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Just when Manchester United thought they were getting somewhere under Erik ten Hag last term, the classic case of 'second season' syndrome has set in this time around, with the Red Devils crashing out of both the League Cup and Champions League in limp fashion, as well as slipping firmly out of the race for the top four.

While injuries have arguably been a notable issue amid that stark decline, the former Ajax boss has largely been unable to get the best out of a group of players who thrived for much of 2022/23, having reached two cup finals and secured a third-place Premier League finish.

Among those to have endured a noticeable drop in form is last season's talisman, Marcus Rashford, with the England international having scored just four goals in all competitions so far this term – all of which have come in the top-flight.

20 games (16 starts)

4 goals

2 assists

6 'big chances' created

0.9 key passes per game

40% total duels won

1.6 successful dribbles per game

11.6x possession lost per game

6 'big chances' missed

Stats via Sofascore

Although the 26-year-old does have six assists to his name, such a return is still a far cry from his record of 30 goals and 11 assists across all fronts during Ten Hag's debut campaign at the helm, with the United academy graduate hardly justifying his bumper new deal.

Whether the £300k-per-week marksman is merely lacking motivation following that contract extension or is simply struggling in a floundering side, he simply hasn't hit the heights that were expected, having at times been "unstoppable" in 2023 – according to his manager.

Now enduring a campaign similar to that of 2021/22 – in which he also scored just four league goals – Rashford's inconsistency has become a frustrating problem for the club, hence the need to seek out potential world-class replacements on the left wing…

1 Vincius Jr.

Arguably the most standout candidate to usurp Rashford, Real Madrid's Vincius Jr has been mooted as a potential target for the Old Trafford outfit in recent times, with United said to be willing to fork out €150m (£130m) to sign the Brazilian – amid Madrid's possible need to cash in to fund the signing of Kylian Mbappe.

Lauded as a player who "puts fear into defenders" by former Bernabeu star, Guti, the 23-year-old could represent a stark upgrade on the left flank, having scored ten times and contributed four assists in all competitions in 2023/24.

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As for last season, the Champions League winner's tally of 44 goal involvements even surpassed what Rashford was able to achieve, notably recording 12 goals and assists in as many games in Europe's elite competition, en route to reaching the last four.

A clinical and creative presence in the final third, what also sets the former Flamengo man apart is his dribbling prowess, as he ranks in the top 1% among his fellow wingers in Europe's top five leagues for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 – with Rashford, by contrast, ranking in just the top 50% and the top 33% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Of course, such a deal would no doubt be an ambitious one for Ten Hag and for the new Sir Jim Ratcliffe regime, yet a club of United's size shouldn't certainly aim their sights high.

2 Rafael Leao

Reports in Italy back in October also suggested that the Red Devils were keeping an eye on AC Milan sensation, Rafael Leao, with the Portuguese starlet potentially able to leave the San Siro side for the 'right offer'.

Valued at €100m (£86m) – according to CIES Football Observatory – the 24-year-old has racked up six goals and six assists this season, having enjoyed a particularly impressive 2022/23 campaign, in which he registered 16 goals and 15 assists.

Described as a player with a "killer mentality" by journalist Zach Lowy, the former Lille star – like Vinicius and Rashford – can operate off the left or in a central role if required, with such versatility also likely appealing to Ten Hag and Co.

Having previously admitted that Rashford is someone he views as a role "model", Leao could be in line to take the Englishman's place sooner rather than later.

3 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Sticking with Serie A, Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also appears to be on the radar of those at United – as well as a handful of other European clubs – with 90min reporting late last year that the Red Devils had sent scouts to watch the Georgian in action in Naples.

Formerly something of an unknown quantity after beginning his career in his homeland and in Russia, the 22-year-old announced himself to the wider world after a dazzling debut season in Italy, helping to lead Luciano Spaletti's side to Scudetto glory last season.

That stellar campaign saw the Tbilisi native bag 14 goals and 17 assists from his left-wing berth, with journalist Rory Smith describing him as "untamed" and "really, really good fun" to watch.

A return of five goals and five assists this time around for the struggling Italian champions is hardly the most eye-catching, yet his performances last season certainly warrant the interest from Old Trafford.

4 Nico Williams

Ratcliffe could also look to Spain to find a youthful successor to Rashford, with Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams said to be an 'ideal option' for the summer window – as per an exclusive from UtdDistrict earlier this month.

Still just 21, the Pamplona-born menace has chalked up 16 goals and assists from the flanks for the Basque side this season, having made "incredible progress" in recent years, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

With a £43m release clause in his current deal with Bilbao, the 11-cap Spain international could represent a more affordable target for United this year – the youngster also ranking in the top 7% and the top 5% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, respectively.

5 Kaoru Mitoma

There's no denying that the hype surrounding Kaoru Mitoma has somewhat faded this season, with the Japanese star – who has been the subject of interest from United in recent times – scoring only three goals and providing just six assists.

That being said, the 26-year-old enjoyed a truly breakout 2022/23 campaign for Brighton and Hove Albion, proving himself a truly "magic" talent – as described by The Athletic's Seb Stafford-Bloor – with his 18 goal involvements.

Pundit Tony Cascarino has even boldly claimed that the former Union Saint-Gilloise talent is "like watching Ryan Giggs at his very best", while the BBC's Garth Crooks has stated that Mitoma looks like a "United player".

If the £70m wizard can get anywhere close to emulating the success of fellow winger, Giggs – who won 13 league titles in a glittering stint at the Theatre of Dreams – then United would be in for a real treat.

Rashford, beware.

Offspinner Will Somerville will have the chance to face former team-mates after being added to the New Zealand squad for the three one-day matches against Australia in Brisbane next week which act as World Cup preparation.Somerville played for New South Wales between 2014 and 2018 before returning across the Tasman to resume his career in New Zealand having been offered the prospect of international cricket. The opportunity came his way last year when he made his debut against Pakistan, taking seven wickets in Abu Dhabi to help clinch a famous series victory.That remains his only Test to date with home conditions not requiring two spinners, but he will have the opportunity to show his one-day skills – a format in which he has only played six matches – in the three games which do not have ODI status.New Zealand have named a shadow squad for the matches in Brisbane with the majority of their World Cup 15 currently at the IPL and Ross Taylor playing county cricket for Middlesex. The squad is captained by Tom Latham and includes Tom Blundell, Matt Henry, Jimmy Neesham and Henry Nicholls from the World Cup group.Pace bowler Seth Rance, who has played two ODIs and five T20Is, has also been added to the squad which has expanded to 15 players.Australia will have all their World Cup players available with them being recalled from the IPL for the training camp.New Zealand XI squad Tom Latham (capt), Todd Astle, Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell (wk), Doug Bracewell, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Seth Rance, Hamish Rutherford, Blair Tickner, George Worker, Will Young, Will Somerville

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be hoping to return to winning ways against West Ham United this afternoon following their recent 1-1 Premier League draw against Nottingham Forest.

Gary O’Neil’s men couldn’t add to Matheus Cunha’s equaliser against Forest and the 40-year-old will be looking for his side to be much more clinical against a team who have conceded 30 goals in the top flight this term – the joint fourth-worst defensive record.

The Old Gold will also need to improve defensively against West Ham and this could suggest that O’Neil may make a change or two to his backline.

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Wolves could make a few signings in the January transfer window to bolster their squad.

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 14, 2023

Hugo Bueno didn’t enjoy the finest of matches last weekend and the former Bournemouth manager might boldly ditch him for the match today.

Hugo Bueno’s game vs Nottingham Forest in numbers

The youngster was deployed on the left side of the midfield as O’Neil started the game with a 3-4-3 formation, and he was looking for Bueno and Nelson Semedo to provide some attacking output from the flanks in order to support the front three.

While the defender did show eagerness at getting on the ball, taking 69 touches during his time on the pitch, his end product was often wasteful, and he registered a pass success rate of only 70%.

Bueno also lost possession of the ball on 20 occasions while winning just three of his eight duels contested, showing his weakness in one-on-one battles during the match.

With O’Neil looking for him to get forward as often as possible, the Spaniard only delivered one successful cross, and he succeeded with 33% of his dribble attempts, indicating that he didn’t exactly provide a reliable attacking source.

The 21-year-old received a match rating of just 6/10 for his performance by journalist Liam Keen from the Shropshire Star and there will be a change for the clash against the Irons.

Rayan Ait-Nouri could replace Hugo Bueno

The Algerian has been missing since suffering an injury against Fulham last month, yet he could be fit for the tie against the Irons today and this would be a major boost for the side.

The 22-year-old has started 12 Premier League matches so far this season, averaging 0.8 key passes per game along with succeeding with 1.5 dribbles per game and being dribbled past just 0.4 times per game, indicating that he has impressed across a range of performance metrics.

With fixtures coming up against West Ham, Chelsea, Brentford and Everton, O’Neil will be aiming for at least two or three wins and this could significantly bolster their top-half ambitions.

Ditching Bueno today would be a wise move and while Ait-Nouri is fighting back to 100% fitness, he could be given a start against David Moyes’ men.

The Molineux outfit have been impressive in spells across the top flight this term, enjoying excellent wins over Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, yet consistency issues have plagued their campaign.

If the Algerian left-back is ready to be unleashed in the starting XI this afternoon, O’Neil must give him a chance to start from the first whistle and boldly drop Bueno to the bench.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly ‘stepped in’ to sign a new player in the January transfer window.

Wolves summer signings

The Old Gold had a busy summer off the pitch, with Gary O’Neil replacing Julen Lopetegui days before the 2023/24 season got underway. When it came to incomings and outgoings, O’Neil didn’t really have much time or resources to play with, although a number of new players were brought in.

Wolves summer signings	Fee
Matheus Cunha – Atletico Madrid	Undisclosed
Tom King – Northampton Town	Free
Matt Doherty – Atletico Madrid	Free
Tommy Doyle – Manchester City	Loan
Enso Gonzalez – Libertad	Undisclosed
Santiago Bueno – Girona	£10m
Boubacar Traore – Metz	£9.5m
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde – Strasbourg	Undisclosed
Fees according to Sky Sports

On the pitch, there has been plenty of frustration, with Monday night’s 3-2 defeat to Fulham the latest setback for O’Neil’s side. The boss wasn’t happy with the officiating after the game either, saying on VAR:

"Maybe tonight [Monday] has finally turned me against VAR. I thought it would probably help but it doesn't seem to be. I'm managing a big football club here – the difference you're making to my reputation, the club's progression up the league, people's livelihoods is huge.

"It can't be with all the technology, in the best league in the world, it can't be OK. We should discuss the game really but unfortunately we have to discuss this."

Despite the on-field setbacks, sporting director Matt Hobbs appears to be planning for the upcoming winter window, where a new defender now seems to be on the radar for those at Molineux.

Sport Witness relayed a transfer update on Galatasaray’s Victor Nelsson and a possible move to Wolves. There have been claims suggesting that Wolves have now ‘stepped in’ to sign the centre-back after his representative made a trip to England to hold talks with interested parties. The report adds that Wolves are considering an approach in the New Year, with Nelsson falling out of favour in Turkey after admitting he’s not planning to sign a new deal with his current employers.

Victor Nelsson profiled

Nelsson, a Denmark international, is 25 years of age and is primarily a centre-back who can also turn out as a holding midfielder if needed. The player is currently valued at a career-high €19m by Transfermarkt. (Victor Nelsson profile – Transfermarkt)

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He began his career in his native country with Nordsjaelland and FC Copenhagen before making the move to Turkey in 2021. Since then, Nelsson has featured heavily for his employers and boasts plenty of senior experience as he is approaching 100 appearances for Galatasaray. (Victor Nelsson stats – Transfermarkt)

Previously labelled as a “monster” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Nelsson could come into O’Neil’s side and provide plenty of fierce competition to the club’s current centre-back options, Max Kilman, Santiago Bueno, Toti and Craig Dawson. (Wolves centre-backs – Transfermarkt)

However, there could be competition from fellow Premier League clubs for the defender, with recent reports suggesting both Arsenal and Tottenham are keen on signing Nelsson in 2024, so it appears to be one to keep an eye on heading into the New Year.

أعلنت رابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة عن أفضل ظهير أيسر في الدوري المصري الممتاز “النيل” موسم 2023-2024.

وكان الأهلي قد نجح في التتويج بلقب درع الدوري هذا الموسم، ليصل للقب الرابع والأربعين في تاريخه بالمسابقة.

طالع | رابطة الأندية تعلن أفضل ظهير أيمن في الدوري المصري 2023-2024

وكشفت رابطة الأندية عن حصد كريم فؤاد لاعب الأهلي، جائزة أفضل ظهير أيسر في الدوري هذا الموسم.

وأوضحت الرابطة عبر حسابها الرسمي على منصات التواصل الاجتماعي، أن اختيار كريم فؤاد جاء بناءً على تصويت الجماهير.

تجدر الإشارة إلى أن كريم فؤاد لم يشارك في مركز الظهير الأيسر مع الأهلي، إلا بعد إصابة اللاعب التونسي الدولي علي معلول.

وشارك كريم فؤاد في 25 مباراة في الدوري هذا الموسم مع الأهلي، نجح خلالها في تسجيل هدفين وصناعة 2 آخرين.

Malan’s rapid fire 57 set the tone for a competitive 175, before the bowlers, led by Steyn, rallied to defend a revised target of 145 after floodlight failure reduced the chase to 16 overs

The Report by Akshay Gopalakrishnan21-Nov-2018Janneman Malan swings during his half-century•MSL

Cape Town Blitz’s bowlers rallied to defend a revised target of 145 against Nelson Mandela Bay Giants to maintain their team’s unbeaten run in the 2018-19 Mzansi Super League. With three wins in as many matches, Blitz are the only undefeated team in the competition, rising to 13 points, eight clear of the second-placed Jozi Stars.Farhaan Behardien, the Blitz captain, had had little hesitation in electing to bat on what he sussed out to be a worn surface. Janneman Malan vindicated that decision, tearing into the Bay Giants attack with a 39-ball 57 that set the base for a competitive 175. In reply, Bay Giants were well behind the mark, at 49 for 2 in 8.4 overs, when floodlight failure resulted in a fifteen-minute break in play. With no provision of extra time to account for stoppages, four overs were slashed from the Bay Giants chase, leaving them with 96 to get in 44 balls.Much of that early struggle by the Bay Giants was down to Dale Steyn, who turned back the clock to produce a fiery spell of fast bowling. Clocking speeds in the range of 85 to 90 miles per hour on a consistent basis, Steyn was incisive, and had the Bay Giants batsmen fretting against his pace. Steyn hit the deck hard, generated substantial bounce, hit razor sharp lines, and managed disconcerting movement off the deck. And the impact was felt immediately.With his second ball, Steyn got Marco Marais into a tangle, and produced a leading edge, with the batsman playing half-heartedly across the line, to Quinton de Kock behind the stumps. That over from Steyn ended up being a wicket maiden. In his next, he foxed JJ Smuts with a slower one that the batsman tamely chipped back, with Steyn getting down sharply on the followthrough to snare it low in front. He then followed up with a short ball, fired in at full tilt, that spat up off the deck, and crashed into the helmet grille of Heino Kuhn. At the end of his second spell, Steyn had figures of 2-1-1-2. A top-edge over the slips in his next over resulted in the first boundary of Steyn’s spell, but by the end of that over, the last of the Powerplay, Bay Giants had played out 19 dots.Kuhn did well to ride the early storm, however, and in the first full over after the resumption, laid into Dane Piedt, cracking three fours and a six, making it the most expensive over of the match. Using quick feet and powerful arms, Kuhn scooped, slogged and reverse-swept Piedt to breathe life into the chase for the first time.Thrown a lifeline when he was shelled at third man off Steyn on 42, Kuhn swatted the next ball through midwicket for four, and brought up his half-century off 32 balls. But an unfortunate run out, in another boundary-heavy 13th over, transferred the pressure back on Bay Giants. In the face of a mounting required rate, Hussain Talat’s double-strike in the next over further tilted the scales in the favour of Blitz, who then made sure to avoid any more surprises.As with the bat, Bay Giants struggled with the ball early on, failing to find the right length. They kept pitching it short to Malan, who was in an unrelenting mood and smashed two fours and a six off the first seven balls he faced. Ryan McLaren managed to hit a different length, but a full toss and a half-volley outside the off stump were hardly the need of the hour and were duly put away for boundaries. So dominant was Malan that de Kock had contributed only 6 to the first-wicket partnership when he stepped down and blindly swung to be stumped.Phehlukwayo matched Malan’s aggression, and the two continued to pinch timely boundaries as they settled into the ideal pace in their partnership of 49 in 37 balls. Having settled down courtesy some generous gifts from the Bay Giants bowlers, Malan collected his fifty with a full toss from Tahir that he chipped straight back over for four.Malan and Phehlukwayo fell in successive overs – Malan trapped plumb in front by the left-arm spin of JJ Smuts and Phehlukwayo to a blinder from Aaron Phangiso at midwicket – but the platform laid by them was such that the brief cameos that followed lower down were sufficient to haul Blitz to a match-winning total.

Liverpool's iconic Kop end will be devoid of its customary array of flags for the upcoming Europa League encounter against Atalanta this Thursday.

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• Liverpool supporters to stage unique protest
• No display of flags at the Kop end
• Raising their voice against increasing ticket prices

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  As per , the decision comes as a form of protest against the club's recent announcement of a two per cent increase in ticket prices for the 2024-25 season. The price hike, revealed by Liverpool last week, has triggered discontent among supporters' groups, with Spirit of Shankly expressing disappointment over the lack of "meaningful consultation" and how fans are “slowly being priced out of regular attendance”.

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• Getty Images
  

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  Spion Kop 1906, responsible for coordinating banners and flags in the Kop, has opted to take action to voice their dissatisfaction with the club's ownership by refraining from their customary routine. In a statement, the group further revealed that they have gained extensive support from other fan groups as well which has further spurred them to action.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  “We are disappointed in the football club’s decision towards ticket prices for 24-25,” the group’s statement read.

  “In response, there will be no flags on the Kop for Thursday night’s game. Unlike the club’s own approach, this has been agreed in consultation with other fan groups. We will pay our respects to the 97 with Hillsborough flags only at this weekend’s league match (against Crystal Palace on Sunday), as always with it being the closest game to April 15.

  “There is still a chance for the club to hold some positive dialogue with the Supporters’ Board in time for Saturday’s meeting. Until then the supporters have one message: No to ticket price increases.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Liverpool's decision to raise ticket prices stems from a significant increase in operational costs over the past six years, with annual expenses at Anfield soaring by nearly 40 per cent. However, this justification hasn't placated fans, who believe the burden of rising costs should not fall solely on supporters.

Antony says that Diogo Dalot is "more than a friend" to him after helping him come through a nightmare period at Manchester United.

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Antony scored in FA Cup against LiverpoolHas struggled both on and off the pitchWinger talks up relationship with DalotGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Antony scored only his second goal of the season against Liverpool in Manchester United's stunning FA Cup quarter-final victory, and has faced fierce criticism in recent months for both his performances on the pitch and his behaviour off it. The Brazil international is under investigation in both his homeland and England after being accused of assault by his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin. He has denied the allegations.

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Making reference to his difficulties, Antony has hailed his team-mate Dalot, with whom he has developed a close bond. The Portugal international, he says, has been a pillar of support as he works through his personal issues and his poor form.

Getty WHAT ANTONY SAID

Speaking to United's official website, he said: "I'm very grateful to God and to a friend I talk to a lot.

"Diogo Dalot is more than a friend to me, he's a guy who helps me every day at the club. We have a phrase that we always say to each other: the patient guy is unbeatable.

"We always talk about it. So I'm very grateful to him for his advice, for the moments we had together talking. He's a guy who's helped me a lot."

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

United are due back in action next weekend against Brentford as they continue to attempt to close the gap on the Premier League's top four. Erik ten Hag's side are currently sixth, nine points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa with a game in hand, and Antony will hope to make a significant impact in the final weeks of the season to build on his improved showing against Liverpool.

Manchester United have spent big in recent years, attracting some top talent to Old Trafford in an attempt to turn around the on-pitch fortunes of the Red Devils.

In the transfer window just gone, Man United splashed huge wads of cash on the likes of Rasmus Højlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana – the Danish striker alone costing the Red Devils an eye-watering £72m, despite only scoring ten times in total for his former employers Atalanta in Italy.

Signing these talents for top fees hasn't correlated to on-pitch success yet for Erik ten Hag's men, players coming into the building such as Onana looking out of his depth if anything since leaving Ajax behind for the top-flight of England.

It could lead to Man United spending even more money to attempt to salvage their current season when January comes around – Ten Hag's side tenth at the time of writing and way off the pace – with a certain player from the Bundesliga in Jamal Musiala being linked to Old Trafford at this current point in time.

Who could sign for Man United this January?

Before the news broke of Sheikh Jassim's bid falling through at the final hour to take over Man United from the unpopular Glazers, outlandish transfer rumours started popping up with a mega-money backing anticipated from the prospective Qatari owner.

Kylian Mbappe was even being linked with a transfer to Old Trafford, a statement signing to signal Man United's new intent in the transfer market and intent to transform the Red Devils back to a title-challenger in the Premier League.

Even with the Jassim bid collapsing, Sir Jim Ratcliffe – the INEOS owner who looks to be advancing with his £1.3bn deal to have a 25% stake of the football club – could well still pump adequate funds into the club with Musiala being sounded out as a player the Red Devils could potentially target in the new regime.

90min have reported this week that the 20-year-old Bayern Munich sensation should still commit to staying in Germany with a new contract, but the temptation of a Premier League move could be too strong for the youngster and will leave him with a big decision to ponder amid interest from not just United but Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

How does Musiala compare to Fernandes?

Since bursting onto the scene in Bavaria as a wide-eyed teenager – becoming Bayern Munich's youngest-ever player when featuring versus SC Freiburg at just 17 years of age – Musiala has never looked back and continues to be an exciting prospect for the Bundesliga powerhouse.

Last season, Musiala would score 12 league goals for the Bavarian giants in total from 33 games – outperforming his xG in the process, which stood at a lesser 8.02 per Sofascore.

Comparatively, Man United's main man in attacking midfield Bruno Fernandes registered eight goals from 37 matches played in England's top flight.

Games

47

59

Goals

16

14

Assists

16

15

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Musiala's dribbling ability is a standout feature of his overall game too, the player nicknamed "Bambi" for his youthful appearance playing way beyond his years by bamboozling senior Bundesliga defenders.

The "special" Bayern Munich prodigy – as dubbed by European football expert Zach Lowy – successfully completes 3.90 take-ons per ninety minutes according to FBRef, a forward-thinking talent that could help Man United become a far more ruthless team in attack.

The Red Devils have only scored nine goals from eight Premier League matches so far, leaving Ten Hag's outfit with an embarrassing -4 goal difference in the top-flight standings.

At just 20 years of age still, Man United signing Musiala, a player valued at an almighty £130m as per Football Observatory, could well see the importance of Fernandes lessen as the old guard at Old Trafford are gradually moved on for explosive, new talents.

The Premier League bears witness every year to the stars of the future making their debuts and also wily veterans at the other end of the spectrum.

Players young and old make their presence felt on English shores whether it be goalkeepers in their 40s such as Brad Friedel, Mark Schwarzer and Jens Lehmann or teenagers like Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri getting a runout at just 15 last season.

With this in mind, Football FanCast has ranked the Premier League clubs from the oldest squads to the youngest, as per Transfermarkt.

Data correct as of 20th October 2023.

20 Fulham – 28.5 years

Marco Silva’s Fulham take the crown for being the oldest squad in the Premier League for the 2023/24 season thus far.

28-year-old Aleksandar Mitrovic left for Al-Hilal, with Shane Duffy and Anthony Knockaert amongst the Cottagers over 30 to also recently depart the club.

Meanwhile, Raul Jimenez joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers at the age of 32 was the oldest arrival at Craven Cottage, showing that Fulham have always boasted an older squad as opposed to this being a new phenomenon.

Tim Ream and Willian are the oldest two members at 36 and 35 respectively.

19 West Ham United – 28.1 years

Remaining in London, West Ham United are another club who are known for having several experienced heads in their side, particularly in defence.

James Ward-Prowse was their oldest signing of the summer at 28, whereas Declan Rice and Gianluca Scamacca left the club, both of whom are 24.

Lukasz Fabianski is currently one of the oldest players in the league, with the Polish goalkeeper having turned 38 back in April.

18 Newcastle United – 26.7 years

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are next, with their average age of just under 27 one of the league's highest.

Selling 31-year-old Chris Wood and 32-year-old Karl Darlow, combined with the youthful new arrivals hasn’t done much to move the Magpies any further down this particular list.

No one at St. James’ Park is particularly old but it all adds up, with 10 players being 30-plus – four of them goalkeepers.

17 Crystal Palace – 26.7 years

Crystal Palace follow a similar trend with the defensive trio of James Tomkins, Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne having been about a bit.

With Roy Hodgson at the helm, the Eagles are led into battle by the oldest-ever manager in the Premier League and the average age of their squad is fairly high too at 26.7, the same as that of Newcastle. They do, however, have a slightly smaller squad than the Magpies.

16 Luton Town – 26.4 years

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany is the only man in charge in the Premier League younger than 40-year-old Hatters chief Rob Edwards.

Luton Town’s average age, meanwhile, is 26.4 – with their summer business being very mixed once again.

Ross Barkley and Thomas Kaminski have arrived, who are 29 and 30 respectively, whilst Tahith Chong and Ryan Giles are both only 23.

Goalkeepers do tend to be on the older side as that is represented by Tim Krul being the oldest in the squad at 35, plus James Shea is close behind at 32.

15 Nottingham Forest – 26.4 years

Ibrahim Sangare (25), Murillo (21), Nicolas Dominguez (25), Matt Turner (29) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (22) have arrived at the City Ground and gone straight into Steve Cooper’s starting XI, with the American goalkeeper being the only player over their average age of 26.4.

There has been so much turnover for Nottingham Forest in the last couple of years that it is a struggle to keep up to date.

One thing we do know is that Wayne Hennessey and Harry Arter are amongst the oldest players in the squad, bringing the average up, even though they rarely feature on the field.

14 Everton – 26.3 years

52-year-old Sean Dyche is near enough double the average age of his squad, with Everton coming next at 26.3 years.

Youssef Chermiti has joined from Sporting CP and is just 19, while the signing of Ashley Young on a free transfer from Aston Villa makes him an outlier at 38.

A similar picture is painted when it comes to the outgoings, as 36-year-old Asmir Begovic joined Queens Park Rangers whilst Tom Cannon (20) and Ellis Simms (22) were amongst the youngsters to depart, signing for Leicester City and Coventry City respectively.

13 Manchester United – 26.3 years

Finishing comfortably mid-table in these rankings are an indifferent Manchester United side.

The signings of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans haven’t done the Red Devils any favours when it comes to the average age of their squad.

It currently sits at 26.3 with the aforementioned trio pulling that way up alongside 37-year-old goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

12 Brighton & Hove Albion – 26.2 years

Brighton and Hove Albion’s average age is marginally lower than that of Manchester United's and that can only have been lowered by their summer signings.

Five of their eight arrivals were 21 or younger, including Joao Pedro and Ansu Fati. Meanwhile, James Milner is at the opposite end of the spectrum, bringing a wealth of experience to the midfield at 37.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Milner is therefore the oldest player at the Amex, although he is closely followed by former Liverpool teammate Adam Lallana at 35.

11 Aston Villa – 26 years

Placing in 11th of this particular table are Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, even though they parted ways with the aforementioned Ashley Young.

Young may have left, but so did Cameron Archer and Jaden Philogene, both 21, with their destinations being Sheffield United and Hull City respectively.

Their average age comes in at 26 on the dot.