Soccer2day

1 Rasmus Hojlund’s tenure at his dream club has been a rollercoaster journey, with nightmare moments sprinkled in with some hope. The Dane has had a tough start to at least the Premier League life, as he took to the Champions League like duck to water, scoring five in six before Manchester United got dumped out. When watching the 21-year-old, it’s obvious how this is his first season in a top-five league as a proper, undisputed starter. Raw stats aside, there are clear deficiencies in his game with his back-to-goal, link-up play, and even having the smell of goal in the final third sometimes. However, that doesn’t mean he is a problem, far from it, as the latest stats show. Statman Dave has posted on his account that United have created a grand total of five chances for their striker in their last eight games. These include blanks against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bournemouth, and Burnley, while three of his chances came against Sheffield United. It is no wonder then that Hojlund’s only goal in the last eight has come against the Blades. The same post references the fact that Manchester City created six chances for Erling Haaland when he scored four against Wolves in a recent game. The current pact means Hojlund is at a 20% chance conversion rate, scoring one goal from five chances created for him. For reference, as per Transfermarkt, Newcastle United lead the Premier League with a shot conversion rate of 12.2%. While the chance conversion and shot conversion rates are not the same, the lesson here is that Hojlund is actually on par, or even exceeding the figures of an average player. This is right in line with The Peoples Person’s recent report which said that some of his teammates are “reluctant” to pass to him due to his barren spell in front of goal. It shows that Hojlund’s lean run isn’t a result of him being wasteful, he has been dealt an unwinnable hand, where the team doesn’t know what it is supposed to do in the final third. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

Liverpool drew their final away game under Jurgen Klopp, and it was another showing that had fans identifying what needs to change under the new manager. The Reds knew they would finish third this season irrespective of what happened at Villa Park, and they combined some eye-catching forward play with defensive clumsiness. It’s been the story of the season, with Liverpool’s inability to contain the opposition and keep a clean sheet placing them under consistent unnecessary pressure. The manner of the goals scored against Klopp’s men – a cut back to a free player or woeful disorganisation and individual mistakes – were on show at Villa in all their glory. Liverpool couldn’t keep hold of their lead, and supporters felt compelled to point out what needs to change next season under Arne Slot, who is expected to be announced as the new manager at season’s end… Improving Liverpool against the ball is the easy win for the next manager. The team hasn’t been watertight for two seasons now. — Josh Williams (@DistanceCovered) May 13, 2024 As a team, Liverpool are defensively shambolic. Absolutely no control of games, no structure defensively. Mac Allister has been run ragged from playing out of position for 80% of season. — Matt Ladson (@mattladson) May 13, 2024 If Slot tells Liverpool players that it’s okay to clear the ball occasionally, he’ll be alright with me. — Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) May 13, 2024 New Manager has to sort out keeping clean sheets as a priority. It’s cost us this season. — Derek McLean (@DerektheKopRed) May 13, 2024 “Hopefully game management is a thing under slot. 3-1 up, sit back. no space in behind, close all the gaps and play counter attack. This Klopp style only works when you have Mane, Mo and Bobby. “Thanks Klopp for the memories, what ride you’ve had. Brilliant.” – kusanagi in TIA comments. “Summed us up. Played quite well, and then took off the only person holding the midfield and lost all control. “Looking forward to more football smart decisions under Slot even if it means we don’t thwart every team by 6.” – Srikanth Suresh in TIA comments. The most worrying thing about Liverpool atm is how they are incapable of riding out pressure anymore. Stupid frees given away and silly passes attempted when we just need to be safe and sensible for five minutes. It was a massive issue in 22/23 and it’s killing us now again. — Ryan (@ryan3levis) May 13, 2024 Liverpool continue their record of not keeping a clean sheet since Bill Shankly was manager. — Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) May 13, 2024 Hope Slot sorts this defence out next season — ? (@Shannxo) May 13, 2024 I’ll say again; teams will keep going after any (seemingly irretrievable) situation because we always give them hope. Always. — Steven Kelly (@SteKelly198586) May 13, 2024 A top class DM would help significantly, but it won’t automatically fix how open this Liverpool team are. Ludicrously porous in transition. Huge gaps all over the pitch. It’s a structural issue first and foremost. — Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) May 13, 2024 Priority number 1 for Arne Slot has to be sorting the defence out, both in terms of structure and personnel. We haven’t been a serious side when it comes to defending for a while now, and it’s been a problem all season. Far too open and rely on wonder saves all the time. — LFC Stats (@LFCData) May 13, 2024 In the end, Liverpool conceded three goals, an xG of 3.36, 19 shots on goal and Villa also missed three big chances – control was not a word you could use for the Reds’ performance. Yes, it is the end of a season in which there is nothing left to fight for, but they are the same issues we’ve seen this season and even before that. The art of defending, something that needs to be a big focus for the new manager!

Stupidity, chaos and ineptitude reigned in defence as Liverpool gave up a two-goal lead late on to only take a 3-3 draw from a trip to Aston Villa in Jurgen Klopp‘s final away game. Aston Villa 3-3 Liverpool Premier League (37) May 13, 2024 Goals: Tielemans 14′, Duran 84′ 88′; Martinez OG 2′, Gakpo 22′, Quansah 48′ Alisson Becker – 6 (out of 10) Not his best game. Beaten by a fierce hit from Tielemans and then again by Diaby from a narrow angle, with Ali seemingly diving outside his post on that occasion – but Carlos sent it wide that time thankfully. Have to say, our No.1 was given next to no protection by a defence which was a fairly frequently shambles, but even so he seemed to be squirming around on the deck an awful lot as the shots rolled in beyond him, flagged offside and otherwise. Poor pass out against Watkins made one of them too, before he was beaten twice late on and made a phenomenal injury-time stop. Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4 Pretty quiet save for the odd burst forward. One shot flew a bit wide, then one errant pass let Diaby in for what should have been a goal. Not solid defensively, not often seen marauding on the overlap. Timid in the challenge. Basically a fairly end-of-season game where it didn’t matter and he didn’t care. Jarell Quansah – 6 Beaten too easily down the right channel by Ollie Watkins for Villa’s equaliser – but this is what his run in the team is for at the end of the season. We (and he) need to know what he’s capable of both on a regular basis and against better sides and attackers than he faced in the Europa League and the top flight’s lesser lights. Pleasingly he bounced back to stop the exact same player the very next time, racing across to block Watkins who was played in one on one. Started the second half by looping in a header for his first league goal, but still some wild and wacky defending at the other end too. Virgil van Dijk – 5 Pretty good in duels when the ball actually went near him, but Villa did a fairly good job of keeping play away from him for the most part. Even so, the lack of importance on this game was visible in how often he stayed flat-footed rather than surging out to intercept or block – see Duran’s first. Part of a very messy defence after the break. Joe Gomez – 5 Beaten by Diaby a few times after being restored to left-back in Robertson’s absence, but made a lovely overlap and low cross (definitely not a shot, right?!) to tee up Gakpo to restore our lead. Defensively bad second half. Muddled and messy, chaotic and rarely in line, last-ditch too often. Wataru Endo – 5 Alright on the ball, absent off it. Villa tend to be fairly channel-centric in terms of build-up play to be fair, so he can be mildly excused for not always being in the thick of it, but he wasn’t exactly fizzing into challenges centrally either. Moved it neatly and made a few recoveries but not a game where he gave the Reds lots of control, by and large. A huge upgrade is needed this summer. Alexis Mac Allister – 5 Like too many of his teammates, was capable of a few sublime passes but far more moments of zero concentration, summed up by him gifting Villa a chance, goal and momentum late on when the result should have been wrapped up. Had a great run of form earlier in the year but that’s well gone at this stage. Harvey Elliott – 6 First run down the right ended in a cross which was fumbled in for an assist, technically. A few more buzzing runs created moments of danger without the right pass at the end soon after. Faded as the game went on in terms of attacking impact but at least the running and effort was mostly in place. A player who has taken all his opportunities this season, unlike some. Mohamed Salah – 4 One curling effort was deflected just wide early on and then most of the rest of his game was about near misses, mostly teammates’ passes missing him. Marginalised by a lack of control of the game. Possibly scored one – might have been Elliott – but the offside flag was up anyway. Two goals in eight games now. Cody Gakpo – 7 – Man of the Match Seems to have been handed a late-campaign chance to impress ahead of next season and continued his recent impactful performances by tapping in for 2-1 from close range. A few good moments where he used his new-found physicality and speed to knock defenders out of the way and definitely benefited by the fact neither team opted to defend at all tonight. Decent enough impact, more consistent than the two alongside him. Luis Diaz – 5 Involved in the Gakpo goal with a nicely weighted pass, but then should have assisted Salah with a routine through-ball – woefully over-hit it. Kept running into danger or into closed off avenues. Didn’t really have the final touch he needed but you could say that about most players on the night. Slows down play too often.   Substitutes Dominik Szoboszlai (on for Diaz, 75′) – 5 – One shot after running down the right. Not a lot else. Never been used correctly by Klopp. Darwin Nunez (on for Gakpo, 75′) – 5 – Showed great composure to score – but was typically offside. Curtis Jones (on for Endo, 75′) – 5 – Nothing of note. Ryan Gravenberch (on for Elliott, 75′) – 5 – Looked suitably furious at the concession of goals after he came on, while doing very little to help prevent them. Subs not used: Kelleher, Konate, Tsimikas, Bradley, Bajcetic   Jurgen Klopp – 5 Avoided the yellow card which was much-talked about that would have seen him banned for his farewell match at Anfield. Even if it was Simon Hooper in the middle, there wasn’t anything resting on the game so no real danger there. Team selection wise, it was more of the same as recently, meaning he kept the chances coming for Quansah and Elliott in particular – plus Gakpo in attack. It’s hard to think of all this as anything other than giving a few a chance to impress the next set of coaching staff, given there’s nothing riding on anything as far as results are concerned. Still, we got a fairly entertaining encounter thanks to some still-present capacity to attack well and in numbers, but the defending was a bit of a joke. Concentration levels sadly lacking, it seems. With nothing to change, chase or really be concerned about, this was just about getting through, hopefully winning and moving on to the final, farewell week of Jurgen Klopp‘s time at Liverpool – but his subs again swung the game the wrong way and it’s a late limp to the end of the campaign instead. Didn’t bother making a fifth sub.

Aston Villa supporters let the mask slip with a series of baffling chants during Monday’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool, including “sign on” ringing out at Villa Park. Heading into Liverpool’s final away game under Jurgen Klopp, there was a sense among many fans that the hosts would be welcomed into the Champions League. With Villa needing a win to guarantee a spot in Europe’s top-tier tournament before the final day, though, when the Reds took a 3-1 lead the home supporters let themselves down. Bizarrely, Villa Park saw ‘Sign On’ and ‘God Save the King’ sung by thousands, along with a rendition of the altered Steven Gerrard song for their former manager. It left many Liverpool fans watching on disappointed with the behaviour of their Villa counterparts. Poverty chanting and the national anthem. Top Torying, Villa fans. — Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) May 13, 2024 Villa fans singing ‘Sign On’ and ‘God Save The King’? Stay classy lads — Neil (@BurpleMan) May 13, 2024 Thought Villa fans might be above the poverty chants. Not sure why. — Carl (@Carl_M79) May 13, 2024 Reckon the villa fans might be better cheering their team on instead of singing about poverty and then doing the national anthem and seemingly not understanding the irony in their actions — Jayke Brophy (@JaykeBrophy) May 13, 2024 Villa fans singing sign on and god save the king is so disappointing. A city with one of the worst unemployment rates in the country, and I guarantee the King doesn’t give a shit about any of you. — ShirtsOnTheWall (Jamie) (@balcony_shirts) May 13, 2024 Villa fans signing “God Save the King” as if it’s some sort of wind up rather than a pathetic anthem sung by bootlickers. — And Could He Play (@andcouldheplay7) May 13, 2024 And even more baffling was the abuse towards referee Simon Hooper, who was somehow dubbed “the Scouser in the black” by the home supporters. ‘Who’s the scouser in the black’ sing the Villa fans, after a VAR referee 100 miles away ruled out a goal for a factual offside. Not to mention Simon Hooper’s history with LFC/Klopp. — Matt Ladson (@mattladson) May 13, 2024 Do Villa fans realise singing about the ref being the Scouser in the black is stupid considering who he is and what he did to us earlier this season? — LFCZA ?? (@LFCZA) May 13, 2024 Sign on, the referee’s a Scouser (Hooper!) AND the national anthem. Covering yourselves in glory tonight, lads. — Steven Kelly (@SteKelly198586) May 13, 2024 It is seemingly just par for the course now that, if things are going Liverpool’s way, opposing fans often turn to the anti-Scouse songbook to ‘get their own back’. There was no tragedy chanting audible on Sky Sports’ broadcast, it must be stressed, but poverty chanting is frustrating enough. Similar unfolded in recent years less than 60 miles away, with Leicester fans gaining a poor reputation with Liverpool for resorting to the same tactics. Liverpool’s 3-1 lead was later overturned by a Jhon Duran brace, which saw a share of the points as Villa edge closer to a top-four finish.

Jurgen Klopp‘s final away game as Liverpool FC manager ended in chaotic fashion, perhaps summing up not only the season but also his nine years as a whole. Aston Villa 3-3 Liverpool Premier League (37), Villa Park May 13, 2024 Goals Martinez (OG) 02′ (assist: Elliott) Tielemans 12′ Gakpo 23′ (assist: Gomez) Quansah 48′ (assist: Elliott) Duran 85′ Duran 88′ Liverpool have lacked luck all season and consistently gone behind early in games, so it was inevitable that in this dead-rubber match they got a lucky start inside two minutes. Villa ‘keeper Emi Martinez fumbled a deflection off a cross from Harvey Elliott for a horrendous error to give Liverpool the early lead. It didn’t take long for the travelling Kop to begin serenading Jurgen, beginning a rousing rendition of ‘Jurgen said to me…’ that continued throughout the evening at Villa Park. The Reds’ lead didn’t last long, though, Ollie Watkins got around Jarell Quansah and squared for Youri Tielemans to fire past Alisson. The hosts knew that a win in their final home game would guarantee them a place in next season’s Champions League – the first time they’d be in Europe’s elite competition in 41 years. Whereas Liverpool knew that no matter the outcome of the remaining games they would be finishing third. Both defences looked pretty awful and Liverpool re-took the lead before the half hour when Joe Gomez‘s ball across goal was tapped in by Cody Gakpo – it took a lengthy VAR review to confirm it was onside. Liverpool’s defence, though, often looked vulnerable and Moussa Diaby should have equalised before half time but blazed over. Half time: Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool Liverpool got another early goal after the interval; Elliott’s well-delivered free-kick nicely headed home by Quansah for the centre-back’s first league goal for the club. Villa had a goal then ruled out for offside, before Liverpool had another also ruled out for offside, both after lengthy VAR checks. Confused Villa fans sang about ‘the Scouser in the black’ after the VAR in a room 100 miles away ruled out a goal for a factual offside. They then resorted to the full vermin song playbook with songs about poverty and joblessness. A very end-of-season feel continued apace in the closing stages, neither side showing any control or defensive solidity. Alexis Mac Allister gave the ball away on the edge of the box and Jhon Duran applied a good finish to put Villa back into the game. Darwin Nunez, off the bench, had the ball in the net soon after but predictably he was offside. A minute later, Villa had the equaliser, albeit in fortunate circumstances as the ball deflected off Duran and past Alisson. Only a superb save by Alisson denied Liverpool turning a two-goal lead into defeat. In truth, it was shambolic again from Liverpool. As has been the case for the past six weeks, Liverpool were defensively shocking and utterly lacking of any control of the game. One game remains in Klopp’s tenure as Liverpool manager, against Wolves at Anfield on Sunday. TIA Man of the Match: Harvey Elliott Referee: Simon Hooper Aston Villa: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Luiz, Tielemans; Bailey, McGinn, Diaby; Watkins Subs: Olsen, Chambers, Lenglet, Zaniolo, Duran, Kesler-Hayden, Iroegbunam, Munroe, Kellyman Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez; Endo (Gravenberch 76′), Elliott (Jones 75′), Mac Allister; Salah, Diaz (Szoboszlai 75′), Gakpo (Nunez 75′) Subs not used: Kelleher, Konate, Tsimikas, Bajcetic, Bradley Next Match: Wolves (home, Sunday 19 May)

1 Following a disappointing season, Manchester United need to revitalise their starting lineup. One position that appears to be desperately in need of change is central midfield. While Kobbie Mainoo has enjoyed a breakout season, his performances, particularly against Burnley two weeks ago, have slipped in recent times, perhaps signifying that the youngster has been overplayed. Christian Eriksen is clearly becoming less of a central player in the squad as he ages, while Mason Mount has continuously struggled with injuries this season. Sofyan Amrabat appears to be on his way back to Fiorentina following what has been a disappointing loan spell, while Scott McTominay has proven to be more effective as a shadow striker, particularly off the bench later on in the match. Ultimately, the biggest disappointment in United’s midfield comes in the form of Casemiro. While one of United’s most crucial players last season, the Brazilian has been a constant disappointment throughout the current campaign, proving to be at fault for United’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal this past weekend. Now 32 years old and clearly in decline, it appears that Casemiro was a short-term solution for a long-term problem that United have faced in the midfield, particularly in the defensive midfield role. For this reason, it’s imperative that the club seek a replacement. According to Sport Witness, United scouts were present at FC Porto’s 2-1 Liga Portugal victory over Boavista, which has apparently been commonplace this season. While no specifics have emerged regarding the player that United have been keeping an eye on, one Porto star that has been linked to United is holding midfielder Alan Varela. Just 22 years of age, Varela has proven to be a key member of Porto’s starting lineup, starting in 27 of the team’s 33 league games so far this season. Scoring two goals and grabbing three assists, Varela has provided a passing masterclass this season, completing 90% of his attempted passes as well as 94% from within his own half. He has shown immense quality on the ball, completing 78% of his dribbles while also proving to be effective when tracking back in defence, making 1.2 tackles per match. He has also made 0.8 interceptions per game. (Stats via Sofascore) Casemiro has paled in comparison. While he has completed 83% of his passes, he has only managed to complete only 50% of his dribbles while managing a measly 0.7 interceptions per game. The Brazilian has managed just one goal and two assists in the Premier League this season. Not only is Varela a young talent who can build a long-term future at United, but he also has a wealth of top-level experience, helping Porto to the last 16 in the UEFA Champions League where they recorded a surprising 1-0 win over Arsenal before bowing out of the competition. The time has come for United to accept the truth and part ways with Casemiro before his performances descend even deeper. Varela could prove to be his ideal replacement leading into the future. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

Former Orlando Pirates striker Bruce Ramokadi has urged the club to make Thalente Mbatha’s stay permanent when his loan deal expires in June. Mbatha is currently on loan from SuperSport United after arriving at the start of the year following his lack of game time under Gavin Hunt. He has fitted in like a hand in a glove under Jose Riveiro, and for this reason, Ramokadi doesn’t see why Pirates cannot buy him. Pirates have a buyout clause on Mbatha’s loan agreement with SuperSport United, and Ramokadi believes taking it will be a wise decision. He feels Mbatha is a better player than the majority of Pirates midfielders – old and new – and he wants Riveiro to play him regularly. Despite only arriving at the start of the year, the 24-year-old has featured in 18 matches across all competitions, nine of which are league games. The KwaMashu-born midfield anchor has a single goal and an assist to his name since his arrival at the Soweto giants. ORLANDO PIRATES URGED BUY MBATHA FROM SUPERSPORT UNITED “That boy can play. He’s far ahead of those that were signed by Pirates. They did well by signing him. A team needs midfielders who can score goals,” Ramokadi told Isolezwe. “For me, he has to play all Pirates games, and he shouldn’t be substituted. He’s made a huge difference in that Pirates midfield since he arrived. He defends, he attacks and he doesn’t waste too much time on the ball,” he added. RAMOKADI WANTS RIVEIRO TO CONSULT WITH PAST LEAGUE WINNERS Meanwhile, Ramokadi has advised Riveiro to at least consult with coaches who previously delivered league titles at Pirates. According to Ramokadi, it is clear that the Spaniard cannot win the DStv Premiership, and that’s because there’s no consistency in his Bucs starting line-up. Furthermore, the 1995 CAF Champions League winner added that the Sea Robbers should fight tooth and nail to finish second and return to continental football. “Pirates must play in the CAF Champions League and not in the CAF Confederation Cup. They must fight hard to finish second. It’s clear that it’s difficult for the coach to win the league,” continued Ramokadi. “His biggest problem is that he chops and changes his starting line-up. He needs to sit down with coaches who previously won the league with Pirates so that they can advise him on what he needs to do,” concluded Ramokadi.

1 On Sunday, Manchester United registered their 14th Premier League defeat of the season in what was another frustrating performance from Erik ten Hag’s men, who could do little to trouble Arsenal at Old Trafford. The rare positive moments that United produced either came from Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park or their two young wingers, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo. As INEOS get ready to make their moves in the summer transfer window to rebuild the team, it is important they focus on adding more young and hungry talents to their ranks instead of ageing marquee names, like Casemiro, who dropped another disastrous display against the Gunners. It seems Sir Jim Ratcliffe intends to move in the same direction and are set to underline their vision by submitting an offer for one of the Championship’s most sought-after prospects. According to The Northern Echo, the Red Devils are set to table a formal offer for Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg. The English starlet, currently on a scholarship deal with Sunderland, will be eligible to sign his first professional deal in the summer when he turns 17. Ahead of this, a host of clubs, both home and abroad, including Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, are monitoring his situation. However, it appears United are prepared to make the first move. The Black Cats, meanwhile, are hoping to convince Rigg to stay at the Stadium of Light on account of assured first-team football. At 16, he made 21 appearances in the Championship this season. On the other hand, United are poised to make the ‘strongest’ attempt to convince Rigg to move to Manchester, as the club’s new hierarchy prepare to strengthen their academy set-up. In that regard, INEOS have already made a promising move by roping in Jason Wilcox as their new technical director. Previously, Wilcox played a key part in transforming Manchester City’s youth sides as their head of academy. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

Orlando Pirates legend Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi has slammed talented midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and wants Jose Riveiro to bench him. Vilakazi was speaking to iDiski TV on the back of Pirates suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to lowly Richards Bay FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. The former Bafana Bafana star was just disappointed in the way Ndlondlo executed his duties on the day after being given a chance after a long time. Ndlondlo hardly played forward passes and attacked although he often enough spaces to do so, and Vilakazi was just frustrated by that. He feels Ndlondlo is no longer the same player he used to be, but he doesn’t know if his playing style is influenced by Riveiro’s coaching methods. Furthermore, Vilakazi believes Ndlondlo will end up leaving Pirates if he doesn’t improve his game because he wouldn’t be an important player to the team. PIRATES LEGEND TSO VILAKAZI SLAMS NDLONDLO “I’m so disappointed,” said Vilakazi. “For me, I don’t think I’d give him a chance again until he proves himself again at training and be the Ndlondlo that I know.  “At Pirates they still have that triangle the only thing he needs to do is just to play simple. I know it’s not easy to play for a big team like Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns but you make it easier by playing the nearest man,” he continued. “Sometimes you get the ball and there is the space in front of you, so go and attack that space until somebody comes and commits themselves. “I don’t know whether it’s the coaching he is getting at Pirates or it’s him who decided that my game is going to be this way because he is no longer that Ndlondlo that would get into spaces, attack, have a combination with the striker or an attacking midfielder.” “He is no longer doing that. And the way his game is going he is not going to be an important player at Pirates. He will end up leaving the team,” concluded Vilakazi. HAS NDLONDLO FEATURED REGULARLY UNDER RIVEIRO? Ndlondlo has had his fare share of chances in Riveiro’s team this season but mostly from the bench. The diminutive midfielder has featured in 28 matches across all competitions, but goals have been dry as he’s netted just once. Ndlondlo has featured in 19 league games, and has got 1148 minutes under his belt, according to Transfermarkt.

1 Manchester United’s 0-1 loss against Arsenal on Sunday was their 14th of the Premier League season, the most losses in a single campaign since the competition’s inception. Based on current form and the injury crisis, United are not expected to get too many points from their remaining two league games and are in danger of failing to qualify for Europe altogether. That could impact United’s spending power in the summer and their ability to attract top talent. Keeping PSR concerns in mind, the club will need to focus on selling players first before they can start thinking of recruitment. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning a large-scale clearout and that includes players who are out on loan like Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood. Greenwood’s future A lot has been written about the controversial United academy graduate with recent reports citing interest from within the Premier League while Juventus are also named as potential suitors as well teams from the cash-rich Saudi Pro League. Rumours recently surfaced about the potential of a swap deal involving Barcelona’s Vitor Roque heading the other way. INEOS have made it clear that they would prefer a straight cash sale. His current outfit Getafe are keen to try and hold on to the forward for another year after seeing the 22-year-old register 10 goals and six assists in 33 games across all competitions. But should United press for a permanent solution, TeamTalk have now revealed that Atletico Madrid are in the lead with Getafe unlikely to be able to match United’s valuation. The 20-time English league champions are asking for £40 million, a figure the Madrid-based team can afford to pay. There were earlier reports of United asking for £50 million which had seen both Barca and Diego Simeone’s team exit the race. “Getafe would love to land Greenwood again for next season, but they would not be able to afford to sign the player on a permanent basis with United holding out for around £40 million for him. “Reports in Spain have claimed Man Utd want as much as €60m (£52m) for Greenwood and that has put both Atletico and Barcelona off. Atletico in the lead “But sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that the 22-year-old is available for the far more reasonable sum of £40m, which will be music to Atletico’s ears. “A number of clubs in Italy and Germany have been credited with an interest in Greenwood, including Serie A giants Juventus, while the Saudi Pro League has also been named as a possible destination. However, TEAMtalk can reveal that Atletico are confident of winning the race for his signature.” INEOS are even open to reintegrating Greenwood into the United first team should they not receive a satisfactory offer. Fans might have something to say about that after their backlash forced the club into a U-turn last year. The academy graduate was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was suspended by the club two seasons ago. Those charges were subsequently dropped. But United announced the player would not return to the first team. The England international was eventually sent out on loan on deadline day. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

1 Manchester United hardly threatened against a far from impressive Arsenal and eventually succumbed to a 0-1 defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday. This was their 14th defeat in the Premier League, the most losses in any campaign since the competition’s inception, and judging from the safety-first approach employed by manager Erik ten Hag, more losses are on the cards. After their most recent hammering at the hands of Crystal Palace, the Dutchman decided to finally shut shop against the Gunners and that resulted in United enjoying the majority of possession but hardly threatened the opposition goal. Even with the clock ticking down, the Red Devils showed little urgency and the form of Rasmus Hojlund is another concern. Rasmus’ difficult debut season The Dane is hardly getting any service from his fellow attackers while the 21-year-old seems to be struggling with the physicality in the English top flight and is often seen backing into defenders trying to hold on to the ball. With his full focus on trying to win the physical battle, he mostly ends up losing the ball and that does not allow the team to relieve some of the pressure. Ten Hag had asked for reinforcements last summer as well as in January as he felt it would be wrong to overburden the Denmark international considering his limited experience. But no help was forthcoming and with Marcus Rashford’s form falling off a cliff while Anthony Martial remains sidelined, Ten Hag has had no choice but to keep playing Hojlund, who looks in need of a break. Sesko remains a target An elite summer signing is required to alleviate some of the pressure off the former Atalanta starlet’s shoulders and one name that has been doing the rounds for quite some time is Benjamin Sesko, currently of RB Leipzig. The Slovenian was a major target back when he was playing at sister club RB Salzburg, and the 20-year-old earned a move to the Bundesliga last summer and has carried on in the same vein. In 21 starts across all competitions, Sesko has 17 goals and two assists and is the club’s second top-scorer this season with Leipzig currently fourth and enroute to achieve Champions League qualification for next season. Benjamin Šeško’s agent was in attendance at Old Trafford for Manchester United-Arsenal. Here’s Elvis Basanovic posting from the stadium ahead of summer transfer window. pic.twitter.com/q7YJt1IpIg — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 13, 2024 And the rumour mill was sent into overdrive as his agent Elvis Basanovic was spotted at Old Trafford, watching the United-Arsenal game. This is not the first United game the agent has attended with Basanovic also spotted at The Theatre of Dreams for the clash against Liverpool back in April. Sesko’s agent spotted at OT He could have been there simply to watch the game or to talk with the club regarding a summer move. Both clubs have been linked with a move with INEOS keen to pair him up with Hojlund. The young striker has a release clause of €50 million and there were reports that the Bundesliga club are open to selling him for less than that amount. But the Slovenia international has been on fire in the second half of the campaign and is currently on a run of scoring in six straight Bundesliga games. And his release clause is said to have increased by €15 million. It will be intriguing to see where Sesko lands up. Whether United target someone experienced alongside the Denmark international or whether they choose to go down the route of adding young talent in the summer remains to be seen. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

1 Former Germany and Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick is reportedly “desperate” to be considered for the Manchester United managerial position. It’s looking increasingly likely that United and Erik ten Hag will part ways at the end of the season. The Red Devils suffered their 14th top-flight defeat on Sunday in a limp 1-0 loss at the hands of Arsenal. Ten Hag’s men were slightly more compact and better but it ultimately proved insufficient and they couldn’t get a share of the points. Club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was present at Old Trafford alongside some of his closest associates including Sir Dave Brailsford. They would have undoubtedly taken note of the performance and result, possibly pushing them more towards making a change in the dugout. United have been linked to a number of top coaches including Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Roberto De Zerbi and Flick. A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Ten Hag’s side were one of a number of top Premier League clubs that made enquiries to Flick’s camp to explore the possibility of securing his services. He has been out of work since being relieved of his duties by the German national team in September. However, during his time in the Bundesliga with Bayern, Flick enjoyed great success. He guided the Bavarian outfit to a treble in the 2020 campaign. It was stated that Flick is eager to manage in the Premier League and in a fresh update issued by GIVEMESPORT, the 59-year-old has his heart set on a move to United. The outlet states, “GMS sources understand that Hansi Flick wants to be considered for the Manchester United job if it becomes available, despite opening talks over returning to Bayern Munich, and he is trying to force his way into the conversation due to being attracted to the possibility of managing in the Premier League for the first time in his career.” “He is surveying his options before embarking on a fresh challenge and returning to the dugout in the coming weeks.” “Thomas Tuchel is also attempting to make sure he is in the frame to replace ten Hag, but there are concerns over his character as there are fears that he can come across as too combative, which would go against him when Manchester United make a decision over their future plans.” The report adds that Flick is perceived as a “safer bet” in comparison to the more abrasive Tuchel, who is believed to have a reputation for falling out with the top brass wherever he goes. Flick is being viewed as an “in-betweener version” of Tuchel and Southgate. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

Liverpool travel to Birmingham to face Aston Villa in Jurgen Klopp‘s last away game as Liverpool manager. We’re live to bring you the latest. Kickoff at Villa Park is 8pm (UK), the referee is Simon Hooper. Tonight’s blog is run by Henry Jackson, get involved by Tweeting @thisisanfield, @HenryJackson87 & in the comments below. Teams Aston Villa: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Luiz, Tielemans; Bailey, McGinn, Diaby; Watkins Subs: Olsen, Chambers, Lenglet, Zaniolo, Duran, Kesler-Hayden, Iroegbunam, Munroe, Kellyman Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez; Endo, Elliott, Mac Allister; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo Subs: Kelleher, Konate, Szoboszlai, Nunez, Jones, Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Bajcetic, Bradley Our coverage updates automatically below:

Andy Robertson has dropped out of the Liverpool squad for Monday night’s clash with Aston Villa, but the left-back is not expected to miss the final day. The Reds line up at Villa Park with only one change from the 4-2 victory over Tottenham, with Joe Gomez coming in at left-back. Robertson was not spotted in training in the buildup to Liverpool’s trip to the Midlands, and his absence was confirmed upon the teamsheet’s release at 7pm. • TEAM NEWS: Confirmed Liverpool lineup vs. Aston Villa with 1 change While Jurgen Klopp gave no information on the Scotland captain’s omission, the Mail‘s Lewis Steele reports that it is due to a “minor niggle.” The decision has been made not to risk Robertson ahead of the summer’s European Championship in Germany, which is understandable given there is now little to play for. Steele explains that the 30-year-old “has just been given the night off” and “should be OK” for the final game of Klopp’s reign against Wolves on May 19. Gomez’s return to the side comes after five consecutive games on the bench, coming on as a substitute against Atalanta, Fulham, Everton, West Ham and Tottenham. Robertson had started each of those fixtures and was on a two-game scoring streak, having found the back of the net against West Ham and Spurs. In fact, he had been on his longest run in the side this season, at six games. With Gomez restored to the starting lineup, there is a place on the bench at Villa Park for Kostas Tsimikas, who was absent last time out.

Jurgen Klopp has made one change to his Liverpool starting lineup for the final away game of his reign, which brings an 8pm kickoff at Aston Villa. After a return to form against Tottenham last time out, Klopp’s side will be looking to keep it up against another side battling for fourth spot. Liverpool are now officially out of the title race but know they cannot finish lower than third, with their motivation for a positive end to the season now focused around the manager’s send-off. Alisson makes his 200th Premier League appearance tonight, starting behind a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott and Alexis Mac Allister make up the midfield. And the forward line consists of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and the in-form Cody Gakpo. Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez; Endo, Elliott, Mac Allister; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo Substitutes: Kelleher, Konate, Bradley, Tsimikas, Bajcetic, Jones, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Nunez Aston Villa: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne; Luiz, Tielemans; Bailey, McGinn, Diaby; Watkins Substitutes: Olsen, Chambers, Lenglet, Zaniolo, Duran, Kesler-Hayden, Iroegbunam, Munroe, Kellyman Aston Villa vs. Liverpool – The stats With two goals tonight Liverpool could register their second-highest goal tally for any season in their entire history. The record is 147 scored in all competitions in 2021/22, with Liverpool currently only two goals off the second-best, which is 138 (1985/86). • READ: Liverpool could notch second-highest goal tally of all time vs. Aston Villa Meanwhile, Salah needs two more goals to register 20 in the Premier League for the fifth time in his Liverpool career. The 31-year-old’s goal at Anfield earlier this season was the Reds’ 100th in the Premier League against Villa – he has seven in 10 appearances when facing them.

1 Manchester United’s on-pitch displays haven’t given fans much cause to celebrate this season, with the club staring at their lowest-ever Premier League finish. However, INEOS’ arrival has at least jolted the off-the-pitch department into action, especially with executive changes. Omar Berrada has been confirmed as the CEO and Jason Wilcox has already started working as the Technical Director. Dan Ashworth remains the last piece of the puzzle to come in as the Sporting Director from Newcastle but despite some extreme steps taken by him, that move seemed to be in limbo. Until now, potentially, if recent reports are to be believed. Football Insider reports that Newcastle are inching closer to finalising an agreement with Dougie Freedman to become their new Sporting Director. The report states that the agreement is on pace to be made official at the end of the season, with the club playing their last game on May 22. Freedman, currently at Crystal Palace, would have the same designation at Newcastle, and a move for him could make the Magpies more amenable to releasing Ashworth from his gardening leave. Paying two people, including paying one to not work is hardly ideal business sense for a club flirting with Profit and Sustainability Rules line. By releasing Ashworth, they would get compensation from United, some of which they can pocket and the remaining spent to extract Freedman. His wages would also go off the books, again redirected towards Freedman’s arrival. As a sidenote, it would also give clarity to United’s executive structure as the club had reportedly been targeting Freedman for the role of Head of Recruitment. That was always going to be a long shot, as that role would have had him working under Ashworth, when he is effectively taking his job at Newcastle. Ultimately, this move getting finalised could be the domino that makes everything happen in the lead-up to the summer window. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

Shakes Mashaba may not be a household name but remains the most successful Bafana Bafana coach in terms of win ratio. The 73-year-old has had two successful stints with the national team but never managed to see out his contract. Despite this, ‘Bra Shakes’ has had a win ratio of 55% in the 58 games he was in charge. Mashaba’s temper and attitude towards the media often led to his downfall, especially in his latter coaching years. Despite his success with Bafana Bafana and the South African U23 team, Mashaba has never impressed when coaching elsewhere. Shakes Mashaba only lost five games as Bafana coach He spent most of his playing career at Orlando Pirates before going into coaching in the mid-80s. He coached Vaal Reef Stars until 1992 before getting involved in youth football. In 1998, he was appointed coach of the South African football U-20 team before taking over as U-23 coach at the Sydney Olympics. His team stunned a Brazil side that included Ronaldinho 3-1 in Brisbane in the group stages of the Olympics. Having succeeded in the junior teams, Shakes Mashaba was called to help out at Bafana Bafana after the team’s 2002 World Cup. He stayed in the position for over a year before being dismissed after an argument with Safa. Having left Bafana, he then coached at Black Leopards before joining the Swaziland National Soccer team. With South African junior soccer teams struggling, Mashaba was recalled after 2010. The removal of Gordon Igesund in 2014 saw Shakes Mashaba return for his second stint. His tenure was most memorable, helping the team qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations unbeaten. His side also ensured that then-Afcon champions Nigeria were unable to qualify for the 2015 showpiece. Despite a promising start to the 2015 Afcon, Bafana Bafana were eliminated early, and Shakes Mashaba was blamed. For the next 12 months, Bafana Bafana had a mixed bag of results and even failed to qualify for the 2017 Afcon. With 2018 still in sight, the ex-Pirates coach shook things up in the qualifiers and collected four points in his first two matches. An away draw against Burkina Faso was applauded, but a win at home against Senegal saw him win fans again. Unfortunately, that was his final match as Bafana Bafana’s coach. Bafana and Shakes was a match made in heaven BUT… After the Senegal match in Polokwane, Shakes Mashaba lashed out at Safa president Danny Jordaan. He was later suspended and then fired. Bafana Bafana brought in Stuart Baxter, but the Englishman couldn’t replicate Shakes’ success, and the team failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. After his sacking, Mashaba joined Witbank Spurs in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The ex-Black Leopards coach only lasted four months before being sacked after a run of poor form. In 2022, Shakes Mashaba reemerged and disrupted the Safa elective congress. Dressed in a tracksuit, a bomber jacket, and a beanie, the former Bafana Bafana mentor stormed into the building and called out Jordaan. Bra Shakes has been relatively quiet over the years and has all but retired from coaching. With 32 wins from 58 matches, Mashaba’s record is underrated.

Kaizer Chiefs have had a long season on the field, but the club’s marketing team had something to be excited about. Amakhosi launched the club’s own potato chips. KAIZER CHIEFS POTATO CHIPS In case you missed the big news in October 2023, the Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs announced the launch of potato chips to the market. One of the country’s leading retail giants, Takealot, has revealed the prices for the Kaizer Chiefs snacks. The product is sold in a 3-pack package for R115. Each of the three units contains 120g of tomato, salt, vinegar, and grilled steak flavour. According to the club statement, the snacks mirror the club’s indomitable spirit and boldness and vibrancy of the Amakhosi brand. “Taking the essence of passion from the football pitch to the palate, Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa’s premier football club, is proud to announce its bold venture into the culinary world with the debut of its first-ever snack range. With each bite, fans can now taste the audacious flavours that mirror the club’s indomitable spirit: Tomato, Grilled Steak, and Salt & Vinegar,” the club said. “Our vision was clear – to deliver a snack range that embodies the boldness and vibrancy of the Kaizer Chiefs brand,” says Kaizer Chiefs Marketing and Commercial Director, Jessica Motaung. “With these explosive flavours, we invite fans everywhere to get #Khosified and truly Fuel Your Passion. Product Highlights: Bold, Unapologetic Flavours: Dive into the intense taste of Grilled Steak, be captivated by the vibrant tang of Tomato, or get swept away by the audacious notes of Salt & Vinegar. It’s a flavour fiesta that’s not for the faint-hearted. Two Tailored Sizes: Whether you’re fuelling a personal passion with the 36g pack or sharing the thrill with friends with the 120g pack, there’s a size just right for the moment. Uncompromised Quality: Crafted from the finest ingredients and echoing the club’s commitment to excellence, each pack promises a taste sensation that’s purely Kaizer Chiefs,” the note concluded. NEXT DSTV PREMIERSHIP GAME Meanwhile, Cavin Johnson‘s team have a league match to train for. Kaizer Chiefs will take on Polokwane City at the FNB Stadium this Saturday at 15:00. A win will open the gap on Polokwane who are in ninth position and in the race to finish in the top eight.

The Reds meet Aston Villa in Jurgen Klopp‘s last away game as Liverpool manager, and the hosts are aiming to secure fourth place. Here’s how to watch and stream live around the world. There is significantly less riding on this match than expected a month ago. For Liverpool, they have already secured third place and are now playing for pride. Aston Villa have more on the line, with a win meaning they will play Champions League football for the first time since 1982/83, when they competed in the European Cup after winning it the previous season. Check This Is Anfield for the latest team news ahead of the match. You can also follow the game by downloading the This is Anfield app, including lineups, live coverage and all the reaction and analysis. The match gets underway at 8pm (BST) – or 3pm in New York, 12pm in Los Angeles, 5am (Tuesday) in Sydney, 11pm in Dubai and 10pm in Nairobi.   UK Viewers Aston Villa vs. Liverpool is being shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK, which are available to live stream here. Live audio commentary of Aston Villa vs. Liverpool and a full match replay and highlights will also be available on LFCTV GO here. This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later. Download free here.   US Viewers Aston Villa vs. Liverpool is being shown live on the USA Network and fuboTV in the US, which is available to live stream here. Live audio commentary of Aston Villa vs. Liverpool and a full match replay and highlights will also be available on LFCTV GO here. This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later. Download free here.   Canada Viewers Aston Villa vs. Liverpool is being shown live on fuboTV in Canada, which is available to live stream with fuboTV here. Live audio commentary of Aston Villa vs. Liverpool and a full match replay and highlights will also be available on LFCTV GO here. This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later. Download free here. Worldwide Live audio commentary of Aston Villa vs. Liverpool and a full match replay and highlights will be available on LFCTV GO here. This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later. Download free here. You can follow all of tonight’s action and the remainder of the 2023/24 season with us by downloading the This is Anfield app for iPhone and Android for free.

1 When Rasmus Hojlund was brought in for nearly £70 million in the summer, there was an acceptance that Manchester United were making an all-in bet. Their first-choice striker target, Harry Kane, was out of their reach so they invested in long-term potential instead. Still, even with that acceptance, nobody could have foreseen the trainwreck that this United team would become. Inevitably, in a dysfunctional team, Hojlund has looked even more undercooked than what was expected, although some purple patches of form have made his record on paper look acceptable. However, if recent reports are to be believed, the problems with Hojlund are much more worrying and emblematic of the culture at the club. Manchester Evening News reports that several United players are not convinced by Hojlund’s ability and thus, are “reluctant” to pass him the ball. The Dane is going through a barren run in front of goal, with his effort against Sheffield United an oasis in a desert recently. The report states that players are seeking “alternative solutions” in the final third because of this lean spell of their striker. While Hojlund going through a lean spell is a fact, the response of his teammates to this run, if the report even has an iota of truth in it, speaks volumes of the culture and camaraderie at the club. The teammates seeking “alternative solutions” haven’t been much better, with United barely looking like scoring in many games this season. In fact, the best they looked was in the month of January, when Hojlund found his feet and started scoring with regularity. The service, or the lack of it, to the striker has been one of the biggest gripes the fanbase has had with United players. It would be completely acceptable if the team was firing on all cylinders but the striker wasn’t able to get involved, in which case there are question marks over his ability. However, it seems like United are stuck in a vicious cycle where players are not passing to Hojlund because he’s going through a lean spell, but the lean spell is happening because he isn’t getting any service. Ultimately, the results are suffering. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

With manager Ruben Amorim now staying at Sporting, he has admitted he “created the soap opera” around his rumoured moves to Liverpool and West Ham. We now know Arne Slot will take over as Liverpool boss following the departure of Jurgen Klopp, but for a while Amorim was the frontrunner to be the new manager. Around the same time as it became clear Liverpool were targeting Slot, Amorim flew to the UK for talks with West Ham, but nothing came of this and he has since been confirmed to be staying at Sporting. Amorim was forced to apologise for the timing of his trip, which came in the buildup to his side’s clash with rivals Porto – a game which they eventually drew 2-2. After Saturday’s 1-0 win over Estoril, Amorim was honest with the press, being quoted by A Bola as saying: “I learned that it is not worth saying whether it will happen or not. I have a contract, things are going to go well and we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. “I learned that I was the one who created the soap opera.” He added: “I learned. I’m young, I make mistakes. They say I communicate well, but sometimes I have to be much better at this approach as I have a lot of responsibility here and I create this indecision that might not help. “I have always been happy here, it was the first year that I questioned whether it was time to leave. I learned that I’m happy here, that I won’t apply pressure and whatever has to happen, will happen. “We are planning and accelerating for next season, I’m going to let life go by and what changed was the way of approaching the subject, not the feeling.” By the sounds of it, Amorim regrets how he went about addressing rumours of a potential move, making clear in public he was open to a new role. He hasn’t, though, ruled out a future move from Sporting. It is clear he still has ambitions to manage elsewhere.

1 Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has branded Erik ten Hag’s decision to continue to play Casemiro as centre-back as “unfair”. The Brazilian had one of the worst games of his career last Monday against Crystal Palace and was once again at the centre of action for the wrong reasons yesterday. An injury-ravaged United defence has meant that Casemiro has needed to fill in as a centre back and this experiment has failed miserably. Arsenal’s winning goal came directly from the Brazilian lazily jogging back into his position, and when the ball broke kindly for Arsenal to launch a counter-attack, he was caught far behind his teammates, therefore playing Kai Havertz onside and in oceans of space to pick out Leandro Trossard to score. Pundits such as Paul Scholes and Roy Keane have already called out Casemiro’s form and the latter has already stated that the veteran is not good enough to play centre-back at Premier League level. Speaking on his Vibe with FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand has echoed his former teammates’ concerns about Casemiro playing at centre-back but blames the manager for putting him in an unfair situation. “When is he going to take Casemiro out of the backline? Why can’t Amrabat play there or Scott McTominay? Was Scott [McTominay] injured?” “I just don’t think it’s fair. If you see a few mistakes from somebody who is playing there, who has never played there before, and you see those mistakes early, you should go: ‘Do you know what? I’m not going to do this to you.” Ten Hag has previously defended Casemiro and actually complimented the job the Brazilian did yesterday, claiming he is a winner and did a very good job on Sunday. However, Ferdinand sees it differently and claimed, “I don’t care how experienced he is, I’m not going to do this to him. ‘Come on. We’ll move you out of there and get you back to the position you know.” The Champions League winner then offered his own solution to the United defensive crisis as they wait for any of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof to return to full fitness. When asked if Aaron Wan-Bissaka could do a job at centre back he replied, “Yeah, play him there. Then play one of the other guys right-back. Put Amrabat there. You’ve played him left-back, play Amrabat right-back.” “That’s the most natural thing for me. Aaron Wan-Bissaka centre-back and Amrabat at right-back, because he was happy to play him left-back for a few games. I don’t know. We just look like we’re on repeat here. We look like we are an uncoached team.” The theory is that Wan-Bissaka is a more natural defender and this would allow Casemiro to shift up and defend areas of the pitch he is more used to. The problem with this is, Casemiro has also struggled when playing as a number six and he has been unable to keep up with the unforgiving pace of the Premier League. Moreover, Wan-Bissaka is a great tackler but he regularly struggles to stay in the right position defensively and is famously average in the air. Not a good combination for a centre-back. The solution of Amrabat playing right-back is also perplexing considering he showed nothing of merit as a left-back and his passing or crossing ability hardly stands out as a strength. What is clear is that Casemiro cannot play at centre back and it is mind-boggling how Ten Hag thinks the opposite. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has left a door open for a move abroad despite committing himself to the club. Williams recently signed an improved deal with Sundowns which will see him stay at Chloorkop until June 2028. The decision by Sundowns to tie Williams down was seen as fending off reported interest from clubs that could take the goalkeeper away from them. Now, Williams said if any opportunity to go abroad had came then it should have happened just after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals. Williams was the named the best goalkeeper at the tournament for his heroics as Bafana Bafana returned home with a bronze medal. The 31-year-old said he didn’t see anything wrong with extending his contract with Sundowns after realising that nothing concrete came for him. Williams feels Sundowns are giving him the platform to showcase his talent, saying he’s now looking forward to FIFA Club World Cup. SUNDOWNS ‘KEEPER WILLIAMS TALKS POSSIBLE MOVE ABROAD “I think if that was to materialise, it should have happened after AFCON – I think that was the perfect moment, and nothing concrete came my way or anything that my management or club brought up,” said Williams as SABC Sport. “So, why not stay at Mamelodi Sundowns, where we’re looking to be part of great things – the [FIFA] Club World Cup, they’re giving me that platform.” WILLIAMS HAPPY AT CHLOORKOP BUT… Furthermore, Williams admitted that he’s happy at Sundowns, but he’s open to leaving should the club be satisfied with whatever offer presented for his services. “I’m happy at the club, I’ve signed a new deal, long may this continue – the achievements, the success, and even the heartbreak because that builds and fuels us to go even harder in the next season,” continued Williams. “So, I’m looking forward to [the extended chapter], I’m happy at Sundowns, and I’m looking forward to the Club World Cup.” “But if something comes, and the club is happy [to let me go] then so be it,” he added.

‘I’m off social media. I have someone else running my social media. I’m out of that space, it’s very toxic,’ Mokwena said. In the wake of the revelation in court that Rulani Mokwena was on the verge of leaving Mamelodi Sundowns and head to Al-Ahly with Pitso Mosimane in 2020, the current Sundowns head coach says he’s staying off social media to block out the noise in such a crucial part of the season. ALSO READ: Chiefs coach Johnson has another go at referees after AmaZulu draw Mokwena was supposed to form part of Mosimane’s backroom staff at the Red Devils but made a U-turn two hours before the departure to Egypt. This was all revealed during a court battle between Mosimane’s management company and Sundowns. The Brazilians have already won the DStv Premiership title but there’s still a lot to play for with the Nedbank Cup up for grabs and the prospect of ending the season unbeaten. “I’m off social media. I have someone else running my social media. I’m out of that space, it’s very toxic,” Mokwena responded when asked about the timing of the revelation and backlash that has followed.  “I’m focusing on the responsibility because the responsibility is huge. To lead this club is more difficult than people think because there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes at Mamelodi Sundowns. To be the coach, you have to forget a little bit about yourself because no one cares about who you are and your feelings. “What people care about is the results and performance and every day you have to show up as the coach and not as Rulani Mokwena and that’s what I focus on.” ‘Track record’ Mokwena has also leapt the defence of striker Peter Shalulile who hasn’t been as deadly in front of goal this season. With four games remaining, Shalulile hasn’t yet reached double figures in the league for the first time since joining Sundown. The goal against Royal AM on Saturday was the Namibian’s seventh of the league campaign. “If there is someone that is exempt from this Mamelodi Sundowns team from criticism of not scoring goals, it’s Peter Shalulile because the track record speaks for itself,” Mokwena said. “I always say this because it is so important and transcends beyond football, every human being wants to feel loved and appreciated. That is not only in the good moments, it’s also in the bad moments and that’s where genuine true love is. ALSO READ: SuperSport coach Hunt pours cold water on Johannes Pirates links “A player like Peter gives his heart and soul every single day. Even when he doesn’t score, he runs, presses and creates chances for others. These types of players are allowed a couple of days off and you forgive them because the good days far outweigh the bad days.”

Kylian Mbappe, the French football sensation, is on the brink of joining Real Madrid following his announcement to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last week. During his seven-year stint at PSG, Mbappe won six league titles, although the club fell short of winning the Champions League, losing the 2020 final to Bayern Munich. Last summer, Mbappe made his intention to leave PSG clear and was subsequently left out of the team’s pre-season trip to Asia. Despite interest from Premier League clubs and a record-breaking offer from Saudi club Al Hilal, which included a €300m transfer fee and a €700m salary package, Mbappe had his heart set on joining Real Madrid, the club he idolised as a child. Earnings at PSG Throughout his time at PSG, Mbappe has amassed a substantial fortune. When he first arrived on loan from Monaco in 2017, he earned €18m per year. After France’s World Cup triumph in 2018, his salary nearly doubled to €32m. In 2022, amid transfer links to Real Madrid, PSG offered him a new contract with a salary of €72m, a €180m signing-on bonus spread over three years, and an annual €70m loyalty payment. In his final two years at PSG, Mbappe earned a staggering €400m, with his total earnings at the club estimated to be around €600m (£515m) before tax. Mbappe’s Expected Earnings at Real Madrid Although the transfer has not been officially announced, Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid is widely anticipated. Reports suggest that he will take a significant pay cut compared to his PSG wages, with an expected annual salary of at least €15m per season, along with a €150m signing-on bonus. Mbappe’s camp is also considering the potential increase in his marketing value once he joins the world’s most famous football club. Real Madrid’s financial challenges have been well-documented in recent years, and the club cannot afford to pay the wages offered by PSG or Saudi Arabian clubs. However, Mbappe’s move to the Bernabeu is expected to boost his own marketing potential, as he will be following in the footsteps of iconic players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Kaka, and Ronaldo Nazario. Mbappe’s Net Worth Compared to Other Sports Stars Mbappe’s current net worth is estimated to be around €160m, which is considerably lower than that of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom have a net worth of approximately €600m. However, Mbappe has many years ahead of him to close the gap. In comparison to other sports stars, Mbappe’s net worth is closer to that of Rory McIlroy and Conor McGregor, while still lagging behind the likes of LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Tiger Woods, whose off-field earnings have significantly contributed to his €800m net worth. As Mbappe prepares to join a star-studded cast at the Bernabeu Stadium, which includes Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, football fans eagerly await the official confirmation of his move to Real Madrid in the coming weeks.

2 Manchester United produced a timid attacking display in their Premier League game against a nervy Arsenal side to end up losing 0-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday. On the back of a 0-4 thumping at the hands of Crystal Palace, Erik ten Hag, fearful of another humiliation, decided to adopt a safety-first approach against the league leaders. The team player much more compact as compared to recent games but another huge error from Casemiro allowed the Gunners to take the lead in the first half. And the visitors never looked in danger of relinquishing that lead as the 20-time English league champions were content with keeping the ball and passing it among themselves instead of trying to force the issue with the clock running out. United have sorely missed Bruno Rasmus Hojlund once again hardly got any support while his current form just shows he is not ready to lead the line for the Red Devils and needs more help but the manager has no option but to keep playing him. Alejandro Garnacho spurned a few presentable opportunities while the midfield lacked creativity as the Dutchman opted to minimise damage amid the ongoing injury crisis. Skipper Bruno Fernandes’ absence has been felt a lot with the Portuguese missing two games in a row now, the first time that has happened since his move to the club. Mason Mount was tried against the Eagles and he could not provide the cutting-edge that the Portugal international is so good at usually. Against Mikel Arteta’s side, nobody in midfield had the silk needed to thread passes into the striker or attempt something spectacular. Fernandes was spotted wearing a protective brace around his right hand which he broke during the FA Cup semi-final tie against Coventry City. The Portuguese insisted on playing the following games against Sheffield United and Burnley but has now missed the last two. Whether it is because of his hand injury or something else entirely remains unknown. Ten Hag also told @talkSPORT Bruno Fernandes is likely to miss Wednesday’s game v #NUFC. — Alex Crook (@alex_crook) May 12, 2024 Ten Hag had announced before the Arsenal game that the former Sporting Lisbon star was back in training but Amad Diallo got his first start against the North London side instead as the manager said the club captain could not make it in time. Now Alex Crook of Talksport has revealed that the 29-year-old is unlikely to be fit for the upcoming Newcastle United encounter in midweek after the journalist had a conversation with the manager . Bruno to miss Newcastle game “Ten Hag also told @talkSPORT Bruno Fernandes is likely to miss Wednesday’s game v #NUFC,” Crook wrote on X (formerly Twitter). United are currently languishing in eighth and are in danger of missing out on Europe altogether. The Magpies are in decent form having lost only once in their last five and are in sixth spot. This will be another huge blow and Ten Hag is likely to adopt a similar method against Eddie Howe’s team like he did on Sunday to ensure a respectable loss in the end. Hopefully, Fernandes can play the final league game of the season against Brighton and be fit for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

‘It was not a great offer, but Sundowns would not even consider it,’ a source told the Mgosi Squad. Mamelodi Sundowns have put up a strict ‘not for sale’ sign on Teboho Mokoena, as conversations with the midfielder continue over a new deal. Phakaaathi understands that a formal offer came in for Mokoena from an overseas club, but that Masandawana were not even prepared to look at it. “It was not a great offer, but Sundowns would not even consider it. At least (you should) look at it,” a source told the Mgosi Squad. Mokoena’s current deal with Sundowns will expire in June 2025 and the Mgosi Squad understands that discussions over a new deal have hit an impasse, with the parties nowhere near an agreement on terms. Flemming’s instruction As reported by Phakaaathi last week, Sundowns sporting director Flemming Berg is said to have been given the mandate to ensure the club does not lose their key players, including Mokoena. “Negotiations were at a very delicate stage currently and I would not want to prejudice such discussions at this moment,” Mokoena’s agent Glyn Binkin told the SABC last week.

2 Avram Glazer revealed his “love” for Manchester United to a fan during the women team’s successful FA Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. United cruised to an emphatic 4-0 win to secure the club’s first major trophy since the formation of the women’s team in 2018. Goals from Ella Toone, Rachel Williams and a brace from Lucia Garcia put Spurs to the sword as the Red Devils ran riot at Wembley. The American owner was in attendance in the capital while his co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, was present at Old Trafford for United men’s fixture against Arsenal. Glazer was sat in the Royal Box at Wembley – a second trip for the 63-year-old businessman in the space of a month, having attended the semi-final against Coventry City in April. He was also present for both cup finals last season (FA Cup and Carabao Cup). His last trip to Old Trafford was in August 2022 for the opening day defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. During the match, the Manchester Evening News contends Glazer spoke to a fan, revealing he “wouldn’t have missed” the historic match. “It’s a big day and I’m happy to be here. I wouldn’t have missed it. I love United. I wouldn’t want to miss this,” the American stated. United fans reading those words would be forgiven for any feelings of anger or disbelief they may be experiencing because this reporter certainly shares them. The idea that any member of the Glazer family could claim, with a straight face, to “love” United is an insult to the state of disrepair they have allowed the club to fall into, both on and off the pitch. Erik ten Hag’s side fell to a disappointing 0-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal in front of Ratcliffe just hours after the women’s team had triumphed over Spurs. While the performance was better than the absolute capitulation against Crystal Palace earlier in the week, an improvement on abysmal is still poor. United’s inability to sustain meaningful and lasting success on the pitch is a symptom of their abject ownership, as much as it is an incompetent manager or underperforming players. A ‘fish rots from the head’ has never applied more pertinently than at Old Trafford over the past decade with Avram Glazer suspect number one in this decay. And, to add insult to injury, the stadium itself has even become a source of embarrassment for fans. Old Trafford is now Old Trafford after years of superficial investment by the Glazers, with the long-standing issue of a leaky roof rearing its ugly head as United fell to defeat to a better run, better organised rival with a better designed stadium. An unusual amount of rainfall in a concentrated burst proved too much for the roof of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stadium and huge amounts of water began to cascade into the stadium, soaking fans and creating an image which was as embarrassing as it was dangerous. It is not the first time this has happened, nor will it likely be the last, but The Peoples Person is sure the view from the Royal Box at Wembley was much more enjoyable than the one from the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand at Old Trafford at full-time of each game. Hence Avram Glazer’s completely out-of-touch words. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.

‘After the offside goal I spoke to the fourth official who said he can’t do anything because the mics were not working,’ said the Chiefs head coach. Kaizer Chiefs head coach Cavin Johnson has expressed concern that the match officials’ communication devices seemed to break down during their 1-1 DStv Premiership draw with AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday. AmaZulu scored an equaliser through Victor Letsoalo that replays showed was just offside, while Johnson also felt Abbubaker Mobara should have been sent off for a foul and a penalty should have been awarded to Chiefs. The Amakhosi head coach felt a lack of communication between the match officials did not help the situation. “We had a good first-half, we should have scored more than one goal,” said Johnson, whose side opened the scoring after just 90 seconds through Ashley Du Preez. At the post match press conference the Chiefs head coach was aware that AmaZulu’s goal was offside, when in his television interview he did not appear to realise this. And this only seemed to fuel his anger. “But you know when you get an offside goal against you…during the first-half as well, the officials lost comms, which I thought was strange. How do you lose comms for 30 minutes of a game? It affects decisions when the referee has no comms with the fourth officials or his team-mates (assistant referees) on the side. “After the offside goal I spoke to the fourth official who said he can’t do anything because the mics were not working. “In the second-half, I think we had a penalty shout, and it should be a second yellow card for Mobara and he should go off. But again there were no communications between the fourth official and his colleagues on the side. The referee was making decisions on his own.” ‘Cup finals’ Chiefs somehow clung on to eighth position on the table as the teams around them also faltered. Their next game is surely vital in Amakhosi’s bid to qualify for next season’s MTN8, as they take on ninth-placed Polokwane City on Satutday, who only trail them on goal difference. “The top eight is very important to the club. We have to take the next two games as cup finals,” added Johnson. “We have tried to do that for the last six weeks…I don’t think the team is playing bad football, the problem is we are not putting the ball in the back of the net.”

1 Gareth Southgate has described links between him and Manchester United as a “complete irrelevance” with his sole focus being the European Championship this summer in Germany, but did not fully rule out a return to club football in the future. In an interview with ITV News, the England manager was asked about him being one of the bookmakers’ favourites to take over from Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. “I’m not a big gambling man, but bookies can make their odds. It’s not a conversation that’s been had with me,” he replied. ‘I’ve got one thing to focus on… Everything else outside of that is a complete irrelevance to me.’ Gareth Southgate played down speculation linking him to Manchester United and told @stevescott_itv his aim is to win #Euro2024 with England. https://t.co/xSKFOzL6WR pic.twitter.com/yAxMuf44hZ — ITV News (@itvnews) May 13, 2024 Southgate has been strongly linked with the United job since it emerged the club was actively pursuing Dan Ashworth to be the new sporting director at Old Trafford. Ashworth, currently on gardening leave with Newcastle as the two clubs have been unable to agree a compensation package, has previously worked with Southgate in the England national set-up as a technical director. When Southgate was made manager of the Three Lions, following his work for the U21 side, Ashworth described him as the “outstanding candidate” for the role. It appears to be a sentiment shared by INEOS – the new leaders of the football department at Old Trafford following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ratification as co-owner in February – who have made Ashworth a key part of their vision for transforming United. The INEOS Sport team is headed by Sir Dave Brailsford, who has been conducting a comprehensive audit of the club in a bid to streamline and improve the sporting operation. Brailsford is a close friend and colleague of Ashworth who describes the INEOS Director as the “best in the world” at what he does. Brailsford also holds a long-term connections with Southgate having worked as an advisor with the FA, with the England manager even being invited to his 60th birthday in March. The links between all three man are, therefore, obvious; the type the rumour mill of football will always seek to play on if given the opportunity to do so. And United’s performances on the pitch this year have given ample ammunition for this to happen. At the beginning of the year, Ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford was the strongest of any manager since Sir Alex Ferguson. He had guided the club back into the Champions League with a comfortable 3rd place finish in his debut season in English football. He had delivered the first trophy in six years with a Carabao Cup triumph. He’d even appeared to have successfully healed the wounds between the players and fans inflicted during the painful 2021/22 season. In return, the club had fully backed the Dutchman, committing to another summer of huge spending at his behest. Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund were all signed for large fees while United spent the entire summer chasing Sofyan Amrabat to reunite the Moroccan with Ten Hag in a costly loan deal. United officials were more than happy to be guided by their manager. In short, he was the Manchester United manager for the present and the future. But, nine months on, it feels almost a foregone conclusion he is a relic of the past; a dead man walking who will not be in charge beyond this month. 8th in the Premier League with a goal difference of -4 and fourteen losses. The most goals conceded in a season since 1971. A calamitous early exit from both the Champions League and the Carabao Cup. A string of performances which border on a team in the bottom three rather than hoping to be in the top four. It’s been a truly awful season. The prospect, however remote, of a successful FA Cup campaign by beating Manchester City in the final on May 25 is this year’s only saving grace. An embarrassing defeat is the far more likely result, however. INEOS have refused to provide a definitive answer on Ten Hag’s long-term future at the club, instead choosing to make a decision once the season has finished. This lack of clarity off the pitch has undoubtedly produced a negative effect on the pitch, with United’s form absolutely torpedoing over the final few months of an abysmal year. This does not exculpate Ten Hag of his role in these woes, with the Dutchman’s bizarre system – a completely contradictory high-press, low bock structure – as much of a contributing factor as the unrelenting injury list which has besieged his squad, but he has been forced to manage an almost unmanageable situation at times. Nonetheless, an historically poor season for United will always result in the rumour mill going into overdrive on the manager not being long for this world. When you couple that with EURO 2024 being potentially Southgate’s last tournament, and his long-standing ties to two executive heavyweights (or soon to be in the case of Ashworth) at Old Trafford, you’re left with an easy narrative for the rumour mill and bookies to push. It’s not a narrative Southgate is remotely interested in, however. The England manager is adamant his only focus at present is having “as successful a tournament with England as possible”. Everything else outside of that, including links to Old Trafford, are described as a “complete irrelevance” to him. When the interviewer questioned if he would rule out a return to club football further down the line, Southgate reiterated where his attention lies. “If I start talking about that, then I’m already distracted from what I’m doing. So I think the country would expect that my focus is on England, and rightly so,” he replied. Perhaps most interestingly was Southgate’s response that he has had no “conversation” with United officials over the prospect of joining the club. You would expect the number one favourite for the role to have had some level of dialogue with his prospective new employers and Southgate is renowned for his honest approach. Whether the links between England’s manager and England’s biggest club are genuine or simply the product of the rumour mill putting two and two together remains to be seen, but there feels little doubt there will be a vacant managerial position at Old Trafford come the end of the season should Southgate be interested in the job. Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.