CE Europa Overview

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has delivered a scathing assessment of Michael Carrick’s current tactical setup, labelling the team "difficult to watch" without a recognised focal point. As the Red Devils prepare for a high-stakes Manchester derby against City, the former midfielder is demanding a major change to the starting XI.

Ayyoub Bouaddi can “reach world-class Rodri level easily”, former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has told GOAL, with the teenage wonderkid expected to become a global superstar on the back of his £86 million ($116m) transfer to the Etihad Stadium. At just 18 years of age, the Morocco international is already being likened to World Cup-winning Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.

The road to Madrid begins this week as the league phase gets under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has admitted he is ready to pull his weary superstars out of the firing line to prevent a mid-season injury crisis. The Italian coach, who has enjoyed a perfect start to the new campaign, acknowledged that the physical demands on his squad are reaching a breaking point following a summer of international commitments.