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Alan Shearer believes Mohamed Salah is right to feel aggrieved about being left out of the Liverpool starting line-up on Saturday. Salah, for so long the Reds’ chief attacking inspiration, was involved in a touchline row with manager Jurgen Klopp after being named on the bench for the Merseysiders’ damaging 2-2 draw at West Ham. The result dealt another blow to Liverpool’s already slim hopes of winning the Premier League title in Klopp’s final season. The flashpoint came just before Salah was introduced to the action in the 79th minute, with fellow substitute Darwin Nunez stepping in to act as peacemaker. “I understand if Mo’s got the right hump”. What did you make of Mo Salah and Jurgen Klopp’s touchline spat?#MOTD pic.twitter.com/o17hiDJI34 — Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 28, 2024 Shearer, the Premier League’s record goalscorer, told BBC Match of the Day: “We don’t know what Klopp has said to him – he’s obviously said something that’s riled him. “He’s obviously got the right hump with being left out and probably rightly so, even though he’s not hit the heights that Mo Salah has done over the years. “We’re guessing as to what Jurgen has said to him but I understand if Mo has got the right hump because of the number of times he’s been Liverpool’s saviour, Liverpool’s superstar. “He’s got 17 in 25 league starts. Anyone else looking at that would think that’s unbelievable. It’s a shame that it’s going to end like that.” Salah added further to the controversy after the game when he refused to discuss the matter with reporters, saying only: “There’s going to be a fire today if I speak.” Klopp, however, tried to play down the incident after his team failed to find a late winner at the London Stadium. “We spoke about it in the dressing room and that is done for me,” he said. Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher labelled Salah’s post-match comment “daft” but called on all sides to move on from the incident. Carragher wrote on X: “MO Salah & Jurgen Klopp are both @LFC legends. We don’t need to take sides! “Salah is frustrated & angry with Jurgen that he’s not playing & at that moment didn’t want to fully embrace the boss, Jurgen understandably took exception. “MO was daft with his comment in the mixed zone but lets let them sort it out & enjoy the last few weeks together. They’ve been a massive help to each other in all that’s been achieved at the club!”

1 Manchester United struggles this season have come both on and off the pitch, with Erik ten Hag having to contend with multiple issues, particularly early in the campaign. The fall-out with Jadon Sancho was an unexpected problem for Ten Hag, who lost one of his key players after exiling the forward for a public outburst toward to the boss. Sancho hasn’t played for United since August and was sent on loan to former club Borussia Dortmund in January. The 24-year-old is getting back up to speed in Germany and showing flashes of his undoubted quality in a league that certainly better suits his style of play. His wonderful strike in Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to RB Leipzig gave Dortmund a lead on the day and took his overall tally to 40 goals in Germany’s top flight. As reported by The Daily Mail, Sancho’s 40th strike makes him the highest scoring Englishman in Bundesliga history. The excellent curling effort put him one past the record of former Nottingham Forest and Arsenal winger Tony Woodcock, who made made 155 appearances for Köln across two spells in the 1970s and 80s. However, it’s not expected Sancho will hold the record for long, with England captain Harry Kane already breathing down his neck after one season in Germany. Kane is currently on an extraordinary 35 goals in 31 games for Bayern Munich, and with three Bundesliga games left, might even overtake Sancho by the end the season. If not by the end of this, it will surely not take Kane long to find himself top of the list in the new season, particularly with Bayern out to avenge the loss of the German league title they held for 11 consecutive years. Sancho’s long term future is looking less secure, with a reconciliation at United reliant on a change in the dugout which is looking more and more likely with each passing week. United have four league games to navigate before the huge Manchester Derby in the FA Cup final, which may well be Ten Hag’s last hurrah as United boss. INEOS will then make a decision on Sancho who would either provide the new coach with another option in his front line or command a decent fee in the transfer market should he be sold. 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.

”Shabba’ placed it well, with no power, with calmness,” said the Chiefs head coach after the match. Cavin Johnson praised young attacking midfielder Mduduzo Shabalala, after the 20 year-old finally hit the back of the net for Kaizer Chiefs this season, with a well-taken winner in Saturday’s 2-1 DStv Premiership win over SuperSport United. Shabalala had spoken to the media earlier last week about his need to contribute more in front of goal. And he backed up his words with actions at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, as he fired in from the edge of the box in the 76th minute, to give Amakhosi just their second win of 2024. “’Shabba’ placed it well, with no power, with calmness,’” said Johnson after the match. “He has been on the fringes for a while, in and out, he has started to play a few games and in the last game he came in and played 70 minutes. He has always been there, a quality player, fighting to be in the team. And tonight he scored a goal. Like any player in his position it makes him better when he scores. I think he played very well today.” The victory boosted Chiefs in their bid to at least qualify for the MTN8 next season, and will also have given them a lift ahead of their league showdown with Mamelodi Sundowns on Thursday. Chiefs had scored just three times in nine games in all competitions this year before Saturday, and will need to have their shooting boots on again when they come up against a side of Masandawana’s quality. Man-of-the-Match Christian Saile was Chiefs’ other goalscorer, hammering in a quality first half finish to put the home side in front, before SuperSport rallied, levelling after the break via a penalty from substitute Terrence Dzvukamanja. ‘At least we got two’ “Saile scored a goal he scores every day in training,” added Johnson on just the Congolese attacker’s fourth league goal of the season, and his first since November. “On other days he hasn’t scored. Shabba scored a goal from training where we have set up drills specifically for that technique. I am happy, because at least we got two goals today. Last week we got zero, the week before we got zero, but we still played good football.”   Chiefs still face a fight over their last five matches to finish inside the top eight. After Saturday’s matches there were just four points separating Amakhosi in eighth in the table from Royal AM down in 13th.

A Kaizer Chiefs striker target has once again shown why the club are interested in his services last night.  Chiefs are believed to be interested in signing Iqraam Rayners from Stellenbosch FC ahead of next season.  This publication reported two months ago that Chiefs will be prioritising the signing of a striker next season. That might be a surprise as the club signed Ranga Chivaviro and Jasond Gonzalez at the beginning of the campaign. Unfortunately for the duo and the club management, however, they both haven’t had the desired effect as yet.  Chivaviro joined Chiefs from Marumo Gallants, amid much fanfare due to scoring 17 goals for the since relegated side. Amakhosi had fought hard to get the Limpopo-born striker to Naturena, with Pirates reaching a transfer agreement first with Gallants. But the player, pushed for a move to the Glamour Boys, as he is a lifelong supporter of the club.  There was even controversy surrounding Chivaviro’s ownership with Richards Bay FC claiming he had signed a pre-contract with them. In the end, those claims disappeared into thin air, with Chiefs getting their man. Since signing for the club though, the target man has barely threatened to reach last season’s heights. In the 19 games he has played for the club so far, he has only managed two goals.  Gonzalez leaving Chiefs Those, however, are two goals more than fellow new striker signing Gonzalez, who is yet to get off the mark. The Colombian came to the country with the reputation of being a goal machine, but has found the going tough. He has not managed to find the back of the net in the 12 games he has played for Chiefs.  Therefore, it cannot come as a surprise that Chiefs are prioritising the addition of a prolific striker for next season. Their search seems to have taken them to Rayners. This publication recently reported that the club have set up a meeting in connection to getting the negotiations on the way. With performances like last night where he scored five against Polokwane City, it comes as no surprise that the Soweto giants are interested in his services.  Club sets its sights on Rayners Rayners, who also recently scored for Bafana Bafana has had yet another blinder in front of goals this season. With 15 goals and eight assists in 33 games in all competitions so far,  Chiefs should prepare to part with top dollar if they’re to sign him.

During Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against West Ham, Liverpool’s left side had significantly more influence than the right. We looked at why. Another game, another goal conceded first, more chances missed. That’s now 23 times Liverpool have conceded first out of 55 games this season. In front of goal, FotMob tell us Liverpool had 28 shots, created 1.75 expected goals missed both of their big chances created. Everybody knows this is a problem, though. In this piece, we’ll look at another aspect of Liverpool’s game that is becoming more evident as the weeks go by.   Salah affects the shape As promising a young player as Harvey Elliott is, he is not a natural winger. While both are left footed, having Mo Salah on the pitch gives Liverpool permanent width on the right and opens up spaces in the middle. At the start of the season, one of Dominik Szoboszlai‘s biggest strengths was his ability to run beyond Salah into the space between full-back and centre-back. With Salah now out of form and dropped against West Ham, Liverpool’s presence in very advanced wide right positions was virtually non-existent at times. Having Trent Alexander-Arnold drift into midfield also contributes to the lack of threat on the right. You can see using WhoScored‘s heat maps how much influence Andy Robertson had in comparison to Alexander-Arnold, on their respective flanks.   The players’ form While Liverpool’s No. 66 was looking for the killer pass – he made more passes (13) into the final third than anyone else on Saturday – he hasn’t been at his best since returning from a lengthy injury lay-off. Instead, the mantle has fallen on Robertson to provide impetus in the Reds’ recent fixtures and, along with Luis Diaz, has carried Liverpool of late. Against West Ham, Liverpool’s left-sided trio of Diaz (8.6 out of 10), Robertson (8.3) and Ryan Gravenberch (7.8) were the Reds’ highest-rated players on FotMob. Individually, they will all feel they had decent games without excelling. Gravenberch completed seven of his eight dribbles against West Ham, more than anyone else on the pitch, and also created two chances along with making four passes into the final third. Meanwhile, Robertson made 12 passes into the final third and created five chances, bettered only by Diaz who created seven opportunities. The difference is stark when comparing those stats to the right-sided players, Alexis Mac Allister, Elliott and Alexander-Arnold. Those three created seven chances (none from Elliott), while the left made 14. One of Arne Slot‘s biggest challenges will be correcting the balance to the team, deciding how and when to use Alexander-Arnold in midfield or at full-back. Of course, there is then the question of Salah’s future too. FotMob is an essential app for every fan to keep up to date with their team or follow football worldwide, their incredible new features provide all you could ever want and information you never knew you needed! You can download the FotMob App here.

1 Manchester United’s woeful campaign has left Erik ten Hag under huge pressure to save his position at Old Trafford. Ten Hag has suffered badly in his second season in charge and failing to finish in the top four alongside an embarrassing early exit from the Champions League has put pressure on INEOS to make a change. However, with the managerial merry-go-round in full swing this summer, the pool of potential suitors is quickly dwindling. As reported by fichajes.com, two coaches on INEOS’ shortlist to replace the Dutchman are set to take jobs on the continent in the coming weeks. First, ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is on the verge of returning to the dug-out in Serie A with last year’s runaway champions, Napoli. Conte is expected to receive a salary of €6.5 million per season in Naples and will be tasked with restoring some pride to the club who have suffered an awful campaign this time out, looking unlikely to finish any higher than eighth place. Additionally, former Wolves coach Julen Lopetegui is “one step away” from joining Conte in Italy by taking over at AC Milan, who have been beaten to the Scudetto by arch-rivals Inter this season. The Spaniard has held positive discussions with the Rossoneri and is favouring a move to Milan despite interest from clubs across Europe. With two more well respected coaches now seemingly off the market, INEOS will be aware of the need to make a decision quickly on the future of their current head coach. Despite having to contend with a long list of injuries throughout the season, Ten Hag’s apparent inability to change his style of play has left fans bemused as they watch opponents continuously slice United open week-on-week. However, amidst the chaos the Dutchman has managed to steer United to a second successive FA Cup final which many feel represents the last chance Ten Hag to save his skin, in Manchester. Before then, United must navigate their last four Premier League fixtures as they bid to secure a place in next season’s Europa League, before they travel to Wembley 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.

Mamelodi Sundowns are set to have yet another busy transfer window at the end of the season.  With all their incomings over the years, Sundowns’ outgoings are set to be equally important this time around. Despite already cruising in the DStv Premiership, Sundowns were the most active side in the January window. The Brazilians already had a nine-point gap on second placed Cape Town City, with three games in hand at the time. That did not stop them from pursuing a squad boost ahead of the second half of the season. Of course for them, they also have to factor continental commitments with hopes of a Club FIFA World Cup too. Now with that on the horizon, Sundowns went and signed the Likes of Zukho Mdunyelwa, Matias Esquivel. Then when everybody thought that they had strengthened enough, they add Thembinkosi Lorch and Tashreeq Matthews. The Rulani Mokwena-led side are showing no signs of slowing down on the transfer market ahead of next season. The South African News already understands that Masandawana have wrapped up a deal to sign Jayden Adams from Stellenbosch FC. Sundowns want to tie down Williams Earlier in the week, this publication reported that Sundowns had already ‘agreed’ to tie down their star keeper Ronwen Williams. But now, according to KickOff.com, he has attracted a large amount of interest in the Gulf region. They also believe it could be very lucrative offers that could be put on the table. Could earn close to R50 million a year in Saudi Arabia “Should a deal be done for the Saudi League, Williams stands to earn USD2,5 million (approx. R48 million) per annum, which will come tax free. The personal terms will be a huge improvement from what he is earning at Sundowns.” Wrote the publication With Williams winning the goalkeeper of the tournament at Afcon, one would’ve expected him to attract overseas interest. It remains to be seen if Sundowns would even entertain such offers. Even though he has virtually agreed a new deal, those figures could surely tempt anyone.

Mamelodi Sundowns are set to have yet another busy transfer window at the end of the season.  With all their incomings over the years, Sundowns’ outgoings are set to be equally important this time around. Despite already cruising in the DStv Premiership, Sundowns were the most active side in the January window. The Brazilians already had a nine-point gap on second placed Cape Town City, with three games in hand at the time. That did not stop them from pursuing a squad boost ahead of the second half of the season. Of course for them, they also have to factor continental commitments with hopes of a Club FIFA World Cup too. Now with that on the horizon, Sundowns went and signed the Likes of Zukho Mdunyelwa, Matias Esquivel. Then when everybody thought that they had strengthened enough, they add Thembinkosi Lorch and Tashreeq Matthews. The Rulani Mokwena-led side are showing no signs of slowing down on the transfer market ahead of next season. The South African News already understands that Masandawana have wrapped up a deal to sign Jayden Adams from Stellenbosch FC. Sundowns want to extend Williams deal Earlier in the week, this publication reported that Sundowns had already ‘agreed’ to tie down their star keeper Ronwen Williams. But now, according to KickOff.com, he has attracted a large amount of interest in the Gulf region.  Saudi interest “Clubs in the Saudi Pro League have started preliminary efforts in trying to get an understanding about what it will take to entice him. KickOff.com has spoken to two contacts based in the Gulf Region who have both indicated that Williams is of interest in the Saudi market and has constantly been in transfer talks. The 32-year-old was followed from close during Saturday’s CAF Champions League defeat to Esperance in Tunis.” Wrote the publication.  With Williams winning the goalkeeper of the tournament at Afcon, one would’ve expected him to attract overseas interest. It remains to be seen if Sundowns would even entertain such offers.

Kaizer Chiefs are on the hunt for for a permanent coach to take over from interim manager Cavin Johnson, and recent reports have indicated that Manqoba Mngqithi is a real strong contender. However, there was always a feeling that Sundowns would not be willing to just bid farewell to their assistant, even as his current contract enters the final couple of months. Negotiations for a new deal are currently under way, although his agent Mike Makaab previously explained that a number of factors still had to be considered as Mngqithi weighs up his next move. In the latest update, it’s now effectively been confirmed by Makaab that Mngqithi will not be heading to Chiefs. “Manqoba Mngqithi’s contract is coming to an end in June with Mamelodi Sundowns but we hope his contract will be renewed,” Makaab said in an interview with FARPost. “As it stands now, we are hoping that in the next two weeks, we’ll know what the future holds for Mngqithi because we’re going to have a meeting with Sundowns. “We hope he will remain at Sundowns. His commitment is with the current club, and that’s going to be our primary focus.” Kaizer Chiefs’ search for a top coach continues as Manqoba Mngqithi looks set to commit to Sundowns The latest developments in the search for a new coach come in the wake of the news that interim manager Cavin Johnson is set to return to his Head of Youth role after this season. According to iDiski Times, Johnson will not be part of the senior team’s management structure ahead of the 2024/25 season, and will instead return to the role he was originally appointed for. Amakhosi at least back to winning ways For Johnson and Chiefs, there was at least some relief on Saturday as they finally returned to winning ways after beating SuperSport United 2-1 in an exciting DStv Premiership clash. Goals from Christian Saile and Mduduzi Shabalala, either side of Terrence Dzvukamanja’s equaliser from the penalty spot ended the Glamour Boys’ goal drought in fine style, as they dished up one of their better performances of the campaign so far. The win takes them up to eighth place in the DStv Premiership standings, on 33 points from 25 games. With five rounds of the season remaining, Amakhosi still stand an outside chance of qualifying for CAF competition next season. They will be looking for another positive result when they host Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB stadium on Thursday evening. Line-ups: Kaizer Chiefs: Bvuma (44), Msimango (25), Dove (2), Hlanti (23) (Frosler (39 67’), Solomons (18), Sithebe (6), Mthethwa (5), Shabalala (42) (Castillo (17) 82’), Mmodi (13) Vilakazi (28) 67’), Basomboli Saile (21) (Kwinika (4) 90+3’), Du Preez (9) Subs not used: Petersen (1); Mashiane (19), Zwane (37), Gonzalez (14), Chivaviro (7) Coach: Cavin Johnson SuperSport Utd: Arubi (32); Baloyi (42), Okon (13), Hlatswayo © (3), Magerman (23), Ndlovu (8), Baliti (29), Campbell (21) (Dzvukamanja (11) 45’), Bezuidenhout (28) (Lakay (12) 45’), Matodzi (36) (Magidigidi (46) 45’), Grobler (7) (Ighodaro (9) 82’) Subs not used: Xulu (30), Muthewi (44), Bhasera (14), Moralo (38), Allan (4) Coach: Gavin Hunt

1 Manchester United need to continue to help young players flourish according to captain, Bruno Fernandes. The Red Devils have not had much to shout about this season and this was on full show once again yesterday afternoon as United failed to hold onto yet another lead as they conceded a late penalty against Burnley at Old Trafford. The result ends United’s stumbling attempts to reach a Champions League spot for next season and leaves the Red Devils with an uphill task to secure Europa League football, with Newcastle breathing down their necks. However, the side’s commitment to youth has shone through in this campaign and this was seen in Ethan Wheatley becoming the 250th academy graduate to make his debut for the first team last week. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have also established themselves as two of the first names on the team sheet and despite their form dipping as of late due to the exhaustion of their first full season in the league, they have given hope to United fans in a season of darkness. Captain Bruno Fernandes spoke to the club’s official website about the importance of looking after the younger players and said that it is the role of the first team to create the environment for the academy players to flourish when given the opportunity. “At this club, you are used to having young players coming through the Academy and you’re used to the club buying young players that they feel can have a future at the club. You just mentioned two of them (Garnacho and Mainoo)”. “They’ve been playing most and they’ve been doing well. They’ve been doing great things”. “But, when the team is playing better, it’s going to create an even better place for them to [continue their] development and to be a better player. To be in a better place, being more confident, having more trust and playing even better”. “Even if they’re doing well, I think there is always space for improvement for everyone, but obviously when the team improves, everyone else improves individually”. However, Fernandes was not all praise, as he claimed that both players had bad moments and they need to develop greater consistency if they are to make it at the very top level. “I think the team needs to step up in certain moments to also make them feel confident to have their bad moments, their bad games, or even to let them have less pressure on themselves to be the players that have to make the difference in certain moments”. “I think they’ve been really good; they’ve been improving themselves. It’s just the first steps. They need to keep going, because obviously the expectations are going to grow, game by game, season by season”. Fernandes has had his critics as captain of United but whether it be playing through the pain barrier, being the most creative player in the Premier League or inspiring the youngsters, the Portuguese has really stepped up the last few weeks of the season for his side. 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.

Jurgen Klopp is leaving the role of Liverpool manager vacant in the summer, but it seems Arne Slot will not be taking on the exact same job. Instead, Slot is set to be named as the new ‘head coach’, rather than manager of Liverpool FC, according to Jonathan Northcroft of the Times. The journalist wrote that Liverpool are preparing “for a shift away from the traditional British football club structure. “The Dutchman, 45, is expected to be happy with that status, having spent his coaching career working in the same head coach/sporting director model that Liverpool are poised to adopt.” While the role of head coach does encompass much of what a traditional managerial job would entail, it takes away some of the responsibility for off-field affairs. This is an area Klopp has had increasing control of in recent years, and is thought to be partly why the returning Michael Edwards left his job as sporting director in 2022. With Klopp now on his way out, Liverpool are restructuring and that has seen the return of Edwards, though he will be employed by FSG as CEO of Football, rather than by the club itself. Beneath him, Richard Hughes is arriving to take the sporting director role, having previously worked with Edwards when they met at Portsmouth while Hughes was a player. Subsequently, he developed to become sporting director at Bournemouth before his present move to Merseyside. Northcroft continued: “Liverpool believe the new structure is more appropriate to the complexities and demands of the modern game and that it will give the man in charge of their first team — the head coach — more support to do his job, not less.” While Slot isn’t yet confirmed to be the new head coach, the deal is very close, with the Athletic reporting that a compensation fee of £11-12 million has been agreed between Liverpool and Feyenoord.

After West Ham drew 2-2 against Liverpool, Hammers boss David Moyes had some nice words for the Reds’ departing manager Jurgen Klopp, but couldn’t resist a jocular dig. Klopp and Moyes have faced off 14 times across the last eight years, with the Liverpool manager winning 11 of those matches and losing just one. Sunday’s 2-2 at the London Stadium will likely have been the last time they encounter each other on the sidelines, and there was a clear show of mutual respect on display. After the match, Moyes joked: “I’ll be glad he’s gone; he’s too big, his teeth are too bright! “I hate saying it because I’ve worked against him in the other clubs which are probably their biggest rivals, but I think he’s been immense for Liverpool, he really has been.” Moyes didn’t actually come up against the German during his time at Everton or Man United, but when you have an association to those clubs, the rivalry never really dies. The West Ham manager, who could also be leaving in the summer, continued: “I think he’s the daddy there, I really do. “He’s been able to control a big football club which is something which is not easy to do at times. He’s controlled it and I’m glad to see the back of him I’ve got to say. “I said today, I think the Premier League brings in lots of managers from different places, some come and go very quickly, some can last the course – Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex (Ferguson), Pep (Guardiola) and obviously Jurgen, Arsene (Wenger). “Some can last the course, a lot of others can’t last that course, so I have to say Jurgen’s been really good. “I hate saying it, but he’s been really good for Liverpool and hurry up and get away, Jurgen! Pleased to see you move on. The Scotsman finished by saying: “To manage a club you need to be very good and he’s very good at his job.” Nice comments from a man who has been around the block a few times.

1 Joe Hugill and Burton Albion finished a miserable season with a 3-0 away defeat to Fleetwood Town yesterday. The Brewers had already been assured of their safety after mid-week results went their way and they finished the season in 20th place, two points above safety in League One. The away side were 2-0 down after 31 minutes and in truth, were rarely in the game. They did have 13 shots to the home side’s 15 but only managed to have three of them on target. The away team also had less of the ball as they shared 44% of the possession. Manchester United loanee Hugill has been poor of late and it was no surprise that he once again found himself on the bench, in what will be his last game for Burton. The 20 year old was able to play 39 minutes of the second half and got himself more involved than he has been of late, scoring 6.8 on Sofascore. The United academy once more failed to have any sort of shot on goal in what has been a very poor goalscoring return. One goal in 18 league matches is not the sort of return any striker is looking for. However, he did get himself more involved in the build-up play as he had 19 touches of the ball and completed five of his eight passes. The one long ball he attempted also found its intended target. The youngster continued to find the physical battle of League One difficult as he only won 50% of his ground duels and 40% of his aerial battles. He was also poor in possession, losing the ball 7 times in the second half. Hugill did contribute defensively however, blocking one shot and making two tackles. The former Sunderland academy player will now take a well-earned holiday and return to Carrington to be assessed by the United staff in pre-season. A return to under 21 football is hardly likely to be the best solution and he is clearly not ready to contribute to the first team, so another loan to League One or League Two may be the best option. The youngster has certainly struggled but the experience of senior football in England’s third tier will definitely stand him in good stead for the future. Perhaps, finding a loan club with a team that is better on the ball and not struggling for their lives will aid the striker’s development in the long term. 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.

Kaizer Chiefs moved to eighth position in the DStv Premiership standings after beating SuperSport United on Saturday, 27 April. The Glamour Boys won 2-1 at the new Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. Kaizer Chiefs scored goals through Christian Saile (19th minute) and Mduduzi Shabalala (76th minute). Matsatsantsa replied with a goal from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute by Terrence Dzvukamanja. With their win, the Soweto giants reclaimed a coveted MTN8 place – for now. Those sides that finish the season in the top half of the 16-team league will secure lucrative spots in next season’s MTN8 tournament. Those fortunate eight teams will battle for a first prize of R8 million. The Glamour Boys now boast 33 points after 25 matches. Bookmark The South African website for the latest DStv Premiership news, fixtures, results, logs – and more! LATEST DSTV PREMIERSHIP LOG Meanwhile, as reported by The South African website, Kaizer Chiefs recently handed teenage sensation Mfundo Vilakazi a contract extension which will see him stay at Naturena until June 2028. Vilakazi arrived at Chiefs’ Youth Development Academy in 2021, initially playing for the under-17 team, before being promoted to the reserve team, where he shone for two seasons. The naturally gifted 18-year-old started training with the senior squad earlier this season and was included in the team shortly afterwards, much to the delight of many Kaizer Chiefs fans. Mfundo Vilakazi expressed his delight at his new contract He has made the match day squad on six occasions, appearing twice from the bench, in the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates and then in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 match. The Soweto-born attacking midfielder expressed his delight at signing this contract, saying: “I’m happy and excited to have a contract with a big Club like Chiefs. It has always been my dream from a young age to play for the senior team and represent Kaizer Chiefs. I am looking forward to contributing to the Club and paying back the management for believing in my talent. I thank all the supporters who always push me to do better, I promise not to disappoint.” Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. expressed his excitement about this development by saying: “We are very excited to be able to conclude this contract extension. Mfundo is an exceptional talent and we are looking forward to seeing him showcase his God-given technical ability with the senior team for many years to come. It’s now all about the hard work for the young man and we know he will do his best. “Mfundo’s promotion is a testament to the great work in our development structures. We have built an environment that is conducive to producing talent for the senior team, which is fundamental to the ethos of Kaizer Chiefs. We have some hard-working people – from under-13 to the reserve side – who do not focus purely on winning but mainly on producing top footballers for the senior team.”

‘With the Bafana call up and coming back, his game has even gone up another level. His link up play has improved a lot,’ said the Stellenbosch head coach. Steve Barker believes Iqraam Rayners should be under consideration for the Footballer of the Season Award, after the Stellenbosch striker lit up the DStv Premiership on Saturday night with all five goals in a 5-0 thumping of Polokwane City at the Danie Craven Stadium. The 28 year-old Rayners has been brilliant since re-joining Stellies in January 2023, after an unsuccessful stint at SuperSport United. On Saturday he became just the second striker in the Premier Soccer League era to score five goals in a single match, after Zambian James Chamanga scored five for Moroka Swallows in a 6-2 win over Platinum Stars in December 2007. Rayners’ amazing efforts against Rise and Shine also shot him to the top of the DStv Premiership scoring charts, with 13 league goals this season. “They were five special goals,” said Barker after the match. “Sometimes in four or five you will get one or two (that are special), but I thought every one was well thought out and well struck, they were quality finishes. He has gone to top goalscorer and for me he is playing himself in contention to be player of the season.” Rayners has been a key part of an incredible campaign up to now for Stellenbosch, who have already won the Carling Black Label Knockout, are in the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup, and are second in the DStv Premiership, and on target to grab a place in next season’s Caf Champions League. The striker also put up his hand to be a regular member of Hugo Broos’ Bafana squad in March, scoring and playing superbly in a 3-3 friendly draw with Algeria. On this form, he is certain to be a part of the squad again for the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Rayners now has 30 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions since returning to Stellenbosch from SuperSport, which highlights even more a strangeness in the fact that it did not work out for him at Matsatsantsa, where he managed just five goals in two-and-a-half seasons. ‘A natural goalscorer’ “It was just a question of him being back in a happy place,” added Barker. “For me he is a number nine, down the middle, and at SuperSport maybe he wasn’t used as an out-and-out striker. “When he came back, the way he started, he had a purple patch for six months (in 2023) when he scored goals. He is a natural goalscorer, he thinks – can he shoot now, or will he be blocked, does he need to create a better angle? He has always had that and now with the Bafana call up and coming back, his game has even gone up another level. His link up play has improved a lot.”   Rayners’ next chance to add to his tally will come when Stellenbosch host Golden Arrows on Wednesday at the Danie Craven Stadium in the DStv Premiership. Following that, on Sunday, they will play Mamelodi Sundowns at the same venue in the Nedbank Cup semifinals.

“The referee is unbelievable and it’s ridiculous. It is difficult to accept,” Pochettino said. Mauricio Pochettino claimed VAR has damaged the Premier League after Chelsea had a late goal controversially disallowed in their dramatic 2-2 draw at Aston Villa on Saturday. ALSO READ: Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes suffer blow, Sheffield Utd relegated Pochettino’s side trailed to Marc Cucurella’s early own goal and a Morgan Rogers strike before half-time at Villa Park. Rather than capitulate as they did in Tuesday’s humiliating 5-0 loss at Arsenal, the Blues dug deep to rescue a gritty point thanks to goals from Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher. But Chelsea thought they had won it deep into stoppage-time when Villa keeper Robin Olsen turned Axel Disasi’s effort into his own net, however, to Pochettino’s fury, the goal was disallowed for a Benoit Badiashile foul. “The referee is unbelievable and it’s ridiculous. It is difficult to accept,” Pochettino said. “They didn’t see a foul on the pitch and then VAR changed the decision of the referee. For me that was a normal challenge. “It is painful as it has damaged English football. Villa’s players and their fans didn’t understand why the goal was disallowed. “For me it damaged a little bit the Premier League. If we want to be the best league in the world it should be protecting the spectacle and the decision.” The draw was a blow to Villa’s hopes of holding off Tottenham in the race to qualify for the Champions League via a top four finish. Villa are seven points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham, who host Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday in the first of three games in hand on Unai Emery’s side. Although Villa, who last finished as high as fourth in 1995-96, remain favourites to clinch the lucrative Champions League berth, they might feel a little nervous if Tottenham win the north London derby. “We wanted to play Europa League last year and now we have a new challenge which is to play Champions League,” Emery said. “Chelsea today showed the power. But to draw at the end is a very good result. I want more, of course.” The under-fire Pochettino reportedly retains the backing of Chelsea’s ninth placed squad — which has been assembled for over £1 billion — despite a difficult campaign that included an FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City last weekend. They proved that point by refusing to surrender against a Villa team that flew at them in a vibrant start. – Chelsea refuse to surrender – In the fourth minute, Lucas Digne poked a low cross into the Chelsea six-yard box, where John McGinn’s scuffed shot was deflected into his own net by Cucurella. But Villa’s momentum had stalled and they suffered a setback when Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans limped off injured. Nicolas Jackson was inches away from equalising with a close-range header from Cucurella’s cross that glanced off the post. The much-maligned Jackson should have buried that chance and Ollie Watkins almost made him pay with a powerful drive that Djordje Petrovic saved at his near post. It was a warning Chelsea failed to heed as Rogers doubled Villa’s advantage in the 41st minute. Matty Cash’s pass picked out Rogers and the 21-year-old, given too much time and space on the edge of the area, swept a perfectly-placed strike past Petrovic for his third goal since his January arrival from Middlesbrough. Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez was forced off with an injury at half-time and his replacement Olsen had to pick the ball out of the net in the 62nd minute. ALSO READ: Liverpool reach agreement for Arne Slot to become new manager – reports Pau Torres carelessly lost possession, with Gallagher’s touch reaching Madueke, who slotted a fine finish past the Swedish keeper from 10 yards. Madueke almost completed Chelsea’s fightback, but his flicked effort was parried by Olsen. The winger wasn’t left to rue that miss as Gallagher rescued a deserved point for Chelsea in the 81st minute with a superb curler into the far corner from the edge of the area.

Champions don’t really rest. Mamelodi Sundowns are already preparing for the next DStv Premiership game against TS Galaxy. MAMELODI SUNDOWNS NEXT FIXTURE Following Friday’s horrific loss to Esperance in the CAF Champions League semifinals, Sundowns have to dust themselves and get up. The next game is tomorrow evening in Tshwane. According to the Premier Soccer League, Sundowns will host TS Galaxy at the Loftus Versfeld on Monday night at 19:30. RULANI MOKWENA ADMITS TO MISKATES In other Sundowns news, coach Rulani Mokwena has admitted to a couple of mistake before the match against Esperance. Speaking to the media after the match, Sundowns coach Mokwena said he made a mistake by dropping Themba Zwane, Aubrey Modiba and Thembinkosi Lorch to the bench. “I speak [to the players], one of the most important things about what I’ve learnt from some of the many discussions and things that I read is how important communication is and I speak to the players a lot,” said Mokwena via Goal.  “So I did speak to Lorch, I spoke to Mshishi, but I also spoke to Bongani Zungu because he also has just come back.  “I spoke to Tashreeq because Tash played well and scored a goal last game but he’s been struggling with a stomach bug. I spoke to Thapelo Morena, who I thought even when he came on was very good today, he was good in the last game as well. the Sundowns coach continued: “Modiba also has been playing well for us, so I had to speak to him. But I speak to them, I talk as much as I possibly can, I explain the reasons why – they don’t always have to agree with the reasons but they’ve got to respect the reasons because I’m the coach and I had to make the decisions. “And sometimes I’m right and sometimes I’m wrong. “Unfortunately in this game of football, it’s the results that determine if you’re right or wrong and in this moment because we lost and we’re out of the Champions League I was wrong and I put up my hand I say ‘I was wrong and therefore I take the full responsibility for it’” the Sundowns tactician concluded. Despite the result, Sundowns are one of the four African teams going to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The news for Kabo Yellow was confirmed by FIFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino. “Many, many congratulations to the brilliant qualification to the brand-new FIFA Club World Cup, the Mundial de Clubes in 2025, next year in the United States of America, many congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns,” Infantino announced.

1 Christian Eriksen has criticised Manchester United’s late game decisions once again this season. The Dane was starting two consecutive matches for the first time in months and tried in vain to be the creative spark that gave the Red Devils the victory. A 1-1 draw with Burnley has almost sealed United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League next year and they have a real fight on their hands to even keep the Europa League place with Newcastle snapping at their heels behind. Tough looking fixtures away to Crystal Palace and Brighton, as well as home fixtures against the Magpies and Arsenal hardly scream 12 points either. Speaking to MUTV (via The Manchester Evening News) after the game, Eriksen reflected on his side’s and his own poor decisions in the match. “We had the three points in our hands going into the last minutes of ordinary time. We should be able to keep a clean sheet and get the win”. “I still think there could be some bits that could be better [in my own performance]. I made a few decisions that could be better, putting my teammate or myself in a better area around the pitch”. When asked about how he felt after playing for the first time consecutively for many months he retorted, “I’m trying to do my best and like you said, I haven’t had as much game time. When you’re playing, you have to do your best and that’s what I’m trying to do”. The Denmark international was then asked about the nine day break that awaits this United side when they are not in action now until Monday 6th May. Eriksen claimed it would be “full focus” on recovery. “First of all, it’s going to be weird because it’s going to be a long week without games, but hopefully it’s going to make everyone ready and fit for the game at Palace”. “Some days off, some training, get your mental and physical ready and go again. You love playing games, it’s what you always want to do, and every day, so it’s different”. “But sometimes, of course, you need a bit of a rest to recover and prepare for the next game and it depends on what the manager is going to do in training sessions”. With Scott McTominay picking up an injury, and United’s centre back injury crisis still in full swing, it is possible that the former Tottenham man will continue to get some rare chances to impress Erik ten Hag as we enter the final month of a long and gruelling season. 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.

Kaizer Chiefs moved from 10th spot to eighth position in the DStv Premiership standings after beating SuperSport United on Saturday, 27 April. The Glamour Boys won 2-1 at the new Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. Amakhosi now have 33 points after 25 matches, but any chance of adding the league title to their trophy cabinet is dead and buried for another season. Three home, two away matches The dates and kick-off times of all five of Kaizer Chiefs’ remaining matches have now been confirmed. Their home clash against TS Galaxy, which was postponed due to Bafana Bafana’s late return to the country following their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) campaign, has now been confirmed for Tuesday, 7 May. Kaizer Chiefs have three home and two away matches remaining. Two of the five matches are against teams currently ranked above them in the standings, while the other three are against teams currently below the Glamour Boys in the log. Below are The South African website’s predictions for Kaizer Chiefs’ remaining DStv Premiership matches in the 2023/2024 season: 2 May vs Mamelodi Sundowns (H) – 19:30 – LOSS 7 May vs TS Galaxy (H) – 19:30 – DRAW 12 May vs AmaZulu (A) – 17:30 – DRAW 18 May vs Polokwane City (H) – 15:00 – WIN 25 May vs Cape Town Spurs (A) – 15:00 – WIN If we are correct, that means another eight points will be coming Kaizer Chiefs’ way this season. That would mean a final tally of 41 points. While that won’t be enough to qualify for a CAF Champions League or CAF Confederations Cup spot next season, it should be sufficient to secure an MTN8 berth. Do you agree with our predictions for Kaizer Chiefs’ remaining matches? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest Kaizer Chiefs news. LATEST DSTV PREMIERSHIP LOG AFTER SATURDAY’S MATCHES

Kaizer Chiefs supporters and players can’t wait for the next game, thanks to the 2-1 win over SuperSport United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. KAIZER CHIEFS BEAT SUPERSPORT UNITED How Amakhosi lined-up: Goalkeeper – Bruce Bvuma Right Back – Dillan Solomons Central Defender – Given Msimango Central Defender – Edmilson Dove Left Back – Sifiso Hlanti Central Midfielder – Sibongiseni Mthethwa Central Midfielder – Siyethemba Sithebe Central Attacking Midfielder – Mduduzi Shabalala Left Forward – Pule Mmodi Right Forward – Christian Saile Center Forward – Ashley du Preez. Goals from Christian Saile and Mduduzi Shabalala in either half sealed a 2-1 victory despite Terence Dzjukamanja‘s equaliser from the penalty spot. The result was Kaizer Chiefs’ first win in six games. With the game soon to be forgotten by tomorrow, when is Amakhosi’s next game and against whom? According to the Premier Soccer League’s schedule, Kaizer Chiefs will host the champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium on Thursday, May 2, at 19:30. COACH CAVIN JOHNSON TALKS ABOUT THE GOALS Speaking to the media after the win, Kaizer Chiefs coach Johnson said he had previously seen those goals at training before. “[Christian] Saile scores the goal that he scores every day at training. Other days in other games he doesn’t score the same goal,” Johnson said via iDiskiTimes. “[Mduduzi Shabalala] Shabba scores a goal today but in the training we set up the drills and the one drill is specifically for technique only and today he uses the technique. “A goal that you think is coming with power comes with technique goes pass. We are happy because at least we got two today. “Last week we got zero. The week before we got zero goals but we still played good football,” the Kaizer Chiefs mentor added. WHAT DILLAN SOLOMONS SAID ABOUT KAIZER CHIEFS STRIKERS Meanwhile, Dillan Solomons shared an interesting view about the strikers before the win over SuperSport. “I think it’s just confidence. Confidence does a great deal for you; if you are confident, you score anything,” said Solomons via FARPost. “Anything will go in for you [when you are confident], but I think that has been lacking with our strikers. It obviously comes with pressure. “When you know there is a lot of pressure on you as a striker, and you are the main guy. You are the guy that’s supposed to get us goals, and I think that also plays a big part in having a mental block or not scoring goals. But I think confidence plays a big part in being upfront and scoring goals,” the Kaizer Chiefs winger added. “Mentally, it’s been tough trying to figure out how we go about things.  “I think for us, just when we concede has been our mental block. The conceding part has been the mental block where we conceded, and we can’t get back into games. In the last game, we created the most chances in the first half, and once Richards Bay FC scored, we just couldn’t get anywhere close to the goals. “So I think that’s something we need to work on. It’s just mental strength. I think that’s where we lack, but I feel like we also need to create more chances for our strikers, me included. I think that’s putting in better crosses for our strikers to get onto,” Solomons concluded before Kaizer Chiefs beat SuperSport 2-1 on Saturday.

1 Manchester United will only attempt to sign Jeremie Frimpong if Aaron Wan-Bissaka is sold. The former Crystal Palace right back had lost his first choice status to Diogo Dalot this season, but an injury crisis that has seen United unbelievably play most of the season without a recognised left back, has meant that the Portuguese has had to shift over to the left hand side. This has resulted in Wan-Bissaka continuing to receive regular game time on the right, as he has played 25 games in all competitions this season. However, there are plenty of problems with Wan-Bissaka’s game as United legend Dwight Yorke bluntly called out when he described the right back has running around “like a headless chicken in the opposition box, running in his teammates’ way”. The Englishman’s cluelessness was on sight for all to see as yesterday he found himself with a free shot on the edge of the area but for some reason delayed the shot so long that a Burnley defender could nip the ball away before he took a shot. Therefore, the Red Devils have been linked with right backs who have much more to their attacking game and Jeremie Frimpong is one name that just won’t go away. The Dutch international is the exact opposite as he is a massive attacking threat, having scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists this season, unbelievable numbers for a fullback as Bayer Leverkusen have marched to the Bundesliga title and semi-final of the Europa League. GIVEMESPORT now claim that United would be interested in doing a deal for the 23 year old this summer, but only if Wan-Bissaka is sold. Sources have told the site that, “Manchester United will only attempt to complete the signing of Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong a matter of weeks after his Bundesliga title success if Aaron Wan-Bissaka seals his Old Trafford departure during the summer transfer window”. Therefore, “there is uncertainty over whether a move to Old Trafford is on the cards”. “It is understood that the Red Devils have not made a firm decision on whether they are willing to cash in on the 26-year-old, who is preparing to enter the final 12 months of his £90,000-per-week contract, but Serie A giants Inter Milan are showing interest ahead of the transfer window reopening”. “In a major boost for Manchester United, GMS sources have been informed that Frimpong is keen to move to the Premier League after being deprived of the opportunity to break into the Manchester City first-team during the early stages of his career, while he is aware of the Old Trafford interest building thanks to his impressive performances in a Leverkusen shirt”. What’s more, Frimpong has a £34 million release clause written into his contract that can be activated before the Euros begin on the 14th of June. With the clock ticking, INEOS will need to make a decision soon, but if they are really moving towards building a more possession based side, Frimpong over Wan-Bissaka is one of the biggest upgrades imaginable. In complete contrast to Wan-Bissaka, he “is tremendously offensive and does most of his work in the final third” and has been described as using “his quick feet and elite agility to avoid challenges before accelerating away with his devastating pace. He’s supremely difficult to track due to the number of ways in which he’s able to escape his marker in every situation”. 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.

While Liverpool improved on their derby defeat, the 2-2 draw at West Ham was still a frustrating watch for fans and the manager. Liverpool weren’t terrible against West Ham, neither were they good. As usual, the goals they conceded were avoidable and that was ultimately their undoing on Saturday lunchtime. After the 2-0 defeat at Everton, Jurgen Klopp made five changes to his team. Liverpool, however, remained uninspiring at first and West Ham‘s opener felt unsurprising when it came. A renewed spirit saw them out the blocks quickly, though, in the second half and they turned the game around, before Michail Antonio found space in the box to head home an equaliser. Here we compare our player ratings with those of the Liverpool Echo, GOAL, FotMob and This Is Anfield’s readers. Unlike against Everton, there were no dismal performances, but nobody really stood up to win the match for Liverpool. The Reds’ highest-rated player was Luis Diaz, who averaged 7.6 out of 10, with the Liverpool Echo‘s Ian Doyle saying he was “a constant threat,” showing “lots of running and endeavour.” Andy Robertson (7.4) was just behind in the ratings, and Mark Delgado of This Is Anfield said: “Plenty of running, overlapping and the usual bursts into the box, though the crossing and passing wasn’t always up to scratch.” It’s not ideal when that is the review of one of your best players on the day. The lowest-rated was Wataru Endo who ranked at an average mark of 5.4. It is harsh to put him below any of the other starters, but West Ham‘s running power saw him bypassed in midfield on several occasions. GOAL’s Mark Doyle wrote of Endo: “The Japan midfielder misplaced a couple of passes in the first half, but he provided Liverpool with a solid platform to work off during the second. “Ran out of steam late on, though, and was taken off.” While Harvey Elliott worked hard as always, he struggled to make any meaningful impact in the final third and was given 4.3 based on FotMob’s stats. However, his average hit 5.8. Liverpool now have a week’s wait until they host Tottenham in the Premier League, on May 5 at 4.30pm (BST).

Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson says he was quoted when his side lost to Richards Bay last week. After the defeat, it was alleged that a fight among Chiefs players broke out in the dressing room. On Saturday, the Glamour Boys displayed a brilliant performance to beat SuperSport United 2-1. Speaking to the media, Johnson said the Chiefs’ performance was not inspired by the fight when asked. “I think before I say anything according to that I think that was misquoted,” he said. “We all read the papers, but I think that was a misquote from somebody that said my players are arguing. No they’re not arguing.” Johnson leads Chiefs to their second win of the year “It’s a normal conversation that you have 95% of the game and you can’t score the goals. It’s normal for players to ask each other or to find out from me but it was quoted that we were arguing. “I don’t think that is the right message to send to my 16 million supporters. “So they were not arguing, they were talking about how we’re going to get better. And yes we went back to the drawing board. We tried it, we fixed it, not fixed it but we trained a little bit more on how they must finish. Johnson’s task at Kaizer Chiefs is to help the club finish in the top eight. Having won his second game of the year, the 65-year-old mentor said he was happy with how his team played. “And today, Saile scores the goal that he scores every day at training. Other days in other games he doesn’t score the same goal. “Shabba scores a goal today but in the training we set up the drills and the one drill is specifically for technique only and today he uses the technique,” Johnson said on his Chiefs young midfielder. “A goal that you think is coming with power comes with technique goes pass. We are happy because at least we got two today. “Last week we got zero. The week before we got zero goals but we still played good football,” said Johnson as per iDiski Times. Johnson insists he was misquoted Kaizer Chiefs next play Sundowns in a DStv Premiership clash. The Brazilians are so far unbeaten in the league and could wrap up the title if they beat Amakhosi on Thursday. Johnson has just five matches around to see if he can end his Chiefs tenure on a high.

1 Erik ten Hag has claimed that the Old Trafford crowd do not understand certain elements of the game after some of his substitutions were audibly booed in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley. Once again, United struggled not only in performance but also in result, as they conceded yet another late equaliser from the penalty spot. Antony had finally given United the lead after 79 minutes but they could only hold onto it for eight minutes as Casemiro and Andre Onana combined to give away a needless penalty, which Zeki Amdouni converted. A recurrent theme of Erik ten Hag’s pre and post-match interviews and press conferences as of late are his refusal to admit that the problem is bigger than it really is. Once again, he praised the football and told BBC Sport, “we are one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league at this moment”. “We are creating loads of chances by playing good football. Every team gives up opportunities. But when it is up to us, it is weird”. Yes, Manchester United have scored a lot more goals recently, after struggling all season to find the net but once more, the Dutchman has missed the point as teams do not give up as many chances as Manchester United, as they have given up more opportunities that any team in Europe’s top five leagues. Ten Hag is certainly feeling the pressure as it has been reported that new technical director, Jason Wilcox, is currently carrying out an audit on his performance before the season ends. Speaking to beIN Sports after the match, Ten Hag hardly endeared himself to the crowd. When popular youngster Kobbie Mainoo was subbed off after 64 minutes, the Old Trafford crowd expressed its displeasure with the manager’s decision. Referring to the incident after the game the former Ajax man claimed, “the crowd doesn’t understand”. “It’s a 19-year-old boy, first Premier League season, third game in a week. We have to manage the game”. “We don’t want to be injured. Last season I had two bad injuries, you could see he got tired”. “I want to protect him and of course”. The under-fire manager continued to defend his decision to bring on Scott McTominay, who ironically then went off injured by stating, “the game was really open, it was one-on-one over the whole pitch, a really intense game, and Kobbie got tired”. “With Scott, you bring fresh legs and he’s very good in making attacks, making movements and runs through the middle”. While there is much more logic to Ten Hag’s argument about the Mainoo substitution than the playing well opinion, these sort of statements will only help erode any confidence that match-going fans have in the manager. Calling them out publicly and claiming they don’t understand will do nothing but help further dig his own grave at Old Trafford. “The crowd doesn’t understand!” Erik ten Hag defends his choice of substituting Kobbie Mainoo, despite the Old Trafford faithful booing the decision! @AndyKerrtv #beINPL #MUNBUR #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Fh4kxfVcMO — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) April 27, 2024 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 Benfica and Alvaro Fernandez Carreras secured a 3-1 win at home to Braga which took them within four points of Sporting Lisbon at the top of the Liga Portugal. The Eagles dominated the game as they had 22 shots to the away side’s 11 and enjoyed a comfortable 62% of the possession. The Lisbon side got off to a poor start and they conceded the opener in the 28th minute of play when Ricardo Horta fired home for the visitors. However, the home side sprung into life in the last 20 minutes, scoring three goals to secure the victory and keep their slim chances of the title alive. The United loanee Carreras, after impressing massively last time out and scoring his first senior goal, entered the field of play after 52 minutes and played his part in his side’s recovery. Benfica levelled the game with a fine finish from Marcos Leonardo before taking the lead in the 84th minute after a swift attacking move ended with David Neres heading home. There was still time in stoppage time for Leonardo to bundle in his second goal of the game. Carreras was given a score of 6.5 on Sofascore for his 38 minutes of action. With his side chasing the game, he was not required to defend much but what he had to do, he did well. Carreras made one interception and two successful tackles. As he often does, the United academy player contributed offensively with 38 touches and an impressive passing accuracy of 84%. The 21 year old also won 100% of his aerial duels but was less successful on the ground, only coming out on top in 33% of his duels. The youngster did try and take the game to the visitors by showing off his dribbling skills but could only successfully complete one out of his four dribble attempts. Nonetheless, it will have been a great experience for him to be part of such a comeback and sharing the left hand side with Angel Di Maria will surely benefit him immensely. With only three matches left in the season, he will be hoping for more opportunities before there is a decision made on whether Benfica activate the option to buy or whether he returns to Old Trafford. 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 dropped points again as they could only manage a 2-2 draw against West Ham, a game that threw up some familiar first-half problems. While the media did concede Liverpool had improved from their Merseyside Derby defeat, there was plenty of commentary on the Reds’ flat start to the match. On a more positive note, Luis Diaz came in for praise from several in the national press, with the Colombian once again the Reds’ brightest spark in attack. Here’s how the media reacted to West Ham 2-2 Liverpool in the Premier League.   Lacklustre first half Felix Keith of the Mirror wrote about the Reds’ first-half woes. “Liverpool were lacklustre in the first half, having 76 percent of the ball but doing nothing much with it. “There were glimmers, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alexis Mac Allister trying hard to fashion chances, yet their trademark high-tempo fast-pace play was sorely lacking. […] “By half-time, they had attempted 11 shots without really threatening, while their problems at the back continued.”. Andy Jones of the Athletic focussed on Liverpool’s poor defending at set-pieces. “The theme of Liverpool conceding avoidable goals shows no signs of stopping. “As they tried to play out from the back during a first half they controlled, although one in which they lacked quality in the final third, a poor Quansah pass on the edge of his area gifted West Ham possession. […] “After conceding from set pieces twice against Everton in the 2-0 Merseyside derby defeat, you would think Liverpool would have been switched on given it is viewed as one of West Ham’s biggest threats. “As has been the case too often in recent weeks, Klopp’s side were reactive rather than proactive and were caught off guard.”   More missed chances Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian wrote something that could easily have been applied to the defeat against Crystal Palace. “This was a game that they could have won 10 times over. “Luis Diaz could have had a hat-trick but finished with merely an assist to his name. Behind to a header from Jarrod Bowen at half-time, Liverpool should have run away with the points after fighting back to lead 2-1. “Conviction, though, is in short supply at both ends of the pitch.”   No fairytale ending Jess Anderson of BBC Sport echoed what the supporters have been feeling for a couple of weeks. “Their hopes of any sort of title challenge now rest on both of their rivals slipping up and, from the reactions of the players after their recent results, it is clear they don’t see that as a likely scenario. “In the first half against West Ham, Liverpool did not look like a side who were ready to bounce back from their Merseyside derby defeat in midweek but one who were tired and lacking desire as they went behind when Jarrod Bowen headed home. “They improved in the second half and came back with goals thanks to Andy Robertson and a West Ham error but still failed to put the fixture to bed and were punished for missed chances when Michail Antonio equalised. “It has been a thrilling title race but it seems Liverpool’s involvement in it is all but over and, in turn, the reign of Jurgen Klopp at risk of ending with a whimper.”   The positives Journalist David Lynch wrote for This Is Anfield with a bit of perspective on the result. “As difficult as it is to grasp the positives after another disappointing result, it is only fair to point out that things could have been worse. “That is because, when Liverpool fell behind after a listless first-half performance, supporters could have been forgiven for fearing on the basis of recent form that another defeat was inevitable.” Meanwhile Mark Doyle of GOAL thought Diaz gave a good account of himself. “As at Everton, Liverpool’s liveliest attacker by some distance and, as at Everton, struck the woodwork. “If he could finish, he’d be some winger. Still, he did get an assist for picking out Robertson in the area before being taken off.”

Orlando Pirates have travelled to Royal AM with three key players suspended: Sipho Chaine, Miguel Timm and Deon Hotto. Here’s our line-up prediction… ORLANDO PIRATES PREDICTED LINE-UP VS ROYAL AM As previously confirmed in the week, goalkeeper Chaine, Hotto at left fullback, and Timm in midfield started the Sea Robbers’ last three matches, in which Orlando Pirates scored 12 goals and conceded three. Those were the 7-1 win over Golden Arrows, the 4-2 win over AmaZulu in the Nedbank Cup, and the 1-0 win over the same AmaZulu in the DStv Premiership. Due to four accumulated yellow cards for the trio, coach Jose Riveiro has to replace Chaine, Hotto and Timm in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday. Goalkeeper – Melusi Buthelezi Right Back – Thabiso Lebitso Central Defender – Tapelo Xoki Central Defender – Thabiso Sesane Left Back – Innocent Maela Central Midfielder – Makhehlene Makhaula Central Midfielder – Thalente Mbatha Central Attacking Midfielder – Patrick Maswanganyi Left Forward – Relebohile Mofokeng Right Forward – Kabelo Dlamini Center Forward – Tshegofatso Mabasa. Kick off will be at 15:00 from the Harry Gwala Stadium. JOSE RIVEIRO CONFIDENCE Speaking to the media about the situation, the Orlando Pirates coach expressed calm and confidence in his squad of available players. “I am not thinking too much about players who’ll be missing. We have 38 players in the squad,” Riveiro said via The Sowetan. “Eighty percent are available to play in a good momentum, so if we get yellow, we get yellow, and if it’s the fourth one, it’s the fourth one; we go to the next game because we have many players ready to go and everyone is going to be needed at this stage of the season. TSHEGOFATSO MABASA FLYING FOR ORLANDO PIRATES The Orlando Pirates coach also took a moment to salute the man of the moment: Tshegofatso Mabasa. “He [Mabasa] is one more piece in our structure, an important one right now. I am happy when the players, especially the forwards, are delivering goals. “I am happier when they take responsibility in the last metres. He’s constantly offering us all the options and possibilities for the players around him… for our No 10s. He helps us to be aggressive when we press because he’s our first defender of the team when we don’t have the ball,” the Orlando Pirates mentor added. “He’s also doing well because the ones who are behind him, the ones who are not playing recently, are training very well and they are putting pressure and want to play as well. In the end, only one [striker] can play but this is a team and everybody is working to make it possible,” Riveiro concluded.

Ajabulile Amakhosi. Kaizer Chiefs players have remembered the taste of winning a football match again. The 2-1 win over SuperSport United at the Peter Mokaba Stadium was the first victory in five matches. DSTV PREMIERSHIP: KAIZER CHIEFS 2-1 SUPERSPORT UNITED Cavin Johnson‘s experience their first win since March against Golden Arrows. The struggle ended on Saturday in Polokwane against Amatsatsanta. The job was done courtesy of two brilliant goals from Christian Saile and Mduduzi Shabalala. How Kaizer Chiefs lined-up: Goalkeeper – Bruce Bvuma Right Back – Dillan Solomons Central Defender – Given Msimango Central Defender – Edmilson Dove Left Back – Sifiso Hlanti Central Midfielder – Sibongiseni Mthethwa Central Midfielder – Siyethemba Sithebe Central Attacking Midfielder – Mduduzi Shabalala Left Forward – Pule Mmodi Right Forward – Christian Saile Center Forward – Ashley du Preez. COACH CAVIN JOHNSON TALKS ABOUT THE GOALS Speaking to the media after the win, Kaizer Chiefs coach Johnson said he had previously seen those goals at training before. “[Christian] Saile scores the goal that he scores every day at training. Other days in other games he doesn’t score the same goal,” Johnson said via iDiskiTimes. “[Mduduzi Shabalala] Shabba scores a goal today but in the training we set up the drills and the one drill is specifically for technique only and today he uses the technique. “A goal that you think is coming with power comes with technique goes pass. We are happy because at least we got two today. “Last week we got zero. The week before we got zero goals but we still played good football,” the Kaizer Chiefs mentor added. WHAT DILLAN SOLOMONS SAID ABOUT KAIZER CHIEFS STRIKER Meanwhile, Dillan Solomons shared an interesting view about the strikers before the win over SuperSport. “I think it’s just confidence. Confidence does a great deal for you; if you are confident, you score anything,” said Solomons via FARPost. “Anything will go in for you [when you are confident], but I think that has been lacking with our strikers. It obviously comes with pressure. “When you know there is a lot of pressure on you as a striker, and you are the main guy. You are the guy that’s supposed to get us goals, and I think that also plays a big part in having a mental block or not scoring goals. But I think confidence plays a big part in being upfront and scoring goals,” the Kaizer Chiefs winger added. “Mentally, it’s been tough trying to figure out how we go about things.  “I think for us, just when we concede has been our mental block. The conceding part has been the mental block where we conceded, and we can’t get back into games. In the last game, we created the most chances in the first half, and once Richards Bay FC scored, we just couldn’t get anywhere close to the goals. “So I think that’s something we need to work on. It’s just mental strength. I think that’s where we lack, but I feel like we also need to create more chances for our strikers, me included. I think that’s putting in better crosses for our strikers to get onto,” Solomons concluded before Kaizer Chiefs beat SuperSport 2-1 on Saturday.

Kaizer Chiefs are aiming beyond a top 8 finish by 25 May, goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma confirmed. DSTV PREMIERSHIP WIN OVER SUPERSPORT UNITED Cavin Johnson‘s side finally ended a five-match winless run on Saturday. Amakhosi defeated SuperSport United 2-1 in Polokwane, thanks to two brilliant goals from Christian Saile and Mduduzi Shabalala. How Kaizer Chiefs lined-up: Goalkeeper – Bruce Bvuma Right Back – Dillan Solomons Central Defender – Given Msimango Central Defender – Edmilson Dove Left Back – Sifiso Hlanti Central Midfielder – Sibongiseni Mthethwa Central Midfielder – Siyethemba Sithebe Central Attacking Midfielder – Mduduzi Shabalala Left Forward – Pule Mmodi Right Forward – Christian Saile Center Forward – Ashley du Preez. BRUCE BVUMA REVEALS KAIZER CHIEFS AMBITIONS Speaking to the media before the game, Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma said the aim is not just the top 8. “Despite our recent form falling below the standards we set for ourselves, it is still our intention to win all of our remaining games in order to finish as high as possible,” Bvuma said via iDiskiTimes. “Obviously, Top 8 is the minimum requirement and with the group of players we have, I believe we are capable of winning every game until the end of the season. “Let me be clear, as Kaizer Chiefs we should always be competing for first place in any competition but we have been through a tough patch and we are determined to finish as well as we can,” the Kaizer Chiefs number one concluded. In other Amakhosi news, Jasond Gonzalez is leaving Naturena. There was much excitement when the 24-year-old Colombian arrived at Amakhosi in August last year. The agreement was a season-long loan contract. With 12 scattered appearances, mostly as a substitute, zero goals and an option to offer a new contract, Kaizer Chiefs have decided they won’t renew Gonzalez’s deal. “This publication has learnt, that the physical striker will return to Bolivian club Real Santa Cruz at the end of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season,” iDiskiTimes Lorenz Kohler reported. “His loan deal, which had an option to make the deal permanent for $180,000 (R3.4 million) will not be pursued further after failing to score in his 12 games for Amakhosi,” the report added. Existing Kaizer Chiefs striker options: Ranga Chivaviro (31): Two goals and one assist in 19 games Wandile Duba (19): One goal in seven appearances. Note: Ashley du Preez and Christian Saile arrived as strikers but have been playing on the right or left flanks. Have Kaizer Chiefs made the right decision? Let us know in the comments section below.

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye believes Pitso Mosimane could turn the club’s fortunes if he is hired as Amakhosi coach. The 38-year-old has been very outspoken about his former club. The former player turn analyst has urged the Soweto Giants to bring in a top coach. Speaking on iDiski TV, the former Kaizer Chiefs dribbling wizard said Pitso should have been signed before he left for Saudi Arabia. Amakhosi were linked with the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns coach but no real offer was made. “If Kaizer Chiefs were serious about rebuilding their team, they would have appointed Pitso Mosimane, very simple. He signed for six months (with Abha Club), they should have negotiated with him, even before(leaving for Saudi Arabia). “Bring in Pitso Mosimane, give him a budget but don’t let Johnson leave,” Khanye added. He must be there, he worked with him at Al Ahly. If you give Pitso a budget at Chiefs, he will let 15-18 players go honestly, because of philosophy. The players at Chiefs cannot meet Pitso Mosimane’s style of play, ” he said. Junior Khanye talks about Pitso Mosimane and Kaizer Chiefs The former SA/20 winger said Amakhosi should not be intervening coaches but pick an experienced manager. “Best coaches want to work there if they are serious, they must appoint a coach and allow him to bring his technical team.” Khanye also touched on former Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane, who was demoted before the start of the season. As a player, he has done well for the team, he is a legend. As a coach, he can’t coach Kaizer Chiefs, the club is too big,” Khanye added. Amakhosi are still searching for a new coach for next season “The club needs a prolific coach who is not scared of management and will ask for a three-year contract.” Khanye said Pitso Mosimane should work with Johnson if the club appoints him. “Cavin Johnson, I still believe he is one of the best local coaches but he came at the wrong time. He was not supposed to take the job. When Cavin joined, Chiefs did not have a strong technical team, they didn’t set a budget for him. He found players who were average for many years and coaches by different coaches and those players were signed by different coaches.” Kaizer Chiefs are yet to reveal their candidates but Khanye believes Pitso Mosimane can solve the club’s problems.