Two interesting developments today in the soccer world.

1. If you haven’t yet seen the Manchester United documentary, The Class of 92, I highly recommend you watch. Starring David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Phil and Gary Neville, and Nicky Butt, the documentary is about the rise of these 6 young super talents who brought Manchester United to European Cup triumphs between 1992 and 1999. Very interesting storyline and conversations, even if you’re not into soccer. (My only warning, some of the conversation can be tough to follow with their accents!!)

Anyways, these guys are contemplating buying out the club! The bid would be backed by money from the Middle-East, to overthrow the Glazer family (Americans) who have cited their intent to keep the club for the long-term, but have faced criticism from the debt brought on under their stewardship.

5 of these 6 players are now managers/advisors for the club, with Giggs impressively still playing as a player-manager. This year has been tough for the club, and recently appointed manager David Moyes, so rebuilding in this off season is a must. Paul Scholes said new players are key to this turnaround and I can’t agree more. I say this whenever I have a chance… Please come home, Cristiano!

2. Yesterday, Michel Platini and the members of UEFA agreed upon the creation of a Nations League tournament. This tournament will being in 2018, replacing the international friendlies that normally take place during this time.

The tournament will feed into qualifying playoffs for the 2020 European Cup, and possible in the future for the 2022 World Cup. The format is yet to be finalized, however it is planned to be 54 teams separated into 4 large groups based on rankings.

I’m really excited about this, and think it will serve as a much better warm-up for the European Cup and World Cups, as opposed to the traditional friendlies. Plus, who could argue against more international competition??