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2024, thankfully, is over. Few calendar years have been quite as grim for those of a Manchester United persuasion, even with a shock FA Cup triumph sandwiched in the middle.

Fresh from their worst-ever Premier League season, the Red Devils look hell-bent on beating that record amid what has been a frankly disastrous 2024/25 campaign to date, with Ruben Amorim’s men deservedly languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Six defeats in just 11 games under the new manager has seen United fail to even enjoy the typical ‘bounce’ after making a change in the dugout, with that record looking set to get even worse ahead of Sunday’s trip to face league leaders Liverpool on Merseyside.

Without a win at Anfield since the days of Louis van Gaal back in 2016, having failed to even score in any of their last five trips to face their rivals, the omens do not bode well for this struggling bunch.

And yet, this is a new year, time to turn over a new leaf. What better way would there be to begin 2025 than by halting Arne Slot’s side and their seemingly unstoppable title procession.

Man Utd’s recent record at Anfield (all comps)
Date	Result	Goalscorers
17 Dec 2023	0-0 (D)	N/A
05 March 2023	7-0 (L)	Gakpo (x2), Salah (x2), Nunez(x2), Firmino
19 April 2022	4-0 (L)	Salah (x2) Diaz, Mane
17 Jan 2021	0-0 (D)	N/A
19 Jan 2020	2-0 (L)	Van Dijk, Salah
16 Dec 2018	3-1 (L)	Mane, Shaqiri (x2); Lingard
14 Oct 2017	0-0 (D)	N/A
17 Oct 2016	0-0 (D)	N/A
10 March 2016	2-0 (L)	Sturridge, Firmino
17 Jan 2016	0-1 (W)	Rooney
22 March 2015	1-2 (W)	Sturridge; Mata (x2)
Results via 11vs11

They’ve already upset the odds away at the Etihad, so why can’t Amorim’s men do it again on Sunday? All they need is to look to the past, to conjure up a little Juan Mata-esque magic…

Juan Mata's Anfield heroics

Signed from rivals Chelsea on a £37.1m deal in January 2014, the World Cup-winning Spaniard never quite hit the heights in a United shirt that he showcased at Stamford Bridge, having remarkably chalked up 86 goals and assists in just 135 games in west London, while winning the Champions League to boot.

Far too often shifted out onto the right flank during his days at Old Trafford, a string of managers seemingly never played to the playmaker’s strengths, with few talents in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era having possessed that level of silk and class. That ability to create something out of nothing.

It may not have been on show often enough, but Mata certainly did have his moments, none more so than on that glorious day in March 2015, as Van Gaal’s side romped to a 2-1 victory over their fiercest rivals.

Now, this wasn’t a Liverpool side to be feared, with then-boss Brendan Rodgers suffering from a post-Luis Suarez and post-title collapse hangover, but winning at Anfield – now a rarity these days – is never something to play down.

At the centre of that victory was the diminutive Mata, with the one-time Valencia star putting the visitors ahead with a rare right-footed finish in the first half, having been played in beautifully by compatriot, Ander Herrera.

With the hosts then reduced to ten men just seconds after the interval following substitute Steven Gerrard’s rash stamp on Herrera, United took full advantage, as Mata – teed up by Angel Di Maria’s delightful dink – produced one of the great modern moments in this fixture, having pulled off a stunning scissor kick from just inside the area.

While a late Daniel Sturridge strike, as well as a missed penalty from Wayne Rooney, sparked a somewhat nervy climax, United – inspired by their number eight – held on for all three points.

Of course, the current Liverpool crop provides a far tougher test, yet Amorim will be hoping for his key figures to step up, none more so than his own answer to Mata…

The Man Utd star who could be Mata 2.0

Looking for positives this season is a tough ask as far as United are concerned, with December, in particular, having been particularly brutal, amid a run of four straight defeats in all competitions.

It is easy to forget, however, that it was just weeks ago that the Red Devils were riding high after adding to Manchester City’s doom and gloom in the derby, with a certain Amad Diallo steering the visitors to a thrilling late turnaround.

Indeed, the young Ivorian has been a real shining light in an otherwise wretched campaign, with it no surprise that the club are set to hand the 22-year-old a richly deserved new deal in the near future.

The former Atalanta star is still yet to play 50 games for the club, yet his impact this season – not just his Etihad heroics – point to a player who can be central to Amorim’s set-up for the foreseeable, with seven goals and assists coming his way in just 11 games under the new regime.

The emerging cult hero could further bolster his growing status by spearheading a much-needed win on Sunday, with it difficult to see just who else will step up and take the game by the scruff of the neck, even with captain Bruno Fernandes returning from suspension.

Equally, who better to try and emulate that man Mata than Amad, with the one-time Sunderland loanee also a left-footed, creative “wizard” of slight stature – as described by journalist James Copley.

Likely to operate in that right channel where Mata did his damage at Anfield almost a decade ago, you wouldn’t bet against the £28.8k-per-week maestro producing another glorious, memorable moment of his own on the grand stage.

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Having already spoiled Jurgen Klopp’s farewell tour last season following that last-gasp winner in the FA Cup quarter-final, the rising star could upset the new Liverpool boss in similar fashion this time around.

INEOS can hand Amorim his own Saka at Man Utd by signing "special" £84m ace

Man United are targeting reinforcements in January

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Jan 3, 2025

Benny Howell and Jake Lintott also included in 13-man squad for 50-over tour games

Matt Roller04-Jul-2022Rehan Ahmed, the 17-year-old legspinner, has won an England Lions call-up for two 50-over games against the touring South Africans next week after a breakthrough season for Leicestershire in the T20 Blast.Ahmed starred for England at the Under-19 World Cup this year, taking 12 wickets in four games and showcasing his sharply-spun googly. He took 19 wickets in the group stages of the Blast, the most of any right-arm legspinner, and will be given an opportunity as one of two frontline spinners in the Lions squad.Jake Lintott, Warwickshire’s left-arm wristspinner, is also included as England look to test their wristspin depth, with Matt Parkinson winning an opportunity in the main white-ball squads against India while Adil Rashid is in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.Related

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Tom Abell, the Somerset captain, will lead a squad which features three players who have previously won full England caps in Tom Banton, Ben Duckett and David Payne. Will Smeed, the 20-year-old top-order batter, could make an overdue List A debut after a remarkable start to his T20 career.Sam Hain will be given the chance to showcase his recent improvement at No. 3, after two full seasons without playing a 50-over game. He has the highest List A average of all time and has been a Lions regular but has made strides in T20 cricket of late, significantly improving his strike rate.Benny Howell, the Gloucestershire change-up specialist, could play his first game for the Lions at the age of 33. Stephen Eskinazi and Adam Hose are the other batting options while Sam Cook and George Scrimshaw, Derbyshire’s beanpole seamer who has been a prolific wicket-taker in the Blast this season, round off the squad.Benny Howell could play his first games for the Lions•Alex Davidson/Getty ImagesThe two fixtures against South Africa clash with England’s ODIs against India and a round of County Championship games. Mo Bobat, the ECB’s performance director, thanked the counties for their “collaborative approach… enabling us to field strong teams”.”It’s always great when we can bring some of our best and highest potential players together, particularly to take on senior international opposition,” Bobat said. “The two games provide an excellent opportunity to continue to grow our depth and assess players’ readiness for England.”The squad reflects a balance of England’s next best players and some future players of note, as well as high performers from this season’s Vitality Blast campaign.” Paul Collingwood, England’s assistant coach, will act as head coach.The ECB said that the first fixture at Taunton on July 12 will “permit full squad participation” to help South Africa prepare for the ODI series, but the second game at New Road will be played as an 11-a-side List A game.South Africa named a 17-man ODI squad last month, which will be captained by Keshav Maharaj in the injury-enforced absence of Temba Bavuma.England Lions squad: Tom Abell (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton (wk), Sam Cook, Ben Duckett, Stephen Eskinazi, Sam Hain, Adam Hose, Benny Howell, Jake Lintott, David Payne, George Scrimshaw, Will SmeedFixtures: July 12 – 1st 50-over match, Taunton; July 14 – 2nd 50-over match, New Road

It just has not been Arsenal’s season this year.

Mikel Arteta’s side were handed a nightmare set of fixtures to kick off the Premier League campaign. Then, they had to deal with several suspensions, only for club captain Martin Odegaard to miss almost two months of football due to an injury picked up on international duty.

Once the Norwegian returned, the North Londoners looked back to their best, but back-to-back draws in the league against Fulham and Everton once again prevented the team from gaining any momentum.

Finally, to round it all off, the Gunners’ poster boy and undoubtedly most important player, Bukayo Saka, is now set to miss “many weeks” of action after suffering a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace on the weekend.

It would be fair to say that, at the moment, without their talismanic winger, Arsenal’s prospect of finally winning the title seems a million miles away.

However, the transfer window is set to open next month, and the club have already been linked with a player this year who could be the perfect solution to their current problem.

Arsenal's internal solutions

So, before we get to the player Arsenal could sign next month to solve the issue of Saka’s absence, it’s worth looking at the possible solutions within the squad, and for our money, two seem the most likely.

The first is what we saw following the Englishman’s substitution on Saturday: Gabriel Martinelli playing off the right.

The former Ituano gem hasn’t been at his best this season, but when playing off the opposite flank at Selhurst Park, he looked genuinely dangerous for the first time in a while and managed to put away the chance Gabriel Jesus missed in the second half.

However, as the 23-year-old is naturally right-footed, that could change how that side of the pitch operates, so another option Arteta could take is starting the left-footed Ethan Nwaneri there.

The 17-year-old is widely considered to be one of the most exciting prospects in the league at the moment, and while the manager would probably prefer to ease him into the side more carefully, this crisis could be the perfect opportunity for him to establish himself as an important player in the first team.

Moreover, while he has primarily played in midfield for the first team this season, he has some experience playing out wide from his time in the youth sides.

With all that said, neither of these options is ideal, so what the club could, and probably should, do instead is sign someone next month.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

More specifically, they should sign a star they’ve already been linked to.

The star Arsenal should sign

So, to get straight to the point, the player Arsenal should be looking to sign next month is Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

The good news for fans is that the club have been consistently linked with the former Everton man since the summer.

However, it would likely be an expensive deal, as some reports suggest the Serie A side would demand around €70m for their man, which converts to about £58m.

Now, that is undoubtedly a lot of money to spend on a player in January, but based on his form for the Bergamo outfit over the last few years, it would be more than worth it.

For example, in just 45 appearances last season, the Nigerian international, whom former professional Nedum Onuoha dubbed “one of the hottest prospects in European football,” scored 17 goals – three of which came in the Europa League Final – and provided ten assists.

This season has been just as spectacular for the 27-year-old.

In just 20 appearances, he has already scored 12 goals and provided five assists, meaning he’s averaging a goal involvement every 1.17 games.

Lookman’s recent form
Season	23/24	24/25
Appearances	45	20
Goals	17	12
Assists	10	5
Goal Involvements per Match	0.60	0.85
All Stats via Transfermarkt

On top of being a lethal attacker, the Wandswaorth-born dynamo is also incredibly versatile.

Therefore, he could easily step into Saka’s role on the right while the Hale End icon is out injured and then provide competition for the entire frontline when he’s back.

Ultimately, while there is no perfect solution to losing your best player, signing Lookman next month would be about as close as Arsenal could get.

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1

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West Ham United have now been offered an ex-Chelsea manager as a potential replacement for Julen Lopetegui, with the Spaniard facing his last chance saloon against Wolves in the Premier League on Monday.

Julen Lopetegui could be fired if West Ham fail to beat Wolves

It has been reported by reliable media sources that Lopetegui has been given one last chance to save his job against Wolves (The Telegraph), with insiders viewing the all-important clash as a “cup final” in terms of the 58-year-old’s future.

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ByEmilio Galantini Dec 7, 2024

A disastrous start to the season for Lopetegui was exacerbated by demoralising defeats to Arsenal and Leicester City last week, which piled even more pressure on the Spaniard, who’s led West Ham to just four league wins so far this season.

#16

03/12/2024

Leicester City (A)

Premier League

3-1 loss

#15

30/11/2024

Arsenal (H)

Premier League

5-2 loss

#14

26/11/2024

Newcastle United (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#13

09/11/2024

Everton (H)

Premier League

0-0 draw

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

Lopetegui has been slammed on various occasions for his tactics, player selection and overall approach to games – with calls to relieve the ex-Spain boss of his duties prevalent long before the last few days.

There have been reports that “several” senior West Ham stars are not behind their manager, and other media sources believe that Lopetegui has frustrated key club figures with last-minute changes to game plans (GiveMeSport).

In response, the Hammers are drawing up contingency plans in case they’re forced to fire their current head coach, with reliable club source ExWHUemployee revealing earlier this week that they’ve held talks with multiple managers already.

Graham Potter, Sergio Conceicao, Kasper Hjulmand, Roger Schmidt, Thomas Frank, Edin Terzic, Massimiliano Allegri and Matthias Jaissle have all been linked with the potentially vacant post this week.

New candidates are emerging on a consistent basis, with former Chelsea, Juventus, Napoli and Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri also in the frame.

West Ham offered ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri to replace Julen Lopetegui

Sources in Italy last month reported that West Ham have been considering Sarri as an option, and French news outlet Foot Mercato now backs this up with a new claim.

Indeed, it is believed West Ham have been “offered” Sarri, with David Sullivan and Tim Steidten apparently open to the possibility of handing him a job back in the Premier League.

Famed for his brand of “Sarri-ball”, which was successful at Napoli and drew admirers, the tactician boasts a Europa League triumph from his time at Chelsea and a Scudetto from his period in the dugout at Juve.

Called “extraordinary” on a tactical level by his former star midfielder Jorginho, the 65-year-old won Serie A’s Manager of the Year award in 2016/17 and guided Lazio to second place a year before he left the Stadio Olimpico.

Sarri does have major credentials, and if supporters want to see attacking football, he could be a good option considering that the Italian is known for being an offensive-minded coach (The Football Analyst).

Arsenal are ready to make a January bid to sign their “perfect” player, and it is believed they’ve leapfrogged Manchester City in the race for his signature.

Arsenal make statement with 5-1 Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon

Mikel Arteta has made the perfect start post-international break, following up their impressive 3-0 win over Premier League high-flyers Nottingham Forest with a statement 5-1 victory at Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

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A disastrous run of form, stretching from mid-October to mid-November, saw Arsenal go without a single win in the top flight – putting their chances of a first league title for 21 years in serious jeopardy – but two exceptional performances in the last few days have provided hope that Arteta can resurrect the club’s fortunes.

Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard rounded off a superb display in Portugal last night, with Arteta praising his side for their convincing performance.

“For sure, especially against the opponent that we played in their home,” said Arteta on whether he was impressed with Arsenal against Sporting.

West Ham United (away)

November 30

Man United (home)

December 4

Fulham (away)

December 8

Everton (home)

December 14

Crystal Palace (away)

December 21

“I don’t think they’ve lost a game in 18 months. They’ve been in top form, they did better than anyone they played here, so to play to the level, with the determination, the purpose, and the fluidity that we’ve done today, very pleased.

“For sure, the performance was there a few times and when we played big teams. When we played PSG, we were exceptional, again, when we played Bayern we were exceptional and some mistakes cost us. Now it’s Inter, now it’s this level, that’s the level we have to be able to cope, and you have to make it happen, then that creates belief, then on the next one the players will be better prepared. We need that consistency because the ability to do it is there.”

West Ham await Arsenal at the London Stadium this weekend, and you’d seriously fancy the Gunners’ chances given the opposing form of both sides right now.

Arsenal ready to make January bid for £60 million Martin Zubimendi

According to CaughtOffiside, the Emirates Stadium could reinforce Arteta’s chances of making this campaign a success with a winter swoop for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

Both Jorginho and Thomas Partey are edging towards exits, following the expiry of their contracts, so the club also need to think about long-term replacements for them – if contract extensions are not on the table.

Arsenal are ready to bid £50 million for Zubumendi in January, as per CS, but Sociedad will demand closer to £60m. The north Londoners have an advantage over City, though, with Arteta ahead of his old mentor Pep Guardiola in the race for Zubimendi’s services.

Arsenal were linked with Zubimendi in the summer, and the Spaniard has been tipped as a potentially ideal upgrade for Arteta’s midfield.

“My personal feeling is that Zubimendi would be fantastic, even if [Amadou] Onana and Douglas [Luiz] have the advantage of both already knowing the Premier League,” said reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano in an interview with CaughtOffside earlier this year, commenting on which midfielder Arsenal should go for.

“Zubimendi is [a] fantastic player, he can help with his vision, quality and intelligence on the ball – he’s the perfect midfielder.”

Carlo Ancelotti's side were not at their best on Sunday, but still did enough to move level on points with leaders Barcelona

Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe grabbed the goals to redeem an otherwise sloppy performance from Real Madrid, as Los Blancos snagged what might be three vital points in the Liga title race with a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.

Madrid buzzed and pressed in the early goings without making much happen, but Mbappe provided the breakthrough after 30 minutes with a signature cut onto his right foot and ensuing smash into the bottom corner. Vinicius made it two after four minutes later as a wonderful bit of skill created an angle for his deflected strike. The visitors stuck around, though, and Pedro Diaz brought Rayo back into it with a wonderful strike on the stroke of half-time.

Carlo Ancelotti's players really should have put the game to bed after the break. Vinicius was a constant marauding presence down the left, while Mbappe caused problems in spurts, but they missed chances in spades as the Brazilian put one narrowly wide from point-blank range and his French colleague lashed another just outside the post. Rayo, for their part, didn't offer enough going forward to seriously threaten an equaliser, a speculative volley a few yards wide serving as their best chance.

Madrid would have liked to have made things easier for themselves, and it really should have been five or six. But the win pulls them level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona, albeit the Blaugrana now have a game in hand after the postponement of Saturday's meeting with Osasuna.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Santiago Bernabeu…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andriy Lunin (6/10):

  No chance for the Rayo goal, and didn't have much else to do.

  Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

  Not his cleanest game. Mistimed a few runs and didn't link as effectively as usual.

  Raul Asencio (6/10):

  Solid at the back in his one-on-ones, but a little loose on the ball. Might have been punished by a better opponent.

  David Alaba (8/10):

  A really impressive performance as he continues his injury recovery. Good in his tackles and showed off his passing range, too.

  Fran Garcia (7/10):

  Scampered up and down the touchline. He's not as good defensively as Ferland Mendy, but his energy makes him useful.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

  A really commanding showing at the base of midfield. Kept an often sloppy Madrid in the game with his defensive nous.

  Jude Bellingham (5/10):

  Quiet from the Englishman, who was always up for the fight, but lacking in his usual cutting edge. Immensely frustrated to be subbed.

  Luka Modric (8/10):

  Magical in midfield. Timed everything wonderfully, connected with the front line, and grabbed himself an assist. Ageless.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Rodrygo (5/10):

  Not his best game. A few lively moments, but he struggled to make a real impact on proceedings. Struggled after picking up a hand injury in the first half.

  Kylian Mbappe (7/10):

  Took his goal wonderfully and was active in the first half. Faded a little in the second, but still stretched the play.

  Vinicius Jr (8/10):

  An outrageous piece of skill led to Madrid's second. Did everything except put the ball in the net in the second half.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Federico Valverde (7/10):

  An impactful, energetic cameo.

  Eduardo Camavinga (N/A):

  No time to make an impact

  Brahim Diaz (N/A):

  No time to make an impact

  Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):

  Not his team's most convincing performance, but he got his tactics right and will take the win. Attention now turns to Atletico on Wednesday…

Newcastle United have been pushed forward as if by a steel spring in recent days, defeating Arsenal in the Premier League after dumping Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup.

Alexander Isak is alive, putting a slow start to the season behind him and reminding Europe that he is one of the finest centre-forwards around. Eddie Howe must be delighted.

However, the contractual concerns regarding the Swede are inescapable and must be resolved.

Alexander Isak's contract situation

Isak is 25 years old, approaching the prime years of his career. He’s into his third campaign on Tyneside, having overcome injuries throughout his first year to post 25 goals from 40 appearances across all competitions in 2023/24.

There’s no immediate concern: Isak is contracted at St. James’ Park until 2028. Even so, interest in his signature is incipient but fierce, and if he does not follow Anthony Gordon in penning new terms, he and his suitors will have increased leverage as time goes on.

Callum Wilson is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and thus, club legend Alan Shearer feels that the Magpies should move to bolster their frontline with a first-class signing, one who might even be more talented than Isak.

Newcastle could sign new striker

Newcastle could do with some added firepower up top, and who better to sign than Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is one of the hottest commodities in Europe right now?

With Ruben Amorim leaving Sporting Lisbon imminently to turn the ship around at Manchester United, Premier League supporters will inevitably look at the Sweden international as the natural star to follow to Old Trafford.

However, Newcastle’s financial power and growing need for another striker could see them rival their divisional competition, and Shearer believes that indeed they must.

Discussing Newcastle’s probably transfer plan in a Q&A with The Athletic, the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer suggested that Gyokeres should be the first-choice target:

Amorim has already allayed the Portuguese champions’ fears that they will suffer a winter exodus by stating that he will not be bringing any players with him in January.

Given that, as Guillem Balague claims, Sporting wish to cash in on Gyokeres, Newcastle – who were linked with the centre-forward back in January – must surely be contemplating lodging a bid, with his team rumoured to be ready to field official bids worth £60m.

Gyokeres would be an Alexander Isak upgrade

Gyokeres once sat in the Brighton & Hove Albion reserves, and after failing to earn a single appearance in the Premier League, routinely out on loan, joined Coventry City in the Championship.

Prolific endeavours under Mark Robins culminated in waves of interest from some rather high-profile suitors, but it was Sporting who he chose to sign for in 2023, an avenue that has proved to be most auspicious for a player now regarded as “one of the most feared strikers in Europe” – as said by reporter Harry de Cosemo.

Last term, as Sporting conquered the Portuguese top flight, Gyokeres was utterly mesmerising in his efforts, posting 43 goals and 15 assists across 50 matches in all competitions. This year, it’s not even December, and he already has 23 goals to his mountainous pile.

Many Magpies supporters will indeed feel that their outfit is blessed with a singular attacking talent, but everything suggests that Gyokeres is riding a level that surpasses even that of his compatriot at the moment, which truly is quite a thing.

Oh for sure, he’d do well to dislodge his countryman Isak from the number-one spot in Newcastle, but Gyokeres’ efforts over the past few years suggest that he could hold the quality to do just that.

Alexander Isak vs Viktor Gyokeres (League Stats 2024/25)
Match Stats*	Isak	Gyokeres
Matches (starts)	8 (8)	10 (10)
Goals	3	16
Assists	1	1
Touches*	30.1	41.2
Shots (on target)*	2.9 (1.3)	4.9 (2.6)
Big chances missed	4	7
Pass completion	72%	80%
Key passes*	0.9	2.0
Dribbles*	0.6	2.5
Total duels won*	2.5	6.3
Stats via Sofascore

Those statistics speak for themselves, for Gyokeres is outstripping Newcastle’s talisman across almost every metric. Of course, the Premier League carries a higher level than that of Liga Portugal, but crane yourself back to midweek, when Amorim’s side defeated Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League, Gyokeres bagging a hat-trick.

As per FBref, the 26-year-old ranks among the top 1% of forwards across divisions similar to Liga Portugal for goals scored, shot-creating actions, progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, highlighting just how frightening his threat really is.

Isak is a top player in his own right, riding a colourful purple patch right now, but it’s hard to argue against his Sweden teammate being the man of the moment right now, with free-scoring performances that set him apart from all but a smattering of strikers across Europe.

Described as a “powerhouse” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, Gyokeres has the athleticism, muscular physique, sharp movement and natural finishing to rival the likes of Isak and Erling Haaland for power as the star striker in the Premier League.

Even if Isak remains with the Toon over the coming years, this would surely be the optimum move to make, allowing Howe’s project to reach new heights and solidify a place in the Champions League, pushing for the shiniest silverware too.

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أحرز لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي جيرونا أرنوت جروينفيلد، هدف التعادل لصالح فريقه في شباك برشلونة.

ويستضيف نادي برشلونة نظيره جيرونا، ضمن منافسات الجولة التاسعة والعشرين من الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم “لاليجا”.

اقرأ ايضاً.. فيديو | نيران صديقة.. كريتشي يسجل هدف برشلونة الأول أمام جيرونا

ونجح أرنوت جروينفيلد، في تسجيل هدف التعادل لصالح جيرونا في اللقاء عند الدقيقة 53 من عمر المباراة.

الهدف جاء بعد فشل لاعبي برشلونة في الخروج بالكرة وسط ضغط لاعبي جيرونا، لينجح داني بليند في تقديم تمريرة حاسمة لـ جروينفيلد الذي سدد الكرة في شباك تشيزني بطريقة رائعة. هدف تعادل جيرونا أمام برشلونة في الدوري الإسباني

غفلة دفاعية من لاعبي برشلونة تعطي جيرونا التعادل #الدوري_الاسباني#LaLiga pic.twitter.com/jpcwICsO1O — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) March 30, 2025

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior admits he took "strength" from a banner held up by Manchester City fans mocking his Ballon d'Or snub.

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• Rodri beat Vinicius to 2024 Ballon d'Or
• City fans mocked the Brazilian ahead of kick-off
• He responded with Man Of The Match display

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazilian was beaten to the 2024 prize by City's star midfielder Rodri and refused to attend the awards ceremony as a result, provoking a banner from City's fans reading 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' ahead of Tuesday's Champions League round of 16 play-off first-leg tie. He then produced a Man Of The Match performance in Real's dramatic 3-2 victory.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It had been widely assumed that Vinicius was in line to be crowned the world's best player in 2024 after he played a key role in Real Madrid's run to a La Liga and Champions League double. When news emerged prior to the ceremony that Rodri – who was key to Manchester City's fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain's Euro 2024 triumph – was set to beat him, all Real Madrid staff boycotted the event. The giant banner held up by City fans as the teams emerged onto the field at Etihad Stadium provided the 24-year-old with all the motivation he needed to set up two of Real's three goals.

• WHAT VINICIUS SAID

  Vinicius said: "I saw the banner, but when opposition fans do things it always gives me more strength to play a great game and here I did that. City know our history and everything we've done in this competition."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS AND REAL MADRID?

  Real take a one-goal advantage into next week's second leg and are clear favourites to qualify for the last 16 at the expense of Pep Guardiola's side. Another deep run in this competition would enhance Vinicius' prospects of scooping the Ballon d'Or in 2025, though team-mates Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham also have their eyes on the prize.

Erik ten Hag’s position as Manchester United manager is becoming more under threat as the season goes by. The Red Devils have started the season poorly, and find themselves in 14th in the Premier League after seven games. They have just seven points to their name and have scored five goals, the joint second-lowest in the top flight. It has certainly been a poor start to the new campaign.

With that in mind, it is not surprising that United’s hierarchy, headed by new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are debating the Dutchman’s future as manager. The Manchester Evening News’ chief United writer, Samuel Luckhurst, claims the club are ‘lining up’ Thomas Tuchel as the new boss.

Should the German get the job at Old Trafford, he would no doubt want to make some changes to the squad. Not only would he want to add new faces, but he may also wish to move on some of United’s current stars. Here are three of them who could be given the boot…

1 Casemiro

The first player Tuchel might decide to move on from the club should he get the prestigious role at Old Trafford is midfielder Casemiro.

It is fair to say that the Brazilian has found life difficult in the last 18 months or so, and has looked like a shadow of his former self. The Brazil has struggled with his mobility around the pitch, lack of control in possession and tendency to dive into tackles.

United signed the 32-year-old from Real Madrid for a whooping £70m, leaving the club where he won the Champions League five times, including the legendary threepeat in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Sadly, United’s number 18 has had a steep decline in his form, which has seen his minutes diminish over the seasons he has been at the club. The Brazil international was a key player in his first campaign, playing 51 times and 3905 minutes as United won the Carabao Cup and finished fourth.

Last term, the midfield battler played fewer minutes, largely due to injury. He played 32 times in all competitions, and 2578 minutes in total. However, his decline was noticeable, and the midfielder has played just nine times, including six in the Premier League, just 548 minutes.

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When considering his rapid decline, and his wage of an eye-watering £350k per week, United’s highest earner, it may well make sense for Tuchel to move him on. The Red Devils have Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and the likes of Toby Collyer who could take his place, so it might not be too much of a miss for United in the long run.

2 Antony

Antony is another player who could leave Old Trafford if Tuchel moves to the club. The winger joined the club for an extraordinary £81.3m fee but has underwhelmed during his time as a Red Devil.

The former Ajax winger, who played under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, has simply not lived up to expectations given the extortionate fee he cost. The winger has played 86 times for the club but has managed just 12 goals and five assists in that time.

2022/23

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2023/24

38

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2024/25

4

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Granted, this is not just on the winger. He has not played in the same system where he thrived at Ajax, with Ten Hag’s United side at times happy to concede possession and become deadly in transition rather than be a side who have the majority of the ball, especially in the opposition’s third.

With that being said, he has not lived up to expectations and Tuchel might prefer other profiles of winger, more in the mould of Marcus Rashford. He has spoken highly of United’s number 10 in the past, calling him “a big threat” before praising the impact he has had at Old Trafford.

It certainly feels like a fresh start for the Brazilian at a new club would be the best thing for all parties. It also means the Red Devils get his wages off the books; Antony earns an extraordinary £200k per week, the fourth-highest earner at the club.

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ByLuke Randall Sep 4, 2025 3 Victor Lindelof

One of United’s longest-serving players is now Victor Lindelof. The Sweden captain joined the club in June 2017, signing from Benfica for a fee of £31m. Whilst he played a key role at the back with Harry Maguire under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he has been more of a squad player under Ten Hag.

Lindelof has notched up an impressive number of appearances for the Red Devils. The 30-year-old has played 260 times for the Red Devils, even managing to score four goals and register seven assists.

However, the central defender has not had many minutes under Ten Hag since he took over at Old Trafford. He has played just 64 times under the tutelage of the Dutchman, and whilst he has suffered from injuries too in that time, he has not been the first choice ahead of the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.

Nicknamed ‘The Iceman’, he was cool, calm and collected in arguably his finest moment in that famous Red shirt. Lindelof slotted home the winning penalty in the 2022/23 FA Cup semi-final shootout against Brighton and Hove Albion at Wembley, to send United through to the showpiece event, which they ended up losing to Manchester City.

United’s number two has been a superb servant to the club and is into his eighth season at the 13-time Premier League champions. With that being said, United may well want to sell the defender, who earns £120k per week, if Tuchel becomes manager.

It is unsurprising that the German would want to give the squad a refresh should he get the job at Old Trafford. Casemiro, Antony and Lindelof are just three players who could depart, with Tuchel looking to bring in some new faces to help refresh the squad and take United back to the top of English and European football.

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