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A significant behind-the-scenes update regarding Erik ten Hag has emerged at Manchester United, regarding his treatment of two Red Devils players.

Ten Hag fighting to save Man Utd job

This season has been a largely dire one at Old Trafford to date, with Ten Hag failing to kick on from last season’s FA Cup success, which included beating Manchester City in the final. Many felt the Dutchman may have been sacked if he had lost that game at Wembley, but INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe instead retained him and gave the manager a new deal.

It hasn’t been close to good enough from United this time around, however, with 3-0 defeats at home to both Liverpool and Tottenham summing up their struggles, not to mention failing to win either of their opening couple of Europa League group stage matches.

Ten Hag has still been bullish about keeping his job, but replacements have been constantly linked in recent weeks, including Thomas Tuchel, who was most recently in charge at Bayern Munich.

Former Juventus boss Max Allegri has also been mentioned as a potential appointment, having enjoyed so much success during his stint with the Turin giants, winning five Serie A titles and Italian Cups apiece, as well as picking up one league crown in charge of AC Milan.

Concern from Man Utd on Ten Hag and £155,000-a-week duo

According to a new report from Caught Offside, INEOS are concerned and surprised about Ten Hag’s treatment of Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho respectively.

It is claimed that “while results and performances have clearly not been good enough, there is also real concern behind the scenes” about the Dutchman’s inability to get the best of the £155,000-a-week-combined pair.

That especially applies to Zirkzee, whereas the biggest issue surrounding Garnacho is why he isn’t being played more, given the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony aren’t exactly firing on all cylinders.

This is just the latest concern about Ten Hag and the job he is doing at United, and it surely raises huge question marks over whether he is the right man for the job in the long run.

Zirkzee has struggled since arriving at United in the summer, failing to justify the fee that the Red Devils paid Bologna for his services, with the 23-year-old only scoring once in his first six appearances in the Premier League, coming on the opening night of the season against Fulham at Old Trafford.

As for Garnacho, he still looks like one of his side’s biggest attacking threats when he plays, bagging two goals and assists apiece in the 7-0 win over Barnsley in the EFL Cup, and it seems strange that he isn’t being used more.

Man Utd now preparing £46m bid to sign "incredible" Champions League winner

The Red Devils are not messing about…

By
Tom Cunningham

Oct 6, 2024

The manager is arguably the one to blame for such failings, and it is one of many reasons why a lot of United supporters want to see a change in the dugout.

A mystery Saudi side are now making West Ham United an £83 million offer to sign one of Julen Lopetegui’s star players, with PIF looking to bolster the Pro League’s ranks with another noteworthy talent.

West Ham prepare for Man Utd as ten Hag and Lopetegui battle for jobs

The Hammers and Red Devils go head-to-head on Sunday at the London Stadium, as both Lopetegui and the under-fire Erik ten Hag battle to potentially save their jobs amid lacklustre starts to their Premier League campaigns.

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He’s wanted by some pretty big clubs.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 25, 2024

West Ham have lost half of their top flight games and languish 15th in the table, winning just two, while United have really struggled for consistency. Reports have suggested that INEOS could replace ten Hag at Old Trafford if results continue in this manner.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

#9

05/10/2024

Ipswich (H)

Premier League

4-1 win

#8

28/09/2024

Brentford (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#7

25/09/2024

Liverpool (A)

Carabao Cup

5-1 loss

#6

21/09/2024

Chelsea (H)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#5

14/09/2024

Fulham (A)

Premier League

1-1 draw

#4

31/08/2024

Man City (H)

Premier League

3-1 loss

#3

28/08/2024

Bournemouth (H)

Carabao Cup

1-0 win

#2

24/08/2024

Crystal Palace (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#1

17/08/2024

Aston Villa (H)

Premier League

2-1 loss

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg shared news earlier this week that West Ham are considering Edin Terzic, their former assistant coach, as a possible successor for Lopetegui if they do decide to part company with the Spaniard.

The indications are that both Lopetegui and ten Hag are not safe in their positions as things stand, so Sunday’s clash represents a very important game for the managerial duo, as does every single encounter with the microscope firmly on them.

West Ham are also in danger of losing star players in the coming months, who may not want to be part of the ride or their possible downturn. One of them, star winger Mohammed Kudus, has already been linked with an exit from east London.

Kudus is believed to be attracting interest from Barcelona, alongside other elite clubs, and the Ghanaian could well be tempted by the offer of a prestigious move abroad.

Saudi side offer £83 million to sign Kudus from West Ham

According to a Spanish media report this week, clubs in the Middle East are now also throwing their hat in the ring. Indeed, an unnamed Saudi side is bidding £83 million to sign Kudus from West Ham. That amount is apparently “being proposed as an offer” by Saudi, and the 24-year-old forward could be one of the next big faces to land in the Pro League.

This season, Kudus has stood out as a key player for Lopetegui, attempting more shots at goal per 90 and completing more dribbles per match than any other West Ham player in the Premier League according to WhoScored.

The African’s started every game so far, and will likely continue to do so, unless injury or suspension befalls Ajax’s ex-rising star.

“Kudus has a much firmer technique and knows where he is going,” said Dutch footballing legend Marco van Basten, making a comparison between Kudus and Antony during their time together at Ajax.

“Antony may be faster, but Kudus is smarter and more technical. He is much more of a footballer and an all-rounder for the team.”

Amid Sunderland’s excellent start to the Championship season, one in-form Black Cats star has made a transfer admission regarding a transfer clause in his current deal.

Sunderland transfer news

New manager Regis Le Bris has got off to an almost perfect start at the Stadium of Light, with his side sitting top of the Championship just one season after they found themselves sitting mid-table and flirting with relegation. With every game, the Frenchman looks more and more like a manager who was worth the wait, given how long it took Sunderland’s hierarchy to find their permanent replacement for Michael Beale.

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It’s his second injury in eight league games…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Oct 2, 2024

Against Derby County in midweek, it was once again business as usual, as Sunderland reclaimed their Championship top spot in a 2-0 win which featured a stunning first strike of the season from Jobe Bellingham.

It’s the type of routine victory that Sunderland will hope to see a repeat of against Leeds United in what would be quite the statement of intent from those at the Stadium of Light. They’ve already been handed a positive boost on the transfer front to take into Saturday’s clash too.

As relayed by the Sunderland Echo, Wilson Isidor now wants to complete a permanent move to Sunderland, which would see the Black Cats trigger their option to buy the £8,500-a-week forward from Zenit St. Petersburg at the end of the season.

Isidor told reporters after scoring the opening goal against Derby in midweek: “I am on loan but with an optional buy. But no, for me, I want to continue with Sunderland and write the club into my career and my history.”

The ball is now very much in Sunderland’s court, who could yet welcome their striker, who is beginning to find his goalscoring touch, on a permanent basis come the end of the season.

"Quality" Isidor has found his goalscoring touch

As if things couldn’t get any better for Le Bris and Sunderland, their summer signing is beginning to show just how clinical he can be when given the chance, with goals in back-to-back games to his name. Still just 24 years old, it would be a major blow for Sunderland if Isidor was to enjoy an excellent season before heading straight back to Zenit. Given his desire to stay put, the Black Cats should match his ambition and secure his long-term future at the club next summer.

Having fired into form, the Frenchman has earned plenty of praise as of late, including from Sunderland reporter Ethan Todd, who dubbed Isidor’s finishing as “quality” and runs off the ball “fantastic”.

With their biggest test yet awaiting, Sunderland could now round off an excellent week with victory over early promotion rivals Leeds this weekend.

After a campaign full of ups and downs last season, it appears as if Tottenham Hotspur fans are in for more of the same this year.

Ange Postecoglou's men have kicked off the Premier League in an unconvincing manner so far, dropping two points away to Leicester City and three to Newcastle United.

The North Londoners were able to utterly dominate Everton, but the Toffees have been exceedingly poor thus far, meaning they are hardly the barometer for measuring this Lilywhites side.

Granted, the club's £65m striker, Dominic Solanke, has missed the last two games, and the £60m Richarlison is also out injured. However, it seems unlikely that the Brazilian ever be the player fans were hoping he'd be in North London, especially when he's being outscored by a former Tottenham flop.

Richarlison's Spurs record

Just over two years ago, Spurs spent around £60m to get Richarlison out of Everton after he had scored 11 goals and provided five assists in just 33 games for the Toffees the season prior, and while he's shown glimpses of quality since then, it would be fair to say that they paid too much.

For example, in his first campaign with the Lilywhites, the former Watford ace could only muster a return of three goals and four assists in 35 appearances, equating to a poor average of a goal involvement every five games.

To his credit, the Brazilian international did improve last season in Harry Kane's absence, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists in just 31 appearances. However, this clearly wasn't enough to convince the club that he could lead the line going forward, as they went out and signed Solanke last month.

In all, Richarlison is a talented player, but he has not been able to establish himself as an essential player for Spurs, and considering he's being outscored by a former flop who left five years ago, it's not looking good for his long-term future in N17.

Georges-Kévin N'Koudou's recent form

The former Spurs flop in question is Cameroon international Georges-Kévin N'Koudou, who joined the club from Marseille in September 2016 for a fee of around £11m.

The left-winger made very little impact in N17 and was sold to Beskitas by Mauricio Pochettino for £4.5m just three years later. He left the Lilywhites with just 27 appearances, one goal, and two assists to his name.

After spending a few years in Turkey, the Versailles-born dynamo made the switch to Saudi Pro League side Damac FC last summer, where he has since been playing very well indeed.

In fact, the 29-year-old wideman outscored Richarlison last season, racking up a respectable tally of 15 goals and five assists in 33 matches, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 1.65 games for the Middle Eastern club.

Now the important caveat here is that the quality of opposition is obviously far lower in Saudi Arabia. However, we have seen big names make the move over there and struggle, so it's still impressive from the former Spurs flop.

N'Koudou vs Richarlison in 23/24
Player	N'Koudou	Richarlison
Appearances	33	31
Goals	15	12
Assists	5	4
Goal Involvements per Match	0.60	0.51
All Stats via Transfermarkt

Ultimately, selling N'Koudou in 2019 was the right thing to do for all parties involved, but perhaps his successful departure from the club should give Richarlison some ideas, unless he can dramatically improve his form in the coming months.

Spurs "hero" left on a free, now he's outperforming Richarlison & Maddison

The talented star will always have a place in the club’s history.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 6, 2024

Ruben Amorim's side so nearly came from three goals down at Spurs but came up short at the last after moments of madness from their stand-in stopper

Manchester United exited the Carabao Cup at the quarter-final stage after an enthralling 4-3 defeat at Tottenham on Thursday night. Ruben Amorim made five changes to the starting XI which beat Manchester City on Sunday, with Marcus Rashford left out of the squad altogether again after revealing his desire to leave earlier in the week.

The much-rotated United were made to pay when they were caught cold early on. A Tottenham free-kick routine teed up Pedro Porro on the edge of the box, and his shot was parried away by backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir into the path of Dominic Solanke, who swept home on the volley having found himself unmarked at close range.

Though the visitors had a lot of possession and territory, they nearly found themselves two down when Dejan Kulusevski's low cross though the box was cut out by Manuel Ugarte, who was rather thankful the loose ball bounced the other side of the post and behind.

Almost immediately from kick-off at the start of the second half, United conceded a second. James Maddison's cut-back was only half cleared by Lisandro Martinez, and Kulusevski reacted quickest to convert and double Spurs' lead.

From there, United were in danger of caving in and Tottenham soon had their third. Djed Spence's through ball set Solanke racing away against Martinez, and the England striker was able to come inside onto his stronger right foot before firing past Bayindir.

Amorim made a triple substitution to try and stem the tide, and that paid dividends straight away as Joshua Zirkzee pulled one back. Fraser Forster's loose pass to Radu Dragusin was pounced upon by Bruno Fernandes, who squared for the Dutchman to tap in. Spurs continued to crumble as Forster gifted them a second goal, kicking straight into the onrushing Amad Diallo as United pulled to within one goal again.

A 25-yarder from Diallo then caught Forster so off guard he had to kick the bouncing ball away as nerves shrouded much of the stadium. But Spurs managed to weather the storm and scored a fourth entering the game's closing stages. Son Heung-min's wicked corner floated all the way over Bayindir, who claimed he was fouled by Lucas Bergvall, and into the net.

There was a smidgen of late hope for United when Jonny Evans headed in a stoppage-time corner, but that proved to be too little and too late as Spurs advanced to the semi-finals.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Altay Bayindir (2/10):

United suffered a huge mental blow after his poor save led to Solanke's opening goal, while the Turkiye international's kicking was also nowhere near the level of Andre Onana's. To cap off a terrible night, he allowed Son's corner to sail over him and effectively ice the game for Tottenham.

Leny Yoro (7/10):

It's probably a bad thing for United and Amorim that their best defender on the night was a teenager who's hardly played all season since his summer arrival. Took responsibility with some important tackles and headers.

Victor Lindelof (6/10):

Barely lasted 45 minutes on a rare start before succumbing to a muscle injury. Didn't look too rusty for what that first half was worth.

Lisandro Martinez (4/10):

Not a performance the Argentine will want to watch back in a hurry. Caught flat-footed way too often and showed a lack of authority for Spurs' second and third goals.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

An adult in the room in the defensive third. Didn't provide enough width to take advantage of Tottenham's half-hearted marking the way that Dalot did on the other flank, even if he showed off his fine technique coming infield and adding extra presence there.

Christian Eriksen (7/10):

United's best player in his 55 minutes on the pitch, opening up his former side with several switches of play over the top. Afforded a standing ovation upon being subbed, though that's of little consolation to the travelling Red Devils.

Manuel Ugarte (6/10):

One of the Uruguayan's better displays since his move from Paris Saint-Germain, keeping play ticking and evading danger with his quick feet. Taken off for Garnacho after United grabbed their second.

Diogo Dalot (6/10):

Like Mazraoui was solid defensively, though troubled Tottenham with his overlaps outside of the inverting Fernandes.

Getty Images SportAttack

Antony (4/10):

Bounced off the ball several times early doors like a youngster just finding his feet in England. Completely muzzled out of the contest when not afforded acres of space to spread play. Hooked for Diallo.

Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

Won plenty of headers against Dragusin, though that seldom helped United up the pitch to be truthful. Had a strange bout of brain-freeze on a couple of occasions when he should have got a shot away. Replaced by Zirkzee.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

Dropped into midfield a fair bit to help out Ugarte and Eriksen. The orchestrator of United's best openings (besides when Tottenham goalkeeper Forster was offering to them instead).

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Jonny Evans (6/10):

Came on for the injured Lindelof just before the break and into rather frantic conditions, though he did well to stay afloat despite the madness. Scored late in the day and the last of seven goals on the night.

Joshua Zirkzee (7/10):

On for the ineffective Hojlund and changed the game immediately with his pressing from the front, even if there was a bit of fortune about how United got on the scoresheet.

Amad Diallo (7/10):

Strangely afforded a rest despite his hot run of form. Replaced Antony and gave the hosts jitters whenever he was on the ball.

Kobbie Mainoo (7/10):

Brought on for Eriksen. Provided continuity from the Dane but also some needed composure.

Alejandro Garnacho (N/A):

Brought back into the fold after his omission from the derby and replaced Ugarte. Didn't see a lot of the ball in his spare minutes.

Ruben Amorim (6/10):

For the most part, United weren't actually too bad and on another day may have had more luck to win. However, the rotating of the squad came back to bite the new head coach, with Bayindir particularly letting him down.

An Everton attacker is now close to leaving the club in a deadline day exit, according to a fresh update regarding a move to another English club.

Everton transfer news

After a bleak start to the Premier League season for the Blues, supporters will be hoping to have something to shout about at the end of the summer transfer window.

It has been a solid summer in the market for Everton with the likes of Jake O'Brien, Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom among those who have come in, but given the nature of their respective 3-0 and 4-0 defeats to Brighton and Tottenham, further reinforcements are required.

Time is clearly running out for Sean Dyche in that respect, but one report has claimed that the Blues have been given the opportunity to complete the signing of Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill for a cut-price amount. Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham are also seen as potential suitors, however, and the Englishman could be snapped up for just £5m.

Everton are also reportedly in negotiations to sign Rennes ace Lorenz Assignon, with the 24-year-old right-back someone who could add much-needed youth to a key area of the pitch where Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman are ageing figures. Now, a Goodison exit update has dropped regarding one figure, but it isn't Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Everton attacker closing in on exit

According to Football Insider, Everton striker Francis Okoronkwo has agreed to join Salford City on loan for the entirety of the 2024/25 season, being given the green light to move on. The 19-year-old originally moved to Goodison Park from Sunderland in a £1m move back in 2021, but it looks as though a temporary move away this summer has been decided to be best for his development.

This makes complete sense for Okoronkwo more than anything, considering the teenager is unlikely to be deemed an important part of Dyche's plans this season, given his lack of experience. The Englishman is yet to make an appearance for Everton at senior level, despite joining the club three years ago, instead being limited to playing time for the Under-23s and Under-18s, making a combined 65 outings.

Okoronkwo has done well in that time, though, scoring 20 goals and registering eight assists, and he could grow further as a player at League Two side Salford, testing himself up against older players before returning to Goodison a better footballer than before.

Whether he has a long-term future at Everton remains to be seen, but now is the time for him to excel away from Merseyside and show that he can handle a different challenge.

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Assuming the move goes through, how Okoronkwo fares between now and the end of the season could determine whether the Blues feel he is worth persevering with or not. For that reason, the pressure on him to show that he is now capable of making the jump from youth to senior football for an extended period.

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing a forward who Virgil van Dijk says "has everything", seeing him as an alternative to Santiago Gimenez.

Nottingham Forest miss out on Gimenez

The Reds have suffered a setback with one high-profile transfer target, with a move for Feyenoord striker Gimenez possibly not materialising after plenty of interest emerged in him from the Premier League side.

The Mexican looked like a hugely exciting option for Forest, considering what a key performer he was for his current club last season, scoring 23 goals in just 29 starts in the Eredivisie, as well as netting twice in four appearances in the Champions League.

With Gimenez potentially no longer a target for Nuno Espirito Santo's side between now and the end of the summer transfer window this week, having rejected a switch to the City Ground, they could do with finding an alternative target.

It looks as though they may have found that player, with a new report suggesting as much, as Forest look to give themselves the best possible chance of enjoying a solid Premier League campaign.

Nottingham Forest eyeing attacker who "has everything"

According to Football Insider, Nottingham Forest are now "ready to turn their attention" to signing Ajax striker Brian Brobbey this summer, looking to acquire his signature before the window closes on Friday.

The Reds have "set their sights" on the Feyenoord ace, seeing him as an ideal option in place of Gimenez, but with his contract not expiring until 2027, the report does state that "it would take a big fee to try and prise him away from Amsterdam".

Brobbey stands out as a shrewd option for Forest in the coming days, and if they were able to entice him to the club, it could make up for the blow of missing out on the prolific Gimenez.

The Ajax ace is a top-quality player in his own right, and still only 22 years of age, scoring 49 goals and registering 19 assists for Ajax to date, as well as winning three caps for the Netherlands. His international captain Van Dijk has spoken highly about his compatriot's qualities, too, saying:

"I think he’s a great boy. He is a great talent and basically has everything. He is fast, strong and can finish well. He had said in an interview that he would score against us, but luckily, we were able to prevent that. He can be a very good weapon [for the World Cup], but it’s up to the national coach."

Forest signing Brobbey may feel like a real coup, given his international pedigree and the praise he has received from such a huge player in Van Dijk, and he scored a combined 31 league goals in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons combined.

Ajax

124

49

19

Ajax Under-19s

41

37

7

Ajax Under-21s

34

17

5

Ajax Under-17s

25

26

6

RB Leipzig

14

0

3

The £48,000-a-week Dutchman may only improve, too, given his tender years, so the idea of him in a Reds shirt for many years to come is an exciting prospect for Reds supporters.

The dismissal occurred when he moved to block a throw at the stumps from bowler Dan Worrall

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Apr-2021Victoria opener Sam Harper was given out obstructing the field in the early stages of the team’s final Marsh Cup match against South Australia.The incident happened when he played the ball back to Dan Worrall in his follow through and came well out the crease when playing the stroke. Worrall then threw the ball towards the stumps at which point Harper made an obvious movement to block the throw which was on target with him still out of the crease.South Australia, led by Travis Head, appealed and it led to a lengthy conversation between on-field umpires Peter Gillespie and and Sam Nogajski before the third umpire, Shawn Craig, eventually confirmed the dismissal.

Something you don't see every day… Sam Harper is out obstructing the field#OneDayCup pic.twitter.com/okhyYkrodY

— Victorian Cricket Team (@VicStateCricket) April 8, 2021