Arsenal are closely monitoring a “special” young midfielder, who has been cleared to leave his club for a fee of £25m in the summer, according to a report.
Gunners eyeing a midfielder
The Gunners had a quiet January, with Mikel Arteta ultimately deciding to wait until the end of the season before making any major additions to his squad, and there is a belief they are close to agreeing a deal for a midfielder.
Club chiefs hope to have the deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi wrapped up before the summer, with the Spaniard still high on the list of targets at the Emirates Stadium.
Zubimendi would set the north Londoners back around £50m, so he would not come cheap, and the 26-year-old is not the only midfielder Arsenal are interested in signing at the end of the season.
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According to a report from CaughtOffside, the Gunners are closely monitoring Sunderland’s Chris Rigg, and after a recent development, a deal could be a possibility.
The Black Cats have now cleared Rigg’s departure for a fee of £25m in the summer, with the Championship side now resigned to sanctioning his departure, having previously been resistant to letting him leave.
However, it could be a difficult task to win the race for the Sunderland star, as he is also attracting interest from a number of other top Premier League clubs, alongside the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
At this stage, it is unclear which club are leading the race for the 17-year-old, but a move to Arsenal or Liverpool could be tempting, with both clubs well-placed to compete for major trophies.
Leicester City (a)
February 15th
West Ham United (h)
February 22nd
Nottingham Forest (a)
February 26th
Manchester United (a)
March 9th
Chelsea (h)
March 16th
Rigg has shades of Jude Bellingham
Much like Jude Bellingham at Birmingham City, Rigg has managed to force his way into the first team of a Championship side at an extremely young age, scoring four goals in 27 league games this season.
The comparisons don’t stop there given the youngster’s keen eye for goal, becoming the second-youngest player to score in the second tier back in September 2023, missing out on Bellingham’s record by just 13 days.
The teenager was lauded as a “special talent” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley earlier this season, and it is clear to see why so many top clubs are queueing up for his signature in the summer.
A price tag of £25m may seem steep for a player who is still so young, but he has already gained a great deal of first-team experience at Sunderland, and there is every indication his value could skyrocket in the coming years.
After a late James Tarkowski equaliser left them feeling bitter in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention towards a blockbuster summer deal.
Liverpool transfer news
It was far from pretty, it was full of cards, full of controversy and it was, therefore, a fitting farewell to the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. For a moment it looked as though Liverpool’s Egyptian King was about to get a royal goodbye, only for Everton to spoil Mohamed Salah’s evening.
Whilst they now find themselves seven points clear at the top of the Premier League nonetheless, the Reds may take a few days for that to be the conclusion they take after tensions boiled over at full-time – resulting in red cards for both Arne Slot and Curtis Jones.
Alas, once calm is restored, those at Anfield will remain seven points clear at the top of the Premier League with 14 games remaining to seal a first title for Slot at the first time of asking.
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It’s then that the Reds could turn towards potential reinforcements. According to SportBild, as relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool have now made contact over a deal to sign Castello Lukeba alongside a number of Premier League sides.
The central defender reportedly has a release clause worth as much as €90m (£75m) at RB Leipzig, which means a deal will not come cheap. Should Liverpool lose Virgil van Dijk on a free at the end of the season when his contract expires, however, then they may have little choice but to pursue the Frenchman.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Mohamed Salah
As things stand, Van Dijk, Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all set to leave as free agents, having all so far failed to put pen to paper on fresh deals.
"Perfect" Lukeba could replace Van Dijk
Seven years ago, Liverpool splashed out as much as £75m to welcome what would prove to be the ultimate game-changer in Van Dijk. Now, as the Dutchman potentially departs, the Reds could splash the cash once again to welcome an impressive replacement.
Still just 21 years old, Lukeba could receive the chance to follow in the footsteps of both Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate by swapping Leipzig for Liverpool before attempting the impossible task of stepping up in Van Dijk’s place.
Whilst replacing Van Dijk would be no easy task, Lukeba is among the candidates who have the potential to eventually do so.
Described as the “perfect” left-back and left centre-back hybrid by analyst Ben Mattinson, the RB Leipzig man looks set to have quite the decision to make when the summer transfer window arrives. Whether that results in a move to the Premier League and more specifically Anfield remains to be seen.
What is certain is that if Lukeba does depart, his hefty release clause should result in one of the most expensive deals of the summer.
Spurs raced into an early lead and rarely looked back as they built up a solid advantage heading into next week's return leg
Tottenham Hotspur will fancy their chances of reaching the Europa League final after beating Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of their last-four tie on Thursday night.
Ange Postecoglou eased some of the pressure on himself after guiding his team to victory on a memorable evening in north London, with Spurs now likely to face Manchester United in an all-English showdown later this month after the Red Devils smashed Athletic Club in Bilbao.
With not even a minute on the clock, Tottenham went in front. Yves Bissouma won the ball back high up the pitch, which allowed Pedro Porro to cross to the back post, where Richarlison nodded it back across for Brennan Johnson to poach home.
The hosts doubled their advantage shortly before the break, with Bodo/Glimt undone by one straight ball over the top. Porro picked out the run of James Maddison, who brought it down neatly and swept in.
On the hour mark, Spurs were awarded a penalty after a VAR check, with Fredrik Sjovold judged to have fouled Cristian Romero with a kick to the calf when challenging for a lose ball. Dominic Solanke, the hero of the quarter-final triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt, stepped up and rolled the ball into the bottom corner with a stutter-step.
Bodo/Glimt managed to pull one back with under 10 minutes remaining. Some exquisite trickery from Ulrik Saltnes allowed him to get a yard of separation from Rodrigo Bentancur, and his effort bobbled up past Guglielmo Vicario into the net.
Tottenham kept their visitors from advancing and further reducing the deficit as they held on to ensure they head to Norway next Thursday with a two-goal cushion.
GOAL rates Spurs' players from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Guglielmo Vicario (6/10):
Didn't have too much to do between the sticks, while his side's more direct approach meant he wasn't utilised as often in build up either.
Pedro Porro (8/10):
Tottenham's starting lineup set itself up for Porro's more preferred method of pumping balls long and playing with more directness. Logically, he had a hand in Spurs' first two goals, firstly providing the cross for Richarlison to nod back to Johnson, and then setting Maddison away with a pass over the top.
Cristian Romero (7/10):
Put aside some questionable performances of late to deliver when it mattered. A rock at the back and his bravery won Spurs a penalty in the other box.
Micky van de Ven (6/10):
Tried to diversify his game with a series of long balls over the backline as opposed to dribbling out from the back.
Destiny Udogie (6/10):
Nearly gave away a penalty when clumsily defending a high ball in the first half. Did well to use his pace to get out of tight corners.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Yves Bissouma (8/10):
Eyebrows were raised when the maligned Bissouma was named as a starter, but he repaid Postecoglou's faith immediately by charging high and winning possession back leading to the first-minute opener.
Rodrigo Bentancur (6/10):
Swept up well alongside Bissouma, even if he was a bit more careless in possession than his midfield partner. Completely sold by Saltnes for Bodo/Glimt's late goal.
James Maddison (9/10):
Tottenham needed a statement performance from their man man in midfield and boy did they get one. Dictated play superbly before popping up with a well-taken goal himself. Subbed for Kulusevski after sustaining a knock.
Getty Images SportAttack
Brennan Johnson (8/10):
The right man in the right place at the right time again, with this one clocked at only 37 seconds. Up to 17 goals for the season now, more than he registered in the last two seasons combined.
Dominic Solanke (8/10):
Another selfless performance leading the line, pressing and harrying Bodo/Glimt's backline at every possible opportunity. Rewarded for these efforts with a goal from the penalty spot. Taken off for Odobert after picking up a knock.
Richarlison (7/10):
Fought for every ball in his 45 minutes on the pitch, most notably winning the header which assisted Johnson for the opener.
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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Mathys Tel (6/10):
Came on at half-time for Richarlison. Showed flashes of pace without ever getting too involved.
Dejan Kulusevski (6/10):
Replaced Maddison. Didn't have quite the same impact in possession.
Wilson Odobert (5/10):
On for Solanke. Lacked composure despite his previous positive excursions in Europe.
Ange Postecoglou (8/10):
Credit where it's due to Postecoglou, who made some bold calls with his lineup but they paid dividends.
Head coach says players got ahead of themselves in the match against Netherlands and “seeds of doubt” crept in
Hemant Brar02-Nov-2022After being “outplayed” by Netherlands in Adelaide, Zimbabwe head coach Dave Houghton said his players got ahead of themselves given the significance of the match and had “seeds of doubt” in their minds.Had Zimbabwe won, and then beaten India in their next game, they could have been in with a chance, although an outside one, to make the semi-finals of the men’s T20 World Cup. However, yet another batting failure meant they could put up only 117 and lost by five wickets, the defeat pushing them to the brink of elimination.Related
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“We’ve been quite fragile with our batting throughout this tournament,” Houghton said after the game. “It has been our bowling, really, and fielding and catching, that has kept us in. Unfortunately, it [the batting] let us down in a game like this, which would have been huge for us if we had won, because then we’ll go on to the next game with just that outside possibility. I think we just got a little bit in front of ourselves thinking of what the possibilities might be.”One of the things I’ve tried to encourage to the team, even if our batting is a bit fragile, is to still be positive and play with fearlessness. There was a bit of movement in that wicket, and we needed to do something about it. We needed to be batting a bit more positively, using our feet going down the wicket at the seamers, but we didn’t. The seeds of doubt just kept us stuck to the crease, and unfortunately, it cost us.”Since I’ve been in charge of the side, the last four-and-a-half months, we’ve had an incredible journey; we’ve played some really good cricket. This is probably the first time that I’ve seen a bit of doubt creep into our game. Hopefully, it’ll be the last time for a while as well.”Earlier in the tournament, Zimbabwe had beaten Pakistan in a last-ball thriller but the high didn’t last long as they lost to Bangladesh in dramatic fashion, also on the final ball of the game.
“If you’d told me in June, when I started, that we would end up being sort of two games away about with the possibility of getting to a semi-final, I would have bitten your hand off for it”Dave Houghton
Houghton was asked if the result against Bangladesh played a part in today’s game.”Oh, no, I don’t think so,” he said. “I think we just had the doubt here. I think it was because of a new surface [this was the first match in Adelaide this World Cup]. We took a couple of days off between the two games, because our guys were so tired. I just couldn’t make them practice again. So that might have sown a little bit of the doubt that they hadn’t actually been to the ground.”And the occasion – we knew we needed to win one of the games against Bangladesh and Holland [Netherlands]. We lost closely to Bangladesh, so we thought, well, we need to beat Holland. That extra bit of pressure on them [the players], plus the fact that we hadn’t been down here beforehand, might have sown the seeds of doubt.”Regis Chakabva’s sub-par returns with the bat played a part in Zimbabwe not putting up challenging totals. In seven innings, the wicketkeeper-batter has scored only 45 runs at an average of 6.42 and a strike rate of 77.58.Chakabva started the tournament batting at the top of the order but was moved down to No. 6 in the last two games. Against Netherlands, he came in at No. 3, was offered two lives during his 16-ball stay but could score only five.”The biggest reason for moving batters around is that we’re not getting enough runs out of various players,” Houghton said. “I mean, we’ve been literally living on some runs from Sean Williams and [Sikandar] Raza for the last short while and one or two contributions from Wessly [Madhevere] and occasionally from Craig Ervine. So it has been difficult. We’re having to move people around to see if we can adjust the order a bit to make life a little bit easier so hopefully we get bigger contributions from everyone. As I said, our batting has been brittle throughout this tournament. So we’ve done incredibly well to get where we’ve got to.”Sikandar Raza has been, arguably, the prime reason for Zimbabwe’s run of good results•ICC via Getty ImagesOverall, it has been a positive tournament for Zimbabwe. After a dominant show in the qualifying event in Bulawayo, they topped their group in the first round in Australia and then almost threatened a semi-final spot. Houghton said that the performance has “brought the game back to life” back home.”It has meant a hell of a lot to people at home, and not just people at home, but Zimbabweans all around the world,” he said. “The messages that we get on a regular basis from everybody have been unbelievable. We’ve had quite a few night games in this tournament, after which get back to the hotel at half past 11 and I’m still answering messages at 4-5 in the morning. It has been phenomenal and we know because we have been getting the videos posted [of the celebrations] as well.”We know how it has been taken at home. The thing is they’ve enjoyed the way we play. They’ve enjoyed the fact that we are able to come out and stand toe to toe with some of the best. And even though we have lost today, they will still have enjoyed watching us and they will still be proud of us. I said to the guys after the game that win or lose, our crowd is behind us, and you guys have brought the game back to life in Zimbabwe.”If you had told me in June, when I started, that we would end up being sort of two games away about with the possibility of getting to a semi-final, I would have bitten your hand off for it. But it has been a positive journey for us all the way through. It’s just a pity we chose this game to have our worst game.”
Liverpool have surprised more than a few with their sustained title-worthy performances, but Arne Slot’s side aren’t likely to be one-season wonders.
The Premier League title is within touching distance now that Arsenal have flaked away, trailing 13 points behind the Anfield side with less than three months to go (having played a game less).
It’s been a defining few weeks for Liverpool, who met a gruelling run of fixtures with purpose, emerging with 11 points from 15.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Mohamed Salah
Injury-hit Arsenal couldn’t keep up, not when the tireless Dominik Szoboszlai has been supercharging the Red engine.
Dominik Szoboszlai's brilliant form
Regarded for his energy and athleticism, Szoboszlai’s middling output in front of goal has been the bane of his Liverpool career since joining from RB Leipzig for £60m in July 2023.
However, the Hungary skipper has found his Midas touch over the past several weeks, with Fabrizio Romano praising him for being “unstoppable” in front of goal recently.
Uncontainable in the attacking section of Slot’s midfield, Szoboszlai brings an all-encompassing sheen that has been so important in breaking free of Arsenal, and he’s now starting to look like one of the division’s finest.
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates for Liverpool
However, the 23-year-old has still got work to do if he is to become Liverpool’s best midfielder, since there’s another at Anfield who’s been more consistent across the duration of the campaign, and in fairness, throughout their respective careers at the club.
Szoboszlai is still not Liverpool's best CM
Szoboszlai’s success is built on the stability from his deeper-lying midfield partners.
Market Movers
Ryan Gravenberch is probably going to take home a load of most-improved accolades at the end of the season, for he has eclipsed the level he played at last season, when he only started 12 top-flight fixtures.
However, it’s Alexis Mac Allister who stands as Merseyside’s prized centre-midfielder, not always taking home the loudest plaudits but playing an indispensable role in the high-flying system.
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates for Liverpool
Liverpool signed the 2022 World Cup winner from Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion for a £35m fee in 2023, making a statement on their intent in rebuilding Jurgen Klopp’s industrious midfield.
Below you can see Mac Allister’s seasonal metrics across both Premier League campaigns at Liverpool. At a glance, it seems like he’s regressed across the board, but this isn’t the case.
Indeed, Slot has slowed things down, calmed the storm that raged unabatingly under Klopp’s wing. He’s a better player for it, dictating play with crisp and well-thought-out decisions.
Matches (starts)
33 (31)
27 (25)
Goals
5
3
Assists
5
3
Touches
74.2
57.1
Pass completion
88%
87%
Key passes*
1.4
1.2
Dribbles*
0.5
0.5
Ball recoveries*
5.9
4.1
Tackles & interceptions*
3.4
3.5
Total duels*
5.9 (50%)
5.0 (48%)
Last season, Joe Cole described Mac Allister as a “superstar” who can “play anywhere”, such is the midfielder’s intelligence and protean technical ability.
He’s settled into a mechanical and combative role in Slot’s system, and it’s working a treat. Gravenberch might be silkier and Szoboszlai is stealing more headlines at the moment due to his advanced placement, but Mac Allister makes things tick.
Is it any wonder CIES Football Observatory, the world’s leading football statisticians, have even marked Mac Allister’s current price tag at £74m, which is a whopping rise from the fee Liverpool paid Brighton – an 111% increase.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister challenges
An assured metronome, Liverpool have hit the jackpot on this wonderful player, whose impact on the midfield may just reward him with a Premier League title in his second season.
Sold for £15m: Klopp’s Liverpool star is playing like a £100m Salah heir
This former Liverpool star could have been a valuable asset in Arne Slot’s system.
GOAL takes a look at some key storylines heading into Matchday 12 of MLS action in 2025
The weekend promises fireworks in MLS, with three of the season’s potentially best matches yet on tap.
First, it’s a rematch of the 2024 MLS Cup final, the LA Galaxy clash with the New York Red Bulls – and though both teams are on a bit of a rocky course of late – the circumstances of the match present each club with a unique opportunity to capitalize on the moment.
Minnesota United host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in a rare cross-conference meeting, as the two clubs meet for the first time since the Argentine's arrival to the league. , who sit second in the Westwill look to keep their red-hot form to start 2025 going against the in a clash at Allianz Field.
And atop the Eastern Conference, the first-place Columbus Crew take to the road this weekend to take on second-place Philadelphia Union in a meeting between the conference's best teams heading into the Matchday.
As Matchday 12 kicks off, these fixtures promise to deliver some of the most exciting action yet this season.
GOAL dives into all that and more in The Kickoff, a weekly preview of each MLS Matchday.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty ImagesBattle of the birds
MNUFC have had a flying start to the 2025 season. The sit second in the West, with a record of 5-2-4 (WLD) this season having conceded just 10 goals through 11 matches – tied for the third-least in all of MLS. Manager Eric Ramsay deploys a unique system with a 3-5-2 formation that is focused on winning the game without possession – and it's stumped much of MLS this year.
Defender/midfielder Julian Gressel, who Inter Miami recently waived after he played an integral role in their 2024 Supporters' Shield-winning campaign, signed with MNUFC last week and could feature against his former side this weekend, as well.
The , meanwhile, are looking to build off their Matchday 11 victory over RBNY that saw them end a three-match losing streak across all competitions. Both Messi and Luis Suarez found their way onto the scoresheet this past weekend, with the Argentine specifically ending a four-match drought without a goal contribution. After their hiccup of form throughout the latter weeks of April, Miami needs a big three points this weekend to keep pace with the rest of the Eastern Conference.
Sitting fourth, Miami trails the Crew by three points, and both the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati by one point heading into the weekend.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesCarnell vs. the Crew
The top of the East right now is pure cinema. Classy showings week-in and week-out, the top-4 are all part of the league's hierarchy at the moment – and when two of them meet head-to-head? It puts everyone on the outside into sets with a bucket of popcorn, with a blockbuster showing on the horizon.
The Union under new head coach Bradley Carnell are on a three-match winning streak with just one goal conceded – and are off the best start in club history, while the Crew are excelling in front of net, having scored four-or-more times in nine games since the start of the 2024 season – the most in MLS over the span.
Columbus winger Diego Rossi is entering MVP conversations, with six goals and one assist in 11 appearances, while Philadelphia forward Tai Baribo has been one of the league's best scorers this season, with seven goals in 10 appearances.
The Crew have lost just one match this season – a 1-0 defeat to Inter Miami – and otherwise, boast a record of 7-1-3 (WLD) with just 10 goals conceded this season. Philly, which is also defensively stout, sits tied with them with 10 conceded, but has edged them in the attack with three more goals scored this season.
Saturday is building up to be a huge match – and come the end of the campaign, it could have title consequences.
Getty Images SportMLS Cup rematch
At this point in the MLS season, it's no surprise to anyone that the LA Galaxy are still winless. It is a statement that would be unfathomable at the start of the season for the defending champs – but after 11 Matchdays – it's become increasingly clear that Greg Vanney's side is not the same team as last year's MLS Cup winners. Personnel changes aside, they can't replicate anything close to success on the pitch at the moment. However, that could change this weekend when they travel to Sports Illustrated Stadium to take on the Red Bulls – the last team they found victory against…in 2024.
It's been six months, sure, but a win against RBNY could spark the restart of their season. This feels like a pivotal match for them, and if they can manage a result, it could kickstart momentum for the coming weeks. However, they're going to be unexpectedly shorthanded as a result of injury. Gabriel Pec is listed as questionable for the match, while Joseph Paintsil has been ruled out for the game after being substituted off the pitch against SKC last weekend.
For RBNY, meanwhile, they're in search of a bounce-back. After a thumping at the hands of Inter Miami last weekend, they'll look to regain a sense of form against a struggling Galaxy side, while exacting revenge from their MLS Cup loss last December.
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IMAGNMLS Predictions
Match
Selection
Odds
FC Cincinnati vs Austin FC
FC Cincinnati
-120
New York Red Bulls vs LA Galaxy
New York Red Bulls
-115
Orlando City vs New England Revolution
Draw
+320
St. Louis City vs San Diego FC
San Diego FC
+165
Houston Dynamo FC vs Seattle Sounders FC
Seattle Sounders FC
+165
Henry Tomkins makes MLS predictions for the weekend:Wins for Cincinnati and Seattle would push them higher up their conference’s table, whereas another loss could sink LA Galaxy even further to the bottom of the Western Conference.
Orlando and New England could cancel each other out and share the points as they both have a very strong defense. San Diego have been scoring freely, unlike their upcoming opponents. Therefore, goals are likely to swing in favor of the away team.
The fast bowler has warned batters in the past and admitted he may eventually run someone out
ESPNcricinfo staff29-Dec-2022Mitchell Starc has conceded he could eventually be drawn into running out a batter backing up after he warned Theunis de Bruyn on the fourth day at the MCG.In the 17th over of South Africa’s second innings, Starc pulled out of his delivery stride when he saw de Bruyn was backing up well out of his crease. “Stay in the crease, it’s not that hard,” he was heard saying over the stump microphone.During the drinks break he spoke to Fox Cricket. “He’s halfway down Punt Rd, wasn’t he? It’s bad enough in white-ball cricket, I don’t know what the need is in red-ball cricket,” he said.”I was just letting him know that if I have to keep my foot behind the line, he can at least keep the bat behind the line.”Speaking after the match, Starc indicated there would be a point where if a batter kept doing it he would take the bails off.
“That’s just absolutely taking the mickey,” he said. “That’s not just taking off before a bowl, that’s a metre down the wicket. I gave him a couple of warnings, but if he wants to keep doing it, I’ll take them.”I had a word with him last night actually because he was doing yesterday. I said it again to him and he said ‘I’m not doing it on purpose.’ There’s no need for it…I keep saying I’m not going to take the stumps but you at least keep your bat behind the line.”Earlier this season, Starc gave England’s Jos Buttler a similar warning during a T20 in Canberra. Shortly after that he proposed a new method of managing the situation by using a run penalty, although that was more with a focus on T20 where small margins are much more likely.”Why not take it out of the hands of interpretation, and make it black-and-white?” Starc told The and The . “Every time the batter leaves the crease before the front foot lands, dock them a run. There’s no grey area then.”I’ve warned batters plenty of times, [Buttler] is not the first occasion,” Starc added at the time. “I warned probably seven Kiwi batters in those ODI games in the top end – some were two metres outside their crease. As I said to Jos, I could never see myself doing it [running a non-striker out], but it doesn’t mean that you should then feel free to leave your crease early.”The ball after the warning to de Bruyn in Melbourne, Starc pinned Sarel Erwee lbw with a searing yorker and three overs later Scott Boland removed de Bruyn with a lifting delivery that was edged to slip.
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS purchased a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in February 2024 and took control of the club’s football operations, fans hoped it would mark the beginning of a new era – one that would finally steer the club away from the mismanagement of the Glazer years.
However, rather than a fresh start, United have only sunk deeper into crisis.
On the pitch, the team’s performances have deteriorated further. After spending £14.5m in compensation to sack Erik ten Hag and replace him with Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils subsequently slipped to their worst ever Premier League campaign in 2024/25.
Off the pitch, Old Trafford remains in a state of disrepair, while Ratcliffe has implemented a ruthless cost-cutting regime in an attempt to rescue the club from the financial mess left by the Glazers. Staff have been let go, departments have been streamlined and even basic amenities have reportedly been scaled back.
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While some would argue that these measures are necessary to stabilise the club, Ratcliffe’s hands-on approach has caused friction between INEOS and the club’s fans, who once believed his arrival would usher in a period of much-needed stability, but are now questioning whether his leadership is doing more harm than good.
Here, we list some of the worst things Ratcliffe has overseen at the club since joining, from brutal decisions to embarrassing faux pas.
1 Ordering mass redundancies
Since taking charge at United, Ratcliffe has cut the club’s workforce by almost a quarter.
In July of last year, approximately 250 members of staff were made redundant across all departments. At the time, reports suggested that Ratcliffe and his football operations team implemented mass redundancies to redirect the savings into the club’s transfer budget.
That was followed by an announcement that a further 150-200 people were to be made redundant in an effort to “return the club to profitability”.
“We have lost money for the past five consecutive years. This cannot continue. Our two main priorities as a club are delivering success on the pitch for our fans and improving our facilities. We cannot invest in these objectives if we are continuously losing money,” Omar Berrada, Manchester United’s CEO, said in a statement.
According to BBC Sport, United’s canteen staff are among those facing job losses, as the club plans to shut it down. In its place, the club will offer a free piece of fruit for employees as part of the cost-cutting measures.
More recently, the Daily Mail outlined that a new round of job cuts, potentially impacting a further 200 staff, is set to take place.
2 Ending Sir Alex Ferguson's contract
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, new owner of Manchester United at a Premier League game
In October, Sir Alex Ferguson became the most high-profile casualty of Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford when his lucrative contract as a global ambassador was terminated.
The legendary manager, who led United to 38 major trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, had been receiving a multi-million-pound salary from the club since his retirement in 2013.
Club sources claimed Ferguson accepted the decision amicably after a direct conversation with Ratcliffe, but United icon Eric Cantona was far less diplomatic, calling the move “scandalous”.
“Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies,” wrote the Frenchman on Instagram. “Such a lack of respect.”
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Man United have had some dreadful players since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
ByRoss Kilvington Jan 24, 2025 3 Matchday cuts
Even those still employed at United have felt the impact of Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures.
According to a Daily Mail exclusive from last August, funding for various matchday services was significantly reduced. Agency staff, who were previously provided with lunch, were instead told to eat leftovers from the food supplied to corporate guests.
Some workers even claimed they were forced to eat near toilets. “They’ve set up a dining table next to four toilet cubicles,” one said. “You come out of the cubicle, and someone is sitting right in front of you, eating.”
Additionally, matchday programme distribution was scaled back, with corporate suites receiving only five programmes per box – despite each suite accommodating 10 fans. United defended the decision, stating it was made to reduce waste.
4 Cancelling the staff Christmas party
Man Utd execs – Ashworth, Ratcliffe, Berrada
If there’s one surefire way to lose the goodwill of your staff, it’s by cancelling their annual Christmas party – and that’s exactly what Ratcliffe did last year.
According to The Athletic, the decision was part of a broader crackdown on what Ratcliffe considered unnecessary staff expenses. Other cost-cutting measures included revoking club credit cards from senior executives and scrapping free staff travel to May’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
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ByRoss Kilvington Feb 20, 2025 5 Cutting charity funding for ex-players
According to reports in December, Ratcliffe made the controversial decision to halt Manchester United’s annual £40,000 donation to a charity supporting former players.
The Association of Former Manchester United Players, established in 1985, provides financial assistance to ex-players who didn’t benefit from the lucrative salaries of the modern game. Among the 300 former footballers it supports are club legends like Bryan Robson and Denis Irwin.
Jim Elms, an 84-year-old trustee who played for United’s youth and reserve teams between 1957 and 1960, called the decision “ridiculous”.
“We sent a letter to say we hadn’t been paid. Nobody informed us, so we had to send another letter. That’s when we started hearing rumours that it was the end for us.”
6 Snubbing the women's team
Ratcliffe appears to be highly focused on every financial detail at Old Trafford, but when it comes to Manchester United’s women’s team, he seems largely out of touch.
According to The Telegraph, during a tour of the women’s training facilities shortly after completing his takeover, Ratcliffe failed to recognise Katie Zelem, the club’s then-captain, despite her being with United since the age of eight. When he asked her what her role was, Zelem had to explain that she was the team’s skipper. Zelem has since left the club.
Ratcliffe’s lack of engagement with the women’s team was further highlighted in May, when he came under criticism for opting to watch the men’s Premier League clash against Arsenal rather than attending the women’s FA Cup final, where United triumphed 4-0 over Tottenham.
This is in stark contrast to when he raced over to Wembley for the men’s semi-final win over Coventry City in April moments after completing the London Marathon.
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West Indies spinner takes 3-15 on BBL debut to dent Heat’s chase
AAP15-Dec-2022Melbourne Renegades captain Nic Maddinson plundered a scintillating 87 against Brisbane Heat to set up a 22-run victory in his 100th BBL game.Maddinson got out of the blocks quickly, kept his cool when four wickets fell in a clump, and put his foot down again late to lift the Renegades to 7 for 166 batting first in Cairns after being sent in.West Indies international Akeal Hosein opened the bowling for Renegades with his left-arm spin and dismissed opener Max Bryant for a duck with his fifth delivery. The momentum stayed with Renegades from then on.Hossein was playing his first game in the BBL and was the dominant bowler on the night to give Renegades a great start to the new campaign after finishing bottom of the ladder last season.Heat recruit Colin Munro (35 off 30 balls), with 65 T20 internationals to his credit for New Zealand, was finding top form with the bat before he was run out by a direct hit from Tom Rogers.When Heat skipper Jimmy Peirson was bowled by Hossein for 43 off 30 deliveries in the 15th over the required rate was nearing the unachievable.Maddinson earlier set the platform for victory. He took 20 off Xavier Bartlett’s second over and a further 22 off his third in a 49-ball innings, including 10 fours and three sixes, that produced his highest score in T20 cricket. Andre Russell (35 off 28 balls) celebrated his return to Renegades with a powerhouse innings including three sixes.The visitors rocketed to 0 for 65 off six overs before Sam Harper was well caught at fine leg by Josh Brown off the first delivery bowled by the impressive James Bazley.Renegades lost 4 for 13 in four overs due to some shrewd captaincy by Peirson and smart bowling by spinners Mitch Swepson and Matt Kuhnemann. Swepson knocked over Jake Fraser-McGurk with a classic googly. Then Kuhnemann took two wickets in one over by slowing down his pace and bamboozling Aaron Finch and off-season recruit Jono Wells.That was when Maddinson and Russell took control in a 78-run stand off 46 deliveries. Maddinson, when on 42, was involved in a bizarre incident when he played a pull-shot off Mark Steketee.The ball lobbed over the stumps but one bail came off. On review it was clear that the dislodged bail was an unexplainable mystery but no fault of the batter.
Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has compared key player James McClean to the renowned Hollywood actor Samuel L. Jackson.
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McClean helped guide Wrexham to another promotionReynolds praised club captainCompared him to Samuel L. JacksonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images EntertainmentWHAT HAPPENED?
Speaking to the Wrexham fan podcast Fearless in Devotion, Reynolds spoke about his experience of supporting the Red Dragons and named James McClean as one of his favourite players to watch. He even compared the Irish winger to Hollywood icon Samuel L. Jackson, likening the brooding intensity of the pair.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
McClean has played a key role in Wrexham's historic third successive promotion season, registering four goals and six assists across 41 matches and providing a crucial attacking spark for the League One side, as well as being a commanding captain and important leadership presence.
WHAT REYNOLDS SAID
"There is a burning, fearsome, 5000 kelvin oven inside that guy that is remarkable, and one of my favourite players to watch," Reynolds said of McClean. "I grew up as the youngest of four boys, right, I have a people-pleasing gene in me somewhere. I always love the guys that don’t have that. I gravitate towards grumpy people… Samuel L. Jackson can be a grumpy person and he’s one of my favourite human beings on planet earth because of it. I love it. James has a bit of that."
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MCCLEAN?
At 36, McClean is one of the oldest and most experienced pros in Wrexham's squad, but he's showing no signs of slowing down. As the Welsh club gets ready to navigate the second tier for the first time in over 40 years, McClean's know-how is likely to come in extremely handy.