think that it was a better decision for football that we don’t go to that Super League. That’s all I can say because I didn’t know much about the Super League.”"
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Manchester United players appear to have not been in favour of the European Super League
It is not hard to see why the idea of the European Super League would not be popular amongst most fans and players. There were fears that any player participating in the competition could end up being banned from playing for their national teams and clubs from their national leagues.
At the end of the day, it was the right decision on the part of Manchester United and the rest of the English clubs to withdraw from the competition and at this point of time, it is very unlikely that it will take place with eight of the twelve clubs involved having made their intention to withdraw known.
Although, it is worth pointing out that the likes of Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Juventus and AC Milan are yet to officially announce that they are planning on pulling out from the European Super League.