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Hansi Flick has won over the Barcelona squad with his approachable nature, while also laying down strict rules when it comes to discipline.

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• Flick enjoying successful debut season with Barca
• Has shown a no-nonsense attitude towards indiscipline
• Players and staff admire the German coach's approachability

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hansi Flick is overseeing a fabulous debut season at the helm for Barcelona, and the German manager has instilled a winning mentality within the squad, fostering team unity and synergy, while also adopting a no-nonsense approach towards indiscipline.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Flick has quickly earned the respect of Barcelona’s squad with his mix of approachability and strict discipline, according to Mundo Deportivo. His hands-on approach has given players like Raphinha and Inigo Martinez a fresh start, making them key figures. Flick’s intensity is evident on matchdays, using half-time to correct mistakes, though his passion sometimes leads to frustration, such as an incident that saw water bottles thrown away in anger.

  Indeed, the former Bayern Munich head coach has punished Jules Kounde on several occasions for turning up late to the team's pre-match routines and meetings, showing intolerance towards any form of unpunctuality and indiscipline.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The rules set by Flick extend beyond the players, even applying to Barcelona's top officials, including president Joan Laporta. During Barcelona’s pre-season in the United States, Laporta and his directors arrived at training sessions in their typical formal attire. However, on one of the early days, Flick made a direct request, encouraging them to adopt a more casual dress code to better suit the informal atmosphere of training.

  However, he has a soft side to him, too, believing in building personal relationships with his players and staff. He has often hosted dinners and gifted his staff expensive wine and turron for Christmas.

  "Before I came here in the summer, he was at the Euros and I was talking to him. Honestly, I was really surprised by the affection he has for all of us; he tries to talk to everyone," Lamine Yamal told Mundo Deportivo in February, emphasising on the coach's efforts to keep the morale high within the dressing room.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR HANSI FLICK?

  Flick has led the Catalans to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face Borussia Dortmund, while they are also in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, where they will play Atletico Madrid in the second leg next week after a 4-4 draw in the first meeting.

  As for La Liga, Flick's side are currently at the top of the table, level on points with rivals Real Madrid albeit with a game in hand. They will next be seen in action on Thursday, March 27, when they take on Osasuna in a fixture rearrangement that has angered the club.

Tottenham Hotspur believe that potential negotiations to sign a new centre-back target could mimic one of their pieces of summer business, with Ange Postecoglou’s side on the hunt for fresh defensive options as we fast approach 2025.

Tottenham preparing to face Liverpool in blockbuster Premier League clash

Spurs head into their crucial Premier League clash against title-chasing Liverpool on a real high, scoring nine goals in their last two games across all competitions, and winning two matches in a row for the first time since early November.

£25m player called the "new Pirlo" would like to join Tottenham in January

He’s been highly praised by veterans of the game.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 20, 2024

The Lilywhites demolished Southampton 5-0 at St. Mary’s Stadium last weekend, easing the pressure on Postecoglou, and then booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a thrilling 4-3 win over Man United in north London.

However, a very tough test awaits Spurs next, with Liverpool travelling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Arne Slot’s side are currently in pole position to win this year’s domestic crown, and they’ll fancy their chances against an injury-ridden side who are without key players heading into the contest. Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies are all sidelined through injury, meaning Archie Gray is set to partner Radu Dragusin yet again against Liverpool.

The teenager’s performances in the heart of Postecoglou’s defence have earned real plaudits, with Tottenham’s manager drawing attention to Gray’s assured outings in his latest pre-match press conference.

“I said last week that he has been outstanding,” said Postecoglou on Gray’s performances at centre-back.

“We have no choice as we have no other centre-backs. You put an 18-year-old kid there – I shouldn’t say 18-year-old kid as he’s a man in every sense of the word – and he’s handled it brilliantly, both from a footballing perspective… If you do it for one game you can sort of get away with it where you put a young player out of position in one game but he’s done it in multiple games now against some pretty decent opposition.

“Like I said, as an 18-year-old he’s handled it so well and it’s not like he’s surrounded by experience. Obviously our goalkeeper is out, our two centre-backs are out, our left-back was out last night. Him and Radu handled it awfully well, awfully well. I keep saying you take out the goalkeeper, two centre-backs and a left-back from any team and I’m sure it will have an effect.

“The fact that our guys, and it’s not just the way they’re performing, they’re still trying to play in the manner we want to play. We’re not making allowances that we’ve got Archie at centre-back or Radu or Fraser in goal, we’re still trying to play our football, and it’s a credit to them.”

Tottenham hoping to replicate Wilson Odobert deal in potential Maxime Esteve talks

While Gray has impressed as a makeshift option, their current selection issues have prompted reports that Tottenham could look to sign another centre-back in January.

The likes of Omar Alderete (Getafe), David Hancko (Feyenoord) and Abdukodir Khusanov (RC Lens) have all been linked as emergency central defensive options for Spurs next month, but chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange also have the long-term in mind.

Burnley mainstay Maxime Esteve has been a crucial player for the promotion-chasing Clarets this season, and this apparently attracted attention from north London, who could move for the Frenchman in 2025.

Football League World report that Postecoglou’s side are keeping tabs on Esteve, who continues to impress in the Championship, and while an approach isn’t expected to be imminent, the club do have a belief they can strike a move in the future.

Indeed, it is believed that Tottenham are hoping they can replicate their deal for Wilson Odobert in potential talks for Esteve, as the outlet writes, with there being some optimism that Spurs’ previous Burnley agreement can help to smooth negotiations – given their recent business relationship.

However, the 22-year-old won’t come cheap, with there being a belief he could cost up to £30 million.

Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to rival Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti for the Brazil national team job after being put on a four-man CBF shortlist.

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• CBF has put together a four-man list
• Mourinho & Ancelotti included
• Dorival Junior sacked after Argentina thrashing

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazilian football federation (CBF) parted ways with Dorival Junior following the Selecao's heavy 4-1 loss to arch-rivals Argentina in World Cup qualifying. Now, according to Brazilian outlet , Fenerbahce boss Mourinho is one of four high-profile names being considered by the CBF to replace Dorival and lead the Selecao in their push to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Alongside Mourinho are Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, Al Hilal boss Jorge Jesus, and Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira. The quartet represents a blend of experienced European minds and successful figures from the South American club circuit.

  Ancelotti has long been admired by the CBF, and although he has flirted with the idea of managing Brazil, the Italian has publicly stated that his current role at Real Madrid will be his final managerial post. While the CBF has not completely given up hope, Jesus is currently viewed as the most probable candidate due to his previous experience in Brazilian football at Flamengo and more immediate availability.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Mourinho’s stint at Fenerbahce has been anything but serene. Since arriving in Istanbul ten months ago, the former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Roma boss has courted controversy with his frequent criticism of match officials, which has led to several touchline bans.

  His team’s form has taken a hit in recent weeks, with Fenerbahce suffering a Europa League elimination at the hands of Rangers and crashing out of the Turkish Cup following a painful defeat to arch-rivals Galatasaray. These setbacks have ramped up pressure on Mourinho, whose side now sits second in the Turkish Super League table, trailing Galatasaray by three points.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MOURINHO?

  While Brazil offer a historic and high-pressure opportunity, it remains to be seen whether Mourinho would be willing to walk away from his Fenerbahce project so soon. The upcoming clash with Sivasspor on Sunday is another crucial game in the club’s quest for Super Lig glory, and if the Portuguese indeed manages to topple Galatasaray, he might continue with his Istanbul sojourn.

Glasgow Rangers may have lost the League Cup final on penalties last weekend, but there were plenty of positives to take from the display at Hampden Park.

Indeed, Philippe Clement’s men drew on their fighting spirit to return from the dead not once, but twice, forcing extra time courtesy of a late Danilo equaliser.

In the end, scoring three goals against Celtic isn’t something Rangers have done too often in the previous few years, but hopes will be high going into the Old Firm clash at the start of 2025.

The Belgian appears to have certain members of his first-team squad firing on all cylinders lately, which is a big bonus.

The likes of Ianis Hagi, Vaclav Cerny and Nedim Bajrami are all pulling the strings going forward, while Nico Raskin has emerged as a player who can dominate games, both domestically and in Europe.

Hamza Igamane has been the major surprise package, however. The young forward is finally settling into life in Glasgow, and he could be vital for the club between now and the end of the season.

Hamza Igamane’s stats this season

It may have taken a few weeks for the Moroccan to get over an injury before making his debut for the Light Blues, yet he has made up for lost time over the previous few months.

Across 17 appearances for the Gers, Igamane has netted six goals, with four coming in the Europa League, while grabbing a further two assists.

His game is certainly built for the European scene, evident by his well-taken finish against Tottenham Hotspur last week which saw the Ibrox side take the lead against the North Londoners.

Along with his four goals, the youngster has also averaged 1.3 key passes per game and succeeded with 1.3 dribbles each match.

Igamane’s strike rate is also impressive, netting a goal every 48 minutes, and if he can keep that sort of rate up, Rangers have an excellent chance to go quite deep in the competition.

These performances have seen his market value soar in recent weeks, while even attracting attention from down south in the process…

Hamza Igamane’s market value at Rangers

Eyebrows were raised when Clement paid around £1.7m in the summer to bring the striker to Glasgow, but that could soon turn into a bargain.

Indeed, according to reports, Everton reportedly sent scouts to Ibrox to take in the Europa League clash between Rangers and Spurs, keeping a close eye on Igamane during the game.

It is clear the Toffees need some added firepower, and it looks as though they have earmarked Igamane as a player of importance.

According to Transfermarkt, the African centre-forward is now worth €2.5m (£2m), which is a slight increase on the fee the club paid for him just six months ago.

There is no doubting this valuation will soar in the coming months, especially if he keeps up his level of performance, indicating that he could make the Gers a fortune.

Clement has a few players in his squad who are worth more than Igamane, with Rabbi Matondo still holding a decent valuation despite a poor season mixed with injury issues and a lack of starts.

Rabbi Matondo’s Rangers statistics

When the Welshman arrived at Ibrox in the summer of 2022, hopes were high that he could be an exciting addition to the squad, especially given his sheer pace and ability to take the ball past opposition defenders.

Unfortunately, he didn’t quite get the chance to showcase his abilities during his first campaign, making just 28 appearances in all competitions, registering a paltry five assists in the process.

Journalist Josh Bunting was critical of the winger halfway through his maiden campaign, saying in December 2022: “Rabbi Matondo with probably the worst 23 minutes I’ve seen this season, just hasn’t worked out and I said when he signed I wasn’t convinced. Has the pace but the intelligence and the awareness just really lack. His crossing really poor, no quality in it at all it was more hopeful.”

At the start of the 2023/24 season, it looked as though Matondo had made a breakthrough. Not only did he score his first goal for the club against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, but he began to emerge as a key starter under Michael Beale.

It didn’t take long for injuries to rear their head again, as the former Schalke youngster spent large sections of the campaign on the sidelines, although he did net a stunning equaliser against Celtic in March 2024.

Two goals and three assists in his first six games of the current season appeared to show a more mature Matondo, one that was capable of staying fit and forcing himself into Clement’s plans.

Like the previous two campaigns, he suffered yet another injury and has been missing since the start of September.

Rabbi Matondo’s market valuation

Despite his lack of input on the pitch in recent months, Matondo is currently valued at €3m (£2.5m) according to Transfermarkt, which suggests the Gers could sell him on for a decent price should there be any interest in the winger.

If Clement is aiming to bolster his squad during the January transfer window, then selling a few players who aren’t contributing makes a lot of sense.

On the left flank, the Belgian can utilise Oscar Cortes, Nedim Bajrami and even Igamane, which demonstrates just how far down the pecking order Matondo finds himself.

Matondo is even valued more than the young Gers sensation, although it surely won’t be long before he is overtaken. With just 18 months left on his current contract, January represents an ideal opportunity for Rangers and the Welsh winger to find a way of sorting out a deal which benefits both parties, no doubt about that.

Clement's own Matt O'Riley: Rangers lining up move for "sensational" star

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the Premier League gem.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 19, 2024

The second leg of the quarterfinals will be played Tuesday at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario

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• The first leg ended in a scoreless draw
• América will advance with a win or a draw with goals
• The winner will face either Tigres or LA Galaxy in the semifinals

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  As expected, much of the Mexican media has once again labeled América as the favorite to advance past Cruz Azul and into the Champions Cup semifinals. Despite a frustrating weekend loss to Pachuca—a match manager André Jardine called "very frustrating"—Las Águilas still carry momentum and confidence. Cruz Azul, however, isn’t far behind. The team is unbeaten in nine straight matches under Vicente Sánchez, showing steady improvement and belief heading into Tuesday’s showdown.

  So, who has the upper hand?

  On Fox Sports México, the debate panel leaned heavily in favor of América. “América has more arguments to advance,” one panelist said. Former Chivas striker Rafael Márquez Lugo estimated the odds at 60-40 in favor of the defending Liga MX champs. Meanwhile, ex-Cruz Azul and Mexico international Carlos Hermosillo gave América an even wider edge—70-30—citing the away goals rule. The panel agreed that an América goal on the road would put significant pressure on Cruz Azul.

  Over on ESPN’s Fútbol Picante, former Chivas player and executive Francisco Gabriel de Anda praised Sánchez’s work since taking over. “He hasn’t lost in nine matches since taking over,” De Anda noted. “I liked what they did against Pumas this weekend – they’re ready to face América.” He also highlighted Cruz Azul’s current form: third place in the league standings, a solid run of results, and standout play from Carlos Rotondi, who, according to De Anda, "is playing really well and is emotionally stable."

  Still, not everyone is convinced. Desirée Monsivais, former striker for the Mexican women’s national team, pointed to concerns up top for Cruz Azul. “Giakoumakis seems distracted like his mind is elsewhere – perhaps already thinking about which league he’ll play in next year,” she said, referencing rumors of the Greek striker potentially returning to MLS.

  With two clubs heading in opposite directions on paper—but everything still to play for – it’s shaping up to be another classic installment of this storied rivalry.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Cruz Azul and América square off this Tuesday in the second leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinals – a match that feels like a shot at redemption for . América has eliminated Cruz Azul in their last two knockout meetings: the Clausura 2024 Final and the Apertura 2024 semifinals. Confident and battle-tested, believe they can do it again. But for Cruz Azul, this one feels personal.

  All eyes will be on Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where tensions will be high and the stakes even higher. The aggregate score is locked at 0-0 after last week’s first leg at América’s home ground. That means any scoring draw favors Jardine’s squad due to the away goals rule. The winner will face either Tigres or LA Galaxy – who are also tied 0-0 – in the semifinal.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Cruz Azul hasn’t been able to beat América in recent years. Las Águilas eliminated La Máquina in the semifinals of the Apertura 2024 – a tournament in which they claimed a three-peat – and also defeated them in the Clausura 2024 Final. But that’s not all: América has only lost once in their last 10 meetings against Cruz Azul, including a 7-0 thrashing in the Apertura 2022. Can Vicente Sánchez’s team overcome all the odds stacked against them?

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CRUZ AZUL AND AMÉRICA?

  Tuesday's match will be the second of three meetings between and . With the 0-0 draw from the first leg in the books, both teams will now face off for a spot in the Champions Cup semifinals. After that, they’ll meet again on Saturday in Matchday 15 of the Clausura 2025 in Liga MX. Sánchez’s side defeated Pumas 3-2 over the weekend, while Jardine’s team lost 1-0 on the road against Pachuca – partially due to the coach rotating his lineup to rest key players and keep them fresh for tomorrow’s match.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Except it hasn’t been for those of a Chelsea persuasion.

On Boxing Day, Enzo Maresca’s side lost late on against London rivals Fulham after a last-gasp goal from Harry Wilson.

On Monday evening, Chelsea would have enjoyed some late scenes on this occasion but none were forthcoming as they lost 2-0 to Ipswich. To rub salt into the wounds, that was the first time the Tractor Boys had won at home all season.

So, after chatter of winning the Premier League title, Maresca is now enduring the first real rough patch of his reign. It was perhaps typical that one of the hosts’ better performers once donned Chelsea blue…

Omari Hutchinson's performance in numbers vs Chelsea

Last season young attacking midfielder Omari Hutchinson spent a vital loan spell at Ipswich in the Championship.

He was absolutely vital during their promotion charge, scoring 11 goals and supplying six assists across 50 appearances in all competitions.

Kieran McKenna wanted him back at Portman Road this term and in a club-record £20m deal, Hutchinson walked away from Chelsea and headed back to Suffolk.

Understandably, he’s not found it easy in the top-flight but he did shine against his former employers on Monday, arguably putting in one of his finest Premier League display to date.

Featuring off the right-hand side, the 21-year-old supplied two key passes, created a solitary big chance and most importantly, found the back of the net.

It was Liam Delap – the scorer of Ipswich’s first goal in controversial fashion from the penalty spot – who turned supplier. He raced forwards into the final third, held the ball up brilliantly and then nudged the ball into the path of Hutchinson who despite being surrounded by three Chelsea players took aim and found the bottom far corner.

One of the players at fault for the goal was arguably Axel Disasi, who had a rather horrible night at the office…

Axel Disasi's performance in numbers

Ask most Chelsea supporters and it’s likely they will have been bemused to see Disasi on the teamsheet at Portman Road on Monday.

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Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Maresca had rotated to a degree with Jadon Sancho, Nicolas Jackson and Malo Gusto notably having to settle for a place on the bench.

Sadly for the Blues, their deputees didn’t perform well. Christopher Nkunku – who had replaced Jackson – was guilty of missing a simple opportunity in the first half after Cole Palmer’s free-kick had come back off the post.

But, truth be told, Disasi was perhaps their worst performer. Handed a dismal 2/10 player rating by the Standard’s Malik Ouzia, he wrote of the French defender’s ‘two shockers in one move for Ipswich’s second’.

What happened? Well, it was his horrific give away of possession on the halfway line that led to Delap being able to gallivant forward in the first place.

He didn’t do much to atone for that error, as he failed to close down Hutchinson once the ball ended up in Chelsea’s penalty area, thus allowing the youngster to find the net.

It’s safe to say the stats didn’t paint a pretty picture of his evening either. Dribbled past twice, the 26-year-old did make two key passes but he ultimately also lost possession seven times from 82 touches and also won just three of his seven duels on the night.

One has to question with three right-backs on the bench, why he even started.

Reece James, of course, is lacking match fitness but Gusto could have played, as too could the young Josh Acheampong who is now a regular first-team face after resolving his future at the club.

Disasi will not feature in the next game and in all honesty, he will be lucky to feature again for the club in general.

With three other players who could start ahead of him in that role, his days at Cobham should be numbered.

As one Chelsea podcaster and content creator put it during the game, it was an “embarrassing” performance and one that should see him “out the door in January”.

As bad as Disasi: Maresca must drop 4/10 Chelsea flop who's the new Havertz

Chelsea were defeated by Ipswich in the Premier League as they bow out of 2024.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 31, 2024

The hosts struggled for creativity and a cutting edge and were made to pay as they dropped more points in what's proving a futile chase of Liverpool

Mikel Arteta rolled the dice as he made multiple changes to his starting XI in an attempt to get the job done against Brentford, only to be held to a 1-1 draw that gives Liverpool the chance to move 13 points clear at the top.

The likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino were all named on the bench as Arteta attempted to keep his star names fresh and ready for Wednesday night's Champions League quarter-final second leg with Real Madrid, seemingly convinced the tie is far from over, despite holding a commanding 3-0 lead.

It took until the 21st minute for a slow burning first half to see some goalmouth action here as first Kristoffer Ajer forced David Raya into a save at his near post before Kieran Tierney headed home soon after, only for the new automated VAR system to correctly rule that the Scot was clearly offside.

Arsenal racked up 10 corners in the opening 45 minutes but failed to find a breakthrough, with Leandro Trossard stinging Mark Flekken's palms shortly before half-time – one of only two shots on target in the opening period for the hosts as the Brentford backline contained their opponents.

With the Gunners lacking inspiration in attack, it would take some urgency from goalkeeper David Raya to spark them into the life. The Spaniard caught Bryan Mbeumo's corner and quickly bowled the ball out to Declan Rice, with Tuesday night's free-kick hero galloping forward unopposed before laying off to Thomas Partey to finish the move off and find the corner of the net.

Brentford had rarely threatened Raya's goal but they would find the equaliser 17 minutes from time – Michael Kayode's lofted cross to the far post finding Nathan Collins, who headed back across to allow Yoane Wissa to swivel on the ball and divert it in for 1-1.

Arteta had already brought the likes of Saka and Odegaard on as substitutes before Brentford had found a way back into it, and although the former probably ought to have done better with a chance after rounding Flekken, there was no way through as the hosts dropped more points in what is proving a limp attempt at pushing Liverpool all the way in the Premier League title race.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  David Raya (7/10):

  Made a decent save to stop Ajer giving Brentford a shock first-half lead and then his quick-thinking released Rice on the counter for Arsenal's opener. Could do little to stop Wissa's equaliser.

  Thomas Partey (8/10):

  Brought in at right-back and his forward bursts gave Arsenal an outlet throughout, including the lung-busting run that would end with him smashing home the opening goal.

  William Saliba (7/10):

  Had been completely dominant up against Schade and Wissa but was then beaten in the air by Collins which led to the goal. One delightful arrowed ball through should've seen him claim an assist but Martinelli wasted the chance.

  Jakub Kiwior (6/10):

  Another assured showing from the Pole although he'll be annoyed that a clean sheet slipped away.

  Kieran Tierney (6/10):

  Dealt well with the threat of Mbeumo before being taken off on the hour mark for Lewis-Skelly.

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  Midfield

  Jorginho (6/10):

  Played a game-high 68 passes to keep Arsenal ticking over but would've hoped to have made a few of them in more threatening areas. Taken off late on with an injury as Arsenal had to play finish with 10 men.

  Declan Rice (7/10):

  Was more onus on him to make things happen given Odegaard's absence from the XI and it was his driving run forward that created the opener. Might've done a bit better to prevent the cross that led to Brentford's leveller.

  Oleksandr Zinchenko (5/10):

  Forced Flekken into a decent save in the first half but was pretty quiet and eventually hooked for Odegaard as Arsenal tried to add more creativity.

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  Attack

  Ethan Nwaneri (5/10):

  He looked the most likely to make something happen early doors but ultimately his jinking runs inside onto his left foot became a bit too predictable. Hooked for Saka after an hour.

  Leandro Trossard (5/10):

  Fired in a couple of shots that were easily dealt with by Flekken in what was an ineffective display from the Belgian.

  Gabriel Martinelli (4/10):

  Slipped onto his backside as Arsenal pushed for a winner, which summed up his day. Arsenal needed far more from him and he was wasteful.

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  Subs & Manager

  Bukayo Saka (5/10):

  Might've won it late on but took too long to steady himself and the chance was gone.

  Martin Odegaard (6/10):

  Created a couple of chances after coming on for the final half hour but ultimately couldn't change the course of the game.

  Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):

  Not sure where he was for Brentford's goal, with Trossard left in a two v one situation for the cross that found Collins at the far post.

  Jurrien Timber (5/10):

  Will be disappointed not to have made life more difficult for Wissa for the goal.

  Mikel Merino (N/A):

  On for the last 15 but couldn't deliver the winner.

  Mikel Arteta (4/10):

  With Liverpool miles out in front he was always likely to prioritise Wednesday's trip to the Bernabeu but, rightly or wrongly, the decision to bench the likes of Saka, Odegaard and Merino backfired. Just three more wins needed for Arne Slot's men now.

Manchester United are yet to complete a transfer this month, but they could be about to change that as they are ready to make an offer for a “remarkable” new attacker, according to a report.

Man Utd transfer news

There could be a few big departures from Old Trafford in the next couple of weeks, as the futures of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen hang in the balance. It would be expected that if one or two of these players leave, then United will enter the market for replacements.

Man Utd and Amorim hold talks for new attacker; move may happen this month

United may let Marcus Rashford leave this month and they could already have a replacement in mind.

By
Brett Worthington

Jan 14, 2025

Antony’s departure could trigger the Red Devils going after Nuno Mendes, as the Paris Saint-Germain defender is high on the list of new left wing-back targets. Talks have already been held with the Portugal international, and United want to accelerate that transfer, as they don’t want to lose out to Real Madrid or Manchester City, who are also interested in signing the 22-year-old.

Meanwhile, Rashford’s potential departure to AC Milan could mean United goes into the market for a new striker or forward-thinking player. It emerged on Monday that the Premier League side are interested in signing Conrad Harder from Sporting CP, as he’s seen as a “plan B” if a deal for Viktor Gyokeres cannot happen.

The Red Devils have also added Nene Dorgeles to their list of targets as talks have been held to get an understanding of the price and package for a deal to happen.

Man Utd ready to make transfer offer to sign £50m international

It’s not just Harder and Dorgeles who United are interested in signing, as TuttoJuve now reports that United are ready to make a transfer offer to sign Randal Kolo Muani from PSG this month.

The 26-year-old France international, who has been dubbed “remarkable” by German legend Lothar Matthäus, has been with the French champions since September 2023, when he made a big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt after scoring 15 goals and registering 14 assists in 32 Bundesliga games.

Kolo Muani joined PSG as a player who was going to have a bright future at the club, but he has been unable to replicate his best form in France. Last season, it was just six goals in 26 Ligue 1 games, and with only two in 10 this season, PSG are now ready to let the striker leave this month.

TuttoJuve reports that Juventus are considered to be close to signing the Frenchman, but it is not a done deal. German giants Borussia Dortmund have recently joined the list of potential suitors, but according to this report, there could be further twists.

That is because INEOS have not given up on the idea of giving Kolo Muani to Ruben Amorim, and they are “ready” to make their first offer to sign the striker this month. It just remains unclear if this offer would be for a permanent switch or a loan deal, as PSG are said to want £50 million for the forward.

Real Madrid will have to pay a double-digit buyout fee in order to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso as manager this summer.

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• Alonso heavily tipped to join Madrid
• LaLiga outfit likely to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti
• Los Blancos must pay a buyout fee to sign Alonso

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alonso is the hot favourite to replace Carlo Ancelotti as the manager of Real Madrid, especially following the Spanish giants' humiliating 5-1 quarter-final defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League. However, BILD reports (h/t Football Espana) that Los Blancos will have to pay a double-digit figure to Bayer Leverkusen in order to sign Alonso before his current deal, valid until June 2026, expires.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Alonso is believed to have an agreement with Leverkusen CEO Fernando Cerro to allow him to leave for Real Madrid, but the German club will demand at least €10 million as fees for his release. Los Merengues are likely to negotiate the cost down, given their historical reluctance to pay large fees for managers. The timing, with the Club World Cup approaching, adds urgency to the decision. Indeed, there is just a 24-day gap between Madrid's final LaLiga fixture and the start of the Club World Cup. Not just that, but a host of Madrid players are expected to be on national duty in between, giving Alonso little to no time to work with the squad.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Speculation surrounding a potential managerial change at Madrid has intensified in recent days. According to reports from Cadena SER, an intermediary from the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) was spotted in the stands of the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, fueling rumours of a possible managerial shake-up. Additional reports have suggested that former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could be enticed by the prospect of returning to management with the 15-time European winners, should the opportunity arise.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR XABI ALONSO?

  Leverkusen's sporting director hinted last month that Alonso could remain at the BayArena for another season. "No, he's staying, that's it. He told me that there was nothing. He has a contract with us," said Rofles.

  Alonso could lead Die Werkself to a second consecutive Bundesliga title, although with five games to go and with Leverkusen trailing Bayern Munich by six points, only a miracle could see them defend the league. They will take on St. Pauli in their upcoming clash, which will be played on Sunday, April 20.

After admitting that his side could be the worst Manchester United team in the club’s history, Ruben Amorim has reportedly requested the signing of a key defensive reinforcement this month.

Man Utd transfer news

When Amorim accepted Manchester United’s offer to become Erik ten Hag’s replacement, he would have been aware of just how great a challenge he had on his hands. However, not even he would have believed that, just months later, he’d be making stark admissions about the lack of quality in his side.

Whether the former Sporting Club manager should have made such a statement is up for debate, but he may not have been wrong in his assessment. The Red Devils currently sit 13th after 22 Premier League games and sit closer to the relegation zone than any European place. To say they need reinforcements would be an understatement.

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On that front, names such as Patrick Dorgu have threatened to steal the headlines. The Lecce defender could instantly solve Amorim’s wing-back problem with those at Old Trafford now reportedly set to open negotiations in pursuit of his signature this month. But he’s not the only one who could arrive.

According to reports in Spain, Amorim has now requested Man Utd to sign Ousmane Diomande alongside Dorgu with INEOS now preparing an offer worth €60m (£51m) to hand United a much-needed defensive boost.

What would undoubtedly help Amorim is the fact that Diomande is a familiar face who already knows his system incredibly well, given that the defender enjoyed great success working under Amorim during their time together at Sporting.

Amorim desperately needs "complete" Diomande at Man Utd

Manchester United’s struggles under Amorim shouldn’t really come as too great a surprise. After all, they are playing a back three system with arguably just one defender who arguably suits such a set-up in Harry Maguire and attempting to implement wing-backs without having one natural wing-back within their current squad. The reality is that it’s been square pegs in round holes since the arrival of their new manager.

Diomande could, therefore, ease their problems. A defender who has thrived within a back three under Amorim and a player who is only set to get even better at just 21 years old, £51m could quickly turn into a bargain deal. Dubbed “complete” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Diomande is certainly one to watch.

That said, Diomande must only be the start of Manchester United’s reinforcements as they look to build Amorim a side simply capable of thriving in his preferred system at Old Trafford.