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Dimitar Berbatov labelled Arsenal "the new Stoke City" in a cheeky dig after the Gunners scored twice from set-pieces against Manchester United.

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• Arsenal beat Man Utd 2-0
• Gunners continue to be dangerous from set-pieces
• Have converted 22 of them since last season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners secured a 2-0 victory against United on Wednesday night in the Premier League. Interestingly, Arsenal achieved Wednesday’s victory without one of their primary aerial threats, Gabriel Magalhaes, who has already scored three goals from set-pieces this season. The Brazilian defender was absent due to a minor injury. However, his absence was barely felt as other players stepped up. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring with a deft finish following a precise delivery from Declan Rice, while William Saliba sealed the win with a header that United’s defence failed to contain.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arsenal’s ability to capitalize on set-pieces has been a defining feature of their season. Since the start of the last campaign, they have scored 22 goals from these scenarios, the most in the Premier League. This has led to comparisons by Berbatov, who likened them to the Stoke City side managed by Tony Pulis from 2006 to 2013. Under Pulis, Stoke earned a reputation for being set-piece specialists, with Rory Delap's long throws being a signature weapon.

• WHAT BERBATOV SAID

  Speaking on , Berbatov humorously stated: "Probably the Premier League is the only league in the world where you have so many players around the goalkeeper, pushing, shoving, making chaos. Normally it is going to be a foul. Not here. You need to be strong. And that's probably why he (Ruben Amorim) was watching from the side, he was like, 'What is going on with my keeper?' You need to work on that. As we joke, Arsenal is the new Stoke City, right? Depending on set-pieces, which can give you the win, as it was today."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Looking ahead, Arsenal will face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. The Gunners will aim to maintain their momentum and continue applying pressure on leaders Liverpool, who were held to a 3-3 draw by Newcastle at St. James' Park on Wednesday.

Tottenham Hotspur have backed Ange Postecoglou in the transfer market by splashing the cash on two big-money recruits so far this summer, and are now eyeing a third.

The Lilywhites confirmed the arrival of England international Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for a reported fee of £65m on Saturday, with £55m guaranteed and £10m in add-ons. That came after the Premier League side splashed out a fee of £30m for Leeds starlet Archie Gray earlier this summer to bolster the manager's options in the middle of the park.

Spurs do not appear to be done there, however, as Daniel Levy is now said to be eyeing up a swoop to add a new defender to the group this month.

Tottenham eyeing up Premier League full-back

According to Give Me Sport, Tottenham's interest in Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters is back in focus amid Emerson Royal's expected move to AC Milan. The Brazilian defender's move to the Italian giants would leave Postecoglou light on options in the right-back position and that is why a move for the Saints star could make sense.

Give Me Sport claims that there is a 'strong' feeling that the English gem, who shares the same agency (CAA Base) as current Tottenham star James Maddison, will move on from St. Mary's before the end of the transfer window.

He is an attractive target for Levy and Postecoglou due to his positional versatility, as he can play in both full-back positions and in midfield, and the fact he fits the homegrown quota having come up through the Spurs academy before his move down south.

Why Spurs should sign Kyle Walker-Peters

Along with the two reasons stated in the report above, there are other factors involved that could make Walker-Peters a fantastic replacement for Emerson this month. Firstly, the 27-year-old ace knows the club inside and out, having spent seven years there at youth and first-team level, and that, along with his 115 Premier League appearances, could help him to hit the ground running.

Secondly, his performances on the pitch in the Championship to help Southampton earn promotion back to the top-flight suggest that he has the potential to be a quality option for Postecoglou.

Walker-Peters caught the eye with his contributions at both ends, whilst his teammates let him down by only scoring four times from the 12 'big chances' he created. The Saints defender, who was described as a "beautiful" footballer by Russell Martin, would likely have to settle for a back-up role at his boyhood club, however.

Pedro Porro started all 35 of his appearances in the Premier League last season and there is no suggestion that Spurs are looking to replace him. The aforementioned statistics, though, show that the potential is there for Walker-Peters to offer more, particularly in an attacking sense, than Emerson did as competition for the Spanish full-back.

Played 305 times in the PL: Spurs offered chance to sign big Solomon upgrade

The Lilywhites could improve their team by signing the former Premier League star.

1

By
Dan Emery

Aug 12, 2024

Manuel Neuer has been ruled out for the rest of 2024 after suffering a broken rib following a collision with Jeremie Frimpong.

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• Neuer collided with Frimpong
• Kompany assesses injury
• Likely to miss rest of 2024

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kompany spoke to reporters ahead of Bayern's Tuesday night Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk, telling them that Neuer "probably won't play again this year," as per France24. This is after the 38-year-old's catastrophic collision with Leverkusen's Frimpong last week, which not only led to the German 'keeper receiving a red card but also caused him this damaging injury.

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  WHAT KOMPANY SAID

  Kompany said: "He's got a broken rib, which means he probably won't play again this year. What's important is that it heals now. Hopefully from the start of January we'll have Manu back, but for now it's too early." Addressing broader concerns about Bayern's injury list, he added: "We're missing a lot of players, but I think we've come through well so far."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite the fact that Kompany's team look set to end 2024 top of the Bundesliga table after an excellent start, it hasn't exactly been plain sailing for their long-standing No. 1 goalkeeper. Former Bayern and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann has been an outspoken critic of Neuer's, telling Sky Sports: "There have been several situations this year where Neuer was responsible for goals or where he was lucky… his timing let him down on one or two occasions."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

  Bayern's back-up goalkeeper Sven Ulreich is hardly an ideal replacement having come under fire in the past for errors, but even he isn't available to replace Neuer right now, with France24 reporting that Ulreich is currently out for personal reasons. That means Bayern will be forced to rely on their third-choice goalie, Daniel Peretz, in the coming weeks.

The striker bagged her ninth goal in nine games at club level, with her side to now avoiding Chelsea, Barcelona and Lyon in the UWCL quarter-finals

So much has changed since Bayern Munich defeated Arsenal 5-2 in the Women's Champions League back in mid-October. The Gunners have a new coach since that loss, star striker Alessia Russo has found some unstoppable form and the team as a whole has too, undefeated in all of their last 10 games coming into a match they had to win to pip Bayern to top spot in their Champions League group.

Despite all those improvements, it looked like they would still fall short in that effort – that was until Mariona Caldentey showed the composure of the three-time European champion she is, giving Arsenal a dramatic 3-2 win with a late penalty.

Set pieces were the currency in this rematch, with Kyra Cooney-Cross' corner inadvertently directed into her own net by Glodis Viggosdottir after only seven minutes and Bayern able to respond before the break with one of their own. Magdalena Eriksson, the former Chelsea captain, got the final touch after Georgia Stanway beat Russo to the initial cross at the back post.

Operating as a No.10, the England striker was involved in both set-piece goals in the second half, too, failing to track Eriksson when she scored a second to make it 2-1, then connecting with Katie McCabe's cross at the other end to level things up again.

It would be another dead ball situation that proved pivotal, with Caldentey showing remarkable composure to score from 12 yards with four minutes of the 90 remaining, just three days after she'd missed a spot-kick away at Liverpool. Her cool head earns Arsenal seeded status in the Champions League quarter-finals, in which they will draw either Wolfsburg, Real Madrid or Manchester City in the New Year, avoiding Chelsea, Lyon and Barcelona.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Meadow Park…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Daphne van Domselaar (7/10):

  Perhaps could've taken control of the corner that led to the Bayern equaliser. Made a few big saves to balance that out, though.

  Emily Fox (6/10):

  A little loose in possession at times in the first half. Improved as the game went on.

  Leah Williamson (6/10):

  Good on the ball and relatively sound in defence, though Pernille Harder did nip in front of her at one point and force Van Domselaar into a big save.

  Steph Catley (7/10):

  Regularly in the right position to clear the danger that Bayern caused. Won possession more than any other Arsenal player.

  Katie McCabe (6/10):

  Wasn't always in position defensively and this allowed Bayern to have some joy down her side. Delivered good set pieces though, including the one that Russo made it 2-2 from.

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  Midfield

  Kyra Cooney-Cross (6/10):

  Delivered the brilliant corner that led to Arsenal's opener. Not so influential in possession but mopped up a few times defensively.

  Kim Little (6/10):

  Was perfect in possession in the first half, helping her team to wrestle control at moments in a game that ebbed and flowed.

  Alessia Russo (6/10):

  Should have done better defensively for both Bayern goals, but made amends to an extent with the goal that made it 2-2.

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  Attack

  Caitlin Foord (7/10):

  Was really positive when she got on the ball and caused the chaos around Viggosdottir that led to Arsenal's opener.

  Stina Blackstenius (5/10):

  Struggled to get involved at all in the hour she was on the pitch and though that was also down to the lack of service she had, she should've scored from the one big chance she did have.

  Mariona Caldentey (7/10):

  Became more influential when she moved centrally in the second half and showed incredible composure to score the winning penalty late on, just three days after missing from the spot in the league.

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  Subs & Manager

  Frida Maanum (6/10):

  Brought a threat with her runs from midfield, including one which looked like it would produce a goal, only for her strike to be well blocked.

  Beth Mead (5/10):

  Couldn't really get into the game, though she did bring lots of energy. Her introduction was important regardless as it moved Caldentey central.

  Lina Hurtig (N/A):

  Gave Bayern something different to think about defensively in the latter stages.

  Rosa Kafaji (N/A):

  A late sub in stoppage time.

  Lotte Wubben-Moy (N/A):

  Another who came on in the final moments to help see the game out.

  Renee Slegers (7/10):

  After a slightly underwhelming performance at Liverpool on Sunday, Slegers freshened her team up with the introductions of Blackstenius and Little, but the former couldn't get involved and the latter's return moved Caldentey wide, where she also struggled to be effective. When she reversed both of those problems with her subs before the hour, it paid dividends.

West Brom are planning to submit a new offer for the signing of a Championship veteran hailed as a "good professional", according to a fresh transfer update.

West Brom chase more signings despite strong start

The Baggies have made an impressive start to the 2024/25 season, as they look to go one better than last term's playoff heartbreak, sealing a return to the Premier League in the process.

Carlos Corberan's side have picked up seven points from their opening three matches, winning 3-1 away to Queens Park Rangers on the opening weekend before a 0-0 draw at home to Leeds United. West Brom followed that result up with a 2-1 triumph at Stoke City on Saturday, with plenty to suggest that they will once again be right in the promotion mix.

It has been a productive summer in terms of transfers at the Hawthorns, with Callum Styles most recently coming in from Barnsley, but there is still time for Corberan to add to his squad in the coming days. The Baggies have bid for Preston North End forward Will Keane, but have been rebuffed in their efforts to snap up the veteran attacker.

Juventus teenager Joseph Nonge Boende has also emerged as a reported transfer target for West Brom, but as of now, he has remained at the Turin giants. Now, a new claim suggests that the Baggies haven't given up on signing one target, though.

West Brom planning new bid for "good professional"

According to Football Insider, West Brom are set to submit a new offer for Preston ace Keane before deadline day ends, as they look to snap him up from their Championship rivals. The report says that the "improved bid will be worth £500,000", with Corberan "keen to add his attacking options after forward Brandon Thomas-Asante joined Coventry City".

At 31 years of age, Keane may not represent the long-term future for West Brom, coming in as a player who may only be around for a limited amount of time, but there is still no denying his pedigree as a footballer.

The £2,000-a-week-earning Englishman once played for Manchester United, making three appearances for arguably the biggest club side in the world, and he has proven his worth in the Championship, scoring 34 times in the competition over the years.

Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom discussed his future over the weekend, praising his attitude at the same time: "He’s happy here. He’s a good professional. Contracts are contacts aren’t they? You’re under contract. If people aren’t going to pay what the club value you at, you work hard."

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Apr 22, 2025

This suggests that Preston may be stubborn in their attempts to keep hold of Keane in the current transfer window, but he could feel that West Brom have a better chance of sealing promotion to the Premier League this season – they are already 14 places higher in the table – therefore pushing for a move over the next few days.

Transfer deadline day has been a frantic one for Wolverhampton Wanderers, with transfer business happening all over the place at Molineux.

Gary O’Neil’s side have already completed a deal for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, with the boss confirming that a deal for Brazilian midfielder Andre should be completed before the closure of the window at 11pm.

However, it appears his side aren’t done there, with a deal in place to sign winger Carlos Forbs from Ajax on loan with an option to buy in 12 months time.

The 20-year-old also had interest from French side Lyon earlier this week, but Wolves appear to have won the race with the former Manchester City talent set to move to the West Midlands.

Forbs may not be the only attacking player through the door in the next few hours, with another attacking player appearing to be on his way to the club – potentially forming an excellent partnership with the Portuguese ace.

Wolves make bid for another attacking talent

According to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Wolves have made an offer to sign Sassuolo winger Armand Lauriente despite the deal for Forbs.

The 25-year-old suffered relegation from Serie A with the Italian side last season, but still enjoyed a good campaign on a personal level, registering nine goal contributions in his 37 league outings.

TMW’s report goes on to state that it’s unclear at this stage if the deal would be a loan or permanent offer, but that O’Neil’s side are very keen to bring him to Molineux before the window closes.

He would be a phenomenal addition for the Wanderers, with his talents making him a perfect fit for the Premier League.

Why Lauriente would thrive alongside Forbs for Wolves

After the big-money departure of Pedro Neto to Chelsea and Daniel Podence’s proposed move to Saudi Arabia, Wolves are lacking those threatening options in wide areas who can change the game in the blink of an eye.

Forbs would be a stellar addition, finally getting his opportunity in the Premier League after impressing in City’s youth setup – registering 36 goal contributions in 27 games during the 2022/23 campaign.

However, any potential move for Lauriente would allow the youngster to form a deadly partnership with the Frenchman, with the Sassuolo ace producing some eye-watering stats last season – many of which could see the duo produce impressive tallies in front of goal this season.

The “unbelievable” 25-year-old, as dubbed by scout Antonio Mango, registered an impressive tally of combined goals and assists, but he also impressed with his dribbling ability, completing 3.9 progressive carries and two successful take-ons per 90 – demonstrating his ability at driving with the ball into forward areas.

Lauriente also managed an average of 1.5 key passes per 90, alongside 3.1 progressive passes, with his ability to find a teammate potentially benefiting soon-to-be new addition Forbs.

With only a couple of hours remaining on transfer deadline day, Wolves will have to move quickly if they are to secure a deal for both of the aforementioned talents.

Their respective talents are evident, with their potential new additions allowing the supporters to forget about Neto and Podence during the 2024/25 campaign.

Done deal: Wolves now set to sign Pedro Neto 2.0 on Deadline Day

Gary O’Neil’s side could be about to sign a talented youngster.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 30, 2024

Napoli are gearing up to make a bid to sign Cesare Casadei from Chelsea in January, a report says.

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• Casadei barely playing for Chelsea
• Saw a move to Torino fall through
• Napoli to table an official offer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Casadei, who joined Chelsea from Inter in 2022, has been linked with a return to Italy in recent weeks as Torino tried and failed to reach an agreement with the Blues. Napoli have become the new favourites to sign him, reports they are all set to table an opening bid.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Casadei has hardly featured for Chelsea this season as coach Enzo Maresca has only given him playing time in the Conference League and Carabao Cup. Last season, the midfielder managed 11 Premier League appearances before he was loaned to Maresca's Leicester side, featuring 22 times as they won the Championship.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Napoli coach Antonio Conte was in charge at Inter while Casadei was part of the youth academy and the 21-year-old fits the profile the ex-Chelsea manager is looking for, according to . Napoli have a slender lead at the top of Serie A and hope to strengthen their midfield options to boost their hopes of winning the title.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CASADEI?

  With no return to Maresca's squad in sight for Casadei, the Italy Under-21 international will hope Napoli can strike a deal with the Stamford Bridge side soon.

President Joe Biden to bestow honor to famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, advocacy and science

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• Messi to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
• Highest civilian honor in U.S.
• Messi won MLS MVP award in 2024

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lionel Messi and Earvin "Magic" Johnson will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony Saturday at the White House. President Joe Biden will bestow the honor to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science.

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  WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  The White House released this statement: "President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else. These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world."

  On Messi, the White House said: "He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 37-year-old moved Messi to the U.S. in the summer of 2023 and in his first season, he won the inaugural edition of the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami. In his second season, the David Beckham co-owned club claimed the MLS Supporters Shield but missed out on winning the MLS Cup 2024 after they lost to Atlanta United in the playoffs.

  In 2024, Messi was named MLS Most Valuable Player.

  Messi has set numerous individual records with eight Ballon d'Or awards and eight times being named FIFA's world's best player. He is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer, having won 45 team trophies, including four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas and one FIFA World Cup.

  Often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time, Johnson, 65, was a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers  He was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

  Since his retirement, Johnson has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention. His philanthropic work also supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.

  Johnson is also part of ownership groups for the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles FC in MLS and the NWSL's Washington Spirit.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI?

  The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star will be hoping to deliver more magical performances in 2025 as he enters the final year of his contract at Inter Miami.

The last couple of years have been a dream for Aston Villa football club, especially considering the precarious position they found themselves in just a couple of years ago.

They only secured survival on the final day of the 2019/20 season away at West Ham United, with the club undergoing a huge overhaul in recent years.

Significant investment into the playing squad has allowed for a huge turnaround, with Unai Emery’s side qualifying for the Champions League during the 2023/24 campaign after finishing in the Premier League’s top four.

Emery has been the man at the helm for their recent success, providing the supporters with memories to last a lifetime – with European football a distant dream before his arrival in November 2022.

He’s formed a fantastic squad with the help of President of Football Operations Monchi, with the pair working together to form a squad without one of the club’s most high-profile academy graduates.

Jack Grealish’s time at Aston Villa

After joining the club as a six-year-old, Jack Grealish rapidly developed through the club’s academy setup, before making his first-team debut back in 2014 following a successful loan spell at Notts County, where he registered 12 goal involvements in 39 games.

The forward is the definition of a modern-day club legend, staying at the club after relegation from the Premier League in 2016, and becoming a spearhead in the squad that eventually claimed promotion three years later.

He was named as club captain during the promotion-winning campaign, producing numerous moments of magic – including against bitter rivals Birmingham City after he was attacked by a supporter.

It was fitting that Grealish scored the goal to keep Villa in the Premier League back in 2020, with the boyhood fan going on to join Manchester City in a record-breaking deal 12 months later, departing Villa Park with 213 appearances to his name.

The attacker joined Pep Guardiola’s side in a £100m deal – the most expensive transfer for an English player at the time, before Declan Rice's £105m move to Arsenal last summer.

Whilst it was a big call to let such a talented player leave Villa Park, the fee was too good to turn down, with the club currently having a player who is worth more than the English international in 2024.

Jack Grealish’s market value in 2024

Villa star Ollie Watkins enjoyed his best top-flight goalscoring campaign last season, bagging 19 goals in his 37 appearances – helping the club finish in the top four.

The 28-year-old “nightmare”, as described by Conor Coady, has been a constant source of goals for Villa after his £28m move from Brentford back in 2020, with Dean Smith's signing going on to register double figures in every campaign he’s featured in for the club.

His excellent form last season saw him receive a call-up to the England squad for Euro 2024, scoring the winning goal off the bench during the semi-final victory over the Netherlands.

Watkins’ superb showings over the last 12 months has seen his market value soar, with the striker now valued at £55m as per Transfermarkt – a figure that is higher than former fan-favourite Grealish, who’s now only valued at £50m just three years after his record-breaking move.

The striker is just one example of the club’s excellent recruitment in recent times, with his goalscoring abilities allowing the club to reach heights that were unimaginable just a couple of years ago.

The supporters and Emery will desperately be hoping that he can replicate his sensational form from last season in 2024/25 as the club embark on an unforgettable European adventure in the coming months.

Aston Villa struck gold on free signing who's now worth more than Martinez

The club have certainly bagged themselves a gem.

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 3, 2024

The England midfielder's future at Old Trafford really should be secure, but the same cannot be said for his Argentine team-mate

According to , Manchester United are prepared to listen to any "serious offer" for every single member of Ruben Amorim's current squad. Part-owners INEOS have taken that stance because of the Premier League's strict Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which only permit maximum losses of £105 million ($129m) over a three-year period.

United have lost £313m ($385m) before tax over the last three years, but the 2021-22 season accounts for £150m ($185m) of that total, which will not be included in the next PSR assessment – per . As such, the club is confident about balancing the books in the short-term, but there is now a push for a more sustainable transfer model that will ensure they avoid the threat of points deductions for the foreseeable future.

All of this means that no one is untouchable anymore. That includes academy graduates like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, who would both generate pure profit for the club if they were transferred.

In the case of Mainoo, any sale would surely provoke a revolt from United fans. He's been the one bright spark amid one of the most miserable periods in the club's entire history. But Garnacho has lost his status a homegrown hero in recent months, and will need to make significant changes in order to preserve his career at Old Trafford.

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  Ruthless Ratcliffe

  It should be noted that United are not trying to sell Mainoo or Garnacho. But Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been ruthless since acquiring a minority stake in the club last January and taking control of football operations, implementing a host of cost-cutting measures.

  "We have to make some difficult and unpopular decisions," Ratcliffe told the fanzine last month. "If you shy away from the difficult decisions, then nothing much is going to change." Many of those decisions have already riled supporters, not least a ticket price hike to £66-per-game with no concessions for pensioners or children.

  The INEOS chairman is a lifelong United fan himself, but he is, first and foremost, a businessman. Ratcliffe's main priority is to stop the club losing money, which also means a more thoughtful approach to squad building. Certain players were considered unsellable under Erik ten Hag, who also blew a fortune on a host of flop signings. Amorim, who was brought in to replace the Dutchman as head coach in November, will not be afforded those privileges.

  United are now in a position where they must sell before they can buy any more new players, with claiming that not even summer additions Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee are off limits. In this cutthroat environment there are no guarantees, but the players can still protect themselves to a degree by delivering consistently strong performances.

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  Mainoo's importance

  Mainoo is the only United player who can honestly say he has done that over the past 18 months. At just 19 years of age, he's already an accomplished ball carrier who invites and evades pressure brilliantly, keeping a cool head even in the tightest areas of the pitch.

  Midfield has been a problem position for United, with the ageing legs of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen no longer able to keep up with the intensity of Premier League football, and Mainoo has been vital in giving the team a semblance of control. He always drops deep to get the ball and looks to pass through the lines, boasting the agility and awareness to change direction quickly under pressure.

  Physically, there is still a lot of maturing for Mainoo to do, especially now he's operating in Amorim's exhausting 3-4-3 system. He reads the game well, but is prone to fatigue and often comes off second best in duels, both in the air and on the ground. However, with time and guidance, Mainoo will improve in those areas; it's easy to forget he's only mid-way through his second season at senior level.

  It helps that he is now complemented by Ugarte, who is a master of winning back possession and seems to never run out of energy. They worked particularly well together in last weekend's hugely encouraging 2-2 draw at Liverpool, largely getting the better of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones.

  That display should serve as a springboard for United and Mainoo to bigger things. The path forward is much clearer now that Amorim appears to have settled on his best XI, with Mainoo serving as the main link between defence and attack.

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  Don't mess with the United faithful

  Despite his status as United's most promising, and arguably most important player, there have been no developments on a potential new contract for Mainoo since Ten Hag confirmed that talks were imminent back in September. As it stands, Mainoo is reportedly pocketing just £20,000-per-week in wages on a contract until 2027, with the option of an extra year.

  states that Mainoo's representatives are pushing for fresh terms that would see his pay packet rise to £200,000-per-week, which would be the fifth-highest in the squad behind Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount. The pre-INEOS regime would have probably bowed to those demands without much resistance, but nothing is certain on Ratcliffe's watch.

  That's why Mainoo is said to have emerged as a target for Chelsea, who are closely monitoring the situation. It might still seem unthinkable to the United faithful, but there is a real possibility Mainoo could leave. If any club is capable of tabling an offer attractive enough to convince INEOS to green-light a sale, it's Chelsea.

  It would be a very foolish decision, though. Ratcliffe is messing with a fanbase that has persistently protested against the Glazer family, the club's much-maligned majority owners, and Mainoo's exit could lead to a more extreme uprising. If it's a choice between a PSR-related points deduction and keeping Mainoo, it's safe to say most supporters would pick the latter without hesitation; he's a beloved homegrown hero who should be protected, but instead he's being treated as a disposable asset.

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  Infuriating Garnacho

  There was a time when Garnacho also fell into the 'homegrown hero' bracket. He graduated from the United academy in 2022, two years after being snapped up from Atletico Madrid, and quickly made his mark with the first team.

  The Argentine forward scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the Europa League on November 3, 2022, racing onto a pass from Cristiano Ronaldo before dispatching the ball confidently into the top corner. It was a dream moment for the then-18-year-old, scoring the winner on a continental stage after being assisted by his idol.

  Ten days later, Garnacho opened his Premier League account, producing a perfect first-time finish to beat Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno and give United a vital 2-1 win at Craven Cottage right at the death. There soon became an expectation that when Garnacho got on the ball, something great would happen, and there have been plenty of other spectacular strikes for the highlight real, not least a Puskas Award-winning bicycle kick in United's 3-0 win at Everton last season.

  Now Garnacho is up to 23 goals in 115 games for the Red Devils; a respectable total considering he's still only 20. But he has just three to his name in the Premier League so far this term, and finds himself on the fringes of the action under Amorim.

  Garnacho still has the capacity to make a decisive impact, but it's rare. Most of the time he picks the wrong options in the final third, displaying very little composure with his shooting or passing. He also tends to play with his head down, and runs into trouble constantly. Garnacho has only completed 11 of his 46 dribbles in the Premier League in 2024-25, giving him a pathetic success rate of 32.3 percent. He's infuriating to watch, and doesn't seem to understand what it means to be a team player.