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It seems that the penalty shoot-out win over Coventry City has been the last straw for Man United part-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Given full responsibility for the footballing side of the business, Sir Jim sat at Wembley in disbelief alongside thousands of other Red Devils fans, as the Championship side came back from 3-0 down and only failed to get the win because of the most debatable of VAR calls.
There have been a number of late collapses from United this season with points often squandered in injury-time, but none can have been as galling as that FA Cup semi-final.
Man United to sell up to 12 players
If Erik ten Hag were hoping that the game could be his audition in front of the new regime and the millions watching worldwide, he failed spectacularly – again.
It still isn’t clear if the Dutchman has a future at the club or not, but Sir Jim has evidently seen enough.
According to Mirror Sport, as many as 12 United players will be available for transfer this summer, as the club look to really shake up the squad and get them out of their funk.
Marcus Rashford, Antony, Anthony Martial, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Sofyan Amrabat and Jadon Sancho are all named as players at risk of being sold.
Given the Financial Fair Play constraints that all clubs have to work under nowadays, the sales of the players named would be expected to bring in a pretty penny.
It’s worth saying too that none of those dozen have improved under ten Hag, and in Rashford’s case he’s evidently gone backwards.
A decent European Championship for him and others may force a rethink, however, if Sir Jim is intent on getting rid, the club may benefit financially from some ‘shop window’ performances that remind everyone why United signed the players in the first place.
The post Rashford heads 12-man list of departures at Man United as Sir Jim finally loses patience appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/25/rashford-man-united-sir-jim-patience/
Given that they’re the only club in the top seven of the Premier League to have a single digit goal difference (+1), it’s clear that Man United need a striker as a priority signing this summer.
The Red Devils have struggled massively in front of goal throughout 2023/24, the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial et al managing a paltry 51 goals this season.
Even Luton Town, who are third bottom of the table at present, have 47 and have lost almost double the amount of games that United have.
Erik ten Hag has evidently been unable to inspire confidence in his front line and, as a result, the club are going to have a real struggle to the end of the season to ensure that they make it into the Europa League.
Man United running the rule over Ivan Toney
Were they to only make it as far as Europa Conference League qualification, that would be a huge embarrassment for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the entire club.
Though the ECL is still a European competition, and it’s likely that some would try and accentuate the positives, it is still the third tier trophy.
As storied an outfit as United shouldn’t be anywhere near competing in it, but such is their predicament at present.
According to 90Min, the club plan to address their striking needs this summer and as such have targeted Brentford’s England international hit-man, Ivan Toney.
The Bees striker could be available for around the £50m mark, though he too will need to up his goals output.
After scoring four in his first five games back after his ban for illegal betting per WhoScored, he hasn’t found the net in his last eight.
That’s hardly the form of a striker that can get an underperforming outfit like United out of the hole that they currently find themselves in.
The post Man United set to turn their focus towards experienced England hit-man this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/25/man-united-england-hit-man/
Bruno Fernandes hailed Manchester United’s character after they came from behind to beat Sheffield United on Wednesday night.
Following a difficult FA Cup semi final last weekend where they threw away a three goal lead, United found themselves 2-1 down to the league’s bottom side in the second half, despite dominating the early stages.
Harry Maguire had levelled the scores in the first half, before the Portugal international scored twice, with Rasmus Hojlund adding a fourth to move United up to sixth, three points ahead of Newcastle in seventh.
Fernandes hails Manchester United’s character
The 29-year-old now has 15 goals this season, with 10 coming in the Premier League and has been the Red Devils go to man this campaign.
The Portuguese admitted after the game that United put themselves in difficult positions to win matches but praised the teams character.
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“We talk about clean sheets all the time and we want to keep them. Credit to Sheffield United”, Fernandes said in quotes picked up by Mail Sport.
“At the end we came back. We put ourselves in a position where it’s tough to win games. But also it shows a bit of character.”
“We also need to be aware that if we control the game like we did in the first half, we have to score our chances.
“We’re scoring lots of goals. It’s just about that compactness we need to have as a team.”
The midfielder’s first came from the penalty spot, whilst his second was a brilliant strike from distance.
Fernandes admitted he was happy to score but insisted winning matches was more important.
“I’m really happy to score, but I want to win games more than score goals”, he said.
“It’s part of my role also, to score goals. But the main thing for me is winning games.
“Lately we haven’t won as many as we should have.
“It’s part of the job. You can win eight or nine games in a row, and then as soon as you lose you know you will be criticised. Being a Manchester United player demands winning games.”
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes his team are making huge progress this season.
United came from behind on Wednesday evening to beat bottom club Sheffield United in a chaotic match at Old Trafford.
Despite the home side dominating the early proceedings, the visitors took the lead following a mistake from Andre Onana before Harry Maguire levelled the scores.
Ben Brereton Diaz restored the visitors lead in the second half before Bruno Fernandes scored twice, the first a penalty before a fine thirty yard strike for the second.
Rasmus Hojlund rounded out the scoring as the Red Devils moved into sixth three points ahead of Newcastle.
Ten hag believes United are making progress
The 54-year-old is under pressure at Old Trafford following a turbulent second season in charge, and despite making the FA Cup final it’s largely been a disappointing campaign.
After the game the Dutchman pointed out the amount of goals his side are scoring as a sign they have made progress.
The Red Devils are on course to beat last years total of 58 league goals, scoring 51 with five games remaining.
The former Ajax man believes the return of his injured defenders will help steady United and prove to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS that he’s the right man for the job.
“We are striving to progress the team”, he said in quotes picked up by The Evening Standard.
“The number of goals we are scoring in this moment is a huge progress. If we have our back four back, then I’m sure we will be more consistent.”
Ten hag, whose contract runs until the end of next season has seen his future questioned amid reports INEOS want to replace him.
United host Burnley on Saturday before difficult games against Newcastle and Arsenal as the Red Devils look to qualify for the Europa League, with the Champions League seemingly out of reach.
The post Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United have made “huge progress” following Sheffield United win appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/24/erik-ten-hag-believes-manchester-united-have-made-huge-progress-following-sheffield-united-win/
Liverpool’s title hopes all but ended after losing the Merseyside derby to rivals Everton at Goodison Park.
The Reds headed into the game knowing they needed three points to keep their title hopes alive but turned in a poor performance.
Goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvin-Lewin means Liverpool are now three points behind Arsenal and a point ahead of Manchester City, although they have played two games more than Pep Guardiola’s side.
Klopp’s farewell tour is in danger of fizzling out, since winning the Carabao Cup in February Liverpool have been knocked out of the FA Cup and Europa League, and seen their title hopes fade.
The German admitted his side weren’t good enough after the game and he didn’t expect that performance from his players, bemoaning missed chances in the first half.
Watch: Jurgen Klopp reacts to Merseyside derby defea
"We were not good enough" ?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on his side's performance against Everton ? pic.twitter.com/EtIpuIOTjo
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 24, 2024
The post (Video) – “We weren’t good enough” – Jurgen Klopp reacts to derby defeat appeared first on CaughtOffside.
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Dusan Vlahovic to Arsenal rumours surface again, but Alexander Isak would be my pick
Dusan Vlahovic is a player who was heavily linked with Arsenal in the past and we’re seeing some stories about him again ahead of this summer. There was lots of talk, most of which came from Italy, that they were desperately trying to sign him when he was at Fiorentina.
It was one of those transfer sagas that was actually quite difficult to follow because the speculation from Italy was so intense and the reports were so adamant that Arsenal were having bids knocked back, that it felt like there must be something in the rumours. But all along, the word I was getting when speaking to people around Arsenal was that the reports were way off.
Yes, there was some interest because he was a good player who was scoring goals – every top club around Europe was probably interested – but I was always told that that was as far as it went in terms of Arsenal. Sources I spoke to were adamant that no bids had been made and that the sense at the club was that Fiorentina and Vlahovic’s agents were using Arsenal’s name to try and get Juventus to firm up their interest and put some big money on the table, which of course they eventually did.
I’ve not heard anything to suggest that Arsenal are looking at Vlahovic as a priority target this summer. He’s done OK at Juventus, but I’m not sure he’s done enough to convince Arsenal, or anyone else, that he would be worth the money it would probably take to get him out of Turin.
When I look at Arsenal now and what they need up front, I would say someone like Alexander Isak at Newcastle would be a far better option. Injury issues aside, I think Isak would be perfect for this Arsenal team. He’s strong, his technique is excellent, he can press really well from the front, can play centrally or from the left and most importantly he is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League. Isak would certainly be top of my list, although it would clearly be very difficult to get him out of Newcastle.
Thomas Partey has reminded us what he’s capable of, but what does the future hold for him this summer?
Thomas Partey’s future is certainly going to be one of the big talking points of the summer. Last summer Arsenal were open to selling Thomas, but no tempting offers came in. They weren’t pushing him out of the door or anything, but given his age, his poor injury record and the fact he was one of the club’s biggest earners and was into the final two years of his deal, they would have cashed in if a good enough bid arrived.
In the end, that didn’t happen, so they were happy to keep him around and I think this summer will be exactly the same situation. He will have one year left on his contract and so should a good bid come in, they would consider it. But I don’t think they will actively be trying to force him out.
He’s not played that much since returning to fitness, but he showed against Chelsea on Wednesday night how good a player he still is when fit. So it might be they just decide to keep him around for the final year of his contract before allowing him to leave on a free. Juventus have been consistently linked, but I’ve never had it confirmed that those links are genuine. There was certainly interest from Saudi last summer, but Partey wasn’t overly keen on that. He really wanted to stay at Arsenal.
When he first signed he wanted to come in and help Arsenal get back into the Champions League, so he really wanted to have a good crack at that this season. Unfortunately he was injured and missed all of it, so I don’t think he will be too keen on leaving this summer either. It all depends on what offers come in really.
Michael Olise, Pedro Neto, and those surprise Bernardo Silva links
We could see Arsenal target an attacking player this summer and that’s inevitably led to plenty of speculation, so I thought I’d provide an update on what I’m hearing. I’ve seen a few surprising reports linking Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva with Arsenal, but I have no idea where that has come from. I can’t see any way of that happening. If he does eventually go anywhere, you would think he will finally end up at Barcelona.
Michael Olise is an interesting name that has been thrown into the mix as well. All the top sides will be looking at him, they have to be because of his undoubted quality and the fact that he has a release clause. Whether his injury issues put the top clubs off remains to be seen, but he would certainly give Arsenal some X-Factor, which is something they perhaps are missing a bit when it comes to the final third.
My understanding is one of the big things Arsenal are looking to add this summer is someone who can come in and do something a bit different in attack. Someone who can maybe open the game up by himself with a piece of individual magic when teams are sitting in and frustrating Arsenal. Olise is certainly someone who meets that criteria, so it will be one to keep an eye on.
Pedro Neto has long been a target of Arsenal, he’s a player they admire greatly. But again, his injury issues have to be a concern and might stop the club from firming up their interest.
Arsenal thrash Chelsea and look in good shape for the tougher test against Tottenham
What a night it was for Arsenal against Chelsea on Tuesday. The way they have responded to the defeats against Villa and Bayern deserves real credit. I thought they were good at Wolves, especially on the back of such a morale and energy sapping trip to Munich. But they were just on another level against Chelsea. They demolished them in that second half.
There were so many good performances, but Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice were just outstanding. Having Thomas Partey back in midfield was huge and it really gave Odegaard and Rice the freedom to express themselves going forward. It’s such a shame that we’ve had to wait until late April to see that midfield trio play together in the Premier League. Had Partey been fit and available all season, I really think the title would have been Arsenal’s by now.
It was also great to see Kai Havertz have another impressive night. He is playing so well right now and contributing so much. The team just looks so balanced with him playing as the No.9 and I really think Mikel Arteta should stick with the same starting XI for Sunday’s huge trip to Spurs.
The spine of the team looks so strong, with Partey, Rice and Odegaard playing in front of the two centre-backs and Havertz at the top of it all. They were far too good for Chelsea to cope with and while Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham will be a much tougher proposition, you still feel Arsenal will have enough to win it, providing they all play at their best.
The post Arsenal transfer news: Vlahovic links, Partey’s future, Olise or Neto, and more appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/24/arsenal-transfer-news-vlahovic-partey-neto-olise/
Jamie Carragher has questioned the futures of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez following Liverpool’s defeat to Everton in the Merseyside derby.
Jurgen Klopp’s men slipped to a 2-0 loss at Goodison Park thanks to goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, which all but ended their Premier League title hopes.
After the game Carragher questioned the futures of both Salah and Nunez claiming there’s a discussion to be had about what the future holds for the Egyptian.
In regards to Nunez the Sky Sports pundit believes after two years it’s time Liverpool moved on from the Uruguayan claiming he hasn’t delivered in the big moments.
Liverpool will look to bounce back from the derby defeat when they head to West Ham on Saturday in the lunchtime kick-off.
Watch: Jamie Carragher discusses the futures of Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez
"I think there is a real discussion with a new manager coming in what the future holds for Mo Salah at Liverpool" @Carra23 questions the future of Mo Salah and Darwin Núñez at Liverpool ? pic.twitter.com/JGOGo5NCfA
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 24, 2024
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Virgil van Dijk spoke after Liverpool's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Everton on Wednesday night.
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1892087/Liverpool-news-Virgil-van-Dijk-Everton
Jamie Carragher singled out two Liverpool stars for criticism as a 2-0 defeat to rivals Everton all but ended their Premier League title hopes.
The Reds headed into the Merseyside derby knowing they needed three points to keep their title hopes alive, but endured a tough night at the hands of their rivals.
It was the first time Everton have beaten Liverpool at Goodison Park in the league since 2010, a game in which now Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta scored in.
Carragher not happy with two Liverpool players
Everton started the game well and won a penalty in the opening minutes before it was subsequently overturned by VAR for offside.
Jurgen Klopp’s men didn’t heed the warning with Jarrad Branthwaite opening the scoring from a set piece after 27 minutes.
Reds legend Carragher was fuming with the defending for the goal and branded it awful, before singling out Ibrahima Konate for blame.
“How many times have Liverpool given free kicks away? I mean, that is the name of the game for Everton”, Carragher said on Sky Sports at half-time.
“Everton have been fantastic, certainly with the set pieces, they’ve looked like scoring on every single one.
“The amount of times Liverpool have given fouls away in their own half and Konate, what is he doing?! He doesn’t know where he is. He just sticks a leg out at it.
“But Everton definitely deserved to go in front and deserved to get a goal from a set piece.”
The France international was eventually substituted after 63 minutes and replaced by Jarell Quansah.
The Toffees doubled their lead in the second half when Dominic Calvin-Lewin headed home from a corner.
Klopp’s men never looked in control of the game and Carragher was also critical of Alexis Mac Allister for giving away too many fouls.
‘”The naivety of Liverpool in terms of how you play a derby game. They got away with one with the penalty, the 46-year-old added.
“Forget this game, whenever you come to Goodison as a Liverpool player, there’s two rules that you’ll always do, you don’t give silly fouls away and get the crowd up, and you move the ball on quickly and don’t let tackles come in.
“Mac Allister in midfield, who has been fantastic for Liverpool this season, he’s given so many fouls away and he’s taking too long on the ball and he’s allowing people to tackle them and it lifts the crowd.”
Defeat means Liverpool are now three points behind Arsenal and a point ahead of Manchester Cit, although they have played two games more than Pep Guardiola’s side.
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Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool’s Premier League dreams look to have disappeared following their 2-0 defeat to Everton and Man United fans enjoyed the news as the score began to filter through at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were also in action against Sheffield United on Wednesday night while the Reds were away at Everton at Goodison Park. United won their game 4-2 but they also got to celebrate Liverpool’s downfall when Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored to double the Toffees’ lead in the Merseyside Derby.
As that news filtered through at Old Trafford, the Man United fans mocked Reds manager Jurgen Klopp by chanting via talkSPORT: “Jurgen’s cracking up.”
Man United have the most league title in Engish football history and with Liverpool just one behind their Manchester rivals, the Merseyside club’s defeat means that United remain on top for at least another season.
Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League dreams are over
The defeat at Everton means Liverpool’s Premier League dreams are all but over as the Reds are three points behind Arsenal, who also have a much better goal difference. Man City are also a point behind Klopp’s team but have two games in hand.
With just four games remaining, it will be very difficult for Liverpool to win the Premier League from here and the Merseyside Derby defeat is part of a terrible few weeks for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
The Reds were on for a quadruple just over a month ago but have been knocked out of the FA Cup, Europa League and Premier League title race in the time since. It is a sad way to see Klopp’s time at Anfield end but it will go down well in Manchester.
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https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/04/24/man-united-jurgen-klopp/
