All posts by n8rngtd.top

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has ruled Edinson Cavani out of the Europa League clash with Real Sociedad due to a fresh muscle injury.

Cavani last featured for the Red Devils during the 1-1 draw at struggling West Brom in the Premier League on Sunday and was expected to be fit to face Sociedad on Thursday night after playing the entire game.

The 33-year-old has become one of Solskjaer’s most trusted and consistent performers over the past few months, which is evident because he has started four of their past five Premier League fixtures with two goals to show for his four starts.

Drawing with Sam Allardyce’s side ensured the Red Devils have now conceded 31 goals in the top flight; out of all their closest rivals, only Merseyside clubs Liverpool and Everton have conceded more so far this season.

The draw also extended a run of two games without a win in the Premier League, and Solskjaer confirmed the club’s third-highest goalscorer wouldn’t be available for today’s trip to Sociedad.

“With Paul, he’s recovering well,” said Solskjaer. “He’s starting the treatment and will still be a few weeks, he won’t be playing in February, that’s for sure. So still a few weeks until we see Paul, definitely.

“Apart from that, we have a couple of doubtful ones [to see] if they’ll be fit enough. Anthony and Scott, we’ll have to check them tomorrow. Edinson and Donny definitely not travelling.”

The manager has now a decision to make over who will lead the line in what is sure to be a tough test against the two-time La Liga champions.

At his best, when he is fully fit and firing on all cylinders, Anthony Martial is still one of the club’s best options through the middle, having finished the 2019/20 season as the club’s top scorer with 23 goals in all competitions.

However, that is not the case now, and it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman will keep his place in the starting line-up given his poor run of form this season.

Martial started on the left wing against West Brom on Sunday but struggled to make much of an impression and did little to justify his selection in the first place, before being forced to make way for Mason Greenwood in the second half.

Despite his best efforts, the 25-year-old has been unable to replicate the form that saw him score 23 goals last term, as he took just 40 touches – which was at least 20 fewer than Marcus Rashford, per SofaScore.

He couldn’t complete a single successful dribble and also failed to register a single shot in the entire game, let alone a shot on target, while second-half substitute Greenwood managed at least one during his brief cameo off the bench.

Solskjaer also revealed to reporters ahead of kick-off that there are fitness concerns over Martial, so there’s no guarantee he’s involved from the off tonight, only increasing the struggle on the United boss to find a solution.

Greenwood appeared alongside Solskjaer in the pre-match press conference, which implies fans can expect to see him return to the starting XI against Sociedad tonight.

Admittedly, the 19-year-old himself has struggled in recent weeks, with just one goal in his past 18 Premier League appearances. But he may have a key part to play if Solskjaer can get the best out of him regularly.

Whether Greenwood can step up and be the answer in Cavani’s, and potentially Martial’s, absence remains to be seen. Clearly, though, it’s an unwanted headache to have for such a crucial encounter.

AND in other Man Utd news, Man Utd must seal swoop for Victor Lindelof replacement in Sven Botman…

Carlo Ancelotti must find the perfect role for Tom Davies to occupy in Everton’s midfield, as Allan looks to make his return from injury against Southampton on Monday night.

The Toffees’ £21m summer signing from Serie A side SSC Napoli featured as an unused substitute of last Saturday’s Merseyside derby win at Liverpool, having only returned to the bench for his side’s trip to Anfield.

Allan has not played a single second of Premier League action since December 16 when the Blues beat Leicester City, having limped off the King Power Stadium pitch with a hamstring strain late in the first half.

Ancelotti confirmed ahead of the Merseyside derby that Allan has fully overcome his issue and is now fit to start once the Italian tactician chooses to, but left the Brazilian on the bench with Davies starting alongside Andre Gomes and Abdoulaye Doucoure instead.

Neither Gomes nor Doucoure left the red side of Stanley Park on the back of a top-draw performance, with the Portuguese maestro often a red card waiting to happen before his withdrawal and the ex-Watford dynamo frequently wasteful in possession.

Yet Allan would not be a direct replacement for either in Ancelotti’s currently favoured systems but rather for Davies, with the Toffees product occupying the holding role in his side’s last four Premier League fixtures after earning a reprieve at the start of the month.

Davies has performed remarkably well since returning to the line-up at Manchester United on February 6, after Ancelotti instructed the £14.5m-rated ace to simplify his game.

“The only thing I said to him is to simplify his work and his style of play,” the Italian said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “He plays in a position where, tactically, you have to be really focused.

“Watching the game against United, I think tactically he was perfect. With the ball, he has maybe not the quality of a top midfielder but in that position, we need to play simple passes, you don’t need to over-complicate.”

Those changes were again clear against Liverpool, with Yannick Bolasie noting on Twitter: “Loving how simple Tom’s making the game look.” Ex-Reds midfielder David Thompson also described his performance as: “Here’s a phrase I never thought possible, Tom Davies and brilliant in the same sentence.”

But Davies’ re-emergence as a first-team regular at Goodison Park with fantastic energy, composure and a willingness to get stuck could now be put to the test with Allan returning to the core of Everton’s midfield.

On the left of a midfield three, likes Gomes occupied at Anfield, Davies will have to replicate his perfectly weighted through ball to Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the start of the second half against Manchester United that started Everton’s comeback, and the drive to push the Blues up the field on a much more regular basis.

Just being gritty and snatching back possession will not be enough for Davies to stake his claim to a starting role outside of the holding position, with the 22-year-old offering just 0.1 key passes a game in the Premier League this term, per WhoScored.

His creative record sits alongside centre-back Yerry Mina and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, while some way behind Gomes (0.4), Allan (0.6) and Doucoure (0.8). Davies rarely shoots, either, with just 0.1 shots a game – the lowest average of any outfield Blues player who has featured for more than 100 minutes to date.

If Davies cannot find that added touch, it may be hard for Ancelotti to find the perfect role for the midfielder to occupy in a fully-fit Everton squad.

AND in other news, Everton face widespread PL competition for the transfer of an £18k-p/w beast this summer…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League footballer Carlton Palmer has suggested that ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard would accept the Celtic job if offered.

Lampard is out of work following his dismissal from Stamford Bridge at the end of January and had previously been linked with Championship outfit Bournemouth. According to Football Insider, however, it was not something that interested the 42-year-old, making him still available to succeed Neil Lennon.

It remains to be seen whether Celtic would be interested in bringing Lampard to the club but, from the Chelsea legend’s perspective, Palmer believes he would relish the chance to manage in Glasgow.

When asked if he could see Lampard taking the Celtic job, Palmer exclusively told FFC:

“Of course, like I’ve said, it’s a massive job. I mean, a lot will depend on [Frank] as well, for Frank, the next job’s got to be important. So, you know, in terms of what’s available in terms of funds, and realistically, being successful, and so Frank is going to be very careful and very selective for the next job he takes.”

On the same subject, Palmer also added: “I don’t know the situation at Celtic in terms of financially where they are, what type of salaries they could pay and what type of players they could attract, and that will all play a part in the manager that you see being appointed.”

While Lampard was unable to get that star-studded Chelsea side firing this season, leaving them in ninth place before getting the sack, the former England international did enjoy some success in west London and show potential as a coach during his maiden campaign there.

Under Lampard, the Blues managed to secure Champions League football, despite their transfer ban, thanks to a fourth-place finish. They were also able to reach the last-16 of the competition that term and the FA Cup final, losing out to London rivals Arsenal in a tight affair at Wembley.

The integration of the likes of Mason Mount and Reece James, who are both now full England internationals, is something that Lampard can be credited for, too.

West Ham manager David Moyes should urge the club to make a move for Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham, following Marlon Harewood’s verdict on the striker.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that Abraham is a target for the Hammers this summer, with his long-term future at Stamford Bridge uncertain.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Harewood said: “That’s where West Ham should be looking, and I think Moysie (David Moyes) is that sort of person that he will be looking for a striker of that calibre, young, he’s ready to go, he’s been in the Premier League quite a while now. 

“I think he needs a chance, just like Jesse Lingard coming from Manchester United obviously not playing coming into the club, got a lot to show, and Tammy is one of them, got a lot to show (too) and would complement Antonio very well.”

Imagine him and Antonio

While Antonio has transitioned into an out-and-out number nine – all his games for the Hammers this season has been played up front – Abraham’s arrival could see Moyes look to play two up top, or with the former going back out wide.

The duo possess sheer pace and power, and that would no doubt pose a threat to most defences in the Premier League – Abraham has already bagged six in 20 league games this campaign, while Antonio has managed seven in 18.

Dean Windass has also previously spoken to FFC about how Abraham would be perfect for the Hammers, saying: “He’s David Moyes’ type, athletic, quick and young. Is he the new Chelsea manager’s cup of tea? I don’t think so.

“So, massive fit for West Ham, bit like Carlton Cole who was upfront for West ham, that sort of type. He’s big, strong and scores goals.”

The £60m-rated striker – dubbed a “hell of a talent” by Dean Smith, his former manager at Aston Villa – is even stronger in the air than Antonio, winning 58% of his aerial duels compared to the latter’s 46%. A look at both of their touch-maps this season shows how Abraham predominantly works inside the box, while the Hammers forward is seen buzzing around the final third, popping up on the left, right and through the middle.

Having Antonio act as a dovetail with Abraham could add a different dimension to West Ham’s attacks, and it’s exactly why Moyes should urge GSB to make a swoop for the Chelsea forward.

Meanwhile, this pundit has delivered a big claim on Declan Rice’s West Ham future…

Manchester United took a considerable step towards securing a UEFA Champions League position on Sunday by edging past West Ham United 1-0 at Old Trafford.

It wasn’t so much a game blessed with attacking finesse with just Craig Dawson’s unfortunate own-goal enough to separate the two sides at Old Trafford.

However, it was a clash filled with defensive discipline as the Red Devils battled to secure their 12th Premier League clean sheet of the campaign.

Whilst Luke Shaw received plenty of praise, and justifiably so, considering his performance at left-back, key to Manchester United’s victory was Harry Maguire.

The Red Devils captain produced a mature and dominant performance, marshalling his team’s backline throughout the game.

According to WhoScored, he produced an interception and clearance, as well as blocking a dangerous West Ham effort.

However, it was in the air where the former Leicester City man was so prolific. He won five aerial duels, ensuring that both Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio were starved of service throughout their trip to Old Trafford.

Maguire also produced seven clearances throughout the game – a high for the clash and as many as the rest of the Manchester United team put together.

United’s defensive tactics appeared to work hugely, with David Moyes’ Hammers being limited to just seven shots during the match, with none of them finding the target.

With Man United securing what could be a hugely important clean sheet and three points, they now more likely than not to book a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

If that occurs, they will surely look back on the victory, and in particular Harry Maguire’s performance, against West Ham as a key moment in their season.

AND in more news, take a look at the Serie A star who could be the perfect future partner for Maguire should the Red Devils make a move…

Say the name Almen Abdi around Hillsborough Stadium and you’ll likely get back a prickly response from the Sheffield Wednesday faithful – but that is quite understandable.

The Swiss midfielder cost the Yorkshire giants a whopping £4m from Watford in 2016 and, in three seasons, racked up an abysmal 23 appearances. A shocking waste of money, to say the least.

It was such poor a signing that YorkshireLive dubbed him their ‘undisputed captain’ of the Owls’ worst 25-man squad of the last decade.

He never lived up to expectations, and now there’s another name heading down the same treacherous path – Massimo Luongo.

According to reports in his home country Australia at the time (summer 2019), the former QPR midfielder cost around £3.3m, which isn’t too much cheaper than the price paid for Abdi.

Now valued at just £1.44m by Transfermarkt, the 28-year-old has struggled to make much of an impact in the near two seasons that he’s been in south Yorkshire.

In total, Luongo has made 43 appearances for the Owls but hasn’t started a game since a 2-0 defeat to Huddersfield at the start of December and has missed 22 league outings through injury, per Transfermarkt.

He comes back and then gets injured almost instantly – even when appearing from the bench for the odd ten to 20 minutes.

This is very much the same story to that of Abdi and that should have Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri hugely concerned as it’ll be another disastrous cross on his transfer record.

Frustratingly, when the injury-prone maestro is fit, he’s among the club’s best-performing players, but those matches come few and far between.

In 2015, the Aussie was named alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on a 59-player list for the Ballon d’Or world footballer of the year award.

Just two years later, former Rs boss Ian Holloway lauded him as the best player in the Championship, via Goal.com, whilst ex-Owls boss Garry Monk – who signed Luongo in 2019 – waxed lyrical about him last season. He said:

“I think he has been one of our best performing players in terms of consistency across all the games that he has played so far. He is a great lad. He is a quiet leader,” before adding: “I think his performances have been excellent.”

Darren Moore knows all too well about the £18k-per-week dynamo, too. Echoing the aforementioned sentiments, he told reporters in his unveiling press conference: “Mass is an excellent player, we know that. He’ll be a wonderful addition with the squad.”

However, there is a long way to go before Luongo can back up just glowing praise. He must first focus on staying fit – if he can’t, then the Owls could certainly have another Abdi on their hands.

The 34-year-old has not played for another club since his exit from Hillsborough at the end of the 2018/19 season. Luongo best hope he does not follow the same path.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Palmer adamant Liam Shaw shouldn’t be playing for Sheffield Wednesday…

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered a major update on Leeds United’s transfer plans this summer.

What’s the story?

Despite enjoying an impressive first season back in the Premier League, all eyes will no doubt be on how Marcelo Bielsa’s side look to strengthen when the summer transfer window comes around.

Now, Hay has suggested that Leeds could be set for a mini-overhaul of their squad, with the club supposedly eyeing up to five new signings at Elland Road.

Responding to a question in a pre-match Q&A for The Athletic ahead of the Premier League clash against Fulham on Friday night, Hay said: “I’m told they’ll look at signing around five players in the summer. The numbers can’t be wild because a) good players at this level are expensive and b) if Bielsa stays on, he doesn’t like massive overhauls. But I think we can all see what needs to be done.”

Bielsa will be buzzing

Make no mistake about it, while Bielsa may not be a big fan of completely overhauling things and seeing a huge turnover of players, the prospect of five new signings should make a real impact on trying to establish Leeds as a Premier League force.

To the Whites’ credit, their performances this season have largely been carried by those who played a major role in their promotion from the Championship: the likes of Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips to name but a couple.

But taking that next step, especially at Premier League level, requires some big spending and some major moves in the transfer market, and it’s exactly why Bielsa should be buzzing that those above him seem intent on trying to really reinforce his squad ahead of next season.

Meanwhile, Leeds should unleash this starlet who Bielsa loves next season…

Parkhead could witness not only a major upheaval of Celtic’s playing squad this summer, but also of the coaching staff and boardroom.

Fergal Harkin has been linked with taking on the brand new director of football role while they are, of course, searching for a new manager.

What’s the word?

One part of the mass exodus this summer could be Kristoffer Ajer. The centre-back has been linked with Tottenham, Leicester and AC Milan in recent years.

Ajer’s contract expires in the summer of 2022 and thus, if he isn’t going to sign a new deal, this could be the time to cash in.

Indeed, concerns over his future have now grown larger. The defender is currently on international duty with Norway where his manager Stale Solbakken urged him to quit Parkhead.

As reported by Norwegian outlet VG, Solbakken said: “Kristoffer has to change the league now, he must. He does not have enough challenges in everyday life. Therefore, I think he has got some habits, which you do not notice until he meets better opposition at international level or Europe.

“So, I think it would be a smart move for him. Kristoffer should go to one of the five major leagues. He will do that. He has the qualities to play in those leagues and I am calm about that.”

Norway’s assistant manager Brede Hangeland added something even more worrying: “If you are going to have development over a long period of time, you must be challenged as often as possible. I’ve told him this on the phone a couple of times. In some matches he plays in Scotland, he looks like a senior who plays at junior level. It’s of course because he’s good, and this is not criticism of the Scottish league.”

Bad news for the Bhoys

Hangeland’s words are incredibly startling; essentially suggesting that when Ajer plays, he makes the rest of the league look like a bunch of schoolboys.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-boupendza-mcgeady-marsch-mccarthy” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

The 22-year-old has developed immensely during his stay at Paradise but news that those close to him are urging the defender to leave is not good news.

Dermot Desmond is currently one of the busiest shareholders in football, trying to find a new manager for Celtic and having to withstand copious amounts of pressure from the supporters.

Only this week he was questioned about his role in Glasgow, but he issued a valiant cry; he will not sell his shares.

His job could get even harder if Celtic give in and sell Ajer, though. After all, he is often the glue that holds this team together.

The Hoops have been awful from a defensive point of view this term, conceding 14 more goals than Rangers in the Premiership. Without their imperious Norwegian, that tally would definitely be worse.

Speaking earlier this term, John Hartson said: “He’s grabbing the bull by the horns and he’s almost dragging the team through, even to these draws.”

“He’s a credit to the rest of the players. They should all look at him and if they’d all adopted the same attitude as Ajer then might have made a better fist of it in terms of holding on to the title.”

To lose him, therefore, would be a colossal blow to Celtic’s ambitions of regaining the SPFL title next term. He is vitally important.

AND in other news, Better than Kenny: Celtic must sign “fierce” gem who’s made 89 tackles this term…

Many Everton fans have been left to hail a transfer link to Daryl Dike as Eurosport have reported that they are interested in signing him.

As per the news outlet, scouts at the Goodison Park faithful have been impressed with his displays at Barnsley so far, where he has scored a total of five goals in 11 games in the EFL Championship so far in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt), following his loan spell from Orlando City FC in the MLS.

It is believed that the USA international has a valuation of $20m (£14.5m), which may not be a bad price for the 20-year-old striker.

Given that he now has the experience of playing in English football, albeit in a lower division than the Premier League, Dike may be a very handy back-up to have for the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and being just 20 years of age, he can only get better.

Everton fans on Dike transfer update

These Toffees hailed the transfer update on Dike on Twitter, with one Blues supporter claiming that he would be a ‘fantastic’ signing and branded him a ‘beast’:

“Let’s gooooooo”

Credit: @corg1k1ng

“Oh hell yes!!”

Credit: @BazTastic77

“Need”

Credit: @osiannaiso

“Absolute beast. He would be a fantastic signing.”

Credit: @Medwards011

“Absolutely loving it”

Credit: @LilKean1878

“Looks like another big Rom …. get him signed up!”

Credit: @fifasavedmylife

In other news, find out what Liverpool dig from one EFC ace has been lauded by fans here!

Leeds United have been told to offer Kalvin Phillips a new deal at Elland Road, amid likely interest from a number of top clubs.

The 25-year-old has matured into one of the most important players at Marcelo Bielsa’s disposal, proving to be an influential performer in midfield.

Phillips has also become a regular for England, winning seven caps and standing a good chance of making Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad this summer.

Although his current deal at Leeds doesn’t run out until 2024, other clubs may be eyeing up a move for the impressive Whites star in the coming months.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Give Phillips a new deal, says McLeish

Someone who thinks Phillips should be offered new-and-improved terms is former Scotland manager Alex McLeish, who told Football Insider it is vital, in terms of preventing other clubs from snapping him up:

“You have to look after the home-bred guys. Kalvin Phillips would command a monster fee.

“Homegrown guys tend to be much more expensive. When you’re maybe casting your eyes abroad and you’re looking, you could possibly get a wee bargain here and there.

“But when you get home-grown guys like Phillips, tying him down is of the utmost importance.

“I think there’s a few clubs that could be definitely looking at a homegrown guy.”

Transfer Tavern take

McLeish himself has described Phillips as ‘outstanding’ in the past and the thought of Leeds losing him in the summer is a grim one.

The player himself certainly appears to be content at Elland Road, but the lure of playing for one of the title-chasing sides can turn an individual’s head.

It will be interesting to see if Leeds hand Phillips a new deal at the end of the season, or if they bide their time with plenty still left on his current contract.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly interested in signing a hugely experienced player this summer – find out who it is here.