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Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper is in the market for additions come the New Year and reportedly has a talented youngster in his sights at the City Ground, according to a report.

Steve Cooper's Forest future in doubt

Forest were embroiled in a dramatic affair against Brighton & Hove Albion at the City Ground that ended in an unfortunate 3-2 defeat, as goals from Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White weren't enough to prevent losing out as Evan Ferguson's smart finish and a double from Joao Pedro sealed all three points for the visitors.

In the aftermath of the affair, The Daily Mail ran a story that claims Welsh boss Cooper is now under pressure from the Tricky Trees' ambitious hierarchy, with owner Evangelos Marinakis said to be growing frustrated with his side's recent form. Despite Nottingham Forest's defeat at the weekend, Cooper looks to have retained decent support from his club's fanbase; however, the outlet state that he will need to find a way to beat Everton this weekend at the City Ground to give himself further security.

On the face of it, sacking Cooper would be judged by many as a harsh call, given that he kept the Reds in the top flight in his debut Premier League campaign and currently has them sitting 14th in the division with 13 points from 13 fixtures.

Nevertheless, the English game resembles a revolving door concerning managers losing their positions every few months as owners look to get one step ahead in their ambitions to reach the top, which seemingly no coach is immune from in the cold light of day.

Nottingham Forest's recent Premier League results

Opponent & result

Venue

Nottingham Forest 2-3 Brighton & Hove Albion

City Ground

West Ham United 3-2 Nottingham Forest

London Stadium

Nottingham Forest 2-0 Aston Villa

City Ground

Liverpool 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Anfield

Nottingham Forest 2-2 Luton Town

City Ground

Casting an eye to January, Nottingham Forest are believed to be eyeing up an economically advantageous deal for a bright young star. However, they will face interest from other clubs in his services.

Nottingham Forest want Rocco Vata

According to The Daily Record, Nottingham Forest are keen on Celtic prospect Rocco Vata, after they had an offer turned down in the summer transfer window.

Italian sides Frosinone and Torino are also showing interest in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who is out of contract in 2024 and could be available for a development fee of just £350,000 as his future north of the border continues to remain unresolved.

Labelled "exciting" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Vata has been in brilliant form for Celtic B throughout the course of this campaign, notching ten goals in 13 appearances across all competitions (Vata statistics – Transfermarkt).

The 18-year-old has also featured four times for Celtic's senior side as his stock continues to rise. Despite this, an exit from the Hoops could be on the cards for Vata and he is unlikely to be short of suitors as his situation at Parkhead becomes more and more perilous.

Awoniyi replacement found in Nottingham Forest's dream starting XI after Jan

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ByTom Griffin Nov 26, 2023

Manchester United have always produced fantastic players from their esteemed academy, and Kobbie Mainoo is the latest gem to come to the fore.

The 18-year-old made his full debut for the club against Everton on the weekend and was awarded Man of the Match by broadcasters Sky Sports.

United have plenty of promising youngsters coming through the Carrington ranks, but who is most likely to follow in the footsteps of Mainoo as we head into 2024?

Football FanCast has taken a look at the 10 most promising Manchester United prospects who could be lighting up the Premier League in the years to come.

10 Isak Hansen-Aarøen

Norwegian, 19 years old

Isak Hansen-Aarøen was already playing senior football with Tromso in Norway before completing the switch to Old Trafford in September 2020.

The under-21 Norway international has been making noise for United's reserve side from central midfield and is tipped to reach lofty heights.

Erik ten Hag has called up the youngster for first-team training on occasion, which perhaps shows he's not too far away from making his debut.

Jonas Johansen, a sport performance coach for Hansen-Aarøen, believes the Norwegian could be sent on loan to further enhance his development.

“I think 1 or 2 loans is what they're thinking. Then it's up to Isak and his family to consider if that's the smartest thing,” Johansen said.

9 Charlie McNeill

English, 20 years old

United outlaid a reported £675k (potentially rising to £1.4m) on Charlie McNeill in October 2020, having ripped it up for Manchester City's youth teams.

The young centre-forward continued his prolific goalscoring record with United's Under-18s, netting 34 times in 35 outings before moving up to the U21s.

A record of 10 goals in 37 outings ensued with the reserve squad between six months on loan at League Two outfit Newport County last season.

McNeill appeared 20 times for the Exiles, scoring two goals, and is now on loan at League One side Stevenage.

The former City youth forward netted on his debut during a 3-0 away victory against Leyton Orient in September but has only appeared twice since.

According to the Mirror, United plan to recall the promising youngster in January and will then decide his next step thereafter.

8 Mateo Mejía

Colombian, 20 years old

Mateo Mejía joined the esteemed United academy from Real Zaragoza in 2019 as a 16-year-old for a reported fee worth €150,000 (£130k).

The Colombia youth international has enjoyed a bright start to the Premier League 2 this term, netting three times whilst laying on four assists across eight outings, and mightn't be too far away from a first-team debut given the exclusion of fellow winger Jadon Sancho and the out-of-form Antony.

Mejía, who typically operates on the right wing, was pictured in first-team training recently ahead of United's Champions League group game away at Galatasaray.

The 6 foot 1 wide player penned a new deal with the club in June.

7 Louis Jackson

Scottish, 18 years old

Louis Jackson was spotted training with the first team ahead of their League Cup clash against Crystal Palace in September, which brought his name to the attention of many hawk-eyed United fans.

The centre-back is highly rated by the club's officials, who handed the teenager his first professional contract in October 2022.

Jackson was just 16 years old when he helped the academy win the FA Youth Cup in 2022 and he has continued to blossom with the reserve side thereafter.

The Scotland youth international also holds the record for the youngest player to ever feature for United's Under-21s.

6 Willy Kambwala

French, 19 years old

Willy Kambwala, a towering and imposing centre-back, joined the Old Trafford club from French second-division outfit Sochaux for a reported fee worth £3.5m in 2020.

The 6 foot 4 defender has trained with the seniors in the past and could be on the cusp of a debut given Lisandro Martínez's injury and Raphaël Varane's potential winter exit.

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ByHenry Jackson Aug 12, 2024

Kambwala, who has operated at both centre-half and right-back this term, captained the Under-17 France team as a 16-year-old, which evinces his ability to become a potential future leader for United.

5 Álvaro Fernández

Spanish, 20 years old

Álvaro Fernández was named on the substitutes' bench for United's 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest earlier this season but is still awaiting his senior debut.

The Spanish left-back is currently on loan at LaLiga outfit Granada CF, having enjoyed a successful season at Preston North End last term, laying on six assists.

Should his spell in Spain be successful, he may well become a part of Ten Hag's plans, but he'll have fierce competition in the form of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

Fernández acclaimed United's Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year award in 2022 and picked up Preston's Young Player of the Season Award in 2023.

4 Shola Shoretire

English, 19 years old

Shola Shoretire has already made five senior appearances for United, with his first coming back in February 2021 as a 17-year-old. He became the second-youngest Red to play in the Premier League, with only Angel Gomes appearing at a younger age (16).

The Newcastle-born midfielder endured a difficult six-month loan stint at Bolton Wanderers last term, but manager Ian Evatt believes he'll have a 'really good future'.

Shoretire has put up fabulous numbers for United's U21s this season, scoring six goals whilst providing three assists across 10 outings, and may well be sent on loan in January to further his development.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League 2

7

4

3

EFL Trophy

3

2

0

3 Omari Forson

English, 19 years old

Omari Forson, an England youth international, is highly regarded by United staff and 'there's a feeling he'll be the next academy product to be handed his senior debut', as per the Manchester Evening News' Steven Railston.

Railston further claims that Forson is set to pen a new deal and extend his stay at Old Trafford, evincing the club's high hopes for his future.

The left-footed wide player has netted seven times in eight outings for the academy this season and was named on the subs bench for the senior team against FC Copenhagen in November.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League 2

4

3

1

UEFA Youth League

2

2

1

EFL Trophy

2

2

0

2 Daniel Gore

English, 19 years old

Daniel Gore has one senior appearance for the Red Devils to his name, coming on as a second-half substitute against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup earlier this season, though is still awaiting his full debut.

And many expect the classy midfielder to be the next academy star in line to become a fully-fledged United player, having impressed in pre-season and with the Under-21s.

Gore, who made his England Under-20 debut in October, has captained United in the UEFA Youth League this term, which evinces how well-regarded he is amongst the Old Trafford staff.

X account Olive Footy – a talent identification page – believes the midfielder has an 'innate ability to read the game' and 'execute accurate passes that unlock defences'.

Gore penned a new deal in the summer and appears well-positioned to become a fixture of United's midfield. Though, like all youngsters, he must be nurtured.

1 Joe Hugill

English, 20 years old

Joe Hugill, a former Sunderland youth player, has a fine goal record for United's academy teams and has netted six goals in eight outings in the Premier League 2 this season.

The 6 foot 1 centre-forward hasn't yet made senior debut but was a part of their matchday squad against Everton on the weekend as a substitute, evincing he is on the cusp of an appearance.

X page The Red Devil's DNA said on Hugill's skillset: "Really happy to see Joe Hugill on the bench. That's his first time in the squad. I like his profile. Classic poacher 9 who offers the verticality & movement that [Anthony] Martial lacks.

"Showed his pros in pre-season too. He can give us directness as a super sub if needed today."

As we head into the busy festive period with games coming thick and fast, perhaps Hugill will receive his opportunity, should he continue to bang in the goals for the under-21s.

Age group

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Under-21s

56

30

3

UEFA under-19s

3

1

0

Under-18s

24

18

4

Shabnim Ismail rocked West Indies’ top order, but South Africa lost their last nine wickets for 28 runs and were bundled out for 76

The Report by Deivarayan Muthu15-Nov-2018
With a howling gale whistling behind her, Shabnim Ismail, one of the fastest bowlers in women’s cricket, blew away West Indies’ top order, but South Africa lost 9 for 28 in pursuit of 108 to be dismissed for 76. The 31-run win took the defending champions to the top of the Group A points table and a step closer to the semi-finals.West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor, one of Ismail’s three wickets, overcome a neck injury and claimed a career-best 4 for 12 to tear up South Africa’s middle and lower order. She was backed up by electric fielding, highlighted by Deandra Dottin’s direct-hit to run out Dane van Niekerk for 1. Dottin swooped in from point, collected the ball, threw down the stumps – all in one swift motion – to have Darren Sammy grooving in the stands at a ground that has been named after him. The night ended in similar revelry, with the West Indies women jiving with a packed crowd in Gros Islet.Stafanie Taylor overcame injury to bag career-best figures in T20Is•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

South Africa had a strong chance to secure their first win over West Indies in the World T20 after limiting the hosts to 107 for 7. They were still the favourites when opener Lizelle Lee and No. 3 Marizanne Kapp put on a 31-run stand after weathering incisive new-ball bursts from Shakera Selman and Shamilia Connell.A spectacular collapse, though, was then set in motion, when Dottin had Lee holing out to sweeper cover, where Britney Cooper pulled off an outstanding catch in the 11th over. In the next over, Dottin capitalised on a mix-up between van Niekerk and her life partner Kapp, and caught the South Africa captain well short. Taylor’s loopy offspin and two further run-outs hastened the end for South Africa. From 48 for 1, they crashed to 76 all out, which left van Niekerk short of words at the post-match presentation.In the early exchanges, it was Ismail, who had silenced the West Indies top order and the crowd. She struck with her fourth ball, having Hayley Matthews nicking off to slip via a deflection off the wicketkeeper. She then hit the deck with her next ball and removed Taylor for a golden duck. Then, when she had Dottin popping a catch to extra cover in her next over, West Indies were 22 for 3 in four overs.Moseline Daniels snuck through the weak defences of Shemaine Campbelle in her first over to reduce West Indies to 29 for 4, but Natasha McLean and Kycia Knight staged a recovery with a 45-run partnership, the highest in the match. McLean was quite fluent through the off side, caressing Masabata Klass for fours through covers and mid-off. Knight switched gears only after McLean holed out in the 15th over, hoisting Daniels for a four and a six in the 18th.Knight herself holed out in the next over, but tigerish bowling and fielding from West Indies made their total of 107 for 7 look a whole lot bigger.

USWNT starlet Korbin Albert netted her first D1 Arkema goal for PSG against Montpellier on Sunday, smashing home a wicked effort from outside the box.

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Korbin Albert nets first D1 Arkema goalOutside the box effort for PSGUSWNT starlet fighting for Olympic spotWHAT HAPPENED?

Leading up to the halftime break, Albert won the ball just outside the 18-yard box, dribbling past a defender before firing a lofted ball into the back of the net over the Montpellier goalkeeper. It was the 20-year-old midfielder's second goal for the Parisian club.

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Albert truly announced herself as a starting XI contender under both interim boss Twila Kilgore and incoming USWNT coach Emma Hayes after a phenomenal W Gold Cup performance earlier this year. She started five out of six matches for the U.S. en-route to claiming the inaugural trophy of the tournament.

She's also become a regular for PSG in both the D1 Arkema and the UEFA Champions League, a competition where she netted her first-ever professional goal in last December. The Parisians are currently competing in the European competition, looking to advance to the semifinals of the tournament this coming week. They sit second in the league, trailing leaders Lyon by seven points.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ALBERT AND PSG?

PSG are back in UWCL action this week, with their second-leg clash against BK Hacken scheduled for Thursday. Albert and Co won the first leg 2-1, and they're looking to hold on this week for a chance at a final-eight berth.

Manchester United spent big during the summer of 2016, making Paul Pogba their statement signing as their former academy man turned Juventus star joined the Red Devils for a record fee, with a ludicrous £89m price tag above his head.

The club also sought to prove that they meant business by bringing in Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the building, the iconic and scarily potent striker joining the Theatre of Dreams on a free transfer deal.

Yet, there was another signing from this same transfer window that equally generated the same hype as both the Swedish striker and the Frenchman conjured up when signing on the dotted line at Man United, but is now forgotten about.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan would come and go from Old Trafford in the blink of an eye, signing from Borussia Dortmund and failing to ever really make an impact.

How much did Man United sign Mkhitaryan for?

The Armenian international would leave the Bundesliga behind for the Premier League for a substantial fee, joining Jose Mourinho's Red Devils for £26.3m – a fee at the time that felt like Man United would get their money's worth, after the winger's exciting spell in Germany.

Coming onto Dortmund's radar after scoring 25 goals from 29 starts for Shakhtar Donetsk in his final full season with the Miners, the now 34-year-old ace excelled when switching Ukraine for new pastures.

He would instantly endear himself to the Signal Iduna Park faithful, registering an impressive 19 goal contributions from 31 matches during his debut Bundesliga campaign – nine goals scored, with a further ten assists to his name.

By the time Man United snapped Mkhitaryan up, the ex-Shakhtar attacker was a crucial component to the multiple exciting, full-throttle, Dortmund teams put together by the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, and the Red Devils were enthralled by the prospect of Mkhitaryan replicating his Bundesliga best in the Premier League. Dortmund, for the attacking midfielder, truly meant home.

Unfortunately, this feeling of security for the former BVB superstar would unravel when moving to England with the move to Man United ultimately disastrous.

How did Mkhitaryan perform for Man United?

Mkhitaryan's time in a Red Devils jersey saw the Armenian become unusually goal-shy, the once clinical and feared attacking midfielder now a deer in the headlights.

He would only manage an unsatisfactory five goals in the Premier League over two campaigns for the club, as Jose Mourinho's hyped up collective failed to deliver great things on the pitch domestically.

Mkhitaryan's underwhelming spell with the Red Devils was put of its misery in a winter transfer-swap deal with Alexis Sanchez in 2018, the Chilean departing Arsenal in the form of his life but equally flopping at the Theatre of Dreams.

Alternatively, Man United's £26.3m man has managed to rejuvenate his career since his exit from Old Trafford and has even linked up with Jose Mourinho again.

How has Mkhitaryan performed since leaving Man United?

Despite his Arsenal move crashing and burning in similar fashion to his failed Man United transfer – only scoring nine times and assisting 13 goals across 59 appearances – relocating back to European comforts in AS Roma has seen the Armenian's career undergo a major rebirth.

Under ex-Red Devils boss Mourinho in Rome, his electric previous goalscoring form was back. He would manage 24 goal contributions from 34 games during the 2020-21 campaign in Serie A, both Man United and Arsenal scratching their heads at why he couldn't do this in England.

Notching up 45 goals and assisting 43 since departing the Red Devils after a torrid spell, Mkhitaryan – now 34 years of age – will see out his career knowing he turned his fortunes around and put the Man United disaster firmly behind him.

Arsenal recorded a truly famous victory on Sunday, as a raucous Emirates played host to a spirited 1-0 win over title rivals Manchester City.

Having failed to defeat Pep Guardiola's side in the Premier League since 2015, it marked a monumental task to overcome, but one which was massively aided by William Saliba's work in shackling Erling Haaland.

How did William Saliba play vs Man City?

Many fans attribute the Gunners' late collapse in the title race last season to the absence of the Frenchman, who suffered a back injury in March that he could not shake off. He would miss the following four months of action and the Citizens would win the league by just five points.

Clearly incensed by how that campaign ended, the 22-year-old titan was a man possessed, remaining defensively dominant whilst retaining his ease on the ball that helped calm down his side in what was a frantic clash.

In fact, the youngster would win 100% of the duels he competed in, and maintained an astronomical 99% pass accuracy, losing possession only once, via Sofascore.

Such a faultless display was always bound to draw accolades, but he was not alone in the pursuit of such a massive win in their ambitions to challenge for elite honours. Ben White was another who shone, not just for his shared solidity, but for the attacking impetus he injected down the right flank.

How did Ben White play vs Man City?

Earning a 7.7 Sofascore rating, the joint-highest of anyone on the pitch, the former Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back's exemplary performance has perhaps gone under the radar in such a mammoth match in which there were so many talking points.

With Saliba's perfection and Gabriel Martinelli's late winner, there was always bound to be some things lost in the crowd.

However, with 70 touches and an 87% pass accuracy, it marked another influential and economical display from the four-cap stalwart, who added two key passes and a sole successful dribble to such a fine showing, via Sofascore.

And yet, it was his work in shackling first Phil Foden, and later Jeremy Doku, that has earned praise, the latter in particular. It is actually a testament to White's unmatched performance that the Belgian trickster was only successful with one of the five dribbles he attempted.

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old right-back would record three tackles, two clearances, won four of his five ground duels and earned huge praise from content creator and writer Connor Humm: "Ben White being unable to get into the England squad is so funny. He’s comfortably clear of everyone except for Kyle Walker. Your loss, Gareth!"

This would be a notion echoed by journalist Dan Kilpatrick, who wrote the following summation after handing the £120k-per-week hero an 8/10 rating: "Overlapped well down the right flank and was excellent defensively."

In a game where they kept such a plethora of attacking talent silent, the defence was bound to emerge as those most deserving of praise. It seems that White continues to go from strength to strength at full-back, and having finally beaten their wretched rivals, how far they can go this campaign is a prospect that will have Arteta quietly excited.

Manchester United’s rich and storied history of overpaying significantly for players who failed to live up to expectations doesn’t appear to be going away.

Although Erik ten Hag has signed a few stars who could form the backbone of the team for the next few seasons, notably Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund, but extravagant fees have also been spent on certain arrivals who have yet to shine.

Antony cost the Red Devils £86m in the summer of 2022 from Ajax and has since scored just eight times, hardly the return such a significant investment promised.

Mason Mount was signed this summer for £60m, yet he hasn’t exactly lit up Old Trafford as yet as he sits on the treatment table, and while these two players have time on their side, the club overpaid for them, without a shadow of a doubt.

Unfortunately, this has been happening at the Red Devils since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 under a succession of managers who tried to emulate the achievements of the great man in the United hot seat.

Indeed, it was under Jose Mourinho that the club arguably wasted the most money, with players such as Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku underachieving massively during their stints in Manchester.

It was perhaps the signing of Alexis Sanchez which proved to be one of Mourinho’s worst during his spell as manager, especially considering the hype surrounding his move.

How much did Manchester United sign Alexis Sanchez for?

The Old Trafford side shelled out £30m to sign the former Barcelona star from the Gunners during the 2018 January transfer window.

Mourinho heaped praise on him during his arrival, saying: "Alexis is one of the best attacking players in the world and he will complete our very young and talented group of attacking players.

"He will bring his ambition, drive and personality – qualities that make a Manchester United player."

His record in the Premier League had been wonderful under Arsene Wenger, scoring 60 goals in the top flight across just three and half seasons, while netting 80 goals and grabbing 65 assists overall, suggesting the £30m could turn into a bargain.

These attacking qualities combined with his prior experience in England surely meant the Chilean would become a huge success in Manchester. How wrong could it go?

What happened to Alexis Sanchez?

Despite arriving with much fanfare at United that winter, Sanchez had been struggling for Arsenal during the opening months of the 2017/18 campaign, even being dubbed “woeful” by journalist John Cross mere weeks before moving north.

He had netted just eight times during the opening half of that season, yet a fresh start was perhaps required for him to hit the heights during his first three years in London.

Sanchez ended up scoring three goals and registering five assists across just 16 games in the Premier League and FA Cup, which was a solid if unspectacular start to his United career and surely this would be used as a base from which to build on during the following term.

It proved to be a false dawn, as the versatile forward managed to score twice across 27 matches, a terrible return for a player of his quality and there were now huge question marks over his signing.

The Chilean started only nine league matches that campaign, while averaging just 0.5 shots on target per game, creating only six big chances and succeeding with 0.7 dribble attempts during his spell on the pitch.

Across the whole United squad for these attacking metrics, he ranked tenth, fifth and sixth, hardly the type of form which was going to spearhead the club to glory or repay the £30m fee which was shelled out to lure him to the club 18 months prior.

Having scored just five goals for United, he cost them a staggering £6m per effort just on the fee alone. Evidently, this was a gigantic waste of money during a time when they were struggling to achieve success.

Where is Alexis Sanchez now?

His valuation, as per Football Transfers stood at €47.3m (£41m) upon his arrival at the Red Devils in 2018, yet when he left to join Inter Milan on a free transfer – following a season-long loan during the 2019/20 campaign – his value had dropped rapidly, sitting at just €13.6m (£12m), representing a fall of £29m.

His spell in Italy was far more productive than the previous few years spent in England as he ended up scoring 20 goals and grabbing 23 assists for Inter, helping them win the Serie A title during the 2020/21 campaign.

Alexis Sanchez statistics (via Sofascore)	2018/19 (last season at United)	2019/20 (first season at Inter Milan)
Goals	1	4
Shots on target per game	0.5	0.5
Big chances created	6	5
Key passes per game	1.1	1.5
Successful dribbles per game	0.7	1

Across the whole Inter squad that term, Sanchez ranked third for shots on target per game (0.5), seventh for big chances created (eight) and fourth for key passes per game (1.2), showing a pleasant return to form on the continent and giving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a taste of what he was missing.

He spent a season in France with Marseille as he continued to prove that there is still life in the old dog yet, finishing the 2022/23 campaign with 18 goals and three assists in all competitions which led to him joining Inter yet again during the summer transfer window.

These statistics go to show that there was an issue at United, rather than with Sanchez as his form before and after his spell at the club has allowed him to demonstrate his vast attacking abilities.

There is no doubt he flopped in Manchester, but with a more stable environment and more regular game time, could Sanchez have actually succeeded?

Who knows, but it was once again a waste of money by Mourinho, who in his bid to return United to their glory years, ended up splurging case left right and centre on a collection of players who simply weren’t up to the task.

Ten Hag will have taken note of his predecessors' mistakes in charge of the 13-time Premier League winners, yet with the aforementioned fees for Antony and Mount big talking points, it’s evident that the club still have a penchant for spending lavish fees on players who are potentially worth a lot less.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo está por detalhes de fechar com um novo jogador. O clube de General Severiano tem acordo encaminhado com iván Angulo, jogador de 21 anos que pertence ao Palmeiras e estava emprestado ao Cruzeiro desde a metade do ano. Ele chegaria cedido até o fim do Campeonato Carioca de 2021.

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Iván Angulo havia sido emprestado para o Cruzeiro em janeiro, mas o Palmeiras pediu a devolução do empréstimo com a pandemia do COVID-19. Com o retorno das competições, o colombiano voltou a ser cedido à Raposa, mas a equipe mineira tomou uma punição da Fifa de não poder registrar jogadores por uma dúvida com o Zorya-UCR pela contratação de Willian.

Desta forma, Angulo utilizava as instalações da Toca da Raposa para treinar, mas não esteve inscrito em nenhuma competição do Cruzeiro. Diante deste imbróglio. Luiz Felipe Scolari, novo treinador da equipe, aceitou liberar o jogador para negociar novos ares.

O Botafogo surgiu como interessado e vai dividir salários com o Palmeiras até o período de empréstimo, que será gratuito. Túlio Lustosa, gerente de futebol do Glorioso, está acertando os últimos detalhes com a diretoria do Verdão para fechar a contratação.

Iván Angulo foi revelado pelo Envigado FC, da Colômbia, e foi constantemente convocado para a seleção de base de seu país no ano passado. Na atual temporada, o atacante de 21 anos soma seis jogos.

Manchester United suffered their third straight defeat in midweek against Bayern Munich and the pressure is now firmly on Erik ten Hag, despite a spirited performance in Germany.

A tie against Burnley in the Premier League is next up for the Red Devils and while they currently occupy 13th spot in the table with just two wins from five, Vincent Kompany’s men have themselves secured only one point thus far.

This upcoming clash represents a wonderful opportunity for United to get back on track and a confidence-boosting victory will hopefully allow them to kick-start their season and nudge them further up the table.

Following the defeat to Bayern, Ten Hag will likely make changes, especially as several of his starting XI underperformed, with Christian Eriksen among the protagonists in this regard.

How did Christian Eriksen perform vs Bayern Munich?

The Danish midfielder made his first Champions League start since October 2020 against the Bundesliga side, yet he failed to showcase his vast talents when United needed him most.

His Sofascore match rating of 5.6 was the lowest out of anyone on the pitch during the match, as Eriksen's 69-minute spell saw him complete just 30 successful passes while giving away a penalty and being dribbled past twice as he failed to assert his authority in the heart of the midfield.

Following the tie, he and Casemiro were criticised by journalist Mark Critchley, who said: “Manchester United are under the microscope in just about every part of the pitch at the moment but the midfield might be most concerning.

“Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both look like short-term fixes to a long-term problem.”

Will Christian Eriksen start for Manchester United vs Burnley?

The £150k-per-week “absolute genius” – as so dubbed by Statman Dave in 2022 – hasn’t exactly lit up Old Trafford this season.

He has averaged a Sofascore match rating of just 6.9 across five Premier League ties, registering only two goal contributions – one goal and one assist – while creating zero big chances and averaging just 0.8 key passes per game.

Across the United squad, these statistics rank him only tenth, third and tenth for key passes per game, while he doesn’t even rank for big chances created.

It has been an underwhelming campaign thus far and indeed, across the previous 12 months, Eriksen has failed to showcase his best qualities over a range of metrics.

According to FBref, the Dane ranks in the lowest 93% for tackles (1.17) and the lowest 88% for interceptions (0.55) per 90 when compared to his positional peers in Europe's top five leagues, while some of his attacking statistics have not been great either.

He ranks in the lowest 74% for successful take-ons per 90 (0.43) and the lowest 40% for touches in the opposition box (1.37) when compared to his peers across Europe’s top five leagues and Ten Hag should perhaps give someone else an opportunity against Burnley today.

Something needs to click into gear for the Dutchman, and he needs it fast, otherwise the pressure could soon become unbearable, and he may well be looking for a new role sooner rather than later.

With it looking as if Eriksen is a key part of the 'problem' at present, a new solution must be found this evening.

Arsenal are looking at strengthening their defence before deadline day following the massive injury blow to Jurrien Timber.

Recent reports have revealed who the Gunners could target as a result, as Mikel Arteta and Edu consider their options for the remaining days of the summer transfer window.

By the first week of July, the north Londoners had already added Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Timber to the squad, with the arrival of their most recent capture, David Raya, coming earlier this month.

The opening day injury to Timber knocked the preparation Arsenal had covered in order to add to their depth in defence, however with under two days of the window remaining, moves are expected to be made.

Who could Arsenal sign before deadline day?

Reports in Spain have linked the Gunners with centre-back Eric Garcia, who traded Manchester City for Barcelona in 2021, however the Spaniard is also rumoured to be wanted by Girona.

Another player that has emerged as a potential target comes closer to home, with the Daily Mail naming Crystal Palace central defender Marc Guehi as one of the ‘prominent targets’ for the club to eye.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

News in Denmark has now listed Arsenal as a potential suitor for Danish right-back Alexander Bah, who signed for Benfica last summer from Slavia Prague.

The report notes that the defender could be the ideal coup for the north Londoners considering the loss of Timber to injury and loan exit of Kieran Tierney, however, it’s believed that despite the Eagles’ reluctance to sell the 25-year-old, an offer of around €35m (£30m) would be hard to turn down.

Who is Alexander Bah?

Having been lauded as “incredible” after scoring his first goal for the Portuguese champions by the 'Danish Scout' on social media, the versatile full-back could be the perfect acquisition for Arteta to consider.

Deployable as both a defender and a winger on the right side, the Denmark international has strengths going forward consistent with the demands that the Arsenal boss has of his full-backs in north London.

As per FBref, last season in the Primeira Liga, the 25-year-old averaged an impressive average of 5.65 progressive passes and 2.83 progressive carries per 90 for Benfica, as well as recording a stellar 1.53 key passes per 90.

Based on such numbers, it’s clear to see why the "fast" and "quality" Dane – as once described by former Sporting CP and Zenit St Petersburg striker Danny – would be of interest to Arteta, particularly after the injury to Timber who proved to have a similar level of performance in Eredivisie, prior to his move to the capital.

Despite being deployed at centre-back for Ajax, the 22-year-old machine averaged a mammoth 8.62 progressive passes and 2.38 progressive carries per 90 for the Dutch side, suggesting the compatibility for Bah to take his place with a similar skill set identified, via FBref.

Defensively, the Benfica whiz was equally impressive as he was going forward last term, averaging a solid 2.83 tackles per 90 on the right side of defence to showcase his durability as a complete full-back.

Losing Timber was a monumentally disappointing shock for those at the Emirates, at a time when it was assumed that the Dutchman was the missing piece to fixing the lack of depth in quality in the back line.

In securing the signature of Bah, Arteta and Edu could find an instant replacement for the 22-year-old absentee, in a talent that has provided all the indicators that he could be a sufficient alternative to the £38m man.