[ad_pod ]It is 20 years since Manchester United sealed their historic treble. The Champions League was won thanks to a last-minute-goal from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, converting a flick on from Teddy Sheringham at the death against Bayern Munich to seal a 2-1 win.With the season over, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford were asked to try and re-create one of the most essential goals in Manchester United’s history.
Two of the attempts see Rashford making no contact with the ball – something which sums up his end to the season.
The 21-year-old started brilliantly under Solskjaer and scored the crucial winning penalty against PSG in the Champions League, but once Solskjaer was appointed permanentlyÂRashford scored just once in nine appearances.
Lingard, 26, also had an abysmal season and, though he made several Instagram posts throughout the season apologising for performances, he and the rest of the Manchester United squad did not improve.
United’s shambles of a season culminated in losing at home to relegated Cardiff City. Drawing to Huddersfield Town, the fourth worst team in Premier League History, was another damning result.
For United fans, the glory days of the treble winning season must feel even longer than 20 years ago.
Nobody likes to see a team go down after defying the odds in the previous season, but for Huddersfield Town, that was exactly the case.
The Terriers were one of the stories of the decade in the Football League when the little team that could won promotion to the Premier League, and did one better the previous year by remaining in the English top-flight in their debut year, but as well now, the story has come to an end.
One of the players to stick with Huddersfield from the Championship to now is midfielder Aaron Mooy, who has arguably be one of the standout players for the Yorkshire over the past three years, and now reports are indicating the Australian could be ending his time with the Terriers this summer.
According to the World Game, Huddersfield have slapped a £15 million price tag on Mooy as many as six Premier League teams are interested in the midfielder, with West Ham being one of the reported sides, and the Aussie could be a bargain for the Hammers.
Although Huddersfield endured one of the worst Premier League seasons out of any club, there is no question that Mooy would be a welcome addition to West Ham this summer if the club can beat others for the midfielder’s signature.
Mooy’s creativity in midfield will be a big improvement on what West Ham have at the club, and as well as staying largely fit for the majority of the time, the Australian can be a reliable player to call upon when needed.
The Hammers are in need of creativity in midfield, and Mooy adds just that with him being an improvement on both Mark Noble for quality and Jack Wilshere for ruggedness.
West Ham fans, would Mooy be a good signing? Let us know!
Even the most optimistic Tottenham fan would have been struggling to envisage a successful route to the final of the Champions League last season, but that unlikely scenario was one which ultimately played out in thoroughly dramatic circumstances.
Mauricio Pochettino was unable to get the business done in Madrid as Spurs fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool, but there is still plenty to be excited about for the north London club.
A full season in their incredible new 61,000 seat stadium is on the horizon, and this summer Spurs will finally be able to make signings after nearly a whole year since their last new arrival. So who out of those being reported should Tottenham sign, and who should they avoid?
[snack_break title=”Giovani Lo Celso”]
A lot of football fans were surprised when BBC Sport broke the news that Tottenham had submitted a bid of £53 million for Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, but after the season the former PSG man has had, it makes a bit of sense.
The former PSG man joined the La Liga side on loan this season, but after an impressive string of performances Betis made the deal permanent. Just like Luka Jovic at Eintracht Frankfurt, the Spanish side could be set to make a quick profit with Lo Celso.
Spurs are likely in need of a creative midfielder this summer if Christen Eriksen does depart the club, and Lo Celso would be a fine replacement, instantly replacing the creativity and flair that would be lost if the Danish international leaves London.
[snack_break title=”Tanguy Ndombele”]
Of all the teams going after Tanguy Ndombele, it’s a surprise to see Tottenham well in the hunt for his signature.
According to a report from French media outlet L’Equipe (via Metro), Spurs made an offer for the coveted midfielder last month, although Lyon are holding out for a fee of £88m.
The Ligue 1 star has been one of the best players in the division since his breakout season last year, being the engine room for the French side and keeping the ball moving in midfield. Ndombele could be the long-term answer to Moussa Dembele Spurs fans have been crying out for.
[snack_break title=”Ryan Sessegnon”]
Not many expected Fulham to go down at the start of the year, but their relegation means that plenty of Premier League sides are in line to benefit with a mass summer exodus expected from the Cottagers, and the prized jewel in the collection could be heading to Tottenham.
The Mirror report that Spurs are keen on Ryan Sessegnon, the 19-year-old winger who has tipped for great things after a solid first season in the Premier League, and on paper it seems like a near-perfect transfer for all parties involved.
Tottenham are arguably the best side out of the top-six for a young player to develop at, and Sessegnon will see plenty of first-team football if he makes a cross-city move under Pochettino.
[snack_break title=”Steven Bergwijn”]
Soccer Football – Champions League – Group Stage – Group B – PSV Eindhoven v FC Barcelona – Philips Stadium, Eindhoven, Netherlands – November 28, 2018 PSV Eindhoven’s Steven Bergwijn in action with Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet REUTERS/Toussaint Kluiters
Another young, exciting winger who has been linked with a move to Tottenham is PSV sensation Steven Bergwijn, who Sky Sports News report that Pochettino is a huge fan of the Holland international, who is likely to feature against England in the Nations League.
15 goals and 13 assists in all-competitions this season has seen the 21-year-old attract interest all over the continent, but just like with Sessegnon, Bergwijn would find success at Tottenham should Pochettino go in for the winger.
Lightning quick and slick when in possession, Bergwijn would add an extra layer of depth and danger for a Spurs side that have not played with a natural winger in some time, and the Dutch international could fill that void for Tottenham.
[snack_break title=”Cengiz Under”]
Soccer Football – Serie A – Juventus v AS Roma – Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy – December 22, 2018 AS Roma’s Cengiz Under in action with Juventus’ Alex Sandro REUTERS/Massimo Pinca
Wingers seem to be the theme of this seasons transfer window for Tottenham, but when they’re players as talented as Cengiz Under, it’s understandable.
Turkish Football report that Spurs, as well as north London rivals Arsenal, are interested in the Roma star, but unlike Sessegnon and Bergwijn, it might be sensible if Tottenham sat this one out.
Under is a player that is easy on the eye to watch shouldn’t be Tottenham’s first option when looking for a winger this summer. Three goals and eight assists in Serie A this season is a poor return for the attacker, and Spurs should be aiming higher this transfer window.
It’s set to be a busy summer for Leeds United. After their failure to be promoted to the Premier League, many of their key players have been linked with moves away from the club.
Rumours have also circulated that Qatari Sports Investments are interested in buying a stake in the Yorkshire side. Speculation has been rampant as to who Leeds will bring in to try and achieve what they came so close to last season.
Firstly there are a few players who will be keeping their place in the squad.
Pontus Jansson lines up alongside club captain Liam Cooper and two-time Player of the Year winner Pablo Hernandez also retains his spot, while there is no change in the full-backs as Luke Ayling and Ezgjan Alioski both performed sufficiently during Marcelo Bielsa’s first season in charge.
Mateusz Klich also keeps his spot after starting every single game for the Whites last season.
As for ins and outs at Elland Road. Kiko Casilla is expected to be out the door, and with rumours of Bailey Peacock-Farrell getting a new deal he returns between the sticks.
It has also been reported that Victor Orta will dip heavily into the Premier League loan market, so we expect Brandon Barker to arrive after he was linked with a move.
This predicted XI also has a few notable absences with Jack Clarke and Kalvin Phillips nowhere to be seen; their moves to the Premier League look likely to happen this summer.
The hefty windfall that Leeds would get from selling those two players is likely to be reinvested, and the Whites have been linked with two big names in Luke Freeman and Dwight Gayle.
Finally, Saeid Ezatolahi completes the team as a replacement for Kalvin Phillips.
Manchester United will reportedly have to stump up a whopping £60m to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United have seen a £40m bid for Wan-Bissaka rejected.
The report claims a right back is on the agenda for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Thomas Meunier and Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier also on the list of possible targets.
At least £60m will be needed to convince Crystal Palace to part ways with their 21 year-old tackling sensation, so should the Red Devils pull the trigger?
With Diogo Dalot waiting for his chance after penning a five-year deal last summer, we asked the writers at Football FanCast for their verdicts on whether United should splash out on Wan-Bissaka…
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Harry Sherlock
“Wan-Bissaka is pure potential and £60m is probably about the going rate for a genuinely prodigious young talent. United don’t have the right-back options they once did and, with Antonio Valencia leaving the club, new blood is needed. United can afford to spend £60m on a talent like Wan-Bissaka and, really, this is exactly the type of player they should be pursuing. It’s a big fee but it solves their problem position for the next decade. Pay it and get him in.”
Billy Meyers
“I personally think this deal isn’t necessary for Man United. They definitely need a new right-back, but Dalot should be the next in line for the starting role and a cheaper second choice option should be pursued instead. Wan-Bissaka would definitely be a great signing, but other areas are in need of investment first.”
Jack Saville
“Considering how much Man City have paid for the likes of John Stones and Kyle Walker, it’s fair to say that a figure in the region of £50m+ is the new benchmark for England’s most promising and talented defenders. United can have no complaints about the enormity of the fee and, if they are serious about laying strong foundations for the future, they must do whatever it takes to bring him to the club. With Dan James set to arrive at Old Trafford, the addition of Wan-Bissaka would be in line with a major policy shift from Woodward.”
Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure from Old Trafford, things just haven’t been quite right for Manchester United either on the pitch or off it.
The club have seen numerous managers come and go and the players on the pitch have been underwhelming to say the least; it was therefore no surprise to see reports in recent months suggest that the club were looking to bring in a sporting director to oversee the recruitment side of things.
Now, in an update from Sky Sports, Ferguson himself has seemingly recommended United to appoint Leicester’s former head of recruitment Steve Walsh in a “consultancy role to help with structural changes at the club”.
However, the report adds United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward favours bringing in an ex-United player for the position, which prompted a huge reaction from the club’s fans on Twitter.
Many were highly critical of Woodward’s decision to essentially ignore the advice of the club’s greatest manager and to pursue his own way.
A few however were slightly more receptive to Woodward on this occasion and pointed out that Ferguson’s last recommendation to the club in David Moyes was hardly a success.
Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
West Ham United have yet to receive a single bid for striker Jordan Hugill this summer, per ClaretandHugh.
What’s the word?
The club are attempting to shift some unwanted first-team stars this summer.
Indeed, Football FanCast understands that manager Manuel Pellegrini is looking to add to his promised transfer kitty of £30m in this transfer window.
West Ham have already spent £24m on Pablo Fornals and have also signed goalkeepers Roberto and David Martin.
Hugill, then, is one player who could be moved on, with Preston North End linked with a move to re-sign their former charge. However, no bids have yet been lodged, per ClaretandHugh, while midfielder Pedro Obiang has also yet to attract an offer.
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Ground to a halt
There has been precious little transfer activity at West Ham since the signing of Fornals.
Sources have told FFC that there is no movement, with no transfers close to completion, despite links with Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez.
That may be because of this report, with West Ham unable to trim their wage bill by offloading those deemed expendable, moves that would also increase the transfer kitty.
It is a worrying sign considering what the squad needs; the club only have two strikers currently, in Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic, while they also require depth in defensive midfield, with Declan Rice the only specialist option at the club.
Such incomings appear unlikely though, unless the likes of Hugill and Obiang are moved on swiftly.
It could be a long summer for Unai Emery and Arsenal, as they continue to do what they can with the small transfer budget they have reportedly been given to work with. Today’s Gunners transfer roundup includes eyes on a Bundesliga defender, interest in a Championship player and news on the pursuit of a Ligue 1 star.
Klostermann interest
According to German outlet Bild, Arsenal are interested in signing RB Leipzig’s Lukas Klostermann, alongside Atletico Madrid. The 23-year-old has made 126 appearances for the Bundesliga side in his time there.
Interest in Hull’s Bowen
Arsenal are preparing to launch a bid for Hull City’s Jarrod Bowen according to the Sun. Hull reportedly value the player at £15m but may be interested if the London outfit offer the £12m they are apparently planning to.
Fekir offered to Gunners
The Daily Mirror is reporting that Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Lyon’s Nabil Fekir for £30m. Liverpool were reportedly close to signing the 25-year-old last summer, but it didn’t happen in the end, and now the Gunners may take advantage of that. Fekir bagged nine goals and seven assists in the French top flight last season.
West Brom could be in danger of losing two of their brightest prospects this summer.
Rekeem Harper is reportedly closer to renewing his contract but that hasn’t stopped the likes of Liverpool and Juventus chasing him.
Meanwhile, more top European clubs are also pursuing Louie Barry.
So with that in mind, Express & Star journalist Matt Wilson put together a piece detailing whether Slaven Bilic can solve the issues that are playing out. It consequently sparked a reaction from the Hawthorns faithful on Twitter.
Plenty of Albion fans were all divided on the issue, however, commenting on the matter in hand.
One fan slammed the club, claiming it was pointless having an academy if players weren’t given a chance. Another suggested their system wasn’t set up in the right way to benefit from those who are coming through.
Other supporters urged their younger stars to be given a go next season as one hoped Bilic would get them mixing with the senior team. A further supporter said that if they did so, it could be massive for West Brom.
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Darren Moore used a total of six academy products throughout the 2018/19 campaign but it seems as though Baggies fans want even more to be included under their new manager.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are prepared to keep Divock Origi for the 2019/20 campaign and allow him to leave on a free next summer when his contract expires if need be, regardless of if he signs a new deal.
What’s the word, then?
Well, contract talks do seem to be progressing well after positive talks were held, and the Belgian is now on holiday considering the ‘lucrative’ offer handed to him by the Reds.
Origi emerged as somewhat of a fan favourite last term due to his knack of bagging hugely important goals. The 96th-minute strike to win the Merseyside derby at Anfield kicked off a string of iconic strikes from the 6 foot 1 striker, and famous goals against Barcelona and Tottenham helped the Reds win their sixth major European cup.
“It reminds me of a bus seat!” – Watch a damning verdict on Chelsea’s new kit in the video below…
His impact off the bench was vital for Jurgen Klopp, and the Liverpool No.27 has risen from enduring an underwhelming loan spell with Wolfsburg in 2017/18 to becoming a hero at Anfield.
Liverpool have their stance on Origi spot on
Whilst it would be sad if Origi left for free next summer if he didn’t agree terms on a new deal this year, Liverpool have their stance on the Belgian’s future spot on.
Losing him this summer when no new faces have been brought in to improve the first team would presumably cause uproar amongst some of the supporters, who are keen to see some signings come in through the door.
Additionally, first choice striker Roberto Firmino is currently on Copa America duty and will be granted an extended holiday, meaning he won’t have a full pre-season with the Reds – he should make the start of the campaign, but Klopp may presumably leave him out in a bid to get him up to speed whilst Origi gets some starts.
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The Belgian will almost definitely get his chances in pre-season to stake a claim for a starting spot, and if he can start the season on fire whilst Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane recover from their summer exploits with their respective nations, it could be pivotal in helping Liverpool realise their ambitions for the campaign.
No matter if he leaves for free next summer, Origi must be kept on to in the here and now – the decision not to offload him is a wise one from Michael Edwards and Liverpool.