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Looking to make an instant impact, The Friedkin Group could now make a rising La Liga star their first signing at Goodison Park with Everton reportedly solidifying their interest to secure his signature.

Everton transfer news

Dan Friedkin has quite the task on his hands when he arrives at Everton. The pending new owner will be tasked with stopping the rot on the blue half of Merseyside both on the pitch and away from the action when it comes to finances and recruitment.

"Terrific" £25k-p/w Everton star now pictured in training before Brentford

He was in good form before suffering an untimely blow.

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 15, 2024

The American, as things stand, will at least be taking charge of a Premier League side, however, with Everton currently on course to avoid relegation. Whether that will be enough to save Sean Dyche’s job remains to be seen, though, amid fresh ambitions at the beginning of a new era at Goodison Park.

Whether it’s with or without Dyche, the new owners have seemingly already turned their attention towards reinforcements. According to GiveMeSport, Christantus Uche could become Friedkin’s first signing after Everton recently solidified their interest.

A player with a reported €20m (£17m) release clause at Getafe, which clubs will need to meet in the January transfer window, Everton and Friedkin may be better off waiting until the summer, when his price tag could reportedly drop below the €15m (£13m) mark.

Amid rival interest from the likes of Aston Villa, Chelsea and Bournemouth, it would be quite the statement if Friedkin managed to sign Uche and hand Everton a midfield boost in the process. Still just 21 years old, the Nigerian has enjoyed a rapid rise in La Liga.

"Versatile" Uche has enjoyed remarkable rise

As Everton approach a new era, they’ll have to get ruthless if they want to rediscover their place in the Premier League’s top half. And that should see Abdoulaye Doucoure replace now that he’s 31 years old and only likely to decrease in valuation and importance in Dyche’s side. In his place should be 21-year-old Uche, whose battle into the spotlight is truly remarkable.

Scouted Football explained the midfielder’s talent and incredible journey to reach Spain’s top division, describing Uche as “versatile” along the way.

Now, the Getafe star could take his biggest step yet by swapping La Liga for the Premier League and Getafe and Everton next year. Stepping in for the ageing Doucoure or indeed Idrissa Gueye, Uche has the chance to make history as the first of many Friedkin signings when they finally arrive at Goodison Park.

The Brazilian has made too many mistakes this season and the Cityzens are already looking for his successor – but who should they turn to?

Manchester City may have spent £180 million ($232m) in January bolstering their squad, but they failed to address one area which was in desperate need of renewal: the position of goalkeeper. City's weakness between the sticks has been a big factor in their woeful season, and it haunted them again on Saturday when Ederson allowed a shot from Callum Hudson-Odoi to creep past his arm and inside his near post in the 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

It was far from the first time the Brazilian has let his side down this season. Ederson made numerous errors in City's dismal Champions League campaign, and his form in the league saw him dropped for Stefan Ortega for the trip to Liverpool in November. He has provided a remarkable three assists this season, making Premier League history as the goalkeeper to have set up the most goals in the process, but overall, he has a net deficit as his play-making ability can no longer compensate for the mistakes he keeps making.

Ederson has been fortunate that his deputy Ortega has had his own problems, and Guardiola could not hide his fury after the German's feeble attempt to keep out Cristian Norgaard's header in the 2-2 draw at Brentford in January.

But City have a double-edged problem now: two goalkeepers who are on the wrong side of 30 and neither of whom Guardiola seems particularly convinced by. Ederson wanted to leave the club last summer, but stayed after Guardiola refused to sanction his departure, and GOAL understands that City have already begun their search for a replacement for the Brazilian.

The Premier League champions are casting their eye around the world looking at suitable candidates, so here are some of the names they should be taking a particularly close look at…

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  Diogo Costa (Porto)

  Diogo Costa wrote his name into European Championship history last summer by becoming the first goalkeeper to save three consecutive penalties in the shootout win against Slovenia. He already had a fine reputation for keeping out spot-kicks after saving a record three penalties in a row in the Champions League group stage the previous season, and while his shot-stopping ability is, therefore, not in doubt, he also has the ball-playing ability to fit into this City team.

  The 25-year-old also has leadership qualities, having been named Porto's captain at the start of this season. Costa was linked with a move to City last summer when Ederson was thought to be heading to Saudi Arabia, while Chelsea wanted to sign him in 2023.

  Porto president Andre Villas-Boas called Costa "one of the club's greatest assets" last summer as he declared the No.1 was not for sale. Costa has a release clause of €75m (£63m/£81m), but the penalty-saving extraordinaire would be well worth the big outlay in the long run.

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  Lucas Chevalier (Lille)

  Lucas Chevalier shot to prominence after helping Lille pull off a shock 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League in October. He made five saves against the holders, including a stunning starfish leap to deny Antonio Rudiger. Indeed, his performance was so strong that he earned a 9/10 rating from the infamously hard-to-please journalists at , who gave the same mark to Alisson for his world-beating performance against Paris Saint-Germain last week.

  Chevalier continued to shine in his side's journey to the last 16, and the Frenchman is reported to be high on City's list of Ederson replacements. They are likely to face competition from Barcelona, who have also set their sights on the 23-year-old as they look for a long-term replacement for Marc-Andre ter Stegen. But if there's going to be a bidding war between City and the cash-strapped Catalans, there will only be one winner.

• Getty
  

  Michele di Gregorio (Juventus)

  City know all about Michele di Gregorio after he made a sensational save from Ilkay Gundogan in Juventus' 2-0 win over Guardiola's side in December, while Ederson gave an abject display down the other end.

  The 27-year-old has taken the long road to the top after coming through Inter's academy. He never played a senior game for the Nerazzuri and had four separate loan spells across Italy's lower leagues before joining Monza permanently in 2022. Di Gregorio subsequently joined Juve on loan last summer, and has shown he can handle the pressure of playing for a top club having helped the Old Lady to the second-best defensive record in Serie A.

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  Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)

  Bart Verbruggen provides an appealing mix of confidence on the ball, mega-fast reactions and Premier League experience, and he would make an easy, ready-made replacement for Ederson. The Brighton shot-stopper was linked with Manchester United when they were searching for a David de Gea replacement in 2023 before opting for Andre Onana instead, and how they must regret that decision.

  Verbruggen would be an affordable option at around £30m ($38m, and as he is only 22, he could go on to be City's No.1 for the next decade, representing an absolute steal if they can pull it off.

Arsenal are now reportedly weighing up a January move to sign a new forward, and may have identified a new name to bolster Mikel Arteta’s ranks as they look to get their season back on track.

Arsenal stumbling in Premier League title race

Heading into the November international break, Arsenal are a massive nine points off the early season Premier League leaders Liverpool, and five behind Manchester City after a run of poor form. Arteta’s side dropped yet more points as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a result that leaves them below Enzo Maresca’s side in the table, and one of four sides on 19 points from their opening 11 games.

£130k-p/w star just dropped his best performance in an Arsenal shirt

There were a few positives for Arsenal despite dropping points against Chelsea.

By
Matt Dawson

Nov 11, 2024

They have won just one of their last five Premier League outings, in a run of form that threatens to take them out of the race for the title entirely should it continue after the international break.

Central to their issues has been an ability to score goals, with the Gunners having misfired on several occasions and six sides having scored more than Arteta’s side, a strong break from last season when only Manchester City could match their goalscoring prowess.

Though it has coincided with the absence of playmaker Martin Odegaard, there have also been concerns with the attackers at the club as several gilt-edged chances have gone begging, and the likes of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus have proved ineffective at best when offered the chance to prove that they deserve more opportunities at the Emirates Stadium. A new striker has long been on the club’s wishlist, and now they may have identified their man.

Arsenal look to Serie A for striker solution

That comes as Caught Offside claim that Arsenal have identified Mateo Retegui as a potential alternative signing to Viktor Gyokeres as they look to bolster their frontline. The Gunners have not scored enough so far this season, with Kai Havertz the club’s top goalscorer with just four Premier League goals. Retegui, meanwhile, has started the Serie A campaign in red hot form for Atalanta, netting 11 goals already, one more than Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli combined.

The report claims that though “Atalanta don’t want to sell Retegui”, €50m (£42m) may be enough to persuade them to sell the in-form forward in January, a fee which would be relatively modest in the landscape of other strikers Arsenal have been linked with in recent months.

His wages would not be a major obstacle either, with his current deal seeing him take home just £45,000 a week in Bergamo.

Now 25-years-old, Retegui has been tipped for success by former Italy legend Christian Vieiri, who dubbed him a “tremendous” talent with a knack for being perfectly positioned.

“In the penalty area, he is very skilled. He knows how to free himself from marking, always being in the right place at the right time. This is a tremendous quality. He constantly seeks to score; on every rebound, he is always there,” Vieiri explained.

Arsenal have long been crying out for a striker able to do just that, and a signing like Retegui could be the man to fire them back into the title race.

Manchester United's head of sports medicine Gary O’Driscoll and first-team doctor Jim Moxon have reportedly quit the Red Devils.

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• Man Utd to lose duo from medical team
• Exits not linked to recent round of redundancies
• Club's injury crisis shows no sign of easing

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The departure of the two men from the club's medical department comes as a surprise but has been described as a "coincidence" and not connected to the latest round of redundancies planned at Old Trafford as part of Sr Jim Ratcliffe's cost-cutting drive, according to the Daily Mail. O'Driscoll has decided it's the "right time" to move on after just 18 months at United, while Moxon is leaving after two years with the club to take up another opportunity.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  O'Driscoll arrived from Arsenal and his signing was seen as something of a coup at the time by the Red Devils. He had spent 16 years with the Gunners and his importance to the club had been seen in the recent 'All or Nothing' documentary. Yet despite his arrival, United have been hit with huge injury problems and have been without a host of key players for long periods in recent seasons, including the likes of Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  O’Driscoll and Moxon are set to stay on at United for the time being while the club search for replacements for the two members of their medical staff.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD

  Manchester United are back in action on Thursday in a crucial Europa League tie with Real Sociedad. The fixture is level at 1-1 after the first leg in Spain, with the winners set to progress to a quarter-final tie against Lyon or FCSB.

Everything you need to know about explosive forward Rodrygo's wages playing for Real Madrid

Rodrygo is one of the three Brazilian gems in Real Madrid's attack and he has a habit of scoring crucial goals for Los Blancos, especially in the Champions League, making him a decisive player for the club.

Rodrygo arrived in the Spanish capital back in 2019 after playing for Brazilian side Santos for two seasons.

The Brazil international earns a substantial salary at Real Madrid, but exactly how much does he earn?

GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!

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• Rodrygo’s wages at Real Madrid in numbers

  Having played for Real Madrid for a while now, Rodrygo makes about £202,717 ($261,975) on a weekly basis.

  Meanwhile, his annual salary scale a little over £10 million ($13m).

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Rodrygo	Brazilian	£202,717	$261,975	£10,541,294	$13,322,722

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Top earners at Real Madrid

  Despite his substantial earnings at the club, Rodrygo fails to make the top five when it comes to the highest-paid players at Real Madrid.

  The number one spot currently belongs to former PSG superstar Kylian Mbappé, followed by Austrian defender David Alaba.

  Taking the third and fourth spots are Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, who earn identical wages, while Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde rounds off the list at number five.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Kylian Mbappe	French	£498,248	$629,355	£25,908,917	$32,726,459
  David Alaba	Austrian	£356,659	455,608	£18,546,242	$ 23,691,627
  Jude Bellingham	English	£330,187	$ 421,792	£17,169,698	$ 21,933,182
  Vinicius Jr.	Brazilian	£330,187	$ 421,792	£17,169,698	$ 21,933,182
  Fede Valverde	Uruguayan	£264,244	$337,555	£ 13,740,704	$17,552,863

• Top earners in La Liga

  When it comes to the top five earners in the league, Barcelona's veteran striker Robert Lewandowski tops the list.

  Meanwhile, three Real Madrid players in Mbappé, Alaba, and Bellingham also make the top five.

  The only Atlético Madrid player to make the cut is Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages GBP	Weekly wages USD	Annual  wages GBP	Annual wages USD
  Robert Lewandowski	Polish	£528,330	$ 674,908	£27,473,166	$35,095,197
  Kylian Mbappe	French	£498,248	$629,355	£25,908,917	$32,726,459
  David Alaba	Austrian	£356,659	£455,608	£18,546,242	$23,691,627
  Jan Oblak	Slovenian	£330,187	$421,792	£17,169,698	$21,933,182
  Jude Bellingham	English	£330,187	$421,792	£17,169,698	$21,933,182

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  Highest paid players in the world

  Although it may seem like players in La Liga earn incredible wages, their salaries don't even come close when compared to the top earners worldwide.

  Currently, all the players in the top five highest earners globally play in the Saudi Pro League.

  Ranking first and second on the list are former Real Madrid attackers Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, respectively, while Riyad Mahrez takes the third spot. Finally, rounding off the top five are Senegalese internationals Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly

  Player	Club	Weekly wages GBP	Weekly wages USD	Annual wages GBP	Annual wages USD
  Cristiano Ronaldo	Al Nassr	£3,224,935	$4,166,513	£167,696,622	$215,658,680
  Karim Benzema	Al Ittihad	£1,612,468	$2,083,257	£83,848,311	$108,329,340
  Riyad Mahrez	Al Ahli	£841,708	$1,087,460	£43,768,818	$56,547,915
  Sadio Mane	Al Nassr	£644,987	$833,033	£33,539,324	$43,331,736
  Kalidou Koulibaly	Al Hilal	£559,526	$722,890	£29,095,364	$37,590,281

Despite sitting top of the Premier League and Champions League, Liverpool are now reportedly keeping tabs on a left-back who could ruthlessly replace the struggling Andrew Robertson.

Liverpool transfer news

No matter who stands in front of them on current form, Arne Slot’s Liverpool side seem to cruise to three points. Their recent run of games was billed as the ultimate test as to whether the Reds are pretenders or, indeed, contenders under their new manager.

Nine wins and one draw later, including convincing victories over a Bayer Leverkusen side who were untouchable last season and most recently European champions Real Madrid, the conclusion is undoubtedly that there is nothing false about Liverpool’s latest dawn.

It’s difficult to find criticism in a side who are enjoying such form, but one glaring weakness has remained in recent weeks and that has been Robertson’s struggle to reach his best under Slot.

The Scot was at least spared by Caoimhin Kelleher last night, with his goalkeeper sensational denying Kylian Mbappe from the spot after his left-back’s disappointing foul, but that’s now two penalties in two games. If the Reds want to rise to the top once more then replacing Robertson could be on their to-do list.

Slot wants Liverpool to prioritise signing £304,000-a-week Barcelona star

He would form quite the partnership with Ryan Gravenberch…

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 28, 2024

With that said, according to GiveMeSport, Liverpool are keeping tabs on PSV’s Matteo Dams as they look to find the heir to Robertson’s current role. Just 20 years old, the PSV Eindhoven left-back has also reportedly attracted the interest of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, giving Liverpool a potential race to win should they push on for his signature.

Given recent links to Milos Kerkez, Antonee Robinson and now Dams, it certainly seems as though Robertson’s starting place at Anfield is nearing its end after what has been an excellent spell.

"Talented" Dams can solve Liverpool's Robertson problem

Of course, no matter where Robertson’s Liverpool career goes from here, he remains an undeniable Anfield legend and arguably one of the best left-backs in Premier League history. But all good things must come to an end and the Scotland captain has looked dangerously past his best throughout the current campaign, handing Slot a problem that he must ruthlessly solve.

Replacing the 30-year-old with a player 10 years his junior could be the way forward too. Dams is a rising star and someone that Slot can mould into his ideal left-back as he looks to turn an excellent start into a historic era at Anfield. Described as a player with “great qualities” and “lightning fast” by PSV manager Peter Bosz at the start of the season, there’s no doubt that Dams is one to watch.

With Manchester City and the chance to go 11 points clear awaiting them this Sunday, Liverpool will be desperately hoping that their left-back problem doesn’t rear its head once more. When 2025 arrives, whether it’s with Dams, Robinson or Kerkez, the Reds may replace Robertson.

Everton have struggled to find any consistent form this season. The Merseysiders could certainly be considered relegation contenders at this stage of the campaign, with Sean Dyche’s side currently sitting 17th in the Premier League table, just two points clear of the relegation zone on 11 points.

They have been on the wrong end of some disappointing losses so far this term. Most recently, they lost 4-0 to Manchester United and were sunk courtesy of two goals each from Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford. That was one of six losses this term for the Toffees.

There were certainly some dismal individual performances from some of Dyche’s side, with such displays only serving to heap the pressure on the man at the helm.

Everton’s worst performers vs. Man United

One of the most frustrating performances from a Toffees player at Old Trafford last weekend came from defender James Tarkowski. One of the most experienced players in the Everton side, it was not a good performance from the defender.

It was the former Burnley defender who lost the ball to Amad for Zirkzee’s second and United’s fourth. The England international failed to control a pass in time, and the Ivorian simply charged him down and stole it off him, driving forward into plenty of vacant space.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

He also failed to block Rashford’s strike for the opening goal, a volley from a corner, although it does feel harsh to criticise him for the Red Devils’ first of the afternoon.

Another player who struggled against Ruben Amorim’s side was striker Beto. It has been a poor run of form for the Guinea-Bissau international, who has scored seven goals in 48 games for Everton so far. Only two of those have come this season.

Against United, he struggled, and whilst he got into some good positions, did miss some big chances. The striker received a 5/10 rating from Liverpool Echo journalist Chris Beesley. He explained that from Beto’s point of view, ‘more quality must be shown to be a success’ in the top flight of English football.

As disappointing as that pair were, there was arguably a worse player against the Red Devils. That man is Vitalii Mykolenko, who has struggled for much of the season.

Mykolenko’s stats this season

It has been a really frustrating campaign for Ukrainian international Mykolenko. He has played 12 times in all competitions, starting all but one of the 11 Premier League games he has been available for, missing two with injury and illness. However, the former Dynamo Kyiv full-back has certainly struggled for any kind of consistent form.

This is likely not helped by the fact he has not played much next to Jarrad Branthwaite, a man who he has an excellent relationship with on the pitch.

Not only is the England international left-footed, but he is an excellent defender of wide areas, meaning the Toffees number 19 has a license to get forward and impact the game in the final third. They have a good record together, keeping 15 clean sheets when playing in the same side. However, that has only happened six times this season.

Against Amorim’s Red Devils last Sunday, Mykolenko had a poor game. As per Sofascore, he had 33 touches of the ball and lost possession seven times. Off the ball, the full-back won just one out of five duels.

His tough day at the office was reflected by his post-match rating courtesy of Beesley. He explained the defender ‘unfortunately endured a personal nightmare on a day of collective woes’, after he left acres of space for Rashford to exploit which led to United’s third, and sold Tarkowski short with the backpass for the fourth.

With Dyche’s job on the line, performances such as the one from Mykolenko simply do not cut it for the Toffees right now.

The £58k-per-week ace, who was once described as “frustrating” by football statistician Statman Dave, may be among those to lose his place ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Toffees needing to improve their performances ahead of a big festive period which is crucial for Dyche’s job.

Everton must quickly replace Dyche with "high-intensity" 4-3-3 manager

Sean Dyche’s days at Everton may be numbered, with scouts looking at potential replacements.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 3, 2024

A Raul Jimenez brace lifted Mexico to their first CONCACAF Nations League trophy with a 2-1 win over Panama in Sunday's finale.

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• Mexico defeat Panama in Los Angeles
• Jimenez brace lead the way
• win Nations League for first time

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  TELL ME MORE

  LOS ANGELES – After scoring less than a minute into their semifinal clash with Canada, Mexico needed just a few extra minutes to score in the finale. Again, it was Raul Jimenez who netted the goal to give his side a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute. Panama, though, stayed firm and, ultimately, fired back, netting just before halftime on a goal from Coco Carrasquilla to send the two teams into the locker room level.

  It stayed that way throughout, with Panama holding strong against waves of Mexican attacks. Finally, they succumbed in the harshest of ways, as Jose Cordoba was called for a handball in the box, allowing Jimenez to step up and bury a penalty kick to win Mexico the trophy.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  With the win, Mexico claimed the CONCACAF Nations League title for the first time. Each of the three previous editions had been won by the U.S. men's national team, who had previously beaten Mexico in two of those finals.

  The USMNT finished fourth in this year's tournament, falling to Canada in the third-place game ahead of Sunday's finale.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE MVP

  Jimenez. There can be no doubt as Mexico's talismanic striker stepped up again. There's been chatter about it being time for the 33-year-old to pass the torch, but that chatter was clearly premature. He isn't making way for Santi Gimenez just yet, although this week's 4-4-2 setup did prove that the two can coexist.

  Jimenez continues to bag big goals for Mexico, and these will feel like they're among his biggest. This team is clearly back on the rise and, even if he is one of the program's more senior members, Jimenez is getting better and better, too.

• THE BIG LOSER

  You have to feel for Cordoba, whose handball couldn't have come at a worse time. Panama, Cordoba included, had defended so bravely all night long, standing strong against everything Mexico threw at them. Then, with one thoughtless wave of his arm, it was all gone. Jimenez stepped up and Panama's tournament dream was over. It's harsh, to put it lightly.

Manchester United claimed a third straight Europa League victory last night, beating Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in yet another hard-fought game of little quality.

Ruben Amorim’s side were rescued by substitute Rasmus Hojlund who came off the bench and scored a double, securing the three points for the Red Devils.

The result undoubtedly massively boosts their chances of securing automatic qualification come the end of the league phase, albeit despite the unconvincing display in the Czech Republic.

It’s safe to say that the 39-year-old has his work cut out after his first few weeks in the job, undoubtedly working out his best starting XI in the process.

Last night’s display certainly highlighted numerous players who may no longer have a future at Old Trafford should they continue in the same manner going forward.

Marcus Rashford’s stats for United against Plzen

Attacker Marcus Rashford has scored three goals since the appointment of Amorim but has still failed to recapture his best form from a couple of seasons ago.

The appointment of the former Portugal international has seen him feature in numerous attacking roles, including behind the striker or as the out-and-out centre forward.

Last night, he operated in the former, but like his recent couple of outings, the 27-year-old failed to take advantage of the trust shown in him by Amorim once again.

He featured for just 56 minutes before being replaced, highlighting his lack of impact and failing to offer the attacking threat the fanbase has often desired in recent months.

The Englishman only had 40 touches, achieving an 80% pass completion rate, but failing to register a single effort on goal – with goalscoring Hojlund coming on in his place.

Rashford was also caught offside once and collected a booking for his troubles, resulting in his early withdrawal from the encounter.

However, he wasn’t the only Red Devils player to produce an evening to forget, with one of his teammates also failing to impress after being recalled to the starting lineup.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Man United player who was as bad as Rashford

Striker Joshua Zirkzee arrived with big expectations after his £36.5m move from Bologna in the summer, but up to now, he’s failed to deliver the goods in the final third.

The Dutchman has only notched three goals, failing to add to his tally in the victory in Plzen and handing supporters more of a reason to be discontent with their summer dealings.

He came into the starting lineup for Hojlund, but like Rashford, was taken off early in the second half as United looked to secure the win having being a goal down.

Leaving his manager in “dismay” as quoted by the Mirror’s David McDonnell, Zirkzee featured for just 61 minutes but looked extremely wasteful in possession, completing 22 out of the 33 passes he attempted, a completion rate of just 67%.

He also only won five of the 13 duels he contested, losing the ball 19 times, the most of any Red Devils player throughout the entire contest – undoubtedly leading to his substitution.

As a result of his dismal showing in Europe, Zirkzee was handed a measly 3/10 match rating by the Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst, the joint lowest of any United player.

Given his performance, the Dutchman should be no way near the lineup for Sunday’s trip to face local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.

Time is certainly running out for the 23-year-old to prove his worth at Old Trafford after his big-money move, potentially facing the chop completely should he not turn around his current dreadful form.

Man Utd need to sell £150k-p/w star who Murtough thought was "outstanding"

The Manchester United ace could find himself on the way out at Old Trafford by the end of the season.

By
Ethan Lamb

Dec 12, 2024

Jenni Hermoso is aiming for a "beautiful" return to the Spain squad amid her five-month absence from the national team.

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• Spain squad announced this week
• Hermoso hoping to be called up
• Has not played for La Roja since October

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Spain's all-time leading scorer last featured for the World champions in October, with coach Montse Tome citing "sporting reasons" for leaving her out of the last two squads.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  On Friday, Tome will name the squad for the upcoming double header against Portugal and Hermoso is hoping for a first call up since former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault for kissing her without consent after the World Cup final win in 2023.

• WHAT HERMOSO SAID

  Hermoso told : "For me it's the greatest honour I can experience in football because representing my country, Spain, is a beautiful thing. After more than 12 years playing for the national team, it's still very important to be able to go and continue contributing."

  She added: "I haven't stopped working because whether it's on a sporting level, or a footballing level, I've tried to continue to maintain myself at this level so they can still see me wearing that shirt. For me, it's the greatest pride I can experience in football because representing my country is very beautiful, and after more than 12 years of playing for the national team, it's still very important to be able to go and continue contributing."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR HERMOSO?

  Hermoso is in fine form in Mexico, having scored nine goals for Tigres so far this season and will hope to be on Tome's list for the Nations League matches.