All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United are keen on signing a £58 million full back loved by Ruben Amorim this month, and a new report reveals the transfer could now pick up steam.

Man Utd transfer news

It was made clear before this transfer window opened that signing players this month may be a struggle for the Red Devils. However, that has not stopped the speculation, as United continue to be linked with players from England and abroad, with the possibility of cashing in on unwanted squad members aiding their chase for new faces.

Man Utd eye cheaper version of Gyokeres who's "very similar" for just £29m

The Red Devils have their eye on a player Ruben Amorim knows well.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jan 13, 2025

A story emerged last week that stated United and Juventus were in discussions over a possible swap deal involving Dusan Vlahovic and Joshua Zirkzee. The Premier League side are keen on signing the Serbia international, and the Turin giants want to sign Zirkzee and offer him a fresh start back in Italy.

A fresh development has since emerged, with it being reported that those talks are now at an advanced stage. Both sides are showing a willingness to complete the move, with the Serbian viewed as an upgrade for the Red Devils in attack.

Vlahovic is not the only forward on United’s radar, as a report from Spain has revealed that the Red Devils are interested in signing Conrad Harder from Sporting CP as a “plan B” to Viktor Gyokeres. Lisbon wants around £29 million to sell Harder, whose flexibility in attack makes him a real asset, and he is known to Amorim, as he was the one that brought him to Sporting in the summer.

Man Utd want to accelerate transfer talks to sign £54m ace

Signing a new striker is not the only addition Amorim wants, as a new left-back is also on the shopping list, and according to Caught Offside, Manchester United want to accelerate transfer talks for Nuno Mendes.

The 22-year-old, who has been described as “very exciting,” emerged on United’s radar in December, as he is a player that Amorim knows very well from his time at Sporting CP. United want to sign a new left wing-back, as injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia in recent times have left them short in that position, and it still remains an issue for the United boss now.

This report states that the Red Devils remain in talks over a deal to sign Mendes, but they face stiff competition from Real Madrid and arch-rivals Manchester City, who are also monitoring his situation.

Apps

101

Goals

5

Assists

13

It is reported that United are the team that is most advanced in their interest, although they are yet to make a breakthrough in terms of agreeing to a transfer, as PSG hold out for €65 million, which is roughly £54 million.

Amorim sees Mendes as the ideal signing for the left wing-back role, and the fact that the defender has refused to sign a new contract with PSG could help the Red Devils secure a transfer. The Portuguese’s contract is valid until 2026, so if United make an offer near the £54 million PSG want, then surely a deal can be made this month, but it will be tight for the Premier League outfit and may depend on shifting current players first.

With the 14-game regular season completed among the 18 counties, here is a look back at some of the highlights

Andrew McGlashan04-Jul-2022Tim David (Lancashire)
David produced numerous displays of his now well-known middle-order prowess, being particularly impressive in the first half of the group stage. He made 60 off just 25 balls to transform a stuttering innings against Worcestershire then unfurled 66 off 32 balls, including six sixes, in a high-scoring Roses encounter against Yorkshire which his team clung on to win. With Lancashire in the knockouts he has more chance to make a decisive impression amid the ongoing debate about how he fits into the Australia T20I side ahead of the World Cup.Nathan Ellis (Hampshire)
The wickets don’t stand out for Ellis, but his economy rate does. Conceding just 7.01 runs per over made him the most economical frontline quick bowler during the group stage. Missed a few matches with a groin niggle that probably prevented him being called into the injury-hit Australia squad in Sri Lanka.Chris Green (Middlesex)
A handy all-round tournament for Green, after he ended up replacing Mujeeb Ur Rahman throughout, in another Middlesex T20 season that fell flat. Had a good outing against Kent at Lord’s where he took 2 for 18 off his four overs in one of the team’s four victories and made two 40+ scores although both came in defeats.Hayden Kerr (Derbyshire)
Another part of Kerr’s rapid development over recent months after signing an all-formats deal with Derbyshire to replace Suranga Lakmal. Although the economy was on the high side, he chipped in with wickets throughout to the extent he ended the group stage as the team’s third-highest wicket-taker. Derbyshire have reached the quarter-finals so his tournament isn’t over yet.Chris Lynn (Northamptonshire)

The star performer among the Australia contingent, Lynn let his bat do the talking after his departure from Brisbane Heat and speculation as to whether he will be picked up by another BBL club. On all bar one occasion that he reached double figures he went on to score at least a fifty. That included a 106 off 66 balls against Leicestershire and 113 off 57 deliveries against Worcestershire but his pyrotechnics were not enough for Northants to progress.Ben McDermott is among those who will be part of the quarter-finals•Getty ImagesBen McDermott (Hampshire)
A middling group stage for McDermott but he may have come out from a run of five-single scores just in time for the quarter-finals after making 50 and 30 in his last three knocks. Enjoyed a solid run earlier in the tournament which included a ferocious 83 off 30 balls against Middlesex.Michael Neser (Glamorgan)
Reliability from Neser in a campaign where Glamorgan couldn’t find consistency. He claimed three three-wicket hauls, including a career-best 3 for 13 against Essex. He was also the team’s most economical bowler.T20 Blast quarter-finals

July 6: Surrey vs Yorkshire – The Oval

July 7: Birmingham vs Hampshire- Edgbaston

July 8: Lancashire vs Essex – Old Trafford

July 9: Somerset v Derbyshire – Taunton

Daniel Sams (Essex)
There were moments of impact for Sams, not least his astonishing 71 off just 24 balls against Sussex in a high-scoring game at Chelmsford. It was the first time since his unbeaten 98 against Melbourne Renegades in the last BBL season that he had reached 20. His bowling economy would sometimes blow out, but he took 2 for 22 off his four overs against Kent to set up a win, and his season-best of 3 for 20 came in the final group match after Essex had plundered an eye-watching 254 for 5 against Glamorgan. The sort of player who could win a knockout match.Peter Siddle (Somerset)
A useful contribution from Siddle as Somerset reached the knockouts which included an important performance against Gloucestershire to help secure victory. He also came within a delivery of pulling a game out of the fire when he almost denied Surrey with three wickets in his final over, but his last ball was sent to the boundary.AJ Tye (Durham)
Another good bag of T20 wickets for Tye and he finished the group stage tied fourth overall despite only playing 10 matches. Took an important 3 for 29 against Lancashire in what became low-scoring scrap (he was there at the end with the bat, too) then bagged 5 for 38 against Leicestershire but that came in a defeat.Other Australians who have appeared this seasonJason Behrendorff (Middlesex), Hilton Cartwright (Derbyshire), Dan Christian (Nottinghamshire), Aaron Hardie (Surrey), Matthew Kelly (Northamptonshire), Marnus Labuschagne (Glamorgan) James Pattinson (Nottinghamshire), Josh Phillippe (Sussex), Ashton Turner (Durham)

Newcastle and Tottenham are planning a pre-season friendly in South Korea following the success of their post-season clash in Australia last summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Newcastle and Spurs will face off againSet to meet in South KoreaSpurs will also take on Arsenal in pre-seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The two Premier League clubs met for a bizarre friendly in Melbourne just days after the 2023-24 season ended last summer and reports say the two powerhouses will meet again in the summer, this time in South Korea.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Fans will undoubtedly flock to Seoul to get a glimpse of Spurs captain Heung-Min Son and a bumper 60,000 crowd is expected to fill the World Cup Stadium if the game does go ahead. The match also provides a huge financial opportunity for both clubs, with merchandise and other events sure to bring in cash for the Magpies as well.

WHAT THE FANS SAID

After the drama Down Under in 2024, fans have had a mixed reaction to the news that the two teams could meet again.

@Jlsmithyido pointed to a potential money-grabbing scheme, saying: "Always about the money."

@cfcnewton added: "Injuries players knackered don’t count when it comes to money."

@blower_keith added: "Greed ,concentrate on getting a team that can challenge and a manager that can motivate."

Newcastle fan @Bob_Helpful saw the funny side of the meeting, poking fun at Spurs, saying: "Shouldn’t we be trying to play elite opposition?"

And @DickShort14 questioned why the Magpies could not play a Saudi Pro League side, posting: "We should play a top Saudi team with a prize of a billion pounds for the winner."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Newcastle have only lost to Tottenham once in their last six meetings, winning both Premier League meetings this season as Eddie Howe's side chase Champions League football.

Wayne Rooney was sacked just 25 games into his reign at Plymouth, but the Manchester United is still considered to have been a “great appointment”.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Appointed in the summer of 2024Left role before end of the yearPreviously flopped at BirminghamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ex-England captain Rooney agreed to a mutual parting of ways at Home Park late in 2024, with it becoming painfully clear that change in the dugout was required. He had overseen a forgettable slump to the foot of the Championship table.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Said failings came on the back of an 83-day tenure at Birmingham, with NFL legend Tom Brady and the rest of the Blues’ board getting a big coaching call wrong at St Andrew’s. Rooney now sees his coaching reputation left in tatters, with a return to punditry being made while mulling over what to do next.

DID YOU KNOW?

Plymouth have stated that Rooney’s appointment was never intended to be a PR exercise, despite a documentary series being lined up at one stage, and maintain that he was the best man for the job after carrying out a wide-ranging search for their new boss.

GettyWHAT EFL PUNDIT SAID

EFL pundit Lee Hendrie can see why that decision was made, telling : “Plymouth’s CEO suggested that Wayne Rooney was the best candidate when he was appointed – does it surprise me? No, not really. I think, at the time, I felt that Wayne’s obviously wanted to continue in his managerial career, which he did under the Plymouth ownership.

“And yes, you know, Wayne comes with a massive expectation as it's not and like you just turn up and you're playing against Plymouth, you've got the Rooney factor that's always been around his career and obviously his managerial career. But I do think it was, at the time, I think it was a great appointment for the football club.

“Unfortunately, it just didn't work out for Wayne as has been that way at Birmingham City when he went in there. There's timing, and sometimes I think you have to look at what he did at Derby, which I thought was excellent. Maybe some people would have said it was a free hit, but he’s still got to manage them players, and that's the thing. I do feel that it was right time for him when he was going into Plymouth.”

Tottenham Hotspur have now opened talks over a move for an “excellent” defender this month, according to a report.

Spurs in need of a defender

Tottenham find themselves in an injury crisis at the moment, particularly in defence, with Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies and Micky van de Ven all currently on the treatment table. As such, Spurs have started looking at potential new signings for the January transfer window, holding internal talks over a move for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

Discussions have also taken place over a move for Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell, with Ange Postecoglou keen to bolster his backline, which has leaked far too many goals so far this season.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Newcastle United (h)

January 4th

Arsenal (a)

January 15th

Everton (a)

January 19th

Leicester City (h)

January 26th

Brentford (a)

February 2nd

Last month, Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov emerged as a target for the Lilywhites, and there has now been a promising new update on their pursuit, which indicates that progress has been made in recent days.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Tottenham have now opened talks with Lens over a deal for Khusanov, having identified the defender as a suitable target for the January transfer window.

However, there may be competition for Khusanov’s signature from Premier League rivals Newcastle United, who have also commenced talks over a deal, so the Lilywhites may have to move quickly.

Leeds United have also made contact to discuss a deal, but the Uzbekistan international is said to be unconvinced that a move to the Championship would be a good career move. Postecoglou is said to be keen to bring in at least one new defender this month, with the Lens defender, who is valued at around £25m by his current club, now becoming a major target.

Khusanov impressing in Ligue 1

The 20-year-old is ranked as one of Lens’ best-performing players in Ligue 1 so far this season, and it is clear to see why so many English teams are in the race for his signature. Journalist Coralie Salle lauded the starlet as “excellent” back in October, while also describing him as fast, powerful and a good receiver of the ball.

Tottenham make January approach to sign £149,000-per-week Barcelona star

The Lilywhites could secure a bargain.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 31, 2024

One of the youngster’s best attributes is his interceptions, ranking in the 99th percentile on that metric per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, while also placing in the 77th percentile for tackles and the 75th for clearances.

Amid the injury crisis at N17, it is clear that Postecoglou will need to bring in a new defender in January if he is going to get Spurs’ season back on track, and Khusanov is showing signs he could be a long-term success at the club.

As such, Tottenham should try to get the move done as quickly as possible, in order to avoid Newcastle getting a deal done first.

“He has taken his role as the senior pro very seriously and it shows on the field”

Mohammad Isam28-Jun-2022The fast bowlers showing the ability to take wickets from slow pitches was the biggest gain for West Indies from their 2-0 win over Bangladesh, according to head coach Phil Simmons.Alzarri Joseph was the series’ top wicket-taker while Kemar Roach became only the sixth West Indies bowler to take 250 wickets during the series. Kyle Mayers and Jayden Seales contributed with regular wickets while Anderson Phillip made an impressive debut in St Lucia.Related

Jayden Seales, Obed McCoy, Odean Smith earn maiden West Indies international retainers

'We have to improve in every department' – Shakib

West Indies canter to 2-0 series win after quick bowlers finish the job

It had a big impact on Bangladesh, who got bowled out for less than 250 in all four innings in the Test series, losing both games by big margins.”The first (Test) wicket wasn’t conducive to fast bowling but we got them out for low scores,” Simmons said. “In this Test match, to get them bowled out on the first day on a comparatively slow wicket, gave us the driver’s seat. The fast bowlers deserve a lot of credit. We have worked hard in the two series, and come out victorious. This one maybe wasn’t as hard as the first one, the important thing is that at the end of the day, the W is behind the two Tests. We won 2-0 in Bangladesh in 2021 as well. You have to take all those things, and sit back and enjoy it.”Simmons was happy with Roach in particular helping out the young pace attack. Roach, who debuted in 2009, had a series to remember for reaching the 250-wicket milestone. He was lauded by West Indies greats Curtly Ambrose and Michael Holding, whose tally he crossed during the St Lucia Test.”(Roach) is helping the fast bowlers to mature quicker. I think he has an exceptional influence on all the young fast bowlers. He has taken his role as the senior pro very seriously. It shows on the field. You can see him talking to them, who are trying to do the right things all the time. I think his influence has been massive to these young fast bowlers.”Mayers, too, emerged as an all-round factor for the first time in his short Test career. He contributed mainly with the ball in Antigua, before hitting his second Test century in St Lucia, a backs-to-the-wall counterattack.”He brings in the wicket-taking factor. He is not express, but he puts the ball in the right areas. If he bats normally, he scores quickly in all three formats. I have to get him to understand that he needs to bat normally. Once we get that, he is going to be a force to be reckoned with.”Phillip also had a good first outing but Simmons felt that nerves got the better of him at times. “I think he had a good debut. Two wickets earlier on, but he got a bit of cramps. It comes with all the nervousness that comes with your first Test match. If you are not nervous, something is wrong.”He was nervous, and it didn’t help him. He bowled well in both the innings. He did what the captain wanted him to do.”

Cristiano Ronaldo slammed a reporter for disrespect as he accused the media of spreading negativity around the Portuguese team.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Ronaldo slams journalistAccuses media of spreading negativityPortugal face Denmark on Sunday nightFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

The former European champions are on the verge of exiting the Nations League at the quarter-final stage after they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Denmark in the first leg of their tie. Manchester United star Rasmas Hojlund netted a late winning goal as the Danes stunned the Selecao. Ronaldo was left frustrated with his team's defeat and subsequently claimed that too much negativity was being spread about the Portugal side.

AdvertisementWHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

Speaking to reporters, the 40-year-old said: "I think the team is playing well except for one or another game, which is part of football. I believe the team has maintained an excellent level, in my opinion. One thing is for you to have your point of view; I have mine.

"The demand you place on me, the best generations are always the ones that win. “In my point of view, there are golden generations, there are silver generations, there are bronze generations. It’s whatever you want."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Al-Nassr star then slammed a reporter for being disrespectful as he added: "They are the ones that win, the ones that rally the troops and manage to win more than they lose in battles. I feel there is a certain negativity surrounding the national team. I have seen the press conferences in recent days, I don’t like it. I don’t like it.

"Even some of the questions you ask, I think it’s a lack of respect as well when someone asks a question, I will give you my answer, but don’t ask me a question and then look at the computer, you should be looking at me in the eye. I say it and I’ll continue to say it. I’m sure that I will leave the Alvalade with my head held high and I want my teammates and all the Portuguese people to leave the same way, regardless of the result."

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR PORTUGAL?

Ronaldo and Co will get an opportunity to overturn the one-goal deficit when they host Denmark in the second leg of their quarter-final clash on Sunday at Jose Alvalade Stadium.

Cheap dismissal of Joe Root can’t dent progress, as young-old partnership holds firm

David Hopps20-May-2022Yorkshire 269 for 4 (Lyth 118*, Brook 82) lead Warwickshire 244 (Burgess 96, Patterson 3-43) by 25 runsAnybody who witnessed last week’s Roses match, and reflected upon the favourites to win the Championship season, would feel that it was a strange old world if Yorkshire were to find themselves ahead of Lancashire when the first raft of fixtures ends on Sunday evening.Yet that is a potential outcome after Lancashire, dominant in the Roses match and strongly fancied to take their first title since 2011, suffered a first-innings collapse against Essex at Old Trafford and Yorkshire moved into a position of strength against last year’s winners, Warwickshire.Strong first-innings batting performances have been at the heart of Yorkshire’s season and they remained wedded to the task at Headingley, driven to 269 for 4, and a lead of 25 when rain caused a premature halt 17 overs early, by the England call-up Harry Brook and a batter whose England days have passed and who now must stave off retirement as long as he can, Adam Lyth. New and old in harness in a fourth-wicket stand of 159 in 43 overs that began cagily but gradually took the game away from Warwickshire with deceptive ease.It is a rare occasion when the dismissal of Joe Root, who was out for 8 when he edged a late-swing delivery from Henry Brookes to the wicketkeeper, leads to such a positive outcome.It was a poignant stand in many ways (this is new Yorkshire after all, where hearts are open and emotion encouraged), because Brook’s uncomplicated ambition dovetailed with Lyth’s more complex determination to keep his career on the rails. He has been a loyal and skilful pro, but he had 140 runs at 18 in a season of high scores and on the first day had brought groans from the crowd with two dropped slip catches, and had been stung enough to respond.For nearly six hours, including an hour on the first evening, he set his season to rights. It was a player who knows him best, Will Rhodes, once of the same parish, who restrained him most, also the left-arm spin of Danny Briggs, but otherwise he milked the offside with relish whenever the opportunity presented itself.Whereas Brook’s innings are an outpouring of talent, Lyth was a worthy old pro, buckling down. He just avoided falling at short leg, off Briggs, on 87, and after his century was achieved, he was nearly run out on two occasions by Alex Davies as fatigue took hold. The rain which fell at 5.30pm must have felt blissful as it fell upon his forehead. He dedicated his innings to his wife, Lily, who has suffered a year of illness but who is reportedly over the worst. Life still happens outside the confines of professional sport.Brook has only failed to reach 50 once this season, and he had 82 to his name when he edged an excellent outswinger from Oliver Hannon-Dalby to first slip. He is a much less fretful figure than he was this time last year, which is a bit of a shame for those who self-indulgently like to see a bit of eccentricity in their cricketers, but a proof of his growing maturity. A Test debut will not be long delayed. As Lyth remarked: “Nobody is hitting the ball better than Harry”.Brook is the leading scorer in Division One with 840 runs at a remarkable average of 140. With his departure, probably went another season – this one of six games and benign surfaces – where nobody has seriously challenged Graeme Hick’s 1000 runs by the end of May, last achieved in 1988. Ben Compton (like his cousin Nick before him) has also come within wondering distance, but the feat is now distant enough to be dubbed by Wisden as one of the “quaintest pursuits” in English cricket. Shift the Championship to later in the season, where it should reside, and it may never be mentioned again.He has doubtless played more soundly this season; there were more play-and-misses here than he has been accustomed to as the ball continued to swing. He goes to Lord’s for the first Test in the knowledge that he will be the batter omitted, but he has a new management team to impress at close quarters and, anyway, he is only a calf strain away from a Test debut.Yorkshire’s season of batting consistency is entirely out of character with recent seasons and all the more creditable considering the racism debate that sullied the club in the close season (and that, if you care to scratch the surface, still exists). Lord Kamlesh Patel is a temporary chairman and does not really have the time, or indeed the circumstances, to continue for much longer. Darren Gough, still based in the south, probably remains an equally short-term hit as director of cricket. The appointment of a full-time chief executive remains in abeyance. And occasional tensions rear their head – a life member was reportedly barred from the ground this week after a contretemps with racist overtones and emails are still circulating about the minutiae of AGM legality that are best left unread. People really do need to attend to their courgettes.The ECB’s inquiry is also proving to be as slow as was Yorkshire’s and, as much as the county deserves to know if it will face a points penalty – players and coaches have a right to know if they are pressing for the title or avoiding relegation – decisions that should be made quickly for the good of the game are nearly always made slowly because somewhere, on behalf of someone, the lawyers are taking their shilling. Charges might be laid within a few weeks, although charging a new set-up committed to change for the perceived failures of the regime no longer in power would seem to possess dubious logic.That Yorkshire are holding body and soul together during all this is a tribute to their coaching staff, led by Ottis Gibson, their captain Steve Patterson, whose maturity in the face of adversity has never been more needed, and a playing staff who have got on with the job. They have only won once this season. It is not the done thing for a Yorkshire Championship crowd to cheer, but if they win again, and move above Lancashire in the table (still quite an ask against the draw specialists of Division One) during such a testing season, then the optimism and resilience of youth deserves commendation from every corner.

Everton’s battling 0-0 draw at the Emirates moved them three points clear of Ipswich Town in the Premier League table, boosting their chances of avoiding the drop.

The 0-0 draw at Arsenal showcased the Toffees’ defensive resilience and fans are hoping the result could provide a platform to pick up more points over the upcoming festive fixtures.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was outstanding against Arsenal, making several high-quality saves, and defenders Vitaliy Mykolenko and James Tarkowski also rated highly, particularly by the Liverpool Echo who handed them 8/10 player ratings.

However, it was yet another blank in the forward areas and with just 14 goals all season, Everton are the second-lowest scorers in the league. Sean Dyche’s men have scored just 0.93 goals per game and failed to hit the target in 53% of their matches.

With the future of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin still uncertain, it seems that Dyche may have a decision to make about another of his strikers currently misfiring.

Everton striker could head to Italy

Former Champions League winners Inter Milan sit just three points off of Serie A leaders Atalanta having played a game less. Scoring goals has been no problem for the side from the San Siro having notched 40 goals already with striker Marcus Thuram grabbing 11 of them.

Inter are also going well in Europe and currently sit in sixth position in the Champions League table looking to wrap up automatic qualification for the last 16 in their final two games.

However, with backup striker Marko Arnautovic unhappy at the lack of first-team opportunities, Reports from Italy are claiming that Inter Milan are interested in bringing Everton striker Beto back to Italy.

The £26m signing has hardly set the world alight at Goodison Park and the move would come as a surprise to many given that Beto has just one goal in nine appearances this season.

However, Inter may see Beto’s time in Italy as more of a marker as to what he could bring to their side, with the Guinea striker scoring 22 goals in 65 appearances for Udinese between 2021 and 2024 before his move to the Toffees.

Transfer Focus

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

Why Everton must consider selling Beto

With Everton’s other striker option Calvert-Lewin stalling over a new contract that subsequently runs out in the summer, it seems inevitable that Dyche will lose an attacking option in the upcoming transfer window.

However, with the interest coming from Italy in Beto, Dyche may decide that it is now the England forward that he decides to keep and statistics show that would be a wise move for the Everton boss.

Goals

1

2

Shots

10

34

Shots on target

30%

41.2%

XG

1.6

4.4

Pass completion

47.6%

61.4%

Aerial duels won

44%

48.2%

Despite not having his most prolific season in terms of goals, Calvert-Lewin has shown that he is the better forward – especially in a Sean Dyche that likes to play direct. The England forward has had more shots and a higher shots-on-target percentage this season whilst showing he has the better all-round game too.

Calvert-Lewin has a higher pass completion than Beto and most importantly in this Everton side, the former leads the way in aerial duels won, something that Dyche holds key in his front man.

Whilst more firepower is certainly needed in the transfer market, it seems that Dyche would be advised to try and recoup as much of the £26m paid for Beto as possible should Inter Milan’s interest become more concrete. The money could then be used to negotiate with Calvert-Lewin or delve into the striker market.

Whatever the Everton boss decides, he knows that this decision could have a huge impact on his side’s survival hopes this season.

Rooney 2.0: Dyche must ditch DCL for teen outscoring every Everton player

Everton could do with some academy inspiration up front, and might just have their next Rooney brewing.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 13, 2024

The Reds have an undeniably hectic schedule, but a foolish team selection against Sparta Prague contributed to Sunday's loss at Old Trafford

Jurgen Klopp was visibly stunned as he stood on the touchline at a raucous Old Trafford. His Liverpool side had lost a game that they should have won – twice: first in normal time; and then again in extra time.

It was an utterly avoidable defeat against a struggling side. After a sluggish start that Manchester United exploited, Liverpool had recovered wonderfully well to turn their FA Cup quarter-final tie on its head with two quick goals before the break.

They had numerous chances to kill the game during a second half that they dominated until Antony's 87th-minute equaliser. From that moment on, Liverpool looked exhausted – unsurprisingly. Competing on four fronts was always going to take its toll on an injury-hit squad – which is why Klopp got annoyed when asked during a post-match interview why his side had lacked "intensity" in extra time. Klopp felt the answer was obvious: too many matches.

"Bit of a dumb question, I have to say… We have played I don't know how many games recently. I don't know how many games United exactly have played. That's sport," he said before taking another unnecessary and undignified shot at his interviewer. "Really disappointed about that question but you obviously thought it was good."

When the journalist asked a follow-up about "too many games", Klopp decided he'd had enough and stormed off in a huff. "You're obviously not in great shape," he sniped, "and I have no nerves for you."

Unacceptable reaction

For many, this was classic Klopp: all smiles after victories but nothing but bitter when games don't go his team's way.

He certainly doesn't do himself any favours with such pathetic displays of petulance, and while a degree of frustration was understandable in the context of the game, his reaction to a rather innocuous line of questioning was utterly unacceptable. Particularly when one considers that Klopp had contributed to Liverpool's lacklustre performance in extra-time.

AdvertisementGetty Liverpool's injury issues

Have the Reds been desperately unlucky with injuries this season? Absolutely, and Klopp deserves enormous credit for somehow keeping his team in Premier League title contention while reaching the last eight of both the FA Cup and the Europa League, after winning the Carabao Cup with kids.

Make no mistake about it: this season has been a stunning demonstration of Klopp's incredible coaching skills and amazing man-management. However, it was a little hard to listen to Klopp complaining about the effects of too many games at Old Trafford when he had fielded a ridiculously strong side against Sparta Prague just three days earlier.

Getty Images'They play all the time…'

Klopp said that he didn't know which players to replace during extra-time because so many of his key players were shattered. "We could have [taken off] Macca (Alexis Mac Allister)definitely, Wataru [Endo] definitely, Darwin [Nunez] definitely, Lucho [Diaz] we did then, Joey [Gomez]," he admitted to reporters afterwards. "They play all the time, the boys, and today, this extra-time."

And there's the rub: those players have been playing all the time – and Klopp is partly responsible in that regard.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyInsane Sparta selection

With Liverpool 5-1 up from the first leg in Prague, there was absolutely no way Endo, Nunez and Gomez should have been anywhere near the starting line-up against Sparta – and the same goes for Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, too.

All of those players bar Gomez have recently recovered from injuries of varying degrees of severity in recent weeks, so why on earth were they utilised in the second leg of a tie that was already over?

Salah, Szoboszlai and Robertson ended up playing 90 minutes against Sparta – not one of them made it past the 77th minute at Old Trafford. Gomez was also replaced before the midway point of extra-time.

As for Nunez, he stayed on right until the end, but should have been hooked long before his loose pass – an undoubted by-product of the fatigue that Klopp acknowledged – allowed United to level the game through Marcus Rashford.