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Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is in the market for reinforcements and is now eyeing a short-term solution to a key problem at Old Trafford, according to a report.

Manchester United's goalscoring woes…

Despite bringing in Rasmus Hojlund for £72 million in the summer window, Manchester United have struggled in front of goal this term and have scored just 18 times this campaign in the Premier League, making them the sixth-lowest chance convertors in the division.

Man Utd now eyeing £80m+ deal for "incredible" player to replace Martial

Martial will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season…

BySean Markus Clifford Dec 19, 2023

Only Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Luton Town, Burnley and Luton Town have scored less than the Red Devils in the league, which is a damning indication of where they need to spend in January in order to keep pace in their hunt for continental qualification.

Aside from Hojlund, who is yet to net a single Premier League goal for the club, Anthony Martial exists as Ten Hag's other striking option; however, the Frenchman now looks to be firmly on his way out of Old Trafford after The Athletic revealed that Manchester United will not trigger his 12-month contract extension clause, leaving him free to depart either in January for a fee or next summer on a free transfer.

In light of this, acquiring a new centre forward in January will become a crucial priority for the Red Devils as they seek to offer Hojlund assistance following his tough start to life at Old Trafford.

Now, one man who could add a wealth of experience to Manchester United's forward line has been identified as a potential loan target, according to a report.

Mauro Icardi wanted by Manchester United

According to Football Transfers, Manchester United are considering a loan swoop for Galatasaray forward Mauro Icardi in January as Ten Hag urgently looks to bring in another attacking option at Old Trafford.

Similar players to Mauro Icardi (based on statistical profiles from FBRef)

Player

Club

Cyle Larin

Mallorca

Dusan Vlahovic

Juventus

Akor Adams

Montpellier

Ludovic Ajorque

Mainz 05

Davie Selke

Koln

The 30-year-old is reportedly open to a move to the Premier League and any deal to bring him to the North West on loan would likely include a clause to make the agreement permanent. Argentina international Icardi netted against the Red Devils alongside former player Wilfried Zaha in the Champions League earlier this campaign, condemning Manchester United to a 3-2 home defeat.

Labelled an "animal" by former boss Luciano Spalletti, Icardi has been in brilliant goalscoring form this term, registering 17 goals and six assists in 25 appearances across all competitions (Icardi statistics – Transfermarkt).

Having also averaged around four shots per match in the Turkish top-flight term, Icardi knows where the goal is and could provide some crucial short-term cover in the final third for Manchester United (Icardi statistics – WhoScored).

Serhou Guirassy

19th December

Nico Williams

19th December

Donyell Malen

8th December

Max Moerstedt

7th December

Timo Werner

1st December

Arsenal are closing in on a deal to bring a new defender to the Premier League in January, according to a fresh report that has emerged this week.

Arsenal's recent results and form

The Gunners have made a remarkable start to the new campaign having won nine, drawn three and lost just one of their opening 13 games, meaning that they currently find themselves at the top of the table and one point ahead of their rivals Manchester City.

Nottingham Forest (2-1)

Fulham (2-2)

Newcastle United (1-0)

Crystal Palace (1-0)

Tottenham Hotspur (2-2)

Manchester United (3-1)

Chelsea (2-2)

Everton (1-0)

Bournemouth (4-0)

Manchester City (1-0)

Sheffield United (5-0)

Burnley (3-1)

Brentford (1-0)

Edu and Mikel Arteta will therefore know that they don’t necessarily have to improve their squad that much more, but that won’t stop them from assessing their options in the market to see if there is anyone out there who they could get in the building should an ideal opportunity present itself.

The Emirates Stadium chiefs appear to have set their sights on Ajax centre-back Jorrel Hato, who has worked his way up through his club’s various youth ranks to get promoted to their first-team, where he’s since gone on to make a total of 34 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Hato statistics).

The Netherlands international still has another just under two years remaining on his deal at the Johan Cruyff Arena (Ajax contracts), but regardless of his situation, the 17-year-old has still been brought onto the radar of the Emirates hierarchy ahead of the upcoming transfer window opening in the new year.

Edu set to sign Jorrel Hato

According to Voetbal International (via Four Four Two), Arsenal are expected to sign Hato in January. The N7 side are “closing in” on securing the services of the teenager, and while they previously opted to instead swoop for Jurrien Timber, it’s believed that they have been interested in him for “some time”.

The Ajax starlet has even admitted that it’s his dream to follow in the footsteps of his former teammate and make the move to the capital in the near future, as per the same outlet, so this could be one to keep a close eye on.

Hato is a "magnificent talent" for the future

Standing at 5 foot 11, Hato isn’t the tallest for a centre-back, but he is still able to provide a real physical presence at the heart of the defence, currently averaging three aerial wins and 2.8 clearances per game in the Eredivisie (WhoScored – Hato statistics) – he could yet grow more too at just 17 years of age.

The Rotterdam native, who is naturally left-footed, is however extremely calm and composed in possession as he’s recording a 91.4% pass success rate as it stands, highlighting his ability to control and dictate the game when he’s got the ball at his feet.

John Van’t Schip’s “magnificent talent”, as labelled by football scout Jacek Kulig, only pockets £8k-per-week as the moment (Ajax salaries), so he would be a more than affordable option to have on the books. Hato looks to be a fantastic purchase for the long-term future of Arsenal.

Manchester United are putting the wheels in motion for their upcoming transfer activity and are still keen to land a high-profile star on a free transfer, according to reports.

Man Utd return from international duty…

The Red Devils will return from the international break this weekend against Everton as they look to continue their positive form in the Premier League, which has helped to catapult the Premier League giants up to sixth in the division.

Winning four of their last five league matches, Erik ten Hag has managed to restore some credibility at Old Trafford; however, United are still some way off the terrifying force that they used to be, both domestically and in European competition.

Fabrizio Romano shares injury update out of Man Utd, says it's "great news"

United have endured their fair share of injury struggles over the last few months.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 23, 2023

Fighting fire among his squad, Ten Hag has had to deal with an extensive injury list over the course of 2023/24 and not much has changed on that front as his side now prepares to take on Sean Dyche's Everton. As cited by The Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils will be without Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Tyrell Malacia and Amad Diallo for the trip to Merseyside.

England international Luke Shaw has made his comeback to first-team training at Carrington and could be involved this weekend. At the same time, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund are expected to feature despite concerns. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been suffering from illness and Andre Onana was taken off on international duty with Cameroon, so it will remain to be seen whether they can return in time.

Man Utd's last five Premier League results

Manchester United 1-0 Luton Town

Fulham 0-1 Manchester United

Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City

Sheffield United 1-2 Manchester United

Manchester United 2-1 Brentford

Now, fresh information has come to light concerning the club's transfer plans, with a potential soon-to-be free agent on the agenda in the North West.

Man Utd still keen on Adrien Rabiot

According to Calciomercato via Sport Witness, Manchester United are still keen on Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who could be available on a free transfer in the summer of 2024 when his contract at the Allianz Stadium expires.

The report states that the France international came close to moving to Old Trafford last summer; however, concerns over his wages put an end to any speculation that he would be swapping Turin for Manchester, and he could soon be available to discuss pre-contract terms once more.

Labelled "a very elegant player" by his former international teammate Hugo Lloris, Rabiot has featured regularly for Juventus this campaign, registering a goal and assist apiece in 11 appearances across all competitions (Rabiot statistics – Transfermarkt).

Carrying the creative torch for Juventus from the heart of Massimiliano Allegri's engine room, the 28-year-old has also successfully carried out 30 shot-creating actions in Serie A, with three directly leading to goals (Rabiot statistics – FBRef).

Possessing elite-level experience and a composed temperament, Rabiot could prove to be an economically advantageous option for Ten Hag to bolster his options in midfield; so who knows, 2024 could finally be the year they get their man.

Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign an exciting young attacker ahead of rivals Manchester City next year.

Man Utd transfer news…

The Red Devils splashed the cash on three high-profile additions over the summer, with Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund all arriving at Old Trafford. Altay Bayindir, Sofyan Amrabat, Jonny Evans and Sergio Reguilon also made the move to Manchester, but on the pitch, things haven’t been going to plan.

Erik ten Hag’s side have lost half of their opening eight Premier League games and their opening two Champions League group stage fixtures, with the Red Devils returning to action this weekend against Sheffield United.

The January transfer window is also fast approaching, and by the looks of things, those at Old Trafford are already identifying potential targets for 2024, one of which being "one of the world's biggest talents" in the eyes of football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Sport Witness relayed a Florian Wirtz transfer update in the last 48 hours, claiming that Man Utd, Man City and Newcastle United are all in the picture to sign the player alongside Bayern Munich. The report adds that Wirtz is going to receive ‘very high proposals’ from England, with Leverkusen wanting around €85m (£74m) for his services next summer.

Florian Wirtz profiled…

Wirtz is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play out wide or slightly further forward if needed. The Germany international has been on the books with Leverkusen since 2020 and has seen his transfer valuation rocket to a career-high €85m after starting at €10m when he arrived at the club. (Florian Wirtz profile – Transfermarkt)

Statistically, Wirtz has been a regular in recent years and has now made 113 senior appearances for Leverkusen, scoring 26 times and providing 34 assists, netting three times and registering four assists in 10 appearances during the current campaign. (Florian Wirtz stats – Transfermarkt)

Wirtz’s manager, Xabi Alonso, has even compared the player to Lionel Messi earlier this year, saying:

"There are good players and there are players who look good on the pitch. The player who looks good does things that are nice, but not necessarily efficient. Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play simple passes. Messi says: 'You're in a better position? Here, there you have the ball!' It's not always about making the most brilliant move, but the best and smartest. Florian can do that. That's why he's so good."

Therefore, with Bruno Fernandes approaching 30 years of age and Christian Eriksen already over 30 years old, United could see someone like Wirtz as a shrewd long-term addition, and by the looks of things, a deal is one to keep an eye on.

Lionesses Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Sarina Wiegman are among the nominees for top prizes at the 2024 Women’s Football Awards.

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Awards to be handed out on May 30Big names competing for recognition Leading lights in WSL figure prominentlyGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The event, which takes place in London on May 30, will be hosted by former England international Eni Aluko and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher and intends to celebrate the people, brands and organisations that are helping to grow the women’s games.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Manchester United goalkeeper Earps will be competing for the Player of the Year award alongside Chelsea stars James, Sam Kerr, Millie Bright, Jess Carter and Guro Reiten. Arsenal duo Katie McCabe and Frida Maanum are also up for that gong, along with United forward Nikita Parris and prolific Manchester City striker Bunny Shaw.

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

England aces Bronze and Georgia Stanway, who are now at Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively, are nominated for the International Football Player of the Year award, while Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman joins City manager Gareth Taylor among the Manager or Coach of the Year contenders.

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WHAT ALUKO & CARRAGHER SAID

Aluko has said of the WFA nominees: “This year’s shortlist is another incredible catalogue of players, brands, celebrities and organisations who continue to grow the presence of women’s football around the world. We have added four amazing new categories this year, which allows us to celebrate even more of the amazing people, both on and off the pitch, who are achieving so much in the sport. The SHEIN-sponsored Women’s Football Awards is going to be a fantastic event and it’s an honour to be a part of it for the second year running.”

Carragher added: “The 2024 Women’s Football Awards is set to be a fantastic night celebrating the trailblazers, gamechangers and outstanding talent in the women’s game. I am proud to be involved with the awards again and wish everyone on the shortlist the best of luck.”

The 28-year old Sri Lankan legspinner has been punished for conduct that was in breach of his player contract

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jun-2018

Jeffrey Vandersay in his delivery stride•Getty Images

Sri Lanka have sent legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay back home from the tour of West Indies owing to conduct that was in breach of his player contract. A press release from the board said the team management had reported an “incident” following which this decision was taken.Sri Lanka have had a difficult time in the Caribbean. They lost the first Test by a huge margin, became the subject of a ball-tampering controversy in the second, and the penalties handed out mean they won’t have the services of their captain Dinesh Chandimal in the third.Chandimal along with the coach Chandika Hathurusingha and manager Asanka Gurusinha are awaiting sanctions on another charge, relating to their role in holding up play for two hours on the third day in St Lucia in protest against the umpire’s suspicions that they had altered the condition of the ball.

Shahbaz Nadeem will take his place in the India A squad, which will now be led by Ankit Bawne

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Feb-2018A day after he had been named captain of the India A squad, R Ashwin has been ruled out of the Deodhar Trophy. According to a BCCI release, the India spinner has a “niggling issue”, for which the board’s medical team has advised a week’s rest.The Jharkhand left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem will take Ashwin’s place in the India A squad, which will now be led by the Maharashtra middle-order batsman Ankit Bawne. Bawne was originally in the India B squad; the Uttar Pradesh batsman Akshdeep Nath will move in the other direction to facilitate the change.India A: Ankit Bawne (capt), Prithvi Shaw, Unmukt Chand, Shubman Gill, Ricky Bhui, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Krunal Pandya, Shahbaz Nadeem, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini, Basil Thampi, Kulwant Khejroliya, Amandeep Khare, Rohit RayuduIndia B: Shreyas Iyer (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Akshdeep Nath, Manoj Tiwary, Siddhesh Lad, KS Bharat (wk), Jayant Yadav, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshal Patel, Umesh Yadav, Rajat Patidar

Dilshan has been a constant for many years now, a significantpart of many of their successes and evolution. But what exactly is he,what is his role?

Osman Samiuddin22-Jan-2009
Is it wise to have Dilshan play as an anywhere man? © AFP
Tillakaratne Dilshan is difficult to place in the great scheme of modernSri Lankan cricket. He’s been a constant for many years now, a significantpart of many of their successes and evolution. But what exactly is he,what is his role?Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have carried on a tradition ofbatting as solid as it is pretty, Muttiah Muralitharan, the resident legend,Chaminda Vaas, the pace role model, but where in this lies Dilshan? If heinspires young men to field as he does, he will have served a grand role,but fielding has rarely been given its due in cricket.He looks too good a batsman to be a bits n’ pieces kind of guy, the kindwho’ll make an energetic 30 lower down the order and then add another 30on a good day with his fielding and some flat off-spin. He’s been shuntedaround the ODI order – he’s batted in all positions down to eight.From No. 6, where he has mostly been found and which could be a roleof sorts, of the finisher, he averages under 30. His career average is under 30 as well. It isn’t perhaps fair to expect much more from so low in the order, but to see him play the way he has in the last two ODIs is to wrestle with a feeling of waste.He had only opened thrice before this series and was doing so here becauseof an injury to Upul Tharanga. But on the admittedly limited sample of twomatches on batting-friendly wickets, something about the move has seemedright.Clearly he likes pace. He doesn’t much like hanging around, settling inand setting up for a long hand. If he sees it well enough, early enough,it will go. Nothing is left behind in any attacking shot he plays, thoughthe forcefulness isn’t that of a bullying bludgeoner; there is some art toit. He is a good-looking hooker too, with a real whip in his arms when hedoes, but he is a compulsive one and in both games, it has ultimately ledto his downfall.Still, against a good pace attack, he has twice provided Sri Lanka startsthat should lead to 300-plus totals. He has enjoyed it too. “I have feltreally comfortable with it,” he said. “I was looking forward to batting inthe top order, I wanted the opportunity and I am happy with it.”Could this be then the shaping of a new role? He has already been openingthe batting domestically over the last year with some success and withSanath Jayasuriya bound to retire at some point, a void will have to befilled. It may not happen though as the very trait that makes it difficultto define Dilshan – his everywhere, everyman utility – is the trait hiscaptain values the most.”What happened was that Dilly [Dilshan] was getting left out in Bangladeshbut once he started scoring runs he had to come back,” said Jayawardene.”He’s been opening in domestic cricket and Upul’s finger was bad so wedecided to move him up. He’s done it before but not with so much success.”He feels comfortable there. He’s an attacking batsman and he likes pace.He’s a good hooker and puller. I think he’s got a bigger role to play inthe middle order. He’s good because he can bat anywhere and now we haveoptions in the batting which is what we want.”The thinking is impeccably modern; options, flexibility, utility. And, onthe balance of what Sri Lanka have achieved mostly with Dilshan in theside, it is probably justified. But the ease with which he has filled whatis such a difficult role, the comfort with which he has attacked, justmakes you wonder whether modernity is all that it is cracked up to be.

أكد مصدر مسؤول بـ رابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة، أن الرابطة أخطرت الفرق بموقفها من تراكم البطاقات الصفراء والحمراء في بطولتي الدوري المصري وكأس الرابطة.

وقال المصدر في تصريحات لـ”بطولات”: “رابطة الأندية أكدت لمسؤولي الأندية، بأن البطاقات الصفراء والحمراء منفصلة في بطولتي الدوري وكأس الرابطة”.

وتابع: “جاء ذلك، بعدما استفسر أكثر من ناد من الرابطة عن هذا الأمر، خاصة وأن الموسم الماضي كان هناك ارتباط بين البطولتين فيما يتعلق بالإيقاف وتطبق العقوبات في البطولتين، ويعاملان كبطولة واحدة”.

طالع أيضاً.. رابطة الأندية تعلن عقوبات الجولة السابعة من الدوري المصري

يذكر أن رابطة الأندية المصرية، أعلنت في وقتٍ سابق تعديل مواعيد مباريات الدوري المصري الممتاز، حتى نهاية المسابقة ويأتي ذلك تماشيًا مع قرارات الهيئة الوطنية للإعلام.

ومن المقرر أن يبدأ تنفيذ هذا القرار اعتبارًا من مواجهة الأهلي وسموحة، والمقرر إقامتها يوم 7 يناير المقبل 2025.  

Wolverhampton Wanderers face Fulham tonight in the Premier League, looking to put two consecutive wins together in the top flight for the first time this season, having put Tottenham Hotspur to the sword prior to the international break.

However, one of the stars of Wolves' showing against Spurs will be absent in London as Craig Dawson is suspended for the trip to Craven Cottage for picking up too many yellow cards this term.

In the short term, head coach Gary O'Neil could simply look to make a like-for-like replacement for the ex-West Ham United defender, but the manager could also choose to make a bold tactical decision which would affect the rest of the team.

Craig Dawson's stats this season

Losing Dawson through suspension is a big miss for O'Neil and for Wolves as a whole. The experienced centre-half moved to Molineux back in January for a nominal fee of £3.3m, after spending the last three years with West Ham in what was the most fruitful spell of the Hammers' history since the Premier League began.

Wolves "colossus" who won 100% duels was the hero alongside Lemina

Wolves roared home to a late win at Molineux yesterday, with this player standing out alongside goalscorer Lemina.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 12, 2023

In fact, Dawson even earned himself a Europa Conference League winner's medal in June despite the fact that he hadn't featured for the east London club for five months.

The 33-year-old has been a rock at the back over the past year for the Old Gold and ranks well above average in a whole host of key defensive metrics when compared to all other centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues.

Per 90 Metric

Percentile Ranking

Blocks

94

Shots Blocked

99

% of Dribblers Tackled

81

Clearances

75

Passes Blocked

80

Shots

83

Shots On Target

74

Stats via FBref.

Dawson is particularly efficient when defending in his own box, hence why he ranks in the top 6% for blocks per 90, the top 1% for shots blocked per 90 and the top 25% for clearances per 90.

Against Spurs a fortnight ago, the veteran completed two tackles, competed in four aerial duels and even blocked one of the opposition's six shots on goal as Wolves clinched the victory in the game's dying stages. Nevertheless, the Midlands club will have to make do away at Fulham without Dawson's defensive nous.

Pablo Sarabia's stats this season

Wolves deployed a 5-3-2 formation in the win over Tottenham two weeks ago, with Dawson employed in the centre of the back three, supported by Max Kilman and Toti Gomes either side of him.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, O'Neil admitted that the most like-for-like replacement for Dawson is £8.5m summer signing Santiago Bueno, who has yet to make a single start in the Premier League.

The Uruguayan defender has featured for just six minutes for Wolves this season, coming off the bench during a 1-1 draw away at Luton Town back in September and so it could be seen as a risk to throw the 25-year-old into the deep end this week. However, O'Neil also has the option to change the team's formation completely.

Wolves' 5-3-2 worked wonders against Spurs prior to the international break but O'Neil has also chosen to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 this term. While the former Bournemouth boss may not want to change a winning team, the absence of Dawson could allow O'Neil to revert to a back four by shifting Toti alongside Kilman in the heart of the defence and dropping Rayan Ait Nouri deeper as a left-back, freeing up the wings for Pablo Sarabia.

Sarabia moved to Molineux in January for £4.4m, like Dawson, but has failed to become a regular in the first eleven, having made just two starts in the Premier League this term. Nevertheless, the Spanish playmaker has registered five assists this season in all competitions. Only Pedro Neto has boasted more for Wolves.

The 31-year-old changed the game for Wolves last time out, coming off the bench to score the equaliser and assist the winner, leading Joe Cole to label his leveller as "brilliant". Sarabia starting would also cause Hwang Hee-chan to push over to the right wing in O'Neil's 4-2-3-1, leaving Matheus Cunha alone up top, although this could offer a nice blend of goalscoring and playmaking brilliance on the flanks for the visitors.

While O'Neil may not be keen to change a winning side, it will be difficult for the coach to ignore Sarabia's calls to start after his heroic late display against Spurs.