Jeff Stelling explodes at Ed Sheeran and Ruben Amorim row after Man United bow
Jeff Stelling waged into the row over Ed Sheeran’s post-match interview interruption of Ruben Amorim during his debut game in charge of Man United to defend the Ipswich minority owner.
The Portuguese’s debut saw a 1-1 draw against Ipswich on 24 November, but the spotlight shifted post-match as lifelong Tractor Boys fan Sheeran gatecrashed Sky Sports‘ interview with the new manager to embrace Jamie Redknapp.
But former Soccer Saturday host Stelling couldn’t see what the fuss was about. Reacting live on talkSPORT the next morning he said: “I didn’t think that there was anything offensive about it at all. I have to say it’s his club, he’s a shareholder in it, the club themselves say that he’s massively important to promote Ipswich Town. I don’t know what was going on in the background as to why he appeared on screen, whether he was being encouraged to do that.”
Ally McCoist admitted it was “slightly uncomfortable” while Shebahn Aherne criticised the singer for causing an “awkward watch”.
But Stelling got increasingly worked up backing the opposite view: “Sky would’ve paid any amount of money to have Ed Sheeran live on TV. Look, they spent the afternoon showing shots of him in the stands, all afternoon! I’ve got no idea if he was encouraged to go on set or not, but I don’t see what the big issue is. Ruben Amorim knows who Ed Sheeran is, unless he’s come, not from Portugal, but from a different planet. Where’s the issue? Surely he knows Ed Sheeran’s connection with Ipswich.”
That sparked a feisty exchange with co-host Aherne who argued it was the United boss’ moment after his first game.
Stelling responded: “It’s not all about Manchester United. Ipswich were playing as well… So what? It’s Ed Sheeran’s club! No! No! It’s at Portman Road! Ed Sheeran doesn’t care less that it’s Manchester United. It’s his club. He’s a shareholder. For him it was not all about Ruben Amorim, completely the opposite. Why he was there, I don’t know. He may well have been encouraged to be there.”
Amad Diallo impresses as Man United held at Ipswich
Football Insider Opinion
The diplomatic incident live on Sky Sports after full time ultimately served to distract from a disappointing result for Amorim in his first game in charge, but some encouraging signs for the future, with Amad Diallo a particular bright spot.
The 39-year-old will likely have already moved on to focus on how to improve his side, and the former Sunderland and Rangers loanee could well be a key part of that.
With two goals and two assists in his last three appearances, the Ivorian international is proving he has the potential to be a game-changer for the Red and White Army.
Under Amorim, Diallo has been deployed in a new role that brought out the best in him. As part of Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, the winger was used as a right wing-back, a position where his pace and strength shine. Diallo showcased his explosive power as he charged down the right and crossed the ball in for Marcus Rashford’s early goal in United’s draw against Ipswich.
His willingness to track back and defend, combined with his flair going forward, allowed him to thrive in a system that demands high work rates and versatility. In this role, Diallo has not only been able to support the attack but also provide stability at the back, offering a balanced option for United.
In other news, Ruben Amorim has made an important Joshua Zirkzee decision at Old Trafford.
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