Manchester United picked up a dominant 3-0 win over West Ham United at the weekend.

This was their second Premier League win in a row and a much-needed three points for Erik ten Hag.

Over these games, it has been the youngsters who have stepped up, but there is still one player who is yet to be given a real chance under the Dutch boss.

Antony's time at Man United

It has now come to a point where even United fans are finding it extremely difficult to provide support for Antony, who has not been able to perform anywhere near his £86m price tag. Even Ten Hag has started to realise that the Brazilian's lack of effectiveness is holding the side back, which is why Alejandro Garnacho has started as the right-winger as of late.

The problem now for Antony is that Garnacho is thriving in his new role, as he scored twice against the Hammers, whereas the 23-year-old hasn't even contributed to a goal in 19 Premier League appearances.

Furthermore, the lack of directness and the ability to beat a man, as shown by his rank in the bottom 88% in the league for successful take-on percentage, as per FBref, often forces the former Ajax ace to pass it backwards, which has prevented him from forming a relationship with Rasmus Hojlund.

Amad Diallo deserves a chance to shine

It is often forgotten by many that Amad Diallo was once signed from Atalanta for a huge £37m fee including add-ons, but he is still yet to be handed a chance to showcase his ability in a Man United shirt.

The 21-year-old picked up an injury in the Red Devils's pre-season tour, which kept him out until December, and since coming off the bench in place of Antony against Nottingham Forest, he hasn't played a minute. However, during that short cameo, he was arguably United's best player on the pitch, creating a chance, winning 100% of his duels, and registering a shot on target.

Last season, the winger starred in the Championship for Sunderland, where he netted 13 goals and provided three assists in 27 starts, and the table below shows statistics from his time in the second division compared to his positional peers, and how he could boost Hojlund

Goals

0.45

Top 6%

Passes completed

40.51

Top 4%

Shot-creating actions

4.14

Top 8%

Progressive passes

5.12

Top 6%

Passes into final third

3.90

Top 4%

Touches (Att pen)

4.45

Top 14%

The Dane struggled to adapt to the Premier League, but he has now scored four goals and made two assists in his last four league games. In recent weeks, he has shown his ability to play with his back to goal, which is where Amad could help Hojlund thrive.

The winger has a "magical left foot," as per Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, with his ball-striking ability allowing him to score goals from anywhere. However, it is his ability to combine with those around him that makes him so deadly, as he is unstoppable when playing quick one-twos and moving into central areas where he can get in the box to work his magic.

Amad's high passes into the final third and progressive passes also prove that he likes to make things happen and find the striker's feet, which in this case would be Hojlund. Therefore, making the 21-year-old striker far less isolated.

Overall, Amad deserves minutes on the field, even if it is just coming off the bench for the last half an hour of a game, but nonetheless, he would certainly bring more to the United team than Antony currently does.

Folarin Balogun no longer feels like a “new guy” with the USMNT and believes he is ready to “change games” at the 2024 Copa America.

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• Switched allegiance from England
• On target in Copa opener
• Feels ready to lead the line

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 22-year-old Monaco striker is already up and running at that competition after finding the target in a tournament-opening 2-0 victory over Bolivia. Balogun made the most of his opportunity to start that game, with replacement Ricardo Pepi spurning several chances after joining the fray in the 65th minute.

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  WHAT BALOGUN SAID

  Balogun, who switched international allegiance from England in order to represent the United States, now has 13 caps and four goals to his name – with the ex-Arsenal star shaking his rookie tag. He has said of making a decisive contribution: “I don't really feel like the new guy anymore. I feel like me personally, I need to enter that transition into being somebody that can be relied on, somebody that's consistent, somebody that changes games. So yeah, I mean, I don't think you can achieve that being a new guy. So I feel confident in this group and everybody's helped me to feel that way.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Balogun is delighted to be off the mark at a major tournament, with confidence flowing through his game. He added: “I think it allows me to build momentum. It's always nice coming into a tournament, and in your first game scoring as well. So I always look to build momentum and to add more to my tally.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The USMNT will be back in action on Thursday when taking on Panama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Balogun – who endured a tough debut campaign at Ligue 1 side Monaco in 2023-24 – will be hoping to have done enough to retain his place in Gregg Berhalter’s starting XI for that contest.

تحدث المدير الرياضي لنادي آينتراخت فرانكفورت، تيمو هاردونج، عن مستقبل النجم المصري عمر مرموش، في ظل ارتباطه بإمكانية الرحيل عن الفريق الألماني.

ونجح مرموش في جذب انتباه العديد من أندية الدوري الإنجليزي، بعدما تألق في الموسم الحالي رفقة آينتراخت فرانكفورت.

وسجل اللاعب صاحب الـ25 عامًا، 8 أهداف في الموسم الحالي من الدوري الألماني، ليتصدر قائمة الهدافين متفوقًا بفارق 3 أهداف عن هاري كين.

اقرأ أيضًا.. عمر مرموش يهدد مستقبل جابرييل جيسوس مع آرسنال

وذكرت تقارير صحفية أن مرموش مطلوب بقوة في الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث يتواجد على رادار عدة أندية مثل ليفربول، آرسنال ومانشستر يونايتد.

في حين أكدت تقارير أخرى أن نادي آينتراخت فرانكفورت يسعى إلى تمديد عقد مرموش، الذي سينتهي في 2027.

وقال تيمو هاردونج، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “footboom1” الإنجليزية: “بكل تأكيد، نحن على علم بالوضع، وهو مريح بشكل أساسي خاصة فيما يتعلق بمدة عقده”.

وأضاف: “من الواضح أننا نحاول التخطيط للمستقبل ونتحدث معه (مرموش) ومع وكيله، ما قدمه عمر هذا العام مجنون بالفعل”.

It might not have been a deadline-day signing, but Nottingham Forest's announcement of Gio Reyna's arrival from Borussia Dortmund on loan earlier this week was one of the more exciting moves from an otherwise quiet transfer window.

The Tricky Trees have not been having a good time of it lately, with their loss away to Brentford followed up with a nil-nil draw away to Bristol City and then a 2-1 loss at home to Arsenal.

While losing to a title-chasing side isn't usually a concern, the manner in which Nuno Espirito Santo's side lost was.

They managed just 27% of the possession and only came to life when chasing their second goal in the game's dying embers.

One player who failed to add much when he was brought on was Callum Hudson-Odoi, who may well be starting to sweat with the arrival of Reyna, as he could see his already minor role in the team fade entirely.

Hudson-Odoi's season in numbers

When he broke through at Chelsea, the London-born winger had the world at his feet and looked destined for greatness, especially after it was reported that Bayern Munich had made a £70m bid for him in 2020.

Since then, it just hasn't worked for the talented winger, and despite moving to Bayer Leverkusen on loan last season and making a £5m permanent move to Forest this season, he has never been able to recapture the form he showed under Frank Lampard.

This term, he has been restricted to mostly substitute appearances and has done very little to suggest that he will ever get back to his dazzling best.

He has made 13 league appearances, three in the FA Cup and one in the EFL Trophy, but has managed to score just a single goal and provide three assists in the process.

There is certainly a chance that the 23-year-old could one day get back to his best, but with no signs of that happening this season, Reyna is primed to take his position as the go-to substitute for Nuno.

Why Reyna should usurp Hudson-Odoi

Now, while the former Chelsea man is a youngster failing to live up to his potential, it could be argued that Reyna is in the same boat.

Described as one of the USMNT's next great "leaders" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, in the last two and a half seasons, he has only played a total of 2021 minutes across all competitions for Dortmund, and while a significant reason as to why he missed games in the 2021/22 season was injury, that wasn't the case last year or this year.

That said, while he didn't get much game time under his belt last season, he was impressive when he made it onto the pitch, picking up seven goals and four assists in 30 appearances.

Moreover, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the American ranks exceptionally highly in multiple important metrics compared to other midfielders.

For example, he sits in the top 1% for non-penalty goals, non-penalty expected goals, total shots, assists, shot-creating actions, touches in the opposition's penalty area and more, all per 90.

However, just because he excels in a central position doesn't mean he can't play wide.

Across his career, his second most played position is left-winger- 40 appearances – and third is right-winger – 33 appearances – so he has the ability to take Hudson-Odoi's role without having to learn a new position.

David Ornstein confirms buy option on Nottingham Forest loan deal

Nuno’s squad will be boosted long-term by the latest arrival.

By
Ben Goodwin

Jan 31, 2024

Ultimately, there could be more to come from the Englishman Lampard once dubbed "special", but as things stand, Reyna has more experience, better numbers to back him up, and a fresh slate to kick on at the City Ground.

MatériaMais Notícias

A vitória diante do Ituano por 3 a 0 em Itu, foi especial para as categorias de base do São Paulo. Além decontar com oito gerações de Cotia para vencer, o Tricolor igualou um feito na história do clube: o recorde de atletas da base em campo.

No Dia do Goleiro, veja os nomes da posição com mais jogos na história do São Paulo

Diante do Galo de Itu, foram doze jogadores que atuaram na partida, sendooito titulares e quatro atletas que entraram em campo durante o jogo.Lucas Perri, Rodrigo, Diego, Luan, Liziero, Talles Costa, Welington e Galeano começaram na equipe titular.

CONFIRA A TABELA ATUALIZADA DO CAMPEONATO PAULISTA DE 2021!

RelacionadasSão PauloPonte Preta perde e São Paulo garante liderança do grupo no PaulistãoSão Paulo27/04/2021São PauloEder e Gabriel Sara ficam no Reffis em treinamento do São PauloSão Paulo26/04/2021São PauloPrimeiro gol, joia do São Paulo, seleção… Conheça Rodrigo FreitasSão Paulo26/04/2021

No decorrer da partida, Crespo utilizouRodrigo Nestor, Igor Gomes e Vitinho, formados em Cotia, além de Hernanes, que passou pelas categorias de base. O duelo foi especial porque contou com dois gols de atletas da base: o zagueiro Rodrigo Freitas, de pênalti, e o atacante Galeano.

O feito igualou outros 11 momentos, todos em que o torcedor pôde ver o chamado “Expressinho” em campo, entre 1994 e 1995. O último jogo com tanta participação de atletas da base tinha acontecido em 1995, na vitória por 3 a 2 sobre o Guarani, pelo Campeonato Paulista.

Na ocasião, jogaram Rogério Ceni, Nelson, Murilo, Danilo, Mona, Pereira, Lino, Caio, Dodô, Toninho, Thiago e Sidney, sob o comando de Muricy Ramalho. Dodô, Pereira e Caio fizeram os gols da vitória.

Georgina Rodriguez got a post-match selfie kiss from Cristiano Ronaldo after glamming up to watch him help Portugal into the last 16 of Euro 2024.

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All-time great continues to make historySilencing more doubters at major tournamentChasing down another piece of silverwareGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was in a record-breaking mood once again as the Portuguese made it two wins from two at this summer’s European Championship. When teeing up Bruno Fernandes for their third goal in a 3-0 victory over Turkey, CR7 became the outright leading assist-maker in Euros history.

AdvertisementDID YOU KNOW?

Ronaldo is yet to register an effort himself at what is his sixth European Championship – and 11th major tournament in total – but the 39-year-old is making a positive contribution to the collective cause after registering 50 goals and making more history at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in the 2023-24 campaign.

THE GOSSIP

He was the star attraction when Portugal faced Turkey in Dortmund, with six pitch invaders taking to the field in a bid to get close to their idol. Partner Georgina was also in attendance to watch him in action, alongside son Cristiano Jr, and she got her own selfie with CR7 afterwards.

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WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Questions have been asked of whether Ronaldo can handle the demands of another major tournament, in what should be the latter stages of his career, but he continues to silence any doubters – having made a career of that – and could be rested for a clash with Georgia next Wednesday as Portugal are already safely through to the knockout stage.

England have reacted to their 185-run defeat in the fourth Test at Old Trafford by naming an unchanged 13-man squad for the fifth and final Test at The Oval, starting on Thursday. It is a contest in which England can still square the series 2-2, even though the Ashes have already been retained by Australia.Despite the glaring shortcomings of England’s batting throughout the series, the fight shown on the final day at Old Trafford, where England took their rearguard into the final hour thanks to battling cameos all down the order, has encouraged the selectors to offer a final chance to a batting line-up that, aside from positional changes for Joe Denly and Jason Roy, has remained the same throughout.With the exception of Ben Stokes, who is averaging 59 following hundreds at Lord’s and Headingley, and Rory Burns, who has cemented his status as England’s first-choice opener with 323 runs at 40.37, the remainder of England’s batting line-up has been consistently poor.The captain, Joe Root, has picked up three ducks to go along with three hard-fought fifties to average 30.87 – almost 20 runs fewer than his Test average at the start of 2019, while Denly, Root, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow have all averaged between 25.50 and 13.75.There had been speculation that England would ring a few changes for The Oval, with Surrey’s Olly Pope one name in the frame to replace Roy, while their team-mate Ben Foakes, who made a century on Test debut in Sri Lanka last year, was a potential replacement for Bairstow as wicketkeeper.However, it may be significant that the Oval Test will be the final match of Trevor Bayliss’s tenure as England coach, and therefore there is little to be gained from wholesale changes at this stage of England’s cycle. Instead, the match offers a final opportunity for an under-performing set of players to fight for their short-term Test futures, with tours of New Zealand and South Africa looming large on the horizon.Craig Overton, whose battling innings of 21 from 105 balls gave England hope on the final day at Old Trafford, retains his place in the squad and will once again compete for the role of third seamer, alongside Chris Woakes and the left-armer Sam Curran, another Surrey home boy.”It’s obviously disappointing,” Overton said, after falling to Josh Hazlewood as the last wicket of England’s second innings. “We set out at the start of the day to show some character and the boys did that. Everyone got stuck in to take it that deep on a day-five wicket against a world-class bowling attack. We are proud, but it’s disappointing that we couldn’t get over the line.”Despite the loss of the Ashes, the series remains live at 2-1 with one to play, and Overton said that England would be gunning for a share of the spoils when the fifth Test begins.”That’s been the message,” he said. “It’s disappointing that we’ve lost but the character we showed today, take that to The Oval and make sure we get that win to stop them winning the series, only retaining.”However, England may yet have to take the field at The Oval with the talismanic Stokes under an injury cloud. He injured his shoulder while bowling during the Old Trafford Test, and will be monitored by the ECB in the coming days.If he is deemed unfit to bowl, then Stokes will play as a batsman only, with the all-round abilities of Woakes or Curran coming into the mix at the expense of one of the specialist batsmen in the side.England squad: Joe Root (capt), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes

Suzie Bates leads with bat and ball as Vipers secure title shot against Western Storm

Matt Roller at Hove01-Sep-2019

Southern Vipers overcame a mid-innings wobble to edge past Loughborough Lightning and advance to the final of the Kia Super League in a nerve-jangling run chase at Hove.Suzie Bates and Danni Wyatt had started the Vipers’ chase of 144 with real intent, as they took the score to 71 for 0 off the powerplay.But Loughborough spinners Sarah Glenn and Kirstie Gordon both struck in the middle overs to cause a hiccup and, as scoring became harder, only a crucial 22-run stand for the sixth wicket snuck the Vipers over the line and into the final.”That was probably our best bowling and fielding performance of the tournament, and that set us up really,” said Tammy Beaumont, the Vipers captain. “Danni and Suzie were exceptional in the powerplay. Danni is seeing it beautifully at the moment and Suzie is so experienced and then the middle order managed to see us home.”We did so well with the ball. At one stage I thought we were going to be chasing 160 on what was a good wicket so to keep them to 143 was an outstanding effort.”Loughborough’s attack laid claim to being the best in the competition when at full strength, but they were two bowlers short and it showed in a ragged powerplay. Kathryn Bryce (Scotland) and Hayley Matthews (West Indies) were both on international duty, and Shabnim Ismail, the overseas replacement fast bowler, missed the final group game and was unavailable as a result.Ismail had originally been reported as unavailable due to visa problems, though according to Kate Cross, the Lancashire seamer on , they were largely of her own making: as it turned out, she had failed to apply for one.It meant that Lightning were at least one bowler light, and when Wyatt and Bates decided to attack early on, they had few answers. Wyatt thrashed 19 off the second over, bowled by Jenny Gunn, and Bates followed suit as the pair put on 71 in the powerplay alone.Quick wickets then pegged the Vipers back. Gordon bowled Bates with a delivery that was little short of a slow left-armer’s dream, pitching on middle and spinning away from the bat to hit the top of off, before Wyatt was smartly stumped by England opening partner Amy Jones off Glenn’s legspin.Beaumont cut a frustrated, busy figure in her innings of 24, which also accounted for Maia Bouchier via a sloppy run-out, and after slashing four boundaries she chopped a Gunn slower-ball onto her stumps to leave the Vipers reliant on their lower-middle order.Fi Morris struggled for timing in a scratchy, 16-ball 7, and Paige Scholfield and Amanda-Jade Wellington endured a nervy couple of overs where they could only scrap singles and the Lightning turned the screw. But Wellington’s reverse-swept four off Glenn left them needing single figures, and Scholfield then charged down to deposit a length ball for another boundary over midwicket to seal the win.Loughborough’s innings of 143 was a frenetic affair, which jagged and veered rather than ebbing and flowing, and looked not far short of a par score on a wicket that offered something for the spinners.Lauren Bell, a tall, wiry seamer who bowled with good pace and found prodigious swing, struck twice early. First, Jones – who had put a miserable Ashes series behind her by scoring 300 runs at 37.50 in the tournament – was perhaps fortunate to survive a convincing lbw appeal, before attempting to ramp a ball that moved in from outside off and succeeding only in playing it onto her off stump.Then Bell struck again inside the powerplay to remove the dangerous Chamari Atapattu, trapping her lbw from around the wicket. While Bell is still a raw talent, as evidenced by the five wides and two no-balls she bowled, the makings of a future England player are there for all to see. She touched 70mph, and has regularly been part of their academy squads – at 18, she has a bright future.Skipper Georgia Elwiss led the rebuilding job alongside Georgia Adams after the powerplay, and the pair added 55 in 6.1 overs, but when Elwiss flicked a Tash Farrant ball out to Wyatt at midwicket, she decided to take on one of England’s best fielders and was duly run out coming back for a second run.From there, things only got more frenzied. Mignon du Preez’s international career has seen her play the role of accumulator, but she has struck at comfortably over 140 this season, and whacked a pair of sixes before holing out to Wyatt to end a tumultuous 11-ball innings of 21.Gunn and Abigail Freeborn both did their best to keep things moving, but Bates cleaned up the tail in her final over, with Wyatt claiming her third catch at deep midwicket before Gordon’s stumps were rearranged.Western Storm did the double over both sides in the group stage, and will be confident of getting past the Vipers in the final, but flashes of form from Wyatt and Bates will have made it clear that they will need to strike early with the ball.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has provided a big-money Celtic transfer update on a potential summer deal.

Celtic form under Brendan Rodgers

The Hoops have struggled at points in recent weeks, dropping some crucial Scottish Premiership points with draws against Aberdeen and Kilmarnock.

As a result, there has been speculation over Brendan Rodgers’ future as manager, however, Celtic aren’t planning to sack the Northern Irishman anytime soon.

A late win over Motherwell on the weekend was followed up with a much-needed 7-1 win over Dundee, with Rodgers giving a defiant response for the rest of the season.

However, attention behind the scenes at Parkhead will soon be on the summer transfer market, and there has been a new update regarding one recent Celtic addition.

Adam Idah to Celtic transfer update

There have been reports this week that striker Adam Idah, on loan from Norwich City until the end of the season, is thought to be open to a permanent Celtic transfer.

Now, as per Football Insider reporter O’Rourke, Celtic ‘will have to fork out a big-money fee’ to sign Idah in the summer. The 23-year-old has impressed Parkhead officials, but the Canaries will hold out for a hefty fee.

The Republic of Ireland international has certainly made an impact in his five league appearances for the Hoops, scoring five goals and registering one assist.

Adam Idah's Celtic performances

WhoScored rating

Aberdeen 1-1 Celtic

6.91/10

Hibernian 1-2 Celtic

7.36/10

Celtic 1-1 Kilmarnock

6.45/10

Motherwell 1-3 Celtic

8.11/10

Celtic 7-1 Dundee

8.44/10

His most important contribution came against Motherwell, with his two efforts proving to be the difference. Rodgers praised the striker as a result, saying: “Kyogo's strengths are running in behind and running into space, but this is a game when we need that, and Adam can do that, we also need a reference in the team. And as soon as the big guy comes into the game, he sets it up so well for us.

“He scores two brilliant goals. His first one is an amazing header – it's a great cross by Greg (Taylor) but his header is absolutely brilliant. And then obviously he makes his first-post run and gets the second one.”

Celtic are reportedly willing to break their transfer record on a huge signing this summer, so if the funds are right, perhaps Idah could be that man, making this one to watch.

It's no secret that Arsenal want to sign attacking reinforcements, with Ivan Toney the main name mentioned among potential summer options for Mikel Arteta. Now, however, an alternative option has reportedly emerged.

Arsenal transfer news

Whilst the Gunners remain in the race to win the Premier League title, they've lacked a clinical forward at times with the output of their attacking front three painting quite the picture.

Stat

Bukayo Saka

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Martinelli

Starts

25

13

12

Goals

13

4

5

Assists

7

3

3

With that said, it's no surprise that Arsenal have reportedly turned their attention towards Toney, who could leave Brentford this summer in a deal worth as much as £80m. The forward recently returned from a lengthy ban for breaching betting rules, instantly finding his goalscoring boots to send reminders around the Premier League about his clear talent.

Reports suggest that the Gunners could turn to an alternative option, however. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have scouted Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres multiple times.

Romano said in his CaughtOffside column: "Although there are many clubs that are attentive to Viktor Gyokeres at the moment, none have made a move as yet, nothing is happening now. It’s one for the summer.

"His conditions are that he has a €100m release clause then we will see what happens in the summer – but we know how difficult is to negotiate with Portuguese clubs. Many clubs have also sent their scouts to watch him, Arsenal for sure multiple times – but also others are closely monitoring the situation."

With that said, when the summer window arrives, it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal choose €100m (£86m) Gyokeres over Toney.

"Outstanding" Gyokeres is one of Europe's best

Since leaving Coventry City last season, Gyokeres has been one of the best strikers in Europe, making the interest in the forward little surprise. It is the type of rise that analyst and former player Adrian Clarke saw coming too, having praised the Swede when speaking to talkSPORT last May.

Clarke said (via Football League World): “You two [Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist] know what a good striker looks like, and at that level, he is mustard. I think he’s Premier League-ready, actually. Viktor Gyokeres, he was outstanding.”

If Arsenal are looking for a killer in front of goal, then everything is pointing towards Gyokeres. The former Coventry striker is enjoying a season to remember in Portugal and is long overdue a move to the Premier League. As the Gunners weigh up their options this summer, it should be Gyokeres who stands above the rest, including Brentford forward and current target Toney.