Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand had plenty of praise for Daniel James despite the club’s disappointing 1-1 draw against 10 men Southampton.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side failed to end their miserable form of late though the young Welshman did everything he could to win all three points.
James got United going by scoring a fantastic effort to give his side the lead but unfortunately they failed to build on it.
The sensational winger has been in the limelight of late for a negative reason as some accused him of diving.
It’s obviously a shame given how James has scored three goals in four appearances and Ferdinand has certainly chosen to focus on the positives.
Ferdinand on Daniel James: “This kid today, he was the shining light in this team. He was the guy they went to for any kind of inspiration or any type of threat on goal, came through this guy. Yes he makes mistakes, he’s young. That’s going to happen.” #mufc [BT]
Daniel James served as Manchester United’s only real shining light during a pitiful 1-1 draw with Southampton at St Mary’s.
The 21-year-old, signed from Swansea City over the summer, claimed his third goal in four league games through a fizzing strike into the top far corner.
While other Man United players receded into their shells as the game went on, James simply kept coming, burning down that left-hand side and supplying excellent crosses which nobody managed to get on the end of.
His numbers from the game tell the story of a player who was, from start to finish, looking to make things happen.
Daniel James’ first half by numbers vs. Southampton:
3 shots (3 on target)
2/2 tackles won
1 big chance created
1 goal
The immaturity of this United attack does not escape James, who made a few naive decisions on the ball, but at least the Welshman displayed some actual hunger whilst making those mistakes. There was, at least, a concrete idea behind it all.
Time and time again, James shot forward – sometimes jinking inside, sometimes putting on the burners and heading for the touchline. With him on the ball it felt as if openings were possible, whereas others like Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard only found dead ends.
There is, you suspect, a reason behind why United’s best three players, once again, were the ones who had signed this summer.
Manchester United fans were right to be concerned with Paul Pogba’s fitness after he was spotted limping out of Southampton’s stadium.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men could only muster up a disappointing 1-1 draw against their 10-men opponents with some supporters even criticising the sensational Frenchman’s performance.
It wasn’t a good day for several of the United players with only Daniel James standing out as he grabbed the game’s opener.
Despite the criticism levelled at Pogba, he is a crucial player for Solskjaer and the team’s midfield is significantly weaker without his presence.
There’s now an international break so hopefully France don’t risk playing him if he is badly injured.
In truth Pogba’s new role this season has hampered his performances a little although his teammates have also not been at their best.
Solskjaer has played the former Juventus man as part of a holding pair of midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 meaning fans don’t see him do what he does best which is essentially beating his man.
There have been calls for Pogba to be played as Manchester United’s number ten as supporters feel he would be absolutely devastating in such a role.
However, that would rely on Solskjaer’s other options stepping up and unfortunately there’s not much depth in midfield.
Manchester United fans have reacted furiously to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s post-match interview after the disappointing 1-1 draw with 10-men Southampton.
The legendary Norwegian’s first full season in charge has gotten off to a rocky start despite the initial 4-0 destruction of Chelsea.
Since that first match, United have gone on to draw with Wolves, lose to Crystal Palace and tie with Southampton.
Fans are already beginning to lose their patience with some calling for Solskjaer’s head as frustrations continue to grow.
Speaking after the match the former Molde man had explained there isn’t actually a dip in form but rather a dip in results, insisting his players’ performances have been good but the results haven’t shown that.
The international break couldn’t have come at a better time for Manchester United who will be hoping they can gather themselves properly and get going in a few weeks time.
Solskjaer may be saying some bizarre things in press conferences and refusing to blame his players but surely inwardly he’ll be furious himself.
A bigger concern is how quickly United looked tired despite undergoing a full pre-season under his management.
It’s difficult to explain just why Solskjaer’s team’s form has dipped so badly since his permanent appointment.
David de Gea5 – Only made one meaningful save, only for a similar header to beat him seconds later.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7 – Another commanding display from the right-back, who kept Sofiane Boufal out of the game with clever positioning and perfectly timed tackles.
Victor Lindelof 5 – Seemed a bit skittish with the ball at various points and was comprehensively beaten in the air for Southampton’s equaliser – something which better body positioning could have prevented.
Harry Maguire 6 – The Englishman’s passing into midfield towards the start was crucial to United’s early dominance, and his basic defending was solid as usual, but the useful work on the ball halted as the game went on.
Ashley Young 5 – Started the game solidly, winning anything near him, but found himself caught out of position too often in the second half.
Scott McTominay6 – One of United’s better players, displaying good urgency in the middle and laying on the assist for Daniel James. Could have been more positive with his passing.
Paul Pogba 5 – When the Frenchman struggles, United struggle as a whole. For whatever reason, Pogba was not aligned with the pace of the game at all, and almost always made the wrong decision when in possession.
Andreas Pereira6 – Quietly went about his business well, pressing hard from a midfield position, but was largely ineffectual with the ball.
Daniel James 7 – United’s best player by a mile. Took Cedric Soares on throughout the game, bamboozling the Portuguese with his low centre of gravity and ridiculous speed, and scored a wonderful goal – his third in four games.
Juan Mata6 – Started the game very brightly, creating chances with clever little passes, only to fade as the game went on.
Marcus Rashford4 – Genuinely one of the worst performances from Rashford in a United shirt. The ball appeared to bounce off him whenever it touched his boot, and his presence in the box as a goalscorer was nonexistent, which in turn handed impetus to the home side.
Manchester United plan to release Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Lee Grant next summer alongside potentially letting Ashley Young‘s contract run down, according to reports.
Young, who is now 34, received a contract extension until 2020 last season – much to the disgruntlement of many Man United supporters.
Fosu-Mensah has spent the last two campaigns on loan at Crystal Palace and Fulham respectively, picking up a severe knee injury whilst at the latter, while Grant, 36, was signed for free as a reserve keeper last summer.
According to Manchester Evening News, United plan to let Fosu-Mensah and Grant leave for free next summer, and will consider doing the same with Young.
#mufc are expected to release Fosu-Mensah and Grant next summer. Young could also leave. It's unclear if the club will take up Matic's one year option #mulive [men]
Most supporters will immediately declare that Young, quite simply, cannot be at Old Trafford next season. The idea of United handing another extension to someone who is 35 next summer, at a time when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to blood a young team, makes very little sense.
Fosu-Mensah, on the other hand, perhaps deserves more time before being bumped off for free. Last season saw him struggle on the pitch and then pick up a bad knee injury, but his campaign at Palace the campaign before was deeply encouraging.
There is a player there, no doubt. It would be a shame to see him succeed elsewhere.
Mason Greenwood has travelled with the Manchester United squad to Southampton and could start the game at St Mary’s, according to a report.
The 17-year-old, who made his senior debut at the Parc des Princes in March, impressed supporters more than any other player during the club’s pre-season tour.
Following Anthony Martial‘s injury, along with Alexis Sanchez following Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only has a select few options in attack.
According to Manchester Evening News, there is a genuine chance of Greenwood starting the game.
Greenwood is in contention to start against Southampton. He and Chong have travelled with the #mufc squad #mulive [men]
Greenwood has so far featured from the bench this season, but as Solskjaer has emphasised on several occasions, the teenager is more than ready.
His performance against Cardiff City in May, after all, was the only one which did not belong in a dustbin, and after a performance as paltry in attacking terms as the one against Crystal Palace, an injection of the Englishman’s raw fearlessness, the kind you only have when your career is yet to truly begin, would not only make sense but perhaps be rendered necessary by Solskjaer.
Greenwood will be starting games for United in the Premier League sooner rather than later. St Mary’s seems like the ideal time to start.
Following on from last weekend’s maiden Premier League victory of the season at Norwich, Chelsea now have the opportunity to build momentum ahead of the international break with a win over another newly-promoted side in Sheffield United.
Victory at Carrow Road, whilst also handing Frank Lampard his first win as Chelsea boss, was a crucial stepping stone in the fledgeling careers of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham who both got themselves on the scoresheet.
Abraham had previously come under scrutiny for failing to impose himself at the forefront of Chelsea’s attack, but with a match-winning brace to now show for his efforts the 21-year-old has all the confidence he needs to kick on and stake his claim for a more regular starting berth.
Mount, on the other hand, continued to repay Lampard’s faith in him by netting his second goal in as many games, a promising run of form that has now seen the midfielder called up to the senior England set-up for friendlies against Bulgaria and Kosovo.
Sheffield United have shown few signs of defensive fragility thus far, but with goals seemingly hard to come by they may well come unstuck against more clinical opposition.
A disheartening late collapse at home to Leicester could well enact a more pragmatic approach from Chris Wilder, who has persisted with his unorthodox ball playing system which encourages United’s centre-halves to make overlapping runs, but with Chelsea themselves unsettled at the back there is no reason for the Blades not to fancy picking up points this weekend.
Manchester United take on Southampton at St Mary’s in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men look to bounce back from losing to Crystal Palace.
Goals from Andre Ayew and Patrick van Aanholt consigned Man United to their first defeat of the season and cast serious questions over the maturity of this current side.
But with Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez both at Inter Milan, along with Anthony Martial being injured, the young attacking players have to show greater cutting edge.
With that in mind, here is how we think United will line up for Saturday’s meeting with the Saints.
There were times against Crystal Palace when it seemed as if some players were… scared. Not the same kind of fear engendered by Jose Mourinho or Louis van Gaal, who demanded discipline above all, but more a kind of internal cooling system preventing players from passing with risk, from making daring runs, from shooting, even.
Solskjaer wants his players to attack and play with aggression but, against a low block at home, the team does not seem fully knowledgeable of how to do that exactly.
Enter, Mason Greenwood.
Reports have claimed that the youngster could start up-front and, despite being just 17, his presence could actually help others play with greater maturity.
Greenwood is an explosive player, one who plays with that special kind of zeal which only unblooded youngsters have, and that type of energy leading the line could be what makes the front six move a little faster, with a little less compunction.
This Solskjaer system, like most systems involving individuals, only works if the people fully believe in it. Last Saturday, that belief did not appear to be fully there. But Greenwood has it. He knows no other way.
Manchester United have confirmed that Chris Smalling has completed a season-long loan move to AS Roma.
The Englishman, who has made 323 appearances for the club, is no longer viewed as a starting option like he was under both Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal, both of whom highly rated the defender despite fans feeling differently.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not played Smalling in any of United’s opening three games as he seeks to cement the defensive partnership of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, with Axel Tuanzebe as third choice.
The club confirmed on Friday evening that Smalling, or ‘Mike Smalldini’, had indeed secured a move to Italy.
Confirmation of @ChrisSmalling's loan move to AS Roma until June 2020. Good luck, Chris!
Italy is, of course, a place where defending is venerated more than any other major country, a place where the greats like Cafu and Fabio Cannavaro go to cement their status as titans of the game.
And now, enter Smalling. You Romans thought you knew gladiators, but you never knew the vegan boy from Maidstone who will, no doubt, snap Romelu Lukaku’s ankle at some point this season. Until now.
Supporters, on the whole, approved of the move, which forms part of a wider revamp engendered by Solskjaer.
If you told me that Ole would come in and get rid of Darmian, Smalling, Alexis, Lukaku, Herrera, Valencia, drop/replace Phil Jones, drop/replace Ashley Young I’d have thought it was a dream. We haven’t had the replacements but we’re without a doubt heading in the right direction.
• Chris Smalling → Roma
• Phil Jones dropped
• Marcos Rojo dropped
• Ashley Young benched
• Matteo Darmian → Parma
• Nemanja Matic benched
• Marouane Fellaini → LNTS
• Juan Mata benched
• Alexis Sanchez → Inter
• Romelu Lukaku → Inter
Matteo Darmian will complete a permanent move to Parma worth €1.5m following a medical on Saturday, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian was initially touted for a loan move to Serie A, with clubs such as Juventus and Napoli both reportedly interested.
Darmian, who did not feature once during pre-season, has only made 90 appearances over four seasons at United, managing just seven in all competitions last term.
Romano, a reliable source, confirmed along with several other sources on Friday that a permanent move to Parma had been agreed and that a medical would take place tomorrow.
Parma are going to buy Matteo Darmian from Man United for €1,5M. No more loan. He’s ready to sign his contract to come back to Italy. #MUFC#Parma#transfers
Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, Chris Smalling, and now Darmian. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer resolved to clear out players who needed to be moved on and Italy has turned out to be quite the useful dumping ground.
More seriously, though, this is a move which is long overdue. It could have happened two years ago and would have felt right.
Not to discredit Darmian – utterly professional throughout, not producing one controversial headline, there to do a job when needed to. That performance in the Europa League final to shut down Ajax’s left hand side was an Italian masterclass.
At a club like United, however, you cannot have baggage. Darmian is exactly that. He, along with many others, must be moved on if this club is to move forward.
Chris Smalling has been pictured undergoing his medical in Rome ahead of joining AS Roma on a season-long loan.
The Englishman, who was considered indispensable by Jose Mourinho, has not featured in the Premier League so far this season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opting for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as his defensive duo.
Solskjaer confirmed on Friday that Smalling had flown to Italy after it was agreed that the defender would not be a starting player this season.
Pictures have emerged of a smiling Smalling in Rome ahead of the move being officially announced.
Matteo Darmian is also set to complete a move to Parma on a permanent transfer for around £1.2m, while Marcos Rojo was also touted for a move away, although this appears to have fallen through.
Either way, shifting Smalling to Italy – following in the footsteps of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez – further reinforces the notion that Solskjaer, piece by piece, is dismantling the ‘deadwood’ in this team to lay the platform for something fresher, something which nods towards the future.
Smalling’s departure means that United only have 15 players who are over the age of 21, which will mean that during a season potentially consisting of over 50 games, youngsters – not just Mason Greenwood and Axel Tuanzebe, but less coveted names like James Garner and Brandon Williams, too – face the challenge of needing to deliver straight away.
Your form couldn't be saved. Please try again later.
What now?
Check Your Email
Sign up and receive the activation email. Remember to check your spam folder.
Activate
Confirm your sign up by clicking “Activate My Email” button in the email you received.
Receive Offers
Sit back and relax. We’ll take care of the rest. You will start receiving weekly exclusive offers!
Privacy Notice
The privacy of our subscribers (‘you’) matters to us. This Privacy Notice explains how and why your personal data is collected, used, consulted or otherwise processed when you decide to subscribe for the bonusninjas & OfferStation newsletter.
This Privacy Notice applies to your personal data processing on this website, and not to data processing that may occur on any other services or web sites. The owner of this website and the data controller of data processed is (‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) :
When you decide to subscribe for the Newsletter on this website, you are required to fill in the subscription form by typing your first name and email address.
Beside the above mentioned data that you reveal to us voluntarily, we are also aware of your prefered language, which depends on the website source the form originates from.
If you wish to find out more about the processing of other personal data concerning you that may occur when you browse our website, please read the website Privacy Policy.
Purpose of processing. Lawful basis
We use the information you give us to send you marketing emails that might be interesting to you.
We will only use your information for the stated purpose if you expressly consent to it. You can withdraw your consent at any time, which is explained in this Notice under the section about your rights.
How we protect your data
We only process data that we really need for the explained purpose. We are tending to keep your data up to date and to store them securely. We do not process your data for period longer than it is necessary for the purposes for which data is processed.
We use technical and organizational measures in accordance with good industry practice to secure your information.
Sharing and transferring of your data
Your data are shared with and transferred to the Oracle Corporation, which is the provider of the Eloqua marketing automation tool that we use to facilitate email marketing activities. The Oracle Corporation is certificated under the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, which guarantees that adequate data protection standards are in place when your data are transferred.
Your rights
Since we are EU based company, processing of your data falls under the scope of the GDPR. Under the GDPR you are entitled to:
object to our use and processing of your personal data;
request access to your personal data;
request correction or deletion of your personal data;
request portability of your personal data and
request that we limit our use and processing of your personal data.
If you feel that your rights regarding data processing are violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority. Taking into account that we are Denmark based company, you may contact Danish Data Protection Agency as well: Datatilsynet, Borgergade 28, 5, DK-1300 Copenhagen K; email: dt@datatilsynet.dk
Endnotes
This Privacy Notice is effective from 25th of May 2018 and may be modified from time-to-time.
If we make essential modifications to the Privacy Notice, you will be properly notified in advance, so that you can review changes before they become effective. Essential modifications might be necessary if we, for instance, we launch new services, deploy new technologies and process your data for new purposes.
Unai Emery has been asked whether he will play Nicolas Pepe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Nicolas Pepe together against Spurs on Sunday.
It’s the first North London Derby of the season with Arsenal ready to throw a host of new players into the fixture for the first time.
David Luiz and Dani Ceballos will presumably start on Sunday but there are doubts about Nicolas Pepe.
The Ivorian started against Liverpool last weekend and fans are eager to see the former Lille man in action alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette from the off. This is something which Unai Emery spoke about in his pre-match press conference.
“Yes, but be calm. My decision in each moment is thinking about how we are,” Emery said.
“Lacazette he had a problem with his ankle This week is the best week of the last three weeks. He’s getting better and feeling better with his ankle, it’s very positive.
“With Pepe, he came here later than the others but he is getting and feeling better in each match. Aubameyang is very important for us, he scores two goals in the first two matches, he had two or three good actions in Liverpool.
“I think they can start together and they can play also during the match as all three, it depends how we decide our gameplan. But I am very optimistic for that situation, but not also those three players, also Nelson, Mkhitaryan, Willock, Ozil.
“We need to be able to make the best decisions, but above all, to have different possibilities with the players.”
It would be a surprise if the strike force dubbed the PAL didn’t all start on Sunday. The trio has had some time on the pitch together in recent weeks and could be thrown into the mix from the off. Let’s hope that is the case because it should make for an exciting attack.
Your form couldn't be saved. Please try again later.
What now?
Check Your Email
Sign up and receive the activation email. Remember to check your spam folder.
Activate
Confirm your sign up by clicking “Activate My Email” button in the email you received.
Receive Offers
Sit back and relax. We’ll take care of the rest. You will start receiving weekly exclusive offers!
Privacy Notice
The privacy of our subscribers (‘you’) matters to us. This Privacy Notice explains how and why your personal data is collected, used, consulted or otherwise processed when you decide to subscribe for the bonusninjas & OfferStation newsletter.
This Privacy Notice applies to your personal data processing on this website, and not to data processing that may occur on any other services or web sites. The owner of this website and the data controller of data processed is (‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) :
When you decide to subscribe for the Newsletter on this website, you are required to fill in the subscription form by typing your first name and email address.
Beside the above mentioned data that you reveal to us voluntarily, we are also aware of your prefered language, which depends on the website source the form originates from.
If you wish to find out more about the processing of other personal data concerning you that may occur when you browse our website, please read the website Privacy Policy.
Purpose of processing. Lawful basis
We use the information you give us to send you marketing emails that might be interesting to you.
We will only use your information for the stated purpose if you expressly consent to it. You can withdraw your consent at any time, which is explained in this Notice under the section about your rights.
How we protect your data
We only process data that we really need for the explained purpose. We are tending to keep your data up to date and to store them securely. We do not process your data for period longer than it is necessary for the purposes for which data is processed.
We use technical and organizational measures in accordance with good industry practice to secure your information.
Sharing and transferring of your data
Your data are shared with and transferred to the Oracle Corporation, which is the provider of the Eloqua marketing automation tool that we use to facilitate email marketing activities. The Oracle Corporation is certificated under the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, which guarantees that adequate data protection standards are in place when your data are transferred.
Your rights
Since we are EU based company, processing of your data falls under the scope of the GDPR. Under the GDPR you are entitled to:
object to our use and processing of your personal data;
request access to your personal data;
request correction or deletion of your personal data;
request portability of your personal data and
request that we limit our use and processing of your personal data.
If you feel that your rights regarding data processing are violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority. Taking into account that we are Denmark based company, you may contact Danish Data Protection Agency as well: Datatilsynet, Borgergade 28, 5, DK-1300 Copenhagen K; email: dt@datatilsynet.dk
Endnotes
This Privacy Notice is effective from 25th of May 2018 and may be modified from time-to-time.
If we make essential modifications to the Privacy Notice, you will be properly notified in advance, so that you can review changes before they become effective. Essential modifications might be necessary if we, for instance, we launch new services, deploy new technologies and process your data for new purposes.
Arsenal have learned their opponents for the Europa League group stage after the draw was made in Monaco this afternoon (via Arsenal.com).
It’s not long before European football gets back underway with Arsenal hoping to go one better in the Europa League this year.
The Gunners lost last season’s final in Baku but will be hoping to lift the crown, their first piece of European silverware in decades.
The group stage draw was made in Monaco this afternoon and the Gunners learned who will they be facing in this season’s competition.
Arsenal were drawn in Group F alongside Eintracht Frankfurt, Standard Liege, and the Portuguese side Vitoria.
Frankfurt are the standout side in the group but Arsenal haven’t faced the German club in a competitive match which will make for an interesting trip for fans.
It’s a pleasing draw. The matches against Frankfurt will be tough affairs but aside from that, the Gunners should progress from this group with ease. Let’s hope that they can go one better than last season in this competition and lift that elusive piece of European silverware.
Not many experts or former pros feature Manchester United too highly in their Premier League predictions. In fact the Red Devils are at their biggest odds ever to win the title this season with most bookmakers pricing them at 40/1.
Of the £1.41 billion spent by all Premier League clubs this season, Manchester United have splurged £145 million in their bid to return to the top four. Can their new signings give them the boost they need to improve on last season’s shocking collapse of form? Read on to find out.
Harry Maguire,£80 million fromLeicester City
In late May 2012 Harry Maguire sat hunched over on the Wembley turf, disconsolate after seeing his side lose on penalties in the League One play-off final against Huddersfield Town. Despite scoring from the spot in the shoot-out, Maguire was forced to watch on as his goalkeeper Steve Simonsen blazed the decisive kick high over the bar.
At that exact moment Harry Maguire thought that his dream of playing in the Championship was over. Fast-forward seven years though and the burly centre-back has played in a World Cup semi-final and become the most expensive defender in history.
His rise to the top is testament to his phenomenal perseverance and undoubted ability. Along the ways the stars have aligned perfectly for Maguire, with his rise coinciding with a time when ball playing centre-backs are in vogue as well as in shortage.
For United he will bring a level of quality and organisation that the defence has not seen since the last days of Sir Alex Ferguson. Aerially he is a threat from set-pieces, but the biggest attribute he can bring to his new employers is his ability to carry the ball out of defence.
Time and time again United struggled to break down stubborn opposition last season. Maguire’s undoubted ball-carrying ability can help inject dynamism and the unexpected into their attacks this season.
Daniel James,£18 million fromSwansea City
The signing of a pacey young Welsh winger was always going to trigger the nostalgia klaxon at Old Trafford. Whilst comparisons with Ryan Giggs may be premature, United fans do have cause to get off their seats in anticipation at the sight of Daniel James.
The 21-year-old wide man was the stand out player for Swansea last season as they sought to consolidate in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League. His raw pace, trickery and eye for goal singled him out from his teammates and piqued the interest of United and other clubs.
The Red Devils were accused of lethargy in attacking areas last season, but that will certainly not be the case anymore as James is sure to light-up Old Trafford with his explosive talent.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka,£50 million from Crystal Palace
Whilst Sir Alex was no stranger to foreign signings, he did have a penchant for hoovering up domestic talent. Prior Premier League experience was always a plus point when it came to recruitment under Ferguson.
The signing of Wan-Bissaka harks back to that time with United purchasing a player who has already proven his Premier League credentials. Whilst still raw and inexperienced the former Palace full-back has already demonstrated his incredible potential through a series of impressive performances.
Not only will he add youth and pace to United’s backline, but he will provide an overlapping attacking threat that has been sorely missing at Old Trafford for some time.
Will United’s summer dealings spark a revival?
Many sections of the media have been critical about United’s transfer window, criticising the fee paid for Harry Maguire and lamenting the club’s failure to bring in a striker. With such coverage of the club in circulation it’s easy to get downhearted about the teams prospects for the season ahead.
Yet amongst all that there is real cause for optimism at Old Trafford. The fitness frailties of the squad seem to have been rectified during the summer break which should alone see performances improve from last campaign.
Combine that with the astute defensive signings that should not only bolster the backline but add an alternative thrust to build-up play and attacking and it’s clear that United are in good shape.
Manchester United star Matteo Darmian is reportedly close to a transfer to Italy after months on end as an unused squad member.
The experienced Italian was signed during Louis van Gaal‘s era but struggled to make an impact after initially impressing for a few weeks.
Darmian was seen as a useful, versatile defender capable of reading the game and playing in a ‘no-nensense’ fashion.
The former Torino man has been out of United’s starting XI picture for quite some time that it’s bizarre to think he renewed his contract despite a lack of minutes.
The Red Devils were obviously trying to protect their assets but it’s clear to see that ended up being poor business.
According to Manchester Evening News, Darmian is close to a transfer to an unnamed Italian club before the upcoming summer deadline on Monday.
Inter Milan, Napoli and Juventus were all interested in the solid full-back last summer but it remains to be seen whether that’ll happen or not this time around.
His wages wasn’t a problem last year either and instead it was actually down to Manchester United’s asking price being to high for them.
That’s unlikely to be the case again but that all depends on whether the aforementioned clubs are still interested or not.
Manchester United star Chris Smalling is reportedly set for a loan move to Roma as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to clear out his squad.
The centre-back position is actually one of the few positions in the squad that is overstocked and so it makes sense to move on anyone who doesn’t have a role to play.
Even for a team playing with a back five, there’s too many centre-backs to choose from and so the former Fulham man has been chosen to move on.
Solskjaer will probably move on another one or two before the deadline is complete and fans are certain to be pleased with his decision making.
According to Sky Sports, Smalling is edging towards a £2.7m loan move to Roma with a medical set to happen today evening after long negotiations.
It’s believed the Red Devils initially wanted €20m included in a loan deal that included an option to buy of sorts but they settled for the above to have the transfer happen.
Solskjaer’s side will almost always buy expensive and sell cheap simply because of the reputation of the club as well as their incredible financial strength.
Certainly the fact United have to pay to get rid of a player and only temporarily for that matter shows just how poor of a piece of business signing Sanchez was.
No one would deny that the former Barcelona man’s quality couldn’t be ignored but he was a luxury signing who was given far too much money and a far too long contract.
In fact, the argument could be made that Sanchez’s arrival coincided with Anthony Martial‘s poor form and so not only did he not do any good, he actually caused harm.
Italian full-back Emerson Palmieri has endured somewhat of a renaissance this season after previously being deemed too small to play effectively in Maurizio Sarri’s system last term.
Said opinion must be tendered with the caveat of having only witnessed the opening weeks of what is a long and arduous campaign, but nonetheless, Frank Lampard seems to have found vindication in sticking by the 25-year-old as the once-revered left-back has posted some truly remarkable statistical performances over the past couple of weeks.
Fans and pundits alike were under no illusions as to the extent of Chelsea’s struggles over the next eight months or so. As such greater precedence has been given to the development of key personnel at Stamford Bridge – with certain individuals, Emerson among them, revelling in the responsibility whilst others flounder.
There is much to be found therefore in the comparisons between Emerson and his Chelsea teammate Kurt Zouma, both of whom were to differing extents cast aside under the previous regime. With a point to prove and an increased burden of expectation to deal with, the pair came into the season with similar ambitions, but their respective starts to the present campaign could not have been more different, and herein lies the comparative point of interest.
Whilst Emerson leads the way amongst the squad for successful touches, duels and tackles Zouma has to date recorded the lowest WhoScored.com rating of any player in the Premier League this season for his dismal display in Chelsea’s 4-0 humbling at the hands of Manchester United.
Twitter: RT @Squawka: ⬢ Most touches
⬢ Most duels won
⬢ Most tackles made
⬢ 2nd-most fouls won
⬢ 2nd-most shots on target
⬢ 2nd-most take-ons comple… (@Squawka)
Stats can, however, be misleading, with high defensive output symptomatic of a team on the back foot who struggle to quickly transition possession out of the defensive phase. But although Chelsea’s defensive woes are well documented this only further highlights Emerson’s growing importance to the side. Not only does he boast such an impressive ability to anticipate the ball, but he has also yet to be dribbled past once this season – the same stat that projected Virgil Van Dijk from expensive object of ridicule to Ballon d’Or favourite in the space of the year.
Emerson will be hard placed to maintain such a feat over the same period as the Dutch centre-half but regardless the accumulation of such staunch statistical evidence in support of his improved defensive discipline.
Alongside his well established attacking capabilities (he ranks second for shots on target in the Chelsea squad) only serves to reinforce the argument that the former Roma stalwart has undergone a drastic transformation somewhat befitting of T.H.White’s Merlin in ‘The Once and Future King’.
The comparison meanwhile between Emerson’s transformation and Zouma’s, one that lends itself more so to the destructive volatility of Jekyll and Hyde than the great and powerful mysticism of Merlin’s metamorphosis, stands to highlight the two different approaches to the sink or swim mentality surrounding the team at this time of uncertainty.
Whilst Zouma has in essence sunk, case and point being his erratic displays which will inevitably see him displaced from the starting XI upon the return of Antonio Rudiger. Emerson, on the other hand, has grasped his opportunity and looks set to write himself into the long-term history of the club.
The jury is still out on whether Lampard’s young team can spearhead a bright future for the embargoed Blues, but fans can at least find comfort in the knowledge that the once fruitful Marcos Alonso experiment can finally be abandoned after years of toil with Emerson now taking the reigns as Chelsea’s first-team left-back.
Your form couldn't be saved. Please try again later.
What now?
Check Your Email
Sign up and receive the activation email. Remember to check your spam folder.
Activate
Confirm your sign up by clicking “Activate My Email” button in the email you received.
Receive Offers
Sit back and relax. We’ll take care of the rest. You will start receiving weekly exclusive offers!
Privacy Notice
The privacy of our subscribers (‘you’) matters to us. This Privacy Notice explains how and why your personal data is collected, used, consulted or otherwise processed when you decide to subscribe for the bonusninjas & OfferStation newsletter.
This Privacy Notice applies to your personal data processing on this website, and not to data processing that may occur on any other services or web sites. The owner of this website and the data controller of data processed is (‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) :
When you decide to subscribe for the Newsletter on this website, you are required to fill in the subscription form by typing your first name and email address.
Beside the above mentioned data that you reveal to us voluntarily, we are also aware of your prefered language, which depends on the website source the form originates from.
If you wish to find out more about the processing of other personal data concerning you that may occur when you browse our website, please read the website Privacy Policy.
Purpose of processing. Lawful basis
We use the information you give us to send you marketing emails that might be interesting to you.
We will only use your information for the stated purpose if you expressly consent to it. You can withdraw your consent at any time, which is explained in this Notice under the section about your rights.
How we protect your data
We only process data that we really need for the explained purpose. We are tending to keep your data up to date and to store them securely. We do not process your data for period longer than it is necessary for the purposes for which data is processed.
We use technical and organizational measures in accordance with good industry practice to secure your information.
Sharing and transferring of your data
Your data are shared with and transferred to the Oracle Corporation, which is the provider of the Eloqua marketing automation tool that we use to facilitate email marketing activities. The Oracle Corporation is certificated under the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, which guarantees that adequate data protection standards are in place when your data are transferred.
Your rights
Since we are EU based company, processing of your data falls under the scope of the GDPR. Under the GDPR you are entitled to:
object to our use and processing of your personal data;
request access to your personal data;
request correction or deletion of your personal data;
request portability of your personal data and
request that we limit our use and processing of your personal data.
If you feel that your rights regarding data processing are violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority. Taking into account that we are Denmark based company, you may contact Danish Data Protection Agency as well: Datatilsynet, Borgergade 28, 5, DK-1300 Copenhagen K; email: dt@datatilsynet.dk
Endnotes
This Privacy Notice is effective from 25th of May 2018 and may be modified from time-to-time.
If we make essential modifications to the Privacy Notice, you will be properly notified in advance, so that you can review changes before they become effective. Essential modifications might be necessary if we, for instance, we launch new services, deploy new technologies and process your data for new purposes.
Arsenal have given their team news ahead of Sunday’s North London Derby and revealed that Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin could return early.
It’s the first North London Derby of the season and Arsenal will enter the match with a considerable amount of excitement.
Despite the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool last week, Arsenal have started the season well and fans will be eager to see their new players in action.
Nicolas Pepe, David Luiz, and Dani Ceballos are all expected to start and it appears as if they could soon be joined by another summer signing.
The club has confirmed that Kieran Tierney is ahead of schedule in his injury recovery and should now return to full training in September.
It’s good news for another couple of players with Hector Bellerin and Dinos Mavropanos also expected to return to full training next month rather than in October.
There aren’t any other injury issues – other than Emile Smith Rowe and Rob Holding – so it looks as if Unai Emery will have a strong team to choose from. With the international break coming up, it won’t be long before Arsenal fans can see Kieran Tierney in a Gunners shirt.
Your form couldn't be saved. Please try again later.
What now?
Check Your Email
Sign up and receive the activation email. Remember to check your spam folder.
Activate
Confirm your sign up by clicking “Activate My Email” button in the email you received.
Receive Offers
Sit back and relax. We’ll take care of the rest. You will start receiving weekly exclusive offers!
Privacy Notice
The privacy of our subscribers (‘you’) matters to us. This Privacy Notice explains how and why your personal data is collected, used, consulted or otherwise processed when you decide to subscribe for the bonusninjas & OfferStation newsletter.
This Privacy Notice applies to your personal data processing on this website, and not to data processing that may occur on any other services or web sites. The owner of this website and the data controller of data processed is (‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) :
When you decide to subscribe for the Newsletter on this website, you are required to fill in the subscription form by typing your first name and email address.
Beside the above mentioned data that you reveal to us voluntarily, we are also aware of your prefered language, which depends on the website source the form originates from.
If you wish to find out more about the processing of other personal data concerning you that may occur when you browse our website, please read the website Privacy Policy.
Purpose of processing. Lawful basis
We use the information you give us to send you marketing emails that might be interesting to you.
We will only use your information for the stated purpose if you expressly consent to it. You can withdraw your consent at any time, which is explained in this Notice under the section about your rights.
How we protect your data
We only process data that we really need for the explained purpose. We are tending to keep your data up to date and to store them securely. We do not process your data for period longer than it is necessary for the purposes for which data is processed.
We use technical and organizational measures in accordance with good industry practice to secure your information.
Sharing and transferring of your data
Your data are shared with and transferred to the Oracle Corporation, which is the provider of the Eloqua marketing automation tool that we use to facilitate email marketing activities. The Oracle Corporation is certificated under the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, which guarantees that adequate data protection standards are in place when your data are transferred.
Your rights
Since we are EU based company, processing of your data falls under the scope of the GDPR. Under the GDPR you are entitled to:
object to our use and processing of your personal data;
request access to your personal data;
request correction or deletion of your personal data;
request portability of your personal data and
request that we limit our use and processing of your personal data.
If you feel that your rights regarding data processing are violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority. Taking into account that we are Denmark based company, you may contact Danish Data Protection Agency as well: Datatilsynet, Borgergade 28, 5, DK-1300 Copenhagen K; email: dt@datatilsynet.dk
Endnotes
This Privacy Notice is effective from 25th of May 2018 and may be modified from time-to-time.
If we make essential modifications to the Privacy Notice, you will be properly notified in advance, so that you can review changes before they become effective. Essential modifications might be necessary if we, for instance, we launch new services, deploy new technologies and process your data for new purposes.
Reports in Italy suggest that AS Roma will turn their attentions to Shkodran Mustafi should they miss out on their first choice (via Sport Witness).
There is still a little less than a week for clubs on continental Europe to sign players.
Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi has long been linked with an exit from the Emirates and now it seems as if a club could be interested.
Reports in Italy suggest that AS Roma will turn their attentions to the former German international if they miss out on their first-choice candidate.
The Italian side would prefer to sign Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren but will settle for Mustafi should they miss out on the Croatian international.
Mustafi has been at the Emirates since 2016 but looks set to leave following a series of high-profile errors and some woeful form.
It’s an interesting story and one which makes a lot of sense. Every club has a list of first-choice targets as well as backups should those deals fail. Arsenal fans will just be hoping that Dejan Lovren remains a Liverpool player so that Shkodran Mustafi becomes their chief target.
Your form couldn't be saved. Please try again later.
What now?
Check Your Email
Sign up and receive the activation email. Remember to check your spam folder.
Activate
Confirm your sign up by clicking “Activate My Email” button in the email you received.
Receive Offers
Sit back and relax. We’ll take care of the rest. You will start receiving weekly exclusive offers!
Privacy Notice
The privacy of our subscribers (‘you’) matters to us. This Privacy Notice explains how and why your personal data is collected, used, consulted or otherwise processed when you decide to subscribe for the bonusninjas & OfferStation newsletter.
This Privacy Notice applies to your personal data processing on this website, and not to data processing that may occur on any other services or web sites. The owner of this website and the data controller of data processed is (‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) :
When you decide to subscribe for the Newsletter on this website, you are required to fill in the subscription form by typing your first name and email address.
Beside the above mentioned data that you reveal to us voluntarily, we are also aware of your prefered language, which depends on the website source the form originates from.
If you wish to find out more about the processing of other personal data concerning you that may occur when you browse our website, please read the website Privacy Policy.
Purpose of processing. Lawful basis
We use the information you give us to send you marketing emails that might be interesting to you.
We will only use your information for the stated purpose if you expressly consent to it. You can withdraw your consent at any time, which is explained in this Notice under the section about your rights.
How we protect your data
We only process data that we really need for the explained purpose. We are tending to keep your data up to date and to store them securely. We do not process your data for period longer than it is necessary for the purposes for which data is processed.
We use technical and organizational measures in accordance with good industry practice to secure your information.
Sharing and transferring of your data
Your data are shared with and transferred to the Oracle Corporation, which is the provider of the Eloqua marketing automation tool that we use to facilitate email marketing activities. The Oracle Corporation is certificated under the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield, which guarantees that adequate data protection standards are in place when your data are transferred.
Your rights
Since we are EU based company, processing of your data falls under the scope of the GDPR. Under the GDPR you are entitled to:
object to our use and processing of your personal data;
request access to your personal data;
request correction or deletion of your personal data;
request portability of your personal data and
request that we limit our use and processing of your personal data.
If you feel that your rights regarding data processing are violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority. Taking into account that we are Denmark based company, you may contact Danish Data Protection Agency as well: Datatilsynet, Borgergade 28, 5, DK-1300 Copenhagen K; email: dt@datatilsynet.dk
Endnotes
This Privacy Notice is effective from 25th of May 2018 and may be modified from time-to-time.
If we make essential modifications to the Privacy Notice, you will be properly notified in advance, so that you can review changes before they become effective. Essential modifications might be necessary if we, for instance, we launch new services, deploy new technologies and process your data for new purposes.
Reports in Spain suggest that Unai Emery wants Nacho Monreal to play for Arsenal in Sunday’s North London Derby despite the ongoing transfer talks (via Diario Vasco).
Many had expected Nacho Monreal to complete his move to Real Sociedad yesterday but that was not the case.
For the time being, the Spaniard is still an Arsenal player and reports in the country seem to suggest why.
The Spanish publication Diario Vasco claims that Monreal is yet to complete his move to Sociedad because he is still being counted on at Arsenal.
The report claims that Unai Emery is eager to use Monreal in Sunday’s North London Derby against Tottenham.
The 33-year-old has started all three of Arsenal’s Premier League matches so far this term and has performed fairly well.
The transfer window in Spain closes a full 24 hours after the Spurs match which would give ample time for Monreal to complete the deal. Sead Kolasinac is back in contention and it looks as if Kieran Tierney will return ahead of schedule. Two of those weeks will also be taken up by an international break so it would be a good time for Monreal to depart and Kolasinac to act as the first-choice until Tierney is back to full fitness.
Manchester United star Fred is reportedly working hard on getting himself into the starting XI more regularly this season.
The talented Brazilian has had a mixed time at Old Trafford so far but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had previously claimed his outstanding performance against PSG was his turning point.
There was hope Fred would kick on after that but that didn’t happen as the squad’s form collectively dipped after that match.
United need the former Shakhtar Donetsk man to step up as their lack of genuine options in midfield is currently a concern.
In fact, he actually offers the perfect solution to Solskjaer’s current woes as his ability to step into midfield would mean allowing Paul Pogba to play further forward in an attacking-midfield role.
According to Manchester Evening News, Fred has added extra fitness work to his schedule to force his way back into the starting XI after Solskjaer and the Red Devils’ staff remain optimistic he will come good.
The signs have been positive in training so far and it’s likely had he been available for the whole of the club’s pre-season he may have been starting matches already.
If Fred doesn’t prove his worth soon then it’ll be yet another big investment gone to waste with Solskjaer likely to have to invest heavily in his midfield.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will reportedly wait to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho instead of directly replacing Alexis Sanchez.
Romelu Lukaku is another attacker who has departed this summer, leaving the legendary Norwegian with limited options.
United’s depth outside their starting XI is rather shocking and so Solskjaer is gambling on the hopes his squad won’t suffer any major injuries.
There have been suggestions the likes of Fernando Llorente will be signed on a free transfer to give depth to the squad but fans have been mostly against such a move.
According to London Evening Standard, Solskjaer won’t look to sign anyone on a free to replace Sanchez and Lukaku and instead will prioritise the signing of Sancho.
It’s unlikely Manchester United will be able to sign the young Englishman in January so the former Molde boss will have to make his move next summer.
Sancho’s new contract extension is not believed to have influenced Solskjaer’s desire to bring him in but one can expect that the club will have to break the bank to get his signature.
Manchester United star Alexis Sanchez is set to join former teammate Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan with reports claiming a loan deal has been negotiated.
The experienced Chilean has had a terrible time at Old Trafford, only rarely showing what he’s truly capable of and so he’ll be hoping he can rejuvenate his career in Italy.
United will be incredibly short of attacking options should Sanchez officially depart but it appears he has no place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.
The legendary Norwegian publicly backed the former Arsenal man recently but it appears the situation changed once he was told there was no desire to stay.
Solskjaer will now have to pray the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood don’t suffer any long-term injuries, at least until the winter transfer window opens.
According to the Guardian, Inter will pay £175k of Sanchez’s £390k a week deal after finally having a breakthrough in negotiations with the Red Devils.
The percentage of his salary the Italian giants are paying is rather laughable but at least it’s better than nothing at all.
After all, reports had previously claimed Sanchez has fallen so far behind the pecking order he’d only be playing in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte has revealed the true amount he spent on bringing Romelu Lukaku over from Manchester United.
The prolific Belgian managed to wriggle his way out of Old Trafford this summer to get his dream move to the Serie A with initial impressions suggesting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recouped the whole fee spent on him by Jose Mourinho.
However, that doesn’t appear to be the case with United seemingly having made a loss on Lukaku despite him being in the peak of his career.
Negotiations between Inter and Solskjaer’s side appeared to go on for ages and so it seemed as though those at Old Trafford got what they wanted in the end.
Conte however, suggests that wasn’t the case and even says exactly how much the Serie A giants spent on Lukaku.
Antonio Conte: “Let’s not forget Lukaku cost €65million to be paid over five years, so when people talk about big money spent, it wasn’t even that much. Tonight [speaking yesterday], Lukaku showed why we tried so hard to sign him.” #mulive [sky italia]
Lukaku grabbed a poacher’s effort on his debut for Inter Milan to kickstart a new chapter in his career.
The powerful striker has previously played for Anderlecht, Chelsea, Everton, West Brom and Manchester United, notching up a very respectable goal record.
Despite the statistics backing him, critics have pointed out his lack of big game goals and his goal droughts as evidence he’s not quite cut out for elite football.
LATEST POSTS 
(@UtdDyl) 
Jesse Johnson
(@xisimon_) 
![[Team News] Arsenal v Spurs – Boost With Tierney & Bellerin Set To Return Early](https://www.allarsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/kieran-tierney-arsenal-announcement--300x188.jpg "kieran tierney arsenal announcement")
