All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United’s form looked like it was improving with two victories coming after the unlikely draw at home to Liverpool, but their defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday proved they’re some way off challenging for a spot in the top four.

Despite having 42% of possession, Bournemouth managed to have six shots on target compared to United’s four. This suggests they’re not good enough defensively to keep the opposition out, and they’re not clinical enough going forward to make use of the possession they have. Ashley Young is one player who is not performing well at either end of the field with just 0.8 tackles per game in the Premier League this season and only 2.4 crosses too. He’s 34-years-old and it’s, perhaps, looking like his time as Man United’s first-choice left-back could be coming to an end.

The Englishman was booked on the 66th minute on Saturday and that meant, because he’s totalled five so far this season, he’ll miss the next league game against Brighton at home. Man United news aggregator Utd Report relayed the news to their followers on Twitter and the replies were filled with celebration instead of disappointment.

You can see some of their reactions to the tweet below:

Man United fans, who do you think should start at left-back when Ashley Young is next available?

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Matteo Guendouzi doesn’t appear to know what kind of midfielder he wants to be.

On the chalkboard

Arsenal fell to a dispiriting 2-0 defeat to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, leaving them on a four-game winless run in the Premier League.

There are numerous issues with the club but one that stuck out like a sore thumb against the Foxes was Guendouzi.

The Frenchman, it must be said, has been ever-present in the league thus far this term, making 12 out of 12 starts.

He is just 20 and is clearly trusted by his manager, Unai Emery.

Yet he was caught between a rock and a hard place versus Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Per WhoScored, he had 69 touches of the ball, the third-highest of any Gunners player. He clocked a pass completion rate of 94% and completed two dribbles.

Yet he was not played in an attacking midfield role. That was reserved for Mesut Ozil, who played in the hole behind Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Partnered with Lucas Torreira, Guendouzi appeared to be given licence to carry the ball forward but he did not do it with any confidence.

Indeed, he was dispossessed three times, did not complete a tackle, was dribbled past on three occasions and failed to have a shot on goal.

A victim of muddled thinking

This is a problem for Emery to solve.

Lucas Torreira, the defensive-minded player in that midfield, made only one tackle throughout the 90 minutes as Leicester’s power and flair overwhelmed the Gunners.

He was also dispossessed twice.

Thus, making Guendouzi the roaming midfielder, the player able to pick the ball up and run, driving his team forward, seems reckless at best.

He has not been given the proper support network to be able to do it effectively and, really, he needs more help.

Either the youngster is played further forward – probably at the expense of Ozil – or he is coached into a defensive midfielder.

He is young enough and malleable enough for that to be a possibility but, right now, he is neither an attacking nor a defensive midfielder. He must make a decision in the future on what he wants to be.

Manchester United have spent heavily under Erik ten Hag during his tenure of two and a quarter years. He has spent a whooping £616m according to Goal, and has made 20 signings in that time, with several of them being familiar players who played under him at Ajax.

The most expensive player he has signed during his Old Trafford tenure is Antony. He cost an outrageous £81.3m, although has not really had the return which United would have hoped. The Brazilian has scored just 12 goals and has five assists to his name in 86 games.

Incredibly, the player who has been a revelation for the Dutchman over the past two seasons was someone who cost nothing, Jonny Evans.

Man Utd's "crazy" signing

Bringing Evans back to Old Trafford eight years after he left for West Brom was certainly a curious move from United. A graduate from the esteemed Carrington academy, the Northern Irish stalwart initially joined the club for a short-term deal with a view of helping maintain fitness whilst finding a new club.

As it happened, that club happened to be the 13-time Premier League champions, of which Evans won three of them. The club confirmed the deal following the 2023 summer transfer window, amongst something of an injury crisis.

It is fair to say that there was a mixed response from United fans when the club confirmed that the 36-year-old had rejoined the club. Mark Goldbridge, presenter for Red Devils fan channel The United Stand, explained that it would “terrify me” if the Old Trafford side made the signing permanent, which, of course, they did.

He also took to X to call the deal “crazy”, largely blaming the Red Devils now minority owners – the Glazers – for bringing the former Northern Ireland international, who recently retired from international football, back to the club.

However, it is fair to say that Evans has been impressive during his second spell at the club, earning himself a new one-year deal and has become a player Ten Hag can rely on in crucial moments.

Evans' record under Ten Hag

Having been a part of the hugely successful United sides of the late noughties and early 2010s under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, Evans now finds himself in a far different environment. United are languishing in 14th in the Premier League having won just once.

Despite his age, which of course has some effects on his game, such as making him slower along the ground, the former Leicester City man has been superb. He has played 36 times across his second spell at the club, having initially left with 198 games under his belt.

The United academy graduate has been a player for the big occasion under Ten Hag, and although he is slower physically, he is as sharp as ever mentally. The Dutchman has relied on him in some huge games, with Evans starting away to rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. He helped to keep a clean sheet at Anfield.

However, arguably his finest hour during his second spell at Old Trafford came during the last game against Aston Villa. He was a surprise starter but put in a stellar performance, which earned him Sky Sports’ Player of the match award, to help United keep a clean sheet and get a valuable point.

Stat

Record

Touches

54

Pass accuracy

86%

Passes completed

36/42

Ground duels won

6/7

Aerial duels won

5/5

Tackles won

4/4

Clearances

3

It was that game which led United fan and social media presence Jay Motty to call the Northern Irishman “Ten Hag’s best signing”. Given he did not cost a penny, that might be a surprising claim, although he has been superb since his return to the club.

Ten Hag will be hoping the United veteran can keep up his impressive form as the Red Devils look to turn around their poor start to the season, having already left Goldbridge – and others – eating humble pie.

Goldbridge thinks it's "stupid": Man Utd could hire perfect Ten Hag upgrade

The Red Devils could look to make a managerial change over the next week or so…

ByRobbie Walls Oct 9, 2024

Having strengthened elsewhere in the summer transfer window, Arsenal are now reportedly determined to sign a young winger who they believe is perfect for Mikel Arteta’s system.

Arsenal transfer news

Arsenal’s first focus in the summer was welcoming Riccardo Calafiori before signing midfield depth to provide backup for Declan Rice in the form of Mikel Merino and then adding the element of shock by signing Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea. Reuniting with Arteta, Sterling will hope to get back to his best form and, as a result, give Gabriel Martinelli plenty to think about on the right-hand side.

Ready to leave: Arsenal give green light for "popular" £17m ace to depart

He played over 1,000 minutes last season…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 22, 2024

Arteta is now spoilt for choice down the Gunners’ left-hand side, with Sterling, Martinelli and, of course, Leandro Trossard to call on as the fixtures continue to come thick and fast. The same cannot be said for the opposite flank, however, with Bukayo Saka left to hold down the fort in what could quickly overwork the winger and derail Arsenal’s campaign as a result.

It’s a problem that those in North London are seemingly well aware of if recent transfer rumours are anything to go by ahead of 2025. According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are now determined to sign Yeremy Pino and see the Villarreal winger as the perfect fit for Arteta’s system. A winger who can play on both sides, Arsenal would have cover for Saka and yet another left-wing option at their disposal if they signed the 21-year-old.

If they do want to compete on all fronts for years to come, then welcoming such competition for places – even for their best players – should be the key for Arsenal. There’s no doubt that a far fresher Saka towards the end of the season would benefit everyone around The Emirates, highlighting the importance of Arsenal’s Pino pursuit in 2025.

"Insane" Pino can compete with Saka

Still just 21 years old, Pino is someone who looks destined to complete a big move sooner rather than later, with Arsenal seemingly hoping that ends in a switch to North London. If that is the case, then all signs are pointing towards a winger who has the ability to provide backup and compete with Arteta’s star man Saka for years to come.

Starts

3

4

Goals

0

1

Assists

1

4

Key Passes P90

1.85

2.63

Successful take-ons P90

1.11

1.58

After returning from an ACL injury last season, Pino will be desperate to get back to his best form in the current campaign, having shown glimpses of his quality thus far.

Dubbed “insane” by Squakwa in 2022, the winger is capable of performing at increasingly high levels, it’s just about batting back to that form after such a difficult injury.

One to watch in 2025, Arteta could complete his attacking options once and for all by signing a Saka backup in the form of Pino.

One of Aston Villa boss Unai Emery's personal targets now wants to join Arsenal instead, with the Gunners also "seriously" keen on signing him for Mikel Arteta.

Edu's rumoured Arsenal transfer plans for 2025

Despite being fresh off the back of a thrilling summer window, it is believed that sporting director Edu Gaspar and the recruitment team are already devising transfer plans for 2025.

Arsenal hold extensive internal talks over signing £86m starlet for Arteta

He’s very highly regarded in north London.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 12, 2024

By his own admission, Edu revealed in an interview with Brazilian publication Estadao earlier this year (via football.london) that weeks of detailed planning is put towards every potential new signing – with reports of more than 180 pages on a single player alone.

News of Arteta agreeing a new Arsenal contract will help in this regard, as the Spaniard is no longer set to leave in 2025, with both the Arsenal manager and Edu now set to share the same transfer vision for much longer and carry on building the squad.

"You can’t sign players for the sake of signing. This has to be a process that takes weeks and weeks. There on my desk, I have reports with more than 180 pages on a player," said Edu on Arsenal's transfer strategy in May.

"It’s really detailed stuff. Physical, technical, mental profile, if you have Premier League experience, if you will be able to adapt. It has everything.

"We analyse our weaknesses, where we can improve, where we can invest and then we go in search of that new name. What I am going to do now, we have been discussing since January. It’s not my decision or Mikel’s alone. It belongs to a whole group."

Therefore, it is little surprise we're already seeing reports of Arsenal's potential new targets for next year. Edu is said to be targeting Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, and Arsenal could make a pre-contract offer in January to sign him for free next summer, as his contract is set to expire in 2025.

Elsewhere, Arsenal have held extensive internal talks over Jorrel Hato, with the Dutch defender earning admirers from within the club. There is also the matter of a new world-class striker, which Arsenal ultimately didn't land in the summer window, despite a widely-reported offer for RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko.

Despite missing out on the Slovenian, there is a belief that Arsenal are laying some groundwork to sign Sesko next summer instead, with contact already made ahead of a potential 2025 move.

Javi Guerra keen on joining Arsenal over Aston Villa

Now, according to CaughtOffside, it is believed young Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra is attracting interest from Edu and Arteta. The 21-year-old is a highly-regarded talent in Spain, and impressed over his 36 La Liga appearances last term, bagging four goals and an assist as a mainstay of their midfield.

It is now believed that Arsenal are "seriously" keen on signing Guerra, who in turn much prefers a transfer to north London over Villa, despite Emery personally wanting the player to make a Midlands move.

Guerra's contract contains an £84 million release clause, but the Spaniard could actually leave for much less than that figure, according to CS.

Manchester United have still to make a summer signing, yet Erik ten Hag will surely be hard at work trying to conjure up some magic in order to improve his squad ahead of next season.

Despite recently having a third bid rejected for Chelsea star Mason Mount, United don’t look to be giving in regarding their pursuit of the player, and he could well be the first summer arrival.

This may open the floodgates for the Dutchman as improvements are required all over the pitch, especially across the front three.

Rasmus Hojlund is a player currently on United’s radar ahead of a potential move, and Fabrizio Romano has given an update regarding the youngster.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “[He's] a player they [Chelsea] appreciate. Manchester United is the same, so both clubs are very well-informed on the situation of Rasmus Hojlund, but at the moment it’s not yet a concrete negotiation at Atalanta.”

Despite the Serie A side reportedly demanding £86m for their prized asset, Romano states that he could be available for a lower fee of around €70m (£60m), which would certainly be more enticing for Ten Hag.

Could Manchester United sign Rasmus Hojlund?

A fee of £60m is still a lot of money, though considering the Danish hitman is only 20 years old, it has the potential to turn into a shrewd investment for the Old Trafford side, while also adding some much-needed attacking quality to their first team.

With a move for Harry Kane now ruled out and Victor Osimhen’s price tag set at a ridiculous €180m (£155m), Hojlund is surely the most realistic signing.

Ten Hag could certainly form a scary duo with the Dane and Mount next term, as the duo could combine well in their respective roles.

Hojlund thrives within the box, and he ranks in the top 7% across Europe’s big five leagues for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (6.53) and in the top 6% for shots on target percentage per 90 (51.9%), suggesting that not only does he make his way into the penalty area on a regular basis, but his accuracy is among the best on the continent.

Add that to the fact he netted 16 goals across all competitions last term, Ten Hag could sign a player who is absolutely ruthless.

Mount could supply the Atalanta starlet well, as he ranks in the top 7% across the big five European leagues for progressive passes per 90 (5.95), while by ranking in the top 15% for passes into the final third per 90 (3.49), Hojlund could benefit from this wonderful ability to work the ball into the box.

Dubbed a “monster in the making” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, United must lure the Dane to Old Trafford sooner rather than later, especially if they do secure the signing of Mount, as they could form a scary duo.

Liverpool remain attentive to Celta Vigo prodigy Gabri Veiga's situation, and could look to swoop for the ace over the coming weeks.

What's the latest on Gabri Veiga to Liverpool?

That's according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who has taken to Twitter to reveal his latest update on Veiga's situation, with Liverpool interested in meeting the player's €40m (£34m) release clause this summer.

The Italian journalist said: "Liverpool are informed on Gabri Veiga but they have submitted NO bid — and it’s not something imminent, again.

"Veiga remains in Chelsea list, they had direct contacts and will discuss internally think about it."

While an official offer is seemingly not forthcoming right now, Liverpool will need to bolster their midfielder further following the £35m signing of Alexis Mac Allister, and Veiga could fit the bill.

What is Gabri Veiga's play style?

The £3k-per-week ace has enjoyed as good a breakout season as any after plundering 11 goals and four assists across all competitions for Celta Vigo this season, dubbed a "dangerous" midfielder by journalist Euan McTear.

After such remarkable success, he already ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 20% for assists, the top 12% for progressive carries and successful take-ons and the top 11% for touches in the attacking box per 90, as per FBref.

Clearly the "top talent" that Romano describes him as, Veiga is silky and elegant, clinical and expeditious, and at just 21-years-old there is an avalanche of success awaiting him over the next decade or more as he continues his ascent and makes the improvements to his game to craft himself into a first-rate maestro.

This could be achieved at Liverpool, and given his particular set of skills, he could be the dream heir to Philippe Coutinho's position in the team.

The fleet-footed Brazilian's lucrative £146m sale to Barcelona served as a watershed moment for Jurgen Klopp's dynasty at Anfield, with the money gleaned reinvested into the likes of centrepieces Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk.

However, the industrious nature of the Reds midfield lost its touch last season as Liverpool plummeted from prominence and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons, and Veiga's dynamism and forward-thinking exuberance could rekindle their verve.

During the peak of his powers on Merseyside, Coutinho scored 13 goals and supplied seven assists from 31 matches during his final full Premier League season, averaging 3.4 shots, 2.4 key passes and 2.1 dribbles per game, as per WhoScored, and was praised as "one of the very best in the world" with "magical powers" by compatriot and former teammate Roberto Firmino.

Given the "very electric" Veiga's aforementioned statistics, as he was called by Romano, he could emulate such success and provide a dimension unseen since the 31-year-old plied his trade under the Anfield lights, and his acquisition could illustrate the rebirth of Liverpool as they chart a course for success once again.

Newcastle United are advancing in their deal to sign Sandro Tonali, and are set to double his salary in what will be a huge deal for the Magpies, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What's the latest on Newcastle's move for Tonali?

The AC Milan star is being eyed up by Eddie Howe as he aims to add quality to his midfield, with Newcastle returning to European football for the first time in over ten years.

A major deal for the 23-year-old appears to be edging closer, as Newcastle aim to flex their financial muscles over Milan and take one of their prize assets.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano hinted that a deal could reach a huge fee, whilst Tonali's £76k-per-week salary could even be doubled should he make the move to St James' Park.

"Now we can say that the talks are moving to the final stages for Sandro Tonali to Newcastle," he stated.

"Newcastle made a really important bid to the player, it's more than double salary for Sandro Tonali compared to what he's earning at Milan right now, so crazy salary and also important bid to Milan, around €70m (£60m) with add-ons included.

"Now, what is needed to close the deal, to discuss the structure of the deal, payment terms and how to structure the add-ons, so Milan and Newcastle are negotiating, waiting for the green light, but this is getting closer, so the next hours could be crucial to close the deal for Sandro Tonali to Newcastle, a really big one for Newcastle if they will be able to complete it."

Where does Tonali fit in at Newcastle?

Newcastle have been desperate to reinforce their midfield this summer, to support Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock in the middle of the park, and Tonali has now been identified as the ideal addition.

It remains unclear whether Tonali would arrive as a more advanced box-to-box option to compete with Joelinton, with Guimaraes playing in a deeper role, or if the Italian will sit back and allow the Brazilian to play further forward.

Tonali ranks poorly in defensive contributions compared to Guimaraes as per FBref, but did notch up seven assists in all competitions, perhaps indicating that his presence in the middle will add more creativity to the side.

Given the status of the Italy international as a key player for the Champions League semi-finalists, this deal represents a statement from Newcastle that they are aiming to compete with Europe's biggest clubs in the transfer market.

There is no hiding away from the disappointment of Leeds United's 2022/23 campaign as the club dropped out of the Premier League.

The Whites have been relegated to the Championship after finishing in the bottom three of the top-flight and there is now plenty of change on the horizon, both on and off the pitch.

49ers Enterprises agreed to a £170m deal to buy Andrea Radrizzani's 56% stake in the club to make them the outright owners of the west Yorkshire outfit, and they are now tasked with putting together a team capable of earning promotion at the first time of asking.

They have appointed Nick Hammond as an interim advisor to help their business in the current summer transfer window after previous director of football Victor Orta was relieved of his duties at the start of May.

However, the 49ers are said to be looking for a longer-term replacement for the Spanish chief and they could find that in the form of Norwich City's Stuart Webber, who is a reported target for the Whites but may not be able to join until after the summer due to his contract in Norfolk.

What has Stuart Webber achieved at Norwich?

The Welsh sporting director would be a big upgrade on Orta as the former Huddersfield Town director of football has achieved great success with the Canaries over the years.

Webber has cited the development of the Championship side's academy system as one of his proudest achievements and they have reaped the benefits of that.

Jamal Lewis joined Newcastle United for a fee that could rise to £20m and Ben Godfrey signed for Everton in a £25m deal after they both broke into the first-team from the youth set-up, whilst the likes of James Maddison, Max Aarons, and Todd Cantwell all made similar breakthroughs in Norfolk.

He has also been able to transform the club off the pitch with the construction of a £20m training ground that is now seen as one of the best in the country, which shows that the 39-year-old is interested in making progress that will outlast the eleven players that start each week, whereas there is little mention of Orta's work outside of his questionable transfer and managerial business.

In terms of their respective work in the market, there is an argument to be made that Webber offers more on that front.

The Norwich mastermind, who was once hailed as "amazing" by joint-majority owner Delia Smith, arrived in 2017 and oversaw two title-winning seasons in his first three Championship campaigns with the side.

Whereas, it took Orta three seasons to put together a team capable of earning promotion once. He joined in the summer of 2017 and Marcelo Bielsa eventually led the club to glory in 2019/20, which indicates that the Canaries director could have a better chance of getting Leeds straight back to the Premier League, with the right decisions being made on and off the pitch.

Webber could be criticised for his relegations from the Premier League with Norwich but the Welshman was only able to spend a league-low £1.1m in 2019, whereas the Whites reportedly spent £96.4m under Orta after their promotion to the top-flight in 2020.

This shows that the Canaries chief is used to working with and achieving success – given his two titles in the second tier – on a limited budget, which could make him a big upgrade on the Spaniard, who was sacked in spite of having plenty of money to spend.

Manchester United are internally discussing a move for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, as a potential alternative to Harry Kane, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

Which striker will Man United sign?

Erik ten Hag's biggest priority this summer is to bring in a new striker, and the manager has picked out a number of targets, including Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, with "concrete talks" recently being opened with the 20-year-old forward.

However, Terry Flewers adds that Harry Kane is Man United's "number 1 target", while also claiming they could look at bringing in both players, rather than settling on Hojlund, who only has limited first-team experience.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Kane signing Kane has become an "obsession" for the Red Devils, but it has recently emerged that Tottenham Hotspur may be unwilling to let him join a fellow Premier League club this summer.

According to a report from The Daily Mail, United have been told by Spurs that Kane is not for sale, so they have started to turn their attention to other targets, including the likes of Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos.

Man United initially thought that £100m may be enough to tempt Tottenham into selling the England captain, however with that move now on the rocks, they are now discussing other targets, with Ramos re-emerging as an option.

How many goals has Goncalo Ramos scored?

The Benfica star registered 27 goals in all competitions last season, with his tally of 19 in the Liga Portugal ranking him second in the entire division, and he also impressed on the international stage.

All the pressure was on the 21-year-old to perform for Portugal against Switzerland at the World Cup, after getting the nod over Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting XI, and he more than delivered, netting a hat-trick, while also bagging an assist.

Gary Lineker described the youngster's performance as "remarkable", while football scout Jacek Kulig has also praised him for his displays at club level since returning from Qatar, which helped Benfica win the Liga Portugal title.

Of course, Man United will be gutted to have missed out on Kane, given that he is a proven goal-scorer at Premier League level, weighing in with an impressive 30 goals in the top flight last season.

However, Ramos has proven that he could be a viable alternative, and at 21-years-old, he still has plenty of time to develop further.