The five signings Man United fans want this summer

So it’s all finally coming together for Louis Van Gaal and his Manchester United side.

After a slow and stuttering start to his Old Trafford career, we’re beginning to see the fruits of his labour and can be pretty sure they’ll finish in the top four again after a 12 month exile.

But having spent over £150million on reinforcements last summer, there remains a few weaknessess within Van Gaal’s squad that need ironing out before we can really count United as title contenders, which is why he’s already got his eye on spending another pot load of cash this summer.

United have been linked with a whopping 31 players ahead of the summer transfer window, so we asked the Old Trafford faithful which ones they’d prefer to see playing for their beloved Red Devils next season.

A respectable 214 United fans took part in the poll, submitting 2,504 votes between them in the process. But who did they vote for and who didn’t get the vote of confidence that you’d perhaps expect to be high on the fans’ wishlist?

After closing the poll we were surprised to see who the top five players were, and even more so the players who didn’t make the grade.

So here are the five players Manchester United fans want signed this summer, as voted for by the fans…

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5. Gareth Bale

The Welsh wizard has been linked with a return to the Premier League ever since he signed for Real Madrid two seasons ago.

Last month, the Express, amongst many other media outlets, were reporting that Man United were serious about signing Gareth Bale in the summer, but such advances have since been quashed by the player himself.

Still, United fans seem to want Louis Van Gaal to bring the former Tottenham star to Old Trafford, no matter what he might cost.

72 fans voted in favour of a Bale transfer, while an unambitious 41 said they weren’t too keen.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo

Any poll that includes Cristiano Ronaldo as an option is always going to have him voted high on the list, but it’s something of a surprise that the Real Madrid superstar isn’t the fans’ number one choice.

The Ballon d’Or winner has indeed been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu this summer after reports surfacing of a rift between him and manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Manchester United would obviously be the only place the Portuguese forward would end up if he were to return to the Premier League, given the time he had at Old Trafford before his then world record move to the Spanish giants back in 2009.

At the age of 30 Ronaldo isn’t getting any younger, but his recent performances for Real Madrid are all the proof you need that he can still perform at the highest level and can still be regarded as the best player on the planet.

How many United fans voted for him? Sixty five, while 35 would rather not see the Messiah return in the summer. Weird.

3. Nathaniel Clyne

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A surprising inclusion, particularly when you consider more Man United fans want him this summer than Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

But it’s no secret that Man United are crying out for a decent right back, what with Rafael clearly not favoured by Louis Van Gaal and Paddy McNair lacking in experience.

So Nathaniel Clyne was always going to be linked with a move to Old Trafford after a solid season with Southampton that has seen him called up for England and even touted as Roy Hodgson’s first choice right-back.

A huge 88 Man United fans voted in favour of signing the Saints defender ahead of next season, while 21 would seemingly prefer other options.

2. Memphis Depay

When a player who impressed for Holland under Van Gaal at last summer’s World Cup is up for grabs, you just know the Dutch manager is going to explore every possibility of being reunited with him at club level.

And that is what’s happening with PSV wonderkid Memphis Depay at the moment. MirrorFootball are reporting that it’s going to be a straight out tug of war between United and Depay this summer, which they also reckon United will win hands down.

The 21-year-old winger is reportedly available for as little as £25million and, according to MirrorFootball, United have no problem with that fee and are prepared to meet it, leaving Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool losing out with their pathetic £20million valuation.

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Still, while Louis Van Gaal definitely wants him, so do the United faithful. 122 fans voted for Depay to be signed this summer, with just nine voted against a £25million outlay on one of Europe’s most exciting and promising prospects.

1. Mats Hummels

First of all, we really hope this transfer happens, purely because we’re getting bored of speculating on the Germany international’s future.

The World Cup winner looks set to be on his way out of Borussia Dortmund this summer, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all joining United in the race for his signature.

But Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Old Trafford looks the most likely destination for Hummels this summer, which pretty much makes it a done deal then. Doesn’t it?

With Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo being Van Gaal’s only ‘decent’ options in the centre of defence, it’s not rocket science to work out that the Dutch boss will have a world class centre-half at the top of his wishlist ahead of next season.

So who better than Hummels to strengthen what is arguably United’s weakest area?

That’s probably why 130 fans voted for Hummels as their ideal summer signing. Thought there’s eight fans out there who would rather someone else, but we’ll ignore them.

Make it happen, Louis. The fans are counting on you.

Three Man City youngsters ready for the first-team

Following a capitulation in the second half of the campaign, Manchester City’s title defence has run ashore and widespread changes are expected at the Etihad Stadium this summer.

With an ageing squad, an injection of youth seems necessary for Manuel Pellegrini’s men to put forward a consistent title challenge next season.

Although City will surely invest in new players in the transfer market, financial fair play rulings could well stifle their ambitions. As such, looking within the club’s current ranks for stars ready to make a step-up would be a sensible option.

With City’s investment in youth facilities and commitment to producing young players as a result, it seems like time that some of the next generation’s players are given a chance to show their worth.

Here are three youngsters ready for first-team consideration.

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Karim Rekik

The confident young Dutch centre-half has been on loan at PSV Eindhoven for the last two seasons and is making waves in his homeland.

Rekik was a dependable figure in Phillip Cocu’s Eredivisie-winning side this season and has been recognised in the senior Dutch squad, making his Netherlands debut last year.

With Vincent Kompany showing signs of frailty, Eliaquim Mangala still not convincing and Martin Demichelis not getting any younger, fresh blood at centre-half seems like a prerequisite this summer.

Rekik is ready for Premier League football and could well be the injection that City’s back four desperately needs.

Jose Angel Pozo

The young Spaniard was afforded a chance to play in a number of Premier League fixtures earlier in the campaign due to an injury crisis in attack, but the chance probably came a year too early for the 19-year-old.

A member of Real Madrid’s youth academy for five years, Pozo has been with the outgoing English champions since 2012 and has made significant progress in the youth and reserve ranks.

A feature for his nation at age-grade level, Pozo’s injection of pace and purpose could well keep some of City’s elder statesmen honest in their pursuit of a starting berth.

Using Pozo as an impact substitute would add urgency to a City side that have been laborious at times this season.

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Thierry Ambrose

Labelled as the ‘new Thierry Henry’ in some quarters, Ambrose has been starring in the City reserve ranks, despite only recently turning 18.

With pace and power to burn, the young Frenchman has the versatility to play anywhere across the forward line and could well be an exciting addition to the first-team set-up at the Etihad Stadium next season.

With an eye for goal, exceptional technique and upper body strength to boot, Ambrose seems set for a bright future.

Introducing him to playing alongside players such as David Silva and Sergio Aguero will only see the youngster improve further, with Ambrose representing the best hope of a successful product from City’s big-money academy.

Six Man United youngsters every PL fan should watch out for next season

Manchester United boast arguably the most successful academy in the history of English football, producing the likes of Bobby Charlton, George Best and the ever-famed Class of ’92 – who became so intrinsic to the Red Devils’ late-90s-early-2000s dominance that they even have their own documentary.

Likewise, nurturing young talent into world-class stars is one of the hallmarks of Louis van Gaal’s management career. Spanning spells at Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, the likes of Edwin van der Saar, Patrick Kluivert, Clarence Seedorf, Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos all became first team regulars for their respective clubs under the Dutchman’s leadership.

So with that in mind and the new Premier League campaign just around the corner, Football FanCast have taken a look at the SIX Red Devils youngsters you should be keeping an eye on next season.

Could one of these SIX emerge as the next Gary Neville or Ryan Giggs by the end of the 2015/16 season?

ADNAN JANUZAJ

Let’s start with the obvious – Adnan Januzaj. The winger wizzkid may have endured a woeful 2014/15 campaign, failing to record a goal or an assist in 850 minutes of Premier League football, but his enormous potential is undeniable.

Indeed, the manner in which he exploded onto the Premier League scene with a stunning brace against Sunderland in October 2013 was truly something special, and there’s just something about the way the 20 year-old manipulates the ball that insinuates superstardom could be just around the corner.

Some have suggested a loan move for the Belgium international this season – certainly a sensible idea considering how severely his development could be stunted by another season on the bench.

But reports in May revealed Januzaj isn’t interested in leaving the club temporarily and Louis van Gaal has since hinted the prodigious winger will have a significant role next season.

In addition to providing back-up on the flanks, the Old Trafford gaffer intends to utilise Januzaj as a centre-forward next term – a change in role that could be the making of him.

JESSE LINGARD

Louis van Gaal is clearly fond of Jesse Lingard, issuing the Warrington-born youngster a Premier League debut during his first competitive fixture as Manchester United boss.

Unfortunately, it was ended after just 24 minutes due to injury, which ended the 22 year-old’s involvement in first team affairs for the rest of the season and eventually resulted in a 15-game loan spell with Derby County in February.

But the winger-forward was arguably the only England U21 to leave the summer’s European Championship with his reputation enhanced, netting a stunning strike in England’s solitary win against Sweden.

And since returning to club football, he’s enjoyed a prominent role on United’s pre-season tour, featuring against Club America and San Jose Earthquakes as well as scoring against Barcelona last Saturday.

The Metro have tipped Lingard for a bigger role in the first team next season and it seems relatively likely.

How much game-time he receives, however, will be largely dependent on the Red Devils’ transfer activity. Barcelona’s Pedro looks set to arrive at Old Trafford, whilst Angel Di Maria is expected to leave for PSG.

JAMES WILSON

Striker James Wilson originally broke into the Red Devils first team during Ryan Giggs’ short stint as interim manager, netting a brace on his senior debut against Hull City.

And despite managing just two goals at senior level since, Louis van Gaal has clearly seen enough talent in the youngster to keep him involved in first team affairs, issuing him 17 appearances across all competitions last season.

He’s certainly an industrious kind of forward – which is quickly becoming the preferred model in the Premier League over the more lackadaisical, poacher styles of yesteryear.

And much like Adnan Januzaj, the United boss has hinted that he’ll continue to use Wilson in a cameo capacity next season, recently listing the 19 year-old as one of his centre-forward options.

With the summer window dragging on, it’s becoming less likely United will find replacements for Radamel Falcao and now-Fenerbahce star Robin van Persie, suggesting whether by fortune or design Wilson will see a decent amount of Premier League action next term.

ANDREAS PEREIRA

Playmaking midfielder Andreas Pereira is amongst United’s most exciting academy products, having captained the Red Devils to Milk Cup glory in 2013, played an intrinsic role in the Brazil side that reached the U20 World Cup final last month and picked up 2014/15’s Reserve Player of the Year award at Old Trafford.

The 19 year-old made his Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur in March and was rewarded with a long-term contract two months later, tying him down to the Red Devils until 2018.

There’s been some murmurings of the 5 foot 10 midfielder going out on loan next season, but Pereira’s father has already suggested that won’t be the case as the youngster looks to break into United’s first team.

Considering United have already signed two international midfielders this summer in Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger, a consistent run in the Premier League seems unlikely.

But a recurring role in the auxiliary tournaments – the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup particularly – is certainly plausible.

SAM JOHNSTONE

A potential beneficiary of the ever-complicating David De Gea situation, depending on how transfer matters develop between now and the close of the summer window promising goalkeeper Sam Johnstone could soon find himself bumped up the Old Trafford pecking order.

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Indeed, De Gea is still expected to join Real Madrid by the end of August whilst Louis van Gaal has declared back-up Victor Valdes will be sold after apparently refusing to play for the reserves and informed Anders Lindegaard that he’s free to find a new club.

That leaves bosman signing Sergio Romero and Johnstone as the only remaining goalkeepers on the United books. Even if United sign mooted target Jasper Cillessen as De Gea’s replacement, the England U20 will still be the club’s third-choice ‘keeper.

It appears to be a situation van Gaal is already preparing for – selecting Johnstone over Lindegaard in three of the Red Devils’ pre-season fixtures against Club America, San Jose Earthquakes and Barcelona.

The son of former Preston North End goalie Glenn Johnstone has certainly earned his stripes in the Football League, registering 70 appearances throughout loan spells with Scunthorpe, Yeovil, Doncaster and PNE, but whether he has what it takes to fill the void between the Old Trafford sticks remains to be seen.

MEMPHIS DEPAY

He may have arrived at Old Trafford for a whopping £25million in June but let’s not forget Memphis Depay is still just 21 years of age.

Of course, the Netherlands international will be held to completely different standards to the rest of the youngsters on this list. Whilst Lingard et al are just breaking through, Depay has already earned a nomination for the Best Young Player award at a World Cup and fired a club to a league title, with his 22 goals last season securing PSV their first Eredivisie crowning since 2008.

Talents from the Dutch top flight have struggled in the Premier League before and the continuous comparisons with a young Cristiano Ronaldo seem a little premature. But the fact Louis van Gaal felt obliged to ‘act quickly’ to sign the winger-forward amid approaches from PSG, Bayern Munich and Liverpool tells all about how highly-rated Depay truly is.

It seems dangerous to judge Depay on just a single season but Premier League fans will certainly be monitoring the 17-cap international’s progress closely next term.

Man United boss says marquee player will arrive next summer

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has revealed that his club will again spend big on a marquee player in next summer’s transfer window.

Paul Pogba arrived in an £89m deal from Juventus in the summer of 2016, before United paid £75m to sign Romelu Lukaku from Everton ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.

The Red Devils have since been linked with the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Paulo Dybala as Mourinho looks to put together a team capable of challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title.

The United boss has said that ‘two or three more players’ will arrive at Old Trafford next summer, and one of those will be a marquee signing.

Mourinho told reporters:

“I think, next season, we are going to get two or three more players.

“My club, two years ago, paid a lot of money for Paul [Pogba]. Last year, they paid a lot of money for Lukaku and I’m sure, next year, they are also going to pay a lot of money for one player.”

United are also expected to move for a new midfielder next summer as captain Michael Carrick prepares to announce his retirement following the expiration of his contract.

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The futures of Daley Blind, Marouane Fellaini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Matteo Darmian are also unclear heading into 2018.

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In Focus: Lemar chooses Liverpool over Premier League rivals

According to Yahoo Sports, Monaco attacker Thomas Lemar has rejected Arsenal and Manchester United in favour of joining Liverpool.

What’s the story?

Arsenal came extremely close to signing Lemar during last summer’s transfer window, with the Gunners minutes from completing a deal.

The breakdown of Alexis Sanchez’s expected move to Manchester City saw the deal go cold, however, and Lemar is still a Monaco player.

Arsenal and Man United are both believed to be interested in the France international, but according to Yahoo Sports, it is Liverpool that have won the race.

The Reds reportedly want Lemar as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho, and believe that they can secure a deal for the winger before the January transfer window closes for business.

What would Lemar bring to Liverpool?

Lemar only turned 22 in the latter stages of 2017, but has already made more than 100 first-team appearances for Ligue 1 champions Monaco.

The attacker scored 14 goals in 55 appearances for Monaco during the 2016-17 season as the principality club won Ligue 1, in addition to reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

This term, Lemar, who is valued at £27m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has scored twice and registered four assists in 13 league appearances.

It is a case of when and not if the Frenchman leaves his current club, and it would be some coup for Liverpool if they managed to win the race ahead of their Premier League rivals.

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The expected loss of Coutinho will be a tough one for the Liverpool fans to swallow, but Lemar would certainly ease the blow.

In Focus: West Ham and Southampton to decide whether to take £25m Sturridge risk

According to reports by ESPN FC, Southampton and West Ham United have been boosted in their pursuit of Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, who is rated at £25m according to The Mirror, with the Reds keen to move the England international on this month as they are reluctant to loan teammate Danny Ings out.

What’s the word, then?

Well, ESPN FC says that Sturridge and Ings are both attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs during the January transfer window, but Jurgen Klopp isn’t willing to let both players leave in case he leaves himself short of options up top in the second-half of the campaign.

ESPN FC says that Ings appears to have jumped above his striking teammate – who has missed the Merseyside outfit’s last eight games through injury and illness – in the pecking order, and they are more willing to sell the 28-year-old than they are to let the former Burnley man leave on a temporary basis.

The report adds that Saints and the Irons are admirers of Sturridge, and they are weighing up making a move for him before the window slams shut on January 31.

How has Sturridge done this season?

The 28-year-old has once again struggled for first-team minutes, scoring three goals and providing a further three assists in 14 appearances in all competitions, with only nine of those coming in the Premier League.

As we mentioned previously the striker has missed Liverpool’s last eight matches through injury and illness, and hasn’t played for the club since a late outing from the substitutes’ bench in the 7-0 win against Spartak Moscow at the start of December.

Would he be a good signing for Saints or West Ham?

He certainly would be, as long as he can keep fit and his wage demands are sensible.

There has never been any doubt over Sturridge’s ability – he has scored 64 goals in 133 appearances for the Merseyside outfit – but his injury problems would be a worry for any club looking at buying him this month – especially for the reported £25m asking price.

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That said, if both clubs can keep him on the pitch he almost guarantees goals, and he would be motivated to do well considering he wants to win his place back in the England squad before the World Cup this summer.

FA Cup Fourth Round: Winners and Losers

Although lacking the whimsical nature of it’s immediate predecessor, there’s something to be said for the Fourth Round of the FA Cup – this year’s edition seeing three Premier League sides held to a draw or defeat by teams from the Football League.

Throw in some gorgeous goals, heroic performances, VAR controversy and even a red card for spitting, and the weekend’s FA Cup action was littered with contentious talking points. Football FanCast run the rule over the most significant by looking at the biggest winners and losers from the Fourth Round…

Winner – Jarrod Bowen

An FA Cup clash right at the end of the transfer window was always going to be something of an audition for Hull City’s highly-rated youngster Jarrod Bowen, but especially with scouts from reportedly no less than eight Premier League clubs attending the KCOM Stadium to run the rule over him. And it’s safe to say the 21-year-old, currently amid his first full season in the Tigers’ first team, passed with flying colours, scoring Hull’s first and assisting the second in a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

The youngster is proving himself to be a real match winner and, assuming we won’t see a deal completed before Wednesday’s transfer deadline, he’ll be desperate for Hull to draw a Premier League club in the next round to showcase his talents against top flight opposition as well.

Loser – Jurgen Klopp

Soccer Football – FA Cup Fourth Round – Liverpool vs West Bromwich Albion – Anfield, Liverpool, Britain – January 27, 2018 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp reacts REUTERS/Phil Noble

Jurgen Klopp has now been eliminated from the FA Cup during the Fourth Round for all three of his campaigns as Liverpool manager and in the process, he’ll probably miss out on bringing some much-needed silverware to Anfield for a third consecutive season as well.

Indeed, Liverpool’s home defeat to West Brom has left the Reds with only a top four finish and a solid run in the Champions League to play for. In more bad news for Klopp though, it also means he’s once again slipped behind predecessor Brendan Rodgers for winning returns as Liverpool manager, tasting one less victory than the now-Celtic boss after 134 games in charge.

Loser – Arthur Masuaku

Arthur Masuaku’s ‘despicable’ spit, to quote David Moyes, compounded what was a dreadful afternoon for West Ham up at Wigan Athletic as the Irons produced easily their worst performance of the Scot’s short tenure thus far. The Hammers didn’t manage a single shot on target against the League One side and finished up with just 48% possession, and Masuaku’s shocking spit early in the first half was symptomatic of their frustrations.

While Moyes will be quietly relieved he no longer needs to contend with an FA Cup run as well as a relegation battle though, the ninety minutes cost West Ham dearly. Including Masuaku’s six-game suspension for spitting and Pedro Obiang’s first-half injury, the east Londoners now have an incredible 13 players either injured or banned ahead of a week in which they face fellow relegation candidates Crystal Palace and Brighton.

Winners – Manchester United

The Alexis Sanchez era at Old Trafford will be a frighteningly exciting one if the former Arsenal star’s Manchester United debut is anything to go by.

While the League Two side hardly represented the most formidable of opposition, Newport County’s draw with Tottenham shows how difficult these ties can be, even for England’s top clubs. But United surged to a 4-0 victory with aplomb and Sanchez was at the performance’s beating heart, providing the ingenuity the Red Devils have often lacked between the midfield and the attack this season.

Perhaps more crucially, United remain in the hunt for their likeliest chance of silverware this season after being eliminated from the League Cup by Bristol City.

Losers – Tottenham

Tottenham may have drawn with Newport County in the end as Harry Kane came to the rescue but the cost is arguably greater than a defeat for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. The Lilywhites were due to play Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus in their next four games but the middle two contests will now have the Fourth Round replay with Newport County sandwiched in between as well.

That gives Tottenham three days less to prepare for the North London derby, not to mention creates a run of five matches in the space of 14 days, and although Pochettino will fancy his second string to beat Newport in the relative comfort of Wembley, it’s nonetheless a drain on his resources at the worst possible time. On three fronts – the top four battle, the FA Cup and the Champions League – the next fortnight will define Tottenham’s season.

Winner – Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez didn’t kick a ball during the Fourth Round, instead watching on from the bench as Leicester City ripped apart Peterborough in a 5-1 romping. But it’s no secret the Algerian playmaker has sought a big move in recent summers and the Foxes’ reluctance to let their talismanic star leave may have waned substantially over the course of Saturday’s early kickoff as 22-year-old Fousseni Diabate produced a stunning debut performance for his new club that was very much in the Mahrez mould.

Indeed, the Malian midfielder provided an abundance of creativity and netting prowess, scoring twice and conjuring up four chances, while continuously marauding through the Posh defence with the ball at feet. It’s still early days in his King Power Stadium career but with a successor seemingly at the club already, Leicester may feel far more open to bids for Mahrez when the summer transfer window comes around.

Winners – West Brom

West Brom appeared to have turned a corner under Alan Pardew some time ago and those subtle improvements reached something of a climax at Anfield on Saturday night as the Baggies scored three goals in a single game for only the second time this season, the other being against Accrington Stanley, to claim their third victory in four games across all competitions.

The performance was clear evidence of the much-needed positivity Pardew has brought to the Hawthorns and just rewards for the good work for he’s done since replacing Tony Pulis. And although Pardew probably doesn’t want an FA Cup run to deal with in the middle of a scrap for survival, that emphatic win at Anfield will give the Baggies huge confidence ahead of a run of fixtures that includes Southampton, Huddersfield and Watford in their next five games.

Loser – VAR

For the second round in a row, VAR appeared to cause almost as many problems as it solved in the FA Cup.

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After Norwich and Chelsea’s replay at Stamford Bridge drew criticism for VAR’s failure to bring a challenge defender Timm Klose later admitted was a penalty to the attention of the referee, Liverpool and West Brom’s Fourth Round clash provided a glimpse of the opposite end of the spectrum, with official Craig Pawson turning to video technology three times in the first half to ironic chants of VAR from bemused spectators.

On the one hand, VAR did mean every big decision in the game was eventually the right one, but on the other, it slowed down the match considerably, dampening the atmosphere, and the lack of communication became increasingly frustrating.

Baggies gaffer Pardew even believes the stoppages in play lead to two hamstring injuries for his players, unveiling yet another unforeseen consequence of the new system.

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Liverpool fans react as Daniel Sturridge suffers yet another injury

On loan Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge has suffered yet another injury setback after being substituted just three minutes into West Bromwich Albion’s clash with Chelsea on Monday night.

The 28-year-old limped off with a suspected hamstring injury that Baggies boss Alan Pardew reckons could keep him out for three weeks.

It’s a massive blow to both the player, who is looking to revive his career after moving on loan in January, and the club, who are fighting for their Premier League survival and need all their players fit and ready to fight for points.

According to injury tracking website PhysioRoom.com, it’s the 31st time that the striker has been injured since 2013 when he joined Liverpool, a huge number by any standard.

Unsurprisingly, Liverpool fans have reacted strongly to the latest injury, many feeling upset for the player himself and others drawing the conclusion that the Reds need to get rid of him completely.

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They took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

Fans believe James Milner doesn’t get enough credit after huge Liverpool win

Liverpool are almost guaranteed of a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after a dominant 5-0 away to Porto on Wednesday night.

The Reds were in blistering form, inflicting Porto’s heaviest home defeat in European competition and becoming the first English side to score five goals in an away Champions League knockout match

Supporters had their ever-reliable attacking front three to thank for the victory with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino all netting in the first leg triumph.

While they’ll steal the headlines, it was another Reds man that supporters felt should get plaudits after a dynamic midfield display that rolled back the years.

Veteran James Milner is having a remarkable season in the Champions League, creating six assists in just five matches, more than any other player in the competition.

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He got that sixth on Wednesday night, part of a dominating performance that had some supporters claiming he is the most underrated English player of all time.

They took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

Leeds fans hated Liam Cooper’s performance on Wednesday night

Leeds United stretched their winless run to ten matches on Wednesday night, this time failing to beat Derby County away from home in the English Championship.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side were well on their way to victory after goals from Pierre-Michel Lasogga and Ezgjan Alioski put them ahead in the match twice.

However, play-off hopefuls Derby found a way to equalise in injury time of each half, breaking Whites fans hearts and leaving them frustrated at another missed opportunity to pick up three points.

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Much of the criticism was aimed at their defence, with centre-back Liam Cooper on the receiving end. The 26-year-old failed to deal with headers all evening and his attempted clearance led directly to Derby’s first equaliser.

Supporters are now calling for him to be dropped as Paul Heckinbottom searches for a starting eleven he can trust.

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They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance…

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