All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United star Diogo Dalot has revealed his thoughts on ‘The United Strand’, who has vowed not to cut his hair until Ruben Amorim’s side win five games in a row.

Man Utd make it two wins on the bounce with victory at Anfield

After nearly one year in charge, Amorim has finally managed to win two Premier League games on the bounce, with his side pulling off a shock 2-1 victory against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, courtesy of a late Harry Maguire header.

Having been critical of the United boss at times this season, Jamie Carragher was full of praise for the 40-year-old after the match, claiming he got his tactics “absolutely spot on”.

There is still a long way to go, but supporter Frank Ilett, who has become known as ‘The United Strand’ will have renewed confidence the Red Devils can make it five wins on the spin, having pledged not to have a haircut until Amorim’s side do so.

The story has made waves to such an extent that Dalot was even asked for his thoughts after the victory against Liverpool, and the full-back made it clear he believes five wins on the spin could be possible, sending a short message of hope to the fan.

He continued: But we have to go game by game. Obviously, we know this is a very difficult league, we have tough games.

“And, of course, we have to go after that consistency that we have lacked because we have already shown in the past that we can compete against any team in the world.

“We get to the big games, we get to have good performances. Now it’s trying to make it happen every game.”

£62m Man Utd star looks like their best player "since Fergie retired"

Manchester United might just have turned a corner under Ruben Amorim’s wing.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 20, 2025 Victory at Anfield could kickstart the Amorim era

Although Liverpool have not been in the best of form, winning at Anfield is no mean feat, with United failing to do so in nine years, and INEOS will be hoping that the result can kickstart the Amorim era.

Five wins on the bounce may be a tall order, but it is definitely possible when you look at the fixture list, given that United have won every home game so far this season, while Nottingham Forest are in the relegation zone, and Aston Villa won at Tottenham Hotspur last time out.

Man United’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Brighton & Hove Albion (h)

October 25th

Nottingham Forest (a)

November 1st

Tottenham Hotspur (a)

November 8th

Either way, things are finally starting to look up for Man United, with Amorim’s side now just two points off the top four.

Aston Villa are thought to be in talks to sign two Barcelona players this summer, according to a new report.

Aston Villa looking to overturn two-goal deficit against PSG

The Villans and Unai Emery suffered defeat in their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening. After going ahead thanks to a first-half goal from Morgan Rogers, Villa fell to a 3-1 loss and have it all to do at Villa Park on Tuesday night.

Goals from Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes have given the Ligue 1 giants the advantage, however, talking after the game, Emery was in a defiant mood.

“The last goal is a little bit disappointing for us because it was in the last minute but it is not changing much, or our belief.

“It is not changing a lot because at 2-1 we were thinking, in the next match, we have to play to win. With 3-1, it is still the same. We need to win the next match, and not only [score] one goal but [at least] two. We were close to getting a good result.

“At the end with this goal it is still more or less the same because we still need to win next week. Villa Park is our home and hopefully we can be stronger and win more of our duels. They showed their power and individual qualities. The result is not the best but it’s not the worst. There are still 90 minutes to play, a second leg, and maybe extra time.”

Offer made: Aston Villa make approach to sign £12.5m "generational talent"

The Villans have now moved ahead of Manchester City in the race for his signature.

ByDominic Lund Apr 9, 2025

Villa are also competing in the Premier League to finish in one of five Champions League places for next season, so there are plenty of big games coming up.

Away from the pitch, though, Monchi, Villa’s president of football operations, appears to be working on possible summer signings, and a double deal from La Liga leaders Barcelona appears to be of interest to Villa.

Aston Villa in talks to sign two Barcelona players after Emery green light

According to reports from Spain, Aston Villa and Monchi have initiated talks to sign Barcelona duo Marc Casado and Andreas Christensen.

Emery has given the green light to deals for the pair as he is ‘convinced that both players can raise the team’s competitive level and establish the club among the best in the Premier League’.

It is claimed that Christensen could leave if an offer in the region of €20m, whereas Casado appears to be surplus to requirements under Hansi Flick. Christensen has experience of the Premier League after a previous stint with Chelsea and can play as a centre-back or even as a holding midfielder if required.

Meanwhile, Casado can play as a holding or central midfielder and is still only 21 years of age after coming through the famous La Masia academy.

A Spain international, Casado is currently out through injury, but by the looks of things, a double deal for the midfielder and a return to England for Christensen is on the cards.

Chelsea are exchanging documents to finalise the eight-figure signing of another player alongside Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea agree £34.5 million deal for Omorodion after Gallagher sale

After both the west Londoners and Diego Simeone's side agreed to the transfer of midfielder Conor Gallagher, who's set to have his medical in Madrid today ahead of a £36 million move to the Metropolitano Stadium, Chelsea used the opportunity to strike a deal for Omorodion.

Chelsea could sign £162,000-per-week ace and Omorodion after Gallagher sale

Enzo Maresca’s side have been very busy this window.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 6, 2024

Talks over selling Gallagher seemingly opened the door for Todd Boehly and co to reignite discussions for the Spanish striker, with Omorodion finalising personal terms ahead of a £34.5 million move to Chelsea.

Atletico have also moved to do a deal for Man City striker Julian Alvarez, who looks as if he'll take Omorodion's place in Simeone's squad for next season. Chelsea actually had a bid rejected for Omorodion earlier in the window, as widely reported, but the 20-year-old now seems set to link up with Enzo Maresca ahead of the new Premier League season.

"Last piece of the domino will be Samu Omorodion to Chelsea," said reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano on Tuesday evening.

"Final fee paid by #CFC will be £34.5m. Small details of player’s terms negotiated right now but parties sure that will get done. Gallagher to Atléti and Julián Álvarez to Atléti, also already done as revealed."

Statistic

Omorodion

Jackson

Minutes

1,922

2,810

Goals

8

14

Assists

1

5

Shots per game

1.9

2.3

Aerials won per game

1.8

1

Dribbles per game

0.6

1.5

Overall rating

6.42

7.07

via WhoScored

The young forward, who's helped Spain to the Olympics final against France, where he'll have the opportunity to win a gold medal, scored nine goals and registered an assist in 36 total appearances on loan at Deportivo last season.

Chelsea have refused to rule out signing Victor Osimhen as well as Omorodion, according to The Telegraph's Matt Law, which makes for pretty reading in the eyes of a Blues supporter.

Another player they've been in talks over signing is Gremio sensation Gabriel Mec. Reports over the weekend stated that Chelsea have agreed a deal for Mec, with South American journalist Uriel Lugt sharing a further update.

Chelsea exchanging documents to finalise Gabriel Mec signing

According to the reporter, Chelsea are exchanging the final documents to finalise a £21 million deal for Mec, who has been likened to Ronaldinho and graduated from the same academy as the Barcelona legend.

The teenage wonderkid is the latest prodigy from Brazil to agree to join Chelsea, with Estevao Willian putting pen to paper on a Stamford Bridge switch just before him. It's added that a seven-year contract is on the table for Mec.

Daniel Farke will be relieved that Mateo Joseph is finally coming into his own in a Leeds United strip, with the striker department at Elland Road not exactly overflowing with top quality.

Joseph hasn’t proven himself to be a deadly goalscoring machine yet, with only one goal next to his name in the Championship to date, but he does have an impressive three assists this campaign as a worthwhile asset for the German boss to rely on.

Away from Joseph, the options aren’t brimming, with an injury-prone Patrick Bamford rarely available for selection, on top of former Swansea City man Joel Piroe often slotting in behind the sole striker instead of leading the line.

But, it’s forgotten man Joe Gelhardt that will frustrate Leeds fans most when looking over what is available up top, considering his unbelievable burst onto the scene under Marcelo Bielsa once upon a time.

Gelhardt's unbelievable form under Bielsa

Bielsa just had that knack of enhancing players when fixed in the Elland Road dug-out, turning Kalvin Phillips into a £45m star when he was still manager, whilst also helping Bamford pick up a senior England call-up under his guidance.

Gelhardt also felt the magic of the South American manager first-hand, with the former Wigan Athletic striker getting his first chance in the Whites senior mix under the mercurial Argentinian, which saw him shine during the 2021/22 campaign.

He would help himself to two goals and two assists from 20 Premier League clashes that season, with the promising attacker showcasing why he had previously earned comparisons to top-flight great Wayne Rooney, having been described as “looking Rooneyesque” when taken on trial by Merseyside Boys’ manager Tim Wyatt as a teenager.

His former Wigan teammate Chey Dunkley also noted those comparisons, having stated: “Most of the lads called him Wazza because there were so many similarities in his stature and style.”

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.

Since then, however, his Whites career hasn’t ever really progressed any further, with the now 22-year-old striker – who was previously referred to as a “human wrecking ball” for his tenacity and bravery by pundit Jamie Redknapp – a forgotten figure constantly warming the substitutes bench for Farke’s men, whilst Joseph steals the limelight now as the new exciting talent for the future.

Leeds even had interest from the likes of West Brom earlier in the year for the reserve attacker’s services, but batted away any parties looking at the left-footer.

Yet, if this season is anything to go by so far, his days in West Yorkshire look to be gradually becoming more and more numbered.

Gelhardt's season so far

The former Latics striker is yet to start a game this season for the Whites in the league, with his only appearance from the get-go full stop this campaign coming against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup, as Leeds were humbled 3-0 by Michael Carrick’s men.

Not given the freedom to play up top, Gelhardt was shoehorned into the side in a right midfield spot, and visibly struggled on the night consequently.

Stat

Gelhardt

Minutes played

63

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Shots

1

Touches

27

Accurate passes

12/16 (75%)

Accurate crosses

0/2

Accurate long balls

0/1

Total duels won

3/7

It was very much a showing from a player low on confidence, with only one shot attempted on the Boro net all evening, before Gelhardt was then replaced by first-team stalwart Wilfried Gnonto just after the hour mark.

He was given a brief run-out away at Norwich recently, as the Whites had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road, but it does feel as if the 22-year-old is now running out of time to break back into the first-team fold.

It has been a sharp fall-off for a promising talent once loved by Bielsa, but as Leeds continue to eye up winning promotion through any means necessary, Farke can’t be too charitable with giving Gelhardt more minutes to impress.

At this rate, the end of the line looks to be on the horizon very soon for the once much-talked-about attacker at Elland Road.

He could be Gnonto 2.0: Leeds lining up swoop for "electric" sensation

The Whites are reportedly keen on a deal for the teenage EFL starlet.

ByDan Emery Sep 30, 2024

Rangers have begun talks to sign a defender that Mike Ashley once tried to sign for Newcastle United, according to a new report.

Pressure is very much on Philippe Clement and Rangers this season, as there is an expectation that the club puts up a stronger fight this time around when it comes to competing with arch rivals Celtic. The Gers fell away late last season, and to avoid a repeat of that, Clement and the Rangers board have been busy in the transfer market, making sure they have a squad good enough to compete on all fronts.

Club make contact to sign Rangers 21 y/o who Philippe Clement doesn't want

He is a player who can “unlock defences”.

ByHenry Jackson Aug 28, 2024 Rangers transfer news

As the 11 p.m. deadline on Friday approaches, Rangers can safely say they have been busy, as they have so far added eight players to their squad. But given how well Celtic have started the new season, Rangers may still be in the market for one or two additions to give them the best chance of success.

Mohamed Diomande

Nordsjaelland

Robin Propper

Twente FC

Hamza Igamane

FAR Rabat

Vaclav Cerny

VfL Wolfsburg

Jefte

Fluminense

Connor Barron

Aberdeen

Liam Kelly

Motherwell

Clinton Nsiala

AC Milan U20

It has been reported in recent days that Rangers could be looking into a deal to sign Pyramids FC winger Ibrahim Adel, who has just impressed with his national team Egypt in the Olympic Games. The Scottish side are said to be very keen on the player, and they would be willing to spend as much as £5 million to sign the winger, but they do face competition from the likes of Ipswich Town and Leicester City.

As well as looking at Adel, Rangers were also said to be interested in a possible deal for Troyes defender Jackson Porozo, who spent last season on loan at Turkish side Kasimpasa. The report states that the Gers made contact with the French side over a possible deal, but it wasn’t a situation that was ongoing, with the demands “not suitable” for Rangers, and the defender instead joined Leganes.

Therefore, Rangers are still in the market for a new defender, and it appears as though their search has taken them to a player who was once wanted by former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, who of course held a rather unpopular 8.92% stake at Ibrox too between the years of 2014 and 2017.

Rangers in talks to sign Philippe Clement target

According to French outlet L’Equipe, Rangers are in talks to sign Hoffenheim defender Stanley N'Soki. The report states that the defender could well leave the German side in this transfer window, with a loan move being looked at.

N’Soki is contracted to the Bundesliga side until the summer of 2027, and Clement, who managed the defender at Brugge, would personally like to bring the central defender to Ibrox in what remains of this transfer window.

The report states that talks have begun and have been ongoing in recent hours, as Rangers look to strengthen their defensive line. Rangers fans might not be aware of N’Soki, but he has appeared on the radar of Newcastle United before, as in 2018 Ashley made a bid worth £10 million to sign N’Soki for the Magpies, but in the end the deal failed to materialise. However, a few years on, and he could now be heading for that move to the UK.

A new update has emerged regarding Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United manager, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement revealed.

Ten Hag under pressure at Man Utd

Ten Hag has already found himself under a lot of pressure this season, even though the new Premier League campaign is still only five matches old. A last-gasp 2-1 defeat away to Brighton last month was a bad day at the office, but the 3-0 defeat at home to rivals Liverpool saw the Red Devils completely outplayed at Old Trafford.

For that reason, there have been some who have once again doubted whether the Dutchman is the right man to take United forward, with performances and results continuing to be hit-and-miss, as has too often been the case since he arrived at the club in the summer of 2022.

On Saturday evening, the Red Devils made a potentially tough trip to Crystal Palace in the league, and could only battle their way to a 0-0 draw, despite arguably being the better team at Selhurst Park. Chances came and went for both sides, but a lack of top-quality finishing was on show.

The bottom line is that it was still points dropped by United, even though the display was good in parts, and they are now 11th in the table, which is not what supporters were dreaming of when the season got underway.

Key update over Ten Hag's Man Utd future

According to a fresh update from Football Insider, there are four big figures who will decide Ten Hag’s fate as Manchester United manager, one of which is part-owner Ratcliffe, who has had a hands-on approach since owning a 27.7% stake in his boyhood club earlier this year.

Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox are also going to be a big part of the decision, as they continue to weigh up if the 54-year-old is the right man to take the Red Devils into the future and take them back to the top of the English game.

That being said, the report does say that the quartet “will not rush into any rash calls and are willing to allow the boss more time to get results out of his team”, suggesting that Ten Hag’s job is safe for the time being.

There was enough in United’s performance at Palace to suggest that the former Ajax manager is worth persevering with for now, with new signings Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt looking the part in defence, helping keep a clean sheet in the process.

The visitors had 67% of possession against an Eagles side tipped to do well this season, as well as creating five big chances compared to their opponents’ tally of three. New signing Manuel Ugarte still has to come into the team as well, which should add more legs to the midfield, so there are reasons for an element of positivity, but big improvements are still needed, especially in terms of consistency week in, week out.

Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd were let down by 4/10 star who lost the ball 34x

His night against Palace was more frustrating than Zirkzee

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 22, 2024

It is understandable why some would feel that Ten Hag can be improved upon, but it is refreshing to see Ratcliffe and others not rushing into a decision, given the impatient nature of modern football.

With pre-season now in full swing, the cogs are beginning to turn at Manchester United on the transfer front, with the new INEOS regime looking to make a statement in a bid to improve upon last season's mixed bag of a campaign.

The latest indication is that a deal for Bologna and Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee is all but done, with the 23-year-old set to sign on the dotted line after helping to guide the Serie A side to Champions League qualification last term, having netted 12 goals in all competitions.

That impending deal for the Dutchman looks set to be merely the start of a busy summer for the Red Devils amid parallel interest in the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, with further moves also seemingly in the pipeline…

Man Utd ready bid for Premier League talent

According to Football Insider, the Old Trafford outfit are readying an offer for former loanee, Sergio Reguilon, with the Spaniard set to be available for a cut-price fee amid his lowly standing at parent club Tottenham Hotspur.

As per the report, the 27-year-old – who spent the first half of 2023/24 in Erik ten Hag's squad – could command a fee of just £10m this summer, having initially been signed for close to £32m back in 2020.

The piece adds that while Chelsea's Ben Chilwell is also an option for Ten Hag and co at left-back, amid the injury woes of Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw, a return for Reguilon is seen as a more 'straightforward' target for INEOS.

How Man Utd can get the best out of Sancho

It is fair to say that the former Real Madrid man didn't pull up too many trees during his six-month stay in Manchester last season, restricted to just 12 appearances in all competitions after being brought in as injury cover on deadline day.

That lack of impact – which saw the defender fail to register a goal or an assist – wasn't helped by injury issues of his own, however, with it difficult to judge the full-back too greatly on that temporary, short-term spell.

What Reguilon did subsequently showcase in the latter half of the campaign at Brentford is the quality that he can bring in the final third, ending the season with four assists, while having created six 'big chances' and averaged 1.1 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.

Stat

Reguilon

Shaw

Games

25

12

Goals

0

0

Assists

4

0

Big chances created

6

1

Key passes per game

1.1

1.1

Pass accuracy

76%

86%

Tackles & interceptions per game

3.1

1.4

Balls recovered per game

3.8

4.9

Successful dribbles per game

0.6

0.6

Dribbled past per game

1

0.5

Total duels won

57%

47%

Possession lost per game

11.8

11.8

That attacking intent from the "quality" talent – as hailed by pundit Noel Whelan – could well be one way to get the best out of the high profile figure of Jadon Sancho, with the Englishman's lengthy exile coming to an end on Friday amid his shock return to training.

Following a public spat with Ten Hag back in September, the 24-year-old – who spent the second half of the season back at Borussia Dortmund – has been out in the cold, epitomising a relatively meagre spell at United in which he has contributed just 18 goals and assists in 82 games.

Now back in the first-team fold, there are still lingering suggestions that a permanent departure lies in store, yet if Sancho is to remain, he could look to cement a place for himself on the left flank – challenging friend and colleague Marcus Rashford after the latter man's limp return of just eight goals last term.

What Sancho needs, however, is to 'move in co-ordination with an overlapping full-back' – as The Athletic wrote back in 2022 – with the former Manchester City product lacking that 'explosive burst of pace' needed to bypass a defender

Speed is one thing which Reguilon offers in abundance – as indicated below – hence the way in which he could repeatedly bomb forward alongside Sancho, giving the winger the distraction and space that he needs to wreak havoc. That is unlikely to come from the right flank, where Diogo Dalot regularly seeks to invert.

As the £73m man showcased back in Germany in recent months – notably claiming the Man of the Match award in the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain – there is still a player in there waiting to be unlocked, having notably chalked up 120 goal involvements in just 158 games across his two spells at Dortmund.

With the backing of a relentless attacking presence like Reguilon, there may remain a route to success for Sancho at United, although only time will tell if he and Ten Hag have truly put their differences aside.

Man Utd moving to sign £60m "superstar" who'd make Zirkzee unplayable

INEOS are cooking up a storm at the Theatre of Dreams this summer…

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 13, 2024

In search of their replacement for Raphael Varane, Manchester United are now reportedly in pole position to sign a European star for Erik ten Hag in this summer's transfer window, having been given the green light by the player this week.

Man Utd transfer news

Whilst they're yet to officially get their summer business underway, Manchester United have been linked with plenty of names, including Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte. Both players would instantly help Ten Hag solve two major problems in his current side, with Casemiro struggling in defensive midfield and United's attacking options far from thriving last season.

Replacing Casemiro is particularly important this summer, given that he sits at the heart of Ten Hag's side. The Brazilian, now 32 years old, began to show signs that he's past his best last season and has since been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. Even without that move, however, United should prioritise welcoming a replacement in the form of Ugarte in the coming months.

Imagine him & De Ligt: Man Utd scouting "electric" Shaw replacement

The impressive full-back could be a game-changer for United.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 3, 2024

Casemiro isn't the only player who will need replacing, either, following the departure of Varane at the end of last season. The Frenchman left as a free agent to create a gaping hole in United's defence that one European star could now fill.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are now in pole position to sign Matthijs de Ligt this summer and have opened negotiations with Bayern Munich over a potential deal. The Dutchman, meanwhile, has reportedly given the green light regarding a move to Old Trafford in the coming months.

With De Ligt seemingly keen on the move, Manchester United have the chance to sign a defender who is more than capable of replacing Varane and more next season.

"Wonderful" De Ligt can lead Man Utd's backline

Earning a reported £261k-a-week, De Ligt already has plenty of experience at levels that some Manchester United players are yet to even see for themselves, having played in Champions League semi-finals and won league titles at both Ajax and Bayern Munich.

The Dutchman, currently at the Euros with his country, now has the chance to become the defensive leader that the Red Devils are so desperately crying out for next to Harry Maguire, or when fit Lisandro Martinez.

Progressive Carries

16

20

Progressive Passes

98

73

Tackles Won

12

17

Ball Recoveries

73

78

It's a surprise that Bayern Munich have so willingly entered talks with Manchester United, given the praise that former sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic had for De Ligt when the central defender arrived in 2022, saying via the Bundesliga website: “We wanted to bring Matthijs to Munich three years ago. We were convinced of his qualities as a defender then, and we are even more so today.

"With his professionalism, his desire and his wonderful character, Matthijs fits our team as well as our ambitions. He will play an important role at Bayern on and off the pitch. He was already a leading player at Ajax as a youngster, and he is still capable of development at the high level he is at, at the age of 22.”

Wolves have been blessed with some incredibly talented full-backs and wing-backs in the past, one of which was Matt Doherty who was sold to Tottenham in 2020 for a fee of around £15m.

Doherty returned to the club on a free transfer in 2023 after having his contract terminated by Spurs. The 32-year-old has made 343 appearances for the Molineux outfit over the years, scoring 31 goals, providing 39 assists, and totalling 26,543 minutes played.

For Wolves, these flying wide defenders are often tasked with attacking output, delivering crosses into the box, and tracking back to defend in a five, which is a tall order, making their attacking output even more impressive.

One of their most successful of recent times happens to be the effervescent Rayan Ait-Nouri.

How much Rayan Ait-Nouri cost Wolves

Ait-Nouri is the most recent talented wingback to emerge at Wolves, signing from French club, Angers for a price tag of just £9.5m. Described as an "incredibly dynamic" threat, he has been hailed for his ability to carry the ball, and his technical qualities.

Since joining the club, Ait-Nouri has made 120 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists, totaling 8,218 minutes played. It is the attacking firepower he gives the side that earns him his plaudits, with the ability to drive Wolves forward and deliver devastating crosses into the box.

Ait-Nouri was one of Wolves' most important players last season, making 38 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals, providing two assists, contributing to six clean sheets in 2,669 minutes played.

Ait-Nouri's transfer value in 2024

Since joining the club back in 2021 on a permanent deal for such a small price tag, Ait-Nouri's value has exponentially increased, with Wolves only willing to part ways with the Algerian for a whopping £60m fee according to reports over the summer. That is a crazy 531% increase compared to the £9.5m he was initially brought to the Midlands.

One side that was reportedly interested in the 23-year-old this summer, was Pep Guardiuola's Manchester City, having already done business with Wolves the season prior, to acquire Matheus Nunes for £53m.

So, how does he compare across the league? We have the answer.

Goals + Assists

0.17

0.20

0.18

xG

0.13

0.10

0.10

Progressive Carries

2.59

3.33

2.54

Progressive Passes

3.82

7.30

5.74

Shots Total

1.08

0.66

1.05

Key Passes

0.97

3.02

0.75

Crosses into Pen Area

0.15

0.59

0.09

Shot-Creating Actions

2.51

4.86

2.29

Tackles

2.74

1.80

1.94

Interceptions

0.61

0.70

1.07

When comparing Ait-Nouri to two of the best left-backs in the division, he ranks extremely close in some metrics, whilst others need context due to the quality of the clubs they are playing at. Gvardiol, being a more natural central defender, doesn't rank as highly in some attacking metrics, however, Robertson is a prominent figure going forward, holding width on the left at times for Liverpool.

Ait-Nouri averages 2.59 progressive carries per 90 and averages 2.51 shot-creating actions per 90, that's more than Gvardiol but fewer than Robertson). As a result, this could further increase – just like his value will – by playing for a more ball dominant side.

The 23-year-old clearly offers defensive quality, averaging the most tackles of the trio – again these metrics are impacted by the quality of clubs they play for – whilst providing an extremely high level of technical ability, something that is desired at all top clubs.

Next summer could prove difficult to keep hold of the Algerian, especailly if he continues to impress and develop at the same rate he currently is.

Their new Jota: Wolves' "Henry-esque" star has seen his value rise by £20m

He is crucial for Gary O’Neil

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 12, 2024

Manchester United are reportedly set to push for an agreement to sign Erik ten Hag's next new star in the coming days.

Man Utd transfer news

So far, so good for Manchester United. They've strengthened their backline with Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro and they've added much-needed firepower to their attack by welcoming Joshua Zirkzee. And to really cap things off, the new striker scored the winner in an opening-day 1-0 victory over Fulham.

That said, things could yet get even better for the Red Devils. The one missing piece to their transfer window has been a central midfielder to replace Casemiro. The Brazilian struggled throughout the last campaign, showing all the signs that his legs were beginning to struggle amid the intensity of the Premier League.

At 32 years old, those signs are unlikely to slow down, creating quite the problem for those at Old Trafford to solve using the transfer window. On that front, names such as Youssouf Fofana and Sander Berge have been mentioned, but one man has always been the main target, with a recent update indicating that's still very much the case.

According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Manchester United are now set to push for an agreement to sign Manuel Ugarte in the coming days. The midfielder has already been given the green light to complete a move to Old Trafford, but the Premier League giants are yet to reach Paris Saint-Germain's reported £50m+ valuation.

Man Utd rivalling Liverpool to sign "dynamic" replacement for injured Shaw

The Red Devils could get one over on their rivals…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 17, 2024

Whether that changes in the coming days remains to be seen as United step up their pursuit. In a summer-long saga, Ugarte could finally get his move.

"Magnificent" Ugarte would seal superb Man Utd summer

After finishing as low as eighth in the Premier League last season, anyone at Old Trafford would have been quick to admit that Ten Hag's side needed additions all across the pitch. Now, by the end of the summer transfer window, the Red Devils could have exactly that if they complete their overhaul with the arrival of Ugarte, who could slot straight into Casemiro's role.

Progressive Carries

16

12

Progressive Passes

87

112

Tackles Won

57

56

Ball Recoveries

181

133

Ugarte's ability to recover possession would be particularly crucial when replacing Casemiro, who struggled off the ball last season as he edges past the peak of his powers.

Earning plenty of praise at PSG, former manager Luis Enrique said via PSG Report last season: "He was magnificent, wonderful, with or without the ball. He recovered balls, pressed very high, intercepted balls. He had a 10/10 performance.”

Now, it's United who are looking to benefit from that magnificence to complete a summer they will hope to see quickly become a turning point. The Red Devils are certainly among the winners of the window this summer, given their clear upgrades.