If you were to mention Ezgjan Alioski’s name to Leeds fans at the start of last summer, you can bet that almost all of them would never have heard of the Macedonian.
Signed from Lugano in Switzerland in July of 2017, Alioski was one of a number of relatively unheard foreign players arriving at Elland Road during the transfer window.
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However, almost eight months later, Alioski has shown the Leeds faithful exactly what he is capable of…in flashes anyway.
A truly versatile player, the 26-year-old, who is valued at £3.6 million by Transfermarkt, has been used in a number of positions across the field.
Despite his attacking pedigree, it is actually Alioski’s defensive work this season that has earned him plaudits.
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On Wednesday, @LUFCData posted a stat confirming that no other player in the Championship had won more tackles than Alioski during the current campaign thus far.
Upon seeing the post, Leeds fans took to Twitter to praise their player for this impressive statistic…
As if losing two points late on in a top of the table clash with Manchester City wasn’t destructive enough for Arsenal, the Gunners also limped out of the 2-2 draw with Mathieu Debuchy hobbling to the treatment table to join a whole host of his defensive team-mates.
It already looks as if Arsene Wenger’s inability to snap up a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen could prove to be costly, with the Londoners down to just five first-team defenders – Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Calum Chambers, Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs. The Frenchman is said to be ready to raid his youth teams for quick cover, but he could delve back into the transfer market, where a few diamonds in the rough are still available.
So with that in mind, here are seven defenders Arsenal could still sign. We’ll warn you, beggars can’t be choosers…
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CLICK ON A STRESSED ARSENE WENGER TO REVEAL THE LIST
After a disastrous loan stint with Norwich at the back end of last season, Fenerbahce elected to release the Nigerian veteran. However, Yobo proved that he still has a few miles left in the tank with some composed displays at the World Cup, where he helped the Super Eagles make it to the last 16 – a feat England cannot brag of.
The 34-year-old boasts a wealth of Premier League experience after nine seasons with Everton earlier in his career, and could provide cover at the heart of the Gunners’ backline until January.
Diego Lugano
Although he had a difficult season at West Brom last time out, Lugano may well be the pick of the defensive freebies on the market. The former Uruguay captain starred at the World Cup over the summer and boasts the 2011 Copa America among his list of honours, making him a potentially tempting short-term option.
Lugano is still only 33, so Arsenal may be able to get another season out of him should Wenger be willing to take a punt. But be warned he is slooooooow.
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Oguchi Onyewu
Injuries have plagued the American’s career, with spells at AC Milan, Malaga and Sporting Lisbon having all been disrupted by fitness issues. Onyewu spent some of last season at Sheffield Wednesday and has been tipped for a return to his homeland to see out his career in the MLS, but Wenger could make a surprise swoop for him… after all, the Gunners were linked with Nikola Zigic not so long ago!
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Anthony Reveillere
With both full-back positions a concern, Reveillere could be an option worth considering. The Frenchman was playing at the highest level with Napoli last season, which illustrates his pedigree, while he has also won five Ligue 1 titles in a solid career.
The 34-year-old can play on either side of the backline to provide cover and can still do a job when called upon.
Carlos Marchena
Marchena may be slower than ever, but he would bring experience and versatility in the short-term for Arsenal. The big Spaniard has been a La Liga regular for much of the last decade with spells at Valencia, Villarreal and Deportivo La Coruna – the latter have been in the Segunda Division of late – and even has a 2010 World Cup winner’s medal among his collection – albeit he was merely a squad member.
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Also capable in defensive midfield, there are worse options out there…
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Titus Bramble
We’re only joking… or are we?
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William Gallas
A former Gunner, Gallas is without a club after a tough time in Australia. He may no longer have the athleticism he once boasted, but there’s no denying that the Frenchman was a top class Premier League performer in his day. That nous should not have left him just yet, making the 37-year-old a faint possibility.
Schalke’s star striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could soon be on his way to the Premier League.
The Dutchman’s contract expires in the summer, and his agent has now announced that Huntelaar is weighing up his options regarding next season – but he will have made a decision by the start of the January transfer window.
The 29-year-old has been on the radar of many European clubs for his sublime finishing. Last season, Huntelaar recorded an outstanding 48 goals in 47 games for german club Schalke.
This campaign, the Holland international has been less prolific, scoring just three times in the Bundesliga, but has netted four in four appearances in the Champions League.
Referred to as the Hunter, the 6 foot 1 forward is used to moving clubs, with his longest stint being the three years he spent at Ajax from 2006 to 2009. He then moved to Real Madrid, who paid £17million for his services, but left after half a season to join AC Milan for a year, before signing for Schalke in 2010.
Huntelaar’s decision to not already extent his expiring contract has alerted a host of clubs, including Juventus, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham, however, agent Arnoldus Oosterveer has informed the press that his client remains undecided over his future.
“Klaas has not decided” Oosterveer told calciomercato.it.
“He’s had offers from England, Italy and Spain. It’s also possible he could stay in Germany.
“He wants his future planned by the winter.
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“In the next 45 days he wants to know his next project and it will be decided by his football ambitions and not by money.
“His dream is to fight to win titles in Europe and to have chances to be successful, because today he is one of the best strikers in Europe” he added.
The transfer market can throw up some surprise rumours, and at this stage of the window, top Premier League clubs are linked with numerous names.
Liverpool have recruited one player so far in the form of Fabinho from Monaco, while Naby Keita has arrived after agreeing a switch from RB Leipzig last year.
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Plenty of media reports have suggested that the Reds are hunting for a new goalkeeper and midfielder.
On Friday, Calciomercato reported that the Reds are eyeing a move for Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne.
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The 27-year-old, who has been at Napoli for his entire career so far, is believed to be admired by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
The speculation has come out of the blue, and there has been no indication from the player that he has any interest in moving on this summer.
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In addition, the Merseyside outfit would have to pay a hefty figure considering that Insigne’s contract does not expire until 2022.
After the rumour emerged, Liverpool fans took to Twitter, and most believe that there is no foundation to these rumours.
Aleksandar Mitrovic struggled to hold down a regular place in the Newcastle United team, which led to his exit in the January transfer window.
The Serbian dropped down the pecking order under manager Rafael Benitez, with Dwight Gayle and Joselu being preferred.
On transfer deadline day last month, Mitrovic completed a loan move to Fulham, which is due to last until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old has made three appearances for the Cottagers, but is yet to play a full 90 minutes.
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On Wednesday night, Mitrovic opened his scoring account by poking the ball into the back of the net from close range.
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Fulham did not manage to take all three points, but their bid for promotion to the Premier League continues as they recorded a 1-1 draw with Bristol City.
Mitrovic’s impressive performance caught the eye of Newcastle fans, some of whom never wanted the forward to leave in the first place.
After an incredible 501 days, Newcastle United made their first cash purchase since January 2013 with the recent capture of Tenerife starlet Ayoze Perez. And just like London buses, the twenty year old Spaniard was joined at St James’ Park shortly afterwards by the controversial free transfer of Jack Colback.
Fans may bemoan the fees involved or the relative reputations of the new arrivals but it is business which indicates that the club may be prepared to conduct some much needed business in the summer ahead. A tired squad with clear areas of concern may finally be given the fresh impetus it so desperately needs.
The World Cup will likely provide an unwelcome distraction from the Magpies’ recruitment plans. But with so many players keen to impress in Brazil, Graham Carr and Alan Pardew will likely be watching events unfold with some interest.
Bearing this in mind, here is PART ONE of Newcastle’s World Cup transfer hitlist.
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Click on Andre Ayew to start
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ANDRE AYEW
A winger long linked with the Magpies, the 24 year old Ghanaian’s desire to leave Marseille this summer has put a number of European clubs on alert. Ayew himself has fuelled the speculation by speaking of his “preference” to play in the Premier League.
The 24 year old equalised with a peach of a header in the recent draw with Germany.
With Hatem Ben Arfa clearly out of favour, Pardew could be interested in strengthening his attacking options with the acquisition of the Ghanaian. However, a bidding war is expected for Ayew and Newcastle will do well to convince the player to make the move to Tyneside.
ASHKAN DEJAGAH
Having gifted the Iranian the winner at Craven Cottage back in March, Tim Krul wouldn’t be pleased to see the winger at St James’ Park. The 27 year old impressed sporadically at Fulham this season though, and was arguably Iran’s most dangerous player at the World Cup.
BRAD GUZAN
Having usurped Shay Given as Villa’s number one a few season ago, Guzan has established himself as one of the club’s most consistent performers. Despite his relatively small stature, the American has almost single-handedly earned his side points with the number of saves he has made.
Unfortunately for Guzan, he has spent most of his time in Brazil so far watching Tim Howard and the rest of his international colleagues perform. But if Tim Krul is lured away this summer, the Magpies could do a lot worse than replacing him with the Villa number one.
BRUNO MARTINS INDI
Louis Van Gaal is rumoured to be interested in bringing the 22 year old with him to Old Trafford next season. The defender has achieved notoriety on the internet in recent weeks for THAT now infamous “death glare” towards Diego Costa.
Obviously Newcastle would struggle to compete with any potential offer from Manchester United. But with a reliable partner for Fabricio Coloccini needed, the Magpies should consider a move for the 22 year old that has impressed so far in Brazil.
BRYAN RUIZ
Ruiz turned down the advances of the Magpies to join Fulham back in 2011. But having spent the second half of the season on loan at PSV, the 28 year old is expected to depart Craven Cottage this summer.
Ruiz scored the winner in Costa Rica’s improbable recent victory over Italy with this impressive header.
With the club in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, Carr and Pardew could consider the prospect of signing the 28 year old once again. Ruiz has impressed in his country’s unlikely run to the knockout stages.
CARLOS CARMONA
Futbol, Chile vs Egipto.Partido amistoso 2013.El jugador de la seleccion chilena Carlos Carmona celebra su gol contra Egipto durante el partido amistoso disputado en el estadio Vicente Calderon de Madrid, Espana.06/02/2013 Andres Pina/Photosport*************** Football, Chile vs Egipto.Friendly match, 2013.The chilean national team player Carlos Carmona celebrates after scoring against Egypt during the friendly football match held at Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid, Spain.06/02/2013
With eight yellow cards and one red for Atalanta this season, Carmona’s disciplinary record suggests he is a player very much in the mould of Cheick Tiote.
The Chilean hasn’t featured much in Brazil so far but is rated highly in Serie A. If Pardew was looking to add more steel to his central midfield, Carmona could fit the bill.
CHRISTIAN BOLANOS
As well as lacking striking options, there is also a dearth of pace in the wide areas at Newcastle. Bolanos may be an unfamiliar name to many in England, but the FC Copenhagen winger has been linked with a move to Everton in the past.
Bolanos has looked threatening in his appearances in Brazil so far. However, at the age of thirty, the winger will have to have an exceptional tournament to convince the Magpies to deviate from their transfer blueprint.
CHRISTOPH KRAMER
Although he is unlikely to see much game time in Brazil this summer, Kramer is definitely one to watch for the future. Alongside Granit Xhaka, the 23 year old has formed an impressive midfield partnership for Borussia Monchengladbach this season.
As it stands, the player is currently on a two year loan from Bayer Leverkusen which makes it difficult for any immediate transfer. But if Kramer continues developing at his current rate, Newcastle would do well to snap him up before any of Europe’s elite.
EDER
The Portuguese striker’s name should be familiar to Newcastle fans, having reportedly attracted great attention from the Magpies last year. However, injury has severely limited the 26 year old’s impact this campaign, with just four goals to his name.
With Portugal seemingly destined for an early exit, Eder likely hasn’t done enough to convince Pardew or Carr that they should make a move. However, if the 26 year old re-discovers the form which saw him coveted by an number of suitors, the Magpies may come calling again sooner rather than later.
EMILIO IZAGUIRRE
Izaguirre hardly endeared himself to England fans with his cynical actions against Daniel Sturridge in the 0-0 draw in Miami. But the Honduran left back has impressed since making the move to Parkhead back in 2010.
Even if Davide Santon remains on Tyneside, the Magpies should seriously consider acquiring a more defensively reliable left back. Despite being 28 years old, Izaguirre could be considered as an affordable improvement to the current side.
EMMANUEL EMENIKE
Several recent reports have suggested that Emenike is set to be the subject of a transfer tussle between several Premier League clubs. Although Newcastle aren’t currently believed to be one of those sides, the urgent need for several strikers could see them turn to the in-demand Nigerian forward.
The 27 year old has impressed since transferring to Fenerbahce last summer and could be on the move once again. The forward has so far blown hot and cold in Brazil but may have convinced some of his suitors with his powerful display against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
ENNER VALENCIA
A goalscorer in Ecuador’s recent 2-2 draw with England, Valencia has netted three times at the World Cup already. The 25 year old enjoyed a prolific campaign at Mexican side Pachuca, netting eighteen times.
Capable of playing centrally or out wide, Valencia would be a versatile option in Newcastle’s attack. However, it would be a gamble for the club to move for the Ecuadorian currently plying his trade in Mexico.
ERIC MAXIM CHOUPO-MOTING
A forward capable of playing centrally or out wide, Choupo-Moting has netted twenty times in seventy four appearances at current club Mainz. However, with his contract expiring in the summer, the 25 year old has already outlined his intentions to move on.
Schalke, Roma, Inter Milan and Borussia Monchengladbach are all believed to be interested in the Cameroonian forward. At times frustratingly inconsistent, Choupo-Moting’s availability on a free and record in front of goal could interest Newcastle.
FELIPE CAICEDO
QUITO (12-10-2012).- Felipe Caiocedo, delantero de Ecuador, festeja su primer gol conseguido contra la selección de Chile, en el partido por la Eliminatorias Brasil 2014, en el Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa de Quito.Carlos Granja/ EL UNIVERSO
The former Manchester City, Malaga and Lokomotiv Moscow striker has hardly featured this summer. But with Shola Ameobi’s departure, Newcastle do lack a target man up top.
But having made the move to Al-Jazira as recently as January, any move for the 25 year old looks unlikely at this stage.
FELIPE GUTIERREZ
A central midfielder capable of occupying defensive and attacking roles, Gutierrez would offer a versatile option to Newcastle’s midfield. The 23 year old is strong in the tackle and a confident passer of the ball, although he does need to work on his creativity.
The Chilean does look set to have a big future in the game. However, whether he is the midfielder that Newcastle need right now is debatable.
FRASER FORSTER
With Joe Hart firmly entrenched as England’s number one, Forster is unlikely to see any game time in Brazil. However, the former Newcastle goalkeeper has impressed at Celtic, particularly in the Champions League.
If Tim Krul does move on this summer, Forster will almost certainly be considered as a potential replacement. The player himself has publicly spoken of his love for the club and would surely jump at the chance to return to St James’ Park.
GARY MEDEL
Following Cardiff City’s relegation, Medel is likely to be one of several players looking for moves away this summer. Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer has already said that he won’t stand in the way of the Chilean, should the £11.2 million signing request a transfer.
A tough tackling midfielder capable of deputising in defence, the Chilean would certainly add more bite to Newcastle’s midfield.
GRANIT XHAKA
One of two Borussia Monchengladbach midfielders on this list, Xhaka is expected to be on the move this summer. The 21 year old has impressed as a deep lying playmaker under Lucien Favre’s management in the Bundesliga this season.
After Yohan Cabaye’s departure, Xhaka could be the ideal candidate to fill the creative void. However, Newcastle will likely face stiff competition for the player’s signature, with Liverpool believed to be very keen on the Swiss international.
HECTOR MORENO
Moreno is expected to depart Espanyol this summer, although a decision on his future has been delayed until after the World Cup. The Mexican has been touted in some circles as a possible alternative to Mats Hummels in Manchester United’s transfer plans.
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Although the attack is Newcastle’s primary area of concern, another reliable central defender would be welcomed at St James’ Park. While Espanyol are believed to be willing to accept less than Moreno’s release clause, any deal will still likely claim a sizable chunk of the Magpies’ transfer budget.
JAVIER HERNANDEZ
If the rumours are to be believed, Chicharito has finally grown tired of his bit-part role at Old Trafford. A proven Premier League goalscorer, Pardew should consider a move for the out of favour striker.
However, Hernandez is currently being kept out of the Mexico team by the form of Oribe Peralta.
JEFFERSON MONTERO
Various reports have linked Montero with a number of Premier League clubs in the past year alone, including Arsenal and Swansea City. Antonio Valencia is even believed to have recommended his countryman to his colleagues at Old Trafford.
Against makeshift right back James Milner, Montero had a strong showing in the recent 2-2 draw with England. With Newcastle in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, Carr and Pardew could have their eyes on Montero.
JOEL CAMPBELL
Contracted to Arsenal, the Costa Rican travels to Brazil off of the back of a successful loan spell at Olympiakos. The forward netted on ten occasions in Greece and is capable of playing in any role across the front three.
Campbell netted the first in Costa Rica’s shock 3-1 victory over Uruguay.
Reports have suggested that Campbell is already on Newcastle’s radar. Whether it is on loan or even a permanent move, the 21 year old could be the answer to the club’s current attacking woes.
JOEL MATIP
Although his contract is understood to run up until 2016, Matip is believed to be in the shop window this summer.
Available for a fee in the region of £8 million, Matip could fit into Newcastle’s current transfer blueprint. However, they could find it difficult to lure the player to St James’ Park, with Arsenal and Barcelona being linked to the defender in the past.
JORDAN AYEW
Having spent the second half of last season on loan at Sochaux, Marseille are believed to be ready to listen to offers for the 22 year old forward. Although he wouldn’t be the first name on Newcastle’s shortlist, a strong showing at the World Cup could make the Magpies pay closer attention.
The striker has been linked with West Brom in the past two windows whilst Hull are also believed to be interested.
CARLOS BACCA
Having already lost Ivan Rakitic, Sevilla will not be keen to lose another key individual this summer. But the 27 year old Colombian striker has inevitably attracted attention with his form this season, having netted fourteen times in La Liga.
If the budget allows it, Pardew should keep a keen eye on the Colombian striker.
Wayne Rooney is the only Englishman to have made the 23 man shortlist for the prestigious award which is once again dominated by Real Madrid and Barcelona stars.
Despite five Premier League stars such as Champions Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli along with United teammate Robin Van Persie also being shortlisted, Rooney is the only representative England have for the award which will be presented in Zurich on 7th January.
Despite Fergie lauding praise on Rooney and fellow forward RVP claiming that “The best quality both of them have is that they can turn a game,” and Rooney showing his versatility in midfield, it seems hard to look past bookies favourite Leo Messi for a fourth consecutive award and even if you can there is a certain Cristiano Ronaldo waiting behind him with the two players being hailed as “from another planet” by Jose Mourinho.
Other notable inclusions on the list include former Chelsea hero Didier Drogba and “ indescribable” Columbian striker Ramadel Falcao who coach Simeone claims is “among the three best players in the world” meaning Rooney faces stiff competition to even make the top three.
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Elsewhere in the shortlist for the coaches award the Premier League is represented by Di Matteo who guided Chelsea to the biggest prise of all last season along with Fergie and rival Roberto Mancini who will all face stiff competition from Spanish national manager Del Bosque and the Special One himself Jose Mourinho.
Rangers head into the new Scottish Premiership season with optimism and ambition after the appointment of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in May.
The challenge ahead of the Light Blues is enormous after finishing third in the table for the second successive season in 2017/18, 12 points behind title winners Celtic. Mark Warburton, Pedro Caixinha and Graeme Murty have all failed to find a way to beat Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic in a one off match, never mind across an entire season.
However, there’s again a genuine belief that they can challenge for the major honours in Scotland once again, with fans desperate to at least push the Hoops closer at the top of the table.
Having already made six summer signings already, including the arrival of two defenders this week in Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson, Gerrard is wasting no time in addressing the squad’s deficits.
Now Rangers fans have a much clearer picture of the immediate challenge ahead, following confirmation of their first six Scottish Premiership fixtures…
5th August – Aberdeen (A)
11th August – St. Mirren (H)
25th August – Motherwell (A)
1st September – Celtic (A)
15th September – Dundee (H)
22nd September – St. Johnstone (H)
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Verdict
Gerrard will need to start his Rangers spell strongly to win over those uncertain of the Anfield icon’s credentials but an away trip to Aberdeen – who finished above the Glasgow outfit last season – certainly won’t be an easy opener. Alongside that, Gerrard will experience his first Old Firm derby just four games into the new top flight season and will be at a significant disadvantage for it, having to take his Rangers side to Celtic Park.
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If Rangers come out of that with two decent results though, confidence will surely grow. Motherwell, Dundee and St. Johnstone all finished in the bottom half last season while St. Mirren gained promotion from the second tier, so Gerrard should find some more luck in those fixtures. Overall then, it’s a tricky start for the former England skipper but one that is certainly navigable.
Rangers are back on the right track after Tuesday night’s Scottish Premiership action after they comfortably defeated Partick Thistle 2-0 at Firhill.
Josh Windass and James Tavernier scored in each half to secure the three points, just days after a disappointing loss to Hibernian at Ibrox.
Having found themselves again adrift of Aberdeen in second, it was vitally important they win their game in hand and having done so move to within three points of Derek McInnes’ outfit.
Fans were pleased with the result but still found some frustration in the performance of the team and the decisions made by Graeme Murty.
One big talking point coming out of the evening was the lack of action for new signing Greg Docherty, who had to settle for five minutes off the bench in place of Daniel Candeias.
The promising Scotland U21 international is seen as an exciting prospect within the Rangers support and they’re calling on the Rangers boss to give him his first start away to Ayr United in the Scottish Cup on Sunday.
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For the majority of David Moyes’ first season in charge at Manchester United, there has been a criticism of the Glaswegian’s inability to shake the mentality he held on to while at Everton: the mentality of the underdog.
Moyes quickly understood the vastness of his new club; he’s alluded on a number of occasions to just how overwhelming his new working environment is compared to the expectations he held prior to the move.
The constantly reloading rifle told of the dissatisfaction at seeing a Manchester United team play as if they were the weaker side in a tie, even if playing at Old Trafford. Moyes was conservative in his approach to tactics. Of course, he was handicapped by the severe lack of creative outlets in the centre of midfield, but he hardly ever gave the impression he was abandoning caution and sending his team out to pummel at the door of the opposition defence, as United have been known to do under Alex Ferguson.
The tie against Bayern Munich in the Champions League does give Moyes that opportunity to call on his ace card, the one that became such a valued ally while at Goodison Park.
Moyes hasn’t become a bad coach over night. The job at Old Trafford has exposed some of his shortcomings, but this is still a manager who was praised for the organisation of his Everton teams, building from the back and going out not to lose. It’s not the United way, but it can be over the course of two legs against Bayern.
United don’t have two of their three most important cogs to call on. Robin van Persie is out injured and Juan Mata is cup tied. It may force a recall of Adnan Januzaj to the starting XI, as well as a stay in the team for Shinji Kagawa, who has shown some promise in recent games.
But United, like most, have a steep climb. They’re unlikely to outscore Bayern if it turns into a back-and-forth, open game. Guardiola’s side can be irresistible going forward when they choose to turn on the style.
Instead, it should be about damage limitation. There is still a lot to salvage in the league, even if Champions League football is out of reach. A strong finish to the domestic season will be a boost to the rebuilding phase of this summer.
At Everton, Moyes knew how to prepare his sides defensively. Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin’s excellent partnership this season has the Moyes stamp all over it. It’s given Roberto Martinez a strong base with which to build his own team.
It’s not to say it will be easy against Bayern. Patrice Evra is out through suspension and Rafael has at least one mistake in him over the course of two legs. Adding to that, Nemanja Vidic is no longer the centre-back he once was, and, evidenced by the home derby defeat to Manchester City, United can suffer immensely from a lack of protection in midfield.
But that was when Moyes needed something. He threw caution to the wind with his team selection and went for a positive result. We’ve seen on a number of occasions this season that attacking, expansive football isn’t his strong suit.
Against Bayern, it will be time to call on his defensive preparation. His organisational skills as a manager have been plain for all to see over the years. He does have players currently at his disposal who are capable of working the flanks and tracking Bayern’s runners. Stacking the defences and forcing the game wide when in possession – which can bring a lot of promise if Rafinha is chosen at right-back and isolated – is part of what brought Moyes success at Everton.
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The clash with Bayern won’t be used as a means to measure Moyes as a United manager. It will be an opportunity for him to show his credentials as a good coach, a coach his builds defensive stability. His Everton sides may have had a poor record against the top teams in England, but you never expected them to get mauled to the tune of five or six-nil.
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