All posts by n8rngtd.top

Real Madrid youngster Endrick has hit back at his team's critics after their shock defeat to Lille in the Champions League.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Endrick made first start vs Lille
• Teenager underwhelmed in Champions League
• Says he doesn't care about criticism

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A first-half penalty from Jonathan David saw the French side seal a 1-0 victory against the reigning European champions on Wednesday. The likes of Endrick, making his first start for Madrid, and Vinicius Junior disappointed in their first defeat in all competitions this season.

Advertisement

• (C)Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 18-year-old, who was booked in the game, has already caught some criticism since making the move to Madrid from Palmeiras due to some of his on-field decisions, but he is not concerned about the reaction his team's latest performance attracts.

• WHAT ENDRICK SAID

  He told in Brazil: "To be honest, I don't see anything. That's what football is; you can score a goal today, and everyone is excited, but when you lose, they throw you down. This happened to me, a long time ago, when I was at Palmeiras. I learned not to see. I press that little 'it doesn't matter' button. I only follow the advice of my coach and my team-mates. That's what's important. What comes from outside, I don't care at all."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  After drawing with Atletico Madrid and losing to Lille, Carlo Ancelotti's side will take on Villarreal on Saturday, and Endrick will hope to be given another place in the starting XI.

Manchester United have made an approach for an “excellent” manager to replace Erik ten Hag as manager this summer, according to a new update.

Man Utd manager latest

Ten Hag enjoyed one of his best days at the office over the weekend, winning the FA Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 win against much-fancied Manchester City. It was the Dutchman's second trophy in as many seasons in charge at Old Trafford, and it has clouded his future in the process.

Before the City game, the general consensus was that defeat would seal his fate, leading to his sacking this summer, but he has now arguably done enough to prove to Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he is worth persevering with for at least another season.

That's not to say that many different candidates haven't been thrown into the mix to potentially replace Ten Hag before next season, however, with Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna one name who has been mentioned. The former United Under-18s boss is more likely to join Brighton or Chelsea, though, having guided his team into the Premier League.

Former Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has also been mentioned as an option to head to Old Trafford, having recently departed Stamford Bridge by mutual consent after a disappointing season.

Man Utd make contact with Ten Hag replacement

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United have been in touch with ex-Chelsea manager Pochettino over replacing Ten Hag at Old Trafford this summer.

The report states that the Red Devils have "initiated contact" with the Argentine over being the current boss' successor, having "been linked with the Man Utd job ever since the fantastic work he did at Tottenham".

Pochettino is an appointment that could split opinion among the United fanbase, considering his reputation isn't quite as great as it was during his Tottenham days. He inspired them to the 2019 Champions League final, having overcome Ajax in an incredible semi-final, and generally made Spurs a top-quality outfit.

Since then, however, his spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have not been impressive, so there would be a clear risk element in United bringing him in. In fairness, the Blues job is a poisoned chalice that most managers could struggle with, but Ratcliffe would have to be convinced by him to make him his preferred choice.

Latest Man Utd transfer news: De Jong back on radar; 21y/o hands in request

Here are all the latest Man Utd transfer rumours from Old Trafford as we enter the final weeks of the window.

By
Henry Jackson

Aug 12, 2024

There have been too many managers who have tried and failed since Sir Alex Ferguson departed in 2013, and while Ten Hag has flattered to deceive since coming in, there is an argument to say that he deserves another year in the job, this time working alongside a sporting director and hopefully being more fortunate in the injury department.

United cannot afford to keep going through managers until one sticks, so Ten Hag should only be sacked if real depth has gone into nailing his replacement. Pochettino arguably hasn't done enough to justify getting the job, having finished sixth in the Premier League this season, but Pep Guardiola has called him "excellent" in the past, which says a lot.

It’s fair to say that under Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s attack was fantastic on the whole.

The Blues netted 77 goals across the entire Premier League campaign, but a lot of those arrived thanks to the brilliance of Cole Palmer.

The number 20 netted 22 Premier League goals and provided 12 assists, which equates to having an influence on more than a third of Chelsea’s goals last term.

Unfortunately, he can’t continue to do it all by himself, hence why Todd Boehly is keen to sign another superstar this summer who’d be fantastic under the next Chelsea boss, Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea’s search for a new winger

According to reports from Spain, Chelsea are eyeing a move for former Leeds United winger Raphinha.

It’s reported that the Blues are one of two clubs that are interested in acquiring the Brazilian, with Aston Villa being the other.

Apparently, an offer of around £51m has been rejected from a Premier League club as Barcelona look to enhance their funds.

A report earlier this year from Sport mentioned that the Spanish giant would only be willing to let the attacker go for £85m, which could prove to be a difficult hurdle in Chelsea’s race for Raphinha.

Raphinha would thrive under Maresca

Since moving to Barcelona in the summer of 2022, Raphinha has often been in and out of the side, particularly this season, but that's still been enough to see him described as “one of the best players in the world” by his former manager Xavi.

The rise of wonderkid Lamine Yamal has forced the attacker down the pecking order slightly, but his influence on the side has been apparent, even when coming off the bench.

This campaign, the Brazilian has started just 17 La Liga games, with an average of 49 minutes per match, proving he’s no longer guaranteed a place in the starting lineup.

However, he still boasts an extremely impressive record, scoring ten goals and providing 13 assists in 37 appearances, with seven contributions in seven Champions League starts.

As you can see from the table above, Raphinha brings so much to the table, with his overall play making him a huge threat and an upgrade on Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

Under Maresca, the 27-year-old would feature on the right wing, with the task of being a threat in the final third, while also working tirelessly defensively to prevent counterattacks.

This suits Raphinha down to a tee, who’s known for his relentless approach and never-ending store of energy, making 1.5 tackles per game during his final season in England.

The Barca winger will be instructed to stay high and wide, where he’ll look to cut inside and cause havoc, with his “amazing left foot" – as per football scout Jacek Kulig – proving rather dangerous indeed.

Furthermore, based on Leicester City’s wingers, Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku's output from last season of 18 and 19 goal contributions, respectively, the Italian evidently knows how to get the best out of his forward options.

Raphinha has displayed versatility this season, operating on both flanks without any drop in performance whatsoever, which could enable Maresca to rotate his forward line much more easily, as well as allow for tactical flexibility.

Overall, signing Raphinha could really take Chelsea to the next level, and given that he fits the Maresca system perfectly, he could be a fantastic buy.

First Maresca signing: Chelsea looking to sign £30m Mudryk upgrade

The Chelsea target has scored 19 goals and provided nine assists in their league this season.

By
Tom Lever

May 29, 2024

Poland international Piotr Zielinski has revealed how Bruno Fernandes tried to convince him to move to Manchester United.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Zielinski reveals Fernandes wanted him at Man Utd
• Arsenal, Barcelona and Liverpool had shown interest
• Midfielder joined Inter from Napoli instead

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The midfielder, who shared a dressing room with Fernandes at Udinese, has claimed that he is still in touch with the United captain and that the Portuguese tried to convince him to move to Old Trafford. Zielinski eventually signed for reigning Italian champions Inter this summer after spending eight seasons with Napoli.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 30-year-old also claimed that Liverpool sent him a private jet in a bid to lure him to join the Reds while Arsenal, West Ham and Barcelona were also chasing his signature. The Catalan giants were negotiating a swap deal for the player, only for Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis to reject their offer.

• WHAT PIOTR ZIELINSKI SAID

  Speaking on the Foot Truck YouTube channel, the midfielder said, "At one time, Bruno Fernandes wanted me to end up in Manchester. We are still in touch, we talk quite often – we played together in Udinese, and in one of the matches we practically single-handedly beat Milan. As for West Ham – it was also close, De Laurentiis was also already convinced about the offer, they threw in €35 million.

  "There was already looking around for medical care for my wife and child, where I was going to live. Coach [Luciano] Spalletti took me aside once and asked me what was going on, and I said I would rather stay, fight for the championship. He said I want you to stay and that it would be the best version of Zielinski. I stayed because I didn't really feel this London either."

  He added, "Liverpool sent a private jet to Florence for me and I flew with my agent Bartlomiej Bolek – we drove up to [Jurgen] Klopp’s house afterwards, we had a great conversation. It was the first time I had flown like that. He said that for him I was a mix of [Ilkay] Gundogan and [Cesc] Fabregas.

  "We watched a Premier League match at his place on his giant TV, I had never seen anything like that either. Arsenal were closer to realisation than Barcelona because De Laurentiis didn’t want a few boys from La Masia in return."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The Inter star scored the solitary goal for his national side on Saturday as Poland went down 3-1 against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. They will be next seen in action against Croatia on Tuesday.

Thierry Henry has insisted Kylian Mbappe must "play better" after the Real Madrid striker failed to score against Borussia Dortmund.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mbappe fires blank against BVB
• Still yet to deliver his best form
• Told goals 'aren't enough' by Henry

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe has scored eight goals in 13 appearances for his new club but has been told that it's not enough just to score by compatriot Henry, who understands the pressure of playing for one of Spain's biggest clubs. Henry doesn't believe Real Madrid have seen the best of Mbappe yet and warned the 25-year-old that he won't have much time to win the fans over.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mbappe has the backing of his team-mates, but he's adjusting to finding himself in a position where he isn't the main man. Vinicius Junior stole the headlines in Real's 5-2 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday and, while many predict a sustained era of Madrid dominance once their new attack gets into its stride, it's taken a bit of time for that to come to fruition, with Henry claiming that the France international must "play better".

• WHAT HENRY SAID

  "He’s scoring goals but he’s not playing as well, so that’s what they’re going to call out," Henry said on CBS Sports Golazo. "If you play really well and you don’t score goals, they say ‘yeah you play really well but you don’t score goals’. We can talk about [Erling] Haaland to an extent; he scores goals but we always say ‘he could do a bit better with his back to the net and how he can link up with players’, and stuff like that. So it comes with how you deal with being a Real Madrid player. It’s very difficult but it comes with the shirt. And you have to deal with that.

  "Is he playing the best that we’ve seen him play from his days at Paris Saint-Germain? No, but he still has to learn – and I know it’s weird to say that – or play better as a nine, which is very difficult for him at the minute. But he’s scoring goals and it’s not enough at times in clubs like that. Although the Clasico’s around the corner, they’re three points behind Barcelona so you never know what can happen.

  "I’m going to play devil’s advocate. We always usually say it takes time for a player to adapt to a new club but unfortunately when you wear that jersey they don’t give you a lot of time."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  A goal or two against Barcelona on Saturday evening will go a long way to silencing the critics, who may have forgotten that we're only a few days removed from Mbappe scoring his best goal yet for Real Madrid.

Manchester United have reportedly been in contact to sign a £52m forward who was recently offered to Tottenham.

Erik ten Hag to stay at Man Utd

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have now decided that Erik ten Hag will remain as Red Devils manager following an end of season review. Ten Hag guided United to a brilliant FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City at Wembley, and it has even been claimed that talks over a contract extension with the Dutchman will follow.

Journalist Ben Jacobs shared more on Man Utd's decision to keep Ten Hag, posting on X details of the two-week end of season review.

“More on Erik ten Hag remaining as Manchester United manager. Club conducted a two week thorough process and performance review. It factored in the 2023/24 season and broader first team operations. MUFC then held constructive conversations with Ten Hag.

"The club considered all eventualities, including due dillegence on other candidates, but came to a clear conclusion Ten Hag should stay on. Club and Ten Hag have now entered negotiations on a contract extension.”

The club will now be making preparations ahead of the 2024/25 season in what is Ratcliffe and INEOS’ first transfer window in charge.

INEOS love him: Man Utd want to sign £60m star who's a lot like Foden

INEOS love the Man United target.

By
Tom Lever

Jun 11, 2024

A number of outgoings have already been confirmed, with Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane officially leaving at the end of the month, and a replacement for the former could be on the cards.

Man Utd make Vitor Roque contact

According to reports in Spain, relayed by Sport Witness, Man Utd have made contact over a loan deal for Barcelona’s Vitor Roque. The Red Devils aren’t the only club interested, though, with AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Lens, Lyon, Napoli, Nice, Porto, Real Betis and Sevilla all keen on the 19-year-old.

A 10-team battle for Roque’s services could be a possibility, which is why United have made an approach to Roque’s agent. Barcelona paid £52m to sign Roque from Athletico Paranaense last summer, with the Brazilian making just 16 appearances for the Catalan giants last season, scoring twice in 353 minutes of football.

As a result, a temporary move away from the Nou Camp could now be on the cards, and intermediaries reached out to Tottenham last month to offer them the forward’s services.

It looks as if there won’t be a shortage of suitors for Roque’s signature, should Barcelona green-light a loan exit, and by the looks of it, he could arrive in Manchester to replace Martial for the 2024/25 campaign, providing competition for Rasmus Hojlund ahead of Ten Hag's third season in charge.

A Manchester United reunion is on the cards as Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly urged Paul Pogba to join Al-Nassr.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ronaldo wants Pogba to join Al-Nassr
• Juventus will release the midfielder next year
• Pogba and Ronaldo played for a season together at Man Utd

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The French midfielder saw his doping ban cut short to 18 months from four years, following a successful appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport and is slated to return to action in March 2025. However, he might have already played his last game for Juventus as the club director Cristiano Giuntoli recently confirmed that the Bianconeri is no longer interested in the player.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Earlier this month, reports emerged that Pogba could follow Lionel Messi's footsteps and move to the USA to join a MLS club and now claims that Ronaldo has reportedly invited the Frenchman to join him at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr next year. The midfielder shared a dressing room with the Portugal legend for a season at Old Trafford before heading back to the Serie A ahead of the 2022-23 season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 31-year-old will be able to resume training from January 2025 before formally returning to football in March. Ahead of his comeback on the pitch, the French star recently made his movie debut as he featured in a film named 4 Zeros.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  It remains to be seen if the ex-Red Devils star will be heading to the Middle East next year. For now, Al-Nassr and Ronaldo will be back in action on Tuesday as they take on Al-Taawound in a Saudi Kings Cup of Champions round of 16 clash.

West Ham United have reportedly agreed their second signing of the summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Steidten making early West Ham moves

Technical director Tim Steidten helped West Ham win the race to sign Brazilian Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras last week, with the teenage winger becoming the club’s first arrival of the Julen Lopetegui era. Speaking after securing a deal, Steidten was full of praise for Guilherme:

“We are really happy that Luis Guilherme is now a West Ham United player. He is a very exciting young talent who we have followed for some time, and once we became aware that he was available, Julen and I were determined to bring him to London.”

West Ham now ready offer to sign new £17m left-back

There’s been contact with his representatives.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 20, 2024

He then added: “This is a very important signing for us – we’ve worked hard across the Club, working closely with the Board, to secure Luis’s signature.

"We know how the tough the Premier League is, and we want a squad that is competitive next season, but also to find the balance of ensuring that we plan for the longer-term future. Exciting young players like Luis Guilherme will help us to reach those goals.”

Guilherme looks to be the first of many through the London Stadium door ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. For example, contact has been made with left-back Ryan Sessegnon after he left Tottenham, whereas a bid was reportedly launched to sign striker Jhon Arias.

Fabrizio Romano also recently revealed that contacts have begun over reuniting Lopetegui with Wolves centre-back Max Kilman, but it is a goalkeeper who is on course to be the next addition of the window.

West Ham agree Wes Foderingham terms

According to Sky Sports’ Sheth on X, West Ham have agreed terms with goalkeeper Wes Foderingham after he departed Sheffield United. The soon-to-be free agent has agreed a two-year deal at the London Stadium, whereas Nathan Trott is set to secure a permanent Hammers exit to FC Copenhagen.

Foderingham, now 33 years of age, will officially become a free agent at the end of the month, but his exit from the Blades has already been confirmed and West Ham have seemingly made their move for the shot-stopper, who Jurgen Klopp hailed as "incredible" following a save last year.

The Englishman, as can be seen, will arrive with plenty of club experience for the likes of Swindon Town, Rangers and Sheffield United, although he has only played 30 times in the Premier League, conceding 79 times and keeping just one clean sheet.

You’d expect he’ll provide cover for Lopetegui, potentially being used in domestic cup competitions if needed, but with Trott departing, Foderingham could be seen as third choice behind 31-year-old Alphonse Areola and 39-year-old Lukasz Fabianski.

Emmanuel Petit has told Bruno Fernandes to take some responsibility for Manchester United's failures after Erik ten Hag's sacking.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Petit slams Bruno Fernandes
• Questions his leadership
• Man Utd part ways with Ten Hag

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Just three months after extending Ten Hag's contract at Old Trafford, United have parted ways with the manager as the club's struggles continue in the 2024-25 campaign. The news of the Dutch coach's departure came a day after the club suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of struggling West Ham in the Premier League.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After Ten Hag's exit from Old Trafford, former Arsenal and Chelsea star Petit has now questioned the role of Red Devils players in the club's failure and pointed out captain Fernandes' inability to lead the team from the front during the crisis period. The Frenchman, however, admitted that the lion's share of the club's misery was on the Dutchman and the they were right to sack him.

• WHAT EMMANUEL PETIT SAID

  Speaking to , the ex-France international said: "It was about time Erik ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United. I'm sorry to say that and I pity him because lots of the players at the club are far from their best. When I watched the game against West Ham, even I was frustrated for the Manchester United fans. They concede goals easily, they are a mess. Ten Hag had no support from the fans, the club or the players, but he is responsible for a lot of the issues. Players must share this responsibility, though, they are the reason he's been sacked. Ten Hag is responsible for bringing in average Dutch players from the Eredivisie. Ten Hag showed no passion either, he always seemed bored in press conferences.

  "The only consistent thing at Manchester United now is their average performance, which has been happening for years now. Even with a change of manager, nothing will change. The body language of the players has been awful. Bruno Fernandes annoys me a lot, I really just want to tell him to shut up. He was terrible on West Ham and he was a terrible captain, he's not captain material. There needs to be a reaction from these players. If I'm a manager linked to Manchester United, a big club with lots of money, I'd look at that club and ask what is the project? What are the ambitions? I don't see anything worth joining them for."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  Ruud van Nistelrooy will now step up to take charge of the team on an interim basis as the club prepare to face Leicester City in an EFL Cup round-of-16 clash on Wednesday, before taking on Chelsea in the Premier League next Sunday.

The problem with climbing the Premier League table is that other teams come in and try to nab your best players.

Crystal Palace are the latest side to try and deal with this depressing inevitability.

Oliver Glasner is set to lose one of his star players, Michael Olise, as his £55m move to Bayern Munich looks all but certain now.

However, while losing the Frenchman is far from ideal, the money the club are set to receive should help them bring in the right players for Glasner, and based on recent reports, their attention is firmly on a brilliant youngster who could be the perfect teammate for Eberechi Eze.

Crystal Palace transfer news

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Palace have already drawn up a shortlist of potential Olise replacements, with Antonio Nusa being one of the most prominent names.

The Italian claims that the South Londoner's interest in the young Norwegian is "concrete" but does not mention a potential price they may have to pay to secure his services.

However, The Palace Way claimed earlier this month that the Club Brugge ace could cost Steve Parish and Co around £32m.

It might be a tough deal to get over the line, and it's certainly not cheap, but given how Nusa is spoken about and the promise he has shown at such a young age, this could be an ideal way to spend the Olise money and future-proof the side.

Why Nusa would be a great teammate for Eze

So, if the Eagles are able to get their hands on Nusa this summer, fans probably shouldn't expect him to come in and immediately replicate the sort of performances they have gotten used to from Olise.

That's not to say he couldn't come in and light up Selhurst Park, but at 19 years old and having never played in a top-five league, he would likely need some time to adapt.

However, he has the raw ability and skill set to develop into a player of the Frenchman's calibre and become a dream teammate for Eze in time. While he is a natural winger, Glasner masterfully used the former Reading star as one of his two attacking midfielders last season, so there is no reason to think he couldn't do the same with the youngster.

For example, last season, "the future of Norwegian football", as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored four goals and provided four assists in 46 appearances, or 2213 minutes, which works out to a goal involvement every 276 minutes, which is pretty handy for a young prospect.

Moreover, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions in the next best 14 competitions, the Langhus-born gem is in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for progressive carries and successful take-ons, the top 3% for progressive passes received, the top 6% for touches in the opposition's box, the top 11% for total shots and the top 17% for non-penalty expected goals and assists, all per 90.

Described as a "1v1 specialist" and possessing "electric pace" by data analyst Ben Mattinson, the rapid youngster could be the slightly more adventurous and attack-minded attacking midfielder in Glasner's system at Selhurst Park.

At the same time, Eze could use his fantastic creative ability to craft chances for him or get on the end of opportunities brought about by the youngster's chaos-causing take-ons.

Crystal Palace could sign Glasner a "monster" £25m Guehi replacement

The talented defender could be just as good for the South Londoners.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 23, 2024

Ultimately, while it's a sizable sum to spend on a young player outside the traditional top-five leagues, Nusa looks to be an incredible prospect, and in signing him, Palace can improve the first team and plan for the future.