Whisper it quietly, but things are starting to fall into place at Goodison Park. Everton are far from out of the woods concerning their ownership situation and the fears surrounding breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability (PSR) rules have not faded away entirely.

Still, with Lewis Dobbin and Ben Godfrey recently sold, focus has been turned to bringing in fresh faces, with reports suggesting that the Toffees are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing Hull City winger Jaden Philogene.

Matches played

32

Goals

12

Assists

6

Pass completion

83%

Big chances created

7

Shots per game

3.6

Key passes per game

1.6

Dribbles per game

2.7

Ball recoveries per game

4.2

Tackles per game

2.4

Duels won per game

7.6

The 22-year-old Philogene has been praised for his "unbelievable" performances by The Second Tier podcast host Justin Peach, and for the mooted £16m price tag, it could be a steal for the Merseysiders as they look to build a team tailored for success.

Indeed, last term the tricky winger found the net on 12 occasions, further registering six assists. Simply, this would be a superb signing for the Toffees.

However, while Everton are hoping to bring in talented targets such as Philogene, retaining the services of the top talents in the current crop is arguably way more important.

There's even one, who like the Hull star, had an earlier education in the EFL.

Jarrad Branthwaite's transfer situation

You never know, Jarrad Branthwaite might still be plying his trade on Merseyside's blue half next season, with Everton's shrewd transfer dealings over the past several weeks mitigating PSR concerns.

The Toffees know all too well the dangers of breaching the Premier League's financial boundaries, having being hit with an eight-point deduction last season. Despite this, the dreaded dotted line remained safely in the distance and the Toffees avoided the depths of the division.

Fans hope to see some greater attacking intent but know that sustaining Dyche's steely base is imperative to any success, and retaining Branthwaite's services would go a long way toward achieving this.

Financial Fair Play: What is PSR, how does it work and who's in trouble?

PSR has been a hot topic of debate this summer but what does it all mean?

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 16, 2024

Manchester United failed with a lowball £35m offer earlier this summer but recent developments suggest that a £160k-per-week contract has been agreed between the Red Devils and the player.

However, Everton are holding out for much, much more, serving as a glowing representation of Branthwaite's rise to the forefront of the defensive game.

Jarrad Branthwaite's market value in 2024

A veritable wall at 6 foot 5, Branthwaite played an instrumental role in Everton's successful 2023/24 campaign, forging a rock-sold partnership with James Tarkowski and keeping 12 clean sheets across 35 Premier League matches.

1. William Saliba

18

2. David Raya

16

3. Gabriel

15

4. Jordan Pickford

14

4= James Tarkowski

14

4= Ben White

14

4= Martin Odegaard

14

8. Jarrad Branthwaite

12

9. Manuel Akanji

11

9= James Garner

11

9= Rodri

11

He also ranked among the top 20% of centre-backs in the English top flight last season for tackles, the top 15% for interceptions and the top 18% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref, backing up the claim of talent scout Jacek Kulig that he is an "absolute monster".

If that's not enough, the England international also came out on top in 68% of his contested duels, making 5.9 ball recoveries per game to emphasise his robust athleticism.

This all comes together to form the archetype for a pretty brilliant defender, and it's hardly a surprise that Manchester United have a vested interest in his signature after observing such skills over the past year.

For that reason, Everton are probably justified in demanding that they are presented with an £80m proposal if they are to part with their talent. That's quite the fee for a player who arrived from Carlisle United in 2020.

That lofty valuation actually marks Branthwaite as five times more valuable than the earlier-mentioned Philogene, who is a highly sought-over talent in the Premier League right now.

This shows just how good Everton's prized defender really is. The outfit's record sale still stands as Man United's £75m signing of Romelu Lukaku in 2017, and there's a good chance that Branthwaite could pip the Belgium to top spot with a move to Old Trafford.

Everton won't want to sell their jewel, but regardless, Branthwaite is truly one of the glittering gems on the Premier League scene – his club have hit the jackpot and then some, whatever happens next.

Everton have already hit gold on a star who's now worth more than Gnonto

He’s been exceptional since his move to Goodison Park.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 7, 2024

Chelsea's top transfer target for the 2024 summer window has been revealed as a £100,00-a-week playmaker, according to reports.

Chelsea transfer rumours

A new era at Chelsea began last week when the Blues announced Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with the Italian putting pen to paper on a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge, which includes the option of a further year.

Chelsea want £30m signing who Palmer thinks is going to be "world-class"

The Blues are one of several Premier League sides battling for his signature.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 10, 2024

The Italian has replaced Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout after the Argentine finished 6th in the Premier League last season and did not win any silverware. Despite Maresca only joining the club officially last week, work has already begun behind the scenes on the transfer front.

The capital outfit have signed Tosin Adarabioyo to a four-year deal following a free transfer from Fulham but he is not expected to be the only player through the door at Stamford Bridge this summer. Chelsea would reportedly like to sign Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich in the current window.

Elsewhere, the Blues are said to be eyeing a move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. And, in a potentially huge deal, Chelsea are reportedly set to make an offer for Manchester City's Julian Alvarez in the next few days.

Chelsea chiefs' main target is now £100,000-p/w star

However, one the main players tipped to make a move to west London this summer has been Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise. Chelsea's interest in the English-born talent is well documented at this point, with reports last week claiming director Joe Shields is the main "cheerleader" behind a move for the Eagles star, while new manager Maresca is apparently also hoping a transfer can be completed.

Now, there has been a fresh update on Chelsea's interest in the 22-year-old. The update comes via GIVEMESPORT, who report that Olise is now the club's top target for the 2024 summer transfer window.

Olise, who is currently earning £100,000-a-week on a contract which runs until 2027, moved to Selhurst Park from Reading in 2021 and has earned high praise during his time in east London. Ex-Palace boss Roy Hodgson heaped praise on Olise after he created three goals for his teammates in Palace’s win at Elland Road last year.

“In the first-half he was a figure on the right but he wasn’t creating chances or showing aggression in his play. In the second-half he got it all right in both defence and attack and he showed what a wonderful player he is," said Hodgson.

“I have seen him for 10 days less than I have seen the others. What I make of him is that I think he is an enormous talent – he has got a great possibility to have a wonderful career and a wonderful future. We can only hope we at Crystal Palace can give him that platform.”

This past season, meanwhile, saw the winger excel under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, netting 10 and assisting nine in 19 league appearances.

Michael Olise 2023/24 Premier League stats
Goals	10
Assists	9
xG	5.5
xA	5.8
Shot creating actions	82
Stats via FBREF

Such fine form has seen the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United also showing interest on Olise, but the report from GMS claims Chelsea believe that they hold an advantage over other clubs in the race for the wide-man's signature.

The Mumbai Indians batsman is happy he was able to “finish the game” against the Royal Challengers Bangalore

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Oct-2020

Suryakumar Yadav gestures after leading Mumbai Indians home•BCCI

“Suryakumar Yadav from Mumbai to watch out for in future!”That’s part of a tweet from Rohit Sharma, circa 2011. Since then, Yadav spent two years with the Mumbai Indians, then five with the Kolkata Knight Riders, and, since 2018, he’s back with the Mumbai Indians. Cameos have been aplenty, runs have flowed at different periods of his IPL career, but the one thing that was missing in his game was the ability to finish the matches that he helped set up. Till now.After hitting an unbeaten match-winning 43-ball 79 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore – that took his team to 16 points after 12 games – Yadav said it was overcoming that deficiency, of not being there till the end in chases, that gave him the most joy in Wednesday’s win, and that it was something that had been discussed in the camp before the season began too.”When we started the tournament, the team management and Rohit came to me and said ‘you have played enough cricket now, it’s high time now you take the game deep, and bat as long as possible; it provides a good platform for the team and even it will be good for yourself’,” Yadav told host broadcaster Star Sports after the match. “So I badly wanted to do it and I’m very happy with that.”I was looking to finish the game since a long time. And sitting back in the [hotel] room I was thinking how do I do it? So I wanted to learn what my game is exactly, and just go out there and finish the game for the team.”Yadav, who scored 512 and 424 runs in the IPL in 2018 and in 2019 respectively, and is on course for another 400-plus season, however, has not played for India yet. And he did not make either the 16-man ODI squad or the 15-man T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. Yadav chose not to bring up the topic, but Kieron Pollard, leading the Mumbai Indians in Sharma’s injury-enforced absence, wasn’t going to ignore the elephant in the room.”Imagine you have someone who bats at that strike rate, especially when you lose an early wicket because he comes at No. 3. Time and time again, no matter the situation he continues to show the class of a player he is,” Pollard said. “Deep down inside, he must be very disappointed not getting to don the blue for India but I’m sure he’s very, very close, I’m sure.”He’s done some amazing things for us as a franchise, and the most he can do is continue to let the bat talk and score more runs for us and take us all the way. To me, he just keeps getting better. If he continues to be this consistent then at some point in time, you are going to get rewarded. Nothing happens before its time, and long may it continue for us as a franchise.”

Manchester United are set for a huge defensive overhaul during the 2024 summer transfer window.

This comes after a season which saw them concede 58 Premier League goals and 15 times in the Champions League group stage, which is the most by a Premier League side in the group stages of a Champions League campaign.

The Red Devils could let up to four defenders leave this summer. Raphael Varane has already departed the club upon the expiration of his contract, with fellow centre-backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof also potential departures. Aaron Wan-Bissaka could also leave Old Trafford if the right offer arrives.

Of course, with all of these departures, there must be incomings to balance the books and add depth to the squad. United have been heavily linked with Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich, with the former Ajax captain thought to have agreed terms with the Red Devils. They have also placed a bid for exciting young French defender Leny Yoro, although it remains to be seen if he will pick United over Real Madrid.

However, there is another name on INEOS' list of potential centre-backs, and they have been heavily linked with this player during the entire transfer window.

Man Utd target Premier League defender

The player in question here is, of course, Everton and England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. After a superb season with the Toffees in 2023/24, the defender has been linked with a move to Old Trafford regularly this summer.

Now, according to a report from Graeme Bailey, the Red Devils are currently 'working on making' a third bid for the defender. This comes after United had two previous offers, the most recent one worth around £50m, rejected by the Toffees for the talented England star.

However, despite a tough negotiation at the moment, it might not all be plain sailing for United when it comes to doing a deal for Branthwaite this summer.

Manchester City could challenge their biggest rivals in a bid to bring Branthwaite to the blue side of Manchester instead.

In terms of a price for Branthwaite, Everton have been firm in their stance that he is worth around £80m, in line with deals for Josko Gvardiol and Wesley Fofana. Bailey confirms that United are preparing their third bid, with internal talks finalising 'what level they will come in at' to try and sign the young defender.

Why Branthwaite would be a good signing

Branthwaite was a pivotal player under Sean Dyche for Everton last season. The 22-year-old played 35 Premier League games for the Toffees, helping to keep an impressive 12 clean sheets and chipped in with three goals, including one in the Merseyside Derby, backing up the claim of scout Jacek Kulig that he is an "absolute monster".

He is highly rated by those close to Old Trafford, including one of Erik ten Hag’s soon-to-be coaches, and the club’s legendary striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Dutchman managed Branthwaite at PSV two seasons ago, when the young defender had a loan spell at the Dutch side. Van Nistelrooy called Branthwaite a “great talent”, before explaining that he is a “very complete” centre-back.

Should United sign Branthwaite, he may not just become a superb option for Ten Hag at centre-back, but also at left-back, allowing him tactical flexibility and more depth. This would be bad news for £150k-per-week earner Luke Shaw who is the Red Devils’ first-choice in that position. He has struggled with injuries, and having a player like Branthwaite could be an excellent alternative to the England international.

As is the current tactical trend at the moment, Ten Hag could choose to set up in a 3-2-5 system when his side have the ball. With Branthaite at left-back, it could be the case that he tucks into left centre-back when United are in possession, a role he has superb attributes for. Football analyst H also explained that he believes the 22-year-old is “capable of playing” on the left side and tucking into centre-back with the ball.

He is an excellent wide defender, able to use his long stride to cover wide spaces with ease. This is also somewhat reflected in his stats on Sofascore, averaging 5.2 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, as well as winning 2.5 ground duels each game. He is also a wonderful box defender, which could come in handy at left-back especially when defending the far post.

Ball recoveries

5.2

Tackles

1.9

Interceptions

1.4

Aerial duels

2.7

Ground duels

2.5

Clearances

4.5

One issue with Branthwaite playing left-back ahead of Shaw means that the former Southampton man would not be able to strike up his successful partnership with Marcus Rashford. Over the years, the pair have formed a brilliant understanding, and Shaw is deadly on the overlap as Rashford operates in the left half-space.

Rashford discussed his and Shaw’s partnership in 2021, describing that the things they do on the left-hand side are “simple but they’re effective”, before explaining that he thinks the pair are a “threat” when operating together on that left-hand side.

However, with Branthwaite operating at left-back, it would mean that Rashford does not have that overlap from Shaw, or indeed from any left-back, and has to hold the width on the left himself. This is not Rashford’s best role, and he would be better utilised in the left-half space with a flying full-back.

With that being said, it could be necessary for some games to play the Everton man at left-back, and Ten Hag can lean on that aforementioned tactical flexibility to help him get through games and make his side better equipped to beat the best sides.

Whilst it may be an expensive deal to do, Branthwiate could be at the heart of the United defence for the next ten years. He is a wonderful player, as shown by his stats and well-rated by the likes of van Nistelrooy. It could be a superb addition to United’s centre-back ranks this summer.

Better than Branthwaite: Man Utd plot bid for "monster" CB on top of Yoro

This would be a colossal statement of intent from INEOS.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 9, 2024

Leeds United missed out on promotion to the Premier League in one of the worst ways possible last month as they were beaten in the play-off final at Wembley.

An entire season of effort culminated in a drab 1-0 defeat to Southampton, thanks to a first-half goal from Adam Armstrong, and the Whites must now prepare for a second year in the Championship.

Head coach Daniel Farke will look back on the 2023/24 campaign and identify ways to improve his side to ensure that they do not fall short for a second time.

Georginio Rutter

16.05

7

-9.05

Patrick Bamford

11.11

8

-3.11

Joe Rodon

2.51

0

-2.51

Ethan Ampadu

2.31

0

-2.31

Mateo Joseph

2.43

1

-1.43

As you can see in the table above, three of his strikers underperformed against their xG and two of them, Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter, significantly underperformed – by a combined 12.16 xG.

Therefore, the German boss could dip into the market to bolster his attack during the summer transfer window, which officially opened for business earlier this month.

Work on that front already appears to be underway as the West Yorkshire side have been linked with an interest in a forward from the Bundesliga.

Leeds United battling to sign £12m attacker

According to the printed edition of The Sunday Mirror (23/06/24), as relayed by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are one of the sides battling to sign Bayer Leverkusen ace Adam Hlozek this summer.

The report claims that the Whites and Premier League outfit West Ham United are just two of the teams keeping tabs on his situation with the Bundesliga champions.

It states that the versatile forward is set to move on from Xabi Alonso's side before the 2024/25 campaign and Farke is seemingly looking to take advantage of that with a swoop for his services over the coming weeks.

The outlet reveals that Leverkusen are prepared to demand a fee within the region of £12m for the Czechia international, who is currently competing for his country at the 2024 European Championship.

It now remains to be seen, however, whether or not Leeds are willing to offer the £12m that is apparently required to secure his services before the end of the transfer window, or if the player is keen on dropping down from the first division in Germany to the second tier in England.

If they can secure a deal to sign him, though, then they could land an exciting partner for Rutter in the final third next season in the Championship.

Georginio Rutter's creative brilliance for Leeds

As illustrated in the xG table earlier, the French youngster endured an incredibly poor campaign in front of goal with his wasteful finishing for the Whites.

There is no hiding away from the fact that Rutter must improve his finishing quality next year as he spurned far too many high-quality opportunities for Farke's side.

However, the 22-year-old magician did do a lot of brilliant work in possession when it came to creating chances for other players to find the back of the net.

The former Hoffenheim starlet ended the season with a staggering 15 assists and 22 'big chances' created in 45 league appearances for Leeds, which shows that he consistently looked to set up his teammates.

That is backed up by fantastic underlying chance creation numbers as the right-footed wizard ranked highly amongst his positional peers in the division.

Assists (0.39)

Top 2%

xAG (0.29)

Top 2%

Progressive passes (4.46)

Top 3%

Shot-creating actions (4.41)

Top 2%

Successful take-ons (3.06)

Top 1%

As you can see in the table above, he ranked among the best in his position at creating high-quality chances for his fellow attackers in the Championship.

These statistics show that the Leeds magician has the quality to constantly split open opposition defences with his creative and incisive passing from a number ten position.

This could make him an exciting partner for Hlozek at Elland Road as the young Czechia star has the potential to be a lethal finisher as well as an impressive creator in the Championship next season.

Why Leeds should sign Adam Hlozek

Firstly, he only turns 22 next month and this means that the club would be bringing in a talented young starlet with time to develop and improve throughout his time in Yorkshire.

Farke could work with the youngster, who was described as a "diamond" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, to help improve his performances on the pitch and, as a result, increase his value for the Whites to potentially make a profit on him further down the line.

Secondly, Hlozek has the finishing quality to be a reliable option for the German head coach in the final third, unlike Bamford, Joseph, and Rutter.

In his two seasons in the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, the 6 foot 1 marksman, who was dubbed "towering" by Mango, scored seven goals from an xG of 5.72 – an overperformance of 1.28.

The talented dynamo, who scored three goals in four DFB Pokal outings, has shown that he can finish at an impressive rate in a major European league, which suggests that he could be a ruthless finisher who could thrive with Rutter's creativity at Leeds.

Appearances

19

29

48

Goals

15

8

23

Assists

8

13

21

As you can see in the table above, he arrived at Leverkusen off the back of two fantastic league seasons with Sparta Prague in his home country.

Hlozek racked up a staggering 44 direct goal contributions in 48 matches and Farke could look to unlock his creative quality, with 21 of those contributions being assists, to go along with his superb finishing.

He could, therefore, be an exciting partner for Rutter at the top end of the pitch for the Whites next term as his ability in front of goal could make up for the Frenchman's struggles in that department.

He's like Grealish: Leeds could sign "dangerous" EFL star to replace Piroe

The Whites manager could stop playing the Dutchman as a number ten by signing this target.

ByDan Emery Jun 19, 2024

It is now down to the club to win the battle for his signature and bring him to Elland Road to bolster Farke's attacking options for the 2024/25 campaign.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is personally after a £30 million alternative option to striker Gabriel Jesus, and it is believed the player in question has his heart set on a move to the Premier League.

Edu and Arteta targeting new striker for this summer

Helped by sporting director Edu, the general consensus for a while has been that the north Londoners are keen to bring in a new number nine ahead of another title tussle with Man City next season.

Related Edu plans move to sign ex-Gunner with £50m Arsenal ace tipped to quit

The Gunners are ready to move.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jul 9, 2024

Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz netted 51 goals between them in all competitions last season, with the latter proving very effective in his makeshift forward role despite a slow start to his debut campaign at the Emirates.

Arsenal's top scorers in all competitions last season

Goals

Bukayo Saka

20

Leandro Trossard

17

Kai Havertz

14

Martin Odegaard

11

Gabriel Jesus

8

However, it is believed Arsenal still want a new natural striking option, and have been linked with a host of very interesting names. Reports out of Portugal recently stated that Arsenal have held talks over signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, and even Napoli star Victor Osimhen is on Edu's radar as they work their way through targets.

The Gunners attempted a deal for RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko earlier this summer, as widely reported by reliable media sources, but the Slovenia star instead decided to sign a new contract with his current club.

After failing in their pursuit of Sesko, Edu is rumoured to have been working on different striker targets since. Ajax star Brian Brobbey, who scored 22 goals and assisted 12 more in all competitions last season, is on the Gunners' list.

The 22-year-old's impressive season in the Eredivisie earned him a call-up to the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, where he will soon face off against England in the semi-finals on Wednesday evening.

Arteta personally wants Brobbey at Arsenal

According to The Sun, Arsenal boss Arteta personally wants Brobbey as an alternative to Jesus, but Man United manager Erik ten Hag is also a real admirer of the Dutchman and considering an attempt to bring him to Old Trafford.

As a result, both sides could be set for a tug-of-war over Brobbey, amid claims he'll cost around £30 million to prise away from Amsterdam. Taking into account the forward's impressive goal tally, £30m could be seen as a bargain price, leaving little wonder both Arteta and ten Hag go head-to-head for Brobbey's services.

"Because he is so fast and strong, he was very annoying for the defenders of PSV and dangerous for Ajax," said former striker Pierre van Hooijdonk after Brobbey's performance against PSV Eindhoven in the KNVB Cup final last year.

"Leave Brobbey alone. In my eyes, he should always play. Otherwise, Ajax will have too many attackers who want the ball in their feet and the team will be too predictable."

The Arsenal star had struggled in the build-up to this fixture but Sarina Wiegman kept her in the line-up and it won't have helped her confidence

When Germany's third goal went in on Friday, England could've been forgiven for feeling like the final whistle at Wembley was near. The Lionesses had been run ragged by their visitors, who looked hungry and eager to prove something under new boss Christian Wuck. Yet, any who took a glance at the big screen will have seen that full-time was nowhere near – with just 29 minutes on the clock as Germany gave themselves an almighty advantage that, despite two first half goals from Georgia Stanway, England could not claw back in a 4-3 defeat.

It was the first time the Lionesses had conceded three before the break in 10 years, a stat that underlined easily the worst defensive performance of Sarina Wiegman's tenure. Just three minutes had been played when the first went in, after an error from Leah Williamson forced Millie Bright to bring down Linda Dallmann and Giulia Gwinn scored from the spot. Not long after, Gwinn had another, easing in down the right to expose a total lack of communication in the opposition. Klara Buhl got the third, rifling a shot through Lucy Bronze's legs.

There had been some glimpses on the attack from England, namely through Alessia Russo, who had a goal pulled back for offside and also hit the post, and Georgia Stanway was able to claw some of the deficit back through two strikes before half time. However, those heroics simply papered over the cracks and allowed the scoreline to flatter the hosts.

Germany deserved to win and win big, and they should've done the latter with the chances created. Buhl and Jule Brand both let the Lionesses off the hook when they spurned big opportunities after the break, while Hannah Hampton made good saves to deny both Dallmann and Felicitas Rauch. Sara Dabritz did give the visitors a well-earned fourth before the day was over, even if the penalty she converted was harshly awarded, and then Ann-Katrin Berger handed Bronze the chance to narrow the scoreline again.

This was the first of four friendlies that England will play to close out 2024, games in which Wiegman can experiment, take a look at new players and learn more about her team ahead of the 2025 European Championships. If there was one lesson to take away from this one though, it's that the Lionesses will not be retaining their continental crown if they defend like this next summer.

GOAL rates England's players from Wembley Stadium…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Hannah Hampton (5/10):

Made a couple of good saves but also had some poor moments.

Lucy Bronze (4/10):

Caught out of position far too many times and didn't do enough to thwart Buhl when one-on-one with her for the third goal.

Millie Bright (4/10):

Easily beaten and unconvincing in several moments as part of a defence that looked discombobulated throughout.

Leah Williamson (3/10):

Played an awful pass that let Germany in for the first goal and was just generally out of sorts.

Jess Carter (4/10):

Had not played left-back for months and it showed. In that sense, it was not her fault entirely that she often just wasn't in the right spaces.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Keira Walsh (5/10):

Fine when she was on the ball but positioning off it was not connected enough with the defence.

Georgia Stanway (7/10):

Cool penalty started an England comeback and a fantastic finish continued it. One of few who emerged with credit.

Ella Toone (4/10):

Should've levelled the scores at 3-3 before the break but missed the target under little pressure. Couldn't get much more involved than that before going off at half time.

Getty Images SportAttack

Beth Mead (4/10):

Got in good space to pick up Stanway for her second goal. Was generally stifled otherwise.

Alessia Russo (6/10):

One of the few players to look good in the opening half an hour. Thumping finish was only ruled out for an offside on Stanway and then she hit the post. Worked hard and contributed well to build-up, picking out Mead for the second.

Lauren Hemp (5/10):

Plenty of endeavour but a lack of end product.

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Subs & Manager

Jess Park (5/10):

Came on at half time but struggled to really impact the game.

Alex Greenwood (5/10):

Had half an hour to make her mark but was going to take more than her second half introduction to stop the holes appearing in the defence.

Chloe Kelly (N/A):

On for the final 15 minutes but couldn't do much.

Jessica Naz (N/A):

Got less than 10 minutes in the No.9 role.

Maya Le Tissier (N/A):

Replaced Bronze in the closing stages.

Sarina Wiegman (4/10):

Friendlies are about experimenting and trying different things and so it felt bizarre to see Wiegman stick with a tried and tested XI. Worst of all, despite all these players being regulars under her, they lacked understanding and communication. To play Williamson when she is clearly out of form was also a strange decision which was instantly costly.

Manchester United are expected to sign a new teenage forward, according to reliable reporter Samuel Luckhurst.

Man Utd signing teenage gems to kick off Ratcliffe era

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are now into their first transfer window with the Red Devils, however, it looks as if some of the focus so far has been on adding to their academy ranks while exploring big-money deals for the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Joshua Zirkzee.

Talking back in March, Ratcliffe was asked about signing superstar names such as Jude Bellingham or Kylian Mbappe, but said he’d rather unearth the next player like Mbappe, with splashing the cash not seen as the solution.

“He’s a great footballer [Bellingham] but it’s not where our focus is. The solution isn’t spending a lot of money on a couple of great players. They’ve done that, if you look at the last 10 years. The first thing we need to do is get the right people in the right boxes, managing and organising the club. We must make sure we get recruitment right, such a vital part of running a football club is getting recruitment right, finding new players.

“I’d rather find the next Mbappe, rather than spend a fortune to buy success. It’s not that clever to buy Mbappe, anybody could figure that one out.”

Contact made: Man Utd chase £28k-p/w ace who can leave his club this summer

He could be available at a bargain price.

By
Ben Browning

Jun 20, 2024

The new co-owner has now said that it will take two or three summer windows to complete an Old Trafford rebuild.

"I don't think the solution is to buy an Mbappe. We are more grassroots than that. One player is not going to solve the problem at Manchester United. The first thing we need to do is build a balanced squad and ultimately maybe top it off with one or two players like Mbappe. It will take two or three summer windows to get to a better place.”

Ratcliffe’s plans to sign potential stars in the making have been taking shape recently. Man Utd have sealed deals for teenager Silva Mexes, the son of former Cardiff and West Brom striker Rob Earnshaw, and Australian James Overy, and it looks as if the club are now closing in on another academy addition.

Man Utd expected to sign teenage forward

According to The Manchester Evening News’ chief writer Luckhurst, Man Utd are closing in on the signing of Camron Mpofu from Reading. It is believed that the 15-year-old is expected to be the next teenage arrival at Carrington, with United needing to ‘navigate a thorough Premier League process before finalising a deal’.

Mpofu, who has already represented Scotland and England, will link up with United’s U16 squad to start with, and who knows, over time, he could follow in the footsteps of the likes of attackers Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford by progressing into the first team from the academy.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has stated that his side were "hungover" during their loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup final last season.

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Article continues below

• Man City lost FA Cup final last season
• Guardiola reveals players were 'hungover'
• City had just won Premier League title

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  City were rocked by city rivals United in the FA Cup final last season as the Red Devils took a two-goal lead before half-time with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. The defending champions were able to pull one goal back minutes from time but Guardiola's side were unable to get back into the game that late.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It had been suggested that City players did not have their heads in the clash during their disappointing loss as Guardiola's side had just won an intense Premier League title fight with Arsenal just five days earlier. Following City's 2-1 loss to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, the Spanish head coach has now confirmed suspicions that his players were struggling during the final last season at Wembley.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Speaking to the media after his team's first defeat since that day at Wembley, Guardiola said: "This is the news, not that we lose, but how long it has been since we lose. Of course, with the FA Cup final we were a little bit hungover, but it is good news."

  At the time of the loss, Guardiola had said: "It's my mistake – the game plan was not good. The players know it, the reason why. Tactically, it was not good. I had the feeling it was not good today. You plan a game for different positions, but didn't work – it's as simple as that."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

  The Premier League leaders will now be in action when they take on Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium on Saturday as they look to keep up their lead over Liverpool and Arsenal.

When he featured in the team sheet for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan in Mount Maunganui, Ross Taylor became the most-capped New Zealand player, with his 438th international appearance. A standing ovation from his team-mates made it “a special occasion”, and Taylor marked the occasion with a rescue act after his team was stuttering on 13 for 2.”Every time you represent your country, it’s a special moment,” Taylor said after the game. “To represent them 400-odd times and to get the record, it’s not what I play for, but it’s nice to have got it and a special occasion. Got some nice words from BJ (Watling) and the team this morning and it felt a little bit like my 100th Test [he now has 104], going out to bat today with a standing ovation. I didn’t hear what the ground announcer said, but he must have told the crowd, because I’m sure they wouldn’t have known.”Related

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Pakistan won the toss, chose to field, and Shaheen Afridi sent back Tom Latham and Tom Blundell with just 13 runs on the board. Taylor then shared a 120-run stand with Kane Williamson for the third wicket. He brought up his half-century off 127 balls and added another 20 off 24 before becoming Afridi’s third victim. New Zealand ended the day with 222 for 3 in 87 overs, not quite able to break free but denying the Pakistanis wickets, though dropped catches made it worse for them.”It was difficult early on and you expect that on the day-one wicket. It definitely flattened out but probably a little bit two paced at times,” Taylor said. “I am sure it going to be bit more uneven in the next couple of days with the wind and whatnot. The way I and Kane got through that it was nice and pleasing. But you’ve got to give it to Shaheen as he bowled outstandingly well and [Mohammad] Abbas really didn’t give us much. So I had to either try and take them on or just try and get through it, and that’s the plan we had.”Comparing the Pakistan bowlers to the West Indians, who had visited recently, Taylor said, “They [Pakistan] were a lot more disciplined and got the ball in good areas for a lot longer. West Indies, they did bowl well at times but weren’t as consistent as this lot (who are) probably a little bit more experienced.”When Yasir Shah was bowling, we were on our toes. Quite often the spinners in New Zealand don’t bowl much on day one or at all, so it shows what type of wicket it is. Obviously, we are happy with where we are at 222 for 3 and would have taken that at the start of the day. But it’s how we how we turn up tomorrow and get through that first hour or two that really dictates how good a day this really was.”Yasir Shah is a world-class bowler and even the way he bowled today, just trying to get through his overs, pick and choose his moments when he tried to attack… We’ve got a bit of luck and we’re fortunate to get through that stage. But he’s definitely going to play a big part tomorrow and whenever we bat again.”