Man Utd could finally ditch Antony for "world-class" £87m-rated dynamo

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing attacking reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window, with a host of star names already being linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag’s side have suffered a dull start to the 2023/24 campaign, as despite sitting just five points out of the top four, the quality of football on show has been questionable.

As well as the lack in quality of overall performance, United are yet to see great success from their summer arrivals, particularly the two attackers signed in the bid to bolster the threat in the final third.

Manchester United summer arrivals

Player

Fee

Club

Rasmus Hojlund

£72m

Atalanta

Mason Mount

£60m

Chelsea

Andre Onana

£47.2m

Inter Milan

Sofyan Amrabat

Loan

Fiorentina

Altay Bayindir

£4.3m

Fenerbahce

Jonny Evans

Free

Leicester City

Sergio Reguilon

Loan

Tottenham Hotspur

All fees via Sky Sports

Striker Rasmus Hojlund is yet to score or assist in nine Premier League appearances, while attacking midfielder Mason Mount is also without a goal contribution in eight league appearances, a dire beginning for the duo that cost a combined £132m.

Putting the summer window behind them, United could find better inspiration in January, with some top-quality forwards referenced as talent eyed by the Red Devils.

Manchester United transfer targets – attackers

News in Spain, relayed by The Faithful MUFC, claimed that the Premier League outfit could offer a wage of £690k-per-week to lure Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann to England.

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann

It’s been revealed that the 32-year-old has a release clause of just €25m (£22m) in Madrid, making him a particularly attractive target for Ten Hag to consider in the future.

While the France international poses an interesting option for the Red Devils, he isn’t the only forward said to be admired at Old Trafford.

Last summer, the Mirror reported that United had made an inquiry over the availability of Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, reinforcing the club’s likening of the former Manchester City star – while a move was also mooted back in April.

A report this week suggested that a renewed move could be made for the German international, from the viewpoint of Bayern’s speculated desire to sign Raphael Varane, adding that in conversation, representatives could raise the narrative of a swap deal for their former target.

The €100m (£87m) rated forward is said to be targeted by Liverpool, giving United even more of a motive to test their luck in asking for information, with Bayern’s admiration for Varane in mind.

It would take a lot for the 27-year-old to put his alliance with City aside to join United, however, it would be a sensational prospect to see Sane back in the Premier League.

Leroy Sane’s career in numbers

Having recorded 197 goal contributions in 343 senior domestic appearances so far on his journey, Sane is regarded as one of the top wide players in Europe, with his form at Bayern Munich this season some of the best in his career.

Leroy Sane's domestic career stats

Club

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Schalke

57

13

8

Manchester City

135

39

46

Bayern Munich

151

47

44

Figures via Transfermarkt

This term, the German has scored nine goals and recorded seven assists in 18 appearances, finding sanctuary on both the right and left flank in Thomas Tuchel’s setup.

It’s somewhat unsurprising that the Schalke academy product continues to hit such form at the Allianz, with fans in England familiar with the levels of his game from his time at Man City.

In his three seasons at the Etihad, Sane won two Premier League titles, and contributed to a total of 57 goals, scoring 25 and assisting 32 to assert his quality in Pep Guardiola’s highly-contested squad.

samuel-iling-junior-leroy-sane-tottenham-opinion

Previously lauded as “world-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his form in Manchester, the Gelsenkirchen-born dynamo hit a high of 25 goal contributions in 32 league appearances in the 2017/18 campaign, aged just 21.

Tuchel seems to have got the best out of the 27-year-old again, making him even more of an interesting prospect for United to consider poaching, with him ranking among the best in Europe for his gameplay over the past year.

Why Leroy Sane would be a good signing for Manchester United

If there’s one thing that United need to capture this winter, it’s a competent winger, as Ten Hag’s options on the flanks are increasingly thin and low on quality.

In Jadon Sancho and Antony, the Red Devils spent a combined £159m (£73m and £86m) to welcome the two wingers to Old Trafford, where they have since scored just 20 goals between them in a total of 138 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

With Sancho’s future now looking to be far from Manchester, and Antony’s performances being less defendable week by week – the pair both mooted for an exit of late – Sane could provide the top-class wide support craved in Ten Hag’s XI.

When considering how positive some of the club’s rivals’ wingers are, United’s weak spots are more glaringly obvious, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Mohamed Salah and Jack Grealish impressing more and more in wide areas as time goes on.

In Sane, Ten Hag could sign his answer to Salah, whom the German is statistically comparable to, according to FBref – with those at Anfield said to view him as a perfect replacement for the clinical Egyptian.

Leroy Sane

Salah's presence in the final third is fundamental to Liverpool’s success, with the 31-year-old’s direct playing style and delicate play in the box traceable in the Bayern Munich star’s approach on the flank.

United could not only equip their side with a Premier League-proven talent, but also a world-class asset that could go face-to-face with some of the best in the league, creating a significant improvement on the current options available to the manager at Old Trafford.

How Leroy Sane compares to Manchester United’s wingers

Aside from the absent Sancho and the dreary Antony, United’s wingers have struggled to hit the form that was highlighted last term, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho also finding difficulty in making an impact.

Leroy Sane vs Man Utd wingers per 90 stats over the past 365 days

Statistic

Leroy Sane

Antony

Marcus Rashford

Alejandro Garnacho

Jadon Sancho

Goals

0.40

0.12

0.46

0.17

0.26

Assists

0.37

0.08

0.16

0.17

0.13

Progressive carries

4.61

4.57

3.42

5.95

5.16

Key passes

2.42

1.50

1.11

1.17

2.91

Goal creating actions

0.73

0.25

0.54

0.67

0.40

Successful take-ons

3.85

1.66

2.12

2.01

2.38

Successful take-on %

55.0%

37.7%

41.1%

31.2%

43.9%

All figures via FBref

As portrayed in the table above, Sane has bettered United’s wingers in a host of attributes identifiable in the typical demands of a wide player’s game, based on their statistics over the past year.

It’s imperative that Ten Hag enters the January market on the prowl for a new wide threat to strengthen his side, with the Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford potentially in the balance if the squad’s performances fail to improve this term.

محمد بركات يشيد بلاعبي منتخب مصر بعد الفوز على إسبانيا بـ أولمبياد باريس: أبطال ورجال

أشاد محمد بركات عضو مجلس إدارة الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم والمشرف على منتخب مصر الأولمبي، باللاعبين بعد تحقيق الفوز على إسبانيا في مباراة اليوم الثلاثاء.

منتخب مصر فاز على إسبانيا، بنتيجة 2-1، في مباراة الجولة الثالثة من عمر مواجهات دور المجموعات من مسابقة دورة الألعاب الأولمبية، باريس 2024.

وتأهل منتخب مصر إلي دور ربع النهائي متصدرًا لمجموعته في أولمبياد باريس، وينتظر المنتخب صاحب المركز الثاني من المجموعة الرابعة لمواجهته.

وتضم المجموعة الرابعة كل من اليابان وباراجواي ومالي والكيان الصهيوني.

طالع | المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى دور الـ8 في أولمبياد باريس 2024 

وهنأ محمد بركات اللاعبين ووصفهم بأنهم أبطال ورجال بعد الفوز التاريخي على إسبانيا.

وقال بركات في حديثه للاعبين، أنتم تستطيعون الفوز على أي فريق بهذه الروح القتالية.

وكان منتخب مصر استهل مواجهاته في أولمبياد باريس، بالتعادل السلبي مع الدومينيكان، ثم حقق الفوز على أوزبكستان في الجولة الثانية بهدف دون رد.

Rangers could ditch Wright with move for "decisive" 5 foot 6 dynamo

Glasgow Rangers continued their rapid improvement under Philippe Clement with an excellent 5-0 away victory in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday evening.

Dundee were put to the sword in what was the Gers’ biggest away victory in the league for over two years, with the 6-1 win against Motherwell on 31 October 2021 the last time the side scored five or more away from Ibrox.

It was a confident performance and one that should inspire confidence amongst the supporters, but there is still a long road ahead, and with a League Cup semi-final clash coming up this weekend against Hearts, Clement will be tested once again.

The Belgian has not been able to call on several members of his squad due to injury and this has impacted who he can pick for his starting XI at the current moment in time.

Nicolas Raskin is the latest player to join the treatment table after being stretchered off against Hearts last weekend and with Clement already missing Kemar Roofe and Tom Lawrence, there is still some more quality to come into the starting XI.

Glasgow Rangers managerPhilippe Clement.

The former Club Brugge manager could turn to the January transfer window, however, in order to add some much-needed squad depth to the side.

Rangers’ January transfer plans

Last week, the 49-year-old tactician discussed his plans for the coming months while speaking to the media, saying: "I am here to build the team and make them stronger – that is where my focus lies and not on any external noise.

“We need to work hard in the coming weeks and months to see what we need to do in January. With injuries, you need to find solutions but we had players who were able to step in and that is what I expect.”

Although previous manager Michael Beale spent a lot during the summer transfer window, these comments certainly suggest that Clement may be looking to add an extra body or two to the current squad.

A recent update has emerged from TEAMtalk regarding some transfer news, and it appears as though Rangers are keen on signing Jhon Arias, who plays for Brazilian side Fluminense.

The report claims that the Gers have been keeping tabs on the player, who can play across a multitude of positions, yet they are not the only admirers.

Fluminense forwardJhon Arias.

Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Burnley, and Leeds United have also checked Arias recently and his performances have evidently drawn plenty of interest from these clubs, and the Light Blues look set to face significant competition for his signature.

With the money on offer south of the border, it remains to be seen whether or not Clement will able to tempt the Colombian gem to Scotland with a promise of winning trophies and potentially playing in the Champions League, instead of a move to the Premier League.

Jhon Arias’ season in numbers

Throughout the 2023 season for his club, Arias has mainly operated on the right side of the midfield, either as a winger or dropping slightly deeper, yet he has produced some incredible numbers.

Across 53 matches for the Brazilian side, the 26-year-old has registered 22 goal contributions – nine goals and 13 assists – as Fluminense have reached the Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors which takes place on Saturday evening.

Indeed, during the continental competition, the winger is currently ranked third across the squad for goals and assists (five) along with ranking second for big chances created (three), first for key passes per game (2.3), and first for successful dribbles per game (3.3), showcasing his attacking talents on the biggest stage of them all.

His performances have powered his club to the final and another solid display against the Argentinian outfit could drive his price tag up further.

However, it remains to be seen how much the 5 foot 6 dynamo will cost and that may not be an issue that Rangers need to worry about until the January transfer window is close to opening for business.

Journalist Fernando Campos hailed Arias as "decisive" earlier this year, and said: “Jhon Arias has been one of the best players in the country since the beginning of last year and we don't talk about that much.”

The right side of the attack has been a weak point for the Gers this term and Clement has had to persist by using Scott Wright, and there is no doubt that the Colombian is a far better option than the former Aberdeen gem.

Scott Wright has an uncertain future at Rangers

It looked as though Wright was ready to depart Rangers during the summer, with a move to Turkish side Pendikspor all but sealed, yet nothing materialised, and he chose to stay and fight for his place.

Despite remaining, the winger has made just four starts all season while failing to score or grab an assist, and his attacking output has been disappointing, to say the least.

0

5

0

3

0.6

3

1

2

1.4

1.6

Indeed, since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, he has played 43 matches, yet managed to register just two assists, a woeful return, and this area of the team needs to vastly improve in the coming months.

Wright has not been able to produce quality shots or passes with regularity at the top end of the pitch and the Gers could now bring in a player with the ability to be a difference-maker.

Since the start of the 2022 campaign, Arias has played 114 matches across all competitions, scoring 25 goals and grabbing 30 assists, clearly indicating how impressive he has been going forwards.

If Clement is serious about challenging for silverware with the Light Blues and making progress in Europe, signing talented players such as Arias is the way to significantly bolster his squad.

The 26-year-old whiz has shone in South America over the previous few years, and it is clear his talent deserves to secure him a move to Europe sooner rather than later.

Players like Wright, who have underperformed since before Beale was brought in as manager, should not still be one of the main attacking options at the club, and it shows how far the Gers have regressed since winning the league in 2021.

Although they face stiff competition to sign the Colombian maestro in the coming months, Clement must act fast in order to convince him that his project at Rangers is interesting enough for him to move to Glasgow.

It would certainly signal a huge statement of intent if they pulled this move off, and it would further speed up Wright’s inevitable exit for the Glasgow side.

Arias' statistics suggest that the talented wizard has the ability to be a significant upgrade on the Scottish dud, if he can translate his form to Scottish football, and that is why the Gers must swoop for his services.

‘No one can do what he can do’ – Lionel Messi the most influential player in MLS as Inter Miami team-mates have ‘infinite trust’ in Argentine superstar

Lionel Messi has been billed as the most influential player in MLS by Nashville coach Gary Smith, with there nobody else that “can do what he can do”.

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  • All-time great moved to the States in 2023
  • Remains a talismanic presence at 36 years of age
  • Poses problems to any team that he faces
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Nashville found that out to their cost in a CONCACAF Champions Cup meeting with Inter Miami. Messi was forced out of a clash in Florida on Wednesday through injury, but he found the target in both legs of a last-16 encounter and contributed significantly to a 5-3 aggregate success for the Herons.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Messi inspired Inter Miami to a 2-0 first-half lead at Chase Stadium in midweek, before leaving proceedings five minutes after the restart, and Smith concedes that containing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains an almost impossible task for all of the domestic opponents that he comes up against in America.

  • WHAT SMITH SAID ABOUT MESSI

    Smith said of being on the receiving end of more Messi magic and his importance to the Inter Miami cause: “He's such a huge influence on the rest of the group. Yes, they have other very good players. But there is no one that can do what he can do. There is an infinite amount of trust in his decisions, his techniques, his ability. As soon as he gets on the ball everyone else goes into gear. And that's a real problem. That's a problem for individuals playing against him, it's a problem for the midfield players and defenders, because they're now seeing runners that they wouldn't normally see. Maybe one or two players that have got that sort of confidence from the rest of their team-mates around the league. Not many. And nobody at the level, of course, that this guy can produce.”

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

    It remains to be seen when Messi will be back in action for Inter Miami, as he is nursing a muscle complaint in his right leg. He will not figure in a meeting with D.C. United on Saturday, with international duty in the Argentina camp set to follow that fixture if the 36-year-old is deemed fit enough to link up with his country.

رد فعل قوي من وزارة الرياضة بعد تصريحات محامي أحمد رفعت

أصدر أشرف صبحي وزير الشباب والرياضة قرارًا جديدًا بشأن أزمة اللاعب الراحل أحمد رفعت، والتي كُشف عنها خلال الساعات القليلة الماضية.

وكان رفعت قد وافته المنية أمس السبت، متأثرًا بالإصابة القوية التي تعرض له خلال مباراة مودرن فيوتشر والاتحاد السكندري، وتوقف عضلة القلب.

صالح جمعة: أعلم من السبب في إيذاء أحمد رفعت.. ووفاته لن تمر مرور الكرام

ونشر محمد رشوان محامي اللاعب أحمد رفعت مستندات رسمية، تشير إلى أن التصريحات التي حصل عليها اللاعب للسفر للاحتراف في نادي الوحدة الإماراتي، لم تكن كافية وأدت إلى معاقبته.

وقرر صبحي تكليف اللجنة القانونية العليا بالوزارة، للتحقيق في كافة الملابسات وفحص جميع المستندات الخاصة بسفر اللاعب الراحل أحمد رفعت -حسبما أُعلن في بيان رسمي-.

وأضاف البيان: “وذلك لما أثير مؤخرًا عبر وسائل الإعلام بشأن وجود شبهة مخالفات إدارية وقانونية شابت سفر اللاعب خارج البلاد”.

أول قرار من وزير الرياضة بعد وفاة أحمد رفعت.. وموقف خاص من رئيس مودرن سبورت

وتابع: “كما أصدر وزير الشباب والرياضة قرارًا بتشكيل لجنة من المختصين بالوزارة للقيام بأعمال الفحص والمراجعة لجميع المستندات بنادي مودرن سبورت والاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم واللجنة الأولمبية المصرية في هذا الشأن”.

وأتم : “هذا وسوف تعلن الوزارة فور انتهاء عمل اللجان عن جميع التفاصيل والملابسات وما انتهت إليه التحقيقات في هذا الشأن”.

"Crazy" – Media reacts to Daniel Farke’s comments on Leeds star

Leeds United journalist Conor McGilligan has now taken to X to react to Daniel Farke's latest comments about Georginio Rutter.

What was the Leeds vs Watford score?

Leeds picked up another important victory in the Championship this weekend, defeating Watford 3-0 at Elland Road, courtesy of goals from Joel Piroe, Sam Byram and Jaidon Anthony, in what was a very impressive performance from the whole team.

The Whites undoubtedly deserved to pick up the three points, dominating possession and recording more expected goals than their opponents, and there were a few players who stood out, with Daniel James receiving the highest SofaScore match rating of any player (8.1).

Although Rutter was unable to find the back of the net, he also impressed on Saturday afternoon, setting up Anthony for the third goal in the second half, with just one minute of normal time remaining, and he will certainly be pleased with his display.

Farke was clearly very happy with the striker, hailing him for a "top-class performance" in his post-match interview, while also claiming that his work ethic was "outstanding", but there was one aspect of his game the manager was not overly pleased with.

As relayed by Phil Hay on X, the manager has confirmed he's spoken to the 21-year-old about what he perceived to be unnecessary showboating during yesterday's game, which may have bordered on being "embarrassing for the opponent." Hay said:

"Farke says he's spoken to Rutter about making sure that when he plays, he doesn't try to embarrass or disrespect opposition players. Can show his magic but needs to keep it under control. But very happy with his display."

However, when reacting to the manager's approach on X, McGilligan has now suggested he thinks it is a non-issue, while querying the manager's approach to the forward expressing himself.

McGilligan said: "Relax Farke, let Georgio cook, crazy take."

How did Georginio Rutter play against Watford?

It is probably a little harsh to be too critical of the 21-year-old, as he is in exceptional form at the moment, and the fact he is showing his "magic" highlights that he is full of confidence, which can only serve Leeds well going forward.

The starlet completed seven of the nine dribbles he attempted at the weekend, by far the highest amount of any player on the pitch, while he also created one big chance, and won all three of the aerial duels he contested.

The only thing missing from the Frenchman's performance, which would have topped it off, was a goal, and he may be slightly be disappointed he spurned one big chance, although it ultimately had no bearing on the result of the match.

Leeds forward Georginio Rutter.

The Plescop-born forward is now on two goals and one assist in six Championship outings this season, having put in a remarkable performance against Millwall earlier this month, receiving the highest Sofascore match rating of any player (8.6).

Farke will be hoping Rutter can put in a similar display next weekend, when his side face a tough test away at fellow recently relegated side Southampton, who have suffered four defeats on the spin.

Crystal Palace now looking to sign 28 y/o midfielder for free right away

Crystal Palace are thought to be interested in signing an available midfielder who is currently without a club, according to reports.

What’s the latest Crystal Palace transfer news?

The Eagles and Roy Hodgson were relatively busy in the summer transfer window, with a number of incomings and outgoings.

Wilfried Zaha, Luka Milivojevic, Jack Butland and Vicente Guaita left on free transfers for Galatasaray, Shabab Al-Ahli, Rangers and Celta Vigo respectively, whereas Matheus Franca, Dean Henderson, Rob Holding and Jefferson Lerma arrived from Flamengo, Manchester United, Arsenal and Bournemouth.

Hodgson has been left happy with the club’s business, saying prior to the international break:

“If I was a Palace fan I would be quite pleased with the team we’re able to put out now. I would also be quite pleased with the bench we have been able to assemble as well. It’s not just 11, we have more players and competition than that.

“Bringing in people like Jefferson Lerma, Matheus Franca and Dean Henderson shows the club’s intention – we want to get stronger and make certain that what they have built on in these last couple of years, we can keep going.”

On the pitch, Palace have made a solid start to the Premier League campaign, picking up seven points from their opening four games ahead of the trip to Aston Villa this weekend.

However, chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman can still explore the free agent market if they want to bolster Hodgson’s squad even further, and it looks as if they are doing just that.

According to TEAMtalk, Palace are one of four top-flight sides in England who are vying to sign Portuguese midfielder Xeka.

Alongside those in the Premier League, Championship outfits Southampton and West Brom have both made enquiries to the player’s agent, with Xeka also being looked at by sides in France, Italy, Spain and Turkey after leaving Rennes.

How good is Xeka?

Xeka can turn out in a variety of midfield roles including as a holding, central or left midfielder so could offer a versatile option to Hodgson’s squad.

Currently, Palace have Cheick Doucoure, Lerma, Jairo Riedewald, Naouirou Ahamada, Will Hughes and Jeffrey Schlupp as options in areas Xeka can play.

The 28-year-old would bring experience from the top divisions in France and Portugal, with the player best known for his time at Lille where he made 144 appearances, scoring nine times and providing seven assists.

Journalist Josh Bunting described Xaka as a “very creative” player during his time with Lille, and over the past 365 days, he has shown his quality both on and off the ball.

As per FBref, he has ranked in the top 25% of midfielders for pass completion, blocks, aerial duels won, progressive passes, dribblers tackled and fouls drawn.

With no transfer fee required, a move could be a shrewd one, should Hodgson feel he needs another body in the middle of the park, and by the looks of things, Xeka moving to Selhurst Park may be one to watch.

Chelsea: Sky Sports pundit names who has been Poch’s best player so far

Chelsea's best player so far this season hasn't been Raheem Sterling or Thiago Silva, according to Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.

The Arsenal icon has instead been left in awe by Enzo Fernandez's spectacular performances for the Blues, believing that he has been the best performer under new manager Mauricio Pochettino so far.

After incredible displays during Argentina’s World Cup success, the 22-year-old earned his £107m move from Benfica to Chelsea in January.

Although, since moving to Chelsea he has only won four Premier League games.

What did Paul Merson say about Enzo Fernandez?

Enzo Fernandez Chelsea

Despite the west Londoners' embarrassing 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, which has left them 12th in the table, on only four points, Merson was still full of praise for the Argentine midfielder.

He said:

“Mauricio Pochettino will get it right because he’s a good manager, but it’s going to be hard. If they get in the top four then they will be pulling up trees.

“Enzo Fernandez is different class – a cut above the rest.

“There’s not enough guile in the team. You haven’t got players that will put the ball through the eye of a needle.

“They can’t break teams down. It’s like watching Subbuteo football – there’s no movement. Unless Fernandez finds that killer pass, no one else will.

"With Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling’s pace, and Fernandez’s vision, they will cause havoc – like they did at West Ham in the first half.

“But what happened in the second half? West Ham sat deeper because they scored, and Chelsea could still be playing now and they wouldn’t have scored."

Is Merson right about Fernandez?

Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Final – Argentina v France – Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar – December 18, 2022 Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez poses with his Best Young Player award during the award ceremony after the match REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Despite Chelsea struggling for form since Fernandez joined the club, it is hard to disagree with the former centre-back's evaluation of the World Cup winner.

During the 2022 World Cup, four-time Champions League winner Lionel Messi was full of praise for Fernandez.

He said:

"I'm not surprised by Enzo

"I know him and I see him train every day. He deserves [the acclaim] because he's a spectacular player."

After joining last season, Chelsea’s new no.8 ranked as the fourth top performer of the 2022/23 season on Sofascore, with an average rating of 7.17, only behind Thiago Silva (7.26), N’Golo Kante (7.26) and Reece James (7.19).

However, after taking half a season to settle in at his new club, Fernandez has come into his own and now easily ranks as Chelsea’s top performer this season, with an average rating of 7.83, which is 0.23 higher than second-place Raheem Sterling and ahead of Silva (7.33), too.

His stats, per FBref, also back up his outstanding performances, in the last year he has ranked in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe for progressive passes, long passes completed, and passes into the final third, all per 90, highlighting just how crucial he has been in getting his side up the pitch.

Fernandez also ranks in the top 3% of European midfielders for touches, carries, passes blocked, passes completed and passes attempted per 90, proving he can help his side on the attack, control possession in the midfield and help the defence.

This shows that the midfield dynamo is certainly his side's most important player, and has proven himself to be even better than Chelsea's established Premier League players, such as Sterling, Silva and James.

Tiago Nunes entende protestos e avisa: 'Não tenho por hábito desistir'

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A fase do Corinthians já era boa e uma derrota para o maior rival em casa tem potencial suficiente para piorar a situação. O placar de 2 a 0 para o Palmeiras nesta quinta-feira, na Neo Química Arena, só aumentou a pressão pela demissão de Tiago Nunes, que foi um dos alvos de protesto da torcida fora do estádio. No entanto, ele vê o cenário com naturalidade e não pensa em desistir.

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Em entrevista coletiva virtual logo após o Dérbi, o treinador corintiano rechaçou a possibilidade de pedir para sair e afirmou que acredita na palavra dos dirigentes, que garantiram que não haverá demissão. Mesmo assim, Tiago não descarta a possibilidade de mudança. A desistência, porém, não vai partir dele.

-Eu confio totalmente nas palavras do Andrés e na direção do clube, sempre tivemos um relacionamento muito transparente, e não só eles, que são homens experientes do futebol, mas os próprios atletas que têm uma bagagem grande, as pessoas do clube, temos inúmeros auxiliares, preparadores, pessoas que são do futebol há muitos anos, e que tem condição de avaliar a qualidade de um trabalho. O trabalho que a gente executa é de alto nível, alta performance, e não é proporcional muitas vezes ao resultado que estamos colhendo, mas eu confio nas palavras do Andrés, isso não quer dizer efetivamente que serei o treinador do Corinthians até o final da temporada, temos circunstâncias que são avaliadas diariamente – avaliou.

– Eu sou um profissional que não tenho por hábito desistir. Estou me esforçando ao máximo para conquistar a confiança de todos. Confio no que a direção falou. Mas não quer dizer que não possa existir uma mudança. Temos que focar no próximo jogo. Vou olhar para as soluções caseiras para encontrar melhora comportamental para representar a camisa do Corinthians – declarou.

Ciente dos protestos de um grupo de torcedores alvinegros, fora da Neo Química Arena, que pediram sua demissão, Tiago Nunes vê como algo natural, desde que não seja com violência. O comandante acredita que pode ser até absorvido pelo elenco como forma de melhorar o desempenho de cada um.

-Não tenho como condicionar torcida a nada. Tem a capacidade de pensar por si só. Tenho que tentar seguir fazendo meu trabalho. Não posso exigir confiança em mim ou na equipe neste momento. Ainda mais depois de perder clássico em casa, mesmo com um a menos. Só com vitórias vou corresponder expectativa do torcedor. É seguir trabalhando – afirmou antes de completar:

-Vejo com naturalidade. Torcedor está no seu direito de cobrar, desde que seja de maneira democrática, pacífica. Temos o exemplo do Figueirense, totalmente descabido, com violência não se constrói nada. Gritos, chamadas, cobranças são naturais. Temos que absorver e crescer com isso – concluiu.

O Corinthians volta a campo no próximo domingo, para enfrentar o Fluminense, no Maracanã, às 16h, pela décima rodada do Brasileirão-2020. Com nove pontos em oito jogos, o time ocupa a a parte de baixo da tabela.

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Man Utd Could Sign £60m Casemiro Partner At Old Trafford

Manchester United are still looking for new additions who can make an impact on the squad at Old Trafford this season, and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

According to the Daily Mail, Everton have outlined their expectations to part ways with their star midfielder Amadou Onana this summer.

As per the report, Manchester United are revealed to be strongly interested in signing the Belgian star this summer as a potential alternative to Sofyan Amrabat, however, the Toffees have set out their demands if they were to be willing to sell Onana on.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

It is claimed that Everton expect to command a fee greater than Southampton have for Romeo Lavia (£60m) as they believe he has more experience than the Saints youth prospect, and are not interested in any swap deals that might be offered in approaches to secure his signature.

What does Amadou Onana offer?

Erik ten Hag has made it no secret that he is still on the look-out for quality reinforcements that can bolster the Man United squad this summer and following a poor performance from his midfield personnel last night against Wolverhampton Wanderers, it would be no surprise if recruitment plans intensify at Old Trafford.

Despite stealing a 1-0 win from Wolves, it was far from an exemplary display from Ten Hag's side on their return to Premier League action and the centre of the pitch was put into the spotlight for criticism as their visitors dominated throughout.

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

Former Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was quick to slam the midfield presence following the game on Monday Night Football:

"Manchester United's midfield was non-existent it emptied. It was a concern that was maybe sort of, if you watched Man United in pre-season, leaving Casemiro on his own when Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes go forwards, it looks great. But you’ve got to have a balance."

As a result, the signing of Onana could provide the Red Devils with the partner Casemiro is crying out for in midfield and could significantly improve the much-needed ball retention in the middle third.

Despite falling into a relegation battle with Everton last season, the Belgium international was a stand-out performer in the squad throughout both potent in attack and defensively sound – the perfect box-to-box midfielder.

Over 33 Premier League appearances, the £100k-per-week ace scored one goal, registered two assists, tallied up an 84% pass completion rate and won 57% of his defensive ground and aerial duels combined, proving himself to be a bullish but composed asset.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig profiled the 21-year-old as an "aggressive & tenacious tackler" with a "very high work rate & determination", as well as "great pace & coordination for a player of his size" who is ultimately a "one-man army in midfield".

All of these attributes make him the perfect player to partner Casemiro in midfield, as the 31-year-old is often dragged out of position to cover his lesser positionally disciplined teammates in both defensive and attacking opportunities.

Whereas if he had Onana alongside him in midfield, the Everton gem can cover the box-to-box duties allowing the Brazilian superstar to do what he does best in screening the back four and exercising his strong passing range from the deep-lying role.

With that being said, if Man United do not succeed in their pursuit of Amrabat there is no doubt that Onana would be a worthy alternative and the perfect profile of player to form a dream duo with Casemiro this season and beyond.

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