Tag Futebol

Manchester United defeated EFL Championship table-toppers Burnley 2-0 in the Carabao Cup fourth round last night, making an assured return to action following the conclusion of the World Cup.

While the Clarets offered chances of their own, the defence held firm, the cohesion stayed intact and Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag managed to secure a clean sheet alongside a place in the fifth round.

Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford stole the headlines with two great goals, while the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Aaron Wan-Bissaka produced exemplary all-round displays from their respective roles in the team.

One player that Ten Hag will be disappointed to have not grasped the opportunity to impress is Alejandro Garnacho, who performed a meek display and failed to build on the impressive breakthrough to the United first-team.

Indeed, he has scored two goals and registered two assists across his first 11 professional appearances, including a resounding Premier League winner in the dying embers against Fulham in the conclusive fixture before the domestic season paused for the international tournament in Qatar.

However, Burnley’s resolute defensive line and Garnacho’s inability to grow into the game resulted in a poor showing, where the Argentine largely played on the periphery of the action.

As per Sofascore, the 18-year-old put in a match rating of 6.4 – the lowest of any United player – and was withdrawn after 59 minutes having failed to get a grip on proceedings.

The winger did complete 16 of his 18 attempted passes (89%) and managed to unleash a shot on target, although he should have done better with the strike and was recorded to have missed one big chance.

However, his 23 touches were the fewest of any starting Red Devils’ player, with Rashford on the opposing flank making 42 touches and indeed scoring a fine goal.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka even managed to play the ball over double the amount of the academy graduate, who still holds “huge potential”, as remarked by compatriot Javier Mascherano.

Having failed with his one attempted long ball and winning only one of his two attempted duels, Ten Hag will demand a performance pumped with more energy the next time he takes to the pitch.

Garnacho’s stunning start to life under the lights at the Theatre of Dreams will undoubtedly cast any concerns over his subpar performances out of the window, but it is a reminder to Ten Hag that despite his brimming talent, the teenage sensation is not yet the finished article, and his progress must be carefully handled accordingly.

Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt star Djibril Sow as sporting director Dan Ashworth seeks to bolster the Magpies’ midfield ranks.

What’s the word?

According to Sport Bild, the Tynesiders – as well as fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Nottingham Forest – are interested in signing the 25-year-old ahead of the January transfer window, following the Swiss international’s impressive form for both club and country.

The 35-cap colossus – who is currently representing his nation at the World Cup – was reportedly the subject of a £17m offer from Forest during the summer, while Crystal Palace were also mooted for a move at the time.

As for the St James’ Park outfit, Eddie Howe and co are seemingly on the hunt to strengthen their options in the centre of the park, with journalist Craig Hope previously suggesting that a new midfielder could well be a “priority” for the Champions League hopefuls.

Imagine him and Bruno Guimaraes

Turning to Sow could well be an astute move for Ashworth in the New Year, with the Zurich-born ace having played a vital role in helping to steer Switzerland into the knockout stages in Qatar, after starting all three games in the group phase.

Equally, at club level the “combative” machine – as described by journalist Sam Smith – has also shown his class from his defensive midfield berth, having been integral to the German outfit’s Europa League triumph last term, averaging 1.8 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in the competition.

As for the current campaign, the 6 foot menace has scored twice in 15 Bundesliga outings thus far, while the £34k-per-week man also ranks in the top 12% in Europe among those in his position for interceptions made as a marker of his ball-winning prowess.

Should the northeast side be able to bring the former Young Boys titan to England next month it could well allow Howe to form a menacing midfield partnership involving the Frankfurt man and Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazilian already thriving for the club at present.

Like Sow, the former Lyon gem – who was snapped up on a £40m deal in January – is also seemingly adept at winning back possession for his side, as the 25-year-old ranks in the top 3% for tackles made, as per FBref.

While the “world-class” talent, as described by teammate Dan Burn, has thrived in his role in front of the back four of late, bringing in Sow could well allow Guimaraes to take on a more advanced berth, with the player himself having previously suggested he is at his best in a more box-to-box role.

With the latter man already impressing with eight goals and three assists in just 31 games for Newcastle to date, allowing him to take on a more dynamic starting berth could well lead to an even greater impact in an attacking sense, hence the desire to recruit an out-and-out holding midfielder.

As such, should Ashworth be able to snap up Sow it could well have positive repercussions for Howe’s side, with the hope now that the club can win the race for his signature amid the intense rival interest.

Nottingham Forest made a whopping 23 new signings in the summer in an ambitious effort to build a squad that could compete in the Premier League this season upon their return to the top flight for the first time in over two decades.

However, the Tricky Trees have struggled to make their presence known in the league table so far as they are currently in the relegation zone, but over their last five outings have started to show that they could be capable of retaining their top-tier status over the second half of the season.

Forest have only lost one of their last five Premier League fixtures with Steve Cooper’s side finally starting to get some momentum going in their performances, however, the World Cup break has stumped their ability to continue to climb the table until they return to action after Christmas against Manchester United.

Despite the revival at The City Ground, there will be a lot for Evangelos Marinakis to learn from in his previous transfer decisions and considerations to be made when the transfer window reopens in January. He will likely tread more carefully when sanctioning moves for new players to come in that can legitimately improve the team.

One decision that Marinakis could now regret, however, was not making a more substantial move for RB Salzburg sensation Noah Okafor in the summer, with the club linked with a move for the talented 22-year-old back in June.

The £35m-valued versatile forward has established himself as one to watch in the Austrian Bundesliga due to his consistency and potential displayed over the season so far.

Okafor – who was dubbed a “superb talent” by Josh Bunting – has scored seven goals, registered one assist and created two big chances in 14 league appearances so far, as well as averaging 1.3 key passes and 1.9 shots on goal per game, proving that he is a nightmare for opponents in the final third.

The Salzburg star will be heading to the World Cup alongside Nottingham Forest’s Remo Freuler to represent Switzerland during the tournament and due to his performance this season, he has not only captured the attention of his national team manager but several elite Premier League clubs are keeping close tabs.

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported that both Liverpool and Manchester City are now interested in signing Okafor:

“No negotiations now but there’s is interest from clubs like MCFC, LFC & AC Milan.”

With that being said, there is no doubt that Marinakis has made a big mistake by failing to pursue a deal for Okafor before he caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in the world.

Indeed, their chance of signing the exciting attacker has surely gone with that fact simply rubberstamping how much of a missed opportunity this is for the club’s owner.

With Forest scoring just 11 times all campaign, his addition would have been invaluable.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in action on Wednesday night at home to Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon, with Antonio Conte’s side still having it all to do to secure their place in the next round of the Champions League.

The north Londoners are currently top of Group D having picked up seven points from their opening four group games, although with only three points separating the Premier League side and bottom club Eintracht Frankfurt, it is likely to go down to the wire in terms of who will progress.

The Lilywhites head into the clash against Ruben Amorim’s side having lost their last two top-flight games, suffering a 2-0 defeat away to Manchester United at Old Trafford in midweek before slipping up at home to Newcastle United on Sunday.

That latter result saw the hosts ultimately undone by first-half strikes from Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron, with a Harry Kane header after the interval unable to spark a late rally against Eddie Howe’s side.

That frustrating loss to the Magpies did see forgotten man Lucas Moura make arguably his most telling involvement of the season so far, though, with the Brazil international featuring off the bench for the final 24 minutes, having only been involved sporadically in recent months.

Niggling injuries have reduced the 30-year-old to a bit-part role so far this term, although it will likely be pleasing to see the fleet-footed forward working his way back to full fitness having now featured as a substitute in each of the past three league games.

The £13.5m-rated ace unsurprisingly looked somewhat ‘rusty’ at the weekend – according to football.london’s Alasdair Gold – but he did make his presence felt in that cameo outing after winning six of his ten duels, while also attempting three dribbles.

Although it remains to be seen if the 35-cap Brazilian can start tomorrow night’s clash – with Conte suggesting that he will have to “check” on the player’s fitness – it could well be worth the gamble to thrust the diminutive ace into the fray, particularly amid the lack of attacking options at present.

The injury absence of both Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison has seen the former Chelsea boss forced to deploy a 3-5-2 formation in recent games, but that approach has seemingly not been fruitful, with an extra attacking body needed alongside Heung-min Son and Harry Kane.

In Moura, the Italian could well unleash an asset who can provide something “different” – in the words of Glenn Hoddle – as a result of his ability to run with the ball and also chip in with a telling goalscoring touch when needed.

The £90k-per-week dynamo – who has 65 goal contributions to his name in 208 Spurs appearances to date – is yet to start a match this term having previously been linked with an exit over the summer, although now could well be his chance to shine.

A man who knows all about being the hero on Champions League nights – following that hat trick against Ajax a few years ago – Moura could prove himself the difference-maker yet again for Tottenham if Conte unleashes him here.

West Ham United head into Thursday evening’s Europa Conference League meeting with FCSB safe in the knowledge that they have already sealed top spot in Group B, affording David Moyes the chance to field a rotated squad ahead of the Hammers’ meeting with Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend.

Indeed, the 59-year-old has left the likes of Declan Rice, Kurt Zouma, Jarrod Bowen, Tomas Soucek, Said Benrahma, Aaron Cresswell, Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio at home for the trip to Romania, while a number of the club’s most promising youngsters are reported to have been taken along for the fixture at the Arena Națională this evening.

So, how many changes will the Scot make to the side that lined up in the 1-0 defeat against Manchester United last time out?

Here’s how we at Football FanCast think the Irons side could look, as well as the latest team and injury news…

With Moyes suggesting in his pre-match press conference that summer signing Nayef Aguerd could be handed a start as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, while Maxwel Cornet, Lucas Paqueta and Lukasz Fabianski are all reported to miss out due to knocks, we predict the 59-year-old will make ten changes to the side that started at Old Trafford last weekend.

There are five fresh faces at the back, with European goalkeeper Alphonse Areola making it six starts from six in the competition, while Harrison Ashby, Aguerd, Angelo Ogbonna and 17-year-old debutant Regan Clayton come in at right, centre and left-back respectively.

In the middle of the park, “exciting talent” – in the words of Roshane Thomas – Conor Coventry partners 19-year-old Freddie Potts, while Flynn Downes starts in attacking midfield, with Manuel Lanzini and second debutant of the night, Kamarai Swyer, starting on the left and right flank.

There is a third senior debut awarded at centre-forward, with 18-year-old striker – who Manu Heredia dubbed a “pearl” – Divin Mubama being handed his first outing for the Hammers first-team after scoring an eye-catching 28 goals in the club’s youth set-up.

Sunderland took their second draw on the bounce this weekend after failing to dominate at the Stadium of Light against Preston North End, and there is a glaring issue that could be a big contribution to their struggle to win games over their last two outings in the Championship.

The Black Cats are currently without a striker as both Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms are currently injured, and their absence has reflected in the team’s results as of late, leading to Sunderland’s fall from their position in the playoffs to seventh after the draw yesterday.

As a result, finding a solution to their issues up front will need to come fast for Tony Mowbray as his team will be hosting again on Tuesday night when they welcome Blackpool to the Stadium of Light, and there is one player the manager could lean on to provide more creativity in the final third.

Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo has now made four substitute appearances for the North-East club since joining in the summer and has already shown glimpses of his potential and ability despite not being picked in the starting line-up.

The 20-year-old talent who was hailed “unbelievable” by former teammate Daniel James, has made one key pass per game and is completing 100% of his passes in his own half, even though he has only been seen for an average of 24 minutes per appearance so far.

Last season, the young winger was on loan with Rangers and although he only made 13 appearances, he managed to score three goals in the Scottish Premiership when given the opportunity to play in the team.

His statistics from that campaign, where he registered one dribble per match would remarkably place him third in the Mackems’ squad for that statistic, suggesting he’d offer something very few others in the squad can provide.

Possessing an electric and dazzling set of skills in the final third, now is the time for Mowbray to unleash Diallo in the team as it is not only the golden opportunity for the £28k-per-week ace to prove his worth to the boss, but he is one of the only available attacking threats left in the team with experience of playing in the forward line.

With that being said, it will be interesting to see how the Black Cats manager sets up on Tuesday against Blackpool, and whether he will give Diallo the chance to make an impact on the side as he could have the positive influence Sunderland needs right now to take all three points from the clash.

Liverpool opened their Champions League group stage campaign in the worst possible way last week, as they were humbled 4-1 by Napoli in Naples.

Outfought from start to finish, they were deserved losers and it compounded what has been a tough start to the season for manager Jurgen Klopp.

However, he now has the chance to redeem himself as his side welcomes Ajax to Anfield in a battle between two European heavyweights.

With Saturday’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers postponed due to the unfortunate passing of Queen Elizabeth II, tonight will be their return to football since their last game in this competition.

This slight break however has not helped the German out with regards to any injuries, and he offered the following update on Andy Robertson’s fitness and if he would be available to play the Dutch giants:

“Injured”, he bluntly labelled the Scotsman. “Robbo is now not 100 percent. Very late, 93rd or whatever minute, he felt it – actually he only felt it the next day.

“But he’s out for at least [until], I would say, after the international break.”

The last thing that Klopp needed was to further compound his injury crisis, but to see Robertson ruled out for the foreseeable future will be a hammer blow to his side.

Especially considering how Kostas Tsimikas has started the season, creating no big chances in his five Premier League appearances as well as losing possession 6.0 times a game.

They will miss the creativity provided by Robertson, who last season assisted 15 times in all competitions.

It is this attacking threat that they are in such desperate need of, as the numerous injuries to the midfield has left an ever-growing reliance upon the magic of Mohammed Salah and Luis Diaz.

This injury news will come as another sucker punch for Klopp, who can’t seem to catch a break at the moment.

The German will be one of the few in the football community vying for the international break and will want to get through the fixtures in the way with as little damage done as possible.

He will be furious that another of his players has broken down with an injury.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are still in talks to sign Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic, reports reliable journalist Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Striker search

It has been widely reported the Wanderers are looking to bring in a forward addition ahead of the September 1 deadline.

In a recent press conference, manager Bruno Lage admitted his team are still on the hunt for an attacker, having claimed: “We want more solutions. We are in the market and we’ll try to find a different striker, a different profile to Raul.”

With Molineux chiefs also thought to be working on a deal for promising midfielder Boubacar Traore, a goalscorer is surely next up on the agenda.

The Latest: Keen’s news

Keen has shared an update on Wolves’ striker search, confirming the name that the club are working hard to secure.

In his article for the Express and Star, the reliable journalist revealed that Lage has refused to discuss Wolves’ interest in Sasa Kalajdzic, despite the fact that the Midlands outfit have continued to negotiate with Stuttgart over a potential move for the Austria international.

Speaking about their striker search, Lage added:

“Raul is very good in the dynamic and arrives in the box, and we want a different profile. That’s the only thing I can say now, we are looking for that.”

The Verdict: Get it done

With 6 foot 7 Kalajdzic towering over Jimenez, the Bundesliga forward certainly adds an alternative option and play-style to Wolves’ limited squad.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Austrian ranks in the 94thpercentile for aerials won, whereas the Mexico international comes in at the 65th percentile.

Praised by German pundit Marcel Reif for being able to do “crazy things in the air”, Kalajdzic would add an aerial threat to the Wanderers’ frontline for years to come.

Leeds United have been ‘working hard’ to sign a striker this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton.

The Lowdown: Seven in, soon to be eight

The Whites have been very busy so far this summer, making five first-team additions. Victor Orta has also bolstered the club’s academy ranks with deals for Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins, with the former earning a place on the bench for Leeds’ Premier League opener against Wolves on Saturday.

Free agent Joel Robles looks set to be next through the door to provide some goalkeeping experience around Thorp Arch, and it seems as if the Whites have no plans of stopping there.

The Latest: Thornton’s comments

According to reliable Sky Sports journalist Thornton, who was talking to GiveMeSport, Leeds have been ‘working hard’ when it comes to a new forward, with a number of targets identified.

He revealed:

“They’ve been working hard on this, this is not something they’re suddenly shining a light moment where we need to get a striker in, they’ve known about it and have identified the targets.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-48/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Kalimuendo in before Southampton trip?

One forward who has been heavily linked with Leeds is Arnaud Kalimuendo, who Jesse Marsch reportedly wants to bring in next week.

Another outlet has reported that the Whites are close to agreeing a fee with Paris Saint-Germain for the 20-year-old, so this could be one to watch closely.

It would be a big boost if the club can land a new striker before the trip to Southampton next Saturday, adding more firepower to rival the likes of Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt after a positive start to the campaign.

West Bromwich Albion currently have the third-oldest squad in the Championship in terms of the combined average age of their players.

With an average age of 26.5, only Birmingham City (27.3) and Wigan Athletic (27.3) have older squads according to Transfermarkt.

One figure in Steve Bruce’s squad that is a big reason why the average age is so high is Jake Livermore, who is the club’s oldest outfield player at the age of 32.

Having racked up 196 appearances for the Baggies across all competitions, the midfielder’s current contract at the Hawthorns is set to expire next summer.

With that in mind, the remaining weeks of the current summer transfer window would give the Midlands club the ideal opportunity to sign what could be a long-term heir for the Englishman.

One player that has been mentioned with a move to the Hawthorns that could fit this specific bill is Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury.

The Englishman, who has been praised by Brendan Rodgers for his “outstanding” performances in the past, has 141 appearances for Leicester under his belt across their senior and youth sides.

Having played in 79 league games throughout his career, the midfielder has racked up 69 interceptions and won 34 tackles, which just goes to show how much of a useful defensive-minded midfielder he could be for the Baggies.

To compare that with Livermore, he was able to make 40 interceptions and win 44 tackles last season alone.

This highlights the similarities the pair have and how the £7.5k-per-week midfielder could be seen as West Brom’s next version of Livermore if he joins the Baggies and is able to play regularly.

Even though Bruce has said that whatever incoming deals get done before the window closes are likely to be loans, signing the Foxes figure on a temporary deal that has an option to become permanent next summer would be a great way for the club to secure a replacement for Livermore should he end up leaving when his contract expires.

If the Baggies can end their latest transfer window with Choudhury in their ranks, this could finish their summer with a flourish and give them a great boost to their chances of winning promotion with an experienced Premier League midfielder in their side.

AND in other news: Alan Nixon drops exciting West Brom transfer claim, it’s great news for Bruce