Arsenal's college kids, Luis Henrique drags Xavi and other stories

Wednesday's football highlights include Manchester United's struggles, Arsenal's cup success with youth, Varane's retirement, and upcoming League Cup.

Arsenal's youngsters lined up to take pictures after contributing immensely to Arsenal's 5-1 success over Bolton on Wednesday. (Photo credit: Arsenal)

There were a lot of things happening on Wednesday, from a shock high-profile retirement to EFL actions, Europa League actions, and quick-fire pressers. Here are a few talking points from an intriguing Wednesday in the world of football.

Ten Hag’s United falters again.

Manchester United delivered another stinker on Wednesday night against FC Twente in the Europa League, settling for a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, a result that has heaped more pressure on Erik Ten Hag.

In his usual practice, the Dutchman blamed his players, questioning their mentality, and you wonder at what point the man in the dugout would start taking responsibility. The Red Devils have another shot at redemption soon; they can’t afford to slip up.

College kids inspire Arsenal to a cup win.

After the exhausting duel at the Etihad on Sunday, the Gunners were condemned to field a few academy boys in their League Cup game against Bolton on Wednesday, including 16-year-old Jordan Porter, who became the youngest ever goalkeeper in Arsenal’s history.

A brace marked Ethan Nwanneri's full debut, signaling to Mikel Arteta that he was ready. A few others impressed, and you just hope they won’t be late for class on Thursday.

Luis Henrique bashes Xavi’s Barca.

Former Barcelona coach and current PSG manager Luis Henrique has criticized Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona team for their poor performance, stating that they "played like Eibar."

The PSG coach questioned Xavi's coaching credentials in a documentary from last season, calling his philosophy "a long ball" style and doubting the former Barcelona star midfielder's suitability for the position. This should provoke some reactions; we await Xavi’s response.

Rafael Varane walks away from the beautiful game.

At the age of 31, Rafael Varane has decided to retire after a setback in his recovery from injury at newly promoted Italian side FC Como.

In the summer, Varane joined Cesc Fabregas's Como, but injuries and mental health issues forced him to leave. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender won the World Cup and three Champions League titles; the game will miss him.

The League Cup pairings for the next round have been finalized.

The next round of games in the Carabao Cup will feature high-profile games like the one at the Spurs Stadium between Ange Postecoglou’s side and Manchester City; that is the peak of the bunch.

Holders Liverpool is away at Brighton, while Leicester is away at Manchester United. Preston North End hosts Arsenal, while Aston Villa and Crystal Palace will go head-to-head at Villa Park. Chelsea will play the winner of the game between AFC Wimbledon and Newcastle.