The Latest on Manchester United News: Manchester United defender Raphael Varane criticized English football authorities on Monday, stating that the recently implemented rules aimed at preventing time wasting will only add to the already heavy workload of players.
Under the new regulations, referees will now include the precise amount of time lost due to goal celebrations, substitutions, or injuries in the stoppage time. In previous seasons, a general amount of time was added instead.
In the second half of Arsenal’s win against Manchester City in the Community Shield, there were eight additional minutes of play. Similarly, during the first round of matches in the Championship, the second-tier league, several games had 10 minutes or more of added time.
“From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being,” Varane said on social media.
“Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players.”
“We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?”
Pep Guardiola, the city manager, also expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating decisions after his team, the Premier League champions, conceded a goal in the 11th minute of added time.
“What is their opinion, we have to accept it. Now the games will be 100 minutes, that’s for sure,” Guardiola told reporters on Sunday.
“It never happened today and it was eight minutes, imagine if they extend for goals and every time you score a goal in a game (that is) 4-3. You put 30 seconds, 45 seconds on for seven goals, tomorrow morning 9 am I am here playing.”
The Community Shield match also showcased the implementation of new regulations aimed at enhancing the conduct of players, managers, and fans. This was evident when Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta received a yellow card for expressing his disagreement with a referee’s decision from the sidelines.
“I just said ‘listen, I cannot change my behaviour in three days’,” Arteta told reporters of his yellow card.
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