Man United vs Wolves: Head-to-head record & key stats

Manchester United will host Wolves on Monday 14th August as the two teams kick off their respective Premier League seasons. It's the first Monday Night Football of the season – and is a game rich with history.

This fixture should certainly be an interesting one, too. United will go into it hoping to improve on their third-placed finish last season and with an improved team. Wolves, who secured a mid-table finish, will want to make strides in their first full season under Julen Lopetegui.

So how have things gone in the past? Football FanCast takes a trip down memory lane to find everything you need to know about this fixture.

Man United vs Wolves: Who has the better head-to-head record?

These two teams first clashed in 1892, so there's a lot of history here. 111 games of it, in fact, across four different competitions. They've met at the top two tiers of the English pyramid, as well as the FA Cup and EFL Cup.

It's United who boast the best overall record, though, with 54 wins in those 11 games. Wolves aren't too far behind, having triumphed on 37 occasions. That leaves 20 times that the spoils have been split.

Man United vs Wolves: What's the top-flight record?

As we say, there's about 130 years of top-flight history here – or at least, that's when the two clubs first met. It means that of their 111 meetings, 92 of them came in England's top flight.

The respective records in this fixture are a little closer than some may have thought. Wolves, after all, have had periods where they were the outright best team in England – and that's shown here.

United still come out on top – being an elite club for 30 years will do that – winning 43 of the 92 games. Wolves sit ten behind on 33, with 16 draws.

Man United vs Wolves: What's their Premier League record?

There's a tendency these days to boil things down to just the Premier League era, such is the dramatic change in football over the last 30 years. When we look at this fixture in those terms, you see just how far things have swung in that time.

United and Wolves have met 18 times in the Premier League since the Old Gold's first appearance in 2003/04, with the former winning 11 and the latter just four. Only three of those games ended in a draw. This has been a very happy fixture for the Red Devils, then.

Man United vs Wolves: Who has the better cup record?

These two teams first met in a cup competition back in 1948, with Wolves winning an FA Cup semi-final replay against United. The Manchester side have fought back to boast the superior cup record since, however.

In total, there have been 13 meetings across the FA Cup and EFL Cup. United have won seven of those, with the majority coming away from home, interestingly enough. Wolves have won a further three, while another three went to FA Cup replays.

Man United vs Wolves: Who has the record at Old Trafford?

This upcoming fixture will be at Old Trafford, of course, so perhaps that record counts for a little more historically.

54 of the 111 games have been in Manchester, and United, as you could have guessed, dominate the results. They've won 35 of the 54, losing just ten. That leaves nine as draws, for those keeping count.

But what about just in the top flight? Well, that's seen 46 fixtures at Old Trafford and United won 29 of them – a far superior record to their away results against Wolves.

Man United vs Wolves: What team has the most goals in this fixture?

Both teams have historically scored well in this fixture. Remember, there have been 111 meetings in their histories so Wolves' tally of 151 is quite fantastic. United do have that beat, though, with 184. That also translates to the league record, unsurprisingly, as United have 154 to Wolves' 127.

As for Old Trafford, United look good there. They have 101 goals to Wolves' 52 when playing at home, which becomes 87 to 46 in the league.

What is Marcus Rashford's record against Wolves?

Who might get the goals this time around, then? Marcus Rashford seems like the most likely player, given he scored 30 in all competitions last season. United rewarded him with a five-year contract – he's their star man going forward.

And his record against Wolves is pretty decent. The forward has come up against them seven times, which is a fairly small number given only four of those meetings have been league clashes.

Indeed, Rashford has missed three Premier League fixtures with Wolves because of injuries, while he missed both encounters in the 2018/19 season.

Rashford has three goals across his seven games against Wolves, with two of them coming in the Premier League. The other was an FA Cup strike in 2019.

What is Man United's record win vs Wolves?

United's record win wasn't technically by Manchester United. It came in the very first meeting between the two teams, back in 1892.

They were Newton Heath back then, and demolished Wolves 10-1 at home (to Wolves' credit, they did manage to win the reverse fixture 2-0). This actually remains United's biggest-ever win in the league.

As for a more recent result, their record Premier League win came in 2011/12 as United won 5-0 at Wolves. The best they've ever managed at home was a 4-1 win that same season.

What is Wolves' record win vs Man United?

Wolves thrashed United 7-0 in 1932 for what remains their biggest-ever win against the Red Devils. It came with both sides competing in the second tier of English football.

In the Premier League, their record home win against United is 2-1 and their record win at Old Trafford is 1-0 – that came in early 2022. So if Wolves do manage to win this one, don't expect a thrilling scoreline.

Man United vs Wolves: What are the recent results?

United took the spoils in both games last season, winning 1-0 at Wolves before seeing them off 2-0 at Old Trafford. It was a much more stable season for the club and the scores reflect that. We can't say the same for the season prior.

Both games finished 1-0 to the away sides in 2021/22. That was Wolves' first win against United since 2019 and their first at Old Trafford since 1980. A historic win, then.

That brought to an end a period of dominance from United, who had avoided defeat to Wolves in seven attempts. They'd won both games in 2020/21, after all, with 1-0 and 2-1 results.

The 2019/20 season saw the teams face off four times, with them not only playing in the FA Cup for the second consecutive season, but the fixture also going to a replay. United did win that replay 1-0, but the other three fixtures finished in draws.

And the 2018/19 season, which saw Wolves return to the Premier League for the first time in six years, was a good one for the Midlands club. They drew their first fixture with United before beating them at home in both the league and the FA Cup.

Man United vs Wolves: Classic meetings

2nd April 2019: Wolves 2-1 Man United (Premier League) – The two clubs made something of a habit of playing against each other during this time, with the Old Gold getting the better of United just weeks prior in the FA Cup.

The Red Devils' following trip to Molineux was just as fruitless despite an absorbing tie that saw them take the lead through Scott McTominay, before a dogged Wolves comeback saw Nuno Espirito Santo's side battle back for victory.

5th February 2011: Wolves 2-1 Man United (Premier League) – Another comeback in the Black Country saw bottom-placed Wolves overcome Sir Alex Ferguson's unbeaten United side, who were top of the table heading into the clash.

And it looked as though they'd extend their lead at the top when Nani gave the visitors the lead after just three minutes, before goals from George Elokobi and Kevin Doyle turned the match – and the table – on its head as Wolves charged towards safety.

When is Man United vs Wolves?

Man United will host Wolves on Monday, August 14th at 8pm UK time. It'll be the first Monday Night Football of the Premier League season – and a big one for both sides.

United hope to build on their improvements last season and have made several important moves in the transfer market. David de Gea is out in goal, with André Onana joining from Inter. Mason Mount will feature in midfield, too, having arrived from Chelsea.

Wolves have made moves, too, but the most notable may be their outgoings. Ruben Neves, for so long the lynchpin of their midfield, has left for Saudi Arabia, while Raul Jimenez – albeit perhaps past his best – is now a Fulham player.

The main arrivals at Molineux have been loans officially turning permanent, including Boubacar Traore and Matheus Cunha – they'll hope the Brazilian can fix their goalscoring issues after really struggling last time out.

Both teams are looking forward, then – especially with this being Wolves' first full season under Lopetegui. A win could generate serious early momentum for either side in what's sure to be an exciting Premier League season.

Liverpool: Reds Make "Juicy Offer" For Gabri Veiga

Liverpool have made a "juicy offer" to sign highly-rated Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga but now could loan him back to his current club, according to a report from Spain.

How much does Gabri Veiga earn?

The £3,000 per-week Celta Vigo ace enjoyed an excellent 2022/23 season for his current club, scoring 11 goals and chipping in with four assists in La Liga, and he has been compared to former Chelsea and Manchester World Cup winner Juan Mata, boasting a clever and creative style of play with a wand of a left foot.

Meanwhile, the Reds' midfield has completely changed this summer, with a combination of incomings and outgoings giving it a very new look.

Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have arrived to bolster their options, but Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have departed recently for Saudi Arabia, while James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left when their contracts expired back in June.

While Mac Allister and Szoboszlai represent exciting young additions at Anfield, it would be criminal if they are the only two midfielders to arrive in the current transfer window, with more depth and quality needed in that area before deadline day arrives.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

It looks as though Romeo Lavia and Andre, from Southampton and Fluminense respectively, are Liverpool's two biggest midfield targets currently, but Veiga is another player who has been linked with a move to Anfield before the new Premier League seasons gets underway.

gabri-veiga-transfer-gossip-edu-arteta-arsenal-celta-vigo-declan-rice

What's the latest on Gabri Veiga to Liverpool?

According to reports in Spain, via Estadio Deportivo, Liverpool have put a "juicy offer" on the table for Veiga this summer, with the Reds among his biggest admirers currently.

News of the 22-year-old leaving Celta is "beginning to pick up", although the Reds' rumoured €25m (£21.5m) offer is a long way short of his €40m (£34.4m) release clause.

Liverpool may though try to sweeten the deal by offering to loan Veiga back to Celta for a season, a bizarre decision considering the Reds' need for immediate reinforcements.

Veiga is clearly a fantastic young talent with a big future in the game, but it would be a surprise if Liverpool moved for him now for one key reason. The Spaniard is an attacking midfielder who can create in the final third, but in Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, the Reds have already filled those positions, with Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott also representing good options there.

What Liverpool now desperately need is at least one defensive midfielder, but preferably two, with Fabinho and Henderson's exit leaving the Merseysiders extremely threadbare in that area. Lavia and Andre both fit the bit when it comes to that position, so it makes far more sense for them to be putting their efforts into signings both of those two.

Should Veiga move to Anfield, it certainly wouldn't be sniffed at by supporters, given his quality, but Liverpool need a defensive midfielder and they need it now.

This is a massive few weeks in the transfer window for the Reds, and if the club don't get it right, in terms of bolstering the No.6 position and also bringing in a new left-sided centre-back, there is the risk that they could again fall short in 2023/24 – something that would unacceptable, considering funds are available to be spent.

Dyche Eyeing Everton McNeil Repeat With Move For £19m "Nightmare"

Everton are still looking to brush up their frontline with the 2023/24 Premier League season set to kick off this weekend, with Leeds United's Wilfried Gnonto the prime target.

What's the latest on Wilfried Gnonto to Everton?

That's according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that Gnonto's "priority" is to join Everton this summer following the Whites' relegation from the Premier League.

With a full agreement on personal terms, it is now up to Sean Dyche's side to negotiate a fee with Leeds, who are believed to be demanding €22m (£19m) for the Italy international.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

Everton have already signed dynamic forward Arnaut Danjuma and Youssef Chermiti from Sporting Lisbon this summer, but Gnonto would bolster the attacking ranks considerably ahead of a pivotal season.

How good is Wilfried Gnonto?

Described to be an "absolute nightmare for defenders" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also credited his explosiveness and energy, Gnonto was the shining beacon of optimism for Leeds last season as they meekly exited the top flight after three seasons.

Completing a £4m transfer from Swiss side FC Zurich last year, Gnonto scored four goals and supplied four assists from 28 matches for the Elland Road side, with Kulig also lauding his "electric pace" and "powerful finish".

Having already earned 12 caps for Italy, scoring one goal, the 19-year-old ranks among the top 24% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 17% for progressive carries per 90, while also demonstrating his defensive application by ranking among the top 20% for tackles and the top 6% for blocks per 90, as per FBref.

Capable of playing across the frontline and enjoying most of his trade on the left wing, Gnonto might have been relegated but indeed performed well and has been entrusted with a place in Italy's senior squad for his labours, and as such Dyche must complete a swoop and replicate Everton's deal for Dwight McNeil last summer.

McNeil signed for the Toffees from Burnley on a £20m package following the Clarets' relegation from the English top-flight and impressed after scoring seven goals and providing three assists from 28 starting league appearances.

His defensive workrate is one of the standout aspects of his game, and Gnonto's tenacity is surely a further factor behind Everton Director of Football Kevin Thelwell's desire to wrap up a transfer.

dwight-mcneil

Indeed, McNeil ranks among the top 8% of positional peers for tackles, the top 4% for interceptions, the top 1% for blocks and the top 2% for clearances per 90, and can help to nurture Gnonto's own efforts in the defensive third.

Praised for his "magnificent" performances by scout Ryan Williams, the 23-year-old is tangible evidence that targetting players felled by the bottom three is often a sure-fire route to shrewd success,.

Hailed as a "pocket rocket" by pundit Tam McManus, Gnonto can be an emulation of this, and given that he is still perched in his teenage years, there is plentiful room for growth and development into a first-class attacking talent in the Premier League.

This is something that the Merseyside outfit have been sorely lacking, with the Goodison Park side finishing the 2022/23 term as the division's second-lowest scorers, behind only Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Everton are looking to fortify their attack with younger signings this summer. Dyche is clearly planning for the future, but Gnonto will arrive with the ability to make an instant impact and Everton have to steer this one over the line to forge a successful season.

Arsenal Could Sign "Complete" £19m Koscielny Heir

Arsenal have already completed a host of lucrative deals this summer, but could be set to sneak in one more in order to bolster their first team and comply with their youth-focused transfer style…

Who are Arsenal signing this summer?

With Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber having joined as part of Mikel Arteta's mini-revolution this window, all of whom are 24 or younger, it is clear the direction that he seeks to take the north London outfit just months after narrowly missing out on the title.

Therefore, the recent report from Italian outlet Calciomercato likely has some credence, as it details their efforts to sign young defender Josip Sutalo from Dinamo Zagreb.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Although the outlet actually seeks to outline Ajax's progression towards a completed deal, with a fee of around €21m (£19m) touted, it is noted that there could be a late movement to snag the 23-year-old before his switch is finalised.

Football Transfers value the Croatia international at just €8m (£7m).

How good is Josip Sutalo?

Despite having only really featured in his homeland, aside from a brief stint in Italy, Sutalo still boasts a fine reputation across Europe as a stellar ball-playing asset capable of dominating and creating from the back.

It is, therefore, no surprise to see him linked with an Emirates switch, given the way Arteta's philosophy is built off the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes' exploits.

Should they decide to swoop in, it could provide ample cover for these two dominant defenders, who could be fearing for their starting spots in no time at all.

Especially given, when ranked against other centre-backs across Europe, Sutalo sits in the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, the top 19% for tackles per 90 and the top 3% for blocks per 90, via FBref.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig praised his composure too, branding him a: "complete & elegant CB".

laurent-koscielny

Such defensive excellence combined with an ability to stride out with confidence unsurprisingly draws comparisons with Laurent Koscielny, which Premier League News Now outlined by writing:

'Šutalo is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, be that when he is picking people out with passes or going on adventures driving up with the ball. He’s a good passer, both short and long but not spectacular as his passes come off slightly under-hit at moments. He’s composed and draws parallels to Laurent Koscielny'.

The Frenchman spent nine impressive years in north London, enjoying arguably his finest season at the club during the 2015/16 term. Maintaining a 7.31 average match rating, this was a figure buoyed by his insane ball progression alongside his solidity.

He would record an 87% pass accuracy, a 91% dribble success rate, 15 clean sheets as well as 3.8 interceptions and 5.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore, during that standout season.

These are statistics eerily similar to that of his potential successors during the 2022/23 campaign in the Croatian top-flight, as he maintained a 93% pass accuracy as well as two interceptions and 1.8 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Widely recognised as one of Arsenal's finest defensive stars in recent memory – as Arsene Wenger sought to laud his compatriot back in 2011 after dubbing him a "special player" – should Sutalo bring half as much quality as Koscielny did, he would already be recognised as a success.

Aston Villa Could Sign ‘Animal’ To Replace Ashley Young

Aston Villa are reported to be closing in on their fourth summer signing, with reports suggesting that Unai Emery could be about to spend once more in the transfer market.

The Spaniard was shocked in his first game of the 2023/24 calendar, losing 5-1 to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, however the biggest worry surrounding the club is their injury woes.

Tyrone Mings was forced to withdraw after just half an hour played in the North East, where it has since been confirmed that he will be out of action for the foreseeable future, just days after the revelation of Emiliano Buendia’s injury.

The Argentine will join Mings on the sidelines, with the club revealing prior to the opening fixture that he has sustained a significant injury to his anterior cruciate ligament, spelling an extensive period away from the action.

With injury worries and players rumoured to be departing, it’s expected that Emery will delve back into the market before the end of the transfer window.

Who could Aston Villa sign this summer?

The Villans finally landed Italian attacker Nicolo Zaniolo this week, in a move that will ease the blow to Buendia.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

He isn't the only man they're close to signing, however. Indeed, Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the links to Sevilla full-back Marcos Acuna, with the Midlands club said to expect to “agree terms” with the Spanish outfit soon, with personal terms “already in place”.

The experienced left-back’s arrival could come at the perfect time, with speculation increasing regarding the future of current left-back Lucas Digne.

How good is Marcos Acuna?

Lauded as an “animal” by journalist Facundo Del Real, the 31-year-old has gained vital experience playing in Europe after leaving his home country to join Sporting Lisbon in 2017.

The versatile left-back, with the ability to play in a more advanced role on the flank, has since become an important player for Sevilla, after making the move to Spain three years ago to endeavour on a new journey in the continent.

Sevilla defender Marcos Acuna.

Now, the full-back could open his eyes to the joys of the English game, with Villa knocking firmly on his door to join Emery at Villa, as well as rekindling his relationship with Monchi, who originally signed him for Los Nervionenses.

At 31, Villa could integrate a player with great playing experience to their side, in what could be the perfect addition following the departure of veteran Ashley Young, who gave a widely valuable knowledge of the game to Emery’s side.

Aside from their extensive experience in professional football, the two bring very similar playing styles to a squad, as supported by their almost mirrored averages last season.

As per FBref, Acuna averaged 2.68 tackles and 4.80 progressive passes per 90 in La Liga last term, showcasing strengths in areas typical for a full-back, with Young following closely in recording 2.21 tackles and 4.73 progressive passes per 90.

Hailed as a “top defender” this week by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola after securing an assist against City in the UEFA Super Cup final, the £30k-per-week Argentine has been identified as a player of significant value by arguably the best manager in the Premier League.

After bidding farewell to Young this summer, Emery could almost instantly restore the attributes and quality displayed by the Englishman in the Midlands by signing Acuna, who could bolster the squad’s left side.

Celtic: Rodgers Could Sign Big Maeda Upgrade For £3.5m

Celtic are reportedly closing in on their seventh new addition of the summer transfer window as Brendan Rodgers attempts to bolster his playing squad.

Who have Celtic signed this summer?

The Hoops head coach has already been able to snap up Odin Thiago Holm, Marco Tilio, Hyeok-kyu Kwon, and Hyun-jun Yang all on permanent deals to add to his midfield selection.

Central defenders Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke have also been brought in to strengthen the defensive side of the team, which needed to be addressed after Carl Starfelt's move to Spanish outfit Celta Vigo.

Aris left winger Luis Palma is now said to be on the verge of completing a switch to Parkhead after the club agreed a £3.5m deal with the Greek side.

The Honduras international appears set to improve Rodgers' options at the top end of the pitch after his impressive performances in Greece throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

How good is Luis Palma?

Based on his form for Aris last season, the 23-year-old wizard has the potential to come in as a big upgrade on current Hoops winger Daizen Maeda.

The exciting dynamo showcased his ability as both a scorer and a creator of goals, with the former being his biggest strength. Palma racked up an impressive 11 goals in 20 league starts in the Greek top-flight, which also included nine substitute appearances.

Only Kyogo Furuhashi (27) scored more league goals for Celtic during the Scottish Premiership campaign last term and the £3.5m-rated talent's tally of 11 was also three more than Maeda managed in 35 matches for the club.

The incoming Hoops signing could, therefore, provide a greater goal threat than the Japan international if he is able to translate his form over to Scottish football and deliver a similar level of production in the final third.

Palma also displayed his creativity with 1.4 key passes per game for his teammates throughout last season.

Only two current Celtic players (Matt O'Riley and Anthony Ralston) produced more per outing than the Honduras international and Maeda ranked 15th within the squad with 0.8 per clash.

Honduras winger Luis Palma.

This suggests that the 5 foot 10 maestro could offer more than the 25-year-old winger when it comes to being a playmaker for his fellow attackers, as he has the quality to regularly split open the opposition's defence to create opportunities in front of goal.

Palma's superiority was also reflected in his average Sofascore rating as he ended the season with a score of 7.12, which was considerably better than the current Hoops forward's rating of 6.78 and would have placed him within the top ten in the squad.

The Aris star, who was praised for his “brilliant” goal contributions last term by agent Paulo Hernandez, has also started the current campaign in fantastic form with two goals and three assists in five matches in all competitions, whilst Maeda has zero goals and one assist in four outings so far.

These statistics over the last 12 months or so suggest that Palma has the quality to be a big upgrade on the Japanese marksman with his average performance level and his goal contributions at the top end of the pitch, which is why this could be an excellent signing for the club.

Tottenham Considering Move For "Skillful" 24 y/o Star

Tottenham Hotspur are now considering a move for Al-Ittihad winger Jota, who could potentially be brought in as an alternative to one of their other targets, according to a report.

Are Tottenham signing a winger?

Tottenham are firmly in the hunt for a new winger, as we enter the final week of the summer transfer window, and they could stand a good chance of winning the race for Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson, who has now told friends he is keen on the move.

However, the Wales international is not Spurs' only target in wide areas, as it has now been reported they have submitted a bid worth €45m (£38.6m) for FC Porto's Pepe, which was knocked back, with the Portuguese side holding out for a fee of €75m (£64.3m).

Given that the Lilywhites are some way off matching Porto's valuation of the 26-year-old, they may choose to pursue the cheaper option of their two targets, and 90min report they are now leading the race for Johnson, who is valued at £50m by Forest.

Forest are aware that increase in the 22-year-old is increasing, and a £50m move would be a huge boost to their Financial Fair Play calculations, although they are still reluctant to sell him.

Working under Ange Postecoglou is the most appealing option to the Welshman at this stage, but the manager could choose to pursue a player he already knows very well, with Jota, who he worked with at Celtic, now emerging as an option.

Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad shelled out a club-record fee to sign the winger this summer, but they have already put him up for sale, and Tottenham have now been alerted to his availability.

The 24-year-old played under Postecoglou last season, helping Celtic win the Scottish Premiership title with ease, and he could now be set to reunite with the Australian, should Spurs be able to agree on a suitable fee.

Not only are the Lilywhites keen on a new winger, but 90min also make it clear they are keen on bolstering the spine of the team with another central midfielder and centre-back.

Read The Latest Tottenham Transfer News HERE

How good is Jota?

It is clear to see why Al-Ittihad were willing to pay £25m for the Portuguese attacker, as he was an extremely influential player for Celtic last season, weighing in with 11 goals and 10 assists in 29 Scottish Premiership appearances.

Former Celtic winger Jota.

Guardian columnist Dominik Diamond named the 5 foot 9 forward among the Hoops' best players, when discussing who should be named Player of the Year, describing him as "ludicrously skillful", and Portugal boss Roberto Martinez believes he's getting better and better, saying:

"What I would say is that his evolution has been very impressive. I would say that the last four months especially he is growing into a very mature role at his club. He's always involved in the big moments, and that's important."

Having already worked under Postecoglou, praising the Spurs boss for never losing belief in his philosophy during his time at Celtic Park, Jota could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham, and his availability means it may well be a relatively easy move to facilitate.

Liverpool: Reds signed player for £2m, then sold him for £47m more

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015 and has been able to oversee a successful period for the club on and off the pitch.

Who have been Liverpool's biggest sales under Klopp?

The German head coach has developed and coached players throughout his time on Merseyside and this has allowed the side to benefit from their talent, on the field or in the transfer market.

Player

Fee sold for

Philippe Coutinho

£116m

Fabinho

£40m

Sadio Mane

£27.4m

Christian Benteke

£26.7m

Valuations via Transfermarkt

However, the Reds did some phenomenal trading with players prior to Klopp's arrival in England. The likes of Fernando Torres, Raheem Sterling, and Luis Suarez all came in and excelled on the pitch before moving on for significant fees.

Sterling, in particular, was a player who Liverpool played a masterclass with as they snapped him up as a youngster for a minimal fee and were able to turn him into a record-breaking star.

How much did Liverpool pay for Raheem Sterling?

The English dynamo began his youth career with Queens Park Rangers in London and completed a move to Anfield in the summer of 2010 for a reported fee of £450k rising to £2m.

Transfermarkt do not have the statistics for his debut campaign with the U18 side during the 2010/11 season but he did make the step up to the U21s the following term and caught the eye with his performances at the top end of the pitch.

Former Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling.

Sterling contributed with eight goals and ten assists in 22 U21 outings, which included six goals and seven assists in 19 Reserve League clashes.

Brendan Rodgers arrived as first-team manager in the summer of 2012 and the Northern Irish boss decided to offer the then-teenager an opportunity to showcase his talent at first-team level.

How well did Sterling perform for Liverpool?

The Jamaican-born ace racked up two goals and six assists across 36 senior appearances for the Reds throughout the 2012/13 campaign, with all of those goal contributions coming in his 24 Premier League matches.

Sterling stepped up to become a regular fixture on the wing for Liverpool the following season. He played in 33 of their 38 top-flight games and chipped in with an impressive nine goals and seven assists from out wide, whilst the exciting ace also hit double figures for goals for the first time in his senior career with one strike in the League Cup on top of his nine league goals.

The England international, who made his debut for the Three Lions in November 2012, then contributed with 11 goals and ten assists across 52 outings in all competitions during the 2014/15 campaign. This included seven goals and eight assists in 35 league matches.

Former Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling.

However, the 5 foot 8 wizard did struggle in Europe as he only managed one assist and failed to score in six Champions League clashes that term.

Overall, these statistics show that Sterling was a reliable performer at Premier League level in spite of his young age as he regularly contributed with goals and assists from a wide position.

He thrived alongside the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez in attack. However, it was a shame that the trio did not win a major trophy for the club during their time together at Anfield.

This made the then-20-year-old a valuable asset to the football club and they eventually opted to cash in on his rising market value in the summer of 2015.

How much did Liverpool sell Raheem Sterling for?

Liverpool raked in a staggering, at the time, fee of £49m from Premier League rivals Manchester City for the talented youngster's signature, which made him the most expensive English player in history at the time and the second-most expensive British player behind Gareth Bale.

This means that Liverpool made a whopping £47m profit on the initial £2m package they splashed out to sign him from QPR five years prior to his move to The Etihad.

Sterling's market value soared by an eye-catching 2,350% in the process and Rodgers deserves huge credit for having the belief in the English hotshot to make him a first-team regular at such a young age.

Former Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling.

It potentially sped up his progress as it allowed him to develop and thrive in a senior environment, instead of playing youth team football for another couple of years, which led to his fantastic performances on the pitch attracting interest from the Cityzens.

Therefore, Liverpool played a masterclass with Sterling as they brought him in for a relatively modest fee from QPR and were able to turn him into a record-breaking sale within five years.

Where is Sterling now?

The 28-year-old magician, who was recently described as "electric" by Statman Dave, currently plays for Chelsea in the Premier League and has scored 11 goals in 42 appearances for the Blues to date.

He arrived at Stamford Bridge last year for a reported fee of £47.5m and found the back of the net six times in 28 top-flight matches during his first year with the club.

His current spell in London comes after a phenomenal spell with Manchester City after his record-breaking move to The Etihad from Liverpool in 2015.

In seven years with the Cityzens, Sterling racked up goals and trophies in abundance. He ended his time in Manchester with an eye-catching 131 goals and 95 assists in 339 matches in all competitions, to go along with 12 trophies – including four Premier League titles.

His best season with City was arguably the 2018/19 campaign. Sterling averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.42 across 34 top-flight games and contributed with an outstanding 17 goals and ten assists, which led to him being named the PFA Young Player of the Year.

The lightning-quick maestro created 12 'big chances' for his teammates and completed 2.4 dribbles per match as he showcased his ability to carry his team up the pitch whilst also being able to provide quality end product on a regular basis.

Overall, Liverpool and Manchester City both came out as winners in the deal to send Sterling to The Etihad in 2015. The Reds received a record fee for an English player and were able to enjoy his talents for a few years and then City had a phenomenal performer for a number of seasons before they sold him for only slightly less than what they paid for him.

The best blogs, forums, journalists & news sources for Wolves fans

The sheer amount of content around Premier League clubs these days is incredible. It makes being a fan easier than ever – you can find out pretty much everything you want to know.

Wolves are no exception. There’s a world of content to traverse but we can appreciate it’s not always easy to know what directions to head in. So here at Football Fancast, we’ve put together a cheat sheet of who to follow for all your gold and black needs.

From news outlets, to journalists, to fan social media channels, to podcasts, we literally cover it all, so you never have to miss out on anything and everything involving Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wolves News Now

Wolves striker Hee-chan Hwang.

This one just feels like a must. News Now collects headlines from around the world on various topics – and is just fantastic for football. Pick your league, pick your club, and get all the latest news published about it.

You can even just pick from the most-read stories of the day. If you’re just after the absolute latest news, this is your go-to when it comes to Wolves.

Liam Keen (Express and Star & Twitter)

As with virtually all clubs, the local journalists are the one who know exactly what’s going on. Liam Keen is the go-to when it comes to Wolves, and he writes for the local Express and Star.

And if you want the most up-to-date news from Keen, you can head to his Twitter (or X, or whatever it’s called by the time you read this). Here you’ll find interviews and the Tier 1 news that you’re almost certainly after.

Nathan Judah (Twitter)

Nelson Semedo for Wolves

Of course, Keen isn’t the Express and Star’s only Wolves journo. Nathan Judah is also as clued-in to Wolves as it gets – his Twitter is well worth a follow, too, if you want reliable news about the club.

He also offers the fans chances to get involved with questions and provides live updates during games, so if you’re looking for someone to keep you up to date on all that goes on at Wolves then he’s your man.

Express and Star Wolves Podcast

It’s also worth mentioning that Keen and Judah host the Wolves Podcast for the Express and Star. Again, it’s a good one to follow if you’re after the ins and outs at the club.

Quite often during a transfer window there will be updates and inside information dropped that you wouldn’t hear about if you’re not tuning in to the weekly episodes.

As mentioned above, the episodes tend to come out weekly, but may be more frequent during a transfer window.

Talking Wolves (Twitter & Youtube)

Fabio Silva

The last few years has seen fan content explode into the world of football and it’s no different at Wolves. Talking Wolves started in 2018 and has since become the premier fan channel for the club, amassing 45,000 followers on their Twitter.

But it’s underselling it to focus just on the Twitter account. Talking Wolves has been featured on BBC Sport, 5Live, Sky Sports, Channel 4… the list goes on. They even have their own merch, if you’re into some niche Molineux gear.

They also have a Youtube channel, which has anything from reaction to matchdays, transfer rumours, fan interviews and a whole lot more, so be sure to check them out.

Dave Azzopardi (Twitter)

Wolves midfielder Mario Lemina.

Dave Azzopardi is one of the three fans who started Talking Wolves and can be found on their YouTube podcast regularly. If it’s a fan voice that you’re after, then Azzopardi is well worth a recommendation.

He knows his stuff – enough that he’s an assistant researcher for Football Manager on Wolves. We think that’s pretty decent.

His Twitter can be found here.

Wolves Fancast

Talking Wolves is far from the only place to get your Wolves content, of course. Wolves Fancast is also worth highlighting – a site that offers plenty of content, no matter how you like to get your Wolves info.

The team here is sizeable, too, offering a wide range of opinions on the club. And again, there’s a blog, a podcast, and video content for whatever you’re into.

And, their Twitter is well worth a follow if you like your feed being covered in everything Wolves.

Express and Star Wolves

Wolves striker Fabio Silva.

The Express and Star is the place to find clued-in Wolves news that you can trust. They have a direct line into the club and publish daily news.

With so much content out there about every club, finding trustworthy stuff isn’t all that simple. The Express and Star falls into that category, though, and should be your go-to if that’s what you’re chasing.

The Athletic reporter for Wolves, Steve Madeley (Twitter)

The Athletic can be polarising as it’s a subscription service, first and foremost. But they do generally provide great content on all clubs, even if it won’t be as regular as a local paper.

Their Wolves page will help you find the biggest news stories and analysis going right now – but don’t expect something as in-depth as the Express and Star.

The Athletic correspondent for Wolves is Steve Madeley, who offers plenty of news, reaction and updates at the club, with the inside knowledge from sources around the game on his Twitter too.

Molineux Mix

Here’s something a little more old school when it comes to fan content – a proper internet forum. Molineux Mix allows fans to create threads and discuss various topics of their choosing.

This was the way for fans to discuss clubs online in the pre-Twitter days. So if that’s your thing and you don’t want the craziness of modern-day internet discourse, here’s what you’re looking for.

And, quite often there are even little insider comments on transfer news and other bits, though, be careful who you believe as sometimes they end up coming to nothing.

Sky pundit hails "amazing" West Ham star "everyone" has doubted

Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has heaped praise on a West Ham United star who has been proving "everyone" wrong lately.

What is the latest West Ham news?

David Moyes and his Hammers side travel to Anfield on Sunday with a lot of optimism; having started this new Premier League season with real aplomb.

Indeed, the east Londoners have tasted victory in three out of their opening five top flight matches; clinching impressive wins over high-flying Brighton, big-spenders Chelsea and league newcomers Luton Town.

It took European champions Man City to end West Ham's early-season unbeaten streak last weekend, as goals from Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland cancelled out James Ward-Prowse's opener at the London Stadium.

Moyes' men also opened their Europa League account with a 3-1 win over Serbian super league side Backa Topola in midweek, sealing the three points despite an early second-half scare.

There couldn't be any better time to take on Liverpool in Merseyside, but West Ham may tread with caution, as Jurgen Klopp's Reds are in a similar run of form.

West Ham player ratings 2023/2024

West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

There have been a few standout performers for West Ham so far this term; namely the likes of Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and Michail Antonio among others.

However, one player to have thoroughly impressed former Man City defender and popular Sky pundit Richards is none other than Ward-Prowse.

The former Southampton star, who made the move to West Ham from St. Mary's Stadium in mid-August, has got off to an absolute flyer in Claret and Blue.

Indeed, the 28-year-old was very unlucky to miss out on a place in England's squad during the most recent international break, with former Spurs defender Michael Dawson suggesting it was an unfair decision.

Ward-Prowse has bagged two goals and a further three assists in just four league games so far; standing out as their best-performing player per 90 according to WhoScored.

konstantinos-mavropanos-james-ward-prowse-west-ham-opinion

The Englishman also racked up another two assists in midweek against Topola; curling in whipped deliveries from corners for both Mohammed Kudus and Tomas Soucek to head home.

Now, Richards has told The Rest is Football Podcast that he has been vindicated in his long-time praise of the Ward-Prowse.

“I’ve banged on about Ward-Prowse now for so long and nobody was taking me seriously," said the Sky pundit, as transcribed by TBR.

"I was literally saying, he’s in a struggling team that don’t have a style of play and once he goes somewhere where he can express himself more, he’s got more than just taking free-kicks. He’s a comfortable footballer.

“When he’s played for England he’s not really took his chance so everyone sort of questions is he good enough for the highest level. But he is. He’s an amazing player. And he works hard, he can sit deep, also play further forward. I just love him. He’s been my signing of the season so far.”

How good is James Ward-Prowse?

This isn't the only high praise Ward-Prowse has received, with former Southampton manager Nathan Jones saying this last season:

"He’s been absolutely world-class for me. The way he reacted and the performances you’re seeing now, it’s really motivated and driven.”

“He’s vital, I like to get to know my captains and have a real relationship with them, a real personal relationship so they understand decisions we make."

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