Ryan Ferguson: The Unorthodox Approach

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11/01/2028

The first leg of the EFL Cup semi final tie between Manchester City and Whitehawk ended in a 0-0 draw in Manchester. Neither side were able to find the back of the net, with the deciding leg to be played in Brighton.

0-0 Draw vs Manchester City - EFL Cup Semi Final

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Deputy goalkeeper Daniel Bentley retained his place in the side for the EFL Cup as Whitehawk fielded an otherwise full-strength side.

The first chance of the game fell to Jason Coffey after just one minute. Whitehawk moved on a quick counter attack down the left, and Kingsley Osagie's lofted ball set the Irishman through on goal. However, his shot went straight in to the welcoming arms of City goalkeeper Abdulla Ali.

Kylian Mbappé was next to test the young City goalkeeper, two minutes later, as the Frenchman stormed away from his marker in midfield. The Ballon d'Or winner skipped away from a number of challenges before unleashing a long range effort, but Ali comfortably caught the ball.

Manchester City very nearly took the lead after ten minutes through Damir Sipus. John Stones skipped away from Facundo Foti's challenge before playing in a deep cross. Sipus connected with a powerful header but his effort clattered off the underside of the bar and bounced away to safety.

Damir Sipus and Jason Coffey both saw long shots whiz just wide of the post for their teams in the second half, as neither side could break the other down. Daniel Bentley produced a smart save to deny Damir Sipus late on in the game as the fixture ended in a 0-0 draw.

Stephen Lacy (Whitehawk) - 7.7/10

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Ryan Ferguson's Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"It isn't an ideal result but it was a very difficult game. Both teams played well to cancel each other out and it will leave an exciting tie for the return leg. We're disappointed not to be leaving here with a positive result but we are happy with our chances of progressing to the final."

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Comment Section

mgriffin2012, yeah I'm delighted with the signings! I didn't need any real improvement on the starting eleven, so the best I could do was improve the bench and prepare the club for future seasons, even if I won't be there!

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Previous Update: #81 - Whitehawk Progress In FA Cup
Next Update: #83 - Whitehawk Through To EFL Cup Final

25/01/2028

Whitehawk scored three first half goals to defeat Manchester City in the EFL Cup semi finals. The first leg in Manchester had finished 0-0, but a 3-1 victory in Brighton put Whitehawk through to the final.

3-1 Win vs Manchester City - EFL Cup Semi Final

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Whitehawk faced a selection concern just hours before the game as both Daniel Bentley and Jason Coffey were reported to have viruses. Predrag Rajkovic started in goals, as a result, while Miroslav Novakovic moved from the right wing to a central striker position, with Martin Ødegaard lining up on the right.

The first goal of the game came in the twentieth minute, for Whitehawk. Martin Ødegaard picked out a clever run made by Erkan Aktaş, and the Turkish full back's low cross was converted by Miroslav Novakovic.

Whitehawk doubled their lead thirteen minutes later. Kingsley Osagie retrieved the ball deep in midfield, but left two defenders on their heels as he stormed towards Manchester City's penalty area. From twenty yards out, he let a shot fly, and the ball landed in the top corner of the net.

Whitehawk scored their third in the fortieth minute. Facundo Foti's cross was headed at goal by Kingsley Osagie, but Ali did enough to parry it away. The ball fell kindly for Kylian Mbappé to convert, leaving Whitehawk with a three goal advantage heading in to half time.

Manchester City found a way back in to the game through Gustavo Martínez deep in to the second half, but it was too little too late as Whitehawk booked their place in the EFL Cup final.

Kingsley Osagie (Whitehawk) - 8.5/10

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EFL Cup Final Draw

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Manchester United had also progressed to the final following victory over Swansea City in the semi finals. It was set to be a thrilling fixture between Manchester United and Whitehawk, between José Mourinho and Sir Ryan Ferguson.

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Ryan Ferguson's Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"We were superb. Our attacking performance in the second half was unbelievable and we deserve to progress to the final after that. We took the foot off the gas a little in the second half but we did the job required of us and we can now look forward to the final at the end of next month."

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Previous Update: #82 - Whitehawk Draw In Manchester.... AGAIN
Next Update: #84 - Whitehawk Seal Fifth Round Place

29/01/2028

Whitehawk continued their run of form in the FA Cup with victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park. Goal from Tomas Mrva and Gradimir Lucic sealed a comfortable 2-0 victory as Sir Ryan Ferguson's side progressed to the fifth round of the competition.

2-0 Win vs Aston Villa - FA Cup 4th Round

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Ryan Ferguson fielded a second string outfit against Aston Villa, with Daniel Bentley tending the goals. Radek Podzemsky, Jérôme Onguéné (captain for the day), Danny Wickenden and Pipoca made up a back four, with Sergi Samper and Lewis Cook marshaling midfield. Martin Ødegaard, Ricardo Barbosa and Gradimir Lucic lined up behind lone striker Tomas Mrva.

The first chance of the game came after just one minute, as Aston Villa's Riley Nottage did well to break free of Whitehawk's defence. The striker surged forwards but his effort struck the inside of the post and was cleared away before Jóbson could convert the rebound.

Five minutes later, and Whitehawk had hit the woodwork too. Radek Podzemsky had stormed down the right wing and his high-paced cross nearly found its way in to the back of the net, but struck the bar and bounced clear of the penalty area.

The deadlock was broken in the final minute of the first half. Aston Villa had sent men forward for a corner, but Whitehawk broke in emphatic style. Ricardo Barbosa's attempted through ball only found Villa defender Yannick Moungouaka, but the Congolese defender could only deflect the ball in to the path of Tomas Mrva, who neatly nutmegged the onrushing goalkeeper Harry Lewis before rolling the ball in to an empty net.

The woodwork was once again rattled on the hour mark. Radek Podzemsky surged down the right wing, and this time he fired a driven low cross which clipped the frame of the goal before being cleared away from the six yard box where Tomas Mrva was ready to pounce.

With eleven minutes remaining, Podzemsky's wide deliveries did eventually cause what they had been threatening to do. The Czech full back took the ball just over the halfway line before curling the most perfect of deep crosses beyond the entire Villa defence and in to the path of Gradimir Lucic. The Serbian wide attacker took the ball on the half volley, and his shot whistled in to the roof of the net to double Whitehawk's lead, ending any chance Villa had of a comeback.

Gradimir Lucic (Whitehawk) - 8.2/10

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FA Cup 5th Round Draw

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The fifth round draw brought Whitehawk and Millwall together for a clash which would take place in mid-February. The fixture would be played at Whitehawk Stadium in Brighton, with the winner to progress to the sixth round of the competition.

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Ryan Ferguson's Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"I'm happy with the win. We played okay and did enough to get the goals which mattered. We can look forward to the next round of the competition now and I hope we can continue this amazing set of cup runs which we have going on."

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Previous Update: #83 - Whitehawk Through To EFL Cup Final
Next Update: #85 - Season 2027/2028: January Review

Season 2027/2028: January Review

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01/02/2028

The disgruntled figure of a frustrated José Mourinho captured the headlines as his Manchester United side were on the wrong side of a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Premier League leaders Whitehawk. Mourinho's side were completely annihilated by the home side, but he may be the first to point towards refereeing decisions which influenced the result.

3-0 Win vs Manchester United - Premier League

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With Jason Coffey still absent with illness, Miroslav Novakovic was once again tasked with leading the Whitehawk attack. This presented Martin Ødegaard with another opportunity to impress on the right hand side.

The 4-4 thriller between the two sides back in August had given the perfect demonstration of the attacking ability of both sides, and both sets of supporters were expecting another fiery fixture.

Indeed it took just little over two minutes for the drama to ensue and just as in the reverse fixture, it was from a Whitehawk attack where the drama had begun. Kylian Mbappé's floated corner was met by the hand of a sorry Luken Díez, and Whitehawk were awarded a spot kick. There was never any doubt when Kylian Mbappé stepped up to take it, and the Ballon d'Or winner saw his effort go well out of reach of the ageing David De Gea and nestle in the bottom corner, giving Whitehawk a precious early lead.

Manchester United, as expected, looked to respond and were applying relentless pressure. However, Whitehawk were a side who had not conceded in league action since the beginning of December, and their defensive composure was on show against The Red Devils.

The next piece of drama occurred just after the half-hour mark. Whitehawk were soaking up all of Manchester United's pressure and when the ball broke for Kingsley Osagie in midfield, the visitor's defence was split. A lofted ball for Miroslav Novakovic to run on to had left José Mourinho's side under an extreme amount of pressure and, instead of risking concession of yet another goal, United defender Allen Guerin took down the Serbian attacker. Guerin saw red, and United were down to ten men with just under an hour remaining.

Guerin's cynical foul proved to be in vain, as Whitehawk would score their second goal from the resulting free kick. A well worked short free-kick had presented Martin Ødegaard with the opportunity to shoot from the edge of the box, and his low strike took a massive deflection off of Luke Shaw, sending the ball in to the top corner of the United goal. The visitors will have felt very hard done by, with all the luck appearing to go Whitehawk's way.

Whitehawk would get a third before half time, with much of the credit to go to Erkan Aktaş for his contribution. The Turkish full back made a timely interception in his own half and surged forward in a high-paced run. He cleverly evaded the desperate lunges of Tiago Djaló and Rhys Hughes before cutting back to present Miroslav Novakovic with an open goal, and the Serb showed no carelessness with a calculated finish.

Whitehawk looked to retain possession in the second half, and kept Manchester United's chances to a minimum. At the end, it was very much a huge win for Whitehawk, although the scoreline may have been flattering. Mourinho will be gutted with the result, but under no illusion that luck was against his side. There were no errors made by the officials, but sometimes the football gods just have it out for you.

Erkan Aktaş (Whitehawk) - 8.3/10

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Ryan Ferguson's Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"We have to be very proud of our performance. We had some luck on the way but we deserved the goals we scored and we can take great encouragement from defeating our major title rivals. It opens up the gap between us a little bit more and hopefully we can continue our form for the rest of the season. We have some very important fixtures to play this month and we will be under no illusion of how difficult these games will be."

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Comment Section

mgriffion2012, yeah it was a very hectic schedule! It was a result of having to play the EFL Cup semi finals, and the rescheduled league games from December due to our appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup. The rest of the season should prove a little less hectic, but we can take great pride in holding strong in such a busy month!

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Previous Update: #85 - Season 2027/2028: January Review
Next Update: #87 - Mourinho: Whitehawk Were Lucky

02/02/2028

José, a disappointing defeat yesterday. What are your thoughts on the result?

José Mourinho: "My thoughts are clear. We played very good football and had a strong performance to make us deserve three points. But, unfortunately for us, the referee decided we were not to win. Whitehawk had all the luck. The penalty decision for the first goal was very soft and the own goal was extremely fortunate for Whitehawk that it came about as it did. The red card was never a red card."

The result leaves your side twelve points adrift of Whitehawk. Is there still some glimmer of hope for United to win the league?

José Mourinho: "Whitehawk have been very lucky. They are swimming with a current of luck on their side and that is why they are top of the league. But the current will turn against them and we will be waiting for this, like a predatory shark, and we will pounce when the time is right. We do not know when we will overtake them at the top but we know that we will win the league title this season."

You have a chance for revenge at the end of the month at Wembley, when you face Whitehawk in the EFL Cup final for a second consecutive year. Who do you think will come out on top?

José Mourinho: "We will. We are Manchester United, do not forget that. We are the best football club in the world with the most fans and the best players. We have the best manager in the world too. It is a trophy we want to win to stake a claim for our credentials as a world class team once more, and we will lift the EFL Cup."

Your rivals Whitehawk face an interesting tie against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League. Will they progress?

José Mourinho: "No, I don't think so. It would be silly to say that Whitehawk has no talent, because they do. But they lack experience. The players are very young and do not know how to play against the true veterans of the game. Atlético have Lukaku. Lukaku knows how to win and he will lead Atlético to the next round."

Your side will also be facing a team from Madrid. Can you overcome Real Madrid to reach the next round?

José Mourinho: "Yes, yes, of course. We are very prepared for our fixtures against Real Madrid and I am confident we can progress, and go on to win the competition."

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Comment Section

mgriffin2012, Mourinho trembles with something, but not with fear! He may be arrogance personified, but credit has to go to him for his charisma and never-wavering will to succeed.

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Previous Update: #86 - Whitehawk Destroy Mourinho Title Hopes
Next Update: #88 - Lukaku: We Can Beat Whitehawk

15/02/2028

Romelu, its been a great season for Atlético so far. How pleased are you with your side's work?

Romelu Lukaku: "We've been very good so far this year. Everybody knows how difficult it is to win La Liga with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona as competition but we are currently sitting on top of the table. But the lead is slim and we need to keep working hard in order to achieve our ambitions of lifting the trophy."

You're thirty-four years old now and you've been the subject of much rotation already this season. Does this rotation upset you?

Romelu Lukaku: "Every player wants to play as much as possible, and that means being involved in every minute of every game. Nobody likes to be rotated in or out of the side but sometimes it has to be done. I still have a lot left in my locker physically, but to continue playing at the top level I have to be ready to manage my body well. If that means I miss one game or be subbed after forty minutes in another, so be it. The most important thing is that when I play, I play as well as I can. This rotation is for my good, and for the good of the team."

You have now recorded an incredible 312 goals in 489 games for Atlético Madrid. How does it feel to look back at what you have achieved at this club?

Romelu Lukaku: "It is a record I am very proud of. To pull on the shirt of Los Rojiblancos that many times is something a kid could only dream of, and I am delighted with the number of goals I have scored. I just want to carry on my form and to help Atleti to win something special before I retire."

This is your first season as club captain. Has it been difficult to take the role,
following the retirement of Koke?

Romelu Lukaku: "Koke will go down in history as one of the greatest players to have graced the game, and possibly the greatest player Atleti has ever had. His talent was jaw-dropping and he has inspired millions around the world. His humility and loyalty matched his ability and he always put the interests of the club ahead of his own.

If you ask me if I have found it difficult to take over in his absence, I would have to say no. To be given such a responsibility, in the wake of the retirement of such an incredible player, I can only take it as a compliment and trust in my ability to carry out the task. I wouldn't have been given the captaincy if I wasn't the right man for it, so I have taken it in my stride."

Koke, Diego Simeone, Paulo Futre, Kiko, Fernando Torres. All of these are Atleti legends who couldn't lift the UEFA Champions League while at the club.
Do you think you can captain the team beyond Whitehawk, and on to win the trophy this season?

Romelu Lukaku: "You mention the names of footballers who have gone out and been part of some of the most memorable football matches in history. No matter what they have, or have not, achieved with this football club, they will always be considered successful.

Whitehawk will be our biggest challenge yet this season, but one we relish. To become the best, you have to beat the best. We are playing fantastic football in the league this year and we want to emulate this in Europe. We have the confidence that we can beat Whitehawk, now we have to go out there and deliver."

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Previous Update: #87 - Mourinho: Whitehawk Were Lucky
Next Update: #89 - Mrva Breaks Atleti Hearts In Stoppage Time

1

16/02/2028

Whitehawk ran out 3-2 winners over Atlético Madrid at the Vicente Calderón in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Last 16 encounter. The English champions were two goals to the good at half time but a second half resurgence saw Atlético level the score. However, the home side could not hold out for a draw as Whitehawk substitute Tomas Mrva scored a dramatic winner in the third minute of stoppage time to give his side the advantage at the half-way mark of the tie.

3-2 Win vs Atlético Madrid - UCL Last 16, Leg 1

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Whitehawk fielded a full strength side to compete against Atlético in the first leg of the encounter, with Jason Coffey deemed fit enough to start following some recent injury problems.

Atlético opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with captain Romelu Lukaku partnering Brazilian international Leandro Tamochunas up front. Jonathan Tah started alongside Domagoj Biskup in the heart of the home side's defence, while Breel Embolo and Felipe Anderson played in wide midfield areas.

Whitehawk started the game like a team possessed and very nearly took the lead in the eighth minute of the tie. Kingsley Osagie was running riot in midfield and his pass to pick out Kylian Mbappé in the box was sublime. The Frenchman was free to shoot at goal but saw his scorching drive tipped on to the bar and away by goalkeeper Maarten Paes.

The visitors opened the scoring just minutes later through a trademark counter attacking move. Facundo Foti robbed Breel Embolo of the ball and quickly passed to Kingsley Osagie for the Englishman to go about his business. Osagie picked out Kylian Mbappé, who in turn presented Jason Coffey with a one-on-one opportunity. The Irishman made no mistake with a composed finish to give his side a precious away goal.

Whitehawk doubled their lead just after the quarter hour mark, and the trio of Osagie, Mbappé and Coffey were all heavily involved once more. Osagie lead another quick moving counter attack forward, and his pass to Coffey was quickly moved on to Mbappé inside the Atleti penalty area. The Frenchman fired a driven cross towards Novakovic, who could only hit the bar. Fortunately for Whitehawk, the ball fell kindly to Mbappé to slot the rebound, giving Whitehawk a superb two goal cushion early on.

Atlético found the back of the net just a minute later, but had their goal disallowed due to offside. Tamochunas picked out Lukaku in the box with a brilliant cross and the skipper duly converted, but had strayed a couple of yards and offside and saw his goal rightly chalked off.

Predrag Rajkovic produced a fantastic reaction save to deny Felipe Anderson when one-on-one just after the half-hour mark, as Atlético pushed for a way back in to the game. Whitehawk did, however, hold out until half-time.

Atlético began the second half just as Whitehawk began the first, and Romelu Lukaku found a way back in to the game for his side. The Belgian striker rose highest to connect with a Pedro Pereira long throw and Lukaku's header beat Rajkovic to half the deficit.

The home side leveled the score with just over twenty minutes remaining. Felipe Anderson's out-swinging corner was not properly dealt with and Jonathan Tah was on hand to poke the ball in to the goal. It was all square.

Whitehawk tried desperately to regain the lead but Atleti were determined to hold on. That was until a stoppage time intervention by substitute Tomas Mrva. With just seconds remaining, Franco Díaz won the ball back for Whitehawk on the halfway line. Kingsley Osagie and Kylian Mbappé then combined well before the latter released Tomas Mrva in to the box. With the angle against him, Mrva had it all to do but fired a ferocious near-post effort which nestled in the back of the net. Whitehawk had won with the final kick of the ball, and Atlético's hearts were broken.

Kylian Mbappé (Whitehawk) - 9.0/10

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Ryan Ferguson's Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"It is moments like these why people fall in love with football, what a crazy crazy game! We were outstanding in the first half and scored two brilliant goals but we have to be disappointed with our performance in the second half. We were careless in defending and conceded from two set pieces. We scored the winner when it mattered, however, and we head in to the second tie with an important advantage."

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Comment Section

mgriffin2012, Mourinho is, in many ways, the villain of this save! As for Stormzy/Lukaku, we should ask The Irish Herald who he really is

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Previous Update: #88 - Lukaku: We Can Beat Whitehawk
Next Update: #90 - Barbosa Inspires FA Cup Progression

19/02/2028

Whitehawk were victorious in their FA Cup fifth round tie against Millwall as they continued their defence of the title. Portuguese playmaker Ricardo Barbosa was the star of the show, with a goal and an assist, as Whitehawk won 3-0. Each of Whitehawk's goals came in the second half, with the only drama produced in the first half being a sending off for Millwall midfielder Josh Hards for a second bookable offence.

3-0 Win vs Millwall - FA Cup 5th Round

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Ryan Ferguson fielded a second string outfit in this FA Cup tie, just days after his side had beaten Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. Daniel Bentley started in goals against Millwall, with a back line of Radek Podzemsky, Jérôme Onguéné, Danny Wickenden and Pipoca ahead of him. Martin Ødegaard played in an unfamiliar deep midfield position alongside Sergi Samper, while Chavez Miller, Ricardo Barbosa and Gradimir Lucic lined up behind striker Tomas Mrva.

Former Premier League star Jack Grealish was among Millwall's starting eleven. Irish and Northern Irish internationals Ben Unsworth and David Duff partnered one another in the heart of Millwall's defence.

The first half was a bore, in truth, with only one exciting event occuring. Millwall midfielder Josh Hards got over excited and was handed his marching orders for a second bookable offence as he slid in from behind on Martin Ødegaard midway through the first half. Millwall would play the rest of the game with ten men.

Whitehawk's attacking prowess came to shine in the second half, with Ricardo Barbosa pulling the strings. Less than five minutes after the restart, the Portuguese playmaker broke the deadlock. Martin Ødegaard's wide free kick delivery was cleared as far as Barbosa on the edge of the area, and the young attacking midfielder powered a low shot in to the bottom corner to give his side the lead.

Minutes later, and Barbosa had a huge hand in Whitehawk's second. The Portuguese midfielder's low long range effort was not parried far enough away by the Millwall goalkeeper, and Gradimir Lucic was on hand to convert the rebound.

Barbosa continued to create chances for his side, and teed up Pipoca for the chance to score Whitehawk's third but the Brazilian full back sliced his shot just wide of the post.

Barbosa would have a hand in creating Whitehawk's third, with just over fifteen minutes remaining. He released substitute Kylian Mbappé down the right flank and the Frenchman's high cross was met by the tall figure of Chavez Miller, who powered a header across goal and in to the net. It was lights out for Millwall.

Ricardo Barbosa (Whitehawk) - 9.0/10

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FA Cup 6th Round Draw

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A reply of the Roses Derby between Manchester United and Leeds United would decide who Whitehawk would face in the sixth round of the competition. The prospect of Ryan Ferguson facing off with José Mourinho, once again, has fans excited.

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Ryan Ferguson's Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"We can be proud of our performance. It was difficult in the first half with Millwall constantly looking to make us feel uncomfortable on the ball and we played with a few players in positions where they were not very suited to playing. It became easier in the second half when we switched a few things around and we took our chances very well."

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Previous Update: #89 - Mrva Breaks Atleti Hearts In Stoppage Time
Next Update: #91 - Ferguson To Resign At End Of Season

26/02/2028
Ryan, any nerves ahead of tomorrow's EFL Cup final clash against Manchester United?

Ryan Ferguson: "No, I'm quite excited to be honest. There are the kind of games every manager wants to be involved in. We get to play against another terrific team at the home of English football, for a very valuable trophy. These are the kind of games that are always remembered fondly, or not so fondly for those who miss out on the trophy."

Your team has turned heads this season, turning from what was considered to be a very defensive side to a fluent attacking unit. Are you happy with this change?

Ryan Ferguson: "We haven't tried to change how we've played. Ever since we achieved Premier League status, we have set out with the same football philosophies in mind. We always look to score goals, as goals win games, but we also look to be tactically aware and working well as a team to prevent the opposition from finding any opportunity to score. I think we have added a couple of players to the squad this season who have helped us to score more goals, but the whole group has also developed very well in the past year too. Everybody has improved in an attacking aspect and that can be seen by our ever-increasing tally of goals."

You've shown faith in Daniel Bentley by handing him starts in cup competitions whenever he has been available. Will he be starting tomorrow?

Ryan Ferguson: "The plan was always for Bentley to start tomorrow, but unfortunately he will not. He is suffering from a recurring illness which kept him out of one of the semi final fixtures and he cannot physically take part. If there was any chance for him to play, he would play, but there is no chance tomorrow. I feel sorry for him and I hope we can reach the FA Cup final for him to have another opportunity to play at Wembley in a cup final for us. He deserves to be part of such an event."

You come up against José Mourinho tomorrow, who has become somewhat of a rival of yours. Are you looking forward to the next episode in your war with him?

Ryan Ferguson: "Yes, of course. I don't think there's anything malicious in this rivalry between us. He is a brilliant manager with so much experience and a collection of trophies which others could only dream about. He has been one of the best in the business for over two decades now and I always look forward to locking horns with him. No matter who wins, I know it will be an exciting battle. Not just between us two, but also between the two teams on the pitch."

There has been a lot of speculation about your future. Can you please finally confirm whether or not you will be Whitehawk manager after this season?

Ryan Ferguson: "This is a question I have been asked a lot and, unfortunately, I should probably answer now. I have already spoken to the players and staff of Whitehawk and they all fully understand my decision. The speculation needs to be put to bed sooner rather than later, so the fans know what is happening with their football club.

Following the end of this season, I will no longer be manager of Whitehawk Football Club. My time here has been fantastic for me and I have enjoyed every moment of it. I do not wish to reveal my reasons for departure, and I can only ask that the media and fans respect my decision to leave, even if you do not understand it.

As I have previously said, the players and staff of Whitehawk are already fully aware of my decision and the club has already begun preparations for next season. Until the end of the season, however, I will remain manager and I will give nothing but 100% to Whitehawk's cause."

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Previous Update: #90 - Barbosa Inspires FA Cup Progression
Next Update: #92 - Whitehawk Lift EFL Cup

27/02/2028

Whitehawk retained the EFL Cup title following victory over Manchester United in the final at Wembley. The champions were 3-0 victors in a thrilling fixture, one year after defeating the Red Devils on penalties in the same fixture. Kingsley Osagie stole the headlines today with an outstanding performance for the winners.

3-0 Win vs Manchester United - EFL Cup Final

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Whitehawk were without regular cup goalkeeper Daniel Bentley due to illness, with Predrag Rajkovic filling in for the Englishman. Erkan Aktaş, Emanuel Mammana, captain Stephen Lacy and Facundo Foti made up a back four, with Anton Nyman and Franco Díaz starting in midfield. Miroslav Novakovic, Kingsley Osagie and Kylian Mbappé started behind striker Jason Coffey.

37 year old goalkeeper David De Gea tended Manchester United's goals, with a back four of Felix Passlack, Allan Guerin, Tiago Djaló and Luke Shaw in front of him. Captain Paul Pogba partnered former Whitehawk target Luken Díez in midfield, while Paul Lucas, Jorge Alexandre and Leroy Sané started behind lone striker Facundo Colidio.

The game started fiery, as expected, with no less than three players picking up yellow cards in the opening ten minutes. Leroy Sané and Luken Díez were cautioned for Manchester United, while Whitehawk's Emanuel Mammana also earned himself a booking.

Kingsley Osagie looked the most lively player in the opening stages, and came close to score in the eleventh minute of the game. The Englishman received the ball to feet thirty five yards from goal. The Whitehawk star spun away from two Manchester United players before unleashing a low drive which was acrobatically tipped away by an alert David De Gea.

Minutes later, and the woodwork had been rattled for the first time. Osagie picked out Mbappé on the edge of the area and the Frenchman maneuvered his way in to a more central area before seeing his low rasping shot clatter off David De Gea's right-hand upright. It was a typically electric start to the game by Whitehawk.

The reigning champions were nearly made to pay for a loose pass, however, as Facundo Foti gifted Leroy Sané with the ball near the halfway line. The German international surged forward before attempting an audacious long range effort which drifted just wide of Whitehawk's goal. The warning signs were there.

The deadlock was broken in the twenty-seventh minute, and Whitehawk were the deserved scorers. It was a trademark counter attacking move as Coffey picked out Mbappé, and the latter released the ball in to the path of Kingsley Osagie on the left flank. The English playmaker's low cross was fired in to an area where both Miroslav Novakovic and Jason Coffey were unmarked, where the former took charge and rolled the ball in to an empty net. Whitehawk were deservedly ahead.

Another three players were booked in a high-temper first half, as Manchester United's Luke Shaw and Felix Passlack and Whitehawk's Facundo Foti saw yellow.

Whitehawk began the second half as they did the first, and scored their second before the fifty minute mark. Jason Coffey clinically flicked Mbappé's pass in to the path of Osagie in the box, and the in-form Englishman held off Felix Passlack before beating David De Gea with a low finish.

The outcome of the game had been sealed on the hour mark as Novakovic added his second goal of the game. Manchester United's defensive organisation had fallen in to shambles as Whitehawk passed around them with ease. Osagie had time to feed Novakovic a delightful through ball and the Serb obliged to powering a close-range drive in to the top corner to seal the EFL Cup title for Whitehawk.

All discipline had been lost in the fixture as Manchester United's Luken Díez was dismissed for a second bookable offence with twenty minutes remaining. This new-found rivalry between the two teams had produced a number of cynical challenges, and Díez became the first player to leave the field of play on the day.

There was a moment of hope for Manchester United as Stephen Lacy tripped Aymen Jebali in the box, awarding The Red Devils a late penalty. Lacy was booked, and Mammana was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence as his arguments were not to the referee's liking. Whitehawk were down to ten men, and Manchester United hate a late penalty to salvage something.

Felix Passlack stepped up to take the spot kick. At the least, it would restore some pride for Manchester United. His effort was poor, however, and Rajkovic comfortably parried it away. It was all doom and gloom for José Mourinho's men as Ryan Ferguson's Whitehawk won the EFL Cup in rampant style.

Kingsley Osagie (Whitehawk) - 9.1/10

Ryan Ferguson's Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"I'm delighted with our performance today and we can say we deservedly lifted this trophy. Its a fantastic moment for us to win another major trophy. I know it doesn't receive as much attention as other trophies, but it is one that carries a lot of weight among English clubs and we can be very proud of ourselves today."

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