Alexis Sanchez gave the ball away a staggering 30 times as Manchester United laboured against Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The Red Devils were awful in the first half and the early part of the second as the struggling Eagles burst into a 2-0 goal lead.
At that stage, United were in serious danger of going into this weekend’s huge meeting with arch rivals Liverpool behind the Reds in the league and Sanchez was unable to do much to rectify that.
The harder he tried to make something happen, the more the forward – valued at £63m by transfermarkt.co.uk – gave the ball away.
That said, his persistence paid off in the end as it was the Chilean’s shot against the Palace crossbar that led to Romelu Lukaku’s equaliser and the Red Devils went on to win 3-2 in stoppage-time.
Speaking after the match, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said that it was only the former Arsenal man’s reputation that would keep him in the side for Saturday’s crunch clash, so poor was he against Roy Hodgson’s men.
So we’re asking you; should Sanchez be dropped for Saturday’s match with Liverpool? Let us know by voting below…
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
There seems to be a trend in modern football. The Premier League has exposed it, the World Cup gave us a few hints and pundits are banging on about it week in, week out. The art or defending is dying, with goals coming thick and fast in the top leagues across Europe, while every ‘emerging starlet’ appears to be either a ‘tricky No. 10’, a ‘goalscoring sensation’ or a ‘wing wizard’.
Gone are the days of 0-0 Champions League knockout games of the mid to early 2000s in which John Terry, Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini, among others, marshalled their backlines to provide fans with tactical thrillers, with mad scoreline increasing normal. Goals are exciting and capture the highlight reels, but the one commodity needed above all other right now is top class centre-backs, of which there are few.
Yet there is one player stands out above all others currently, with his name in the transfer gossip columns on an almost weekly basis. I am of course talking about Mats Hummels, the Dortmund and Germany enforcer. Both Manchester United and Arsenal are the English sides being most strongly linked with the star defender, as reports suggest that Arsene Wenger has made him his top target ahead of January, while Louis van Gaal is keen to revive the Red Devils’ failed move for him over the summer.
Hummels has given no indication that he wants to leave BVB – in fact, he’s stated the opposite – but things change quickly in the fickle world of football, so it would not be a major shock to see the 25-year-old’s name crossing Sky Sports’ yellow ticker in early 2015.
But which suitor should he choose? Presuming United and Arsenal are the only two ‘big players’ in for him, he will have a serious decision to make…
MANCHESTER UNITED
A prime example of United’s failings so far this season under Van Gaal is the shocking 5-3 loss at Leicester City. The result against the Foxes summer up the problems at Old Trafford – albeit they lost at the King Power Stadium – with attacking flair and defensive solidity completely imbalanced. 3-1 up with half an hour to play, the Red Devils needed to coast to three point, yet a backline with Tyler Blackett a key man was ruthlessly exposed.
We don’t need to tell the rest of the story – Jamie Vardy tore United apart with his pace and movement – to make it clear that a top class defender like, let’s say Hummels, may well have eased them over the line for a routine win.
The German would surely be the bedrock of the United team should he make the move, with Van Gaal in desperate need of a player to command his backline and impose some sort of authority. Hummels could do so, while bringing his top-notch ability on the ball to the fore to help build attacks.
The cash is there to offer Dortmund around £30m and give the player himself a massive pay hike, making such a move a ‘no brainer’ for United. Hummels himself may have some reservations due to the uncertainty of Champions League action at Old Trafford, however.
ARSENAL
Unlike United, Arsenal can virtually guarantee Hummels top-level European action for the foreseeable future, such is Arsene Wenger’s penchant for landing fourth place. This would likely appeal to the Dortmund star, as would the presence of a number of his international team-mates, including Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil – albeit the futures of the latter two are unclear.
Hummels would probably be used as a replacement for the aforementioned Mertesacker to play alongside Laurent Koscielny in the Gunners’ back four, which has the potential to be a solid partnership. The competition of a top class player fighting for his role may, however, be a drawback.
There’s little doubt that the Londoners need another capable defender after letting Thomas Vermaelen leave. Wenger’s decision to neglect obtaining – or failure to sign – a replacement has been exposed by injuries already, with young Calum Chambers forced from right-back into the heart of the defence.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Hummels would appear to be an ideal fit given his ability with ball on the deck as well as his power and pace, yet funding may be an issue. Arsenal are understood to have £20m at their disposal for January, which is the sort of sum United would simply smash out of the park.
VERDICT
This is a tough one as both clubs are blessed with fine histories, great managers and some of the best stadia around. Arsenal can offer top level European action, while United have the financial clout to make even PSG blush. It would appear that becoming the future of the Red Devils’ backline could be tempting, and with money not just talking but screaming at the top of its lungs in the modern game, they look to be the more convincing suitors. Or he could just stay at Dortmund…
Tottenham and Manchester United are set to go head to head in the battle for Crystal Palace starlet Wilfried Zaha, according to reports from talkSPORT.
The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League after an impressive start to the Championship season.
Arsenal were thought to be in pole position for his signature, but reports have emerged that their interest has cooled, opening the door for Spurs and United.
It is believed that both clubs are willing to allow Zaha to remain at Selhurt Park for the remainder of the season, with the duo keen for him to continue to develop.
It is likely that the Eagles will demand a fee in the region of £15m, but may accept a lower figure if they are offered a fringe player on loan for the rest of the season.
Zaha has enjoyed a fine start to the season, helping Palace in their bid for promotion to the top-tier of English football.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Despite his young age, and the fact he is playing outside of the Premier League, England manager Roy Hodgson called up the winger for his side’s friendly against Sweden in November.
This was speculated to be a measure taken by the FA to prevent the player electing to represent the Ivory Coast, his country of birth, later in his career.
Newcastle fans are voting Martin Dubravka as their player of the month for February, despite the keeper only playing in two matches.
Dubravka signed in January on a loan deal until the end of the season, and has made about as good a start as possible on Tyneside.
The Slovakian stopper has won two league titles in his home country and been a huge hit since moving to parent club Sparta Prague, and now it seems he’s made a pretty positive impression on Newcastle fans as well.
The 29-year-old impressed in an international match against Scotland in October, when Gordon Strachan knighted him man of the match and labelled the keeper as “magnificent”.
Newcastle have played three times in February, drawing twice and beating Manchester United to pick up their first home win since October. Dubravka was man of the match in that game, dominating his area and pulling off miraculous saves to deny Anthony Martial and Juan Mata.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Newcastle fans have been impressed by what they’ve seen, and have taken to twitter to share their thoughts…
Amid all the brouhaha surrounding England’s do-or-die Euro 2016 qualifiers against the might of San Marino and Estonia, news of the release of Roy Keane’s most recent autobiography, The Second Half, may have evaded the attention of many followers of the game.
Quiet, friendly and averse to confrontation, Keane’s revised reminisces were never expected to raise many eyebrows, with his sitting-on-the-fence approach and his inoffensive anecdotes being derided as nothing more than the actions of a dull footballer transcribing his dull life into literary form.
This is a pile of codswallop, of course, as Keane’s book – the most eagerly awaited sports autobiography since that of his boss-turned-nemesis, Alex Ferguson – has come at an ideal time for media outlets desperately searching for newsworthy material during a particularly uninspiring international break when headline-grabbing stories were always going to be thin on the ground. For the past week, the public – football-loving or otherwise – has been treated like some poor soul strapped onto an operating table in the lair of a crazed, demented professor, forcibly drip-fed an intoxicating mix of accusation upon accusation, tirade upon tirade and scathing criticism upon scathing criticism by delirious newspapers, websites and news channels who have plundered the former Manchester United midfielder’s explosive memoirs with glee.
The daily dosage of revelations on the back pages has been like some perverse form of opening an advent calendar over Christmas; instead of a snowman-shaped chocolate or a similarly dainty confectionery, the reader is treated every day to a brand-spanking new Keaneism, accompanied by the haunting image of the Irishman’s bewhiskered, sunken-eyed face – his cold, lifeless gaze akin to that of a man who walks by unperturbed after witnessing the neighbour’s cat being run over by a van.
Regardless of how tiresome and drawn-out the coverage of Keane’s autobiography may or may not be, there is no denying that the man is a compelling figure. The way in which his relationship with Ferguson has deteriorated from being one which enjoyed considerable and consistent success at United to one which is fuelled by bitterness and resentment gives us a fascinating insight into what happens when a manager and his captain – both equally as ambitious, strong-willed and obstinate – come to blows.
That said, his obsession with Ferguson also occasionally borders on the comical. In a recent interview conducted by Kevin Kilbane for BBC Sport, Keane only really becomes animated when he starts talking about his former boss. His unshakeable refusal to let bygones be bygones – he states that he’d “probably have a go” at Ferguson if he met him – is highly humorous, as is his scornful, desert-dry wit in general. Keane says further on in the interview that he is giving up on punditry, which is a crying shame as his brutal put-downs of players, managers and even entire teams – his claim that Tottenham will always let you down stands out as a particularly memorable example – were at times more entertaining than the matches themselves during his time as a pundit on ITV.
In an age where footballers – understandably, one might argue – saturate interviews and public appearances with cliché and vacuous pleasantries for fear of getting punished for stepping even slightly out of line, Keane is a welcome maverick. Football is entertainment, and the Irishman is infinitely entertaining. His aura makes his every word worth listening to, much like a certain Brian Clough – another of his former bosses during his playing days.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Roy Keane is a treasure of the game; love him or hate him, football would be all the poorer without his loveably, uniquely scathing presence.
It wasn’t too long ago that English football claimed there were too many foreign stars taking up places in the top-flight over home grown talent. But following recent international tournaments and the displays in Europe from the continent’s finest and most glamorous, there can be no doubt that the majority of non-British stars are plying their trade in either Spain, Italy or Germany.
But English football and the current makeup of the game in this country owes a lot to the influence of foreign players and the traditions and styles of other nations. We’ve seen football develop from the muddy, rain soaked game towards something much more pleasing on the eye. The English approach to the game is still deep in the foundations, but the continental and south American style has helped to modernise Premier League football and play a hand in the variety regularly on show.
Click on Eric Cantona to see the full list of Premier League legends
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Newcastle United are interested in signing Guingamp midfielder Clement Grenier, according to L’Equipe.
What’s the story?
27-year-old Grenier played most of his career at Lyon before he signed for Guingamp in January this year.
The versatile midfielder has impressed since his move, scoring five goals and assisting four in 14 games.
Grenier is comfortable playing in both central and attacking midfield positions and is valued at £3.6million on Transfermarkt.
According to L’Equipe, Grenier could be available for as little as £2.6million as he only has 12 months remaining on his current contract, but Newcastle will have to see off interest from Fulham, Rennes, Fenerbahce and AC Milan.
What’s the catch?
So far, so good for Newcastle, as it seems an in-form player in a position they need strengthening could be available on the cheap this summer.
Who do you think will win the World Cup? Let us know here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice.
The main problem with Grenier is his injury record which has seen him play only 29 times in the last three seasons.
Rafa Benitez will have to weigh up the risks but at £2.6million, he could be worth a punt.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Newcastle have had success identifying gems from Ligue 1 and Grenier has the ability to become another if he manages to stay fit.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255847″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Newcastle’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Premier League season”]
Everton have joined Arsenal on the list of clubs interested in giving Mikel Arteta his first managerial job, according to reports.
What’s the story?
According to reports, both Everton and Arsenal are chasing Arteta as a potential long term solution to their managerial woes.
Arteta made 174 league appearances for the Toffees, before moving to Arsenal in 2011 where he made 110 league appearances.
The midfielder scored 28 times for Everton, but left a sour taste in the mouth of many fans with his move to London. Despite this, it is reported that Everton chairman Bill Kenwright will try and persuade the club to sign Arteta.
For now, both Arsene Wenger and Sam Allardyce are resisting the pressure mounting on them, but with Arsenal missing out on Champions League football and Big Sam struggling to win over the Everton faithful, there could be an interesting battle for Arteta’s services come this summer.
[ad_pod ]
Where would be the best fit?
The 35 year-old Spaniard has been assistant manager at Manchester City since Pep Guardiola took over in 2016, and has understandably caught the eye of the two Premier League clubs he once played for.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Guardiola’s City have run away with the Premier League this season, and with Arsenal looking to maintain their style and Everton looking to find theirs, it’s no surprise that both have been linked with a move for a member of Guardiola’s staff.
Despite his successful stint at Arsenal, he would be better suited to the job at Everton. Although he left the club on a bad note, the Spaniard was a club legend at Goodison and could quickly win over the fans with even the slightest hint of what Guardiola’s City are producing. Arsenal is also a massive job for someone so young.
Two wins from six games would have been viewed as disastrous at Manchester United through much of the last 20 years. But in this ‘transitional period’ the Red Devils are in a very different place, in which a narrow 2-1 home win of West Ham is actually now viewed with positivity.
All mocking aside, United really do have lots to be cheery about after the weekend’s result, with things beginning to look up after almost 18 months of frustration. Louis van Gaal is now on board which has put the memory of David Moyes to bed, while the squad contains some of the world’s very best attacking players.
So, does the season start here for the club? Here are FIVE reasons it may…
[ffc-gallery]
CLICK ON RADAMEL FALCAO TO REVEAL THE FIVE REASONS
[/ffc-gallery]
It could be worse Nando, you could be one of these guys…
With such a drastic spend and a major overhaul during the summer, the adjustment time at United was always likely to be significant. And, as predicted by many, the Red Devils have been a little off of the pace in the early weeks of the season, with the wealth of attacking and midfield talent at Louis van Gaal’s disposal all vying for places in the XI.
After a few shock results the win against West Ham was much needed, and although it took some huffing and puffing, the Red Devils looked bright for some chunks of the game. Players settling in? Looks like it.
Rooney’s absence could provide balance
Rooney’s moment of madness against the Hammers could actually be of benefit to United in the coming weeks. After a gentle run of fixtures, LVG’s men now face Everton and Chelsea in their coming three games, whom will provide stern tests. With Rooney out of the equation, Van Gaal could opt for a more stable and defensively sound XI, perhaps with a more orthodox midfield player slotting in in the place of the skipper behind Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie.
Van Gaal’s tactics coming across
The Dutchman said at the start of his reign that his methods and ideas would take some time to garner results. Scorelines and narratives at the club have generally been far from positive so far, but with each training session and week the messages will be sinking in.
Van Gaal is no fool either, His spell at Bayern Munich was not dissimilar, but the outspoken manager turned things around and is widely seen as one of the Bavarians’ best ever managers.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Rivals’ hectic fixtures
While United have only the Premier League to focus on until the FA Cup kicks in in January, their major rivals are all busy balancing the Capital One Cup and Champions League/Europa League as well. Liverpool proved last season that fewer fixtures can be the springboard for impressive results, so United must use the situation to their advantage.
January spend looming
January may be a while away yet, but reports are already suggesting that United may wade into the transfer market once again. LVG oversaw a £150m spend during the summer, but money is still available with defensive additions needed.
Kevin Strootman of Roma is already being mooted as a target, while possible moves of Mats Hummels, Nicolas Otamendi and Angelo Ogbonna have also made the headlines. A few choice additions could sort out United’s obvious deficiencies.
Liverpool’s Jose Enrique is desperate to force his way back into the first team, after making his comeback from injury.
The Spanish full back returned to action on Saturday after coming on as a second half substitute against Reading after being side-lined for a month.
Due to injuries and fine performances from other players, Enrique has had a frustrating season as he has found himself slipping down Brendan Rodgers’ pecking order.
The Spaniard is in contention for a start in tomorrow’s Europa League clash against Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala, as he looks to set out to impress boss Brendan Rodgers.
“It’s been difficult as every footballer just want to play.” Enrique told the Liverpool Echo.
“I tried to but was getting a lot of pain in my knee and because of that I couldn’t perform at my true level.
“I got injured in training when I tried a shot. I twisted something and it didn’t feel right.
“It took a few weeks to recover but no it finally seems to be okay again.
“Brendan Rodgers style of play suits me as his formation and tactics are the type of football I like to be involved in.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Enrique is having fierce competition from youngster Andre Wisdom, who has started the last three games and is making a big impression at Anfield.
Despite being a new comer to first team football, a true tribute to his talent is in the form of representing England at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels.