Man Utd: Ten Hag won’t sign top January targets after Old Trafford update

Manchester United look unlikely to bring in high-profile reinforcements to improve one of their priority areas to strengthen in come January after recent developments.

Man Utd latest news – Defensive issues for Erik ten Hag

Despite Manchester United's poor form at times this campaign, there can be no doubt that significant injury disruption has taken its toll on Erik ten Hag as he aims to field a side capable of challenging for honours at the top end of the English game.

Negative Manchester United injury news has plagued the Dutchman's squad selection process over this term. Key man Lisandro Martinez could be out until the New Year due to suffering a recurrence of a metatarsal problem that ended his involvement in 2022/23, which has come as a major blow to Ten Hag and company.

Of course, France international Raphael Varane has also been a huge miss as well when unavailable for selection. The former Real Madrid defender has already suffered two separate knocks this campaign and only made his return to first-team involvement last weekend, where he appeared on the bench as an unused substitute away to Sheffield United in the Premier League.

Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof have all taken turns as alternating starters in central defence; however, there is a wider acknowledgment that the Red Devils have given away some cheap goals over the last few months. Maguire's Manchester United future was called into question over the summer transfer window after Ten Hag stripped the 30-year-old of the captaincy at the club and allowed him to explore a possible move to West Ham United.

Creating a storm of chaos, it would be imaginable that United may look to enter the market for further defensive reinforcements in January; however, new developments suggest that their quest to bring some much-needed quality to aid their backline may have now hit a major stumbling block.

Man Utd's central defenders – who has featured this campaign? (Transfermarkt)

Player

Appearances

Goals

Raphael Varane

8

1

Lisandro Martinez

6

0

Harry Maguire

5

0

Victor Lindelof

11

0

Jonny Evans

5

0

Man Utd transfer update; Goncalo Inacio and Jean Clair-Todibo

According to an Man Utd transfer update from Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke, it now looks as if moves for top defensive targets Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio and Nice's Jean Clair-Todibo are now off the table for the Red Devils due to limited resources that will leave Ten Hag unable to spend big on reinforcements in January.

The reporter states that United have abandoned huge-money moves for the pair and focus will now turn towards signing cheaper alternatives, with Club America ace Sebastian Caceres identified as a possible alternative.

Inacio or Todibo could have improved the Red Devils' solidity within their rearguard; however, they may not come cheap and the continuous unravelling of Man Utd's takeover saga at Old Trafford may need to be resolved before they can splash out on transfers. For now, Ten Hag's men will be focused on a busy run of fixtures as they look to build up ahead of steam on both domestic and European fronts.

Transfer update: "Magnificent" Man Utd player looking to leave in January

A number of Manchester United players could be on the way out of Old Trafford over the next 12 months, and a new report has claimed one is set to depart in January.

Who could leave Man Utd?

The Red Devils moved on a number of players over the summer, whereas eight new signings were also made in a busy transfer window. However, there could be plenty of departures in 2024, with the latest on Jadon Sancho’s Man Utd future appearing to point in the direction of an exit. It has been revealed that those at Old Trafford are ready to accept an offer for the winger in the New Year, with a loan move a possibility.

Man Utd summer exits

New club

Dean Henderson

Crystal Palace

Anthony Elanga

Nottingham Forest

Fred

Fenerbahce

Alex Telles

Al Nassr

Matej Kovar

Bayer Leverkusen

Zidane Iqbal

FC Utrecht

Eric Bailly

Besiktas

Meanwhile, Anthony Martial’s future is also up in the air, with rumours suggesting he is not happy with his current role in Erik ten Hag’s side and wants to be the main man once again, which could result in a move away.

A third big earner could end up joining the attackers in potentially heading out, with GiveMeSport's Steve Bates providing a transfer update on Harry Maguire in the last 48 hours. They claimed that the defender’s agent is now actively looking for a new club.

Maguire is set to receive an extended run in Ten Hag’s side due to the ongoing injury issues, with the manager impressed with his mental strength, but the report states that the player will leave in January as he looks to protect his England career.

Harry Maguire’s Man Utd career…

Since arriving in Manchester from Leicester City back in 2019, it’s safe to say it has been an eventful period for the centre-back. In total, the 30-year-old has now made 179 appearances for Man Utd – more than any other of his previous clubs – and has scored seven times in all competitions. (Harry Maguire stats)

He was limited to just 16 Premier League appearances last season, though, but he did come in for praise from Ten Hag during the previous campaign, with the Dutchman saying:

"He was magnificent in protecting the box. He is a great player and a really good defender and we have seen how important he is for the squad.

"I am really happy for the team of course but also Harry Maguire as he came off the pitch with a clean sheet."

There has also been plenty of criticism aimed at Maguire, although England manager Gareth Southgate recently backed the defender, saying:

"But it's a joke. I've never known a player treated like he is, not by the Scottish fans but by our own commentators, pundits whatever it is. They've created something beyond anything I've ever seen. He's been an absolute stalwart in the second most successful England team in decades.

"He's been an absolutely key part of that. I've talked about the importance of our senior players, he's been crucial amongst that. Every time he goes on the field, the resilience he shows, the balls he shows is absolutely incredible. He's a top player, we are all with him and our fans were brilliant with him tonight."

When Ten Hag has all of his defensive options fit and available, though, it looks as if Maguire isn’t one of the first names on the teamsheet, reflected by the number of games he played last season, so a move away could be best for all involved.

Martin Odegaard warns Arsenal to expect 'a lot of time-wasting' from Porto ahead of crunch Champions League tie

Martin Odegaard has warned his Arsenal team-mates that Porto are likely to waste a lot of time in the second leg of their Champions League fixture.

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  • Odegaard warned Porto will waste time
  • Says Arsenal have learned from first-leg mistakes
  • Gunners 1-0 down on aggregate
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The high-flying Gunners suffered a shock defeat in Portugal last month in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 fixture as they went down 1-0 against Porto. Since then, the club have registered three consecutive wins in the Premier League, scoring 12 goals and conceded only twice.

    Club captain Odegaard admitted that Arsenal did have some flaws in their game in the first leg, although he claimed that they have learned from their mistakes. He also warned his team to expect Porto to waste a lot of time at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

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  • WHAT MARTIN ODEGAARD SAID

    Speaking to reporters ahead of the all-important game, Odegaard said: "There are so many different things going on in each game. This game [against Porto] was one where the ball was out of play a lot and a lot of stop and start and restarts and all this. I think you saw that also against Brentford and I think we dealt with it in a brilliant way. I think that was a good practice.

    "We already showed in that game what we learned in Porto, hopefully, we can do that even better on Tuesday. First of all, we want to play our game. We don't want to focus too much on them and what they are doing. We want to play our game and that's the main thing. We had to deal with a lot of different situations, a lot of time-wasting. We had to control our emotions the whole game and I think we did that brilliantly."

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Since the brief winter break in January, the north London club have enjoyed a stunning run of form, winning eight out of nine matches, with their only defeat coming in the Champions League. They are currently leading the Premier League title race on goal difference and are tied on 64 points with Liverpool.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

    After facing the Portuguese giants in the Champions League on Tuesday, Mikel Arteta's side will next face Manchester City in a blockbuster Premier League clash after the international break on March 31.

Mark Wood raring to make Test mark after swapping IPL for Derby

Despite his battles with injuries, the fast bowler wants to succeed in the form of the game he considers “the pinnacle” and said he had not contemplated focusing on white-ball cricket

Alan Gardner19-May-2018Mark Wood made the choice to come early from the IPL because he believes he has “a real point to prove” in Test cricket. Despite his battles with injuries, the fast bowler wants to succeed in the form of the game he considers “the pinnacle” and said he had not contemplated focusing on white-ball cricket, where he is likely to be a key member of the side hoping to lift the World Cup on home soil next year.Having won a recall to the Test team for England’s last outing, in Christchurch at the end of March, Wood then went straight to the IPL, playing in the first match of the tournament for Chennai Super Kings. However, after returning figures of 0 for 49, he was not selected again and spent his time bowling in the nets until a call from Andrew Strauss prompted a return to Durham.Wood subsequently claimed a career-best 6 for 46 against Derbyshire and was named in Ed Smith’s first squad as national selector for next week’s Pakistan Test at Lord’s. Following three rounds of ankle surgery in 2015 and 2016, there have been doubts about Wood’s fitness for five-day cricket but he is feeling positive – “I’ve had seven months injury free now, which I’ve probably never had before” – and wants to fight for his place.”That’s never even once crossed my mind,” he said, when asked about the possibility of preserving himself. “Any game I play for England I love it. When I was in the back garden as a kid it was never T20 or 50 overs it was Test matches. In my mind, all the best players were at Test level and that’s what I wanted to strive to. These days, the 50- and 20-over stuff is a huge part of the game so I’m delighted to be part of such a good team – we have an awesome one-day side – but the pinnacle for me is still trying to get into that Test and I think I have a real point to prove.”After a month of inaction in India, his trip to Derby was about “having fun” with a red ball back in his hand. Despite initially “thinking I’m miles away here”, after taking 1 for 91 from 29 overs in the first innings, Wood felt increasingly in rhythm and was rewarded by his first first-class six-for as reverse swing came into play on the final day.Wood’s extra pace and skiddy angles have seen him long identified as the man to bring a cutting edge to the seam attack, and he believes he benefited from being given a licence to bowl short and at the body in his previous Test appearance – similar to the role fulfilled by New Zealand’s Neil Wagner. Having scored a maiden Test fifty at Hagley Oval, he is now chasing bigger wicket hauls for England.”I need to get more wickets,” he said. “I need to be more consistent. Having the gameplan in New Zealand definitely helped because I knew the role they wanted me to play. Whether I got wickets or not I knew it didn’t matter because it was the role I was playing. Having a bit more of a specific role – whether it’s an enforcer or do something a little different – then even if I don’t get wickets I know I’m contributing.”To be be honest I’ve got a lot to prove to the selectors, coaches, media, the fans because I’m a guy people probably had high hopes for and I’ve not done it consistently enough. An average of 40 is pretty average to be honest and I definitely want to lower that.”Mark Wood back in action for Durham•Getty Images

On the state of his ankle, which required him to be rested from the one-day side in New Zealand, Wood described it as “decent”. “It’s okay, held together with a bit of Sellotape. We are all right at the moment and have managed it quite well over the winter. ‘Hopefully’ is the key word and hopefully I can keep it okay.”There have been times when I’ve thought I’ll never be the same again, I’ll never play for England again and I’ll have to go into the real world. There have definitely been doubts but things I can hopefully overcome with more game time.”As for his IPL jaunt, part of a record contingent of Englishmen involved in the T20 competition, his conclusion was: “Mad, but good. But mad.” It remains another arena in which he would like to prove himself in the future.”I’m glad to be back,” he said. “It was a difficult decision and I was 50-50 whether I leave. Andrew Strauss rang me up and said, if you’re not playing, there’s real value in coming home to push my case and try to keep my spot in the team. I worked so hard trying to get back in the Test side. At the time I wondered whether it was the right decision but as soon as I got back and took some wickets, it was the right decision.”I would have liked to have played more. It was hard going travelling every day and not playing. I was the only member of the England side who hadn’t been home for about seven months so that side was hard. I got why I wasn’t playing… I didn’t really set the world alight in my first game and it was always going to be difficult to come back in. I’m disappointed that I didn’t get to prove myself in that competition. To have one game and not do well leaves a bit of a sour taste. I’d like to go back and have one more crack at it and prove myself at that standard.”

فيديو | في الوقت القاتل.. خاسف نوفل يُسجل هدف شباب بلوزداد الأول أمام الأهلي

نجح فريق شباب بلوزداد الجزائري، في تسجيل هدف التقدم أمام الأهلي، خلال المباراة الجارية حاليًا بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلتقي شباب بلوزداد مع نظيره الأهلي، على أرضية استاد 5 يوليه بالعاصمة الجزائرية، في الجولة الرابعة لدور المجموعات من المسابقة القارية.

وسجل خاسف نوفل محمد هدف التقدم لفريقه شباب بلوزداد في الدقيقة 90+1 بعد كرة عرضية قابلها محمد عزي بتسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء تصدى لها الشناوي ثم تابعها اللاعب مرة أخرى بتصويبة سكنت الشباك.

طالع أيضاً.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة الأهلي وشباب بلوزداد في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

ويتواجد فريقا الأهلي وشباب بلوزداد، في المجموعة الثالثة لبطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، مع أندية أورلاندو الجنوب إفريقي واستاد أبيدجان الإيفواري. هدف شباب بلوزداد الأول أمام الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

"Would be a huge blow…" – BBC pundit reacts to "crazy" West Brom update

A BBC pundit has described a potential exit rumour surrounding one West Brom hero as "crazy", with his Hawthorns future up in the air at the moment.

West Brom's January transfer plans

The Baggies may have lost 2-1 away to Southampton in their last Championship game, but they still find themselves in a good position to finish in the playoff places this season. Granted, they have just slipped out of those positions and into seventh place currently, but they are only behind Sunderland on goal difference, and look primed to continue their good run for the rest of the campaign.

When the January transfer window opens in the New Year, there will be a chance for West Brom to bring in some new faces, with Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles seen as a transfer target. On the flip side, Baggies midfielder Tom Fellows has been linked with a move away from the club in January, with his contract at the Hawthorns expiring next summer.

Tom Fellows West Brom exit claim

Speaking to Football League World, BBC pundit and former England international Carlton Palmer described talk of Fellows potentially leaving West Brom as "crazy".

Soccer Football – Championship – West Bromwich Albion v Cardiff City – The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, Britain – January 2, 2022 Cardiff City’s Ryan Giles in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Tom Fellows Action Images/Paul Childs EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your a

"Tom Fellows, West Brom's talented young forward, is attracting attention from elsewhere. West Brom are working hard to get Tom to commit to a new long-term contract and are hopeful of doing so.

"Tom's contract expires in the summer – I can't understand why West Brom have put themselves in such a difficult position before the January transfer window, it's just crazy. Before he commits to a new long-term contract, I'm sure Tom will want assurances about much-needed game-time.

"West Bromwich Albion need to do everything in their power to get him to sign a new contract – failing that they need to sell him in the January transfer window, which would be a huge blow for the club given he has come through the youth ranks and the academy and the money that's been invested in him.

"I really can't believe that clubs are still at this moment in time are not securing the services of talented young players on long contracts, and then putting themselves in the position that WBA have currently done."

Palmer is spot on in his assessment that West Brom have played the situation surrounding Fellows' future badly, with the 20-year-old now in a position where he could look for a new challenge and even leave for free at the end of the season, if he doesn't sign a new deal.

Appearances

35

Goals

12

Assists

9

The Englishman has been hailed as "very quick" by Baggies manager Carlos Corberan, and still has so much to give the team, even if Fellows' statistics so far this season show that he has only made seven appearances in all competitions, all of which have been from the substitutes' bench.

While the youngster leaving in January wouldn't necessarily be the end of the world in the short-term for West Brom, they should be looking to keep hold of their best emerging talent, so losing him would have to be considered a blow, especially if it was to a rival.

Cutting losses, reviving domestic T20 tournament top of Moroe's agenda

The new CSA CEO outlined his immediate financial goals in his first press briefing after being confirmed in the role in a permanent capacity

Firdose Moonda17-Jul-2018Minimising losses in the 2019-2022 cycle, and delivering a successful domestic 20-over competition are top of the agenda for new Cricket South Africa CEO Thabang Moroe as he begins a three-year term. Moroe, who had been serving in an acting capacity since September last year, was confirmed in a permanent capacity on Monday evening. In a wide-ranging first press briefing that followed, he outlined the financial goals he needs to meet to ensure CSA’s success.”The one mandate was to make sure the next four-year cycle, which is [projected to be] in a loss-making cycle of R800 million (US$60.3 million), make sure I bring that to below R500 million (US$37.7 million). Luckily, through relationships I have built, we have managed to reduce that loss by over R400 million (US$30.15 million), so CSA is looking good,” Moroe said. “The personal target I have set myself is to totally scrap that loss. I think that is possible. I would like to leave CSA in a healthy financial situation.”CSA will make losses due to the tours they will host from the 2018-19 summer – Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – and the fact that they will not host India, who always provide a profitable visit, until the 2022-2023 season. While Moroe is in the process of negotiating additional fixtures, he said it is “not going to be easy, given how the FTP is situated”.Instead, CSA will look inwards in its search for greater profits, and at their 20-over tournament, which was conceptualised as a way to allow the organisation to rely less on the FTP for financial security. To date, however, the tournament has only cost CSA.After an elaborate launch, subsequent postponement and player payouts, which amounted to USD 14.1 million, CSA now faces legal action from some of the franchise owners, who are demanding compensation for their costs. The bill could run into many more millions, but CSA have already embarked on a new competition, after signing an equity deal with satellite broadcaster SuperSport, who also bought the rights for the competition.”It has been a lot of hard work trying to revive the postponed T20 league,” Moreo admitted. “We are changing it [from privately-owned franchises] and we have signed an equity model with SuperSport. We have sold the broadcast right to SuperSport. We will announce all the other commercial deals as far as sponsorship of the league is concerned in due course.”Moroe is confident the league will be held this year and said CSA is “sticking to our timelines” as far as planning is concerned. He said expressions of interest for players will be sent out on July 30. Moroe could not confirm when CSA would meet with the aggrieved owners, but ESPNcricinfo understands that there are plans for a get-together in early August. And, as he has done before, Moroe did not close the door on their involvement, although he has now indicated that it may only come at a later stage.”There are issues of trust [with the owners]. You can pick that up in terms of what the previous owners have been saying. The only way to bridge that gap is to sit down and talk face-to-face,” Moroe said. “As far as them getting involved is concerned, our stance is pretty clear, together with SuperSport. We want to work this thing from the ground up, we want to build it up, build a certain level of value so that when the opportunity comes for equity – whether it be selling our own equity as far as ownership of the entire league is concerned, or equity in the form of purchasing teams – then we know what it is that we are selling and we know the right value and we know how people are going to make their monies back because these people are investing.”Because CSA and SuperSport have yet to iron out all those details themselves, it is unlikely the franchise owners will have the chance to be part of the league immediately, as Moroe hinted. “Until we get to the point of knowing how much it is going to cost to run a team here in South Africa, how much you are going to get from a sponsorship, what you should be paying from a stadium hosting point of view, what is it that you are going to give CSA in terms of a license, we can’t give that entire picture,” he said. “Should that opportunity arise, we will be looking to sell equity in teams and we will try and get owners involved. This is, after all, the necessary processes of vetting and due diligence.”Away from the profile of a T20 competition, Moroe also wants to concentrate on the existing domestic game, which will be expanded to eight franchises “probably” next season. “We need to go through a thorough and transparent exercise in terms of measuring who those teams will be awarded to,” Moroe said.

Chaotic Scene Broke Out As Reporters Ran to Speak to Shohei Ohtani at All-Star Game Media Day

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is a popular guy.

Ohtani was set to speak with the media Monday afternoon in Arlington, Texas, ahead of Tuesday night's 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field. When it was announced Ohtani would be taking the microphone, a stampede of reporters, camera operators and other media members sprinted over to the area to get a good shot of the press conference.

Nobody draws a crowd like the 30-year-old two-way phenom.

Ohtani was voted as a starter in the National League's designated hitter slot in his fourth career All-Star Game. He'll bat second in NL manager Torey Lovullo's lineup behind Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte and ahead of Philadelphia Phillies slugger Trea Turner.

In 94 games for the Dodgers this season, Ohtani is batting .316/.400/.635 while leading the NL with 29 homers. Over his first three career All-Star Games while suiting up for the AL, Ohtani collected one hit and two walks in six plate appearances.

"Surprise" – Farke could unleash "aggressive" Leeds gem in new position

Daniel Farke is finally starting to find his feet at Leeds United, having initially got off to a difficult start. Now, as the international break comes to an end, the new boss will hope to see his side's recent momentum continue in the Championship as they square off against his former club, Norwich City. It would be some statement from the Whites if they were to beat the Canaries this weekend – three points would lay down a serious show of intent.

As the season goes on, and games come thick and fast, we may start to see Farke experiment to keep his squad fresh, and that could include trying one particular young player in a new role, handing him more game-time.

Leeds United team news

The Yorkshire club have been boosted by the fact that the international break didn't leave them with too much to worry about on the injury front, giving them every chance to kick on and cement themselves as promotion hopefuls in the Championship this season. Injuries could yet result in the emergence of a new star, however, or perhaps even a role change. And the latest Charlie Cresswell news suggests that could be the case for the central defender. Or, at least, that's what Graham Smyth believes.

Speaking on Inside Elland Road, Smyth said: “It will be a really interesting time in January. You don’t know if someone might pick up an injury. It almost feels to me like two need to pick up injuries for Cresswell to get a start right now because I think Farke plays Cooper, Struijk and Rodon before he plays Cresswell, that’s how it feels at the minute.

“But then who saw Archie Gray playing right-back? So Farke has maybe got a surprise up his sleeve, he’s maybe got a role for Cresswell or a game for Cresswell. But if the situation remains as it is, then he’s got a decision in January.”

How many games has Charlie Cresswell played this season?

Former Millwall loanee Charlie Cresswell.

Struggling for minutes, Cresswell has featured just six times for Leeds this season, starting just three times. At 21-years-old, the defender will be aware that his time will come, but for the sake of his development, Cresswell may need to adjust under Farke in order to receive a place in his starting side. After a successful loan spell at Millwall last season, the youngster's struggle at Leeds has come as a surprise, but last season shows that he is more than capable of taking his chance when it comes.

Cresswell earned plenty of praise at The Den, including from former Millwall boss Gary Rowett, who told South London Press: “Knowing his dad and the character he had, you can see that in the lad as well. He’s been brought up really well with a real hunger for work-rate. He’s an aggressive boy who wants to fight, I think that’s why Millwall was something they were very, very keen on even though they had some very good other options.

“A loan player wants to know they’ll get a fair chance and what you’re offering is actually what it says on the tin – not just to try and get the player into our club. He’s not going to be our player at the end of it, he’s going to be Leeds’ player, so we’ve got to do the best job we can along the way.”

Dyche must unleash Everton’s "special" £20m whiz alongside Beto

Everton are back in Premier League action once again today, as they welcome Luton Town to Goodison Park for the first time since 2006.

Sean Dyche will be hoping to capitalise on the returning feel-good factor instigated by their back-to-back away victories, and claim a first of the season on home soil.

Who could start for Everton vs Luton Town?

For once, the former Burnley boss seems like he will enjoy a relatively clean bill of health for today's clash, which will not be as easy as the league table suggests.

The newly-promoted side sit 18th, having picked up their first and only point of the term last weekend against Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, as a solid and hard-working side, it will take some doing to unlock what will be a very defensive outfit.

31/10/07 – Luton Town vs Everton

1-0 W

24/10/06 – Everton vs Luton Town

4-0 W

14/03/1992 – Everton vs Luton Town

1-1 D

02/11/91 – Luton Town vs Everton

1-0 W

04/05/91 – Everton vs Luton Town

1-0 W

Jack Harrison impressed on his midweek debut at Villa Park, with a tireless display that also boasted two key passes, whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his return to form with a second goal in as many games to finish off the cup tie.

Meanwhile, the new 5-2-3 formation clearly paid dividends on the road, and poses a key tactical decision that Dyche will have to make going into this match.

However, one thing he certainly must do is recall Dwight McNeil, with the winger now well-rested and ready to provide the killer blow that could place another nail into the Hatters' coffin.

How good is Dwight McNeil?

Having suffered through an injury-hit start to the season, the 23-year-old returned to his old ways with a key assist last weekend as the travelling Toffees toppled Brentford.

It marked the first goal contribution of the term for the winger, who will seek to better his fine tally of seven goals and three assists in the league from last campaign, which made him the club's top scorer.

Given the firepower he is set to enjoy throughout the coming year, in which hopefully the club will have a fully fit Calvert-Lewin and the newly-acquired Beto to aim at, there is every chance of boosting those creative numbers.

Especially if Dyche is to deploy them both, which there have been murmurs about. In fact, the 52-year-old manager was asked about the possibility, and replied positively:

"I've always liked playing with two strikers when possible but it's got to suit the rest of the team as well".

Then, the former Blades marksman weighed in on such a notion:

"He’s [Beto] a physical presence and I’ve really enjoyed training with him. We’ve had a few conversations between ourselves about us being on the pitch at the same time and how that will look, and how we can make that work".

It seems they are gearing towards a potential strike partnership, with there no better time to trial such an attack-minded move than at home to a side completely bereft of confidence.

beto-everton-dominic-calvert-lewin-dyche-dwight-mcneil-injury-premier-league

Beto scored ten goals last season in the Serie A and has already opened his Everton account with a fine finish against Doncaster Rovers in the cup.

His work rate and physicality promises to endear him to Evertonians with ease, and to see his 6 foot 4 frame lining up beside the 6 foot 2 Calvert-Lewin would be a frightening prospect for the opposition.

Especially given McNeil, who during the 2021/22 campaign ranked second for most successful dribbles (90) and third for most crosses (199), has form of firing in wicked deliveries which could cause havoc.

It should come as no surprise that the £20m maverick has been lauded as a "special player" in the past by journalist Andy Jones.

They will seldom get a better opportunity to trial a system that the fans would love to see, and so Beto must start alongside the tricky winger, both earning recalls.

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