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Socceroos into World Cup knockout stages for second time in their history

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Socceroos into World Cup knockout stages for second time in their history

Matthew Leckie’s winning goal against Denmark sends Australia through to the World Cup knockout stages for only the second time in their history.

The Socceroos and the Danes were both left in danger of exiting the tournament with Tunisia taking the lead against France in the other Group D fixture.

But Leckie had other plans and delivered the knockout blow for the Danes with a superb solo effort with around half an hour remaining to send Australia into the last 16 for the first time since 2006.

The Melbourne City forward ran almost half the length of the pitch and twisted and turned Joakim Maehle before calmly finishing beyond Kasper Schmeichel.

Denmark offered little in response, albeit they were denied a penalty by an offside flag when Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal pointed to the spot following Harry Souttar’s adjudged foul on Kasper Dolberg.

Graham Arnold’s men, who finished the group behind France on goal difference, will face one of Poland, Argentina or Saudi Arabia in the second round on Saturday.

With the Socceroos starting the day in second spot courtesy of their win over Tunisia, the onus to attack was on Denmark.

The Danes were initially positive and dominated possession against a team 28 places below them in the FIFA world rankings, only to be frustrated in a forgettable opening period.

Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan tipped over from Mathias Jensen and unconventionally turned away a dangerous cross from marauding left-back Maehle, while Christian Eriksen dragged an effort wide.

Socceroos coach Arnold had spoken pre-match about “putting the game on the map a bit more” back home, as well as his desire to make the Australian public smile.

While his compact side were content to sit in and keep things tight, Middlesbrough’s Riley McGree tested Schmeichel during a rare foray forward to show they could cause problems on the counter attack.

The pattern of play persisted into the second period before a goal in the other Group D game left both sides in grave danger.

News of Tunisia forward Wahbi Khazri opening the scoring against France appeared to have filtered through to the Al Janoub Stadium just before Leckie latched on to McGree’s through ball to race clear and finish with aplomb.

Denmark needed at least two goals to avoid leaving Qatar early but, with their lack of cutting edge, even an equaliser seemed unlikely.

Australia endured a major scare 19 minutes from time when substitute Dolberg tumbled in the box before the penalty decision was swiftly overturned.

The spirited Socceroos, led impressively by Scotland-born centre-back Souttar, defended doggedly and deservedly survived six minutes of added time to upset the Euro 2020 semi-finalists and march on.

READ MORE: The World Cup group stage has been annoyingly great; enjoy it because it’ll never happen again

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Socceroos #World #Cup #knockout #stages #time #history

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‘He’s back on it’ – Neville claims Man Utd ‘could never sell’ Rashford after England brace

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‘He’s back on it’ – Neville claims Man Utd ‘could never sell’ Rashford after England brace

Gary Neville claims that Man Utd “could never sell” Marcus Rashford with the England international showing at the World Cup what “a massive talent” he is.

Rashford struggled to get anywhere near top form last season as the Red Devils struggled to sixth place in the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

It was a difficult season for most of the Man Utd squad but Rashford received more criticism than some over his continued campaign to end child food poverty.

Rashford was told by some supporters and media that he would be better off focusing on football rather than his extra-curricular passions.

But Rashford has bounced back for Man Utd this season and he’s carried on his form at the World Cup for England, scoring a brace as the Three Lions beat Wales 3-0 on Tuesday night.

Neville told Sky Sports: “He’s been like that for a good six months at Manchester United now. He’s back on it.

“That period of his life through lockdown when he achieved so much off the pitch, it’s hard to focus on football.

“I think he’s simplified his life, he’s still achieving great things off the pitch but in a more measured manner, it doesn’t seem as full-on, and on the pitch, we’re now starting to see him.

“There were people in the last 12 to 18 months that said Rashford needed to be sold at Manchester United. That was never bought into by me. Manchester United could never sell Rashford.

“He’s a massive talent, he can improve and he will continue to improve and it’s great to see him in an England shirt.”

Rashford and Phil Foden came into the team against Wales for Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling with Gareth Southgate

“I was worried a little bit in the first half when he missed that chance and I wondered whether that would play on his mind,” Neville said.

“But I was delighted he got the two goals in the second half and I think he’s actually pushed himself into a position whereby he’s the one I think will start on Sunday, he’s the one guaranteed to start in that wide position with Kane in the middle.

“It’s that other side where I’m not sure.”

There was a massive clamour for Foden to start against Wales after England produced a flat performance in a 0-0 draw against the USA last week.

And Neville thought the Manchester City midfielder did well, the former Man Utd defender added: “I thought he did really well because there was pressure on him, there was massive focus from everyone on him.

“I would keep those two in, but I love Sterling, I love Saka as well so I couldn’t really complain if any of them were in.

“Sterling has been a brilliant performer for Gareth so it’s really difficult to see, we could see two out of those three with one in behind.

“I thought Rashford and Foden were the two outstanding players [vs Wales] that looked most dangerous.”

READ MORE: England 3-0 Wales: 16 Conclusions as the handbrake is released, Rashford shines and Bale vanishes

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Hes #Neville #claims #Man #Utd #sell #Rashford #England #brace

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Wilshere heaps praise on England duo but doubts Southgate will come to ‘right conclusion’

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Wilshere heaps praise on England duo but doubts Southgate will come to ‘right conclusion’

Jack Wilshere has warned that England boss Gareth Southgate may not do “what many might feel is the right conclusion” by starting Marcus Rashford against Senegal.

The 104th meeting of the old rivals ended with last year’s European Championship runners-up wrapping up top spot in Group B on Tuesday evening at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

Rashford’s brilliant free-kick and fizzing strike came either side of Foden’s goal in Tuesday’s 3-0 triumph against Wales, who head home as England gear up for the last 16.

England will now face Senegal on Sunday after the AFCON champions finished as runners-up to the Netherlands in Group A.

But despite Rashford and Foden’s positive displays on Tuesday night, former England midfielder Wilshere isn’t sure Southgate will start them against Senegal.

Wilshere told The Sun: “I love Phil Foden, I’ve made that pretty clear. And, when he turned and had a shot as we approached the break, you could see that he was getting into his stride.

“His tricky run produced the free-kick from which Marcus Rashford scored a beautiful opening goal.

“Foden then got one for himself from Harry Kane’s cross, before Rashford got that third one to round off a great display.

“Rashford has his swagger back and he’ll be fuming he didn’t get a hat-trick because he will feel he should have buried his first chance when Kane put him through and Wales keeper Danny Ward saved.

“I was listening to the TV commentators saying Rashford has to start against Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday. But we should take a step back before jumping to what many might feel is the right conclusion.

“Just because he’s scored two goals against Wales doesn’t make him an automatic pick for the next game. Senegal will be a very different type of team and probably a tougher proposition than the insipid Welsh.

“We have to plan properly and Southgate has proved how he will pick the right team for the right occasion. I thought Wales were going to have a go, show us their passion, be committed and make it a fight. But I was disappointed that they didn’t do that.

“In truth, offensively, they didn’t show us anything. Yes, they made it difficult for us in the first half early on, but only by sitting back and putting everybody behind the ball. At no point did they try to put us under any pressure.”

READ MORE: England 3-0 Wales: Rating players as The Clamour works and Rashford thrives, but Henderson…

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Wilshere #heaps #praise #England #duo #doubts #Southgate #conclusion

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Joe Cole claims Arsenal, Man Utd target is worth £80m as pundit predicts January transfer

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Joe Cole claims Arsenal, Man Utd target is worth £80m as pundit predicts January transfer

Joe Cole thinks reported Arsenal and Manchester United target Cody Gakpo is worth £80m and he expects him to leave PSV Eindhoven in January.

Gakpo was targeted by the likes of Man Utd, Leeds United and Southampton in the summer and at the time he was available for around £25m.

The Dutchman ended up staying at PSV and it will now cost clubs a lot more than £25m if they want to sign him in January.

This comes amid his sensational start to the 2022/23 campaign. He has nine goals and 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie appearances.

The forward has taken that form into the World Cup and he scored in all three of the Netherlands’ group stage games.

It is now claimed that he could cost clubs around £51m and it is expected that he will move to the Premier League in January.

Man Utd remain interested in him and it was claimed recently that they have already ‘reached an agreement’ to secure his services.

Arsenal and Liverpool are also said to be admirers of the in-form attacker, though.

After he got on the scoresheet against Qatar on Tuesday, Cole suggested that Gakpo is being “fearless” at the World Cup.

“He has [put his name out there],” Cole told ITV after the Netherlands’ 2-0 victory over Qatar.

“I know there have been scouts watching him, he has come to the tournament and he is fearless. Great movement for the goal and fantastic finishing. He is going to be on everyone’s wish list.”

When asked by ex-Netherlands and Man City star Nigel de Jong if he would pay £80m to sign Gakpo, Cole added: “I would, 100 per cent.

“Because he’s young, we know there is value in youth, if he doesn’t quite work out you are going to cut your losses elsewhere but he looks like the real deal.

“I know it’s Qatar, I know it’s not one of the strongest nations but against Ecuador, he scored, against Senegal he scored, he is affects the game and players who affect the game, that is where the value is.

“I really like him, I have liked what I have seen at PSV and I am pretty sure there will be some offers on the door at PSV in January.”

Ex-Netherlands and Liverpool star Ryan Babel has claimed that Arsenal would be an “incredible team” for Gakpo.

“He has shown enough quality that he is ready for the next step, whether it’s in January or next summer,” Babel said.

“As a Liverpool fan, I would tell him to go to Liverpool if they make an approach!

“Arsenal would also be an incredible team for him, with the current manager and the project that they’re building.

“He has to follow his heart.”

READ MORE: Gakpo shows why Arsenal and Liverpool should be devastated at Man Utd agreement

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Joe #Cole #claims #Arsenal #Man #Utd #target #worth #80m #pundit #predicts #January #transfer

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Marcus Rashford dedicates England goals against Wales to late friend

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Marcus Rashford dedicates England goals against Wales to late friend

Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford dedicated his brace for England against Wales to a late friend who recently passed away following a long battle with cancer.

Rashford fired home a thunderous free-kick at the start of the second half. After Phil Foden doubled England’s lead, the Man Utd attacker smashed the ball through Danny Ward’s legs to make it 3-0.

The 25-year-old pointed to the sky after scoring and post-match he revealed that he was paying tribute to his late friend Garfield Hayward.

He said: “Unfortunately I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago.

“He’s had quite a long battle with cancer, so I’m pleased I managed to score for him.

“He’s always been a big supporter of mine. He was just a great person and I’m pleased he came into my life, really.”

England are through to the last 16 where they will face Senegal, and Rashford believes Gareth Southgate’s squad is strong enough to mount a serious challenge in the knockout stages.

He added: “I feel like the ambition in the squad is really good.

“We have a good mix of qualities. We have a really good squad and a squad that is definitely capable of challenging to win the tournament.

“I’m hoping that we can build on this type of performance, keep improving and keep scoring goals and showing our qualities.”

Rashford was happy with the way England bounced back from their goalless draw with the United States.

He told BBC One: “We were a little bit disappointed as a team after the last game against the USA.

“I thought we could have played a lot better and the only way to bounce back from that is to have a good performance in your next game and I think we did that.

“First half, we defended brilliantly, we didn’t really give them any opportunities.

“And it was just about us killing the game off and taking the chances when they came.”

On his free-kick opener, Rashford added: “I fancied one in the first half but the one in the second half was in a better position.

“And from there, it’s just about being calm and trying to execute what you practice in training.

“They don’t go in often but I’m pleased that it went in today.”

Speaking about Rashford, Southgate told BBC One: “It’s great for him. He’s trained really well, I have to say.

“He’s really been impressive since he came back in with us. He could have had a hat-trick really, the chance in the first half, the one at the near post in the second. The free-kick, that is what he’s capable of, it’s an incredible strike really.”

READ MORE: Why England need to switch to 3-4-3 and how Qatar are not sportswashing but flexing

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Marcus #Rashford #dedicates #England #goals #Wales #late #friend

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Gareth Southgate lauds England duo for ‘making his decision work’ after ‘stepping up’ vs Wales

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Gareth Southgate lauds England duo for ‘making his decision work’ after ‘stepping up’ vs Wales

Gareth Southgate has praised two England players who “stepped up” in the second half of their 3-0 victory over Wales in the World Cup group stages.

Southgate made several changes for England’s Group B finale against Wales as Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker came into his starting eleven.

The Three Lions were frustrated during the opening half as Wales prevented their opponents from taking the lead.

But England were able to come on strong in the second half. This was thanks largely to Rashford and Foden.

Rashford opened the scoring shortly after the restart as his well-struck free-kick flew into the net past Danny Ward.

It did not take England long to extend their advantage as two minutes later they were 2-0 up. Harry Kane expertly squared the ball to Foden, who converted from close range.

Wales never looked like pulling off a comeback but Rashford put the result beyond doubt with his second and England’s third with twenty minutes to go.

The Man Utd forward advanced into the penalty area before his effort found its way into the net after the ball squeezed through Ward’s legs.

It finished 3-0 and this win sees England top Group B with seven points. Wales meanwhile exit the competition after picking up just one point in three games.

In the other game on Tuesday night, the United States beat Iran 1-0 to finished runners-up in Group B. The USA will face the Netherlands in the last-16 while England will come up against Senegal.

Southgate was quick to praise Rashford and Foden after his side’s victory as they “really stepped up”.

“We had complete control of the game in the first half but didn’t create enough clear chances,” Southgate told reporters post-match (via BBC Sport).

“We were a little bit out of balance and we thought we could reverse Marcus and Phil’s sides. Players make those decisions work.

“Watching lots of games the big players have stepped up. And our forwards didn’t do that in the first half but in the second half, they really did.

“You need goals from all areas. It is a problem for the opposition if the threat is coming from other areas of the pitch. It is competition for places and people have to deliver.

“You can see with [Marcus Rashford’s] club that there has been happiness in his performances. We have a different version completely to the player we had in the Euros last summer.”

Rashford said after the 3-0 victory that England can go far in the tournament.

“It’s obviously a great feeling. We were disappointed as a team after the last game, we could have played a lot better. The only way to bounce back is to play better in your next game,” Rashford added.

“Moments like this, this is what I play football for. I am really happy today to be going into the next round of the tournament, because I have massive ambition for this team and I think we can go a lot further.”

READ MORE: England 3-0 Wales… Rating players as The Clamour works and Rashford thrives, but Henderson…

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Gareth #Southgate #lauds #England #duo #making #decision #work #stepping #Wales

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Man Utd defender labelled ‘the best signing’; likened to ex-Arsenal man who ‘never lost the ball’

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Man Utd defender labelled ‘the best signing’; likened to ex-Arsenal man who ‘never lost the ball’

Man Utd summer signing Lisandro Martinez has been praised by Patrice Evra following his promising start to life in the Premier League.

The Red Devils paid around £57m to sign the Argentina international from Ajax in the summer.

Martinez was a key player under Erik ten Hag in the Netherlands and he was quickly identified as a priority target in the summer.

United eventually got their man and this sparked talk that Martinez would struggle in the Premier League given that he’s a tad short.

Jamie Carragher has been outspoken in recent months as he doubted whether Martinez could shine as a centre-back in England.

But Martinez has done well to silence his doubters this season as he has been one of United’s standout players.

He has formed a great partnership with Raphael Varane and he has helped United to progress steadily this season under Ten Hag.

Evra has now been full of praise for Martinez, who is among United’s “best signings for years”.

The former United defender has also likened Martinez to ex-Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker.

He thinks the Man Utd star is far more progressive with his passing than Mertesacker was in the Premier League.

“This is one of the best signings we’ve had for years at Manchester United. It’s because of his fighting spirit. That’s what United fans want to see – those players have to bleed for the shirt,” Evra said via Rio Ferdinand’s Vibe with Five YouTube channel.

“People were talking about his height and I was laughing. Some people said I was too small when I arrived in the Premier League as well. When you play with that heart and passion, size doesn’t matter.

“When he gets the ball, he is so clean and composed. Mexico were pressing everywhere [during Argentina’s 2-0 win] but every time he got the ball he was calm and playing forward. That’s what I love.

“He doesn’t play those one-metre balls to the next player. This is easy.

“When I see those [Martinez’s] stats – I remember Per Mertesacker at Arsenal, the stats said he never lost the ball – but he was passing it one metre, I can do that every day.

“But Martinez puts the ball through the lines like Michael Carrick. That’s what he does and I love that. What a player, what a player.

“All the other aspects of his game are great. I remember speaking to Edwin van der Sar and other people at Ajax about him and they all said he was aggressive and tenacious but also great on the ball and can pass. Top defenders now need to have both sides of the game.”

READ MORE: Gakpo shows why Arsenal and Liverpool should be devastated at Man Utd agreement

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Man #Utd #defender #labelled #signing #likened #exArsenal #man #lost #ball

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La Liga calls for ‘immediate sports sanctions’ to be placed on Juventus after board resigns

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La Liga calls for ‘immediate sports sanctions’ to be placed on Juventus after board resigns

La Liga has called for “immediate sports sanctions” to be placed on Juventus after the club’s entire board resigned.

Juve are under police investigation regarding “salary manoeuvres” of the financial years between 2019 and 2021 and, in April, the Spanish league filed an official complaint with UEFA regarding the Italians’ alleged financial fair play breaches.

But, following developments on Monday at the Serie A club, who said the resignations were due to the “relevance of the pending legal and technical/accounting matters”, La Liga wants action taken to “protect our football”.

“As part of its campaign to promote financially sustainable football in Europe, LaLiga continues to pursue these complaints against Juventus and demands immediate sporting sanctions to be applied on the club by the relevant authorities,” said a statement.

“LaLiga has long been a major proponent for the implementation, application, and enforcement of strong financial sustainability rules in football.

“The Spanish competition itself has applied its ‘economic control’ rules for nearly a decade, at the request of the clubs that make up the league.

“Financial sustainability is paramount to protecting the business of football.”

The statement from Juventus read: “Furthermore, the Board of Directors’ members, given the centrality and the relevance of the pending legal and technical/accounting matters, considered in the best interest of the Company that Juventus provided itself with a new Board of Directors to address these matters.

“For this purpose, upon proposal of the Chairman Andrea Agnelli and in order to allow the decision on the renewal of the Board to be submitted to the Shareholders’ Meeting as soon as possible, all the members of the Board of Directors present at the meeting declared to forego their office.

“For the same reasons, each of the three directors with powers (the Chairman of the Board of Directors Andrea Agnelli, the Vice Chairman Pavel Nedved and the Chief Executive Officer Maurizio Arrivabene) has considered appropriate to forego the powers granted to them.”

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Liga #calls #sports #sanctions #Juventus #board #resigns

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‘Incredible’ Arsenal urged to sign £52m Man Utd-linked forward to enhance Arteta’s ‘project’

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‘Incredible’ Arsenal urged to sign £52m Man Utd-linked forward to enhance Arteta’s ‘project’

Arsenal would be an “incredible team” for PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo to join, according to former Netherlands international Ryan Babel.

Gakpo is bound to be on the move in 2023.

He is currently with the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar and has two goals in as many games as his side sit top of Group A with a game left.

In 24 matches across all competitions at club level this season, the 23-year-old has an impressive 13 goals and 17 assists,

The PSV talisman was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League last summer.

Southampton, Leeds United and Everton all made an attempt to sign him.

However, there is also interest from Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal, and given his incredible form for club and country this year, he will probably join a club of that calibre.

Gakpo’s compatriot Ryan Babel has said the player’s price could rise throughout the World Cup and is hoping to see him join his former club Liverpool.

However, Babel thinks Arsenal would be an “incredible” move for Gakpo.

Babel told The Athletic: “We’re seeing a lot of interest in Gakpo around Europe and a lot of rumours about what he does next.

“He’s 23 and I’m curious to see if PSV can hold onto him until the end of the season.

“They are third in the Eredivisie but three points off the top. If they want to win the league they will need to keep him as he’s assisting, he’s scoring, and he’s always involved with his team’s attacks.

“You see him linked to clubs in England, such as Manchester United. Everyone has the right price so let’s see how he develops in the tournament.

“He has shown enough quality that he is ready for the next step, whether it’s in January or next summer.

“As a Liverpool fan, I would tell him to go to Liverpool if they make an approach!

“Arsenal would also be an incredible team for him, with the current manager and the project that they’re building.

“He has to follow his heart.”

Babel continued: “When you are a young Dutch player, it is flattering to be linked to big clubs in England, but going from the Dutch league to the Premier League is a big step.

“Not every player is able to adapt and able to survive in the Premier League. There are a lot of players who are written as the next star, then they go to the Premier League and they can’t cope.

“Dutch mentality is different to English mentality, and you have to learn a new set of rules.

“In terms of pace, physicality, and the different game styles both you and the opponent will play week-to-week. Also the travelling, the preparation, it’s a lot to deal with.”

French outlet Foot Mercato recently stated that Gakpo’s €45million (£38.9m) summer valuation has gone up to €60m (£51.8m) ahead of the winter window.

Gakpo is a natural winger but has played through the middle for the Netherlands in Qatar.

Should he show he can hold his own as a No. 9, Manchester United could go for him with Cristiano Ronaldo now a free agent.

Erik ten Hag is expected to buy a new striker in January following Ronaldo’s exit, with his initial plan being to sign one at the end of the season.

READ MORE: Ten ridiculous World Cup records we absolutely guarantee will never be broken

Source: All The News – Football365

#Incredible #Arsenal #urged #sign #52m #Man #Utdlinked #enhance #Artetas #project

Transfer news

Transfer gossip: Man Utd rival Liverpool for World Cup star as Arsenal eye Spain, USA forwards

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Transfer gossip: Man Utd rival Liverpool for World Cup star as Arsenal eye Spain, USA forwards

Man Utd and Liverpool will go head to head for a Premier League midfielder, while the Red Devils may be interested to hear of a rift between a World Cup keeper and his manager…

 

UNITED TO ENTER CAICEDO RACE
It seems that Manchester United and Liverpool have very similar lists when it comes to midfield targets. Jude Bellingham appears to be the priority for both sides next summer, while the two clubs also have a Plan B in common.

Apparently, United are intent on moving for Moises Caicedo next summer. That’s the word according to Sky Germany, with Liverpool also keen on the Brighton star.

‘Many other top clubs’ are also sniffing around Caicedo, who has been on United’s radar for a long time. They were frontrunners to sign the Ecuadorian before Brighton swooped, with the Red Devils deciding to leave it after the deal became ‘a clusterf***’ with representatives crawling out of the woodwork looking for their cut.

 

MARTINEZ COULD SEEK VILLA EXIT
United could also be in the market for a goalkeeper, with doubts over whether they will exercise their option to extend David De Gea’s huge deal for a further 12 months. So they may be interested to learn of an apparent rift between Emiliano Martinez and Unai Emery.

Football Insider says the Argentina keeper had a ‘fall out’ with the manager during their time together at Arsenal. Martinez got away from the Emirates when he joined Villa, only for Emery to follow when he replaced Steven Gerrard a few weeks ago. And it seems the pair haven’t yet cleared the air.

United have been linked with a move for Martinez, with Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Porto’s Diogo Costa also said to be on their list of possible replacements for De Gea.

 

ARSENAL EYE WORLD CUP ATTACKERS
Arsenal are being linked with a couple of World Cup forwards this grey and murky Tuesday morning…

The Gunners are said to be one of three teams ‘monitoring developments’ around Christian Pulisic. The USA star has never established himself in the Chelsea first XI and the Daily Mail says the Blues are now ready to sell in January, with an asking price of around £35million. Manchester United were known to be interested in Pulisic during the summer, while Newcastle are also said to be keen.

Arsenal’s name has also been chucked in the mix regarding Nico Williams. The Athletic Bilbao attacker is currently with the Spain squad, with Goal suggesting the Gunners, as well as Liverpool, Chelsea and PSG, as potential suitors. Williams has a release clause worth around £43million.

Read more: Five England Clamours for the VITAL World Cup clash with Wales – and a bonus one for later

Source: Football Transfer Gossip – Football365

#Transfer #gossip #Man #Utd #rival #Liverpool #World #Cup #star #Arsenal #eye #Spain #USA #forwards

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Southgate wary ‘level of expectation beyond’ Phil Foden amid clamour for World Cup start

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Southgate wary ‘level of expectation beyond’ Phil Foden amid clamour for World Cup start

England manager Gareth Southgate wants to ensure Phil Foden does not become a victim of his own success.

The Manchester City midfielder has played just 19 minutes of football in Qatar across England’s opening two games.

He came off the bench in the opening 6-2 thrashing of Iran but was an unused substitute in Friday’s goalless draw with the USA.

There was widespread clamour for Foden to be introduced and Southgate was criticised for not utilising the 22-year-old as his side struggled to create chances at the Al Bayt Stadium.

He could come into the side that faces Wales on Tuesday, with Southgate tipped to make changes – but the England boss has warned against expecting too much from Foden at this stage of his career.

“We have to be careful because we are putting a lot of pressure on him now,” he said.

“We’re a team and we need all of the players and they can all play a part but not any one of them is the reason we will win or lose.

“We need to make sure we are not building Phil into as situation where actually if he steps on the pitch this is becoming really difficult for him because the level of expectation is beyond a young guy who is still establishing himself internationally, in a different environment from his club where you’re comfortable with all the players you play with, it’s really distinctive, you’re going home every night, you’re calm with everything else.

“This is still a unique environment. He is still a really young player and he’s doing brilliantly well and we love him to bits. We also have got to look after him a bit as well.”

READ MORE: England meltdown: Phil Foden has made ‘just one substitute appearance’ at World Cup!

Southgate also refuted suggestions Foden had not been in contention due to his club form heading into the finals.

“We have just got really good players,” he added.

“Bukayo Saka has been an outstanding player in the league this year. Raheem (Sterling) has scored 20 goals in 80 caps for England.

“Jack (Grealish) and Marcus (Rashford) are also in good form. We are really happy with Phil, we are really happy to have Phil.

“He is going to play a big part in this tournament, there is no doubt in my mind about that.”

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Southgate #wary #level #expectation #Phil #Foden #clamour #World #Cup #start

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Carrick explains why he ‘needed’ to exit Man Utd; he’s ‘ready’ for ‘different’ challenge with Middlesbrough

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Carrick explains why he ‘needed’ to exit Man Utd; he’s ‘ready’ for ‘different’ challenge with Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick has explained why he thinks he “needed” to depart Manchester United to progress his managerial career.

Carrick spent 12 years with Man Utd as a player between 2006 and 2018. He played 464 times during this spell and he won the Premier League title five times.

After retiring, the Englishman quickly turned to coaching and he was given a spot as part of Jose Mourinho’s staff at Man Utd.

The 41-year-old went onto work with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he had a spell as caretaker manager before Ralf Rangnick’s ill-fated spell at United got going in December 2021.

Carrick took the admirable decision to immediately step down following Rangnick’s arrival. He did this with the view of becoming a full-time manager in his own right.

He has got his wish as last month he was appointed as Chris Wilder’s replacement at Championship side Middlesbrough.

The new Boro boss has got off to a positive start at the Riverside Stadium. In his first five games in charge, he has three wins, one draw and one defeat.

Carrick has now admitted that his exit from Man Utd was “needed”.

“I think it was needed, to be honest,” Carrick told TeessideLive.

“Manchester United was my life and had been for some time. I respect the club greatly and love the place. I have friends there and my son plays there still.

“So I won’t ever lose that affinity. I was at the away game two weeks ago with my son. That was a huge part of my life and that is football. You get attached to certain football clubs.”

He added: “When I’m in somewhere, I’m all in. But I got comfortable in that role at United and you’ve got to come out of that comfort zone sometimes to test yourself and make your own way. That’s why I’m here [at Middlesbrough].

“This is where I started all those years ago, so there is kind of a feeling of real belonging here – and I don’t say that as a throwaway line, that’s how it feels. I’ve felt really at home in these last few days.”

Carrick later suggested that he is “ready” for what is ahead of him at Middlesbrough.

“I think the biggest thing is that I felt comfortable in the role, ultimately,” Carrick explained. “Having that responsibility felt comfortable. Sometimes you don’t know how you’re going to feel but it just felt like a natural fit for me.

“Everyone was saying it must have been quite stressful but, actually, I always felt quite calm. So that was a real positive for me.

“I’m not getting carried away though. I know it was only three games and the situation I was in is a different responsibility from the one I am coming into now.

“But at the same time, it gave me the confidence in knowing that I am ready. With the team around me at this club, I feel really positive about what’s ahead.”

READ MORE: Who will buy Manchester United? The potential bidders for the Red Devils…

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Carrick #explains #needed #exit #Man #Utd #hes #ready #challenge #Middlesbrough

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Brazil duo Tite and Neymar claim Man Utd star is ‘the best midfielder in the world’

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Brazil duo Tite and Neymar claim Man Utd star is ‘the best midfielder in the world’

Brazil head coach Tite and injured star Neymar have argued that Manchester United summer signing Casemiro is “the best midfielder in the world”.

The United centre-midfielder’s stunning strike in the 83rd minute secured Brazil their 1-0 victory over Switzerland.

This result means they are through to the World Cup knockout stages with a game to spare. This prompted Neymar to tweet after the game: “Casemiro has been the best midfielder in the world for a long time.”

Asked at his post-match press conference if he agreed, Tite said: “As a habit, I always respect opinions and I usually don’t comment on opinions, but I will allow myself to do so today. I agree.”

Without Neymar, Brazil were frustrated for long periods at Stadium 974 before Casemiro rounded off good work by Vinicius Junior and substitute Rodrygo to score the game’s only goal and send them into their final group fixture against Cameroon on Friday in a commanding position.

Asked about the Paris St Germain star’s absence, Tito said: “Obviously Neymar has a different skill-set. He is a player who in a magical moment can dribble past you and all of a sudden, you say, ‘What happened here?’. He has that skill.

“Other players are getting there to get to the level he is at and I hope they get there. Yes, we do miss Neymar, we do miss him. He has a big creative power, he’s very effective so we miss him, yes.

“But there are other players who can take their opportunity.”

Casemiro, who joined United from Real Madrid this summer, played down his decisive intervention and insisted Brazil were better-placed to mount a serious challenge for glory than they were four years ago, when they were beaten by Belgium in the last eight.

He said: “Four years have gone by, there are new players. This year we have a wider range of options, we have more players to choose from.

“Without even changing the team, we have a possibility of changing the way we play. If we substitute players, we have even more options.

“Therefore, there is no doubt whatsoever that the options are much greater than those in 2018.”

Switzerland boss Murat Yakin admitted his side had lacked the “courage” they needed to take the game to the South Americans, but swiftly turned his attention to Friday’s showdown with Serbia.

The sides met in Russia four years ago, when Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, who are both of Albanian-Kosovan heritage, found themselves the subject of disciplinary action after making nationalist gestures during their side’s 2-1 win.

Yakin said: “We have to focus on football, just on football. For both teams, this is a decisive game and it will be an interesting and exciting game.

“We want to focus on football. Everything else, I really don’t care about.”

READ MORE: Casemiro offers relief as Brazil show symptoms of Neymardepencia

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Brazil #duo #Tite #Neymar #claim #Man #Utd #star #midfielder #world

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Tottenham star Son Heung-Min in tears over ‘lack of justice’ in South Korea’s draw vs Ghana

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Tottenham star Son Heung-Min in tears over ‘lack of justice’ in South Korea’s draw vs Ghana

Tottenham star Son Heung-Min was in tears following a “lack of justice” shown by referee Anthony Taylor, South Korea assistant Sergio Costa has claimed.

Spurs attacker Son was visibly upset at the final whistle after South Korea fell to a 3-2 loss which leaves them on the brink of being knocked out of the World Cup.

Cho Gue-sung netted twice in just three second-half minutes to bring South Korea level before Mohammed Kudus fired Ghana to a dramatic victory.

South Korea coach Paulo Bento was shown a red card following a confrontation with Taylor at the end of the match.

Bento was furious South Korea were denied a corner when Taylor blew up after the allocated 10 minutes of stoppage time.

Asked why Son was so upset at the conclusion of Monday’s pulsating Group H fixture, Costa replied: “The reaction is a reaction of a person and a group which feels a lack of fairness at the end of the match.

“It is a normal reaction of someone that did all they could to win, and were not able to do so. I believe we should be sad, and feel a lack of justice at the end of this match.

“The result is totally unfair. Not even a tie was fair. We clearly deserved the win.”

Bento will now miss his side’s final group game against his home country Portugal.

Commenting on Bento’s outburst, Costa added: “It was related to the fact that we thought a different criteria was used.

“In the first half, they let a very similar situation be played, and in the second half, when we had an opportunity for a corner kick, the referee took that opportunity away from us.

“Paulo reacted, I was close by, and he said nothing which was inappropriate to the referee. It was a lack of fairness.”

Following their defeat to Portugal, Ghana’s win – their first at the World Cup since 2010 – provides them with hope of reaching the knockout stages.

Ajax’s Kudus will take the plaudits after he scored in both halves following Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu’s opener with 24 minutes gone.

“He is a good character and a very good player,” said Ghana manager Otto Addo of Kudus, 22.

“He is on the right track to be a great, great player, and I only have high praise for him.

“A big congratulations to the team to be mentally that strong and to come back and score the third goal.

“At the end it was passionate defending. We were a bit lucky because South Korea put us under a lot of pressure. But our passionate fight got rewarded.”

READ MORE: Kudus to Everton for their scouting – but the jewel in Ghana’s crown will go much further

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Tottenham #star #Son #HeungMin #tears #lack #justice #South #Koreas #draw #Ghana

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Spurs boss Conte using ‘inside agent’ at World Cup to hijack Chelsea move for £80m defender

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Spurs boss Conte using ‘inside agent’ at World Cup to hijack Chelsea move for £80m defender

Antonio Conte is using an ‘inside agent’ in an attempt to hijack Chelsea’s move for Croatia star Josko Gvardiol.

Gvardiol signed for RB Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2021 and quickly established himself as a regular for the German side.

The 20-year-old played 46 times across all competitions last season and has played the full 90 minutes in both of Croatia’s games at the World Cup so far.

Late on in the summer window, Chelsea reportedly made a €90m bid for Gvardiol with the intention of loaning him back to Leipzig for the season.

But the clubs couldn’t come to an agreement and the centre-back instead decided to renew his contract with the Bundesliga side.

His performances since that renewal have led to interest from other interested parties including Tottenham, and TMW (via Sport Witness) report that Conte is using Ivan Perisic to ‘try to convince’ Gvardiol to join.

The Spurs boss has urged Perisic to whisper sweet nothings in his compatriot’s ear during the tournament in Qatar ahead of a potential transfer next summer.

But they will face stiff competition, particularly from Chelsea, who remain very keen on the 20-year-old having missed out on him in the summer.

Having signed his extension in September, Gvardiol said: “I’m very happy to have extended the contract early until 2027, because I still want to achieve a lot with RB Leipzig.

“I feel the club’s confidence to continue my development. We’re in the Champions League again, won the DFB Cup last year and want to play for titles again this year.

“I am very grateful to those responsible at the club that they plan long-term with me and want to continue on this successful path with me.”

The Croatian was then asked about reports of Chelsea’s interest and left the door open to a possible transfer in January or the summer.

“I’m happy at Leipzig, I still have a lot to learn and need to work on myself. I have people who deal with it, I didn’t think about a transfer. We’ll see what happens in the winter,” Gvardiol added.

READ MORE: Kudus to Everton for their scouting – but the jewel in Ghana’s crown will go much further

Source: All The News – Football365

#Spurs #boss #Conte #agent #World #Cup #hijack #Chelsea #move #80m #defender

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Grealish hails two ‘unbelievable’ World Cup stars but neither play for ‘biggest threat’ to England

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Grealish hails two ‘unbelievable’ World Cup stars but neither play for ‘biggest threat’ to England

England playmaker Jack Grealish has hailed Lionel Messi among two “unbelievable” players to have starred at the World Cup and named the “biggest threat” to the Three Lions going all the way in Qatar.

Grealish has come off the bench in both of England’s group matches so far and scored in the 6-2 win over Iran.

And the Manchester City forward was asked for his take on the best players at the tournament and which team he believes are England’s biggest challengers for the trophy.

He told talkSPORT: “I watch all the games to be honest. We have screens all over the place at the hotel and it’s just nice to have games on all day.

“I was watching Messi [against Mexico], unbelievable. He just showed what he’s about in that second half but then again so did Mbappe.

“I think there are lots of brilliant teams, some teams have that one player who’s just unstoppable but I think Brazil are one of the most impressive I’ve seen so far. They have so much talent, especially in those attacking areas. If you’re asking me who the biggest threat is, I’d probably say Brazil.”

Grealish also reckons the negative response to England’s 0-0 draw with the USA was a “big overreaction”.

“I think there was a big overreaction,” he added.

“Apart from Spain, are we the top scorers in the tournament? I can’t think off the top of my head if there’s anyone that’s scored more than six.

“The other day against Iran we were the best thing since sliced bread, scoring six goals, and then we go a game without scoring and there’s a bit of an overreaction. I think that’s what you get sometimes playing for England.”

Grealish will be hoping for a start in England’s final group game against Wales on Tuesday, in which the Three Lions just need to avoid a defeat by four goals or more to qualify for the last 16.

But it’s Phil Foden who the England fans are gunning for to be selected in Gareth Southgate’s XI.

In response to the clamour for Foden to start, Southgate said: “We are intending to be here as long as we can and he is a super player. We think the world of him and he is going to play a big part.

“We love Phil. He’s a super player. He’s obviously been into the first game (v Iran). We decided not to put him into the second but he is going to play an important part in this tournament for us. There is no question about that.”

Speaking on Sunday, City and England team-mate Kalvin Phillips backed Foden to “shine” when given his chance and Southgate admits he could fulfil a number of roles.

“We haven’t got any issue with Phil,” he added.

“In September he started both games for us. We put him into the game against Iran. We decided to stick with that team (for USA) and we felt the changes required something a little bit different for the game with the United States.

“He can play on the wing. He can play as a false nine and he can play behind the striker – he doesn’t do that as often for his club.

“He is very flexible. He works hard for the team and of course he has got fabulous technical ability.”

READ MORE: England meltdown: Phil Foden has made ‘just one substitute appearance’ at World Cup!

Source: All The News – Football365

#Grealish #hails #unbelievable #World #Cup #stars #play #biggest #threat #England

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Evra fires dig at former Arsenal star as he likens Man Utd defender to Carrick

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Evra fires dig at former Arsenal star as he likens Man Utd defender to Carrick

Ex-Premier League defender Patrice Evra thinks Lisandro Martinez passes the ball like former Man Utd midfielder Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils signed Martinez in the summer transfer window from Ajax in a deal worth £56.7m after a couple of months of speculation.

Martinez had his doubters when he first arrived with many pundits, especially Graeme Souness, doubting his ability to cope in the Premier League because of his 5ft 9in stature.

However, Martinez has quickly emerged as a fan favourite with the Argentina international one of United’s most impressive performers this campaign.

The Man Utd defender is currently at the World Cup with Argentina and Evra has likened him to Carrick while managing to have a slight dig at former Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker.

“This is one of the best signings we’ve had for years at Manchester United,” Evra said on the Vibe with Five YouTube channel.

“It’s because of his fighting spirit. That’s what United fans want to see – those players have to bleed for the shirt.

“People were talking about his height and I was laughing. Some people said I was too small when I arrived in the Premier League as well. When you play with that heart and passion, size doesn’t matter.

“When he gets the ball, he is so clean and composed. Mexico were pressing everywhere [in the World Cup Group C game] but every time he got the ball he was calm and playing forward. That’s what I love.

“He doesn’t play those one-metre balls to the next player. This is easy. When I see those stats – I remember Mertesacker at Arsenal, the stats said he never lost the ball – but he was passing it one metre, I can do that every day.

“But Martinez puts the ball through the lines like Michael Carrick. That’s what he does and I love that. What a player, what a player.”

And Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand, who was also on Vibe with Five, reckons other “aspects” of Martinez’s game more than makes up for his lack of height.

“All the other aspects of his game are great,” Ferdinand said.

“I remember speaking to Edwin van der Sar and other people at Ajax about him and they all said he was aggressive and tenacious but also great on the ball and can pass. Top defenders now need to have both sides of the game.”

READ MORE: Transfer gossip: Man Utd to borrow Chelsea bit-part man as Spurs eye Uruguayan

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Evra #fires #dig #Arsenal #star #likens #Man #Utd #defender #Carrick

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Rooney tells Southgate to drop Chelsea star and make two more changes against Wales

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Rooney tells Southgate to drop Chelsea star and make two more changes against Wales

Wayne Rooney thinks Gareth Southgate should make three changes to his side for their crucial World Cup clash against Wales on Tuesday.

The Three Lions will go through to the knockout stages of the World Cup if they avoid a heavy defeat to Wales after taking four points from their opening two fixtures against Iran and the USA.

Mason Mount had a really good game in their 6-2 victory over Iran but he was less effective versus the United States, who frustrated England on Friday night in a 0-0 draw.

There has been lots of calls from fans and pundits to start Manchester City Phil Foden over the Chelsea midfielder and Rooney – who hit the headlines this week because of his penis – would also like to see the 22-year-old in the team.

Rooney told The Times: “England’s performance was not great on Friday and there is no getting away from the fact that they will need to play a lot better to have a chance of winning this World Cup.

“Gareth Southgate needs to make changes for Tuesday’s game with Wales and given that it would almost take a miracle not to qualify, it’s the perfect opportunity for him to give minutes to players who have not been used much so far.

“Top of the list is Phil Foden. I found it very strange that Foden did not come on as a substitute against the USA. He would be a key part of my starting XI if I were the England boss. Technically, he is the best footballer England have.

“I think if you have a talent like Foden, you simply have to play him. He is now a different player from the one we saw at Euro 2020, when he struggled to make an impact.

“He is more mature and came into this tournament on the back of a long period of brilliant performances for Manchester City. He has the form to go with the ability.

“If I were him, I would be very frustrated that I didn’t get on the pitch at any stage of Friday’s game.

“My starting XI would have Foden on the left and Bukayo Saka competing with Raheem Sterling for a place on the right.

“I would also bring in another holding midfielder to play alongside Declan Rice, releasing Jude Bellingham to play as a No 10.”

Rooney added: “For the Wales game, I would also take out Mason Mount and bring in Kalvin Phillips if he is fit, and otherwise Jordan Henderson.

“I know Mount did very well against Iran and that he gives you a lot in terms of work rate and energy, but sometimes you need to just let your flair players and your better footballers go and influence games.

“That is why, if I were the England manager, I would make sure to get Foden on the pitch. Another of Foden’s strengths is his flexibility. If you need to change a game without making a substitution you can do that with Foden, because you can bring him inside if you need to, or you can play him out wide.

“The other big change I would make for the Wales match would be to rest Harry Kane. Against the USA, he looked like he may have been suffering the effects of a heavy knock he took in the Iran game.

“It was from a tackle in the second half and in that match I felt that Gareth should have considered taking him off at half-time. England were leading 3-0, the game was already won and Harry is our most important player.

“When there are opportunities to protect him and help him stay fit, I believe Gareth should take them — and that is why I would keep Harry on the bench against Wales.”

READ MORE: F365 narrative ‘ruining’ the World Cup where Bellingham can’t be trusted for England

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Rooney #tells #Southgate #drop #Chelsea #star #Wales

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Van Bronckhorst opens up on Rangers sacking, says he worked under ‘very difficult circumstances’

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Van Bronckhorst opens up on Rangers sacking, says he worked under ‘very difficult circumstances’

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has issued his first response to his sacking by Rangers, saying he had moments to be “very proud of”.

Van Bronckhorst, 47, who replaced Steven Gerrard a year ago, was dismissed by the Glasgow giants on Monday after a poor run of results.

The former Rangers and Holland midfielder admitted on Instagram that recent defeats had been “unacceptable” and said the club would always be in his heart.

“This season, like every year at Rangers, the first priority is domestic success,” Van Bronckhorst said.

“I understand the hurt when wins become draws, and worse, when we experience defeat.

“That isn’t acceptable at a club of Rangers standing, no one understood that and felt that more than I did. I faced unique challenges and some very difficult circumstances to operate in.”

Van Bronckhorst led Rangers to the Europa League final and a first Scottish Cup triumph in 13 years at the end of his first season in charge.

But his side endured a humiliating Champions League group stage exit this season and are nine points behind arch-rivals Celtic at the top of the cinch Premiership.

Van Bronckhorst said it had been a “privilege” to manage the club and that he “understood the responsibility and magnitude of the task”.

He added: “We experienced some incredible highs, especially on our European journey to Seville.

“Winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in over a decade and qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League is something I am very proud of.

“The passion of our support drove us on to achieve those wonderful memories.

“For that, I am forever grateful to every single one of you who travelled near and far, spent your hard earned money, and never gave up supporting our team.”

Van Bronckhorst had a great record in Europe last season and helped the club qualify for the Champions League group stage for the first time in a decade.

However, Rangers’ group stage campaign in the Champions League this season was absolutely horrendous.

In fact, it was literally the worst group stage by any team in the history of the competition.

Domestically, it was not good enough either.

Rangers were favourites to win the Scottish Premiership title in 2021-22 when Van Bronckhorst took over.

However, the Gers dropped silly points and lost out on the title to arch-rivals Celtic.

Former Rangers assistant and current QPR boss Michael Beale is the favourite to be named the club’s new boss.

READ NOW: Clive Tyldesley writes for F365 on a Disney World Cup that leaves him anaesthetised not hypnotised

Source: All The News – Football365

#Van #Bronckhorst #opens #Rangers #sacking #worked #difficult #circumstances

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Herdman’s side crash out of World Cup as Kramaric shines

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Herdman’s side crash out of World Cup as Kramaric shines

Canada have crashed out of the World Cup after Croatia managed to secure their first win with a 4-1 victory.

Andrej Kramaric struck twice as Croatia flexed their muscles to end Canada’s World Cup adventure with a game to spare.

The Hoffenheim striker scored either side of Marko Livaja’s finish as the beaten finalists in 2018 came from behind to win 4-1 after Alphonso Davies had given John Herdman’s side a second-minute lead.

It was no more than Croatia, who completed the scoring through substitute Lovro Majer, deserved after working their way back into the game following a disjointed start at the Khalifa International Stadium.

They now top Group F on goal difference from Morocco, who had earlier stunned Belgium to reach four points, ahead of a mouth-watering showdown with Roberto Martinez’s men on Thursday.

Canada kicked off still awaiting their first goal at a men’s World Cup finals tournament, although they had to wait less than two minutes to address that situation.

Tajon Buchanan was allowed time and space down the right and Davies, who missed a penalty in his side’s 1-0 defeat by Belgium, met his teasing cross with a firm downward header to beat keeper Dominik Livakovic and get his side off to the perfect start.

Kramaric thought he had levelled four minutes later only for an offside flag to ruin his celebrations, but Zlatko Dalic’s team turned the screw as the half wore on with Canada keeper Milan Borjan having to save from Livaja 11 minutes before the break with the impressive Mateo Kovacic the provider.

However, Kramaric was not to be denied and he made it 1-1 two minutes later with a neat finish from a tight angle from Ivan Perisic’s reverse pass, and Croatia were in front with a minute of the half remaining after Livaja blasted past Borjan from 20 yards.

Half-time substitute Jonathan Osorio fired inches wide from distance within four minutes of his introduction as Canada sought a way back into the game, but they would have been further behind had Borjan not repelled Kramaric’s strike from Luka Modric’s 54th-minute pull-back.

But there was nothing Borjan or anyone else could do to deny Kramaric his second of the night 20 minutes from time when he curled a left-foot shot inside the post to put the result beyond doubt.

Borjan produced a fine double save to keep out Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic, but was left hopelessly exposed by Kamal Miller’s slip as Mislav Orsic set up fellow substitute Majer to finish the job.

READ MORE: De Bruyne the biggest culprit as ‘too old’ Belgium are actually just a bit sh*t

Source: All The News – Football365

#Herdmans #side #crash #World #Cup #Kramaric #shines

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‘Agreement reached’ to sign top Arsenal, Liverpool target worth £39m

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‘Agreement reached’ to sign top Arsenal, Liverpool target worth £39m

Man Utd have reportedly reached an agreement to sign PSV and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo has been on fire for PSV since the beginning of last season.

As a result, he is being linked with a host of top European clubs, such as Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Leeds United made an attempt to sign him on deadline day last summer, but the Dutch transfer window had closed, so PSV were not entertaining a sale.

Southampton and Everton were also interested, but with 30 goal contributions in 24 matches for the Dutch outfit this season, plus two goals at the World Cup, you’d expect Gakpo to be aiming higher.

Cristiano Ronaldo recently left Man Utd, opening up a space for a new forward to join the club.

The Red Devils were expected to sign a new striker in the upcoming summer transfer window, but may act in January.

While Gakpo is not a natural No. 9, several are linked with a move to Old Trafford.

There is reported interest in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Lille’s Jonathan David and RB Salzburg’s Benjamin Sesko.

Erik ten Hag has often called upon Marcus Rashford through the middle this season while relying on Anthony Martial.

Gakpo predominantly plays off the left, where Rashford can also be utilised, as well as Jadon Sancho, who has been bitterly disappointing since joining Man Utd from Borussia Dortmund last year.

The 23-year-old Dutchman would be a terrific addition, though there may be some reservations at Old Trafford given how good Memphis Depay looked before joining from PSV in 2015.

Memphis was possibly higher rated than Gakpo is now, yet he ended up being a massive flop in the Premier League before enjoying a terrific spell with French outfit Lyon.

Currently at Barcelona – but out of contract next summer – Memphis is one of many being linked with a move to Man Utd.

However, it looks like the club’s bid to sign Gakpo – who is valued at £38.7million by Transfermarkt – has greatly accelerated.

According to Football Insider, Man Utd have ‘reached an agreement in principle’ with the player.

The report claims the Red Devils had a £25m summer bid to sign Gakpo turned down by PSV.

CBS Sports correspondent Ben Jacobs recently confirmed that Man Utd’s Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool have Gakpo ‘on their radar’.

Ten Hag and co might struggle to convince the Eredivisie club to sell in the January transfer window, and may be forced to wait until the summer.

The Dutch manager left Ajax to join Man Utd at the end of last season.

He delved into the Eredivisie market in his first summer transfer window in charge.

The Red Devils signed Antony and Lisandro Martinez from Ajax for a combined £130m.

Former Dutch footballer and managers Hans Kraay Jr recently described Gakpo as “gone” from PSV.

“Gakpo is gone,” Kraay Jr told ESPN. “PSV are not going to keep him, and cannot keep him anymore.

“Gakpo will soon be playing in the Premier League. The chance that it will be Manchester United is now a lot higher again, because Cristiano Ronaldo has left.

“They have even more money available. At Liverpool, assistant Pepijn Lijnders is charmed by him, so he is chasing Jürgen Klopp. Yes, Gakpo is gone.”

READ NOW: Transfer gossip: Mudryk to Arsenal back on after U-turn; Rafa for Ronaldo at Man Utd

Source: All The News – Football365

#Agreement #reached #sign #top #Arsenal #Liverpool #target #worth #39m

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Bournemouth to finally name permanent manager after making Gary O’Neil decision

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Bournemouth to finally name permanent manager after making Gary O’Neil decision

Bournemouth interim boss Gary O’Neil has agreed an 18-month deal to become the club’s permanent manager, according to reports.

Former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough midfielder O’Neil, 49, was placed in temporary charge when Scott Parker was sacked in August.

American businessman Bill Foley is on the verge of completing a £120million over at the Vitality Stadium, but that deal has yet to be ratified by the Premier League.

O’Neil replaced Parker soon after Bournemouth’s 9-0 defeat at Liverpool and has been in charge for the last 12 matches.

The Cherries have won four and drawn four of their 11 Premier League games under O’Neil and sit 14th in the table, three points above the relegation zone.

O’Neil was unbeaten in his first six games in charge and a run of four straight league defeats was halted by a 3-0 home win against Everton before the World Cup break.

The PA news agency has contacted Bournemouth for comment.

Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa had been among the candidates to take the job on a permanent basis, PA understands.

The 67-year-old has been without a club since being sacked by Leeds in February and was reported to have held talks with the Cherries.

More to follow…

READ NOW: Clive Tyldesley writes for F365 on a Disney World Cup that leaves him anaesthetised not hypnotised

Source: All The News – Football365

#Bournemouth #finally #permanent #manager #making #Gary #ONeil #decision

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Inter want to swap £34m Man United target for Spurs flop Conte has ‘vetoed’ the sale of

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Inter want to swap £34m Man United target for Spurs flop Conte has ‘vetoed’ the sale of

Inter Milan are reportedly interested in Tottenham’s Emerson Royal, but have to sell a player or two before conducting any January business.

Emerson has been exposed defensively several times since moving to England, but Antonio Conte still prefers him to summer signing Djed Spence, so what do I know?

Astoundingly, 19-time Italian champions Inter Milan are interested in signing the Brazilian. This is according to Corriere dello Sport. Long gone are the days of Serie A being known for its defensive mentality.

CalcioMercato.it also reported Inter’s interest, noting that they are in the race alongside another team known for their defensive capabilities, Atletico Madrid. However, Conte has ‘vetoed’ the sale of Royal.

It is also suggested that Conte is ‘in love’ with Inter centre-half Alessandro Bastoni, so could perhaps include Emerson in a deal to sign the big Italian.

Conte and Bastoni obviously worked together during the head coach’s successful stint in charge of the Nerazzurri.

The young defender was linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last summer, but Conte failed to form a reunion and instead signed Clement Lenglet on loan.

Corriere note that Inter need to sell one of two players before recruiting anyone but will reportedly cash in on Denzel Dumfries, not Bastoni, and replace him with the cheaper Emerson.

The Italian giants had shown an in the Brazilian wing-back in 2021 before losing out to Spurs in the race to sign the £21m man.

Dumfries joined Inter after a terrific Euro 2020 campaign with the Netherlands, but has often been linked with a move away from the club.

Though he hasn’t really been linked with a move to north London – sorry, Pascal Chimbonda – he would be a terrific signing for Spurs, in my most humble opinion.

As well as of those bottlers from the capital, Dumfries has been strongly linked with Chelsea and Manchester United.

He is reportedly valued at around €40million (£34.4m), which is a pretty solid deal all things considered.

But would a Premier League rival be willing to risk losing the opportunity to play against Emerson twice a season? That is the big question here.

Chelsea don’t necessarily need a new right-wing-back with Reece James at the club, but the England international has suffered a serious injury in consecutive seasons and the Blues have not had a replacement at the ready who is nearly at the same ability.

Cesar Azpilicueta is a club legend, but he is not a wing-back nowadays. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been playing there, which says all you need to know, will all due respect.

Todd Boehly paid over £60m to sign Marc Cucurella with Ben Chilwell already at Stamford Bridge, so £34.4m for Dumfries – who can also play as an out-and-out right-back – is clearly the bargain of the century.

The fact he can operate in a back four is a bonus for United, who are also said to be interested in signing the Dutchman.

Diogo Dalot has become the Red Devils’ first-choice right-back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka picking splinters from the Old Trafford bench out of his backside.

While the Portuguese defender has impressed – this season in particular – he is upgradeable, and Dumfries would probably be an upgrade.

Having said that, the Inter man is not Premier League proven, whereas Dalot has shown he can hold his own in Our League.

READ NOW: Johnny Nic’s World Cup media diary – part one: BBC v ITV, radio v TV…

Source: All The News – Football365

#Inter #swap #34m #Man #United #target #Spurs #flop #Conte #vetoed #sale

Transfer news

Mudryk to Arsenal back on after U-turn; Rafa for Ronaldo at Man Utd

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Mudryk to Arsenal back on after U-turn; Rafa for Ronaldo at Man Utd

Arsenal haven’t been priced out of a move for their top target, while Man Utd hunt for a Ronaldo replacement and FSG look to splash some Liverpool cash.

 

MUDRYK TO ARSENAL BACK ON
Mykhaylo Mudryk was “very upset” at the thought of being priced out of a move to Arsenal, and reports suggest Shakhtar Donetsk have since lowered their transfer demands significantly.

Mudryk said his dream move to Arsenal had been “wounded” after Shakhtar insisted they wanted £90m, and whether as a result of the winger throwing his toys out of the pram, or because that initial sum was way wide of the mark, they’ve now dropped their asking price to just £40m plus add-ons, according to Mirror.

The Gunners ‘have the framework of a deal in place’ and seeing as they are said to have offered £30m in the summer, they should be fine with spending an extra £10m or so.

Mudryk came through the academy ranks with the Ukrainian side before making his senior debut in the 2018-19 campaign. He’s impressed since but caught the eye particularly through his displays in the Champions League group stage this season, in which he scored three goals and got two assists.

 

RAFA FOR RONALDO
Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in January as they push for Champions League football and ESPN have revealed a couple of names on the Dutch manager’s shortlist.

The first, Cody Gakpo, was a target in the summer and has been in fine form club and country this term, notching 13 goals and 17 assists for PSV Eindhoven, and scoring a goal in each of the Netherlands’ two group games at the World Cup so far.

Gakpo is thought to be valued by PSV at around £43m but that could rise if he continues to impress in Qatar.

Another player who may use the winter World Cup as a springboard for his career is Rafael Leao (not that he needs it), who came off the bench to score in Portugal’s 3-2 win over Ghana.

The AC Milan star has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea but is also said to be on Ten Hag’s wishlist, though will likely cost significantly more than Gakpo, with reports suggesting the Serie A side won’t accept less than £87m for their flying forward.

 

LIVERPOOL ‘SUPERSTAR SIGNING’
With two of their rivals for Champions League qualification looking to strengthen in January, what’s going on at Liverpool?

It was reported that the FSG chequebook may well be closed as they look to sell the club but Football Insider claim the American owners are willing to fund an ‘A-list acquisition’ if Jurgen Klopp and his transfer team can ‘source the right player’.

It’s not entirely clear which position they are looking to bolster but central midfield seems like a good bet, and England pair Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are both mentioned.

Liverpool sources claim FSG will spend ‘huge’ money on a ‘superstar signing’ in January if a deal can be done.

 

Source: Football Transfer Gossip – Football365

#Mudryk #Arsenal #Uturn #Rafa #Ronaldo #Man #Utd

News

Arsenal plot ‘super offer’ to re-sign former midfielder for €55m in player-plus-cash transfer

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Arsenal plot ‘super offer’ to re-sign former midfielder for €55m in player-plus-cash transfer

Arsenal are reportedly keen to re-sign AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer in the coming months in a player-plus-cash deal worth around €55m in total.

The 24-year-old previously spent a couple of years at Arsenal between 2015 and 2017.

His only senior appearance for the Gunners came against Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup during the 2015/16 season.

After a loan spell at French side Tours, Bennacer joined Serie B outfit Empoli on a permanent deal before the 2017/18 campaign.

AC Milan saw enough from Bennacer that tempted them to sign him two years later for around €16m.

The Algeria international has earned plaudits over the past couple of seasons and he helped AC Milan win the Serie A title in 2021/22.

The defensive midfielder has progressed a lot in recent years and Arsenal will no doubt be a bit gutted that they let him go before he found his feet in the Premier League.

The Gunners seem to have recognised that it was a mistake to let Bennacer leave as Italian outlet Calciomercato are reporting that they ‘want’ to bring him back.

Arsenal are said to be plotting a ‘super offer’ and they are ‘serious’ about re-signing Bennacer.

The midfielder is under contract until 2024 and AC Milan are keen to keep him. The player and club have been in talks over an extension ‘for several weeks’ but it is stated that these conversations are going ‘slowly’.

The Londoners have reportedly made note of his fragile situation and they would be able to offer a ‘really tempting’ proposal.

Calciomercato claim that Arsenal’s planned offer would be ’20 million cash plus the price tag of Thomas Partey who would effectively take Bennacer’s place’.

This is ‘a proposal worth 55 million in total’, apparently. 

Arsenal will have to do better to sign Bennacer though as AC Milan’s hierarchy will give a ‘categorical no’ to a bid ‘less than 60 million euros in cash’.

With Arsenal interested in him, Bennacer may hold off on signing a new deal. They will be hoping this happens as his value will have decreased by next summer as he enters the final year of his contract.

The Gunners could do with another midfielder, but it is difficult to foresee them being willing to let Partey go as part of any deal.

Partey has established himself as an integral player for Arsenal but he has been held back by injury troubles over the past couple of seasons.

He has formed a brilliant partnership with Granit Xhaka, who has looked like a player reborn at the start of this season.

It is more likely that Arsenal will look to sign a midfielder who will come in to compete with the likes of Partey and Xhaka.

Bennacer might be that guy, but they are also being linked with Palmeiras midfielder Danilo.

READ MORE: Transfer gossip… Man Utd hold talks over flop return; Arsenal to make second bid for midfielder

 

Source: All The News – Football365

#Arsenal #plot #super #offer #resign #midfielder #55m #playerpluscash #transfer