Category: Manchester United

Solskjaer praises 'magic' United after Southampton thrashing

February 2, 2021

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised his side’s “magic” performance as they thrashed Southampton 9-0 on Tuesday night.

Saints side had Alexandre Yankewitz sent off after 79 seconds and Jan Bednarek was dismissed as the game approached its conclusion.

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There were eight different scorers as United equalled the Premier League record for the biggest winning margin.

“We shared the goals between the players,” said Solskjaer. “When the game starts like it does it’s always if you can get the first goal as we have seen so many examples of 10 men closing up shop and getting a draw.

“We’ve been waiting for them to show the magic and it was a night for them to go and enjoy it. We’ve not had many times where we could just enjoy the second half.

“You get lots of confidence from a performance like this, scoring goals is always good for a team.”

The 9-0 win is United’s biggest ever in the Premier League while Saints were also beaten by the same scoreline last season by Leicester.

“Confidence is one think but it was about the mojo and spark, the x-factor,” added Solskjaer. “Mason Greenwood was terrific and his performance was top for a player who did not score a goal.

“The second sending off for them, that rule should be taken away. The other rule is the offside one when play carries on and Aaron Wan-Bissaka was hurt by it. We have called for that to be changed.”

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Parker: Klopp must handle Kabak and Davies with care

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Paliza histórica para cazar al City

February 2, 2021

No se había llegado al segundo minuto de partido y el Manchester United ya lo tenía en bandeja. Alex Jankewitz, que jugaba su primer partido como titular en el Southampton, dio una patada a McTominay a la altura de la rodilla que no dejaba lugar a la duda: roja directa y expulsión. En un suspiro, los diablos rojos tenían el partido desnivelado gracias a la tarjeta más rápida de la historia en la Premier League (79 segundos), superando el anterior récord de Tim Flowers con el Blackburn Rovers en 1995 (95 segundos).

A partir de esta jugada todo fue coser y cantar para el conjunto de Old Trafford, que uno tras otro fue culminando sus ataques con éxito. El protagonismo en el primer tiempo cayó sobre todo en los dos laterales, Shaw y Wan Bissaka, que participaron en casi todos los goles. En el primero, pase del primero y gol del segundo. En el tercero, gol en propia puerta del Southampton después de un centro de Wan Bissaka. En el cuarto, gol de Cavani tras un centro de Shaw. Sólo se rompió el pleno en el segundo cuando combinaron Rashford y Greenwood. Ni siquiera se había llegado al descanso, e incluso el VAR rearbitró un penalti que se disponía a chutar Bruno Fernandes.

Solskjaer no quiso poner el freno de mano en el segundo tiempo a pesar de la goleada. Aunque quitó a Cavani y a Shaw, dio entrada a Van de Beek y Martial. No frenaron los ataques, a pesar de un gol anulado al Southampton por fuera de juego. Luego llegaron más tantos locales. Primero, Martial. Después, McTominay. Más tarde, Bruno Fernandes de penalti, otro, también revisado por el VAR, que acabó con la polémica expulsión de Bednarek tras una falta a Martial. Un rato después, otro de Martial, también a pase de Wan Bissaka. Y por último Daniel James, en la última jugada del partido, con asistencia de Bruno.

Un 9-0 apabullante, sin respuesta, idéntico al que recibió el Southampton hace algo más de un año contra el Leicester (0-9), momento en el que comenzó su reacción en la tabla, pero sobre todo un 9-0 que permite a los diablos rojos empatar a puntos en el liderato con el City, a pesar de haber jugado dos partidos más.

El Sheffield se agarra a la salvación y el Newcastle se acerca al descenso

El Sheffield United no pierde la esperanza de escapar del descenso y, aunque sigue colista, consiguió una importante victoria ante el West Bromwich Albion (2-1).

Los ‘Blades’ remontaron el tanto inicial de Matt Phillips, que empujó un rechace en el área pequeña. Dos goles en la segunda parte que les mete de lleno en la pelea por no descender.

En una jugada enmarañada dentro del área Jayden Bogle logró sacar un disparo que se coló junto al palo de la portería del West Brom, mientras que el gol del triunfo lo hizo la leyenda del equipo Billy Sharp a 20 minutos del final.

Los de Chris Wilder siguen como colistas, con 11 puntos, uno menos que el West Brom y a diez de la salvación.

En el otro encuentro por la parte baja de la tabla de este martes, el Crystal Palace se impuso al Newcastle United por 1-2, dejando a las Urracas decimosextas, ocho puntos por encima del descenso, pero con dos partidos más que el Fulham.

Cambios

Anthony Martial (45′, Cavani), Donny van de Beek (45′, Shaw), Daniel James (59′, Rashford), Nathan Redmond (69′, Ings), Allan Tchaptchet (77′, Moussa Djenepo)

Goles

1-0, 17′: Wan-Bissaka, 2-0, 24′: Rashford, 3-0, 33′: Jan Bednarek, 4-0, 38′: Cavani, 5-0, 68′: Anthony Martial, 6-0, 70′: Scott McTominay, 7-0, 86′: Bruno Fernandes, 8-0, 89′: Anthony Martial, 9-0, 92′: Daniel James

Tarjetas

Arbitro: Mike Dean
Arbitro VAR: Graham Scott
Alexandre Jankewitz (1′,Roja) Kayne Ramsey (41′,Amarilla) Jack Stephens (44′,Amarilla) Harry Maguire (51′,Amarilla) Donny van de Beek (52′,Amarilla) Jan Bednarek (85′,Roja) Stuart Armstrong (88′,Amarilla

Clasificación

Jankewitz sent off 79 seconds into debut, Leno also sees red on wild night

February 2, 2021

Southampton’s Alexandre Jankewitz was sent off after just 79 seconds on his Premier League debut on the same night that Arsenal were reduced to nine men after two of their players were given their marching orders.

Arsenal were cruising 1-0 up at Wolves before David Luiz conceded a penalty in first-half added time and was given a red. Ruben Neves then scored from the spot to level the scores.

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A brilliant Joao Moutinho goal gave the home side the lead, and the three points, just after the restart, but Arsenal had no chance when goalkeeper Bernd Leno later elected to run out of his box to needlessly slap away a long ball instead of using another part of his body to clear.

That wasn’t the only reckless act of the night, as Jankewitz started his Southampton career disastrously.

Less that two minutes into Southampton’s game against Manchester United at Old Trafford, when the 19-year-old midfielder launched his studs in United midfielder Scott McTominay’s thighs, and Mike Dean issued a straight red with no hesitation.

United took the lead on 18 minutes through Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Southampton struggled to contain the hosts.

Marcus Rashford then added a second shortly afterwards to put United further ahead.

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Parker: Klopp must handle Kabak and Davies with care

February 2, 2021

Paul Parker believes Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has to take care of Deadline Day signings Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies if his side are to mount a renewed challenge for the Premier League.

At United there were two standout winter arrivals in my time at Old Trafford: William Prunier and Andy Cole.

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I played with Prunier in that 4-0 loss at White Hart Lane, but it just wasn’t real. People just don’t believe what happened when we discuss it. Cole’s time with the club showed what’s more likely to happen to Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak, and how Jurgen Klopp can make sure they settle in as quickly as possible.

When Cole came to United, we already had our own way of playing. At Newcastle United, they had theirs. He was used to running in behind, and there were always crosses coming in from the wings for him to attack. The ball was in front of him. But when he came with us he had to change, because we’d have to play the ball into feet and work from that, and from that he was able to give back to the team.

Klopp: Matip injury a ‘big, big blow’ for Liverpool

I think Cole was clear that there were times that he was struggling to fit in. But what happened was that the boss didn’t just give up – there was a long-term plan to get Cole in and get him buzzing in our side. By signing for United it opened him up to improving his game. He was respected more as a player when he was able to show everyone that there were was more to his game – and he was helped by the fact he knew he wasn’t the finished article when he arrived. Kabak and Davies will have to be helped through and will have to embrace a new way of doing things, and be prepared to learn in order to improve. They’re at a big club too now, and they must be open to showing there is more to them.

How well you adjust, I think, depends on the individual. It’s definitely possible to step up from the lower divisions and make a success of it. I came from two divisions down to join QPR. More recently, Dele Alli joined Spurs from League One. I think what’s most important for Davies is that Klopp doesn’t use his move up as an excuse not to play him.

European giants set to do battle for Varane – Euro Papers

Klopp needs to be brave enough to put him in straight away – that’s how you learn. You learn when you’re on the job, and he might be raw but it will do him no good to be stuck playing inconsistently in the under-23s. In the first team he’ll have experienced players around him, and he’s used to regular football, so he can’t miss out. That means it’s up to his boss to help him with any personal troubles he might have as he adjusts.

Klopp will also need to be on hand for Kabak. He’s come from another country and you don’t know how many, if any, of his family are going to make the journey with him. He shouldn’t be left out of the team for too long. If players come from abroad without friends and family then it’s best they are allowed to play and feel like they’re part of a team.

The way Liverpool looked against West Ham, I don’t think anyone can write them off. They applied themselves well, and after beating Spurs I think they might have turned a corner. With some of their young players coming through, then they have added some depth, and perhaps some more belief. If Jordan Henderson can come good again they could be a dangerous side for the second half of the season.

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool scores their side’s second goal past Lukasz Fabianski of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on January 31, 2021 in London, England

Image credit: Getty Images

If you look at the way Liverpool are, with their strengths and weaknesses, they have got more about them than United have. In the transfer window, United needed to add to their front line. They might get away with it defensively this season, but they need more for Bruno Fernandes to play off. Another experienced player alongside Edinson Cavani, someone who would run to open up the pitch rather than wait for a pass, could have made the difference for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Manchester City are the favourites despite Liverpool’s transfer window. They’ve tightened up at the back, they’re physically and mentally more resilient. In the past they’ve crumbled against Liverpool, and I don’t think that will happen again – but we’ll find out soon.

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Rojo leaves Man Utd to sign for Boca Juniors

February 2, 2021

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo has joined Argentina’s Boca Juniors for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

“Marcos Rojo has completed his transfer to Boca Juniors,” United said in a statement.

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“The 30-year-old will return to his homeland on a permanent basis, after agreeing terms with the reigning Argentinian champions.”

Rojo has not played for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team this season.

He made his last United appearance in a 3-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in November 2019.

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January transfer window: Every Premier league club rated and reviewed

February 2, 2021

Those transfer sources can take the rest of the season off as it is solid footballing action from now until the summer. The proverbial transfer window has “slammed” shut.

Issues around Covid-19 and Brexit both ensured clubs have had to work with very little, or even nothing. But some have still come through, even given their lack of funds.

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Who are the winners and losers from the summer transfer window? It is back to school as we grade every Premier League team on their ability to get the deals they needed done.

(Estimated net spend figures from transfermarkt)

Arsenal

With a youthful revolution in full swing like nothing we have seen since the peace and love of the 1960s going on at the Emirates, there were never going to be any major acquisitions this window, but there have been some rather left-field, interesting signings from Mikel Arteta, addressing a few problem areas, while plenty of deadwood has been shifted, one more high profile than the rest.

He came, he saw, he tweeted. There were good times for Mesut Ozil at Arsenal, but he leaves London having very much flattered to deceive. A move back to Turkey makes sense for all parties, but his departure leaves so many questions unanswered, and a legacy even more difficult to define.

Two more starlets have come in to join the Gunners’ youth movement in Ozil’s place. Martin Odegaard’s name has been talked about for a long time, with the Norwegian having been tipped to become the next INSERT FAMOUS MIDFIELDER HERE throughout his youth. The hype seems to have been overplayed, but as he showed on loan at Real Sociedad last season, the 22-year-old still has plenty to give.

Arsenal never really replaced Emi Martinez in the summer, so Mat Ryan represents an excellent goalkeeping understudy to Bernd Leno, while Omar Rekik will add some much-needed cover at the back, given how many defenders have left in this January window. Where will Arsenal fans direct their ire now with Shkodran Mustafi having left? Loan moves will get some welcome game time into Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Joe Willock, too. As January windows go, this was a very good one.

Ins: Omar Rekik (Hertha Berlin, undisclosed), Mat Ryan (Brighton, loan), Martin Odegaard (Real Madrid, loan).

Outs: Mesut Ozil (Fenerbahce, undisclosed), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke, loan), William Saliba (Nice, loan), Sokratis (contract terminated), Matt Macey (Hibernian, loan), Zach Medley (Kilmarnock, loan), Shkodran Mustafi (Schalke, loan), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (West Brom, loan), Joe Willock (Newcastle, loan)

Net spend: £2m

Rating: A

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Aston Villa

Things have been going well for Aston Villa this season, so this window was only going to be for the odd tweak, and in Morgan Sanson, Villa have a player who comes with much promise.

Touted as a potential France call-up, the former Marseille midfielder can provide competition in midfield, with his Champions League knowhow – he played twice against Manchester City in this season’s competition – adding an extra edge.

Keeping hold of Jack Grealish for at least another six months can only be a good thing, of course.

Ins: Morgan Sanson (Marseille, £14m)

Outs: Lovre Kalinic (Hajduk Split, loan), Tyreik Wright (Walsall, loan), Conor Hourihane (Swansea, loan), Henri Lansbury (Bristol City, loan), Indiana Vassilev (Cheltenham, loan)

Net spend: -£14m

Rating: B

Brighton

One of the coups of the January transfer window was Brighton’s acquisition of Moises Caicedo.

The list of clubs reportedly linked with the Ecuadorian is quite something: Manchester United, Everton, Chelsea, West Ham and Newcastle, and abroad from the likes of AC Milan, RB Leipzig and Club Bruges.

So how did Brighton pull off the deal? Well, it seems they simply worked the hardest, and established a trust and a working relationship with Caicedo’s club, and in the murky world of South American transfers, that dialogue matters.

Now, the question is, will he live up to the billing?

Ins: Moises Caicedo (Independiente delle Valle, £4.5m)

Outs: Bernardo (RB Salzburg, loan), Mat Ryan (Arsenal, loan), Glenn Murray (Nottingham Forest, loan), Warren O’Hora (MK Dons, undisclosed), Jayson Molumby (Preston, loan), Viktor Gyokeres (Coventry, loan)

Net spend: -£4.5m

Grade: B

Moises Caicedo was a wanted man this winter

Image credit: Getty Images

Burnley

With new owners in place, too late for this window, there has been at least some hope that the good times will return to the happy place that is Turf Moor.

But, the January transfer window has certainly kept Clarets fans grounded. To not even make a major loan signing – and we saw on deadline day there were plenty of options available – appears very foolish indeed.

Sean Dyche and his side have worked hard to drag themselves out of the mire after a poor start to the season, but again Dyche has not been backed in the transfer market by the club. It is incredible he sticks around, given the lack of resources at his disposal. A tough battle to avoid the drop awaits.

Ins: Benn Ward (Hastings, undisclosed), Anthony Gomez Mancini (Angers, disclosed)

Outs: Bobby Thomas (Barrow, loan), Lukas Jensen (Bolton, loan), Adam Phillips (Accrington Stanley, loan)

Net spend: £0

Grade: D

Chelsea

With a changing of the guard in the managerial hotseat, there was no time to get any deals done late in the day, and after the lavish summer spending, the Chelsea coffers, even with Roman Abramovich more than willing to keep topping them up, will be running low.

There is so much talent still to be fulfilled at Stamford Bridge that more new arrivals would just give Thomas Tuchel a monumental headache.

One bit of sad news, however, was the current squad’s longest serving player making a teary farewell. That club stalwart was Lucas Piazon, having amassed a huge total of one substitute appearance in the Premier League in over a decade at Stamford Bridge. A statue is being planned down the King’s Road.

Outs: Lucas Piazon (Braga, undisclosed), Danny Drinkwater (Kasimpasa, loan), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan, loan), Baba Rahman (PAOK, loan), Jack Wakely (Brighton, loan)

Net spend: £0

Grade: C

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Crystal Palace

Not much is known about Crystal Palace’s only January arrival, but Jean-Philippe Mateta’s arrival will certainly bring welcome competition to the likes of Jordan Ayew and Christian Benteke, who have gotten away with dreadful scoring returns for too long.

One departure that will leave Palace fans wondering what might have been is Max Meyer, who came with such a glowing reputation, but never really got going.

Ins: Jean-Philippe Mateta (Mainz, loan)

Outs: Max Meyer (Cologne, free), Brandon Pierrick (Kilmarnock, loan), Scott Banks (Dunfermline, loan), Jarosław Jach (Rakow Czestochowa, loan), Sam Woods (Plymouth Argyle, loan)

Net spend: -£3m

Grade: C

Everton

One of the signings that took everyone by surprise was the arrival of Josh King at Everton. This was an old school deal, a throwback to the pre-Jim White days, where a signing just, you know, happened.

There was no linking of King with Everton, or sources suggesting a move was imminent. Everton swooped for their man, last minute, and got an exciting striker, with no risk involved at all.

King, who was linked with a return to Manchester United last season such was his fine form, has shown he can cut it in the Premier League, and will provide very useful cover for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, or an option in a wider forward role, to give goal-shy Richarlison a jolt.

Ins: Josh King (Everton, loan)

Outs: Matthew Pennington (Shrewsbury, loan), Jarrad Branthwaite (Blackburn, loan), Ellis Simms (Blackpool, loan), Yannick Bolasie (Middlesbrough, loan), Cenk Tozun (Besiktas, loan), Jonjoe Kenny (Celtic, loan)

Net spend: £0

Grade: B

Fulham

Fulham love a late, deadline day scramble.

The summer window saw Fulham’s transfer committee working in overdrive right up until the last minute, and deadline day this time was no different. It appeared Josh King would be heading to Craven Cottage until Everton pounced, but Josh Maja, of Netflix fame on Sunderland ‘Til I Die, did complete a loan move to the capital.

Maja should represent a significant upgrade on Aboubakar Kamara, who has left on loan, and will have plenty to prove. HIm and Ademola Lookman look to have the makings of an exciting forward line for Scott Parker’s side.

Ins: Josh Maja (Bordeaux, loan)

Outs: Anthony Knockaert (Nottingham Forest, loan), Stefan Johansen (QPR, loan), Matt O’Riley (MK Dons, free), Aboubakar Kamara (Dijon, loan)

Net spend: -£0

Grade: B

Leeds

Not much to report at Elland Road. There was never even a suggestion of any incomings to be had, which will lead to those inevitable questions about whether Marcelo Bielsa’s side will suffer burnout towards the end of the season, given their high-octane style of play.

Outs: Robbie Gotts (Salford, loan), Ryan Edmondson (Northampton, loan), Jordan Stevens (Bradford, loan), Jay-Roy Grot (Vfl Osnabruck)

Net spend: -£0

Grade: C

Leicester

The lack of activity at Leicester in the last two transfers windows is testament to the coaching abilities of Brendan Rodgers, who seems happy with his lot, content to put the work in on the training pitch.

Allowing Demarai Gray to leave is a curious one, however. So much talent, and you would think Gray is the type of player Rodgers would relish working with, but he departs having not been given a fair crack.

There has to be something more to the story. Bayer Leverkusen is an interesting move, and one that could see Gray at last, go some way to fulfilling his vast potential.

Outs: Islam Slimani (Lyon, free transfer), Filip Benkovic (OH Leuven, loan), Admiral Muskwe (Wycombe, loan), Matty James (Coventry, loan), Josh Knight (Wycombe, loan extension), Filip Benkovic (OH Leuven, loan), Darnell Fisher (AFC Wimbledon, loan), Demarai Gray (Bayer Leverkusen, undisclosed)

Net spend: £0

Grade: C

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Liverpool

It was getting to the point at Liverpool’s training ground where the dinner ladies were being put through a crash course in how to play at centre-back.

Liverpool needed a defender, desperately, and they got two. Michael Edwards has done it again, all for less than £3m.

Ben Davies is very much seen as a stop-gap but he is likely to be required by Jurgen Klopp rather soon, especially given the news Joel Matip has been confirmed as a season-long absentee.

It looks like it will fall on deadline day signing Ozan Kabak as the frontline, instant remedy to Liverpool’s ailing backline. The young defender has plenty of potential – nicknamed the ‘Wall of Turkey’ – but having been part of a dreadful Bundesliga campaign so far this season with Schalke, there will be question marks about whether he can be thrown in at the Anfield deep end.

Allowing Takumi Minamino time at Southampton – the best place for future Liverpool stars to learn – makes a whole lot of sense, too.

Ins: Ben Davies (Preston North End, £2m), Liam Hughes (Celtic, undisclosed), Ozan Kabak (Schalke, loan)

Outs: Adam Lewis (Plymouth, loan), Liam Millar (Charlton, loan), Sepp van den Berg (Preston, loan), Takumi Minamino (Liverpool, loan)

Net spend: -£3m

Grade: A

Ben Davies signing for Liverpool at Anfield

Image credit: Getty Images

Manchester City

Diego Costa and Sergio Ramos. Just some of the ridiculous names linked with Manchester City this season.

With Sergio Aguero’s injury problems persisting, it did appear that City would delve into their owners rather deep pockets and invest in a striker, but City look so good at the back and in midfield this season that they may be able to win the title without a fit striker anyway.

Ins: Filip Stevanovic (Partizan Belgrade, £7m)

Outs: Thomas Scott (Port Vale, undisclosed), Ante Palaversa (KV Kortrijk, loan), Daniel Arzani (AGF Aarhus, loan), Nathaniel Ogbeta (Shrewsbury, undisclosed), Mix Diskerud (Denizlispor, undisclosed), Aro Muric (Willem II, loan) Jayden Braaf (Udinese, loan)

Net spend: -£7m

Grade: C

Manchester United

The paperwork finally got completed in January, and now Manchester United fans can start to get excited about one of Europe’s most exciting talents.

He may not have played much first-team football at Atalanta, but Amad Diallo’s stock has been rising for some time. His debut for United’s U23s at the weekend didn’t disappoint either, as he scored twice – one a Panenka penalty – in United’s 6-3 win over Liverpool.

Otherwise it was all about how many players United could get rid of. A loan move is just what the doctor ordered for Jesse Lingard, but Marcos Rojo remains on the books, however. There was no panic that a rumoured Rojo move to Boca Juniors didn’t get done, as the transfer window in Argentina is open until February 19. The fact Sergio Romero is still there, on his inflated wage, means United are downgraded.

Ins: Amad Diallo (Atalanta, £20m)

Outs: Max Haygarth (Brentford, loan), Ethan Laird (MK Dons, loan), Luca Ercolani (Carpi, loan) Timothy Fosu-Mensah (Bayer Leverkusen, undisclosed), Di’Shon Bernard (Salford, loan) Jesse Lingard (West Ham, loan), Tahith Chong (Club Brugge, loan), Fecundo Pellistri (Alaves, loan), Teden Mengi (Derby, loan)

Net spend: £-17m

Grade: C

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Newcastle

Finally, there are some good things happening for Newcastle fans in these most difficult of times.

It has been a miserable season so far for the Magpies but, after arguably their best performance of the season in their win at Everton at the weekend, there was further positive news as Steve was able to bring in a Brucey Bonus of a signing.

There is no doubting the talent Joe Willock possesses, he just needs some minutes, and he will get that in the north east. This could turn out to be a really good loan move for all parties.

Ins: Joe Willock (Arsenal, loan)

Outs: Rolando Aarons (Huddersfield, undisclosed), Rob Elliot (Watford, free), DeAndre Yelin (Galatasaray, loan)

Net spend: -£0m

Grade: B

Sheffield United

Money is tight at Bramall Lane, but a failure to just bring in any signing who could give the side a lift could prove costly.

Goals remain in short supply, with misfiring strikers common place in Chris Wilder’s ranks. Their survival could depend on summer signing Rhian Brewster finding his feet, and his goalscoring touch.

Outs: George Broadbent (Beerschot, loan), Michael Verrips (FC Emmen, loan), Jake Eastwood (Grimsby, loan)

Net spend: -£0

Grade: D

Southampton

Two products of the Red Bull machine meet on the south coast. Bringing in Takumi Minamino could be one in a long line of masterstrokes from Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Minamino needs games. Saints need goals. Hasenhuttl needs a certain type of player. All boxes are ticked, and everyone is happy.

The goals really have dried up at St Mary’s of late. It seems if Danny Ings doesn’t score, nobody scores, so some additional firepower is very welcome.

Ins: Takumi Minamino (Liverpool, loan)

Outs: Callum Slattery (Gillingham, loan), Tyreke Johnson (Gillingham, undisclosed), Josh Sims (Doncaster, loan), Jake Vokins (Sunderland, loan), Jann Valery (Birmingham, loan)

Net spend: -£0

Grade: B

Tottenham

Tottenham were top of the class after the summer window, but hindsight is a wonderful thing, with several of their more high-profile acquisitions hardly pulling up any trees so far. Looking at you, Gareth.

For the reasons many have struggled to strengthen this transfer window, there was no money to overhaul the squad, but there were some big names touted to leave during the January window, only for the moves to not materialise.

It now begs the question: what now for Dele Alli? A reunion with Mauricio Pochettino looked to be on the cards at Paris Saint-Germain, but he remains in London, on the outside looking in.

Outs: Jack Clarke (Stoke, loan), Harvey White (Portsmouth, loan), Anthony Georgiou (AEL Limassol), Shilow Tracey (Cambridge, loan), Maurizio Pochettino (Watford), Troy Parrott (Ipswich, loan), Paulo Gazzaniga (Elche, loan)

Net spend: £0

Grade: C

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West Brom

Probably the only side whose January business bettered their summer dealings. Sam Allardyce has trawled Europe’s bargain bins, and brought in some much-needed quality.

Robert Snodgrass can still cut it at the highest level, he just needs a bit of love, while two loan signings in Mbaye Diagne – who we have already seen make an impression on debut against Fulham at the weekend – and Ainsley Maitland-Niles will also improve Allardyce’s options.

These are the kind of players Allardyce could have done with from the very start. After this kind of window, West Brom at least have a better chance of survival.

Ins: Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Arsenal, loan), Robert Snodgrass (West Ham, undisclosed), Andy Lonergan (free transfer), Mbaye Diagne (Galatasaray, loan), Okay Yokuslu (Celta Vigo, loan)

Outs: Charlie Austin (QPR, loan), Jonathan Bond (LA Galaxy), Kenneth Zohore (Millwall, loan), Rekeem Harper (Birmingham, loan)

Net spend: -£1.5m

Grade: A

West Ham

The much maligned and unfairly ridiculed David Moyes can do no wrong at the moment.

On the pitch, things are going from strength to strength, as the Hammers remain the Premier League’s surprise package, and off it, the club has enjoyed a more productive January than most.

While we are yet to see Said Benrahma really find his best form, having now made his move completely permanent, he can really kick on, while few needed a fresh start more than Jesse Lingard. The Manchester United attacking midfielder has so much talent, but has struggled to produce the goods on a consistent basis. He will be desperate to prove his worth at London Stadium.

One major outgoing provided an additional lift. Sebastien Haller has the ability, he was just in the wrong place, at the wrong time. To get over £20m for him, in this current climate, is very good business indeed.

Ins: Frederik Alves (Silkeborg, undisclosed), Said Benrahma (Brentford, £20m), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United, loan)

Outs: Sebastien Haller (Ajax, £20.3m), Robert Snodgrass (West Brom, undisclosed), Dan Kemp (Leyton Orient, undisclosed), Goncalo Cardoso (FC Basel, loan), Winston Reid (Brentford, loan)

Net spend: -£1.5m

Grade: A

Wolves

A striker was needed at Wolves as Raul Jimenez continues to recover from injury, and that is exactly what Wolves got.

With money again tight, getting hold of a striker who scored double figures in his last three seasons in La Liga, prior to the current campaign, for nothing is fine work in the difficult climate.

Another option up front, as Fabio Silva’s struggles continue, would have been nice, but one extra body up top will have to do.

Ins: Willian Jose (Real Sociedad, loan)

Outs: Niall Ennis (Plymouth, undisclosed), Ruben Vinagre (Famalicao, loan), Oskar Buur (Grasshoppers, loan), Ryan Giles (Rotherham, loan), Roderick Miranda (Released), Jamie Pardington (Mansfield, loan), Luke Matheson (Ipswich, loan), Meritan Shabani (VVV-Venlo, loan)

Net spend: £0

Grade: B

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Man Utd hit nine past Saints to equal Premier League record

February 2, 2021

Manchester United equalled the Premier League record for the biggest winning margin as they thrashed nine-man Southampton 9-0 at Old Trafford.

Southampton’s 19-year-old midfielder Alexandre Jankewitz endured a nightmare first Premier League start, launching into a crazily high studs-up challenge on Scott McTominay in just the second minute of the match. Referee Mike Dean had no choice but to brandish an early red card, and United exploited their numerical advantage ruthlessly for the remaining 88 minutes.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side switched play relentlessly to stretch the outnumbered Saints throughout a one-sided first half, and the quality of the crosses was impressively high as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Marcus Rashford put United two to the good.

An unfortunate own-goal from Jan Bednarek, turning Rashford’s cross into his own net from close range, made it three on 34 minutes, before the outstanding Edinson Cavani dispatched a fine header from Luke Shaw’s cross to make it 4-0 at the break. United could have also had a penalty shortly before half-time, only for VAR to adjudge that a foul on Cavani occurred fractionally outside the box and overrule the initial decision.

The half-time substitutions of Cavani and Shaw saw United lose some of their fluency, and Southampton thought they’d pulled one back when Che Adams took advantage of some slack defending to slot past David de Gea. But a VAR review saw the effort chalked off for offside and that was as good as it got for Southampton, as United added gloss to the scoreline in the second half.

Anthony Martial made it five on 69 minutes, taking down a clever chipped ball over the top from Bruno Fernandes before rifling a shot into the roof of the net. And McTominay bagged the sixth just two minutes later, drilling a low effort through a crowd of bodies from outside the box.

And Southampton’s torrid evening ended in fitting fashion when Jan Bednarek was shown a late red card for a foul on Martial inside the box, with Fernandes converting from the spot to make it seven.

Martial added a late eighth and Dan James made it 9-0 in injury-time.

The result is the third 9-0 in Premier League history, with Southampton also on the receiving end of the same scoreline against Leicester City last season and Manchester United setting the original record against Ipswich Town back in 1995.

Man of the Match – Edinson Cavani (Manchester United)

Cavani was superb in the first half, constantly moving to stretch Southampton’s packed defence, linking up expertly with Fernandes and Rashford, and finishing his goal brilliantly. Luke Shaw was also superb before he joined the Uruguayan in the stands for the second half.

Such was the deluge of quality from United in forward areas that a host of players could have been named man of the match, with Rashford, Martial and Fernandes also all excellent. But Cavani’s impact was particularly noteworthy given he has not been a certain pick in Solskjaer’s first-choice side since arriving at Old Trafford. There should be no doubt that he deserves that spot now.

Player Ratings

Manchester United: De Gea 6, Shaw 8, Lindelof 7, Maguire 7, Wan-Bissaka 7, Fred 7, McTominay 7, Fernandes 8, Rashford 8, Greenwood 7, Cavani 8. Subs: Van de Beek 7, Martial 8, James 7.

Southampton: McCarthy 8, Ramsay 7, Bednarek 5, Stephens 7, Bertrand 7, Jankewitz 2, Ward-Prowse 6, Armstrong 6, Djenepo 6, Adams 5, Ings 6. Subs: Redmond 6, Tchaptchet 6.

Key Moments

18’ GOAL! – United have found the breakthrough and it’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka who’s got it. Rashford lays it back for Shaw on the left, who sees that the full-back has lost his marker Ings on the far side and curls in a deep cross for Wan-Bissaka to tuck home from close range. 1-0.

25’ GOAL! – Rashford bags a second, and given the circumstances that is probably the win in the bag for United. Shaw feeds Greenwood on the left edge of the box, and his pull-back is turned home by Rashford with a tidy finish. 2-0.

34’ OWN GOAL! – It’s 3-0 to United and it’s Bednarek who has turned a fizzing Rashford cross into his own net. It’s extremely unlucky for the defender, who was at full stretch and had to get something on it as Fred and Greenwood were completely unmarked behind him and waiting for a tap-in. The pace and quality of Rashford’s delivery forced the mistake, and this could be a rout now. 3-0.

39’ GOAL! – It’s four, and this time it’s Cavani’s turn to get on the scoresheet. The striker drifts off the back of Stephens to leave himself in space just seven yards from goal, and his header from Shaw’s excellent cross expertly picks out the corner. 4-0.

43’ – Penalty!? Cavani is felled right on the edge of the box and Mike Dean points to the spot. It goes up to VAR to judge whether it’s in or out of the box, and replays show that Cavani was fractionally outside the box when the foul was made (just about, debate will be had no doubt), meaning that the spot-kick is ruled out and it’s a free-kick instead.

55’ – United completely switch off from the free-kick and Fred stumbles as he looks to get back to stop Southampton striker Che Adams. The space opens up for a shot from an angle, but De Gea should still have done better to prevent it finding the far corner. The goal is initially given, but an extremely tight offside decision from VAR sees it chalked off.

69’ GOAL! – It’s five for United as Anthony Martial brings down a chipped ball over the top from Fernandes and hammers a shot into the roof of the net from an angle. That’s a great finish. 5-0!

71’ GOAL! – It’s another! Scott McTominay is all on his own as a clearance rolls to him outside the box, and he keeps it low to drill a fine first-time shot past McCarthy. 6-0!

86’ – Penalty! Or is it? VAR has been called into action as Martial goes down in the box and Mike Dean points to the spot. The penalty is given and it’s a red card for Bednarek too. That’s a tad harsh, but if it’s the law then it’s the law.

87’ GOAL! – Fernandes slots home from the penalty spot and it’s Manchester United SEVEN, Southampton 0.

90’ GOAL! – It’s 8-0. Wan-Bissaka’s cross reaches Martial, who controls with his chest and turns home an easy finish.

93’ GOAL! – It’s nine for Manchester United as they equal a Premier League record with Daniel James tapping home neatly from close range. 9-0.

More to follow

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Solskjaer: Referee chiefs have confessed to two mistakes in Sheffield United defeat

February 1, 2021

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says that the refereeing body PGMOL has admitted two mistakes in Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United.

Solskjaer says the assessment reveals that Kean Bryan’s opening goal for the Blades should not have stood after a foul on David de Gea, while Anthony Martial’s goal at the other end was also wrongly disallowed.

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United struck back in the second half, but a Sander Berge effort sealed all three points for the Blades at Old Trafford.

“The momentum shifted for us with the Sheffield United game, but I’ve got the delegates’ report from the ref and the two decisions were wrong,” Solskjaer told a news conference on Monday.

“They’ve admitted their goal should have been disallowed and our goal should have stood,” he said.

“That’s a big, big momentum changer for us. When you go 1-0 up rather than 1-0 down, go on and win that game.”

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Will Alli really join PSG? Deals to look out for on Deadline Day

January 31, 2021

The transfer window shuts on Monday, February 1 and there are still plenty of deals that could be finalised before the clock strikes 11pm GMT for British clubs on Monday.

Below are the potential key transfers to look out for. Remember, you can follow the latest transfer news in our dedicated live blog that will be running throughout the day.

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Christian Benteke – West Brom

The Crystal Palace striker has played more often than most expected for the south London club this season, scoring three goals in 14 appearances.

However, following the arrival of Jean-Philippe Mateta from Mainz it looks as though the 30-year-old’s game-time is about get a lot more limited and West Brom are reportedly keen to sign him.

The Premier League strugglers may have just brought in Mbaye Diagne on loan from Galatasaray, and he impressed against Fulham off the bench on Saturday, but it seems Sam Allardyce wants another striker to help them in their fight for survival.

The sticking point is Benteke’s wages as he reportedly earns around £120,000 a week. It is likely the Belgium international would have to take a significant cut for the former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker to switch clubs.

Serie A clubs Parma and Fiorentina are also said to be interested in acquiring the striker so it could be a tussle to the end.

Christian Benteke to West Brom?

Image credit: Getty Images

Dele Alli – PSG

Inside Football’s Dean Jones told us Paris Saint-Germain are eager to get Dele Alli’s loan deal confirmed as they believe they might be able to convince him to stick around longer once he gets a taste of life at the club.

There has been lots of speculation surrounding the 24-year-old’s future and a reunion with former boss Mauricio Pochettino, who he thrived under in his early years at Spurs, could be on the cards.

But Spurs head coach Jose Mourinho denied the claims last week, insisting he’s “convinced” no players will leave before the transfer deadline.

However, Alli is barely featuring for Tottenham. There is a strong possibility of this move happening and it could be arguably the standout deal of the window.

In Eurosport’s vodcast in partnership with The Beautiful Game Podcast, Deji Odedina, Dotun Abijoh and Ben Snowball analysed the potential transfer. Have a watch 👇

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Christian Eriksen – Multiple PL clubs

Leicester, Wolves and Tottenham have all been linked to the Danish midfielder who was reportedly unhappy at Inter with club chief executive Giuseppe Marotta saying in December he was on the market.

However, the situation seem to have changed in recent weeks. The 28-year-old has enjoyed more game-time under head coach Antonio Conte recently and he scored a brilliant free-kick in the 97th minute of the Milan derby to knock AC Milan out of the Coppa Italia.

Marotta hinted on Saturday that he could stay at the club after all, telling broadcaster DAZN: “As Antonio Conte said, if there are some players who are unhappy and want to find other clubs, it’s not right to withhold them.

“We do not have any of those situations. Therefore, this is the squad we will have at our disposal until the end of the season.”

Nevertheless, Premier League clubs are keen to bolster in the playmaking department this month so a deal may still happen. A return to his former club Tottenham would be surprising, but possible.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Leicester or West Brom

Ainsley Maitland-Niles looks set to depart Arsenal this window on loan with his minutes limited at the Gunners.

West Brom are the team who have been most linked with the 23-year-old, who has played just 11 times in the Premier League this season, for the majority of this window.

But the Athletic report Leicester are now keen on the versatile wingback and they may be tempted to include a £15m option to buy as part of their offer.

Southampton are also said to be looking at bringing in Maitland-Niles.

Maitland-Niles will be eager to secure a place in the England squad for the upcoming European championships. It looks almost certain he will go to another Premier League club on Deadline Day.

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Mustafi, Long, Diop – Liverpool

Liverpool are desperate for a central defender with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all injured. As a result, the Merseyside club are looking for a short-term signing to come in and cover in central defence.

Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi, who the north London club are reportedly trying to get rid of, is said to be being considered by the Premier League champions.

Mustafi, who joined Arsenal in August 2016 for a fee reportedly in excess of £35m, has played just nine times in all appearances for the Gunners this season.

The Germany international is in talks with Arsenal to have his contract, which expires this summer, terminated.

Could Shkodran Mustafi be heading to Liverpool?

Image credit: Getty Images

Jurgen Klopp has maintained champions Liverpool will be financially responsible in the transfer market, due to the economic situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, but said the club is working tirelessly to find a defensive solution in the coming days.

“I’m not sure there’s an £80 million centre back available at the moment,” Klopp told reporters on Friday. “A player of this calibre, I’m not sure teams would sell them now.

“It’s the same situation as before, we work on this. If we don’t sleep, we work.

“Everything is long-term, usually. It’s about solutions and that’s what we are working on.”

Liverpool are also reportedly looking at New York Red Bulls’ 28-year-old central defender Aaron Long as well as West Ham’s Issa Diop.

Bertrand, Amavi, Van Aanholt – Arsenal

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said he would like to bring in a backup left-back with Sead Kolasinac moving to Schalke this window and Ainsley Maitland-Niles set to leave the club. Any move would likely be a late one as the north London club will want to shift Maitland-Niles first.

The fullbacks linked are Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand, Marseille’s Jordan Amavi – formerly of Aston Villa – and Patrick Van Aanholt.

Ryan Bertrand is looking unlikely as he is reportedly set to sign a new contract with the Saints, while a move for Amavi would more likely be for the summer as that is when his contract in France expires.

Patrick Van Aanholt may well be a realistic option.

Arsenal are said to have had their interest in promising youngster Tyrick Mitchell turned down, but the 21-year-old is playing ahead of the Netherlands international. The latter may see a loan move to the Gunners as a way of getting his career back on track ahead of the Euros.

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Dayot Upamecano – Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich are in talks for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano. The German window deadline is 5pm GMT.

The 22-year-old French central defender is also wanted by Manchester United, and they could still make a move for him for £55 million this transfer window.

But Bayern have held talks with him in the last week and it seems as though they are going to win the race to his signature.

It could be wrapped up on deadline day, but it would make for quite the day should United go in for him at the very last minute.

Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig)

Image credit: Getty Images

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