It was just written in the stars, wasn’t it? The moment Gareth Southgate took the decision to drop the forever young Jesse Lingard from his England squad, the writing was on the wall for the Three Lions.
The Manchester United man has been in shocking form for a number of months now, and has produced just one assist in nine appearances across all competitions this season.
It was therefore no surprise to see Southgate leave the 26-year-old out from his latest England squad, but on Friday night against the Czech Republic, that decision rather back-fired somewhat.
The Three Lions slipped to a surprising 2-1 loss in their EURO 2020 qualifying clash, and United fans subsequently flooded to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the matter.
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Many Red Devils supporters insisted the result wasn’t a coincidence, and that they knew that was exactly what was going to happen.
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Some fans of the Manchester side had a comical reaction to the whole situation, and one fan in particular remarked “no Lingard, no party”.
Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:
This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
West Brom’s pre-season preparations continued with a 4-0 win over Scunthorpe on Saturday afternoon as the Baggies put a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Villarreal a week previous behind them.
Albion weren’t at their best in the first half, failing to score, but words from new manager Slaven Bilic over the interval clearly worked a treat.
Matt Phillips, Filip Krovinovic and Hal Robson-Kanu were all on the score sheet in the second period.
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On the chalkboard
After West Brom’s loss against Villarreal, Bilic admitted that he wanted to play with two strikers in the upcoming season.
The arrival of Kenneth Zohore should help with that but once again, the boss played Oliver Burke as the main striker.
Beside him were Phillips and Kyle Edwards as the Croatian opted for a 4-3-3 formation.
And it was the former who shone, scoring twice as he put himself firmly to the forefront of Bilic’s mind.
The Scot scored either side of Krovinovic’s first goal for the club, guiding home a Conor Townsend cross before then finding the net with his head.
Phillips was in brilliant form throughout the first half of last season but an injury led to a troubled end to the campaign, failing to ever replicate the performances he showed previously.
Jimmy Shan started to play him in midfield but it was back in a more familiar role of on the flanks that he showed what he was capable of against Scunthorpe.
Watch fans explain why the Football League is better than the Premier League in the video below…
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The 28-year-old scored five goals whilst also claiming seven assists in 2018/19, but none of those goal contributions came after the New Year period.
He initially picked up an ankle injury in January with West Brom hoping for a February return but he then suffered a further setback in April.
It has been a bitterly disappointing 2019 so far for Phillips but in pre-season, he’s showing glimpses of getting back to his best.
For an Albion team who lacked much creativity after Harvey Barnes returned to Leicester, this should be hugely encouraging for Bilic and the Baggies.
Tottenham Hotspur lost ground in the race to qualify for the Champions League on Saturday, as they lost 1-0 to AFC Bournemouth.
And fans were left disappointed with the performance of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris at the Vitality Stadium.
Spurs went down to 10 men in the first half, as Heung-Min Son lashed out at Jefferson Lerma by pushing him to the ground and was shown a red card.
Juan Foyth was introduced as a half-time substitute and was dismissed just minutes after coming on, reducing Tottenham to nine men.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side did their best to earn a hard-fought point in the second half but their resistance was ultimately broken in injury time, as Nathan Ake headed home from a corner.
Fans, though, were disappointed with the performance of their captain, first for seemingly abdicating his responsibility as a skipper, as his team-mates lost their heads, and then failing to save Ake’s header.
The France international was left rooted to his line as the Dutchman saw the net ripple.
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Arsenal are facing a midfield crisis following reports that Paris Saint Germain are interested (as per the Express) in poaching their French wonderkid Matteo Guendouzi after only one year in the Premier League.
Having already lost Ramsey, who recently signed a five-year deal with Juventus, and Mesut Ozil desperately out-of-favour, ill, missing or injured, Unai Emery simply cannot afford to lose the talents of young Frenchman Guendouzi.
The midfield ace was only signed from Ligue 2 outfit Lorient at the beginning of this campaign but following a string of quality performances have become the subject of “big team” attention. And quite rightly so.
This isn’t the first time PSG have expressed interest in signing the player either. Apparently, before his move to move to north London, Guendouzi had the option to make his move to the French capital.
“It is true that PSG were very interested, like other teams, there were a lot of discussions, but for me the best decision I could make was to join Arsenal,” he admitted to Canal Football Club ( via GFFN ).
Would he do it again now he’s a far more developed player?
If he did make the move, Arsenal should look at signing this man…
This wouldn’t be the first time Emery has tried to bring in the Argentine, having already failed in the summer and January transfer windows due to a lack of funds according to the Mirror.
But it seems with Arsenal’s midfield options shrinking and their future European status in doubt the boardroom will be willing to part with the reported £17m it will cost to secure his services.
Despite his age (31 when they have the option to buy) we think Banega would be a quality acquisition.
Firstly, it would likely spark the end of the Ozil saga and introduce a far more positive environment conducive to success. You’d also have to say that there’s every chance Arsenal would have more of a player in the Sevilla man. Whilst Ozil has really let him form dip recently, in more ways than one, Banega is starting at the top level of Spanish football.
It’s a no brainer.
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Secondly, Emery would have a player he’s very familiar with, having already combined at Valencia and Sevilla. The in-depth knowledge of the midfielder’s skillset, traits and abilities will surely help him finetune his tactics.
Finally, should Guendouzi move back to France, Banega is versatile enough to operate in the centre of midfield and perform a very similar role. He’s a dogged in his defensive efforts, much like the Frenchman, and has supremely better passing and technical ability as an experienced player.
Would you be willing to exchange prodigy Guendouzi for an ageing but experienced Banega?
La Gazzetta dello Sport recently reported, via Calciomercato, that Inter Milan have taken the decision to sell Gabriel Barbosa in the January transfer window.
Barbosa, commonly known as Gabigol, joined the Serie A club as a highly-rated young attacking prospect in 2016. However, the 4-cap Brazil international has failed to kick on since his arrival at the San Siro and is currently on loan back at the club where his career began, Santos.
The Playmaker FC squad decided to wind-up some unsuspecting Brazil fans at the Emirates on Saturday night. Watch the hilarious results in the video below…
Inter appear to have now given up on the 22-year-old, and are ready to cash in on the forward who has demonstrated impressive form since his return to the Brazilian domestic division, netting 26 times in 52 appearances.
The youngster remains a player with huge potential, and Everton would be wise to offer him a second chance to prove his worth at the highest level.
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Goodison Park would be the perfect stage for Gabigol to begin rebuilding his career upon. Marco Silva has already worked wonders with one young Brazilian in Richarlison, and if he could get Gabigol back to his best too then he would add some serious firepower to the Toffees’ strike-force.
Everton fans certainly seem keen on a move for Barbosa. 87% of those who took part in our poll voted in favour of signing the outcast striker. See the full results below.
Oumar Niasse is not a crucial part of Marco Silva’s Everton team but he has scored some crucial goals in the past.
The striker is on the fringes of the first team, but in his two years at the club he has been unable to grab a regular spot in the lineup.
After fighting his way back into contention after not receiving a squad number under former manager Ronald Koeman, Niasse has become a favourite among the Everton fanbase.
The forward has scored nine goals in 34 outings for the Merseyside outfit, but he has proven in the past that he can make an impact off the bench.
Reports are emerging from Turkey suggesting that Everton may not have Niasse to call upon for much longer.
According to Fanatik, Galatasaray will move for the attacker if they fail to land number one target Anthony Modeste.
On Reddit, some Everton fans have been having their say on the rumours, and plenty are keen for Niasse to stay put.
Comment from discussion Please don’t take our lord and savior Kind Niasse.Comment from discussion Please don’t take our lord and savior Kind Niasse.Comment from discussion Please don’t take our lord and savior Kind Niasse.Comment from discussion Please don’t take our lord and savior Kind Niasse.Comment from discussion Please don’t take our lord and savior Kind Niasse.Comment from discussion Please don’t take our lord and savior Kind Niasse.Comment from discussion Please don’t take our lord and savior Kind Niasse.Comment from discussion Please don’t take our lord and savior Kind Niasse.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”285457″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafa’s Pub Facts Theatre Of Screams & The Serb As Good As Salah”]
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Manchester United’s need for added attacking reinforcements this summer was evident after only managing to find the net on 44 occasions in the Premier League last season.
Anthony, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford have all departed the Red Devils, freeing up funds for Ruben Amorim to make the additions he wanted this summer.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are two signings who have joined the club, with the latter already opening his account after netting against Burnley last Saturday.
Whilst the duo may have cost the hierarchy around £130m, they do have the Premier League experience needed to help the club avoid a bottom-half finish – just like they did in the 2024/25 campaign.
However, other additions have been made within the final third throughout the off-season, leading to Amorim and the board taking a gamble on one young European talisman.
Benjamin Sesko’s move to join United this summer
A new striker was a huge priority for United this summer, with Benjamin Sesko the man chosen to lead the line for the Red Devils in 2025/26 and beyond.
The hierarchy forked out a deal totalling £73.7m, including add-ons – a figure that is a huge gamble on a player who’s only featured in Europe’s top-five leagues for two seasons.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
The Slovenian has only made one start for United to date – coming in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby Town – but has been named as a substitute in all three league outings.
As a result of his limited action, the 22-year-old is yet to open his account for the club, but judgement will need to be held on his addition, given his lack of action in recent weeks.
Hopefully, Sesko will get the chance to showcase his talents after the current international break, but he could’ve been aided at the club had the hierarchy kept hold of one talent.
The former United star who would’ve got Sesko firing
As previously mentioned, Cunha and Mbeumo have also been added to the United attacking department – injecting needed goals and assists to the club’s frontline.
Manchester United's Matheus Cunha
The pair combined for 48 combined goal contributions throughout 2024/25, with such a record higher than the Red Devils squad managed as a whole last season.
If they can replicate such numbers, they will make themselves fan-favourites, whilst also providing Sesko with the opportunities he will need to thrive within the final third.
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system relies upon two attacking midfielders – the positions Cunha and Mbeumo have featured in – but also two wing-backs, who are tasked with having an impact in forward areas.
Patrick Dorgu currently occupies the role down the left-hand side, but former United star Alvaro Carreras is a player whom the hierarchy may regret selling too prematurely.
Alvaro Carreras for Benfica.
The 22-year-old spent four years at Old Trafford – but failed to make a single senior appearance – being sent on loan spells at the likes of Preston, Granada and Benfica.
It was the Spaniard’s spell at the latter that catapulted him to stardom, with the Portuguese outfit triggering the £5m option in his contract at the end of his loan spell in 2023/24.
His numbers from last season are nothing short of mind-boggling, registering eight combined goals and assists across all competitions – numbers which could’ve handed Sesko the ammunition he’ll need for success in Manchester.
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Carreras, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, also created 1.2 chances per 90 last campaign – completing 23% of the crosses attempted, with the latter aiding the Slovenian’s aerial abilities had the hierarchy kept hold of him.
Alvaro Carreras – stats for Benfica (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
52
Goals & assists
8
Chances created
1.2
Cross accuracy
23%
Pass accuracy
83%
Dribble success
53%
Tackles won
61%
Recoveries made
5.5
Stats via FotMob
However, despite only joining Benfica a year ago, he secured another transfer in the recent window, this time moving to LaLiga giants Real Madrid in a reported £43m transfer.
Such a transfer has just compounded the Red Devils’ misery over recent years, further highlighting how many mistakes they’ve made in the transfer market, whether that be incomings or outgoings.
FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal in action with Benfica's Alvaro FernandezCarreras
The prospect of the Spaniard linking up with Sesko in forward areas is something the supporters would’ve loved to see under Amorim – but unfortunately, it’ll always be a case of what could’ve been with their loss, now Madrid’s gain.
Man Utd may regret selling perfect Mainoo replacement for just £500k
Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing a young star to depart Old Trafford.
Fulham and Marco Silva are now interested in signing a “terrific” £30,000-a-week player as a possible alternative to the heavily linked Kyle Walker-Peters, according to Sky Sports.
Fulham stepping up transfer plans as they eye Walker-Peters deal
The Cottagers are still very much in the hunt for a European spot, but with only four games left in the league, they are running out of time to close the gap. Therefore, while they will want to finish the season as best as possible, attention from Silva and the club’s hierarchy may be slowly turning towards next season and what they hope to do in the summer.
Talks held: Fulham discussing move for £50m ace with 3 UCL goals this season
The Cottagers are in talks to sign a midfielder, who has caught the eye with his performances in the Champions League this season.
1 ByDominic Lund
It was reported last week that Fulham made contact with Juventus regarding a deal for Nicolo Savona. The Italian has emerged on Fulham’s radar, but they are not alone in the race, as several other teams from England are also keen on signing the versatile defender.
He is not the only defender on their list of targets, as according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Cottagers are keen on signing Kyle Walker-Peters once his contract at Southampton expires. The Premier League side plan to open contract talks with his agents once the campaign comes to a close.
Southampton'sKyleWalker-Petersapplauds their fans after the match
The transfer news doesn’t stop there for Silva’s side, as while Liverpool are in talks over signing Antonee Robinson, Fulham have put forward the idea of re-signing Harvey Elliott in a partial swap deal, who looks set to leave Anfield at the end of this season. The Englishman is looking for more regular game time, and a return to Craven Cottage could be on the cards.
Fulham add Ipswich star Ben Johnson to full-back shortlist
But strengthening in defence seems to be more of a priority for Silva, as the Cottagers have their eye on a player who could be considered an alternative to Walker-Peters. According to Sky Sports, Fulham are keen on signing Ben Johnson from Ipswich Town this summer.
He is one of a number of right-backs that the club are looking at, but it is reported that Johnson doesn’t have a release clause, and given he has three years remaining on his contract, he remains a key part of Kieran McKenna’s plans.
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Johnson, who has been described as “terrific” by football scout Antonio Mango, joined the Tractor Boys in the summer transfer window on a free transfer after leaving West Ham. The England under-21 international, who can also cover at centre-back and left-back, has played 22 times in the Premier League for Ipswich so far, scoring one goal and registering two assists.
Ben Johnson’s 24/25 Premier League stats
Apps
22
Starts
14
Minutes per game
62
Touches
29.9
Big chances created
4
Interceptions per game
0.6
Tackles per game
1.7
Balls recovered per game
2.6
Clearances per game
2.4
McKenna is likely to want to keep hold of Johnson, who is on a weekly wage of £30,000 at Portman Road, but the offer of staying in the Premier League and playing for a team that isn’t expected to be in relegation trouble may be too good to turn down.
It’s been about a year and a half since Ange Postecoglou was appointed manager of Tottenham Hotspur, and it would be fair to say that a lot has changed in that time.
There have been some undeniable positives, such as the more entertaining style of football, some big wins over Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United and the signing of players like Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke.
However, there have also been some significant problems, such as the team’s wildly unpredictable form and, on the recruitment side of things, the signing of Timo Werner on loan.
The German forward failed to establish himself in the team last season and has somehow endeavoured to be even worse this season, so recent reports linking the club with a player who could be the perfect replacement should excite fans.
Tottenham chase Premier League star
According to a recent report from the Independent’s Chief Football Writer, Miguel Delaney, Tottenham are one of several teams interested in Manchester United’s wantaway Marcus Rashford.
In fact, Delaney has revealed that the North Londoners have already made contact and held informal talks over the possibility of taking the Englishman on loan for the rest of the season.
However, in his report, he also claims that the United ace is likelier to go abroad and that his enormous £300k-per-week wage would pose an issue for the Lilywhites.
With that said, if they can convince Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co to cover a portion of his salary, then this could be a brilliant transfer for Tottenham, as even though he is someway off his best, Rashford would be an instant upgrade on Werner.
How Rashford compares to Werner
So, as things stand, it seems that Postecoglou’s go-to backup for Son Heung-min off the left is Werner, but as most fans will likely attest, he has been less than effective since moving to North London last January.
Therefore, were Rashford to join the club this month, he’d likely do so to compete with the German behind and for that to come in when the South Korean has to rest, and we reckon that is a competition he’d win hands down.
For example, despite being left out of the squad multiple times this season, the Manchester-born attacker has still scored seven goals and provided three assists in 24 appearances, totalling 1500 minutes.
That means that the “electric” 60-capped international, as dubbed by Statman Dave, is currently averaging a goal involvement every 2.4 games, or every 150 minutes for the Red Devils this season, which is perhaps better than some might have believed.
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In contrast, the former RB Leipzig ace has only been able to score a single goal and provided three assists in his 26 appearances this season, totalling 937 minutes.
Rashford vs Werner 24/25
Player
Rashford
Werner
Appearances
24
26
Minutes
1500′
937′
Goals
7
1
Assists
3
3
Goal Involvements per Match
0.41
0.15
Minutes per Goal Involvement
150′
234.25′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
In other words, the Stuttgart-born forward is averaging a goal involvement every 6.5 games, or every 234.25 minutes this year, which simply isn’t good enough for a team like Tottenham.
Ultimately, if Spurs are to progress this season and potentially even lift some silverware, Postecoglou is going to need some more attacking reinforcements, and while signing him on a permanent deal would potentially be too risky, bringing Rashford in for six months could be just what the team needs.
Therefore, Daniel Levy and Co should do what they can to bring him to N17 this month, as even if his form remained the same, he’d be an instant upgrade on Werner.
He'd help to revive Son: Spurs plotting move for "explosive" £42m star
The exceptional talent would be an exciting addition to Spurs’ squad.
Liverpool continued their perfect start to life under Arne Slot in the Premier League with an impressive 3-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
The Reds have now won all three of their top-flight matches without conceding a single goal and are second in the division, only behind Manchester City on goal difference, heading into the first international break.
Much was made of Jurgen Klopp's exit, after almost nine years and Premier League and Champions League trophies, when he made the decision to part ways with the club in the summer.
However, Slot has hit the ground running and implemented his style seamlessly with a terrific start to the 2024/25 campaign, which may have eased any fears about a bumpy transition.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
What makes this impressive start to the season all the more eye-catching is that the manager only made one signing during the summer transfer window.
Federico Chiesa arrived on a permanent deal from Juventus towards the end of the window and has yet to make his debut for the club, which means that the players Slot inherited have all adapted to his style quickly.
Luis Diaz and Mo Salah are shining
Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah are two players who have thrived under the new boss in the opening three games of the season, and they were in sublime form against United on Sunday.
The duo linked up for the opening goal in the first half as the Egypt international was played in down the right channel and clipped a delightful ball to the back post for his teammate to head the ball into a virtually empty net.
It was the same combination again for the second goal before the break, with Salah prodding the ball across for Diaz to brilliantly slide a shot into the bottom right corner.
The Liverpool icon went from provider to scorer in the second half as he walked onto a pass from Dominik Szoboszlai to slot the ball into the corner past Andre Onana, ending the game with one goal and two assists.
24/25 Premier League
Luis Diaz
Mohamed Salah
Appearances
3
3
Goals
3
3
Assists
1
3
Big chances created
2
4
Key passes per game
2.3
1.7
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the wing wizards have now combined for six goals and four assists in the first three games of the Premier League season.
Slot's exciting, progressive, style of football has put both players in positions to cause constant problems for opposition full-backs, and it has resulted in them providing regular quality in the final third.
However, they were not the only stars of the win at Old Trafford as Szoboszlai was as good as Salah and Diaz with his display in the number ten position.
Dominik Szoboszlai's performance against United
Szoboszlai, who was handed a player rating of 8/10 by 90min writer Jude Summerfield, put in a fantastic display in the middle of the park against Erik ten Hag's side.
Firstly, the Hungary international did not stop running from minute one to minute 90. His incredible engine was there for all to see with his superb pressing work to ensure that United's players did not have time and space to do what they wanted to do in possession, in the areas that he was covering.
Dominik Szoboszlai scores for Liverpool
The former RB Leipzig star won four of his six physical duels out of possession, all of which came on the ground, and made three tackles and one interception throughout the match, which illustrates his defensive impact for Liverpool to help his side to another clean sheet.
In possession, Szoboszlai was uber reliable for Slot in the role behind the front three, as he completed 90% of his attempted passes, with 35 out of 39 passes completed.
That did not take away from his creativity and risk-taking in the final third, however, as the Hungarian maestro provided an assist for Salah's goal with a drive through the middle and lay-off to the winger.
His assist for the Liverpool forward was one of three key passes made throughout the match, to go along with a 100% success rate in long passes and crosses (2/2).
Overall, it was a phenomenal shift from Szoboszlai, who proved his worth to the team in and out of possession, as he matched Diaz and Salah as one of the top performers in the team.
Slot is turning Szoboszlai into a monster
With a lack of signings during the summer transfer window, Slot had to improve the players he already had at his disposal when he arrived and the Dutchman appears to have done that already with the Hungary international.
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Szoboszlai has produced two 'big chances' and registered one assist in the first three matches of the season, which shows that he has started the campaign in fine form offensively.
Dominik Szoboszlai for Liverpool.
His work out of possession has not suffered as a result of that, though, as the central midfielder has averaged 6.3 ball recoveries per game and won 50% of his ground duels, compared to 5.2 recoveries and a 42% ground duel success rate in the Premier League last term.
Albeit based on a small sample size, the ex-Bundesliga starlet has improved his defensive work by winning possession back more frequently and more efficiently.
Dominic Szoboszlai
23/24 Premier League
24/25 Premier League
Appearances
33
3
Sofascore rating
7.15
7.63
Big chances created
7
2
Key passes per game
1.7
2.7
Pass accuracy
87%
93%
Ball recoveries per game
5.2
6.3
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old maestro's use of the ball has also improved under Slot on the evidence of this season so far.
He has been more secure in his passing whilst also offering more creativity, averaging 1.0 more key passes per match, and this suggests that the manager has helped him to be more efficient and effective in a number ten, or advanced eight, position.
These statistics show that the Dutch head coach is turning Szoboszlai into a midfield monster who can make a big impact in and out of possession for Liverpool and, hopefully, it will continue for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign.
Liverpool hit gold with Klopp signing who’s worth millions more than Chiesa
He’ll be hoping to raise his level under Arne Slot this season…