Football writer Ninad Barbadikar analyses Friday night’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Old Trafford.
Harry Maguire’s late winner for Manchester United against former club Leicester City booked a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the Red Devils in dramatic fashion.
Ruben Amorim’s side were perhaps fortunate with no VAR in play for this round of FA Cup games, with the technology set to be introduced in the fifth round, as Maguire looked to be in an offside position when Bruno Fernandes delivered his set-piece for the goal.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Foxes will feel hard done by after the first half in which they were the better side. This marks their ninth defeat in 13 matches since the Dutchman took charge in early December.
“We are not defeated in Fergie time, we are defeated in offside time,” said the Leicester head coach after the game.
Joshua Zirkzee scored once again at Old Trafford to cancel out Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s opener during the match. Zirkzee has now scored four out of his five goals for the club at home.
Leicester’s opener was United’s 32nd goal conceded across 20 matches in all competitions. Amongst Premier League sides, only Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and the Foxes themselves have conceded more, with 36, 35 and 34 respectively.
After struggling for much of the first half to create their own chances, De Cordova-Reid’s goal close to half-time felt like an accurate summation of the proceedings at Old Trafford.
The Jamaican’s strike was the seventh time United conceded the first goal in their last eight home enconuters.
A tally of just two shots in the first half spoke volumes about their struggles in breaking down an opponent whom they had beaten 3-0 in early November, with van Nistelrooy in charge of Man Utd on a temporary basis.
See: De Cordova-Reid’s goal v Man Utd
De Cordova-Reid, who had just scored one goal in all competitions before last Friday evening, made it 17 successive FA Cup games with goals scored for the Foxes.
Alejandro Garnacho started the game on the bench as Amorim preferred Kobbie Mainoo on the right, but the former entered the play at the expense of debutant Patrick Dorgu, who endured a testing first 45 minutes in English football.
“They’re boring now,” said United legend Roy Keane whilst speaking on ITV. United produced just two shots in the first half.
In stark contrast to that dull first 45 minutes, super-sub Garnacho added some much-needed spark to the attack and was denied his opportunity to equalise by Caleb Okoli, who put in the clearance of the game to keep the ball out of the Leicester net.
Moments later though, Garnacho made the difference again, providing the cross for Rasmus Hojlund’s initial shot whose rebound was swept home by Zirkzee.
See: Zirkzee’s equaliser v Leicester
Garnacho ended the night with four shots, eight touches in the opposition box and a 50 per cent shot on target rate.
Goalscorer Maguire was clear in his thoughts after the game and explained United’s struggles and comeback.
“The first half was nowhere near good enough, we played at a slow tempo and we didn’t really get going,” said the United No 5.
“I think the second half we came out a lot bigger tempo, we dominated the game and it really felt like we were going to get that winner, it would fall to us and thankfully, I put it in the back of the net.”
The 31-year-old’s late winner, scored in the final minute of the match, was the first time a United player had scored a second-half stoppage time winner in the FA Cup since Anthony Martial’s memorable winner against Everton in 2016.
The numbers showed 1.82 Expected Goals (xG) for United versus Leicester’s 0.89, with Amorim’s side creating just 0.04 xG in the first half. A similar tale ensued for the Foxes in the second 45 minutes, where they managed just 0.06 xG.
Man Utd looked a completely different side after the break due to the introduction of Garnacho and Zirkzee as they produced a total of 11 shots in the second half, four on target as well as four big chances.
“We didn’t have any energy in the beginning, especially in the first-half. Then in the second half we played a little bit better, with a little more speed, winning second balls,” said United head coach Amorim, after the game.
“Then we managed to turn things around so it was a good result not a good performance.”
See: Amorim’s post-match press conference in full
Though wins have been difficult to come by in the league, Amorim has now won five out of his seven cup games in charge of the Red Devils.
The 13-time winners of the FA Cup will discover their fate in the fifth round along with other winning sides when the draw takes place from 19:10 GMT on Monday 10 February.
The fifth-round ties are scheduled to be held on the weekend of 1-2 March, after Matchweek 27 and before Matchweek 28 in the Premier League.
Fifteen more Premier League sides will look to join Man Utd in the fifth round.
At least three more top-flight clubs are guaranteed to join the Red Devils, as Everton take on AFC Bournemouth on Saturday at 15:00 GMT, Brighton & Hove Albion face Chelsea at 20:00 GMT while Aston Villa host Spurs the following day at 17:35 GMT.
12:15 Leeds United v Millwall
12.15 Leyton Orient v Manchester City
15:00 Coventry City v Ipswich Town
15:00 Everton v AFC Bournemouth
15:00 Preston v Wycombe Wanderers
15:00 Southampton v Burnley
15:00 Stoke City v Cardiff City
15:00 Wigan Athletic v Fulham
17:45 Birmingham City v Newcastle United
20:00 Brighton & Hove Albion v Chelsea
12:30 Blackburn Rovers v Wolves
15:00 Plymouth v Liverpool
17:35 Aston Villa v Spurs
19:45 Doncaster Rovers v Crystal Palace
20:00 Exeter City v Nottingham Forest
The recent match between Manchester United and Leicester City was a thrilling encounter that taught us a few valuable lessons. Here are some key takeaways from the match:
1. Importance of teamwork: Both teams showed great teamwork and cohesion on the field, working together to create scoring opportunities and defend against their opponents. It was clear that teamwork is essential for success in football.
2. Resilience pays off: Despite going behind early in the match, Manchester United showed resilience and fought back to secure a 2-1 victory. This demonstrates the importance of perseverance and never giving up, even when faced with adversity.
3. Individual brilliance shines through: Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Mason Greenwood showcased their individual skill and talent, scoring crucial goals for their team. This highlights the impact that individual brilliance can have on a game.
4. Tactical awareness is key: Both managers made strategic decisions throughout the match, such as making substitutions and adjusting formations. This emphasizes the importance of tactical awareness and the ability to adapt to different situations on the field.
Overall, the match between Manchester United and Leicester City was a great display of skill, teamwork, and resilience. It serves as a reminder of the valuable lessons that can be learned from the world of football.
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#learned #Man #Utd #Leicester
72. A cynical trip from Hughes sends Hojlund sprawling in the centre of the pitch.
It’s a clear yellow card although the midfielder points out it wouldn’t have happened if Eze had been awarded a free-kick seconds earlier.
70. Manchester United need a goal. Rasmus Hojlund needs a goal. Joshua Zirkzee needs a goal.
Both strikers are now on, taking over from Kobbie Mainoo and Noussair Mazraoui.
68. Rather than rallying since falling behind, United are suddenly looking shakey.
Palace smell blood, and Hughes has the chance to slip in Mateta for a second but overcooks his pass.
66. Bruno Fernandes was booked for dissent in the aftermath of that Crystal Palace goal.
I’ve no idea what he may have been complaining about, but he’s not alone among those inside Old Trafford.
64. Crystal Palace lead through Jean-Philippe Mateta!
It’s an instant impact from substitute Ebere Eze, who swings a delightful free-kick over for Maxence Lacroix to meet.
The defender’s thumping header crashes against the crossbar and with Andre Onana grounded, Mateta reacts quicker than Harry Maguire to follow up and bury into the empty net.
The travelling fans celebrate, and now sense another victory over Manchester United.
In a shocking turn of events, Lisandro Martinez suffered a sickening knee injury during the match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace. The defender’s injury forced the game to be halted as he received medical attention on the pitch.
The severity of Martinez’s injury is still unknown, but it was clear from the reaction of players and fans that it was a serious incident. The Argentine defender has been a key player for Manchester United this season, and his absence will surely be felt in the coming matches.
Fans and teammates alike are hoping for a speedy recovery for Martinez, and are sending their thoughts and prayers to him during this difficult time. Stay tuned for more updates on his condition as they become available.
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#Lisandro #Martinez #injury #updates #Man #Utd #Crystal #Palace #halted #defender #suffers #sickening #knee #injury #loss
Aston Villa v Chelsea (14:30 GMT)
New Aston Villa manager Natalia Arroyo makes three changes to the team that lost 4-2 to Manchester City last time out.
Lucy Paker, Noelle Maritz and Gabi Nunes are preferred to Danielle Turner, Maz Pacheco and Adriana Leon.
Aston Villa XI: D’Angelo; Mayling, Patten, Parker, Maritz; Nobbs, Baijings; Nunes, Daly, Hanson; Grant.
Subs: Talbert, Tomas, Turner, Taylor, Robinson, Leon, Salmon.
New Chelsea signing Kiera Walsh makes the bench as the Blues make five changes to the team that beat Arsenal 1-0 last time out.
In come Ashley Lawrence, Wieke Kaptein, Aggie Beever-Jones, Guro Reiten and Lauren James.
They replace Lucy Bronze, Sjoeke Nusken, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Sandy Baltimore and Mayra Ramirez.
Chelsea XI: Hampton; Lawrence, Bjorn, Bright, Charles; Cuthbert, Kaptein; Reiten, Macario, James; Beever-Jones.
Subs: Liefting, Mpome, Walsh, Jean Francois, Nusken, Brown, Hamano, Kaneryd, Ramirez.
WSL LIVE: Man City vs Arsenal, Brighton vs Crystal Palace, Everton vs Leicester, Liverpool vs West Ham, Aston Villa vs Chelsea & Tottenham vs Man Utd – scores, results & latest updates
Today is an exciting day in the Women’s Super League as some of the top teams face off in thrilling matchups. Here are the latest scores, results, and updates from the matches:
– Man City vs Arsenal: The game ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with both teams putting on a fantastic display of skill and determination.
– Brighton vs Crystal Palace: Brighton emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, securing three crucial points in the league.
– Everton vs Leicester: Everton dominated the game and secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Leicester, showcasing their strength and prowess on the field.
– Liverpool vs West Ham: Liverpool came out on top with a 2-1 win over West Ham, with both teams putting on a competitive and entertaining performance.
– Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Chelsea proved their dominance with a 4-0 win over Aston Villa, showcasing their talent and skill as one of the top teams in the league.
– Tottenham vs Man Utd: In a highly anticipated matchup, Tottenham and Man Utd ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw, with both teams putting on a fantastic display of talent and determination.
Stay tuned for more updates and results from the Women’s Super League matches happening today. Exciting football action awaits! #WSL #ManCity #Arsenal #Brighton #CrystalPalace #Everton #Leicester #Liverpool #WestHam #AstonVilla #Chelsea #Tottenham #ManUtd #Scores #Results #Updates
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Jason Wilcox, Manchester United’s technical director, said: “Patrick is a really exciting talent; his strong defensive and attacking attributes, adaptability and work-rate will make him a key part of Ruben Amorim’s squad.
“Patrick has had a superb start to his career, and at the age of just 20, we know he will continue to develop under the guidance of our excellent coaching team.
“Patrick is the latest exciting young player that we have brought into the club. We believe that each of these talents has world-class potential and the ability to play a key role in achieving the success that everyone at Manchester United is striving for.”
Manchester United have completed the signing of talented young striker Patrick Dorgu from Italian club Lecce. The 18-year-old Nigerian forward is seen as one of the brightest prospects in European football and has caught the eye with his performances in the youth ranks at Lecce.
Dorgu is known for his pace, skill, and eye for goal, and he will add a new dimension to United’s attacking options. The Red Devils beat off competition from several top clubs to secure his signature, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to add young, exciting talent to his squad.
Dorgu is expected to initially join up with United’s youth team, but he will have the opportunity to train with the first team and push for a place in the senior squad. With United looking to build for the future, Dorgu could play a key role in the club’s long-term plans.
Fans will be eagerly anticipating Dorgu’s debut in a United shirt, and they will be hoping that he can make a big impact at Old Trafford. Stay tuned for more transfer news and updates as United continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
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#Transfer #news #Man #Utd #sign #Patrick #Dorgu #Lecce
Dorgu’s story began with local youth football in his home city of Copenhagen, as well as playing with his siblings. One of his brothers is an attacker for Genoa’s under-20 team, while the other is a goalkeeper in Denmark’s lower leagues.
At 12 years old he was scouted by Danish Superliga side Nordsjaelland, a club – owned by the Right To Dream academy in Ghana – renowned for producing promising young talents. Brighton’s Simon Adingra and Brentford duo Mathias Jensen and Mikkel Damsgaard are among the academy’s alumni.
Nordsjaelland are specialists at developing youngsters, with the best of the best spending a season or two with the first team before moving on.
Yet in 2022, newly promoted Serie A side Lecce paid about €200,000 (£167,000) to sign the then 17-year-old Dorgu before he had made a single senior appearance.
“He’s sort of a glitch in the matrix,” Karsten Krogh, Serie A journalist at Danish podcast Mediano, tells BBC Sport.
“He never really did that well as a youth player in Denmark, he was never a star anywhere. It wasn’t like the other teams in Denmark were lining up to get his signature.”
After helping Lecce win the Italian under-19 title in his first season, the club’s then-first team manager Roberto d’Aversa fast-tracked Dorgu into his squad.
“He’s growing a lot and I see a bright future for him,” D’Aversa said at the time.
“In football there are no ages, there are strong players and less strong ones. He is one of the strong players.”
This season Dorgu has switched between the right wing and left-back in a back four, providing three assists and scoring once while starting all but one of Lecce’s Serie A games.
His performances have convinced United to take action, even if his childhood dream was to play for Chelsea.
In a surprising move, Manchester United has signed Portuguese midfielder Patrick Dorgu in a deal that has left many fans scratching their heads. With Ruben Amorim struggling to find his form in recent matches, could this ‘glitch in the matrix’ be the solution to his problem?
Dorgu, known for his lightning-fast speed and precision passing, could provide the creative spark that United has been missing in midfield. With his ability to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities, he could be the key to unlocking United’s attacking potential.
However, some skeptics are questioning whether Dorgu is the right fit for United’s style of play. With Amorim’s struggles, the pressure will be on Dorgu to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.
Only time will tell if this unexpected signing will pay off for United. Can Dorgu be the missing piece in the puzzle that helps United turn their season around? Or will this ‘glitch in the matrix’ only add to Amorim’s problems? Stay tuned to find out.
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#Man #Utd #sign #Patrick #Dorgu #glitch #matrix #solve #Ruben #Amorims #problem
Matheus Cunha quickly became a key player for Wolverhampton Wanderers, showcasing his versatility across the attacking line. Whether playing as an attacking midfielder, supporting striker, or center-forward, the Brazilian adapted effortlessly to each role.
His standout performances have attracted interest from top clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, with Fichajes reporting that they are keeping tabs on him. Despite his strong form at Wolves, there are rumors suggesting the club could be willing to sell him for over €70 million.
In other news, Sky Sports News reports that Nottingham Forest is preparing a club-record offer for Cunha, with a bid of around £60 million, possibly convincing Wolves to let him go.
MailSport reports that Manchester United are interested in Cunha, but Wolves are said to want around £70 million for a potential sale.
Meanwhile, Give Me Sport reported, citing sources, that Chelsea, Newcastle United, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur are all interested in Cunha, but Arsenal are reportedly leading the race. It has been reported that Cunha prefers to join Arsenal and be part of their title challenge at the Emirates.
The forward is in the final two-and-a-half years of his £60,000-per-week contract but has opted not to sign an improved deal, leaving Wolves in a difficult position. This could give Arsenal an opportunity to make a move late in the transfer window.
Give Me Sport also reported, citing sources, that Wolves have stated they will not sell Cunha mid-season, as his departure could threaten their hopes of avoiding relegation to the Championship.
Manchester United are facing stiff competition in their pursuit of Wolves star Ruben Neves, with reports suggesting they will need to pay a hefty £70 million to secure his services.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Portuguese midfielder, who has been a key player for Wolves in recent seasons. However, Nottingham Forest and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in Neves, adding to the competition for his signature.
Neves has impressed with his performances in the Premier League and has caught the eye of several top clubs across Europe. With his contract at Wolves set to expire in 2023, the Midlands club may be willing to cash in on him this summer.
Manchester United are in need of reinforcements in midfield, and Neves could be the perfect addition to their squad. However, they will need to meet Wolves’ £70 million asking price if they want to secure his services.
It remains to be seen whether United will be willing to meet Wolves’ valuation for Neves, but with competition from other clubs, they may need to act quickly if they want to bring him to Old Trafford. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing transfer saga.
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#Man #Utd #Pay #70M #Wolves #Star #Nottingham #Forest #PSG #Transfer #Links
Arsenal target Ollie Watkins is “happy to stay” at Aston Villa after Jhon Duran was sold to Saudi club Al-Nassr in a £64m deal before the transfer deadline.
The Gunners were preparing a spectacular second bid the England international after an an opening offer was rejected, with Arsenal desperate to sign a striker before Monday’s deadline. But Duran’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr may end Arsenal’s hopes as Aston Villa are unlikely to sell both strikers this month.
Meanwhile, Mathys Tel has sent Premier League clubs into a frenzy but telling Bayern Munich that he wants to leave. Tottenham have agreed a £50m deal but Manchester United believe they hold an advantage that could prove decisive in the race with Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs – who Tel is reported to have rejected.
That may depend on selling Alejandro Garnacho, however, with United setting Chelsea a new price for the 20-year-old Argentina winger. Marcus Rashford is also searching for a move away from Old Trafford, but only one club looks like a possible option this January.
Follow all the latest news, rumours and deals below
It isn’t often Pep Guardiola wishes he had suffered defeat. But as he looks back four months, to what now looks the moment Manchester City’s era of dominance came to an abrupt end, he said: “I would have preferred to lose that game and have Rodri all season, absolutely.”
Guardiola didn’t lose the game in question. John Stones’ 98th-minute equaliser against Arsenal in September seemed colossal in the context of the title race. Not now: or only in the way points have tended to escape Arsenal’s grasp. It was the second of seven games this season they have drawn after leading, despite a heroic defensive display in the second half.
For City, however, the seismic setback had nothing to do with the scoreline. Penalty shootouts aside, they lost a lone game in which Rodri appeared last season: the FA Cup final. They have lost 10 this season: none in the first month after the Spaniard was sidelined, then in a flurry.
Lawrence Ostlere1 February 2025 11:39
Ferguson has been the subject of interest from around Europe with Arsenal, Leverkusen, Bournemouth, and Tottenham all keeping tabs on the Irish 20-year-old.
Brighton are apparently willing to sell the youngster despite his potential, with a reported asking price of around £40m.
Lawrence Ostlere1 February 2025 11:22
The 19-year-old Bayern Munich forward is a wanted man this winter, but he has rejected a £50m transfer to Tottenham and reports say he is keen on Old Trafford as a short-term destination.
Bayern would like to keep Tel, but he wants to depart for more playing time after a fading role under Vincent Kompany this season.
“Mathys can imagine a move away. We need to come to terms with the facts,” said Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl this week.
“Whether it’s a loan or a sale, we’ll see. It needs to be right for all parties. Will we do it? Our squad is very well set up.”
Lawrence Ostlere1 February 2025 11:06
Chelsea have signed England midfielder Keira Walsh from Barcelona on a four-and-a-half-year deal, the Women’s Super League club said on Friday, with the 27-year-old keen to move closer to her family.
The move marks a return to English football for Walsh after two-and-a-half years with the Spanish club having joined Barcelona from Manchester City in Sept. 2022 for a then world record fee in women’s soccer of 400,000 pounds ($495,920.00).
“I’ll be honest, I didn’t realise how difficult it would be to be away from my family and friends when I went abroad,” Walsh said on Chelsea’s official website.
“It’s no secret that I wanted to come and wanted to play closer to my friends and family. Just having my family back in the stands, it’s something I’ve just wanted for a long time.”
Walsh had been with City since 2014, where she had won one WSL title and three FA Cups, and at Barcelona won eight trophies at Barcelona including two Champions League titles and two Spanish league wins.
The midfielder has made 80 appearances for England, winning Euro 2022 and a runner-up at the World Cup in 2023 and joins a Chelsea team who have a seven-point lead over Manchester United in the WSL, and their next game is at Aston Villa on Sunday.
The signing comes just days after Chelsea made Naomi Girma the first female million-dollar player, signing the United States defender to a for a world-record transfer fee reported by British media to be in the region of 900,000 pounds.
Lawrence Ostlere1 February 2025 11:01
Will Lankshear has joined West Brom on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old striker has made six first-team appearances for Spurs this term, scoring against Galatasaray in their Europa League meeting in November.
Lankshear will join up with West Brom on Monday, ahead of next Saturday’s Championship meeting with Sheffield Wednesday.
He told wba.co.uk: “I am delighted to join this great club. I’m looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and I can’t wait to play in front of all the fans.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to compete for game time and, hopefully, score goals that can help the club push on to get promoted during my time here.
“Tony Mowbray is a manager who everyone says only good things about and I’m keen to learn as much from him as I can over the next few months.”
Lawrence Ostlere1 February 2025 10:51
Ruben Amorim meanwhile has heaped praise on Alejandro Garnacho for the way he has kicked on and “changed in everything” since the disappointment of being left out of the Manchester derby.
It is seven weeks since the Argentina international and fellow academy graduate Marcus Rashford were surprisingly omitted from the United squad that went on to to secure a late comeback win at City.
The latter’s continued exile is dominating the headlines, and while talk about Garnacho’s future also continues, the 20-year-old’s response to the City setback appears starkly different.
“He changed right away since that game against City,” head coach Amorim said of Garnacho. “The way he understands things and understands that I just want to help him, I just want to win games.
“He changed in everything: the approach when you talk with him, the way he recovers.
“He understands that sometimes I’m a different coach, that I am demanding in my way and sometimes it’s hard with the first impact because it’s a different kind of coach.
“He understands that it is never in a bad way, it’s always for him, but I am different person.
“I think all the merit (goes to) Garnacho. He is improving and we want to continue to improve with Garnacho.”
Lawrence Ostlere1 February 2025 10:42
“It depends what the players are looking for,” Postecoglou said on potential new signings.
“You can look at it two ways, OK the league form is not great but there’s some pretty big possibilities to have success here in the last three or four months.
“It’s still a big club, it’s still a club that can challenge for honours and it’s whether the player sees the potential that we see right now, or certainly that I see. If it’s too much of a hard sell, it’s probably not the right one for us.
“You need a bit of discipline. The one thing I don’t want to do is bring somebody in who is just going to be another body.
“I don’t think that serves any purpose knowing what we’ve got coming. That aside, there is definitely a need for us and has been a need. That’s why we’ve been looking for a player or two to help us with what’s ahead, but they have to be the right types and fit in with what we’re doing.
“I guess that’s the tricky bit. There are plenty of players available but are they going to be the right ones? That’s the question for us.”
Lawrence Ostlere1 February 2025 10:25
Tottenham remain an attractive proposition for new players ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, according to Ange Postecoglou.
Spurs are in desperate need of reinforcements with nine first-teamers unavailable for the trip to Brentford on Sunday.
It has been a similar story across the last two months and while Postecoglou has repeatedly called for his depleted squad to be given help, the club are yet to sign an outfield player going into the final days of the transfer window.
Talks have taken place with Bayern Munich over the potential signing of Mathys Tel, but the 19-year-old forward has reportedly rejected the move.
Tottenham can still end a 17-year trophy drought this term with key Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League fixtures to come during the next six weeks, but have dropped to 15th in the Premier League to raise relegation fears.
Lawrence Ostlere1 February 2025 10:20
Spurs are also reported to on the hunt for Alejandro Garnacho, after losing out on the chase for Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich.
Tel rejected a move to Tottenham after a transfer fee had been agreed between the two clubs.
But the Mail reports that Spurs have quickly shifted their attention to Old Trafford, where Garnacho is available and being courted by Napoli and Chelsea among other clubs in Europe.
Man Utd want £60m for the young winger, according to the Mail.
Lawrence Ostlere1 February 2025 10:10
Spurs are closing in on the signing of AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.
That’s according to Sky Sports, which claims the former Chelsea centre-half is a key target at Tottenham.
Spurs want to add a defender before the deadline on Monday, with Christian Romero and Radu Dragusin both injured and Micky Van de Ven only just recovered from a hamstring strain.
But Sky Sports says that although Spurs and Milan are in ‘advanced talks’, no agreement has yet been made with the player.
One to watch over the weekend.
Lawrence Ostlere1 February 2025 10:01
In this transfer news LIVE update, it has been revealed that Tel is now eyeing a move to Manchester United after snubbing Spurs. Meanwhile, Garnacho’s transfer saga continues with the latest updates. Aston Villa is reportedly interested in signing Rashford, while Chelsea is chasing after Ferguson. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest transfer news in the world of football! #TransferNews #ManUtd #Spurs #Garnacho #AstonVilla #Rashford #Chelsea #Ferguson
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#Transfer #news #LIVE #Tel #Man #Utd #snubbing #Spurs #Garnacho #latest #Villa #eye #Rashford #Chelsea #chase #Ferguson
The league phase of the UEFA Europa League finishes on Thursday, January 30, and it will then be time for the draw for the play-off rounds.
Manchester United and Tottenham are currently in the top eight places that secure qualification directly for the last 16, while Rangers are in a play-off spot.
The draw for the play-off round for the UEFA Europa League will take place on Friday, January 31 at midday UK time. It will be held in Nyon, Switzerland.
The two-legged play-off round ties are on February 13 and February 20.
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Yoro ‘sure we can win the trophy’ as Man Utd aim for Europa League glory
Video credit: Eurosport
The final Europa League standings have not been confirmed yet, with Lazio the only side guaranteed a top-eight finish.
Manchester United and Tottenham both look in a strong position to progress straight to the last 16.
A victory for United against FCSB will guarantee them a spot in the top eight, while Spurs host IF Elfsborg and will also qualify for the last 16 with a win.
Rangers have an outside chance of reaching the top eight on goal difference, but a lot of results would have to go their way. They are guaranteed at least a play-off place.
Rangers play Union Saint-Gilloise in their last league phase game.
The teams that finish the Europa League league phase between ninth and 16th are seeded for the play-off draw and will face a team placed between 17th to 24th. The seeded team will play the return leg at home.
Unlike a traditional UEFA knockout draw – where any seed can meet any unseeded team – the Europa League now adopts a bracket format from the play-off stage onwards. There is still a draw, but potential opponents are reduced to two options.
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Hargreaves backs Arsenal to win UCL if they sign a striker amid Watkins links
Video credit: Eurosport
For example, teams finishing ninth and 10th can only be drawn against teams finishing 23rd and 24th; teams finishing 11th and 12th can only be drawn against teams finishing 21st and 22nd; and so on.
The top eight sides will not find out their opponents until the last 16 draw on February 21, but the new bracket format means they will know their four possible opponents after the last round of league phase matches.
Teams can face another team from the same national association from the knockout phase play-offs onwards. They can also face teams they played during the league phase.
They will face either Gent, Real Betis, Copenhagen or Heidenheim.
The draw for the last 16 will be made on February 21.
The Europa League play-off and last-16 draws are set to take place on Friday, February 25th, 2022. The draw for the play-offs will be held at 13:00 GMT, followed by the draw for the last-16 at 14:00 GMT.
In the UK, fans can watch the draw live on BT Sport 2 or stream it on the BT Sport app. Additionally, the draw will also be available to watch on UEFA’s official website.
As for potential opponents, teams like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Rangers could face tough competition in the upcoming rounds. Possible opponents for these clubs include the likes of Sevilla, Napoli, and Lyon, among others.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting the draw to see who their favorite teams will come up against in the next stages of the Europa League. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and reactions following the draw.
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Manchester United and Chelsea are both considering a late move for Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, while Al Nassr are eying two of Europe’s top strikers. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.
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– Sources: Arsenal eye alternatives as Sesko hopes fade
– Sources: Man United push for Dorgu, Casemiro may leave
– Arsenal’s Tierney to rejoin Celtic in summer – Rodgers
– Fabrizio Romano says that Mathys Tel wants to leave Bayern Munich this window, with the club and forward now assessing potential transfer options, either on loan or permanently. Sky Sports Deutschland adds that Chelsea and Lyon are among the clubs showing a serious interest in the 19-year-old, while Manchester United may also consider a move for Tel — as they rate him highly — but will need to sort out the futures of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford first.
– Aston Villa will accept an offer worth over €70m from Al Nassr for Jhon Durán, reports L’Equipe, which adds that the 21-year-old is waiting for the clubs to agree a fee having come to personal terms with the Saudi Arabian outfit. Florian Plettenberg, however, says that Al Nassr have reached an agreement to sign Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen for over €60m. It remains to be seen if both strikers will head to the Gulf, or if Al-Alami are waiting to see which deal suits them best before proceeding. If Al Nassr do choose to sign Boniface, Mark McAdam reports that Leverkusen have lined up Brighton & Hove Albion‘s Evan Ferguson as a replacement.
Napoli have turned down a €65m offer from Galatasaray for the permanent transfer of Victor Osimhen, reports Corriere dello Sport. The Nigeria striker has impressed after joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in September, with 16 goals and five assists in 20 appearances across all competitions and has Arsenal, Man United and Chelsea on his trail. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis wants to wait until the end of the season to evaluate any offers for the 26-year-old, who has a contract until June 2026, but the club have already lowered Osimhen’s release clause from €120m to €75m in the summer and De Laurentiis is reluctant to accept any offers below that.
– Manchester City have made Juventus an offer to sign midfielder Douglas Luiz on an “expensive” loan deal, according to Nicolo Schira. The Bianconeri have responded by demanding that an obligation to make the move permanent is included for them to give the green light to the 26-year-old being transferred. The Brazil international was on the City books between 2017 and 2019 but did not make a senior appearance for the club.
– AC Milan will make a second offer to sign Feyenoord striker Santiago Giménez on Wednesday evening if they secure a place in the Champions League top eight, reports Calciomercato, which adds that it will be worth €35m-€40m with bonuses being part of that figure. The 23-year-old has put proposals from Ligue 1, the Premier League and Saudi Pro League on hold as Milan is his priority. In another Calciomercato report, it is stated that Feyenoord are taking a harder stance when it comes to Juventus’ interest in Dávid Hancko, but the Bianconeri will keep pushing to sign the defender — especially if Andrea Cambiaso leaves for Manchester City.
– Neymar has agreed to return to Santos nearly 12 years after he left the Brazilian team, according to club president Marcelo Teixeira. The Brazil forward confirmed earlier that his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal had been terminated by mutual consent. He had an injury-marred spell at Al-Hilal, where he played only seven matches and scored once. Read
– Fiorentina have signed Spanish defender Pablo Mari on a permanent transfer from Como. The former Arsenal player, who made 83 league appearances for Como, has signed a contract with La Viola until June 2027.
– USWNT defender Crystal Dunn is free to pursue new opportunities after NWSL side Gotham FC announced that she would be leaving the club. Read
ESPN’s resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen explores interest in Bayern’s 19-year-old prodigy Mathys Tel.
While Tel’s talent is undisputed — his record at youth level for France is exceptional and he became Bayern’s youngest ever goal scorer (17 years and 126 days) when he hit the net in a cup game just a few weeks after his €20m switch from Rennes in the summer of 2022 — he has struggled to make a consistent mark for the German giants.
One reason for that is obviously the presence of Harry Kane as a No. 9, another being the perpetual dilemma over his future position: will he ever mould into an out-and-out centre-forward? Or does is he intrinsically a winger (as his heatmap suggests)? At only 19, such considerations are part of a player’s natural development but it’s problematic when a lack of playing time is thrown into the equation.
Whether he’d see more minutes for Chelsea or United remains unclear. But the Frenchman has everything in the locker to become one of the top forwards in European football. He’s wonderfully athletic — strong and fast with the acceleration to stretch defences. He also has excellent control and excels in attacking 1v1s through bursts or dribbling.
There’s a reason why his youth performances drew comparisons to Kylian Mbappe, but those impressive skills have only been witnessed in flashes at senior level. A change of environment to build confidence can prove wonders though. If (and it’s a big “if”) a big club can reinvigorate the teenager, they might well have a €100m player on their hands.
1:04
How would Ruben Amorim look to use Patrick Dorgu at Man United?
Gab & Juls discuss Manchester United’s links with Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu.
– The WSL window ends tomorrow but Chelsea have shown interest in signing USWNT defensive midfielder Sam Coffey from the Portland Thorns. (BBC)
– Arsenal’s women are finalizing a deal for former NWSL rookie of the year and USWNT defender Jenna Nighswonger from Gotham FC. (Athletic)
– Marcus Rashford’s wage demands mean Juventus are his only option to leave Manchester United in January, although there is still the prospect of a Barcelona move in the future. The 27-year-old reportedly has little interest in the proposals from Tottenham and West Ham, while there is no prospect of a deal being completed to join Borussia Dortmund. (The Independent, )
– Chelsea are in advanced negotiations to sign 16-year-old left-back Denner from Corinthians for €8m and another €4.5m in add-ons. (UOL)
– Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has rejected the option to join Roma, as the Brazil international is not interested in a move to the Italian capital. (TNT)
– Santos are preparing for the return of Neymar but have also agreed to sign Chelsea forward Deivid Washington on loan until June. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Real Betis have already taken winger Antony on loan from Man United and the club are also keen to bring in left-back Tyrell Malacia. (Diario de Sevilla)
– Struggling Tottenham want to sign Lille midfielder Angel Gomes this month, with chairman Daniel Levy pushing for a deal. (GMS)
– Manchester City are close to a €70m deal to sign Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, 24, but have to wait until after Wednesday’s Champions League match against Benfica, although he is injured and won’t play in the game. (GMS)
– Bayer Leverkusen have withdrawn their interest in Manchester City midfielder James McAtee as they are set to land Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia. (Florian Plettenberg)
– Real Madrid won’t sign any players in January now but will try to persuade 26-year-old Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to join them in the summer. (Marca)
– RB Leipzig midfielder Eljif Elmas is set to undergo a medical at Torino, before signing on loan. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Shakhtar Donetsk have submitted a €15m bid to sign West Ham’s 18-year-old winger Luis Guilherme. (Fabrizio Romano)
As the summer transfer window draws to a close, the latest rumors are heating up as Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a late move for Inter Milan’s star striker, Lautaro Martinez.
Martinez has been a key player for Inter Milan over the past few seasons, but with the club facing financial difficulties, they may be forced to sell some of their top players. Chelsea and Manchester United are both in need of a striker and Martinez could be the perfect fit for either team.
Both clubs have been monitoring Martinez for some time now and are said to be ready to make a move before the transfer window closes. Chelsea are looking to add more firepower to their attack after losing Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan, while Manchester United are also in need of a striker to bolster their squad.
It remains to be seen whether Inter Milan will be willing to part ways with Martinez, but if the right offer comes in, they may have no choice but to sell. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting transfer saga as the deadline approaches.
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