David Gorman found himself assigned an arduous task by the higher-ups in the sports department this Monday – penning an article about Manchester United’s disappointing days under manager Erik ten Hag. Concerned he might miss out on Christmas dinner in 2025, he chose to highlight just five lowest moments. We at Morning Briefing don’t generally suggest readers bypass our fellow writer’s efforts, but United supporters might want to steer clear of David’s piece, which begins with the calamitous 0-7 defeat to Liverpool last year.
Barney Ronay suggests Ten Hag’s tenure at United strangely resembled the grim days of the Soviet Union, where it would appear the central committee’s secretary was perpetually on death’s door. Now that the secretary is no longer, we anticipate the “next two-year plan of glory”. Sources indicate that the United bigwigs see Rúben Amorim, currently at Sporting Lisbon, as the one to usher in a renewed era of success. David is preparing another piece on where things might go awry for him.
The Republic of Ireland enjoyed a decidedly pleasant outing in Tbilisi last Friday, trouncing Georgia 6-0. Their manager Eileen Gleeson is urging her team to show no mercy in tonight’s return leg in Tallaght, in preparation for a probable final playoff against either Wales or Slovakia. The team that emerges victorious will be heading to Switzerland for Euro 2025 next summer.
In another sport, rugby, Jerry Thornley had a chat with Caelan Doris about his adjustment to being the captain for both the Leinster and Ireland teams. He also presented his assessment of the province’s performance in the initial half-dozen URC matches. Owen Doyle also expressed his concern over the trial of a 20-minute red card during the forthcoming international series, believing that only extremely egregious foul play would now warrant a straight red card.
Meanwhile, Conor Purcell is proceeding to the Challenge Tour finale carrying a DP World Tour card assurance in tow.
Ken Early reports on Mbappé’s worst club career night as Barcelona dominates the scene.
A mixed bag of results for the four provinces as the League of Ireland inches closer to a thrilling conclusion.
Shelbourne finds support from lofty places – specifically, the hills of Wicklow.
In the world of Gaelic games, Seán Moran holds a conversation with a jubilant Jonjo Farrell, following Thomastown’s historic Kilkenny hurling championship victory, their first in nearly eight decades. This is while Feakle in Clare are exulting over their achievement in defeating Sixmilebridge, bridging a wait of 36 years since they last lifted the trophy.
There’s contentment among the organisers of the Dublin Marathon with the turnout last Sunday; according to Ian O’Riordan, slightly over 18,000 participants showed up from the intended 22,500-field.
Philip Reid, in his column ‘Different Strokes’, anticipates Conor Purcell’s impending performance in the last contest on the Challenge Tour, noting his formidable form. A remark that is usually applied to Aidan O’Brien’s horses as well, with Brian O’Connor anticipating his participation in the forthcoming Breeders’ Cup and his aim of becoming the championship’s most successful trainer.
Regarding TV coverage: RTÉ 2 will be airing live the second leg encounter between the Republic of Ireland and Georgia in their Euro 2025 play-off which is due to start at 7.30 pm. Additionally, viewers with access to BBC Wales can monitor the Wales v Slovakia face-off (kicking off at 7.15 pm), the victor of which is set to challenge Ireland in the ultimate qualifying phase… unless, of course, Georgia causes a massive upset in Tallaght.