تحدث الهولندي آرني سلوت، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول عن إصابة لاعبه قبل مواجهة آينتراخت فرانكفورت ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.
ويواجه ليفربول نظيره آينتراخت فرانكفورت في إطار منافسات الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا غدًا الأربعاء، الموافق 22 من شهر أكتوبر الجاري.
ومن المقرر أن يحل ليفربول ضيفًا على الفريق الألماني مساء غد الأربعاء في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.
وكان ليفربول قد خسر بثنائية مقابل هدف، أمام مانشستر يونايتد في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”.
اقرا أيضًا | قائمة ليفربول لمباراة آينتراخت فرانكفورت في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. موقف محمد صلاح
ولمدة 4 مباريات متتالية، لا يعرف ليفربول طعم الفوز أو حتى التعادل إذ خسرهم جميعًا في جميع المسابقات، 3 منهم في الدوري الإنجليزي أمام كريستال بالاس وتشيلسي ومانشستر يونايتد، وواحدة في دوري أبطال أوروبا أمام جالطة سراي.
وأصيب ريان جرافنبيرخ، في مباراة الفريق أمام مانشستر يونايتد ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي، في الكاحل، ليغيب عن مواجهة فرانكفورت غدًا.
وقال سلوت، في تصريحات نقلها الموقع الرسمي لناديه: “كنت مضطرًا في عدم اصطحاب جرافنبيرخ لمباراة فرانكفورت لأنني رأيته “يعرج” قليلًا المباراة الماضية، لذلك فضلت استبعاده”.
وأكمل: “غيابه سيؤثر علينا بالطبع ويكون دائمًا فرصة للآخرين، رأينا في مباراة كريستال بالاس بالدرع الخيرية وأمام بورنموث ماذا حدث لنا في غيابه، هو يحمي الرباعي الخلفي، لكن في نفس الوقت ينبغي أن أختار لاعبًا جديدًا آخر في تشكيل الغد”.
وأردف: “ريان لن يكون متاحًا لمباراة فرانكفورت، ونأمل أن يكون متاحًا في نهاية الأسبوع”.
وأتم: “هي إصابة في الكاحل، علينا أن ننتظر ونرى، ونمنحه بعض الوقت ونرى أين سيكون عندما نعود من مباراة فرانكفورت”.
Birmingham City are now waiting to be given the “green-light” over the signing of a “valuable” £3m attacking player on deadline day.
Davies wants last-gasp signings for Birmingham
The Blues were beaten 2-0 away to Leicester City on Friday evening – their first Championship defeat of the season – perhaps highlighting the need for late summer transfer business.
That’s certainly the opinion of Birmingham manager Chris Davies, even though he has stressed that not a huge amount needs to be done on deadline day.
“I think we’re trying to finish the squad off in the next few days. I don’t think there’s going to be loads and loads going on, but we do need reinforcements in certain areas. We need to add to it a little bit, but there’s a lot of moving parts to that, like most clubs. So, I haven’t been too focused on that this last couple of days, but we can pick that up now this game’s finished.
“I think we need a little bit of reinforcement, just depth in our defensive area and again, we could do with a bit more depth, maybe higher up the pitch as well. But we have to see what the squad looks like in the next couple of days because there’s a lot of moving parts to it, as I said. But everyone’s trying, we’ll see what happens.”
Birmingham waiting for "green-light" over signing
Now, writing on X, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claimed on Sunday that Birmingham are awaiting the “green-light” to sign Hyun-jun Yang for £3m from Celtic, following talks over the weekend.
Signing Yang before the window closes would be ideal for the Blues, giving Davies that extra bit of attacking quality that he could crave in his side’s Championship promotion push. The South Korean can shine on both flanks and in a central role, so he feels ideal.
The 23-year-old has 16 goal contributions in 70 appearances, and his end product should only improve with age, with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers praising him as a player.
“He’s obviously a young player still developing and adapting to the culture and everything about the game here and the size of the club. But he’s made a valuable contribution for us this season. When he’s been asked to play, he’s done well.”
Birmingham City in "talks" to sign" 23 y/o attacker in "permanent" transfer
The forward has been praised for his work ethic.
ByCallum Kemp Aug 28, 2025
Hopefully, a deal for Yang is agreed as soon as possible, potentially making him Birmingham’s final signing of a strong summer in the market.
Robert Sanchez made unwanted history with a disastrous early red card against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday evening. The Blues’ goalkeeper endured a shaky start, fumbling simple touches, but matters escalated catastrophically when Bryan Mbeumo surged through on goal.
Sanchez given his marching orders
Benjamin Sesko’s flick-on sent Mbeumo behind Chelsea’s defence, and Sanchez made a split-second decision to charge from his line. The moment backfired spectacularly. Mbeumo toyed with the Spanish stopper, rolling the ball around him before Sánchez’s outstretched leg brought him crashing down. The referee’s whistle followed immediately – red card. It became Chelsea’s earliest in the Premier League era and ranks as the third-fastest goalkeeper sending-off in the history of the competition.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMaresca makes a couple of brave calls
Enzo Maresca could do little but watch as his goalkeeper trudged off, gloves in hand, the early dismissal leaving the Blues with 10 men in the first quarter of the match. Backup keeper Filip Jorgensen was hurried onto the pitch, replacing Estevao, while Maresca, refusing to let the chaos settle, made a bold tactical tweak. Pedro Neto was sacrificed, making way for centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo. The Blues switched to a five-man defence, packing the backline with Tosin alongside Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah, flanked by Reece James and Marc Cucurella.
United pounce as blues struggle
Playing with a man down so early, Chelsea struggled to keep their shape. United wasted no time exploiting the numerical advantage. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro found the net before the half-time whistle, putting the visitors in command with a 2-0 lead. Chalobah pulled one back, giving the Blues a glimmer of hope, but the deficit proved too large to bridge.
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Getty Images SportMidweek focus shifts to cup duties
Chelsea will now look to regroup ahead of their midweek assignment against Lincoln City in the third round of the EFL Cup. The fixture provides an opportunity to restore confidence before they host Brighton next weekend at Stamford Bridge.
Half centuries from Caleb Jewell and Mitchell Owen have kept Tasmania’s first innings on track in their Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia.Tasmania, who lost to WA just a fortnight ago by six wickets in a Shield final rematch in Perth, ended day one 302 for 7 at Bellerive Oval. A run-a-ball 83 from No. 7 Owen helped lift the hosts from a precarious 153 for 4.The Shield champions travelled to Hobart on top of the standings, but missing numerous key personnel.Among the absentees were opener Cameron Bancroft, Cooper Connolly and rising spinner Corey Rocchiccioli on Australia A duty; Aaron Hardie and Josh Inglis preparing for upcoming one-day internationals, as well as Mitch Marsh (paternity leave) and Charlie Stobo (omitted).Tasmania lined up without key middle-order batter Beau Webster who led their run-scoring tally last season, while the bowling line-up was boosted by the return of Gabe Bell and Lawrence Neil-Smith.The home side survived the opening session without loss after being sent in to bat by opposition skipper Ashton Turner.Tasmania posted a century stand before rookie medium-pacer Brody Couch had Jake Weatherald caught down the leg side for 49.The ever-reliable Joel Paris then did the damage midway through the second session as Tasmania lost 3 for 18.Jewell was trapped lbw for 61 after surviving an earlier let-off, before Charlie Wakim and captain Jordan Silk were both soon sent back to the pavillion.Owen fell in the final hour having struck 13 boundaries and two sixes in a career-best knock, only for Paris to end the dangerous innings.Brad Hope was then dismissed for 25 off Cameron Gannon having shared a 102-run stand with Owen.
Arsenal star Alessia Russo has been confirmed as the highest-rated Women's Super League player in the soon-to-be released EA Sports FC 26 game.
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Standard Edition + PO Bonus
Pre-order by 26 September for bonus inclusions Bonus will include Archetype Unlock Consumable, 2 Double AXP for 10 Matches and 3 ICON Career PlayersWill also include 5-Star Coach & 5-Star Youth Scout and Manager Live Challenge Content
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$59.99
Buy Standard
Standard Edition
It's available across PC, PlayStation and XboxFeatures over 20,000 players, 750+ teams, over 120 stadiums, and 35+ leaguesExperience Manager Career like never before with all-new Manager Live Challenges
From
$69.99
BuyUltimate
Ultimate Edition
Cover featuring Zlatan Ibrahimovic recreating a photo of his younger self You’ll get up to 6,000 FC Points over two months, a Season 1 Premium Pass and an additional Player Evolution slotUntradeable Icon Player item included
From
$89.99
Buy+ Pre Order Bonus
Standard Edition + PO Bonus
Pre-order by 26 September for bonus inclusions Bonus will include Archetype Unlock Consumable, 2 Double AXP for 10 Matches and 3 ICON Career PlayersWill also include 5-Star Coach & 5-Star Youth Scout and Manager Live Challenge Content
From
$59.99
Buy Standard
Standard Edition
It's available across PC, PlayStation and XboxFeatures over 20,000 players, 750+ teams, over 120 stadiums, and 35+ leaguesExperience Manager Career like never before with all-new Manager Live Challenges
From
$69.99
BuyUltimate
Ultimate Edition
Cover featuring Zlatan Ibrahimovic recreating a photo of his younger self You’ll get up to 6,000 FC Points over two months, a Season 1 Premium Pass and an additional Player Evolution slotUntradeable Icon Player item included
From
$89.99
Buy+ Pre Order Bonus
Standard Edition + PO Bonus
Pre-order by 26 September for bonus inclusions Bonus will include Archetype Unlock Consumable, 2 Double AXP for 10 Matches and 3 ICON Career PlayersWill also include 5-Star Coach & 5-Star Youth Scout and Manager Live Challenge Content
From
$59.99
Buy EA Sports FC 26 ratings revealedRusso tops WSL rankingsLionesses score highly as wellFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱EA Sports FC 26 RUSSO LEADS PLAYER RATINGS WITH CALDENTEY & SHAW
Gunners striker Russo and Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw were joint-top WSL scorers last term with 12, and now they, alongside Arsenal ace and player of the season Mariona Caldentey, have been given 89 ratings – the best in the division. Chelsea's Guro Reiten is fourth at 88, and Arsenal's Chloe Kelly is tied with fellow Lionesses Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp, and Millie Bright on 87. Ella Toone is the top-ranked Manchester United player in 16th with 85.
AdvertisementEA SPORTS FC 26 TOP WSL RATINGS
Top 26 Barclays Women's Super League
Rank
First Name
Last Name
Common Name
OVR (Overall ratings)
Position
Team
League
1
Alessia
Russo
89
ST
Arsenal
Barclays WSL
2
María Francesca
Caldentey Oliver
Mariona
89
CM
Arsenal
Barclays WSL
3
Khadija
Shaw
89
ST
Manchester City
Barclays WSL
4
Guro
Reiten
88
LM
Chelsea
Barclays WSL
5
Chloe
Kelly
87
RM
Arsenal
Barclays WSL
6
Lucy
Bronze
87
RB
Chelsea
Barclays WSL
7
Leah
Williamson
87
CB
Arsenal
Barclays WSL
8
Beth
Mead
87
RM
Arsenal
Barclays WSL
9
Lauren
Hemp
87
LW
Manchester City
Barclays WSL
10
Katie
McCabe
87
LB
Arsenal
Barclays WSL
11
Millie
Bright
87
CB
Chelsea
Barclays WSL
12
Sam
Kerr
87
ST
Chelsea
Barclays WSL
13
Grace
Geyoro
86
CM
London City
Barclays WSL
14
Sandy
Baltimore
85
LM
Chelsea
Barclays WSL
15
Erin
Cuthbert
85
CDM
Chelsea
Barclays WSL
16
Ella
Toone
85
CAM
Manchester Utd
Barclays WSL
17
Caitlin
Foord
85
LM
Arsenal
Barclays WSL
18
Yui
Hasegawa
85
CDM
Manchester City
Barclays WSL
19
Vivianne
A
85
ST
Manchester City
Barclays WSL
20
Kim
Little
85
CDM
Arsenal
Barclays WSL
21
Lauren
James
85
RM
Chelsea
Barclays WSL
22
Naomi
Girma
85
CB
Chelsea
Barclays WSL
23
Keira
Walsh
85
CDM
Chelsea
Barclays WSL
24
Chiamaka
Nnadozie
85
GK
Brighton
Barclays WSL
25
Hannah
Hampton
84
GK
Chelsea
Barclays WSL
26
Sjoeke
Nüsken
84
CDM
Chelsea
Barclays WSL
EA Sports FC 26ARSENAL DOMINATE WSL TOP 10 BUT NOT EUROPE'S
While Russo, Caldentey, and Shaw lead the WSL pack, which features six Arsenal players in the top 10, they don't make up the top three in Europe. Spain stars Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati are tied on 91, and Barcelona team-mate Caroline Graham Hansen is third at 90. Incidentally, the Lionesses may have been helped in the player ratings after beating Spain in the Euros final this summer.
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WHAT NEXT?
EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Edition is being launched on September 19, 2025, but the Standard Edition of the game is out a week later on September 26. In the meantime, WSL action continues over the course of this weekend.
USEFUL LINKSLatest EA Sports FC news & updatesFull list of stadiums in EA Sports FC 26Who are the new ICONS in EA Sports FC 26?EA Sports FC 26 pre-order benefits explainedComplete guide to EA Sports FC 26
Former allrounder and bowling coach will return to Headingley in September
ESPNcricinfo staff16-Aug-2024
An anti-racism banner hangs outside Yorkshire’s Headingley Stadium in Leeds•AFP/Getty Images
Rich Pyrah, one of the 16 staff sacked by Yorkshire at the height of the racism scandal which engulfed the club, will return to the club next month as the county’s new women’s head coach.Pyrah, who was men’s batting coach before he was dismissed, was last year found guilty of using “racist and discriminatory language” when referring to whistleblower Azeem Rafiq’s sister by the Cricket Discipline Commission. He was handed a two-week ban from coaching and was fined £2,5000.He was previously one of the 16 members of staff sacked after signing a letter to the Yorkshire board that accused Rafiq of waging a “one-man mission to bring down the club” when he made allegations of an institutionally racist culture in late 2021. The club and Pyrah reached a settlement the following year after Yorkshire accepted his sacking had been “procedurally unfair”.Related
Winfield-Hill set to sign long term contract with Yorkshire
Bans for Ballance, Bresnan, Gale as CDC announces Yorkshire racism sanctions
Moxon, Gale removed as Yorkshire replace entire coaching staff
Yorkshire confirmed the news in a club statement on Friday which made no reference to his sacking. “We’re delighted Richard has agreed to become the head coach of our women’s team and we are very pleased to welcome him back to Yorkshire,” Colin Graves, the club’s chairman, said.”After a thorough and robust process, Richard stood out amongst an incredible shortlist of candidates. Through the whole process it was clear Richard is the right person to lead Yorkshire into the club’s new chapter and take our women’s professional team to the highest level.”Richard is a proven developer, has an excellent reputation, and a winning mentality as a player and as a coach. We believe that Richard will be the perfect fit for the next stage of our new and exciting journey.”Yorkshire will play in Tier 2 of the ECB’s revamped domestic structure next year, alongside Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Middlesex, Sussex and Worcestershire. They will then become a Tier 1 county from 2026 onwards.”It’s an incredible honour for me to be given the opportunity to lead Yorkshire’s women’s side and it’s the proudest moment of my career,” Pyrah said. “This is an exciting time to be involved in women’s cricket, following ECB’s restructure of the women’s professional game.”
Match abandoned without a ball bowled to dent teams’ qualification prospects
ECB Reporters Network13-Jun-2024Western Storm vs Thunder – no resultHeavy rain in Cardiff severely dented the prospects of either Western Storm or Thunder qualifying for the latter stages of the Charlotte Edwards Cup.Needing to win if they were to make up lost ground on those above them in the table, the two sides were frustrated by the elements that caused their showdown at Sophia Gardens to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.With no opportunity to remove the covers and Glamorgan and Hampshire Hawks scheduled to contest a Vitality Blast South Group fixture at 6.30pm, umpires Anna Harris and Ant Harris had no choice but to call the women’s game off at 3.25pm.Already trailing runaway leaders The Blaze and South East Stars by a considerable distance, Thunder remain in fifth place, with ground to make up on Southern Vipers and Central Sparks, who have a game in hand. Cast adrift at the wrong end of the table, Storm are effectively out of the running.Thunder will hope for better conditions when they return to action against Central Sparks at Edgbaston tomorrow, while Storm will attempt to secure only their second win of the campaign when they meet fellow strugglers Northern Diamonds at Headingley on Sunday.
While much of the chatter surrounds the thought of Ange Postecoglou leaving Tottenham Hotspur behind this summer, that shouldn’t derail their plans in the transfer window.
Indeed, while much of the blame for finishing 17th in the Premier League has been sent in the direction of the Australian, the player squad needs improving significantly too.
Dominic Solanke failed to truly get going in a Spurs shirt after signing for £65m last summer, while Heung-min Son’s best days clearly look as though they are behind him, scoring just once since Christmas.
Despite Kevin Danso permanently arriving in a £21m deal, the Lilywhites also need to drastically improve at the back, perhaps not just tactically but also from a personnel point of view. In the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, they shipped a staggering 65 goals, a tally only worse than Wolves and the three relegated sides.
So, who could they turn to?
Spurs confident of signing Premier League winner
Once the manager situation has been resolved, the first order of business for Daniel Levy and Co should be to strengthen the first-team squad.
Adding more bodies to their forward line would tick plenty of boxes as far as the fans are concerned, with one option reportedly Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.
Reports have indicated in recent days that they’ve had contact with the Blues regarding a summer deal.
Not just content at improving their options in central areas, they could also sign a new winger. The most heavily tipped option at the moment is Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The German is out of contract at the end of the month and will be available to sign on a free transfer unless he pens new terms in Bavaria.
According to Foot Mercato, Bayern sent an improved contract offer to the former Manchester City star earlier this week but with no resolution forthcoming, Spurs are now believed to be ‘confident’ of signing him.
Postecoglou’s side are set to face competition from other English clubs, including Arsenal, while Saudi and Turkish sides are also looking at Sane.
How Leroy Sane could replicate Gareth Bale at Spurs
What is there to say about Gareth Bale that hasn’t already been said? After two spells in north London, the Welshman is an iconic figure.
From that ridiculous volley against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium to that remarkable hat-trick in the San Siro against Inter Milan in the Champions League, very few have been quite as skilled as he.
Across those two spells, he featured in 237 games, scoring 71 goals in the process.
A left-footed whizz with the ability to create something out of nothing, there are certainly similarities between Bale and Sane.
We’re not for one moment suggesting that the Germany international will be as good as the Welsh sensation but the way they manipulate the ball and attack their full-backs is certainly similar.
Described as a “superstar” by scout Antonio Mango, Sane has certainly proven that out in Munich, where he has 61 goals and 55 assists in 220 games to show for his efforts. 13 of those goals came this term while he also found the net on ten occasions last season, registering 13 assists.
Like Bale, he’s a duel threat, someone capable of scoring and creating chances. He’s also devilish when cutting inside from the right onto his favoured left foot, just as Bale was all those years ago.
Leroy Sane celebrates for Germany
To get a greater sense of how similar they are, we’ve compared the two players during their respective peaks.
Bale (2011-2020) vs Sane (2016-2025)
Stat (per 90 mins)
Bale
Sane
Goals
0.53
0.37
Assists
0.26
0.38
Shot on target %
41%
38%
Key passes
1.37
2.09
Passes into final 3rd
1.97
1.81
Progressive passes
3.55
4.21
Shot-creating actions
3.04
4.64
Successful take-ons
1.41
3.05
Progressive carries
3.78
3.99
Stats via FBRef.
Analysing the numbers, Bale was clearly a more prolific player in front of goal but where Sane makes up for that is in terms of his creation.
He’s registered more assists per 90 minutes across the peak of his career to date, and while both wingers love to take on the opposition full-back, it’s the Bayern star who comes out on top in this regard.
He succeeds with far more take-ons but they are quite evenly matched for progressive carries.
Sane is, of course, now heading towards the later stages of his career but for a 29-year-old Premier League winner on a free transfer, you can’t really go wrong here.
It would add trophy-winning experience to the squad and it would provide an additional threat. He’s an immediate upgrade on the departing Timo Werner and he’s a different sort of right winger to the pacey right-footed Brennan Johnson.
He'd send Son packing: Spurs make enquiry to sign "phenomenal" £50m star
Spurs have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements in forward areas this summer.
When discussing Manchester United’s long-running malaise, many will point to the end of the Sir Alex Ferguson dynasty as a defining, watershed moment in the club’s fortunes, with the Scotsman’s retirement marking the end of the Red Devils’ domestic dominance.
It could be argued, however, that the slide had begun even prior to Fergie’s exit, with even his own recruitment – while impacted by the Glazer takeover in 2005 – needing to be put under the microscope.
Indeed, cast your mind back to the summer of 2009. United had just romped to a third successive Premier League title, having also been defeated by Barcelona in what was a second Champions League final in a row.
Two league titles and another outing in a European showpiece did follow over the next four years, yet that moment marked the beginning of the end for the last of Ferguson’s great United sides, with Carlos Tevez moving on to upstart rivals Manchester City, while Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a long-awaited, world record switch to Real Madrid.
To make matters worse, the incomings could hardly have been more underwhelming. Ronaldo’s number seven shirt was taken over by an ageing Michael Owen, while options on the flanks were ‘bolstered’ by the signings of Antonio Valencia and, who can forget, Gabriel Obertan.
In many ways, that Ronaldo-shaped void on the flanks has hardly been filled in the years since, despite a plethora of attacking signings. Could that soon be set to change?
Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward
Ruben Amorim’s pursuit of Matheus Cunha has highlighted that the Portuguese is potentially seeking a different profile of player to operate in one of the two number ten berths, with the towering Wolverhampton Wanderers man more comfortable in a central role than on the flanks.
Matheus Cunha
The need for a genuine winger in the 3-4-3 setup can be questioned – a fact highlighted by doubts over Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford – although it is not unrealistic to assume that a potential attacking target could be moulded into what Amorim wants from his forwards.
Sometimes, there are options out there that are simply too good to ignore, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue seemingly one of them. As reported in Spain, the Red Devils are believed to be ‘vying’ for the Frenchman’s signature.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The highly-rated teenager only made the move to Paris from Stade Rennais on a £43m deal last summer, although a dazzling debut campaign at the Parc des Princes has earned unsurprising glances from afar, with INEOS said to have placed the 19-year-old at the ‘centre of their transfer radar’.
The suggestion is that such interest ‘goes beyond’ simply monitoring his progress, although a deal certainly ‘won’t be easy’ – not least if Luis Enrique and co stick to their reported €300m (£275m) asking price.
Something would have to give in that regard if a deal was to be agreed, although a move for Doue could represent United’s best since the days of ‘CR7’.
Man Utd could land their best winger since Ronaldo
Once the home of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, the Theatre of Dreams has become a real graveyard for wingers, in particular, in recent times, with a raft of high profile stars having come and gone across the last decade or so.
Man Utd record for selected wingers (past and present)
Player
Games
Goals
Assists
Total G/A
Antony
96
12
5
17
Anthony Elanga
55
4
4
8
Amad
57
12
10
22
Jadon Sancho
83
12
6
18
Alejandro Garnacho
138
25
21
45
Dan James
74
9
9
18
Angel Di Maria
34
4
12
16
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
63
13
11
24
Memphis Depay
53
7
6
13
Stats via Transfermarkt
As evidenced in the table above, marquee moves for the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony – signed for £73m and £86m, respectively – have simply backfired, with United rarely getting bang for their buck.
Perhaps only Marcus Rashford – now out on loan at Aston Villa – has truly impressed for an extended period in the wake of Ronaldo, after chalking up 138 goals in 426 games, albeit with the Englishman’s best work having perhaps actually come in a central role, rather than out wide.
Has there really been anyone close to Ronaldo’s ilk post-2009?
Has anyone come close to the Portuguese’s Ballon d’Or-winning pomp in 2008, when he ravaged all before him?
Desire Doue
It is still early days in his senior career, although the teenage Doue is showing signs of potentially emerging as a world-class sensation in his own right, having been hailed as a “superstar in the making” by journalist Julien Laurens.
Likened to his idol, Neymar, amid his switch to the French captial, the former Rennes starlet has already registered 25 goals and assists in 48 games in all competitions this season, including six goal involvements in just 14 Champions League outings.
It is that form on the continent which has notably caught the eye, with Doue memorably rifling home in exquisite fashion in PSG’s first-leg win over Villa, having left Emi Martinez looking utterly helpless in the visiting goal.
Described as the ‘talk of Europe’ by BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty, the in-demand winger also showed flashes of his quality against Arsenal on Tuesday night, having produced a delightful Neymar-esque touch at one stage to control the ball.
Fleet of foot and with a desire to beat his man, Doue perhaps emulates Ronaldo in that regard, with such dribbling prowess evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 4% among his European peers for successful take-ons, and in the top 7% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.
Also comfortable operating on either flank – much like Ronaldo was during his time under Fergie – the rising star looks destined to dazzle for years to come, with French football now boasting another ‘superstar’ to celebrate.
Yes, Amorim’s approach may not necessarily offer a home to a winger in the traditional sense, but Doue – who can also operate as a number ten – would a sensational upgrade in any of United’s attacking roles.
He could even end the long wait at Old Trafford for a Ronaldo-level superstar out wide…
Better than Osimhen: Man Utd close to agreement for "hottest CF in Europe"
Man Utd are ramping up their search for a new centre-forward this summer
Manchester City staged an excellent comeback from two goals down to seal a 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League this afternoon.
When Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards put the away side 2-0 up, it looked as though it was going to be another poor result for the Etihad side in the top flight.
They rebounded wonderfully well to seal all three points and they remain fourth in the table at the time of writing as they chase a Champions League spot next season.
All the talk this week was on Kevin De Bruyne finally departing City, and he was outstanding against Palace.
Kevin De Bruyne’s stats vs Crystal Palace
The Belgian won’t go out winning another league title, but he is doing his best to make sure City finish in the top four.
Kevin De Bruyne
Against Palace, he was pushed into a more advanced role and not only scored, but he also grabbed an assist during the tie.
De Bruyne also registered six total shots, missed two big chances, made four key passes and hit the woodwork in what was an energetic display in Manchester.
Accurate passes
Rúben Dias (105)
Key passes
Kevin De Bruyne (4)
Tackles
Chris Richards and Nico Gonzalez (4)
Ground duels won
Daniel Munoz and Nico Gonzalez (5)
Shots on target
Omar Marmoush (3)
He might be advancing in age, but there is no doubt that when he is at his peak, few come close to performing like this. That’s for sure.
Pep Guardiola wasn’t relying on him solely, however, as there was a young talent making his first Premier League start for the club who shone today.
Man City shown why they don't need Gibbs-White
It appears as though City are keen on replacing De Bruyne with Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.
Despite registering 14 goal contributions this season, Forest have reportedly slapped a £100m price tag on the attacking midfielder.
Do they really need him? James McAtee was superb this afternoon at the Etihad. On his first ever league start for the club, he scored a delightful goal in the second half along with creating two big chances and making two key passes throughout the game.
The youngster may have been deployed on the right flank against Palace, but he is at home in the number ten slot, playing there on numerous occasions this season to excellent effect.
James McAtee
McAtee’s maturity is getting better with each game. He only lost possession seven times during the clash, while making one tackle and winning two ground duels.
Chief Manchester City writer for the Manchester Evening News, Simon Bajkowski, gave the Englishman a match rating of 7/10, stating that he ‘made a lot happen’ when he was on the pitch.
Guardiola will need to bring in another big-name signing or two this summer to please the supporters and give the club a shot at winning another league title.
Is spending around £100m on Gibbs-White the right option, however? Especially with McAtee proving today that he can step up when it matters most.
Man City in contact with "electric" £30m full-back with Walker-esque pace