Stepping up their summer plans, Manchester United are now reportedly expected to submit an opening offer to sign a Serie A midfielder who dominated former Old Trafford star Scott McTominay this season.

INEOS preparing for big summer

Ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge, in which he will be forced to operate underneath an even greater spotlight, it’s fair to say that INEOS must get things right on the transfer front.

The Red Devils desperately need to show the door to several stars and are even more desperate for fresh faces to arrive and make their mark at Old Trafford.

Amorim is keen to ensure that his side waste no time before finally turning things around at the club, despite questions around a long-term task.

The former Sporting CP boss told reporters earlier this month: “I understand, but I’m not naïve. I don’t want to think we need a lot of years to be competitive. I can’t think like that, I cannot manage that, it’s not in me. That’s why I’m putting pressure on myself.

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“I know we won’t be the biggest challengers in the next year or two years. We are changing a lot of things inside the club and we know it will take a lot of time, but I will not say I need a lot of years. Next year is our goal. I’m not saying we’re going to win the title in the next year, I’m not crazy.”

What would certainly help accelerate Manchester United’s turnaround is an impressive transfer window – something that INEOS are seemingly planning for.

Already, names such as Liam Delap and James Trafford have been mentioned among those who could yet be on their way to Amorim’s side, but it’s a Serie A midfielder who may well be most likely.

Man Utd expected to submit offer for Ederson

According to TuttomercatoWeb, Manchester United are now expected to submit an official offer to sign Ederson from Atalanta in the coming weeks. The Serie A side reportedly value their midfielder at around €60m (£52m), but it remains to be seen whether United’s pending offer will reach that mark and satisfy the Italians’ requirements.

It should come as no surprise that Atalanta are demanding such a high price, however. If Manchester United kept an eye on academy graduate, turned Napoli star, Scott McTominay, they would have seen Ederson’s quality for themselves earlier this season. The Brazilian dominated the Napoli midfielder in a resounding 3-0 victory.

By the end of the 3-0 thrashing, the Atalanta star had made eight passes into the final third, won 100% of his tackles and completed as many as 10 recoveries. McTominay, meanwhile, was limited to the least amount of touches of any outfield player on the day and won just 50% of his tackles, according to FotMob.

Described as “strong” by South American football expert Tim Vickery, Ederson is exactly the type of combative midfielder that Amorim needs alongside Manuel Ugarte if he is to turn Manchester United around once and for all.

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Manchester United find themselves 14th in the Premier League table after their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.

The Red Devils needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund to avoid a 16th defeat in the top-flight this season, in what has been a significantly below-par campaign for the club.

INEOS and Ruben Amorim must work together to ensure that the recruitment work this summer is spot on, as there have been too many missteps in recent years, including the signing of Mason Mount in the summer of 2023.

Why Mason Mount has been a flop for Manchester United

The England international signed for the Red Devils from Chelsea for a reported fee of £55m ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, and has had a rough time in Manchester so far.

Since the start of last season, Mount has missed a whopping 50 matches through calf and hamstring injuries, which have heavily disrupted his time at Old Trafford.

When available, however, the English attacking midfielder has not done enough to justify the money spent on his services, with a return of one goal and one assist in 39 appearances in all competitions.

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This has led to his market value, as per Transfermarkt, plummeting to just £24m, which shows that he has been a flop for Manchester United so far because the midfielder has not delivered goals or assists, or consistent availability, and is now worth significantly less than the fee they paid for him.

Mount is not the only player from that batch of recruitment in 2023 who has not been good enough, though, as Andre Onana should be ruthlessly ditched by INEOS this summer.

Why Man Utd should sell Andre Onana

Manchester United reportedly paid £47.2m to sign the Cameroon international from Ajax in the summer of 2023, and his value has plummeted in the two years since then.

It was recently reported that the club would consider offers of at least £20m for Onana, which means that he could be sold for even less than Mount is currently worth (£24m).

As you can see in the highlights above, Onana most recently had a night to forget against Lyon with two mistakes in the Europa League, which led to him being dropped against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

That came directly after former United midfielder Nemanja Matic dubbed him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history” after being asked about Onana’s claim that his team were better than Lyon.

Whilst the Red Devils eventually won the tie over two legs, the Cameroon international’s personal performances did not do much to dismiss Matic’s harsh claim.

Appearances

44

43

Goals conceded

73

59

Errors leading to shots

3

1

Errors leading to goals

3

5

Penalties committed

1

0

As you can see in the table above, making errors is not a new issue for Onana because the shot-stopper has been error-prone throughout his two seasons in Manchester to date.

He has not been a reliable, safe, pair of hands between the sticks, due to these errors in the Premier League, the Champions League, and the Europa League, and that is why INEOS must ruthlessly cash in on him this summer.

United should look to move Onana on, whether that is for a fee of £20m or another figure, and then attempt to recruit a replacement who can be relied upon week-in-week-out at the top level, without Amorim having to be concerned about his goalkeeper making calamitous errors consistently.

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Declan Rice’s magical free-kick double reignited Arsenal’s season as they thumped European champions Real Madrid on a historic Champions League night at the Emirates Stadium.

The England midfielder’s superb brace was even more incredible considering he had never scored a direct free-kick in his senior career.

Now a hero in N5, he joins a list of great free-kick goalscorers for the Gunners. Here, we rank some of the best free-kicks scored by those in red and white down the years.

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9

Mesut Ozil v Liverpool

2014/15 Premier League

Arsenal were flying when they took on Liverpool at the Emirates in April 2015, with Arsene Wenger’s side coming into the game on a six-game winning streak.

Backed to see off the Reds as they looked to overtake Manchester City in second place, the Gunners went ahead just before the break through Hector Bellerin.

Minutes later, Arsenal were awarded a free-kick on the right-hand side, with Mesut Ozil standing over it.

And despite placing it on the ‘keeper’s side, the German doubled Arsenal’s lead with a superb effort, which set the Gunners up for a 4-1 victory.

8

Cesc Fabregas v Aston Villa

2009/10 Premier League

With their title bid threatening to falter, Arsenal were struggling to break down a stubborn Aston Villa team that had been a thorn in the Gunners side.

Level on points with their opponents at the time, it was a must-win game. But with Arsenal toiling, a less-than-fit Cesc Fabregas was summoned to give the home side the advantage they craved.

Around 25 yards out, the captain stepped up to put his team in front with a superb curling effort that Brad Friedel could do nothing about.

7

Robin van Persie v Sunderland

2007/08 Premier League

Robin van Persie’s strike against Sunderland would probably still be travelling had it not nearly shattered the Emirates crossbar back in 2007.

His thumping early free-kick against the Black Cats was past Craig Gordon like a bullet, and was one of those you could watch over and over again.

The Dutchman then popped up late on after the Gunners had dropped a two-goal lead to take them to the top of the table.

6

Thierry Henry v Roma

2002/03 Champions League

Thierry Henry had such a knack for scoring great free-kicks, he could have his own ‘best of’ compilation.

But one of his finest has to be his clincher in the Stadio Olimpico against Roma in the Champions League, which not only secured a superb away win in the second group phase for Arsenal, but a magical European hat-trick.

Goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli had absolutely no chance.

5

Mikel Arteta v Aston Villa

2011/12 Premier League

Some free-kicks just stay hit, and Mikel Arteta certainly proved this against Aston Villa in the 2011/12 season.

During a routine victory for the Gunners, Arteta put the icing on the cake with a screamer into the net from miles out.

Shay Given appeared to have been expecting a shot into the opposite corner, but once he’d made the wrong decision, the ball was already past him.

4

Declan Rice v Real Madrid

2024/25 Champions League

This may be fresh in the memory, but Declan Rice’s first strike against Real Madrid was befitting of the occasion, not to mention a thing of beauty.

Having spotted the potential to curl one around the outside of the wall, Rice’s strike lit up the Emirates, handing Arsenal the lead over the European champions.

It was also Arsenal’s first direct free-kick goal since Martin Odegaard scored against Burnley in September 2021. The relief and ecstasy was tangible.

For the moment alone, it will likely be a special memory for years to come.

3

Thierry Henry v Wigan

2005/06 Premier League

Thierry Henry was up to his old tricks against Wigan in 2005, producing a superb free-kick – with a cold celebration to go with it.

Having built a reputation for taking free-kicks quickly, referee Graham Poll made it very clear he had to wait for the official’s whistle.

Clearly disturbed by this, Henry responded by placing an inch-perfect free-kick in off the post, leading him to ask the referee, “is that enough?”.

2

Santi Cazorla v Hull

2013/14 FA Cup

Arsenal had often been accused of lacking leaders, and when the Gunners were 2-0 down to Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup final, it looked like those concerns would re-emerge as their trophy drought threatened to extend further.

But after being handed a free-kick, Santi Cazorla scored perhaps his greatest Arsenal goal under the Wembley arch by torpedoing a strike past Allan McGregor in the Tigers net.

It set Arsenal up for the dramatic comeback that won them the trophy, and gave the supporters a moment to treasure forever.

1

Declan Rice v Real Madrid

2024/25 Champions League

The term ‘top bins’ has been around for a while now, but this may well be the ultimate epitome.

Having just scored a screamer past Thibaut Courtois in the Real Madrid goal, Declan Rice lined up what he hoped would be another screamer.

Buoyed by his earlier effort, Rice smashed home an all-timer to double the Gunners’ lead on the night and score what is surely the best free-kick the club has ever seen, with the ball arrowing into the top corner.

When you consider the importance, the opposition and the perfect execution, it is going to be hard for anyone to top this.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have now set their sights on a “sensational” striker, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Wolves eyeing new striker with Cunha set for exit

Matheus Cunha has played a key role in steering Wolves clear of relegation this season, scoring 15 goals in the Premier League, but it appears as though the Brazilian’s time at Molineux could be coming to an end this summer.

Manchester United are now working on a deal to sign Cunha “very soon”, with the Red Devils in the process of negotiating the final details of the contract, which indicates Vitor Pereira will now be tasked with bringing in a replacement.

Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy has now emerged as a surprise target, with the 38-year-old set to leave Leicester City this summer, while the Old Gold are also keen on a move for Chelsea’s Joao Felix, who has been told he is free to speak to other clubs.

Wolves have their eye on a number of Premier League strikers, with a report from Caught Offside revealing they have now registered their interest in signing Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer.

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Calvert-Lewin is currently set to leave Everton on a free transfer this summer, with his contract set to come to an end, and a number of Premier League clubs are queuing up for his signature, including West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

There is also a chance the 28-year-old will remain at Goodison Park beyond the end of the season, with the Toffees planning a final round of talks over a contract extension.

Calvert-Lewin could be "sensational" signing for Wolves

It could be a very difficult task to replace Cunha this summer, but there are signs the Everton forward could be a solid signing, given his previous exploits in the Premier League, most notably scoring a combined 29 goals across the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns.

The Englishman has also impressed in more recent memory, with reporter Connor O’Neill praising him for his performance in the Merseyside derby last season.

That said, there should be major concerns over the 28-year-old’s injury record, missing the last 12 Premier League games through a hamstring issue, having suffered with injury problems throughout his career.

However, Calvert-Lewin has proven himself to be a top Premier League striker when fit, so it could be a risk worth taking for Wolves this summer, particularly considering he will be available on a free transfer.

It all comes down to tonight for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side might be coming towards their worst domestic campaign in a generation and sit 16th in the Premier League, but much of that will be forgotten if they can get to the Europa League final.

However, for that to happen, the North Londoners need to make the most of their 3-1 lead from the first leg and progress against FK Bodo/Glimt tonight.

That said, it won’t be an easy task, and following another dire display over the weekend, Ange must make several changes to the startling lineup, like dropping Wilson Odobert and one of their future superstars.

Why Postecoglou must drop Odobert

Now, there may be some of you scratching your heads and wondering why the manager would want to drop arguably one of the few players who looked good on Sunday and a man whose goal ensured that the loss column didn’t tick over to 20.

Well, the simple answer, which is partly down to his injury problems, is that he’s yet to prove he can be a reliable source of goals.

For example, the strike against the Hammers was just his third for the club in 18 appearances across all competitions, and the other two came in a single game, at home to AZ Alkmaar.

Therefore, in a game that could come down to incredibly fine margins, the manager should have his most prolific player starting in his preferred position: Brennan Johnson.

The Welsh international might still divide opinion among fans and pundits alike, but his numbers speak for themselves when it comes to a game like this.

Appearances

47

Minutes

3077′

Goals

17

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

Minutes per Goal Involvement

128.20′

For example, in 47 appearances this term, the former “frightening” winger, as dubbed by content creator HLTCO, has scored 17 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to a pretty impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.95 games.

Finally, it was Johnson who opened the scoring in the first leg, so he’s more than earned his place back in the side, as has another star from the home leg, which means dropping a future superstar.

The future Spurs star Ange must drop

While a few players should probably be dropped based on Sunday’s game, the starter in question was middling at best against the Hammers and took the place of one of the stars of last Thursday: Archie Gray.

Now, it has to be said that the Englishman is simply not a right-back, with respected analyst Ben Mattinson going as far as calling him a “future £100m cm,” so an underwhelming performance at full-back is nothing to be alarmed about for the long term.

However, with journalist Alasdair Gold awarding him just a 6/10 match rating and writing that he ‘didn’t do much wrong while not particularly shining either,’ he also shouldn’t keep his place in the team.

We say this because Postecoglou can’t afford to have players coasting in a game as crucial as tonight, especially not when he can replace them with others who can make a big difference, like Pedro Porro.

The Spanish right-back was arguably one of the best players in the first leg, with his lung-busting runs and exceptional passes making life impossible for the Norwegian champions.

In fact, it was his pinpoint, accurate cross that led to James Maddison scoring the North Londoners’ second on the night.

Moreover, while the former Sporting CP ace has been criticised for some questionable defending in the past, he was solid when it really mattered that night and entirely deserving of the 9/10 match rating he received from Gold at full-time.

Ultimately, in a game like tonight, when there might not be too many chances for his side to score, Postecoglou has to start Porro and Johnson, as the former has the ability to craft chances, and the latter can finish them.

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Defensively, West Ham United have struggled in the 2024/25 Premier League season.

The Hammers, now led by Graham Potter, have one of the worst records in the top flight when it comes to conceding goals. There are only four sides that have shipped more than the East Londoners, with three of those the relegated sides.

As per Understat, West Ham have let in 59 goals this term, averaging 1.68 goals conceded per game. That overall number is actually more than three better than their expected goals against total, which is currently 62.73 xGA.

With that in mind, it might not be too much of a surprise that the Hammers are chasing some defensive reinforcements this summer.

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One of the more ambitious defensive signings West Ham could try and make this summer would be to bring David Hancko to the club.

The Slovakian international seems destined to leave Feyenoord in a few weeks time, and Dutch publication Voetbal International report there is interest from Atletico Madrid, Al Nassr and Chelsea, as well as the Hammers.

The left-footed defender can play both left-back and left centre-back, and would add plenty of experience at the heart of the Hammers’ defence. He has made 44 appearances this term, for a Feyenoord side who have conceded just 33 top-flight goals.

Another defensive player who West Ham seem like they could be in for this summer is Kyle Walker-Peters. The Southampton man was part of a relegated side this season, but has been an important player for the South Coast side.

A report from journalist Greame Bailey suggests the Hammers are one of the sides trying to sign Walker-Peters on a free transfer this summer. However, they will face competition from his former club, Tottenham Hotspur and South London side Crystal Palace.

Despite the leaky defence at St Mary’s, there is no denying Walker-Peters’ quality. Former Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl once said he is an “unbelievably smart footballer”, and compared him to legendary right-back Phillipp Lahm.

The Hammers will certainly need to raise funds to afford the wages of both of these players. There is one obvious candidate who could leave the club to make room in the wage budget.

The defender West Ham must axe this summer

One player who has had no involvement in a Hammers shirt this season is Kurt Zouma. The Frenchman, who hails from Lyon, is currently out on loan at Saudi Arabian side Al-Orobah and has not played for West Ham at all this season.

In fact, the former Chelsea player has not had too much first-team football for his temporary side Al-Orobah, either. He has only featured 16 times in all competitions, with 15 of those games coming in the Saudi Pro League.

At one stage, the centre-back was viewed as a vital cog in the works at the London Stadium. He joined the club in 2021 for £25m after leaving Chelsea, and was described as the club’s “first choice” signing at by former manager David Moyes at the time of his arrival.

The 30-year-old made just over a century of appearances in the famous claret and blue shirt, specifically reaching 103 games for the club. Zouma even skippered the club on 37 occasions and scored six times, including one goal in a 2-1 win away to Luton Town last term.

The Frenchman was also an important figure in the Hammers’ Conference League triumph back in 2022. As per Sofascore, he played seven games in that competition, averaging 2.8 aerial duels won and 1.9 tackles won per game.

Minutes played

68.1

477

Pass accuracy

85.5%

85.5%

Long balls completed

1.7

9

Tackles and interceptions

1.9

10

Aerial duels won

2.8

15

Overall, it does seem as though Zouma’s career has petered out at the London Stadium. His contract will expire in a few weeks’ time, and it seems unlikely to be renewed, given his current loan move to Al Orobah.

Not only will that free up money on the wage budget for the Hammers, but they will also be able to reinvest it into new signings that could include Hancko and Walker-Peters.

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Glasgow Rangers should be in the market to find a manager who can bring success and trophies back to Ibrox ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The board decided to part ways with Philippe Clement earlier this year, and they brought in Barry Ferguson to Rangers as the interim head coach until the end of the season.

Whilst the former Scotland international has not completely disgraced himself in the job, the Ibrox outfit’s form since Ferguson took the reins does not suggest that he is a serious contender for the full-time gig.

Rangers have won four, drawn four, and lost four of his 12 matches in charge, and are currently on a run of six matches without a win after their 1-1 draw with Celtic.

This does not suggest that Ferguson is the man to turn Rangers into a winning machine that can wrestle back the Scottish Premiership title from Celtic next season.

Another manager who is not likely to be in the dugout at Ibrox next season is former Gers title-winner Steven Gerrard, as he has been ruled out in a new report.

The latest on Steven Gerrard to Rangers

According to TEAMtalk, the Liverpool legend will not be the next Rangers manager to come in and take over from Ferguson at the end of this season.

The report claims that the 49ers, who are set to make their first appointment once a takeover is finalised, want a new head coach who has no prior connections to Ibrox.

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It states that the prospective owners want to gradually build a winning team in Glasgow and they want to start by appointing a fresh face, with no pre-existing relationships at Rangers, who has a philosophy and a style of play that can be built around for years to come.

Gerrard, of course, does not fit what they want because he has already managed the Light Blues successfully in his first spell at Ibrox before his move to Aston Villa in 2021.

Steven Gerrard (Premiership)

20/21

21/22

Matches

38

12

Wins

32

8

Draws

6

3

Defeats

0

1

Points

102

27

Points per game

2.68

2.25

League position

1st

1st

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the English boss only lost one of his last 50 league matches in charge of the club, going unbeaten in the 2020/21 campaign.

The 49ers, however, have decided that they do not want to retread that path, which means that Gerrard will not be returning to Scottish football this summer, at least not with Rangers.

It is now down to the club to find an alternative manager who can be as successful as the English tactician was during his time at Ibrox, and they could do that by hiring Bodo/Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen.

TEAMtalk’s report adds that the Gers have been linked with the Norwegian boss in the past and that he should be the kind of manager that they target this summer.

The outlet also reveals that this year could be the year that Knutsen finally moves on from Bodo/Glimt, having been linked with other clubs for several years, going back as far as 2021 when he was linked to Premier League side Norwich City.

Rangers must, now, tempt the 56-year-old head coach to come to Ibrox ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, because he could be a dream alternative to Gerrard for the 49ers.

Why Knutsen is a dream alternative to Gerrard for Rangers

The former Liverpool midfielder and Rangers manager was an appealing option to the Light Blues because he has been there and done it; he has won the Premiership.

Knutsen, however, is a head coach who knows how to win league titles, having won even more than Gerrard, and has had success in Europe for Bodo/Glimt, as shown by the impressive fact below.

The Norwegian boss’ side are currently 3-1 down on aggregate against Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals of the Europa League, and still have a chance to make the final in their second leg clash on Thursday night.

This suggests that he has the tactical nous and playing style to be effective in Europe, whilst also having already proven his ability to set up a team to win league titles consistently.

Knutsen’s title dominance in Norway

Eliteserien season

Points per game

Position

2025

2.50

1st

2024

2.07

1st (champions)

2023

2.33

1st (champions)

2022

2.00

2nd

2021

2.10

1st (champions)

2020

2.70

1st (champions)

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Bodo/Glimt have won the Eliteserien in four of the last five seasons, and are currently top of the table after four matches in the 2025 campaign, averaging at least two points per match in all of those years.

This shows that Knutsen can build a team that can consistently challenge for titles and dominate a league, which is the ambition that Rangers should have, after watching their rivals lift the Premiership title in each of the last four seasons.

As well as being a great candidate because of his team’s trophies and progression in Europe, he could also be a great alternative to Gerrard because of his style of play. Bodo/Glimt captain Ulrik Saltnes described Knutsen’s playing style as “kamikaze” and Transfermarkt notes that he plays an attacking 4-3-3 formation.

Bodo/Glimt scored 71 goals and 78 goals in 30 league matches in the 2024 and 2023 campaigns, which shows how exciting that ‘kamikaze’ style can be as his team can score plenty of goals on their way to winning trophies.

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Therefore, Knutsen could be the dream alternative to Gerrard for the 49ers because he has the style of play, the trophies, and the European success to suggest that he could be an excellent appointment. It is now down to the club to convince the Bodo/Glimt boss that a move to Rangers is the best next step in his coaching career.

Tottenham Hotspur face Nottingham Forest tonight, looking to build on their tremendous victory in the Europa League against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night.

Ange Postecoglou’s side booked their place in the semi-finals, setting up a clash with Norwegian outfit Bodo Glimt, with the majority of their attention on such a fixture.

However, the Lilywhites will look to end their Premier League campaign on a high, in what has been a hugely disappointing one by their usual high standards.

They have the opportunity to dent Forest’s ambitions of securing a Champions League place, led by former boss Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked in North London after just 17 games in all competitions.

If Ange’s side are to claim all three points this evening, he will have to drop one player who’s failed to deliver when handed the opportunity from the start in recent weeks.

Why Ange should drop Johnson against Nottingham Forest

Welsh winger Brennan Johnson has failed to match his early-season form, which saw him register a goal in six consecutive games across all competitions.

The 23-year-old has only found the back of the net twice since the end of February, with his showing against Frankfurt in midweek certainly one to forget despite the victory.

He featured for 85 minutes of the contest, completing just 69% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning just two of the six duels he entered – often being dominated in the final third.

His total of just 22 touches, an average of one every 3.8 minutes, showcased his lack of impact when on the ball, needing to be replaced as a result of his poor showing.

With little to nothing left to play for other than pride in the league, Ange could take the clash with the Reds to experiment with his first-team, potentially handing a rare start to one other first-team member.

The player who Ange must start against Nottingham Forest

Injuries have massively plagued Ange throughout the majority of this season, hugely preventing any chance of rising up the table – having to often utilise players out of position.

The likes of Archie Gray and Ben Davies have often had to fill the void at the heart of the defence, with numerous forwards missing, leaving Johnson with very little competition in the process.

Wilson Odobert is just one player who’s spent an extended period on the sidelines throughout 2024/25, restricting him from making an impact after his £25m move from Burnley last summer.

The Frenchman has only featured in 14 games across all competitions, most of which have come from the substitutes bench, but it hasn’t prevented him from making a huge impact.

In one of his most recent starts for the Lilywhites, he scored twice in the Europa League triumph over AZ Alkmaar – only making one start since his impressive showing nearly six weeks ago.

Whilst he was an unused substitute in the win on Thursday night, it could be an opportunity for Postecoglou to shuffle his pack and hand the 20-year-old just his sixth league start.

He’s completed 1.8 dribbles per 90 in the league to date, whilst also registering the same amount of efforts on goal, having the attacking threat to add to the front line.

Games played

10

Minutes played

448

Pass accuracy

86%

Successful dribbles

1.8

Shots taken

1.8

Duels won

4.3

Touches in opposition box

5.8

Odobert, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by Jacob Horsfall, has the drive and threat with the ball at his feet that could cause the opposition backline no end of trouble tonight.

It’s the perfect opportunity for the youngster to impress, potentially staking his claim for a starting role in the Europa League, having a massive part to play in their quest for a first trophy since 2008.

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Chelsea are believed to be prepared to fork out a significant sum for an alternative to right-back Malo Gusto this summer, with Enzo Maresca pondering his full-back options ahead of his second full season in charge.

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Club captain Reece James recently returned from his injury hell to provide Maresca with much-needed reinforcement in the right-back area, but given his history of hamstring problems, there is no telling just how long he’ll be in contention for.

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The Englishman, who was recently recalled to the Three Lions squad by new England boss Thomas Tuchel, has featured in nine of Chelsea’s last 12 Premier League games since returning from injury, missing one due to illness, so the signs have been positive.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures	Date
Fulham (away)	April 20th
Everton (home)	April 26th
Liverpool (home)	May 4th
Newcastle (away)	May 10th
Man United (home)	May 18th

Chelsea will be hopeful that the £250,000-per-week star can maintain this positive run of availability, but there is still a reliance on the out-of-form Gusto.

Gusto has attracted criticism throughout 2024/2025 for some sub-par displays, but Maresca will be cautious about dropping the former Lyon sensation in favour of being too overly reliant on James, as BlueCo tread carefully when it comes to the latter’s fitness.

The 21-year-old is still young and with plenty of room for improvement, though his return of just two assists in 33 appearances across all competitions will also be a concern for Maresca.

Chelsea need more threat from their full-backs on the overlap, and they ideally need a figurehead who can provide that injection of quality when they’re struggling to break sides down in the low-block.

Taking this into account, Barcelona right-back Jules Koundé could be a truly excellent option.

The France international, who can also play at centre-half, has the ability to kill two birds with one stone as Chelsea reportedly look to sign a centre-back this summer.

Arsenal are also very interested in Kounde, according to other reports, following the 26-year-old’s exceptional campaign under Hansi Flick at the Bernabeu. Kounde has started 28 La Liga matches this term, making 50 appearances in all competitions and bagging eight assists in the process – standing out as one of Flick’s key men.

Chelsea prepared to bid £68 million for Jules Koundé this summer

Now, according to reports out of Spain, it is believed Chelsea are ready to match Arsenal in the potential race for his signature.

Indeed, Chelsea are also prepared to make an offer of £68 million for Kounde, and Barca’s current financial troubles could tempt the Catalans into doing business. This bid would represent a significant profit for Barca, at a time when they really need it, and a figure of this magnitude could represent an “unexpected solution” to balance their books.

The west Londoners are apparently ready to outbid Arsenal for Kounde, and “already have a plan in place” to sway Kounde with a move to Stamford Bridge.

One sticking point could be the defender’s £224,000-per-week wages, though, which would place him among Maresca’s highest-earning players.

Manchester United now want to hold new contract talks with a young player after impressing Ruben Amorim in recent weeks, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The summer transfer window is edging closer and closer to opening, and given how this season has gone for the Red Devils, it is likely INEOS are going to want to act quickly to bring in players Amorim feels not only improve his team but fit into what he wants in terms of his formation and style of play.

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There are a number of positions in the United team that Amorim will want to address, either because players are leaving or because of the lack of quality. One area that has emerged as a position the United boss wants to strengthen is defence, and this may be because of Victor Lindelof’s expected departure and the fact Lisandro Martinez could be out until the end of the year.

According to a report from Spain, United are preparing to go all out and sign Ronald Araujo from FC Barcelona. The defender is a key player for the Spanish giants, but United are hoping an offer worth £68 million will be enough to tempt them to sell.

As well as looking to make an offer for Araujo, Caught Offside have reported that the Red Devils are planning to make a cut-price offer to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

The forward is said to hold a value of £68-76 million, but United are planning to make an offer worth £55-59 million. They are not the only Premier League team chasing the striker, as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are also preparing offers.

Man Utd plan contract talks with Harry Amass

While INEOS look to bring the best players from across Europe to Old Trafford, the club also want to keep hold of some of their exciting young talent. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Man United are now planning contract talks with defender Harry Amass after his impressive performances in recent games.

Romano states that United are planning fresh contract talks with Amass, who has been dubbed “phenomenal” by pundits, at the end of this season. The young left-back signed a new contract last summer until 2027, but given his recent performances in the first team, United want to extend his stay for longer than the two years remaining on his contract.

That isn’t a surprise, given the 18-year-old has played five times for United in the last few weeks. Amass made his Premier League debut against Leicester City back in March and has followed that up with three starts against Newcastle, Wolves and Brentford, as well as 20 minutes in the Europa League quarter-final tie against Lyon.

Harry Amass’ 24/25 Premier League stats

Apps

4

Minutes per game

64

Key passes

0.3

Passes per game (accuracy)

25.5 (87%)

Interceptions per game

0.5

Tackles per game

1.5

Balls recovered per game

4.3

Clearances per game

2.0

Duels won per game (success)

4.5 (49%)

After his first Premier League start against the Magpies, Amorim was left really impressed, stating that Amass did “quite well” despite the fact United were beaten on the day: “I think he did quite well. He caught a player that is really fast; he debuted in maybe one of the hardest stadiums with one team that is in a good moment. I think he did really well. He needs to continue.”