Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been blowing Wrexham’s transfer rivals out of the water by offering £3,000-a-week more to top targets.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Hollywood co-owners funding ambitious projectMore new recruits acquired in summer windowOpponents accept big offers are part of the gameGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Dragons have been able to outspend many of their opponents en route to League One. Back-to-back promotions have lifted them out of the National League and into the third tier of English football for the first time in 20 years.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The playing field is now starting to level out, as Wrexham compete with the likes of Birmingham and Huddersfield, but Hollywood co-owners are still able to make the funds available that allow certain foes to be fended off.
GettyWHAT MACANTHONY SAID
That was the case when pursuing Leicester defender Lewis Brunt – who impressed on loan at Mansfield last season – with Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony telling his podcast of how Wrexham beat him to a much sought-after defender: “The ones we were in for, we had one signed, pretty much done, and at the last minute, obviously our Welsh friends came in and swooped in and offered him, I think it was £3,000 more a week than we had already agreed with the player. By the way, fair play to them, that’s their prerogative to do that, we’ve done that over the years with other clubs. The player chose them, no problem, I’ve got no issue with that.”
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
WHAT NEXT?
Wrexham have also signed Arthur Okonkwo as a free agent this summer, while bringing in Brunt, George Dobson, Callum Burton and Sebastian Revan. There may be more business to come as the Red Dragons return to Wales from their pre-season tour of North America.
It's been another miserable season of football for Chelsea fans this year.
Mauricio Pochettino has failed to create an effective team at Stamford Bridge, and aside from an imposing FA Cup Semi-Final against Manchester City on the horizon, there is nothing left to play for in 2023/24.
One of the few positives to come out of this year for the Blues is Cole Palmer, who has been a revelation at the Bridge and almost singlehandedly saved the team from a relegation fight. However, he's earning considerably less than a former flop used to.
Cole Palmer's salary at Chelsea
The Pensioners paid Manchester City £42.5m to sign Palmer in the dying days of the summer transfer window last year, and to say they've already got their money's worth would be a colossal understatement.
In his first full season of regular senior football, the Wythenshawe-born gem has returned a staggering 32 goal involvements in 37 games, with 19 of those being goals and 13 being assists.
Appearances
37
Goals
19
Assists
13
Goal Involvements per Match
0.86
These are vital contributions as well, such as the opener against Arsenal at home, the late equaliser against City last year, or the incredibly dramatic last-second winner against Manchester United last week.
The "exceptional" talent, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has been the shining light in Chelsea's bleakest of seasons, yet his £75k-per-week salary means that 15 players earn more than him in the squad.
However, what's even more surprising is that a former flop used to earn 2.4 times more than the young superstar despite doing very little to warrant it.
Callum Hudson-Odoi's salary at Chelsea
The former flop in question is Cobham graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi, who earned an enormous sum of money in west London before finally leaving last summer. But before we get to that, let's look at his Chelsea record.
Callum Hudson-Odoi
The Wandsworth-born ace spent five seasons in and around the first team from 2017/18 to 2021/22, in which he made 126 appearances, scored 16 goals, provided 21 assists, and made a real name for himself as one of the most exciting up-and-coming youngsters in English football. So much so that in October 2020, Bayern Munich made an offer to take him on loan with a £70m option to buy.
This hype saw his wages soar from just £400-per-week in the 17/18 season to £2500-per-week the season after and £120k-per-week in 19/20 all the way to £180k-per-week for the 20/21 and 21/22 campaigns – a staggering increase of 44,900%.
Unfortunately for all involved, this coincided with multiple injury problems and a downturn in form, which led to a doomed loan move to Bayer Leverkusen for the 2022/23 campaign to try and rediscover his magic.
Upon his return to London, the former wonderkid remained a Chelsea player for another four weeks before finally leaving the Bridge for good to join Nottingham Forest, where he has since started to impress again.
Total Wages
£25.7m
Appearances
126
Cost per Appearance
£204k
Goals
16
Cost per Goal
£1.6m
Assists
21
Cost per Assist
£1.2m
Goal Involvements
37
Cost per Goal Involvement
£694k
So, when accounting for his wages during the five seasons and four weeks he was actually at the club, the 23-year-old cost the Pensioners a mindboggling £25.7m. In other words, he cost £1.6m-per-goal, £1.2m-per-assist, or £204k-per-appearance – talk about value for money.
Ultimately, the case of Hudson-Odoi at Chelsea is another 'what could've been' regarding an incredibly promising but injury-prone player. However, it still seems absurd to this day that he saw a wage rise of 44,900% and earned over double what Palmer does today.
Chelsea were bled dry by Conte flop who earned 3x more than Gallagher
The talented star just couldn’t make it work at Stamford Bridge.
Leeds United have the opportunity to move into the top two in the Championship when they take on Middlesbrough at the Riverside on Monday night.
Ipswich Town were not in action over the weekend, as their clash with Coventry City was postponed due to their involvement in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and this means that the Whites have the chance to leapfrog the Tractor Boys for now.
A win against Boro would put them on 90 points, one point ahead of Kieran McKenna's side, and pile the pressure on their rivals to make the most of their game in hand.
The Whites head into this clash with Michael Carrick's men off the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Elland Road last time out in the league, with Sammie Szmodics scoring the only goal of the game in the second half.
Daniel Farke may now look to make some alterations to his starting XI from that loss in order to freshen his team up and attempt to return to winning ways.
With that in mind, here is FFC's predicted Leeds lineup to take to the field on Teeside against Middlesbrough in the Monday night Championship clash…
1 Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier
Starting off in goal, Illan Meslier should keep his place between the sticks as he has been the manager's first-choice option throughout the season.
There was little the French shot-stopper could have done to stop Szmodics' clinical finish from inside the box against Blackburn last time out, and should start against Boro.
2 Archie Gray
Archie Gray, who started in central midfield against Rovers, could be moved back to right-back for this match in order to make room for another player to return to the XI in the middle of the park.
The 18-year-old starlet was crowned Championship Young Player of the Year last weekend and could play in the position that he has nailed down the majority of the campaign.
This would see Connor Roberts, who made one tackle and created one chance in 67 minutes against Blackburn, drop down to the bench for this clash, as he has been ruled out of the game – and the upcoming clash with QPR – through injury.
3 Joe Rodon
Leeds United's loan defender Joe Rodon.
To the left of Gray, Joe Rodon should retain his place at the heart of the back four for Leeds, as the Tottenham Hotspur loanee has been superb throughout the season.
The Wales international has dominated opposition attackers on a regular basis in the Championship for the Whites, with a duel success rate of 66%.
4 Ethan Ampadu
Pascal Struijk has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a groin injury and this means that defensive midfielder Ethan Ampadu looks set to continue at centre-back.
The Welsh battler has made more Championship interceptions per game (1.4) than any other player in the squad this season, which speaks to how well the former Chelsea man reads the game and breaks up opposition attacks.
5 Junior Firpo
Junior Firpo
Junior Firpo is the manager's only natural option at left-back and should lineup once again. Sam Byram, who is naturally right-footed, could be deployed in this role, but the ex-Barcelona man offers a creative outlet down the flank.
He has registered five assists and created an eye-catching 11 'big chances' in 23 appearances and 16 starts in the Championship for Leeds so far this season.
6 Glen Kamara
At the base of the midfield, Gray could move to right-back to make space for Glen Kamara to return to the starting XI after being an unused substitute against Blackburn.
The Finland international, who was described as being made of "iron" by ex-boss Neil McCann, could have extra motivation to put in a strong performance after being dropped for the clash with Blackburn.
In the Championship this season, the summer signing from Scottish giants Rangers has completed 93% of his attempted passes and won 58% of his duels across 34 appearances.
7 Ilia Gruev
Ilia Gruev
Ilia Gruev could start alongside the former Arsenal academy graduate in the middle of the park after he won 100% (3/3) of his duels in the defeat to Blackburn.
The Bulgaria international has completed 92% of his attempted passes in the Championship this season, which shows that he has the quality to be a reliable operator in possession for Leeds.
8 Wilfried Gnonto
Wilfried Gnonto
On the right of the attack, Wilfried Gnonto should keep his place in the starting XI ahead of Dan James after his fantastic performance last time out.
The Italy U21 international made five key passes and created two 'big chances' against Rovers, only for his teammates to fail to make the most of the those high-quality opportunities in front of goal.
9 Georginio Rutter
Georginio Rutter
In the attacking midfield position, Georginio Rutter could be selected once again by Farke despite a recent dip in form in terms of goals and assists.
The 22-year-old magician has failed to register a single goal or assist in the last five league matches but has created 22 'big chances' in 41 league starts this season, and the head coach may hope that the Frenchman bounces back to form on Monday night.
10 Crysencio Summerville
The Championship Player of the Season should be selected to play on the left wing in the hope that he extends his impressive record in the division.
Crysencio Summerville has plundered 17 goals and eight assists in 40 league matches for Leeds, and his attacking quality could be key during the last few games of the campaign as the Whites look to fire themselves back to the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag has been given another opportunity to show he is the right man to lead United back to the top and has no excuses this time
At the back end of last season, Manchester United were very much in crisis as a large number of key figures seemed to be living out their final days at the club. Erik ten Hag was repeatedly told by the media that he was about to be sacked, while Casemiro had been urged by Jamie Carragher to quit the Premier League for his own good.
Marcus Rashford had lost the faith of many fans and it was deemed by no shortage of match-going supporters that the best thing would be for him to leave the club where he has spent his entire life. Jadon Sancho had already left on loan and, after revitalising his career with Borussia Dortmund, he was expected to make a permanent move away from the Red Devils. However, as the new season dawns upon Old Trafford, all these previously maligned figures remain.
Nonetheless, they must perform better now. United desperately need to make a strong start and banish the memories of the last campaign so they can begin their journey back towards Champions League football.
The Red Devils have missed out on Europe's top competition on plenty of occasions before, but have never been absent for two years in a row, and a swift return is vital to prevent them slipping into obscurity as a credible sporting entity.
Getty Images SportMood around Old Trafford
There is a new kit, a new sponsor and a host of new executive figures, but many things about United feel rather similar to one year ago, when they were about to begin their worst-ever season in the Premier League.
Worst of all, the injury crisis which engulfed them last time around has returned even before the season has begun, with big-money signing Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund set to miss a chunk of the new campaign while Luke Shaw is yet again unavailable.
Still, there are plenty of new faces, and hope is centred around the team's bright young stars. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo look primed to build on their impressive feats from last season while Amad Diallo has been tipped to finally have his breakthrough campaign more than three years after first joining the club.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTransfer business
Unlike in previous summers, United got their business done early by signing Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £37 million ($47m), which was followed swiftly by the arrival of teenage centre-back Leny Yoro in a bold £52m ($66m) move from Lille which was slightly spoiled by him breaking his metatarsal in his second friendly appearance.
United have since further strengthened their defence by bringing in Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, a further demonstration of Ten Hag leaning on the Ajax old boys' network. They would still like to add a defensive midfielder to the squad, although they have apparently cooled their interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte. They are now considering cheaper options, such as Burnley's Sander Berge and Monaco's Youssouf Fofana.
It has been a busy summer in terms of exits, too. Willy Kambwala has joined Villarreal for fee of up to £10m ($13m) while Aaron Wan-Bissaka has moved to West Ham for £15m ($18m). Mason Greenwood has finally departed the club and joined Marseille for £27m ($34m).
Donny van de Beek has joined Girona for just £423k ($542k,) although the fee could rise to £7.6m ($9.9m). Omari Forson and Raphael Varane left as free agents for Serie A sides Monza and Como, respectively, while Anthony Martial and Brandon Williams also departed after their contracts expired, although they are yet to find new clubs.
Scott McTominay could yet leave amid interest from Fulham while Jadon Sancho may also depart if the right offer arrives, although Casemiro is set to stay.
Getty Pre-season performances
United had a thoroughly disappointing pre-season in terms of results and injuries. It began with a worrying 1-0 defeat at Rosenborg in Norway which led to a furious rant from Ten Hag, even though the majority of the players on the pitch were from the academy. Things picked up with a 2-0 win against Rangers, with Amad starring.
The subsequent tour of the United States got off to a bad start, though, as a 2-1 loss to Arsenal was made 10 times worse by the injuries to Yoro and Hojlund. A 3-2 win over Real Betis lifted the mood somewhat, but the tour ended with more misery after a crushing 3-0 defeat by Liverpool.
With many first-teamers back after the European Championship and Copa America, United produced an encouraging performance in the Community Shield against Manchester City, but let their lead slip late on to draw 1-1 before losing on penalties.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images SportTalking tactics
Everyone seemed to think that Ten Hag was about to be sacked last May, apart from the man himself. United's hierarchy certainly had their doubts about the manager and conducted a thorough review, which included speaking to Thomas Tuchel about replacing him.
But they ultimately concluded that the Dutchman was the right man to take them forward and Ten Hag now looks emboldened, having been handed a new contract and been authorised to sign the players he wants.
Ten Hag's tactical masterpiece in the FA Cup final proved key to him keeping his job, and the 4-2-2-2 formation he used to great effect against Man City looks to be the blueprint in the biggest matches. It worked well again in the Community Shield against Pep Guardiola's side, with Casemiro looking less isolated and there being much more cohesion between midfield and attack.
United cannot afford a repeat of last season's wild tactics of having a low-block and a high-press, which led to them conceding around 20 shots per game. The early indications are that they will be more solid this season.
They will also need to get better at killing games off and scoring more goals. Ten Hag outlined the need to beat more of the "lower-class" teams in the Premier League and avoid the dreadful defeats they suffered against the likes of Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Brighton.
To do that, the midfield and wide forwards must develop a better understanding with Hojlund. Bruno Fernandes will also look to be more productive in the final third, having only rediscovered his goal-scoring touch in the final stretch of last season.
Australia can seal the series in Port Elizabeth and extend South Africa’s painful summer
The Preview by Firdose Moonda22-Feb-2020Big pictureFor the first time this summer, South Africa have lost the opening match of a series. Given that they went on to let all three series before this one slip following their early success, the hosts may choose to see their defeat at the Wanderers as a good omen – except that it was not just any defeat. Unlike the T20Is against England, which were competitive, close encounters, the match against Australia was as one-sided as they come. South Africa’s bowling bled, their batting appeared more broken than it has all season, and the depth of their problems is clear for all to see.Unless they win at St George’s Park, South Africa will face the reality of going a full year since their last series triumph (against Sri Lanka in March 2019) and patience in the new regime could start wearing thin. Although Mark Boucher said he knew it would be tough and has asked for time as the team rebuilds, the results suggest they are going backwards. That’s a heavy burden for new captain, Quinton de Kock, to bear, especially since his predecessor is now back in the change-room and was doing a fair amount of mentoring (and also top-scored) on Friday night. De Kock will have to develop a thick skin if he is to keep going in the position.He can’t do it alone, either. He needs his team-mates, especially the seniors to step up. There aren’t too many of them around these days but David Miller and Dale Steyn, in particular, have been involved through the recent white-ball matches and understand how pressing the need is for experienced players to take a lead.Australia have none of those concerns. Bar Glenn Maxwell, they are at full strength and already look like an outfit that has peaked. Steven Smith made a triumphant return to South Africa and punished the hosts for a blunder in the field while Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins showed the advantage of combining pace and control, something South Africa seem to have forgotten. And if South Africa needed more salt rubbed in the wound it came from the opposition spinners. Ashton Agar’s hat-trick and five-for at the Wanderers was a painful reminder of one the hosts’ biggest weaknesses – facing spin – and another sign that Australia are close to the complete package.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)South Africa LLLWW Australia WWWWWIn the spotlightKagiso Rabada was suspended for the final Test against England and given a break for the white-ball series but returned looking out of sorts. He was the most expensive bowler at the Wanderers, where his three overs cost 45 runs. Like most of the attack, he erred on the side of too short and too wide but unlike them, he carries the expectation and the experience to know better. Rabada needs to find his rhythm quickly or risks being overtaken by some of those looking to seal to a spot for the T20 World Cup.After last playing a T20 in 2016, Matthew Wade was recalled to the Australia team on the back of his performances in the BBL. He was one of three centurions and averaged over 50 for the Hobart Hurricanes – where he opened the batting – and continued with an aggressive in his approach after being deployed at No. 4 at the Wanderers. He survived an early chance and was ultimately foxed by a Steyn slower ball but his disgust at his dismissal and his desire to accelerate suggests there’s much more to come.Team newsTemba Bavuma will undergo a fitness test to determine if he has fully recovered from his hamstring injury to take his place at the top of the order. If he does, Rassie van der Dussen will drop down, with Pite van Biljon and Jon-Jon Smuts vulnerable. Heinrich Klaasen remains a doubt after hurting his hip during warm-ups at the Wanderers, and Reeza Hendricks has joined the squad as cover. South Africa may give an opportunity to Anrich Nortje, in place of either Lungi Ngidi or Rabada.South Africa: (possible) 1 Quinton de Kock (capt, wk), 2 Temba Bavuma, 3 Faf du Plessis, 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 Jon-Jon Smuts/Heinrich Klaasen, 6 David Miller, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Tabraiz Shamsi, 11 Lungi Ngidi/Anrich NortjeAfter the dominance of their performance in the opening game, Australia are likely to try to close out the series with the same XI.Australia: (possible) 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch (capt), 3 Steven Smith, 4 Matt Wade, 5 Mitchell Marsh, 6 Alex Carey (wk), 7 Ashton Agar, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Kane RichardsonPitch and conditionsAlthough the Port Elizabeth pitch is known as South Africa’s most spin-friendly, it is unlikely to take too much turn in a T20. After a scorcher on the Highveld, temperatures are set to be cooler on the coast, with the forecast suggesting a day in the early 20s Centigrade and low humidity.Stats and trivia There have been only been two previous T20 internationals played at St George’s Park, a rain-affected affair in 2007 that South Africa lost to West Indies and a full match eight years ago in which the hosts beat New Zealand. Aaron Finch is 80 runs away from becoming the second Australian after David Warner to reach 2,000 T20I runs. Dale Steyn needs one more wicket to take 700 international wickets.Quotes”There’s not so much you can do at practice but it’s a mental thing. As long as the boys come back strong and not too disappointed [from the first game], we have to come and fight.”
A goal from USMNT midfielder Brenden Aaronson helped Leeds United earned their first three points of the 2024-25 English Championship campaign Friday, defeating Sheffield Wednesday 2-0.
The American opened the scoring for 24 minutes into the match and saw it doubled by winger Daniel James in the 48th. Through three EFL Championship matches, Leeds are now undefeated with five points.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
It was Aaronson's second strike of the season, with his first coming on opening day against Portsmouth in a 3-3 draw. Friday did, however, mark his first start of the regular season after two-straight appearances off the bench.
Summer transfer departures of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter from have opened up spots in the starting XI, and the American is doing his part in showing why he deserves a nod so far this campaign.
DID YOU KNOW?
Aaronson has already doubled his goal tally for Leeds in the 2024-25 season. Prior to the start of the current campaign, he only had one Premier League goal to his name for the club.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT FOR AARONSON AND LEEDS?
are back in action next Saturday against Hull City. They'll be looking to continue their undefeated run in the Championship on Matchday 4.
He’s targeting the role of a finisher in the Indian team and has been training with that in mind
ESPNcricinfo staff07-Apr-202032:18
‘I still have that fire burning in me, I really want to compete’
Robin Uthappa, who last played for India in July 2015 on a tour of Zimbabwe, believes he “still has a World Cup” left in him, and is targeting a comeback to the Indian team in the T20 format.Uthappa, 34, has played 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is, and was part of the 2007 50-over World Cup campaign as well as the inaugural T20 World Cup played later in the same year. However, he was dropped from the team in mid-2008 and his international appearances since then have been sporadic, with a total of eight ODIs and four T20Is since his first comeback in October 2011.”Right now I want to be competitive. I still have that fire burning in me, I really want to compete and do well,” Uthappa told ESPNcricinfo. “I honestly believe I have a World Cup left in me, so I’m pursuing that, especially the shortest format. The blessings of Lady Luck or God or whatever you call it, plays a massive factor. Especially in India, it becomes so much more evident. I don’t think it is evident when you’re playing cricket outside of India. But in the subcontinent and India especially, with the amount of talent that we do have in our country, all of those aspects become evident.”You can never write yourself off. You would be unfair to yourself if you write yourself off. Especially if you believe you have the ability and you know that there is an outside chance. So I still believe in that outside chance. I still believe that things can go my way and I probably can be a part of a World Cup-winning team and play an integral role in that as well. Those dreams are still alive and I think I’ll keep playing cricket till that is alive.”Uthappa has scored 934 runs in ODIs at an average of 25.94 and a strike rate of 90.59, while in T20Is his corresponding numbers are 249 runs at 24.90 and 118.00. He has had great success in the IPL, initially with Royal Challengers Bangalore and then in more sustained fashion with Kolkata Knight Riders. He was the top run-getter in the IPL in 2014, and central to Knight Riders’ title run that year. However, underwhelming returns in 2019 meant the team released him, and he was picked by Rajasthan Royals in the last auction.
“I still believe in that outside chance. I still believe that things can go my way and I probably can be a part of a World Cup winning team and play an integral role in that”Robin Uthappa
On his numerous short comebacks in the Indian team – he played one T20I in 2011, one in 2012, five ODIs in 2014 and finally three ODIs and two T20Is in 2015 – Uthappa felt he had been batted out of position.”When I played for India [in 2007 and 2008], I scored all my runs opening the batting. Then [in his comeback phases] I ended up playing for India in the middle-order, which seems so… from one perception it seems very unfair,” Uthappa said. “That kind of cycle has repeated itself maybe three or four times in the three or four comebacks that I’ve made in the Indian team. I scored all the runs up the order, and I got to bat in the middle-order when I got back in the Indian team.”Stats-wise, Uthappa has slightly better numbers when he has not opened the batting for India. In the 16 ODI innings in which he batted at the top of the order, he has an average of 25.50 and a strike rate of 88.31 with four half-centuries. In 26 ODI innings in which he has batted lower down, he averages 26.30 at a strike rate of 92.44 with two half-centuries.Uthappa has opened only twice in T20Is, making 1 and 18* at less than a run a ball. When not opening the batting, he averages 25.55 at a strike rate of 121.69.In his comebacks in 2011, 2012 and 2014, Uthappa played as an opener and crossed 20 once in five innings. On another comeback in 2014 and a subsequent one in 2015, he batted in the middle-order.Uthappa said he was targeting the role of being a finisher for the Indian team and had begun training with that specific goal in mind, till the coronavirus pandemic enforced a standstill.”What I’ve been trying to do is to make sure that I’m well prepared,” he explained. “Opening the batting is something I can do at any point of time. I’m trying to make sure I’m well equipped to bat in the middle order as well. One of the things that we need today in Indian cricket is a good finisher, and that’s something that I’m pursuing and working hard on. It’s something I’m looking forward to improving on a day to day basis.”I’m actually missing practice really bad right now because that was one of the aspects I was working on and I felt like I was beginning to get somewhere. Because you know it’s a process. These kinds of things don’t just turn up on their head. You need to work on it and get better at it on a day to day, week to week, month to month basis. I felt like I was getting places. A small kind of sweet spot. God willing, I believe it will happen at some point in time.”
After defeating Sheffield United 4-2 on Wednesday evening, Manchester United welcome their second relegation-threatened side to Old Trafford today.
The side attempting to defeat Erik ten Hag’s team is Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, who still have a very real chance of staying in the division amid a recent upturn in form.
Nonetheless, the expectation for the Red Devils will be to display another convincing performance to the one against the Blades, minus the goals conceded.
In order for that to occur, a similar team must be fielded, but one player has to replace Christian Eriksen, who struggled in the week.
Why Eriksen must drop out of the side
Eriksen’s involvement over the last few months has been minimal, with his first start since January coming on Wednesday.
Although it wasn’t a disastrous showing, his performance was that of a player who’d had very few minutes, with Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst handing him a 5/10 rating.
The Dane was as technically comfortable as always, but he lacked any real intensity both on the ball and off it, making just one key pass out of his 56 completed.
Eriksen also offered absolutely nothing from a defensive standpoint, winning just one out of three duels, making one tackle, and being dribbled past once.
The 32-year-old was withdrawn just after the hour mark, and his replacement on the evening should return to the team this afternoon.
Why McTominay has to be unleashed against Burnley
Scott McTominay is the definition of a Marmite player; you either love him or loathe him, but there’s no denying that he’s stepped up when needed this season.
The Scottish midfielder has only started 15 Premier League matches this season, despite making 28 appearances, but his influence on the side has been huge, especially from the bench.
The 27-year-old has had some injury issues in recent weeks that stemmed from a problem in the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea, hence why he didn’t start against the Blades last time out.
However, McTominay has the exact profile that’s needed against a team like Burnley, and he could be key to helping the Red Devils pick up three points today.
Goals
7
1
Shots (per game)
1.3
0.6
Touches (per game)
30.1
44.8
Passes completed (per game)
16.1
31.4
Tackles (per game)
1.6
0.9
Dribbled past (per game)
0.4
1.2
Duels won (per game)
3.5
1.2
As you can see from his average statistics in the Premier League this season compared to Eriksen’s, he’s a completely different profile from the number 14.
The number 39 is far less likely to impact the game from a creativity standpoint and even in terms of control, but what could make him pivotal this weekend is his ability to influence the game in the final third.
United legend Rio Ferdinand said that McTominay is a player who “loves a goal,” and his record really does speak for itself, as he’s netted seven times in the league, the joint-third most in the squad.
McTominay has become a master of making late runs into the box and being in the right place at the right time, and against a low block like Burnley, his movement could be the game-changer.
Unlike every other United player, bar Harry Maguire, McTominay provides a huge threat in the air, which will make the hosts much more dangerous from set pieces and crosses, and with the majority of space inevitably being in wide zones, that’ll be particularly key.
Furthermore, the United academy graduate does provide more defensive support than Eriksen, which will in turn make Ten Hag’s side more defensively secure and prepared for counterattacks.
Overall, although McTominay is hardly an undroppable figure in the side, he’s perfect for a fixture like today’s, and therefore, he simply has to start.
Ten Hag’s “passenger” shouldn't play for Man Utd again after 5/10 display
The midfielder was subbed off early by Erik ten Hag.
Arsenal have enjoyed a stellar season which currently has them top of the Premier League table with just a couple of matches remaining.
While Manchester City are still favourites due to having a game in hand, anything could happen across these three ties which could open the door for the Gunners to claim their first league title in 20 years.
Mikel Arteta has been helped massively by having the best attacking record in the top flight. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard have all contributed impressively throughout 2023/24.
Summer signing Kai Havertz has also shone during the campaign, despite high expectations upon his £65m arrival threatening to derail his first few months at the North Londoners.
The German star has grown into his role at the club and has swiftly emerged as one of Arteta’s key players over the previous few months.
If he continues to impress, might he attract attention from the continent? It's certainly possible and has happened before at the club.
Marc Overmars is a notable example. The winger was one of Arsène Wenger’s main attacking options during his early years in charge of the club, but following a couple of solid seasons, he was sold to Barcelona.
If you adjust for the inflation of transfer fees in football over the years, the sale of Overmars back in 2000 to the Spanish giants was for a fee which is currently more than the value of Havertz.
Kai Havertz’s current market valuation at Arsenal
Since making the move to London from Chelsea last summer, Havertz has featured 49 times across all competitions, scoring 13 goals while grabbing six assists, a decent enough return for the former Blues starlet.
His consistency has been solid too. The German has missed just one Premier League match and that was due to suspension, giving Arteta a reliable option to utilise, either in his midfield or attack.
Among his teammates, Havertz currently ranks second in the squad for goals and assists in the top flight (18), along with ranking second for shots on target per game (0.8), fifth for big chances created (seven) and third for key passes per game (1.2), slotting into the current Arsenal setup with ease the longer the season has gone on.
Aged just 24, the former Bayer Leverkusen gem could still improve over the coming years and the initial £65m outlay could hopefully turn into a major profit.
According to Football Transfers, Havertz’s current market valuation is €88.8m (£76.3m), which is already a rise of over £10m on the original fee from last summer.
Metric
Champions League
Premier League
Goals
1
12
Assists
0
6
Key passes per game
0.8
1.2
Big chances created
3
7
Successful dribbles per game
0.3
0.5
In 2000, Wenger sold arguably one of his finest signings as Arsenal boss to Barcelona for a significant fee worth more in 2024 money than Havertz is now – when they offloaded Overmars for a substantial profit.
How much Arsenal sold Marc Overmars for in 2024 money
The north Londoners sold the Dutch winger for a fee of around £36m, as per Totally Money, to the Catalan giants in the summer of 2000 as it represented an offer they simply couldn’t refuse, especially considering how much they paid for him three years earlier.
As per Totally Money's index, this £36m would now be worth a staggering £91.8m if judged by inflation, which is nearly £20m more than what Havertz is currently valued at, despite enjoying a stellar campaign.
marc-overmars-arsenal-academy-joel-ideho
After a wonderful spell at Ajax, making nearly 200 appearances and scoring 44 goals, it was time for Overmars to leave Amsterdam. Not only did he win three Dutch titles, but Overmars played a starring role in their superb Champions League triumph during the 1994/95 season, going undefeated throughout the competition.
With Wenger approaching his first full season in charge of the Gunners, he was aiming to bolster his squad and Overmars was earmarked as one of his main targets.
His debut season in London saw Arsenal win the domestic double, with Overmars registering 22 goal contributions – 16 goals and six assists – in all competitions.
Wenger was beginning to change the way football was perceived in England, as the Frenchman managed to prolong the careers of several of his veteran players due to changing their diets and adding in the likes of yoga.
The next two seasons saw the Dutchman score 24 times while providing 25 assists, yet he couldn’t lead the Gunners to another major trophy as Manchester United resumed their dominance of English football.
A move to Barcelona was always going to be difficult to turn down for Overmars, as he made the leap following an impressive showing at Euro 2000 with the Netherlands.
What Marc Overmars did after leaving Arsenal
This wasn’t the vintage Barcelona side which dominated Spanish and European football between 2005 and 2015.
The Catalan outfit were in a transitional state as Overmars failed to win a single trophy during his spell at the club between 2000 and 2004.
He did make 141 appearances for the club, but his trophy-winning days were over, leaving during the summer of 2004 as a persistent knee injury forced him to call it quits aged just 31.
Arsenal supporters of a certain vintage will remember him for his wonderful turn of pace and eye for goal, despite playing predominantly on the left flank.
While the club didn’t want to lose him at the turn of the century, it was clear Wenger struck gold by selling the former Ajax gem, especially considering how much profit they were going to make.
Not only that, but it appeared to be that Wenger managed to get the best out of the player, as his performances on the field started to decline the moment he moved to Spain, ensuring Arsenal got significant profit for a winger who was starting to decline.
Arteta will be hoping to secure a profit on some of the players he is looking to sell this summer, as funds will need to be raised in order to further improve his team.
Arsenal in pursuit of "world-class" Havertz upgrade who wants a PL move
The incredible talent could totally transform Arsenal’s attack.
Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha has advised Chelsea against signing Jadon Sancho in the ongoing transfer window.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Saha doesn't want Chelsea to sign SanchoAlso says Sterling 'doesn't fit the bill' at Old TraffordFormer player wants to see Rashford in top formWHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester United's Sancho has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer with Chelsea one of the clubs keen on securing his services. However, former United striker Saha has advised the Blues against signing the winger as he feels that will be a "bad piece of business" on their part.
AdvertisementWHAT LOUIS SAHA SAID
Speaking to Betfred, the former France international said: "That’s going to be a really bad piece of business, for sure, because it’s really hard to see how it can work due to all the other young attacking players already at Chelsea.
"I don’t see why he would be excited to go there and I don’t see him going to Chelsea anyway, but I could be wrong. There’s still space for him on Manchester United’s team, but the manager may want to sell him. I do understand though that Jadon’s looking for a solution to find first-team football elsewhere."
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Saha also shared his opinion on the Red Devils being linked with a move for Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling as he clearly stated that the England international does not "fit the bill" at Old Trafford due to his age.
The 46-year-old continued: "He’s a great player and I don’t understand why he’s in the situation he’s in at Chelsea. I don’t really understand Chelsea at all. Due to his age, I don’t see Raheem fitting the bill for Manchester United. I know that we need to find that extra flair, but I would prefer to see Marcus Rashford in top form rather than signing another player in the same position. I don’t see the benefits of that situation. I’d prefer to see an attacking midfielder, which is what Jadon Sancho is."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
As reported by BBC's Simon Stone, United will only let Sancho leave in this window if it is to be a permanent sale or as a loan with an obligation to buy. Sterling, on the other hand, will try and sort out his contract situation with the Blues before initiating talks with other clubs.