All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Leeds United fans will hope that they watch a far more dogged display from their side against Middlesbrough this mid-week in the EFL Cup after collectively shaking their heads at the defensive mess they were subjected to versus Portsmouth in the Championship.

Those packed into Elland Road from the home side's perspective would have loved the free-flowing football being served up, as three goals were scored, but three strikes were also leaked as John Mousinho's men somewhat fortuitously collected a share of the points.

Jayden Bogle was one that majorly underperformed in defence, on his debut no less in West Yorkshire, and so Daniel Farke and Co could now end up capturing a new target to give the summer signing some added competition.

Leeds showing interest in young defender

As per football transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Leeds hold concrete interest in young Chelsea defender Bashir Humphreys as a way to further solidify their backline.

The Whites aren't alone in their interest of the highly tipped England U21 international, however, with fellow Championship side Burnley also keen on adding Humphreys to their ranks, as Scott Parker goes about assembling his own promotion-ready squad at Turf Moor.

Previously out on loan in the EFL with Swansea City, the exciting 21-year-old could well view a move to Elland Road as a huge one for his personal development, having seen what Farke managed to get out of Joe Rodon when the Welshman left the glamour of the Premier League behind for a promotion fight in the league below.

This sale, however, could end up being a permanent one as per Romano, over a temporary loan switch, with Humphreys' worth coming in at around the £4m mark when looking at Football Transfers' most up-to-date valuation.

What Humphreys can offer Leeds

With Maximilian Wober also now reportedly heading for the exit door out of Elland Road, bringing in another body at the back would make sense and one that can switch to playing down Bogle's right flank if necessary.

Humphreys made 24 appearances for the Swans last campaign whilst out on loan, acclimatising to the demands of the tough and unforgiving division, readying himself for a new challenge to come potentially with Leeds.

The time could be right for the 21-year-old to call the Championship his permanent home now, therefore, after he has been completely absent from Chelsea's pre-season plans under Enzo Maresca, and he did also shine out in Wales last season in spurts.

Games played

24

Games started

22

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Touches*

67.1

Accurate passes*

47.8 (87%)

Interceptions*

0.9

Tackles*

0.9

Ball recoveries*

4.2

Clearances*

2.7

Total duels won*

3.2

Scanning the numbers above from this loan spell at Swansea, Humphreys could fit into the system at Leeds well, with the Chelsea youth product more than comfortable with playing the ball out from the back.

Humphreys would manage an impressive 87% pass accuracy per Championship clash last season for Luke Williams' men, before returning back to Stamford Bridge.

1. Glen Kamara

92.7%

2. Ilia Gruev

92.6%

3. Joe Rodon

90.7%

4. Pascal Struijk

90.3%

5. Liam Cooper

90.1%

6. Ethan Ampadu

89.1%

Stats via WhoScored.

Moreover, his ball recovery numbers are promising and are the exact same as what Rodon managed last campaign on average for the Whites in the league, who was heralded as a star for Farke's men at the back.

Competition for places might also be a reason why Humphreys is being targeted, with the possibility that the former Tottenham Hotspur man could even find his spot taken up by the Blues centre-back soon, based on his dire opening-day display.

Bogle will be more fearful, however, as he hasn't quite been able to win over the Elland Road masses yet, and the former Blades man was also way below par versus Pompey, with possession squandered 15 times by the underperforming full-back across the frantic 90 minutes. To make matters worse, he also gave away a late penalty.

With Humphreys also adept at filling in here, with three career games to date seeing him take up this makeshift spot, Farke could well have the depth he wants by capturing the £4m-rated gem.

That depth could come in crucial if Leeds are to challenge near the top-end of the division again, after putting the disappointing 3-3 draw versus Pompey behind them. Described as an "unreal" talent by writer Natalia Tavares, Humphreys could be just the man to solidify things again.

Leeds submit bid for "remarkable" gem who could replace Gnonto

Leeds United are looking to add even more firepower to their attack.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 11, 2024

Manchester United got off to a winning start in the Premier League but there are areas in need of improvement if Erik ten Hag is to fight for a place in the Champions League and a third successive year of silverware.

Right-back Noussair Mazraoui's arrival signalled an upgrade to the wide defensive department, but with Luke Shaw injured once again, sporting director Dan Ashworth must ensure that a fresh face is welcomed on the alternate side, with the Red Devils currently locked in a battle for a talented up-and-comer.

Man United transfer news

According to Turkish outlet Takvim – via Sport Witness – Man United are still in talks to sign Ferdi Kadıoğlu despite the vested interests of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Hijacks have been rife in transfer markets over recent years, and INEOS know that a left-back is essential for Ten Hag's success.

The Fenerbahce star is on the end of a €35m (£30m) bid from the Seagulls but United have lodged their own offer according to reports.

Imagine Ferdi Kadıoğlu & Marcus Rashford

Kadioglu's qualities would make him the perfect partner on the left for Marcus Rashford, who looked a shadow of his former self last season and has yet to make his mark this year, performing indifferently in the Community Shield and league opener against Fulham.

Still, the England international can change a match in an instant and has demonstrable expertise in the Premier League and on the continent. Ten Hag has hailed him as "unstoppable" in the past and it's in his capacity to reignite that flame.

Kadioglu, 24, could be the perfect profile to complement Rashford's incisive style and ensure that the goals rain down on the Theatre of Dreams once again.

2024/25

2 (2)

0

0

2023/24

43 (35)

8

6

2022/23

56 (46)

30

10

2021/22

32 (18)

5

2

2020/21

57 (46)

21

13

The Netherlands-born Turkey star ranks among the top 18% of full-backs across divisions similar to the Turkish Super Lig for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for passes attempted, progressive passes and progressive carries, the top 2% for successful take-ons and the top 4% for tackles made per 90, as per FBref.

This is going to be massive in supplying Rashford with the kind of support that he needs to find his Midas touch once more; Dalot does an excellent job when called to the left but the Portugal international does not have the same kind of attacking impetus on his unfavoured side, failing to complete a key pass against Fulham.

And anyway, as analyst Ben Mattinson has noted in the past, Kadioglu has the style to craft exciting combinations with left-sided forwards, discussing a potential partnership with Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli on that occasion.

Rashford, fleet of foot and artful too, carries many of Martinelli's finest traits and would be a credit to Ten Hag's frontline once more with a couple of tweaks. Kadioglu, who has been described as a "constant menace going forward" by journalist Zach Lowy, might just be the key to the 26-year-old's future success.

Better than Berge: Man Utd could sign Casemiro upgrade who's like Pogba

He has impressed at his current club.

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 18, 2024

We've now entered the final week of the summer transfer window, and Liverpool have yet to complete the first senior signing of the Arne Slot era.

Liverpool have recouped over £60m in August through the sales of young fringe players Sepp van den Berg, Fabio Carvalho and Bobby Clark – with further outgoings expected – while veterans Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara left upon the expiry of their contracts in June to free up a combined £300k-per-week of the wage bill.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed on his Here We Go podcast that he expects the Reds to get busy at this late stage, with Joe Gomez potentially moving on. Should that happen, signing a new centre-back would be imperative.

Fans crave the arrival of a deep-sitting midfielder too, but recent rumours actually suggest that FSG are considering an audacious swoop for one of Europe's finest wide forwards.

Liverpool transfer news

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are plotting a late move for Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has emerged as one of the most talented wingers in the world over the past few years.

The Georgian dominated Italy as Napoli won the Scudetto in 2022/23, and though the side fell off a proverbial cliff last year, he remained a world-class component.

The Naples giants shudder at the thought of his exit. Any deal would be complicated by his having three years remaining on his contract, and offers below £70m wouldn't be entertained. But then Liverpool do have money to spend, on the right player of course.

A left-sided forward, Kvaratskhelia would not be lined up as Mohamed Salah's replacement. The Egyptian king is out of contract at the end of the campaign but Liverpool appear ready to wait until 2025 before signing the perfect successor on the right flank.

Instead, Kvaratskhelia would bring his qualities to the left, with level of talent that could actually see him eclipse the competition and become one of Slot's most important cogs.

What Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would bring to Liverpool

Kvaratskhelia has that almost ineffable quality of raising the roof with mere movements, shifting and scurrying past his opponents to wreak the most remarkable of devastation, supplying goal machine Victor Osimhen with high-class consistency and finding space to unleash strikes on goal himself.

To think that the Italian team signed the 23-year-old for only €10m (£9m) in 2022, bringing him in from Dinamo Batumi in Georgia following previous spells in Russia.

He has now scored 25 goals and supplied 26 assists across 88 appearances for his current club, indeed winning the 2022/23 Serie A title and being crowned the division's Player of the Year.

Most impressive is his ability to carry that form into Gli Azzurri's title defence, where it all fell apart and the team languished toward a tenth-place finish.

He was hailed for his "unstoppable" attacking ability by talent scout Jacek Kulig while also evidencing the kind of dynamic and athletically robust style of play that would be sure to thrive in the Premier League.

On that point: as per FBref, he ranks among the top 19% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.

He'd be the perfect addition at Liverpool, though it's implausible to imagine he would be signed without a high-profile sale.

An upgrade on Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz's potential move to Barcelona seems to have been in the pipeline for ages, with his father revealing last year that his son is a supporter of the Catalan club and would consider a transfer to Camp Nou his unmatchable dream.

Such rumours have persisted throughout the summer transfer window, though Slot has recently stated that Diaz is at the core of his plans and he does not expect him to depart this month.

Rightly so. Diaz's fleet-footed, electric nature is hard to replicate, and while he's not the most clinical forward in the world, with only eight goals across 37 Premier League games last year, if there was ever a showcase of his skillset, he completed all five dribbles against Ipswich Town last weekend, also winning eight duels and placing three key passes.

Matches (starts)

37 (32)

34 (32)

Goals

8

11

Assists

5

6

Touches*

43.8

55.1

Shots (on target)*

2.5 (0.9)

3.8 (1.3)

Pass completion

85%

86%

Big chances created

5

11

Key passes*

1.8

1.9

Dribbles*

1.8

3.0

Ball recoveries*

3.4

2.9

Total duels won*

4.6

6.9

But, as you can see above, Kvaratskhelia is more rounded and more deadly in his performances, and four years younger than Liverpool's maverick, he could be the perfect, long-term option for Slot.

His dribbling output and energy in the duel, as well as his tipped favour in creative and ball-playing metrics, speak volumes about the kind of package Liverpool would land.

Barcelona are still in the market for a winger despite closing in on Federico Chiesa from Juventus (right-sided) so Diaz could yet be sold, and Kvaratskhelia must be signed, no one else.

Therefore, this is a deal that FSG need to see cross the line. Next summer, there could be a storm of interest in the Georgia superstar's services, but for now, a golden opportunity to swoop in and land a prodigious talent has opened up, and he must be signed.

Slot's own Ugarte: Liverpool could land dream No.6 in £51m "machine"

Will the Reds sign a No. 6 in the coming week?

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 24, 2024

One Chelsea outcast who Enzo Maresca doesn't want is in talks to leave the club permanently this summer despite the Premier League transfer window having shut at the end of August, it has been reported.

Maresca makes plans clear

Much has been made of Chelsea's willingness to dip into the transfer market on an almost weekly basis in the two years since Todd Boehly's arrival, with the turnover of players at Stamford Bridge only rivalled across the Premier League by Nottingham Forest.

11 new faces arrived this summer, with four forwards arriving led by Pedro Neto and Joao Felix, while Jadon Sancho was signed on loan on transfer deadline day, in a deal that will become permanent should Chelsea finish higher than 14th place, something that both those in charge and the fanbase hope will be a formality this season.

Chelsea's summer 2024 arrivals

Player

Fee (as per transfermarkt)

Pedro Neto

€60m

Joao Felix

€52m

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

€35.4m

Filip Jorgensen

€24.5m

Mike Penders

€20m

Aaron Anselmino

€16.5m

Renato Veiga

€14m

Caleb Wiley

€10.1m

Marc Guiu

€6m

Jadon Sancho

Loan

Tosin Adarabioyo

Free

But it has meant that plenty have found themselves frozen out by new boss Enzo Maresca, with Raheem Sterling only escaping via a deadline day loan to Arsenal.

"At the moment, with the squad that we have, I am working with 22, 23 or 21 players – not with the 42 players, otherwise it is impossible," Maresca said a week before the transfer deadline. "It is impossible for any manager in the world to make a session with 45 players. It's impossible. You cannot do that."

It means that plenty have been left scrambling for new clubs, and now one is locked in talks over an exit.

Striker in talks to leave

That comes in the shape of Ivorian attacker David Datro Fofana, who spent last season on loan with Burnley, where he scored four times in 15 appearances. The striker, who was signed in January 2023, still has a mammoth five years left to run on his £30,000 a week deal at Stamford Bridge.

But he has made just four senior appearances for the Blues and is out of Maresca's plans following the arrival of Marc Guiu. He reportedly saw moves away to both Sunderland and Hoffenheim collapse on transfer deadline day, but now has found a new suitor.

Chelsea scouts blown away by 19 y/o from the same academy as Joao Felix

He could be the next addition at Stamford Bridge.

ByBen Browning Sep 2, 2024

According to the BBC, Greek side AEK Athens are exploring a move to sign the 21-year-old, with their sporting director Panagiotis Kone spotted at Stamford Bridge for Sunday's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace as they held face-to-face talks to sign the young striker.

It is unclear whether the move would take the shape of a permanent or loan deal, with Chelsea likely in no rush to sell the striker unless they can recoup their reported £10m outlay given they still have plenty of flexibility over his contract.

The Greek transfer window remains open until September 11th, which could be the final chance that Chelsea's unwanted players have to continue their careers before January.

TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara has shared his verdict on one Tottenham player who he believes is “miles” off the pace, following their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the North London Derby on Sunday.

Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal as Postecoglou concedes to weakened Gunners

Given the amount of star absences in Mikel Arteta’s line-up over the weekend – with club captain Martin Odegaard, summer signing Riccardo Calafiori, Spain star Mikel Merino, Declan Rice and Oleksandr Zinchenko all missing – Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou had a real opportunity to seriously upset the club’s fierce rivals.

Ange thinks £120k-per-week ace has no Tottenham future after drop in form

The Australian is considering drastic action.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 13, 2024

The Lilywhites did dominate possession and created a host of chances throughout the 90 minutes, but Tottenham’s lack of cutting edge and set-piece weakness eventually cost them dearly.

Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes scored the only goal of the game, leaping above all of his opponents to guide a close-range header past the helpless Guglielmo Vicario, who had real trouble defending his six-yard box from the corner.

This was enough for Arteta’s side, who held on to their narrow lead past the hour mark to come away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with all three points, in what was a regrettable afternoon for Postecoglou and co.

Dejan Kulusevski was criticised against Arsenal for his attacking display, with the Sweden international unable to unlock Arteta’s back line on enough occasions. Meanwhile, a lot of debate has also centered around Vicario’s lack of confidence when it comes to dead balls.

Minutes

95′

Expected Goals

0.16

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.11

Assists

0

Touches

49

Passing Accuracy

17/25 (68%

Crosses (Accurate)

5 (0)

Shots on Target

1

Dribbles (Successful)

3 (1)

Duels (Won)

17 (5)

Possession Lost

20

Dribbled Past

3

Tottenham must now lick their wounds, reassess and come back stronger in their next Premier League game against Brentford on Saturday, but before that, Postecoglou’s squad travel to face Coventry City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

Jamie O'Hara slams "miles off it" Brennan Johnson after Arsenal loss

O’Hara hasn’t held back with his criticism of Spurs after the home defeat, and one player in particular – winger Brennan Johnson.

Taking to X on Sunday, O’Hara called Johnson a “frustrating” Tottenham player to watch, and he’s since shared a further verdict on the Wales international who cost Daniel Levy around £50 million to sign from Nottingham Forest last year.

Indeed, speaking to talkSPORT, O’Hara has also claimed that Johnson is “miles off” the pace at Tottenham, with the 23-year-old proving ineffective on many occasions against Arsenal and beforehand.

“We played well but we don’t score – take your chances. We’ve brought in good players and you expect them to do the business,” said O’Hara. “But I look at it and think have we brought in top players? Solanke, one good season at Bournemouth and we signed him for £60million.

“Brennan Johnson, a good player and a young player at Nottingham Forest. We signed him for £50million and he looks miles off it. Then I look at Archie Gray who we signed from Leeds, he’s a Championship player and then we signed Odobert from Burnley.

“Daniel Levy has built this big shiny stadium and it’s only enjoyable to go to when Beyonce’s on! We’re not signing a top player from Barcelona or Atletico Madrid or someone who is actually at the level of where we want to be.”

Arsenal are a club with a proud history of producing incredible young talents.

In the past, players like David Roecastle, David O’Leary, and Tony Adams have come through Hale End to star in the first team, and in the last few years, another batch of academy graduates have also made their mark.

Youngsters like Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson have all played prominent roles in Mikel Arteta’s squads, and while none of them were able to reach the level of players past, Bukayo Saka looks like he just might.

The Gunners’ sensational number seven has established himself as potentially the most important player in the team, and if he can keep playing at a similar level for the next few years, he could go on to be the club’s greatest academy graduate ever. So, it’s unfortunate that a player once compared to him recently left the club for nothing.

Saka's Arsenal career

Now, it seems bizarre to refer to Saka as already having an Arsenal career as he has only just turned 23, but due to his incredible talent and rapid development, he has already racked up a frankly astonishing 230 appearances for the club.

In those games, the fan-favourite has scored 59 goals and provided 57 assists, meaning he’s maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.98 games since making his debut against Vorskla Poltava in the Europa League in November 2018.

However, the reality of those attacking figures is even more impressive. Early on in Hale Ender’s first-team career, he was deployed all over the pitch and has 21 appearances to his name at left back, 29 in left midfield, 55 in right midfield, and five in central midfield, along with a smattering of starts in attacking midfield and on the left wing.

So, even though the Ealing-born dynamo has been moved around during his time in the first team, he has remained a consistent performer and has more than justified talent scout Jacek Kulig’s claim that he’s a “legend in the making.” Unfortunately, this only makes the loss of another academy star likened to him all the more painful.

Amario Cozier-Duberry's comparison to Saka

Yes, the youngster in question is 19-year-old Hale End graduate Amario Cozier-Duberry, who was compared to the Gunners’ poster boy by none other than Arsenal’s u18 coach and former wonderkid himself, Jack Wilshere.

Speaking to The Athletic in April of last year, the 32-year-old couldn’t hide his excitement about the then 18-year-old prospect, remarking that he “reminds me of Bukayo Saka” and that “in some moments he’s unplayable.”

The incredibly promising winger joined the North Londoners in 2019, signed his first professional contract with the club in June 2022 and was simply sensational for the youth teams.

Games

48

31

4

Goals

18

10

2

Assists

10

8

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.58

0.50

For example, in 48 appearances for the U21s, he scored 18 goals and provided ten assists; in 31 games for the U18s, he scored ten goals and provided eight assists; and in four games in the UEFA Youth League, he scored twice.

Such sensational form saw him make the bench a few times over the last two seasons.

However, when his contract expired in the summer, and despite efforts from Edu Gaspar to get him to stay, he opted to join fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, where he enjoyed a strong preseason and has since been sent on loan to Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

Ultimately, a lot of Arsenal’s recent academy graduates have gone on to make the club a pretty penny in the transfer market. Still, if Wilshere was right in his assessment and his youth numbers are anything to go by, the Gunners might have missed out on another talented winger who could have made it at the first-team level in Cozier-Duberry.

Arsenal teen who's "the fastest star at Hale End" could replace Martinelli

The promising 18 y/o has a bright future ahead of him.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 17, 2024

They are yet to pick up a win, but Ipswich Town have made a positive start to life in the Premier League this season.

Kieran McKenna’s side had to play Liverpool and Manchester City in their opening games of the campaign and put up a valiant fight in both before picking up impressive points at home to Fulham and then away to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Tractor Boys now have the perfect opportunity to pick up their first win of the year this afternoon as they take on Southampton in what should be an early relegation six-pointer.

That said, to give his team the best chance of claiming all three points, McKenna should make at least one change to the lineup that drew last weekend and drop Wes Burns.

Why McKenna should drop Burns

Burns joined Ipswich from Fleetwood Town in June 2021 when the club were still in League One and has played a significant role in every season since.

For example, in 38 appearances last season, the 29-year-old winger racked up six goals and four assists, equating to a goal involvement on average every 3.8 games, and played an important role in their promotion to the top flight.

However, while he could still be a useful player, he didn’t look great upon his return to the team against the Seagulls last week, which is an opinion shared by Alex Jones of the East Anglian Daily Times, who gave him a 6/10 on the day, writing that he ‘struggled to find space’ and ‘looked tired in the latter stages.’

Minutes

59′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Expected Assists

0.01

Touches

21

Passing Accuracy

4/8 (50%)

Key Passes

0

Long Balls (Accurate)

1 (0)

Shots

0

Dribbles (Successful)

4 (1)

Duels (Won)

12 (4)

Lost Possession

9

Errors that led to a Shot

1

It’s easy to see where Jones is coming from when we look at Burns’ statistics from the game. In his 59 minutes on the pitch, he could only register an expected assists figure of 0.01, took just 21 touches, misplaced 50% of his passes, didn’t play a single key pass, was inaccurate with his one long ball, didn’t take any shots, failed in three of four dribbles, lost eight of 12 duels, lost possession nine times and made one error that led to a Brighton shot.

Overall, while it was a tough ask of the 29-year-old, he didn’t look particularly dangerous on the right, and in what feels like a must-win game this afternoon, he should be dropped for a far more exciting attacker.

Why Jack Clarke should start

Yes, the exciting attacker in question is former Sunderland star Jack Clarke, who joined the Tractor Boys last month for a fee of around £15m plus £5m in add-ons.

Now, the 23-year-old has made five appearances for the club so far, all on the left, in which he’s scored and assisted a goal, but he is more than capable of playing on the right, as across his career to date, he has started 44 matches there.

Moreover, it wouldn’t be a particularly unusual tactical decision from McKenna, as he’s already shown a willingness to play his most talented stars in unfamiliar positions this season, with Sammie Szmodics starting on the left in two games so far.

Furthermore, like the Irishman, the English “diamond”, as former manager Tony Mowbray described him, is such a talent that having him start in a slightly unfamiliar position is far more useful than starting on the bench.

For example, in just 42 appearances for the Black Cats last season, the York-born dynamo scored 15 goals and provided four assists, meaning that across an entire season, he maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.21 games.

Appearances

42

Goals

15

Assists

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.45

Ultimately, while Burns wasn’t dreadful against Brighton last week, he didn’t offer anywhere near enough attacking threat, and so, even though it’s off the right, McKenna should look to start Clarke in his place this afternoon, as he showed last season just how destructive he can be at times.

Exciting: Kieran McKenna shares more positive Ipswich Town contract news

More new deals could be on the way.

ByCharlie Smith Sep 19, 2024

Manchester United are reportedly considering a shock move to sign a new forward as they look to bolster their ranks under Erik ten Hag.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe speaks out on Erik ten Hag

Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has added fuel to the flames of speculation surrounding the future of Ten Hag following a run of bad results, refusing to rule out his departure from the club.

The Old Trafford side have managed just seven points from six Premier League games so far this campaign, and have been soundly beaten at their own ground by both Tottenham and Liverpool, while they threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Porto in their Europa League opener.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Ratcliffe refused to be drawn on his opinion of the situation. “I don’t want to answer that question”, the INEOS chief said. “I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call.

“It’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.

Manchester United so far this season (Premier League and Europa League)

Games

7

Wins

2

Goals scored

8

Goals conceded

11

“But that team that’s running Manchester United has only been together since June or July. They’ve only been there… you can count it in weeks almost – they’ve not been there a long time, so they need to take stock and make some sensible decisions.

“Our objective is very clear – we want to take Manchester United back to where it should be, and it’s not there yet, obviously – that’s very clear.”

With transfers now no longer in the hands of the head coach at Old Trafford though, speculation about potential player arrivals continue despite Ten Hag’s uncertainty, and now one report has linked Manchester United with a somewhat bizarre move.

United eyeing impressive winger with 11 G/A this season

That comes as reports in Spain claim that the Red Devils are considering a January move to sign Turkish winger Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who is impressing for Benfica this season. The 25-year-old only joined Benfica a month ago from Turkish side Galatasary, signing a five year deal worth £46,000 a week, but has already caught the eye in his new colours.

He has scored in each of Benfica’s two Champions League games so far, while he has also grabbed two goals and two assists in just three outings domestically, adding to the five goal contributions he made in six games for Galatasaray prior to the late move.

And the report claims that this has caught the eye of the Red Devils, with United “the most interested” in signing the forward. In fact, it is added that “serious interest” has led to “talk of a possible offer of 40 million euros” from the Red Devils, which would be enough to reportedly convince Benfica to sell him just months on from shelling out 12m euros to secure his signature.

Man Utd ready to resume talks with "smart" UCL winner to replace Ten Hag

The Red Devils have started the season in disappointing fashion…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 4, 2024

Typically, Aktürkoğlu has spent much of his career to date on the left-wing, where United are already well-stocked with both Marcus Rashford and the talented Alejandro Garnacho. Were he to move to Old Trafford, it is likely that he would be asked to play in a different role, with the 25-year-old having played on both the right wing and behind the striker.

Already 25, his addition would seem to go against the young signings that the club have already made since the arrival of Ratcliffe, while it would ask questions of the management were another left-sided player to be signed rather than a more natural right winger.

The international break has come at a great time for Manchester United. Respite, urgent respite. How Erik ten Hag’s side have needed it over the last week or so.

United actually bounced into the break off the back of a promising 0-0 draw at Aston Villa. Still, chaos remains. Big-money players are being dropped, players are injured and Ten Hag’s job has never been less secure.

The Old Trafford hierarchy backed the Dutchman over the summer, perhaps strangely, and they are now paying the price for such a decision.

The Red Devils have embarked on their worst start to a Premier League season after seven matches and have just scored five goals, a tally only worse than relegation-threatened Southampton.

So, where do United turn to? Getting rid of Ten Hag could cost a bomb but there are plenty of managers out there.

Man United's manager shortlist

Thomas Tuchel has long looked like one of the main candidates for the job but reports emerged over the weekend suggesting he was now in advanced talks with the FA over taking the England job following Lee Carsley’s interim spell at the helm.

Gareth Southgate has also seemingly ruled himself out of any new gig with the former Three Lions boss claiming he doesn’t intend to manage again over the next year.

One option is Sporting manager Ruben Amorim. Compared to Jose Mourinho, it would be an attractive appointment but having turned down West Ham over the summer, you sense he has unfinished business in the Portuguese capital.

Another option is Edin Terzic. That’s according to The Sun who reported on Saturday evening that the former Borussia Dortmund head coach is being ‘considered’ by the decision-makers at Man United.

Terzic is currently without a club having surprisingly quit after Dortmund’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid and thus, no compensation fee would be required. So, would he be a good appointment? Compared to Jurgen Klopp, it’s certainly a good start.

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How Terzic compares to Ten Hag and Klopp

By the time Klopp left Anfield behind at the end of last season, United supporters would have been sick of the sight of the German.

He was the pillar of Liverpool’s success over the last decade in which they won the Premier League, the Champions League, an FA Cup and League Cup. Ten Hag may well have won two domestic trophies since moving to Old Trafford but Klopp’s dynasty is immense in comparison.

So, how does Terzic compare? Well, it goes just beyond the fact they’ve had success with Dortmund, something David James previously alluded to when discussing Liverpool’s manager targets last season.

The main parallel between the two can be outlined with the help of commentator Derek Rae. Writing for ESPN he spoke of Terzic possessing ‘a Klopp-like intensity in the dugout’. Promising signs indeed if you like that sort of thing.

Just based on that, you can gather a sense that the 41-year-old would bring a greater aura and personality to the side of the pitch than Ten Hag, a manager who doesn’t show his emotions too regularly.

Stylistically, further similarities can be drawn between the great Klopp and Terzic. The German tactician also prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation – something Klopp used to great effect at Liverpool – and likes high-pressing.

Matches

128

Wins

75

Draws

24

Defeats

29

Goals scored

267

Goals conceded

153

Points per match

1.95

Trophies

x1 German Cup

Most-used player

Julian Brandt (115 games)

Highest goalscorer

Reus & Malen (25 goals)

As the Bundesliga official website once outlined ‘Terzic football means ambush’. That requires the team to press from the front and at high intensity, forcing the defenders to make a mistake, just as a Klopp side would do.

United have tried pressing under Ten Hag but, truth be told, it’s been a collective mess. Unlike when you watch a side like Arsenal or Manchester City, it’s hard to know who’s leading the press and it’s unpredictable.

At times the wingers might push up with the striker but things are rarely done in unison. This has led to countless mistakes and also the midfield being played through on an all too regular basis. There is a hope, therefore, that Terzic could solve that problem.

What should also appeal to the hierarchy at United is the young coach’s experience at a big club. Ten Hag had this having managed Ajax but he has not dealt with the expectations or pressure well since moving to England.

Terzic looks like a man capable of embracing this. One particular passage from his chat with the Coaches’ Voice helps paint that picture.

Wow, doesn’t that sound a fair bit different from Ten Hag? He’s found it a massive challenge to control the emotional state of this football club. He’s had problems with Marcus Rashford’s discipline and simply, all of the noise surrounding the manager’s future suggests he has no control over proceedings at Old Trafford.

Terzic certainly isn’t of the calibre of a Zinedine Zidane or Tuchel but he’s an ever-improving manager and his Klopp-like style could be just the tonic United need.

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Eddie Howe finds himself under pressure after Newcastle United’s underwhelming start to the season, but is he in danger of losing his job?

Why Howe is facing pressure at Newcastle

The Magpies lost 2-1 away to Chelsea in their most recent Premier League assignment, which was no disaster, considering the Blues are looking good for a top-four finish this season.

That being said, the defeat still means Newcastle are down in 12th position, which supporters would not have been happy about back in August, and performances have too often been lacking this season, even when positive results have been picked up, such as at home to Tottenham, when they were outplayed for large periods.

For that reason, pressure has been growing on Howe, even though he still has plenty of support from the fanbase, while there are also murmurings of discontent between himself and sporting director Paul Mitchell.

There is no doubt that things have to improve in order to avoid a second consecutive below-par season, even if injuries were a huge reason for Newcastle’s struggles in 2023/24.

Key update on Howe's Newcastle future

Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown claims he’s heard Howe’s job as Newcastle manager is safe for now, with a lack of transfer activity seen as a good excuse for the Magpies’ shortcomings.

“I’m told there is an acceptance that the transfer window did not go as planned and that has, no doubt, had an effect on how they’ve started the season. They’re in a difficult position and could go one way or the other, but they’re backing Howe. With the players they’ve got, the likes of Alexander Isak, they’ve certainly got the ability.

“Results will need to turn around though because going five games without a win isn’t good enough when you want to challenge and qualify for Europe. Howe has done a good job since he took over there, though, and he’s got plenty of credit in the bank with the fans and the owners.”

It would certainly be harsh for Newcastle to sack Howe currently, considering the positives still very much outweigh the negatives in terms of the job he has done at St James’ Park, not least guiding his side into the Champions League in 2022/23.

The lack of transfers has been an issue that both the manager and Mitchell have mentioned, leaving the Magpies without the depth and quality of some of their Premier League rivals, and more reinforcements are badly needed in January and next summer.

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That being said, Howe shouldn’t be absolved of any criticism, with Newcastle’s league position not good enough and too many displays lacking conviction, so improvements are required, starting at home to Chelsea and Arsenal this week, in the EFL Cup and league respectively.