Manchester United continued their excellent form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a 1-0 win at Leicester City this afternoon.

The Red Devils had enough in the locker to see off the Foxes at the King Power, as a goal from Marcus Rashford gave the Manchester club a valuable three points in their hunt for Champions League football.

Indeed, it was once again Rashford who got the winner to continue his fine form under his new manager, and we here in the Tavern think the young Englishman is now the main man at Old Trafford.

However, this is bad news for another of United’s key men in Romelu Lukaku, who has found himself on the bench in the main while Rashford fires in the goals, and this could well pave the way to convince United to cash in on the Belgian this summer.

While Lukaku offers strength and power up top, Rashford’s raw pace and finishing ability has marked him out as the main man in the United squad, and Lukaku will not want to sit around on the bench for too long in all honesty.

For United though, it wouldn’t be the end of the world to sell Lukaku on. A new deal for Anthony Martial has already been agreed, and Alexis Sanchez is back in the fold following form and fitness worries.

While in an ideal world all players will remain happy and play their part, there is just a big enough argument to make a case for Lukaku to be moved on come the summer.

United fans, would you agree? Let us know in the comments!

Tottenham fans have been left frustrated with the lack of signings over recent windows.

Indeed, with the last signing being Lucas Moura more than over a year ago, it’s been one of the most barren times in the club’s history. Clearly, the club aren’t exactly in dire need of a squad overhaul, though it’s hard to argue that Mauricio Pochettino isn’t dragging the maximum out of every single one of his players, so further additions would certainly help ease the burden on the current squad.

In fact, this has led people to believe this is one of the main reasons they lack silverware, having challenged for quite a while now.

So, with the window approaching, we look at some players who could push Spurs to the next level.

Jack Grealish 

Grealish was one of Tottenham’s main transfer targets throughout the whole of the summer window, who in the end, they failed to capture due to miscommunications on price. A year on and yet another transfer window approaching it wouldn’t be a shock if Spurs were to dip back into the pot and try again for the English international.

After having his head turned and his attitude based on a move to the Lillywhites, Grealish has suffered a lacklustre season with only 2 goals and 4 assists in the Championship. However, it is with no doubt that given the move to Tottenham, the forward would find new life and spring into new heights with the likes of Dele Alli and Harry Kane to guide him forward.

With his pace, power and skill it is clear to see why Pochettino wants to sign the 23-year-old and have him playing in an attacking position that could possibly be made vacant by Christian Eriksen.

Matthias Ginter 

Matthias Ginter has been an integral part of Borussia Monchengladbach’s defence during what has been a very successful season for the German side, and with Jan Vertonghen not getting any younger, the 25-year-old German centre-back could fit right into his place as a long term replacement.

Having helped contribute the same amount as clean sheets for Gladbach as Vertonghen has done for Spurs (10 league clean sheets) it is clear to see that the German can provide a defensive stability alongside Davinson Sanchez, which could become a defensive wall that Spurs can rely on for many years to come.

The Spurs faithful will be hoping to see their chairman and manager come together and pull some new players in for the following seasons, and will hope that new signings can push the squad forward into a new level.

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According to the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa are likely to be in the market to sign a new striker in the upcoming summer transfer window. The publication suggest Brentford goal-getter Neal Maupay as an ideal target for Dean Smith to pursue.

What’s the story?

The Villans are certain to need a new man to lead the line ahead of next season, as Tammy Abraham’s loan stay at Villa Park will come to an end at the end of this season.

Abraham’s goals must be replaced, and Smith would be wise to identify potential targets to take up this role as early as possible.

As the Birmingham Mail suggest, Maupay would be the perfect man to take over from the Chelsea loanee at Aston Villa.

Check out the below above to see football played as you’ve never seen it before… in a maze!

Facing a fight for his signature

Maupay has been in fine form so far this season for Brentford. 

According to Transfermarkt’s stats, the 22-year-old forward has struck 17 times and registered 6 assists in 27 Championship outings. The Frenchman’s all round play has also been very impressive and considering his age it is safe to assume that he will continue to improve in the coming years. 

An investment in Maupay in the summer would be a wise one on the part of Villa, but they may find that they have to fight off Premier League interest, especially if the Brentford striker can maintain his current form.

Smith should do all he can to bring the 22-year-old to Villa Park, especially as he knows the player so well from his own time in charge at Griffin Park. However, the striker may soon be beyond the Midlands outfit’s financial reach.

Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping the Hammers can kick on in their remaining fixtures to secure a place in Europe at the end of the season.

West Ham have been much improved under the Chilean’s leadership but their form has been inconsistent. Only Fulham have kept fewer clean sheets than the London side who have kept out their opponents only four times in 25 league games so far. Pellegrini will hope his side can iron out their issues and string together a solid run of form during the run in.

Finishing in Europe would provide extra funds to strengthen his squad when the transfer window reopens in the summer. West Ham would also be able to attract a much higher calibre of player and would be an attractive option to any player looking to further their career.

One man Pellegrini should be keeping a close eye on with a view to a summer move is Brentford winger – Said Benrahma. Valued at just £1.35m by Transfermarkt, the former Algeria international is a new arrival at the Bees having signed from Nice back in July. Benrahma has made an instant impact at his new side, becoming a crucial player at Griffin Park.

The 23-year-old has netted five goals in all competitions as well as registering an impressive 12 assists for his team-mates. Benrahma is capable of playing right across the forward line making him a useful option for Pellegrini to have at his disposal. With bags of tricks and excellent dribbling ability, the former Angers man would be a nightmare for Premier League defenders.

Still developing and improving, this signing could prove to be a wonderful addition to the Hammers squad.

West Ham fans, thoughts?

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With Roberto Firmino absent from the squad following the injury he picked up against Manchester United on Sunday, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp chose to use Sadio Mane in an unfamiliar centre-forward role against Watford at Anfield on Wednesday, and it worked wonders.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the German boss was left with a decision to make after the Brazilian was ruled out of facing the Hornets, who had beaten Cardiff City 5-1 away less than a week previously.

He could have used Mo Salah, Divock Origi or Daniel Sturridge through the middle, but instead he opted for the pace and unpredictability of Mane, with the former aforementioned duo flanking him in a 4-3-3 formation.

It was a bold move that worked wonders as the former Southampton man netted the first two goals – including a magnificent back-heel finish – of the 5-0 thrashing, that kept the Reds ahead in the Premier League title race.

When asked if he was surprised by the Senegal international’s showing he told liverpoolfc.com: “Scoring-wise of course, performance-wise not. That’s what we expect, that he plays like this, that he offers these things.”

Could he be used there again?

Almost certainly.

Klopp’s comments obviously suggest that he was concerned that the 26-year-old wouldn’t be as much of a goal threat playing as a centre-forward instead of on the wing, but he completely dispelled that with his brace in the opening 20 minutes on Merseyside.

It means that the former Borussia Dortmund coach is now able to confidently use any of his front three in that position, and that flexibility will surely only help Liverpool as their bid to win their first-ever Premier League title enters the final 10 matches.

Unai Emery is reportedly (via the Daily Mail) set to be handed limited funds to strengthen his squad during the summer transfer window.

The Spaniard was forced to settle for loan signings in January, landing Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez on a temporary deal. There is plenty of work to be done if Arsenal are to challenge Manchester City, Liverpool and Spurs at the top of the table next season. Emery may be forced to offload many fringe players in order to boost his finances.

The long-term future of Mesut Ozil remains unclear after the German was left out of the matchday squad yet again against BATE Borisov. After falling out of favour under Arsene Wenger, the ex-Real Madrid man has struggled for form and fitness under the former Sevilla boss.

To replace him, Arsenal should make a move for PSV Eindhoven maestro – Gaston Pereiro. Valued at £12.6m by Transfermarkt, the Uruguay international has been a mainstay in the side since moving from Nacional back in the summer of 2015. Pereiro was crucial to the side that lifted the Eredivisie title last season and has been in fantastic form yet again during the current campaign.

The 23-year-old has been lethal in front of goal, netting ten goals in all competitions. As well as his goalscoring exploits, Pereiro has also been the creative force for his team, registering seven assists for his team-mates. Averaging 1.5 key passes per game in the Eredivisie, his arrival at the Emirates could mean even more goals for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the attack (WhoScored).

The playmaker possesses the quality to carve open defences and would be an excellent Ozil replacement if the former Germany international does leave England.

Arsenal fans, thoughts?

عاد صامويل أومتيتي، مدافع برشلونة الإسباني، اليوم الجمعة، إلى تدريبات الفريق الكتالوني بعد غياب دام 85 يومًا.

وعانى أومتيتي، من الإصابة في ركبته اليسرى، وبدأ خطة علاج في 2 يوليو الماضي، وعاد اليوم للتدريبات.

اقرأ أيضًا.. سواريز يرد على ميسي: لا تنسى ما قلته لك

وقالت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية، إن المدافع الفرنسي اتخذ خطوة مهمة للغاية للعودة بعد أن عانى لمدة عامين من الإصابات.

وأضافت: “ليس هناك وقت محدد لعودة أومتيتي للملاعب، ولكن سيعتبر نجاحًا كبيرًا إذا تعافى اللاعب قبل 5 أكتوبر المقبل”.

وأتمت: “هذا قد يسهل من رحيله عن برشلونة سواء على سبيل الإعارة أو البيع النهائي، لأنه خارج خطط رونالد كومان، مدرب الفريق الكتالوني تمامًا”.

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Loads of Sunderland fans have been reacting to an update from their promotion rivals that could have a big impact on the race to go up, as Barnsley’s Cameron McGeehan will miss the clash with the Black Cats through suspension.

McGeehan has been banned for three games for an incident that took place during last weekend’s clash against Southend, the club have confirmed.

The 23 year-old, who has five goals and one assist this season, will miss crucial matches against Accrington Stanley at home, Sunderland at home and Doncaster away.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

Of course, the middle of those three is what everyone on Wearside has got one eye on, as the two teams appear locked in a battle to the end for that second automatic promotion spot.

Luton Town are flying away in first, but Jack Ross’ side currently sit two points behind Barnsley with a game in hand.

The two sides played out a thrilling encounter last time they met, as a brace from Kieffer Moore wasn’t enough to stop a 4-2 Sunderland win.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where the Stadium of Light faithful are loving this one…

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Mohamed Diame is seemingly edging ever closer to a contract extension at Newcastle United, but the midfielder reportedly wants a longer deal with the club.

What’s the story, then?

According to The Chronicle, Diame is just three Premier League appearances short of earning a new one-year extension at Newcastle.

Indeed, the midfielder has made 22 league appearances for the Magpies this term and another three will earn him an extension to his current deal.

However, according to The Chronicle, Diame would like a contract until the end of the 2020-21 campaign to reflect his importance to the team.

Diame has actually only played four minutes of Premier League football since the 2-0 home defeat to Manchester United at the start of the year due to injury.

However, with the 31-year-old now fit and available, it seems almost impossible that he will not make another three league appearances before the end of the season.

Does Diame deserve a new contract?

Undoubtedly. And Newcastle should be offering a new deal until the summer of 2021 rather than being happy with the activation of an extension.

Diame is not the most talented of footballers in the Premier League, but he can certainly cope with Rafael Benitez’s physical demands.

He is also incredibly experienced, having made 96 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle since arriving in 2016, whilst he has made 232 appearances in the Premier League during spells with Wigan Athletic, West Ham United, Hull City and Newcastle.

Diame will be 32 heading into the 2019-2020 campaign, but he certainly has a couple more seasons of Premier League football in his legs.

Sean Longstaff has earned the plaudits in recent weeks, but Diame is another important figure in the Benitez machine.

Wilfried Zaha was the hero once again as Crystal Palace managed to salvage a point against West Ham last week.

The Hammers took a first-half lead after Mark Noble scored from the penalty spot after just 24 minutes. The Eagles constantly threatened to equalise and the goal finally came when Zaha beat Lukasz Fabianski from a tight angle. Roy Hodgson’s men were able to hold on to secure a vital point against Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

It seemed at times that Palace were once again going to draw a blank on home soil – an issue that has plagued them throughout the season. When Zaha hasn’t been on form, Palace have looked toothless in the final third. This is a problem that the former England manager simply must address when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

One man the Eagles could target is AZ Alkmaar star – Oussama Idrissi. Valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, the former Netherlands U21 international has been a mainstay in the team since joining from FC Groningen back in January 2018. The 22-year-old has been in inspired form this season, helping his side to fourth in the Eredivisie table so far.

Idrissi has been excellent in front of goal, netting seven times already in the league. As well as his goalscoring exploits, the youngster has also chipped in with six assists for his team-mates. Comfortable on either wing or through the centre, Idrissi would shoulder some of the goal-scoring burden currently on Zaha’s shoulders. The Morocco citizen possesses fantastic technical ability, completing an incredible 3.7 successful dribbles and 2 key passes per game in the league (WhoScored).

The winger is only getting better and Palace should do all they can to bring him to England.

Crystal Palace fans, thoughts?