We’re in the early stages of pre-season and the football news is starting to heat up!
Jose Mourinho, the manager who once called himself “The Special One”, made his return to Chelsea official on Monday in front of a large audience at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho managed The Blues from 2004-2007 but unexpectedly left after what he referred to as “mutual consent” between him and Chairman Roman Abramovich.
Mourinho expressed his deepest gratitude for the club giving him a second chance. “I am where I want to be,” Mourinho stated. “I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
In other Premier League news, a potential swap for Liverpool star Luis Suarez continues to be a hot topic for debate. Several reports have linked Suarez to European Champions Bayern Munich. The champs are hoping to force manager Brendan Rodgers’ hand in a swap for Arjen Robben.
Incoming Manchester United boss David Moyes has made transferring Leighton Baines one of his main priorities, with Patrice Evra strongly linked for a move to big-spending Monaco. The Red Devils may also try and take advantage of Cristiano Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction with Real Madrid and bid for him.
21-year-old Brazilian star Neymar also made his move to FC Barcelona complete as over 50,000 supporters greeted him. The contract is said to be five-years in length and is worth 57 million euros. Football icon Pele expressed his excitement at two of the best South American strikers teaming up together with Neymar joining Lionel Messi. Pele claims that Neymar has the potential to be even better than Messi.
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Finally the famous Maracana stadium in Brazil has had goal-line technology installed for this summer’s Fifa Confederations Cup. This is the first time this technology will be used at an international tournament. The Premier League will be the first domestic league to use this technology next season.
Rangers centre-back Connor Goldson could bring an end to his time at Ibrox during the summer transfer window, according to journalist Chris Jack.
The Lowdown: Goldson a great servant for Rangers
The 29-year-old has enjoyed great success during his time with the Gers, making 206 appearances in total and winning the Premiership title last season.
Goldson has been hailed as ‘next level’ by former Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard and he has made 29 league starts this season, proving to be an almost ever-present figure for the Light Blues.
However, the defender’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and it could be that he moves on to pastures new after four years in Glasgow.
[freshpress-poll id=“380435″]
The Latest: Summer move mooted for Goldson
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jack claimed that Goldson could return to England in the summer, rather than extending his stay at Ibrox.
The journalist stated: “I think the timing is probably right. If Connor fancies another crack at England, it’s going to be this summer.”
The Verdict: Time to move on?
While Goldson remains a key figure for Rangers, a summer exit could end up making sense for all parties following four years at the club.
The Englishman turns 30 later this year, so offering him an extension on his current contract could be a risk, with his best years unlikely to be ahead of him. Also, as Jack has hinted, from the player’s perspective he might view this as his last chance to get a lucrative move back to England, so a summer exit seems very much plausible.
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That money could instead be put towards bringing in a younger centre-back option as Giovanni van Bronckhorst looks to build into the future rather than just the present.
In other news, Alex McLeish has dropped a Rangers injury claim. Read more here.
Crystal Palace face a difficult clash tonight at Selhurst Park with Premier League champions, Manchester City.
However, Patrick Vieira will be hoping that confidence is high in his squad following their most recent victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Eagles will have the extra boost of confidence playing in front of their home fans against Pep Guardiola’s side, and have already beaten the top of the table team this season at the Etihad, so there is nothing stopping Palace from causing a title race upset for the Manchester club who cannot afford to drop points.
A win for Vieira and his team this evening would put them in the position to leapfrog Southampton into the top half of the table, and the French manager will be working hard to climb the Premier League table to prove his worth in his first season in charge at the club.
Though, the Eagles have been delivered an injury blow as key midfielder, James McArthur, is still out injured with a knock ahead of the Manchester City clash. Football.London journalist Mark Wyatt relayed the update following Vieira’s press conference last Thursday afternoon.
The 34-year-old missed the 2-0 victory over Wolves and will now miss out on a chance to be part of the team tonight, and will be a big loss considering he played an integral part in the victory at the Etihad Stadium back in October.
McArthur gained a 7.2 rating against Manchester City according to SofaScore, and made a huge impact on the defensive approaches to the game with four clearances, two blocked shots, three tackles, and a pass accuracy of 92%, proving further that his presence in midfield could be a big miss for the Eagles this evening in the tough game.
The Palace manager will be hoping he will be able to rely on his other midfielders to provide a similar performance to secure their eighth win of the season and continue their run of good form ahead of the final months of the season.
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A win over Pep’s flawless side could inspire even more confidence in the team in their pursuit for a comfortable top-half finish.
In other news: Vieira should start Will Hughes vs Man City
West Brom are back in action tonight with a Championship clash against Huddersfield Town at The Hawthorns.
Having picked up their first league win in eight games with a 2-0 victory over Hull City at the weekend, the Baggies will head into tonight’s match with renewed confidence.
However, the Terriers are currently 13 points and 10 places above Albion in the league table, having scored 12 more goals as well, so it will be a tough match for Steve Bruce’s side.
In his latest press conference, the former Newcastle United boss revealed that midfielder Alex Mowatt is a doubt for this evening’s clash with a slight muscle issue, while Daryl Dike recently returned to training after suffering a hamstring injury shortly after joining the club in January.
With that in mind, here’s how we feel the Baggies could line up tonight.
Having appeared in most of West Brom’s league games this season and played his part in keeping a clean sheet last weekend, it would be a surprise to not see Sam Johnstone take his place in goal once more.
At the back, we predict that Bruce will stick with the same trio which started against the Tigers. with Matt Clarke, Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi lining up in front of Johnstone. We think that the Baggies boss will also stick with the same wing-backs of Conor Townsend on the left and Darnell Furlong on the right.
Moving into midfield, given the doubt surrounding Mowatt, we can see Jayson Molumby coming in to replace the 27-year-old, lining up alongside club captain Jake Livermore and Taylor Gardner-Hickman.
Up front, it seems likely that Karlan Grant will keep his place in the side after scoring both goals in the win against Hull. However, with Callum Robinson failing to have much of an impact in that game, this could persuade Bruce to make a big change and drop the 27-year-old.
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Grady Diangana, who has been praised for his “magnificent” performances for the club in the past, could duly get the chance to prove himself rather than the manager taking the risk of putting Dike in so quickly.
In other news: Bruce can finally axe “stupid” £16k-p/w WBA dud with “fantastic” £11.7m-rated “talent”
Newcastle are hopeful that Joelinton will return for Thursday’s Premier League trip to Everton.
The lowdown
Eddie Howe’s team travel to Merseyside as they look to return to winning ways after their lengthy unbeaten streak came to an end against Chelsea last Sunday.
Joelinton, one of the club’s top earners on £86.5k per week, has missed out on the Magpies’ last two matchday squads with a minor groin injury.
Howe said that the 25-year-old was ‘close’ to being available for the trip to Stamford Bridge but couldn’t complete a full training session before the match.
The latest
Newcastle World journalist Jordan Cronin has provided an update on Joelinton’s fitness ahead of Thursday night’s clash against Everton.
He wrote that ‘it is hoped’ that the Brazilian forward will be back in action at Goodison Park, having had four additional days to get himself fit for the match following Sunday’s loss in west London.
The verdict
Joelinton’s impending comeback is a significant boost for Howe and Newcastle. He had established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet before this slight setback, starting the 44-year-old’s first 14 Premier League games in charge on Tyneside.
Cronin said last month that 25-year-old had enjoyed an ‘absolutely extraordinary’ upturn in fortunes under the new boss.
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After Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey missed the Chelsea game through illness, Howe was forced into what he called a ‘complete tactical reshuffle’. However, with that duo also expected to be back in contention for Thursday night, he shouldn’t have to deal with the same headache this time around.
In other news, Luke Edwards takes aim at ‘fake-in-the-know’ types as he explains one Newcastle absence
Alasdair Gold has dropped a promising injury update concerning Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp.
What’s the latest?
In a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, the football.london journalist revealed that the 21-year-old – who has not featured for Tottenham since the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea back on January 23 due to an injury relating to his pubic symphysis – should be in contention for a return to the Spurs side when Newcastle United visit north London on April 3.
Speaking about the current condition of the England U21 international, Gold said: “There are positives from the two-week break. Oliver Skipp – I finally asked about him and got some positive news ahead of the [Newcastle] game.
“Conte said that he’s starting to feel less pain and he said he’d be back after the international break. So, I pushed that a little bit and said: ‘Do you mean the Newcastle game?’ And he said: ‘Let’s see. We need to see how he responds over the next couple of weeks.’ So, fingers crossed that get fixed.
“I think, definitely, Skippy will be the first substitute that comes on in those first few games he’s back. I think Conte will very quickly try and find a way to get him on, especially if energy levels are flagging because he loves Skippy – he trusts him.”
Supporters will love Gold’s update
Considering just how high hopes are for Skipp’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Gold’s claim that the academy product could be set to make a return to first-team action against Newcastle in a little under two weeks’ time is sure to be an update that Spurs fans will love.
Indeed, despite the current campaign being the first season in which Skipp has been a regular for Tottenham, the £18m-rated dynamo has nevertheless proven that he is a talent with an extremely bright future in the game – with FBREF ranking the 21-year-old in the top 10% for passes completed by all defensive midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues, as well as the top 16% for progressive carries, the top 34% for progressive passes and the top 42% for blocks made per 90 minutes.
Furthermore, Conte is clearly a huge fan of the £25k-per-week sensation, stating of Skipp after Spurs’ 2-0 win over Brentford back in December: “This player is a very young. He has really a lot of space for improvement.
“He played with great intensity, great passion, with heart, with soul. I think it was important because, for me, he doesn’t care if he’s only 21-years-old, who deserves to play.
“Today he played well. I think that I can improve him a lot in possession and technically, to look before the play that they have to do. We’re talking about an important prospect and I’m very happy for him, but now he has to continue in this way.
“He has to improve with the ball, no? In possession. This player, without the ball, he works very, very hard. To have him in the midfield together with [Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg] is very, very important.
“For sure, the part that he has to improve is with the ball but in one month I have seen a lot of improvement about Skippy. He’s a player who wants to improve.
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“I think that the present and the future depends on him. If he wants to become a top midfielder. He could become a top midfielder, but he has to continue to work. He has this will, this desire to become an important player for Tottenham and for the present and for the future.”
As such, it is clear for all to see that the return of the England youth international will come as a huge boost to both Conte and his Tottenham side, as Skipp looks as if he will play an incredibly important role in Spurs’ bid to secure a top-four finish in the league this season.
AND in other news: Conte can unearth his next 19 y/o “killer” in THFC sensation who’s an “immense talent”
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered an update on where things currently stand with Leeds United’s ongoing case involving former striker Jean-Kevin Augustin.
What’s the story?
During a Q&A for The Athletic, Hay revealed: “The Court of Arbitration for Sport has heard the case (on March 15). Now we wait for a verdict, and the timing of that is solely in the hands of CAS. Leeds can only hope that CAS takes a different view to FIFA, because FIFA pulled no punches in saying they should cough up.”
A big financial hit for Leeds
The Whites stand the prospect of having to shell out the £18m that was allegedly agreed between them and Leipzig over Augustin’s permanent transfer, and that would blow a major hole in their finances, just when they’re looking ahead to the summer transfer window.
At £18m, that kind of fee would actually represent the joint-third highest sum Leeds would pay out for a player, with only the deals for Rio Ferdinand and last summer’s signing Rodrigo costing more – a real indication of just how desperate Radrizzani and the Whites will be not to pay it.
Augustin ended up playing just three times in the Championship, totaling a measly 48 minutes of football for Leeds, scoring no goals and providing no assists – his only outings for the club all came in the month of February, when he featured against Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Bristol City.
Given the kind of troubles Jesse Marsch’s side have faced in the Premier League this season, having this dark cloud hang over them is unwelcome to say the least, and certainly would throw a major spanner in the works heading into the summer.
FIFA ruling in favour of Leipzig last year back in June has certainly ramped up the tensions behind-the-scenes at Elland Road, and there will be a worry among the club’s supporters too on the impact of what CAS’ verdict could have.
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Should the court dismiss Leeds’ case, and insist on the Whites paying the fee discussed, then it would be a massive financial hit for the club to take.
AND in other news – Forget Joffy: Marsch can get Leeds rocking by finally unleashing “phenomenal” 20 y/o
The gesture from the Manchester United midfielder’s half-brother and ex-Love Island star was ill-timed and ill-judged, but the sentiment rings true. You only have to listen to the Old Trafford crowd.
Like it was by the away following at Molineux a week ago, Mainoo’s introduction on Monday evening against Bournemouth was met with a chorus of cheers, rubberstamping where supporters’ loyalties lie in the ongoing ‘battle’ between the Stockport native and Ruben Amorim.
There was an acceptance of Amorim’s decision to send another academy product on his way, in Alejandro Garnacho, but the continued reluctance to unleash United’s other FA Cup final hero has not gone down well. Nor have reports of a potential exit for the 20-year-old in January.
Still yet to start a Premier League game this season, Mainoo – seemingly unsuited, like Garnacho, to Amorim’s approach – looks destined to depart, yet INEOS and the Old Trafford hierarchy should surely not be so hasty.
Why Mainoo can still be Bruno Fernandes' successor
The woes of Mainoo, which have come amid a pivotal World Cup year for the England international, have been brought into sharper focus now following Bruno Fernandes’ bombshell comments this week.
In an interview believed to have actually taken place while on Portugal duty, the United skipper hit out at the club for their apparent desire to sell him over the summer, while teasing a possible future away from Manchester in the likes of Italy and Spain.
Bayern Munich are among those believed to have registered an interest.
With Casemiro out of contract this summer, and Manuel Ugarte seemingly in line for his own exit after falling badly out of favour, there is a world in which all four of United’s senior midfielders depart next summer, should Mainoo follow suit.
Amorim might want a complete overhaul, but the youngest of the quartet simply has to stay put, having shown flashes of his 2023/24 best in Monday’s 4-4 thriller.
Brought on in place of the ageing Casemiro – who will now miss the upcoming trip to Villa Park through suspension – Mainoo’s ball-playing quality was evident, as he completed 100% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore, while also winning 100% of his duels even amid United’s defensive woes.
Albeit brief, that 30-minute came served as a reminder of why the FA Youth Cup winner was deemed to be a “generational talent” in his breakthrough year, in the view of Rasmus Hojlund, netting key goals against the likes of Wolves, Liverpool and Manchester City that season.
Patience is needed, both on his part and for the club, with the course of a young player’s career never quite running smoothly.
Man Utd star's rise from peripheral figure to becoming undroppable
For all the frustration of dropping two points earlier this week, there was much to be encouraged by, be it Mainoo’s second-half showing, Fernandes’ stellar free-kick or even Amad’s delightful display on the right flank.
Nudged back into a more advanced role than of late, the diminutive Ivorian was a terror up against Adrien Truffert and co, notably scoring the opener while regularly weaving his way into the Bournemouth box.
It is of some frustration that the 23-year-old’s impact will now be halted by AFCON duty, although it is unlikely his status will have changed by the time of his return, having cemented a starting berth for himself under Amorim’s watch.
That standing is a far cry from what the former Atalanta wonderkid had to endure under the Erik ten Hag reign, in particular, notably starting just three games in 2023/24, albeit while having been hampered by injury in the first half of the season.
A bright pre-season did see Amad start last term as Ten Hag’s right winger, notably netting against Brighton, although he swiftly faded from view again, with journalist Samuel Luckhurst even stating that the youngster should have been “insulted” to have found himself behind Antony in the Dutchman’s attacking pecking order.
In many ways, Amad was the Mainoo figure of Ten Hag’s latter tenure, a young player supporters were desperate to see more of, yet held back by a manager who had other ideas in mind.
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It wouldn’t be hyperbole to suggest that the £19m signing has since made the former Ajax boss look rather silly under the new regime, racking up 21 goals and assists in just 43 games since Amorim took charge.
Amad’s Man Utd record by coach
Manager
Games
Goals (Assists)
Ruben Amorim
43
10 (11)
Erik ten Hag
24
3 (2)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
8
1 (1)
Ruud van Nistelrooy
4
2 (1)
Ralf Rangnick
1
0 (0)
Michael Carrick
0
0 (0)
Total
57
12
Stats via Transfermarkt
As Amad has shown, there is a way back for players at United, with the 2021 arrival having battled through spells out on loan, alongside injury, to finally cement such a vital role for himself, alongside the likes of Fernandes.
With only four players racking up more minutes under Amorim than the Ivory Coast international, as per Transfermarkt, his importance to the current United side is evident.
Mainoo might use that journey as belief that he can enjoy his own rise back out from obscurity. Hopefully, however, it doesn’t require another change in the dugout.
Not just Obi & Amass: Man Utd starlet will never play again under Amorim
Manchester United have a star who appears to have fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford in recent times.
“I think he is underrated”. Those were the words of James Maddison, speaking on Monday Night Football last week, in reference to Manchester United’s ever-reliable skipper, Bruno Fernandes.
It is almost a crime that there are those who will still overlook the Portuguese’s quality, with Maddison championing just what a genius he truly is, as was evident at Old Trafford last time out.
From his brace and delightful assist at Molineux, the 31-year-old followed that up with another goal and assist in the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, ensuring only Erling Haaland (20) has registered more goal involvements than his 12 in the Premier League this season.
The playmaker’s best moment of the campaign arguably came in that madcap encounter with the Cherries, rifling home a picture-perfect free-kick into the roof of the net to wrestle the home side level.
If it wasn’t already clear, Monday showcased how, even while not in perhaps his preferred position, Fernandes remains a figure United should be building around, rather than looking to move on from.
Indeed, as Ruben Amorim seemingly would like to do, the Red Devils simply need to find a suitable, long-term partner for whom in that midfield duo.
Amorim leading Man Utd pursuit of ex-Premier League star
Midfield. Midfield. Midfield. There appears to be little doubt over United’s priority heading into 2026, even with links persisting regarding the club’s interest in Cherries star, Antoine Semenyo.
Kobbie Mainoo, yet to start a Premier League game this season, looks to be closer to a departure than staying put, while Manuel Ugarte – who didn’t even make it off the bench last time out – is also already on borrowed time at the Theatre of Dreams.
Fernandes’ current partner, Casemiro, is approaching the final six months of his contract, hence why a suitable successor is being touted, in the form of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and co.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Clearly, there is a desire to invest in a long-term, high-potential talent, although according to reports, Amorim would like to go down the experienced route, by acquiring a more left-field, Premier League proven figure.
As per reports in Spain, the Portuguese is said to be leading the club’s interest in ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers captain, Ruben Neves, with the 28-year-old’s own current contract with Al-Hilal set to expire next summer.
While the Saudi side are in no hurry to sell, that expiring deal could allow Amorim and co to strike a deal in January, or secure a pre-contract agreement for the summer.
Why Man Utd could be targeting another Fernandes
Had things panned out differently, Fernandes might well have been lining up alongside his Portugal colleague, Neves, at Al Hilal, with the United captain speaking openly regarding his summer talks with the Pro League outfit.
Heading into January, the compatriots could well form a fresh midfield duo back in Manchester, should Amorim get his wish, with the chance to sign Neves for a knockdown price seemingly too good an opportunity to turn down.
A potential partner to Fernandes, the one-time Wolves hero could well be something of a replica of his international colleague, having been a talismanic figure himself back at Molineux.
Signed from Porto ahead of Wolves’ promotion-winning season in 2017/18, the all-action star enjoyed six fruitful years with the Old Gold, scoring 30 goals in 253 games for the club in all competitions.
While not prolific, like Fernandes, he has a real knack for the spectacular, regularly rifling home from range in what almost became trademark style. Indeed, 12 of his first 15 efforts came from outside the 18-year box.
Fernandes, as was evident on Monday night, is a master himself from range, sharing the spoils with new teammate Matheus Cunha last term with regards to goals scored by Premier League players outside the box.
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Like Fernandes too, Neves’ quality hasn’t perhaps always led to rave reviews or glowing praise, with analyst Raj Chohan even suggesting last November that he has been the “most underrated player in world football” over the last few years.
Neves – Last two PL seasons
Stat (*per game)
22/23
21/22
Games
35
33
Goals
6
4
Assists
1
2
Big chances created
1
3
Key passes*
0.9
0.8
Pass accuracy*
84%
84%
Total duels won*
53%
48%
Dribbled past*
1.2
1.9
Possession lost*
12.0
12.6
Stats via Sofascore
Of course, that might have been caused by his move away from the limelight after heading to Saudi Arabia in 2023, although still a firm fixture under Roberto Martinez in the national team, the 63-cap sensation shouldn’t be written off or disregarded.
In his final Premier League season too (2022/23), Neves notably ranked in the top 20% of midfielders for progressive passes, the top 16% for total shots and the top 14% for interceptions, as per FBref, with two of the five most statistically similar players to him deemed to be Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.
He might not be a signing for the real long-term, although like Fernandes before him, the 5 foot 11 ace could hit the ground running at Old Trafford, proving the midfield solution that United have long needed.
Dalot upgrade: Man Utd looking to sign "the best right wing back in the PL"
INEOS are ready to add some quality to Man United’s ranks this January.
The summer transfer window may be closed but that doesn’t necessarily mean business is finished for the Premier League’s top clubs.
Indeed, until the Emergency Loan window closes on November 25th, they have the opportunity to offload some of their fringe players to the Football League; a privilege the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United usually reserve for youngsters desperate to gain some vital first team experience in the lower tiers of English football.
It worked wonders for Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin last season, who has emerged as an integral element in the Gunners’ starting Xi since returning from a temporary stint with Charlton Athletic.
So with that in mind, Football Fancast takes a look at FIVE of the Red Devils’ most exciting prospects who need the chance to earn their stripes out on loan, in the hope it will dramatically improve their first team chances upon returning to Old Trafford…
JAMES WILSON
Despite Manchester United’s lack of firepower, Louis van Gaal has already revealed his plans to send James Wilson out on loan, fearing another year as the Red Devils’ last-choice centre-forward could severely impact the youngster’s development.
There’s already plenty of interest in the 19 year-old, who boasts three goals in 14 appearances for United, with Championship outfits Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff City and Hull City all baying for his signature – according to Mirror Football.
Knowing full well that his striking options will be limited until January at the earliest, however, Louis van Gaal has insisted any loan agreement must include an ‘instant release clause’.
SAM JOHNSTONE
Amid huge uncertainty over the fates of Victor Valdes and David De Gea, Manchester United decided to keep hold of prodigious goalkeeper Sam Johnstone this summer – allegedly rejecting several loan offers from the Championship in the process.
Indeed, had the Spain internationals left Old Trafford during the transfer window as widely expected, the 22 year-old would be United’s second-choice ‘keeper right now after bosman signing Sergio Romeo.
But with De Gea and Valdes staying put, Johnston is now fourth in the pecking order and resultantly unlikely to feature in even the auxiliary tournaments this term.
The situation has reportedly left the England U20 rather frustrated and rightly so; he’s desperate to continue the impressive progress shown during loan spells with Scunthorpe, Doncaster Rovers and Preston North End over the last few seasons.
PADDY MCNAIR
With Daley Blind already proving to be an incredibly shrewd selection at the heart of defence, Manchester United might not be as reliant upon Paddy McNair as they once thought.
Indeed, Louis van Gaal was forced call upon on the 20 year-old regularly last season as the Red Devils were hit by a serious injury crisis.
But the Dutchman appears to have given up on his three-at-the-back formation whilst Phil Jones is expected to return from the sidelines by the end of the month, so barring a few token appearances in the Capital One Cup, McNair’s first team opportunities will be severely restricted until at least the new year.
Hull City were linked during the summer and could well decide to revive their interest in the coming weeks following Jones’ return to fitness.
With the England international and few defender Marcos Rojo both rather injury prone however, this might be another case that calls for an ‘instant release clause’.
ANDREAS PEREIRA
Andreas Pereira is widely regarded as Manchester United’s most exciting youth product, having claimed last term’s Reserve Player of the Year award and scored an equalising goal for Brazil during the summer’s U20 World Cup in New Zealand.
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Louis van Gaal clearly has high hopes for the teenage midfielder, issuing him a Premier League debut and an extended contract at the end of last season, but following summer swoops for Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger, there’s just no room for him in United’s engine room.
Clearly superior to U21 level, Pereira needs to get some first team football under his belt. The Express reported interest from Eredivisie outfit PSV last month, but the trail has gone cold since.
JESSE LINGARD
Jesse Lingard was one of the brightest sparks during Manchester United’s pre-season tour and the England U21s’ abysmal European Championship campaign, but any outside hope of first team football the attacking midfielder held have almost certainly been obliterated by the £36million arrival of Anthony Martial.
The Frenchman and Lingard aren’t exactly like-for-like but they will predominantly be competing for the same positions this term – the flanks – and Martial’s transfer fee is an enormous disadvantage. His presence also bumps the Junior Lion further down the pecking order, behind the likes of Memphis Depay, Ashley Young and Juan Mata.
The 22 year-old has already previously impressed in the Championship with loan spells at Birmingham City, Brighton and Derby County, so you’d expect a cohort of the second tier’s top clubs to come calling once again before the loan window closes.