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Winners & Losers from USMNT's chaotic Brazil draw in Copa America warmup

How do you like that? Gregg Berhalter might not be a disaster after all. It's unclear how much can really be taken from this, the most chaotic of 1-1 draws, but it's clear that the USMNT manager can piece together a tactical plan against a bit team when needed.

The USMNT turned in a much-improved showing from their 5-1 loss to Colombia just four days before. They defended well, attacked with real intent, and caused problems for the Selecao. They relied on Matt Tuner at times – excellent in goal. But also could have easily won it with some cleaner finishing.

They were the aggressors early. Yunus Musah rattled the bar from 30 yards. Christian Pulisic forced a smart save out of Alisson.

But another defensive breakdown saw Brazil take the lead. Turner played a ball into pressure, and the Selecao took advantage, forcing a turnover that ended with a fine finish into the bottom corner from Rodrygo. The USMNT responded, though, Pulisic smashing a free kick into the bottom corner from the top of the box.

What transpired after was something resembling chaos. Notions of control and composure often vanished, as two teams ran at each other without lacking the kind of clarity in key areas to ever look like doing anything. Pulisic will feel he should have scored at one end – putting a shot too close to the keeper while wide open. But Turner did his bit at the other, finishing the game with 10 saves.

At the end of it all, though, it is Berhalter who comes out looking good here, the USMNT slightly redeemed not long removed after one of his worst days at the helm.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Camping World Stadium…

• WINNER: Gregg Berhalter

  No one needed this more than Berhalter.

  The critics were growing louder and louder, justifiably so. They'll remain loud until the USMNT proves them wrong at the Copa America. This performance, though, will help as both Berhalter and the USMNT proved they can compete at this level.

  Berhalter won the tactics battle, setting his side up to succeed against the mighty Brazil. He didn't do it by bunkering or changing this team's identity, either. No, the U.S. looked to play, and play they did, nearly earning a win in the process. So much has been made of Berhalter's record against non-CONCACAF opponents and, while this wasn't a win, it certainly felt like one.

  "We challenged them," Berhalter said. "We spoke to them both collectively and individually and challenged them for better performances. We never want to make excuses for a performance, so when you have conversations with the players, you don't want to give them an out. When you represent the national team, with the pressure and the standard, against Colombia, we didn't reach that standard, so we did have a challenge for the group. We want to focus on those two things and let everything else take care of itself."

  The haters will remain, and that certainly won't change with one friendly draw. After the Colombia mess, though, Berhalter proved that he can get this team back on track.

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• LOSER: Dorival Junior

  If one manager got it right, the other was certainly lacking in his decision-making. It is pretty obvious at this point: Dorival simply has to start Endrick for Brazil. They have two-thirds of a terrific forward line here, both Rodrygo and Vinicius are consistently world-class (even if the latter wasn't at his best against the USMNT).

  And Endrick, when he's on the pitch, seems like the perfect third element. Unlike Raphinha or Savio, he is ferociously direct, a willing runner towards goal who lives within the width of the box. That's what Brazil miss more than anything – a razor-sharp roaring edge to this attack that otherwise buzzes and hums.

  Dorival made some other questionable calls here, too. He still hasn't quite figured out who his holding midfielder should be – Bruno Guimaraes is best used in a roaming role. Meanwhile, the decision to start the out-of-touch Lucas Paqueta made little sense. The pressure on Brazil is immense. Dorival simply has to deliver, and he got it slightly wrong here.

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  WINNER: Christian Pulisic

  Facing off with Brazil's attacking superstars, Pulisic proved that he deserves a spot among the very best with yet another big-game performance. Rodrygo got Brazil's goal and Vinicius Jr may get the Ballon d'Or, but don't underestimate Pulisic.

  He is a player that routinely makes his mark on the biggest of games. This was a friendly, of course, but it was a key one, particularly for the USMNT. After going behind early, the doubts from that 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Colombia could have set in. Pulisic didn't let them.

  "Christian has been a leader of this team since day one," Berhalter said, "and I think he relishes that role … guys look to him for inspiration and I think the most important thing about Christian is, in moments like this, he's going to step up because that's what he does. He's always focused on the team. He's always focused on helping out and I think he had a great game overall, both offensively and defensively."

  His free-kick was a stunner, but it was one of several big moments from Pulisic, who was a menace all night. If he's in this sort of form for the Copa, the USMNT will feel they have a chance against just about anyone in their path.

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  WINNER: Rodrygo

  Rodrygo continues to insist that he is not a centre forward or a right winger. And he might be right. In brief glimpses, the Brazilian has been excellent as a second striker or No.10. But those are only small glances.

  Here, he played as a roaming striker – and was absolutely electric doing so. He toyed with the US backline, finding gaps and sneaking in the spaces between defenders. His goal was a wonderfully taken thing – a clinical touch and finish across a sprawling keeper. He could've had one or two more, with the edge of the post and then a sharp Matt Turner denying him the chance of putting the game beyond reach.

  In the end, he was harshly removed for Gabriel Martinelli. Make no mistake, though, Rodrygo simply has to start for the Selecao at Copa America.

West Ham United are aiming to bolster their attacking options before the end of the January transfer window this evening with a deadline day move.

With the forward line needing strengthening, it looks as though David Moyes is turning to Ligue 1 to secure a last-gasp signing…

West Ham United’s search for a deadline day signing

Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed the Hammers are looking at making a late move for Marseille winger Ismaila Sarr ahead of luring him to London in the next few hours, saying:

“Understand West Ham are looking at a potential deadline day move for Ismaila Sarr as they want to bolster their attacking options."

Moving some players on will be key regarding any business that Moyes wants to do before the end of the window and signing Sarr could give them a big attacking boost, especially as he could turn into Dimitri Payet 2.0.

The stats that show why Ismaila Saar would be a good signing

Payet joined the Irons in the summer of 2015 from Marseille – as Sarr could do – and swiftly emerged as a crowd favourite for his creative abilities and wow factor.

The Frenchman was a standout during his maiden season in England, registering 27 goal contributions – 12 goals and 15 assists – in all competitions and these displays allowed him to make his way into the France Euro 2016 squad, where he scored the winner against Romania in the opening game.

The attacking midfielder saw his numbers drop off during the first half of the following season, scoring just three times before he returned to France with Marseille.

Sarr operates on the right wing and has Premier League experience, playing for Watford between 2019 and 2023, netting ten goals and grabbing eight assists in just 50 top-flight matches.

The 5 foot 11 dynamo has previously been hailed as “electric” by journalist Rob Blanchette during the early stages of his Watford stint and there is no doubt he could be a success should West Ham sign him today.

Not only does Sarr rank third among the squad for goals and assists in Ligue 1 (four), but he also ranks seventh for successful dribbles per game (0.6) and sixth for shots per game (1.3), proving that he could be a worthwhile signing.

Payet was a crowd pleaser, yet his stint at West Ham was far too short and, in truth, they have not yet managed to replace his flamboyance and creative abilities.

While Sarr tends to operate on the wing, he could certainly arrive in a blaze of glory and give the club that attacking boost they so desperately need, especially with a busy few months ahead.

It remains to be seen just how much they will have to pay in order to secure his signature, but moving a few players on today should free up some funds for Moyes to do some last-minute transfer business.

With the clock ticking, Moyes does not have long to make his move but as Payet was, this could be a crowd-pleasing move at the London Stadium.

Georgina Rodriguez basked in the adoration of Portugal fans as she attended the team's Euro 2024 showdown against Georgia on Wednesday.

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• Rodriguez attended Portugal clash
• Met with funny sign by Seleccao supporters
• Model posted image on social media

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Cristiano Ronaldo's other half was in attendance as the Seleccao lined up against Georgia in their final Group F game of Euro 2024. The Portugal supporters expressed their love for the Spanish model, with one holding up a sign that read: "Georgina > Georgia". She posted an image of the sign on Instagram, along with another of two supporters who had her name on the back of their Portugal jerseys.

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• VIEW THE IMAGE

  instagram/georginagio

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates entered the midweek game already sure of their place in the last-16 of Euro 2024, having already collected six points from their first two matches. Georgia, Turkey and the Czech Republic are all battling for a place in the next phase.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  In the next round of the competition in Germany, Portugal will take on either the team that finished third in Group A – Hungary – or Slovenia, who finished third in Group C behind England and Denmark.

The USMNT fell woefully short at Copa America, and serious soul-searching required as World Cup beckons

Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne recently went viral for his response to a reporter questioning the failures of his country's "Golden Generation."

"Stupid", he scoffed at the reporter. Rather than point a finger at his own team, he instead pointed to the talent of England, Spain, Germany and France as reasons why his generation have never quite lived up to expectations. His point was clear: the pressure of being part of a supposed "Golden Generation" isn't easy.

That feels even more true right now for the U.S. men's national team, who just learned their own lesson in generational failure. For all of their talent, for all of their individual successes, this USMNT group was severely humbled this summer. This "Golden Generation" fell short and there's no denying it.

Let this summer's Copa America serve as a reminder: tournament soccer is really, really hard. It's a lesson that De Bruyne and Belgium have learned time and time again. Come tournament time, talent alone is rarely enough; it all comes down to moments.

The moment that defined the USMNT's Copa America run wasn't a goal, assist or a save, but a punch. Tim Weah's individual moment of madness derailed this U.S. run, and they were never able to get it back on track. However, to say that a split-second decision from Weah was the only cause of the USMNT's demise is unfair; it was the turning point, for certain, but there were plenty of pain points.

With just two years until the World Cup, the USMNT feels no closer to achieving their lofty expectations than they've been before. In fact, it feels as if this team has regressed, falling further away from the benchmark that even their predecessors set. These players have now reached a moment of truth. This "Golden Generation" needs a long, hard look in the mirror and – as important – there needs to be major changes if they want to realize heir own incredible potential.

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  The makings of a 'Golden Generation'

  A quick glimpse at the USMNT squad shows a list of players featuring at legitimate dream clubs. AC Milan, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Monaco… all substantial global teams. For each of the USMNT's three Copa America games, Gregg Berhalter called on entirely European-based XIs, a testament to the in-roads American players have made across the pond in recent years.

  Those players have achieved things, too. Christian Pulisic won a Champions League title at Chelsea and was arguably AC Milan's best player this season. Weston McKennie has played with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus while getting his hands on three trophies. The U.S. team's PSV trio of Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest nearly went unbeaten in the league this season.

  However, for all of their individual success and achievements on the club level, this team still fell dreadfully short against a Panama team that doesn't have a single player with those caliber of global resumes. And that leads us to the big question: why?

  As always, the answer is a bit complicated. There are a numerous reasons why this summer went so wrong, so quickly for the U.S.

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  A lack of form

  It's great to be featuring at the highest levels of soccer in Europe, but this summer's USMNT group had too many players that weren't doing enough of the actual "playing" part.

  Yes, Pulisic was in the form of his life at AC Milan. Yes, McKennie completed a resurgence at Juventus. But a look up and down the U.S. roster shows too many key players who weren't getting the minutes they needed at the club level.

  Matt Turner, the starting goalkeeper, was benched by Nottingham Forest in January. Tyler Adams had played just a handful of games in the last year and a half. Gio Reyna had spent much of the last two seasons struggling to get minutes in both the Bundesliga and Premier League. The ageless Tim Ream saw his involvement at Fulham drop as the season wore on.

  Too many of the USMNT's key players didn't get the games and minutes needed to stay sharp, and it was clear this summer, particularly in the attack. This was a team that simply lacked form and cohesion, and it was evident throughout Copa America.

  It's a point that 2014 World Cup veteran Matt Besler brought up leading into the Uruguay game: not enough USMNT stars are key pieces for their clubs. Not enough lead actors, too many supporting roles.

  "Myself, captain of Sporting KC, Kyle Beckerman, captain of Real Salt Lake, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Alejandro Bedoya – talent-wise and team-wise, I don’t think the 2014 team stacks up against today’s squad," Besler said. "However, the roles these players held in their club teams, being there every single day, that is what defines them.

  “I think what we need to see is more players growing into these roles, becoming captains, leaders, and carrying that weight from their club teams to the national team. Right now, at the club level, the teams and names are great, but there are too many supporting players.”

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  'Intensity falls through the cracks'

  For much of the program's history, the USMNT has emphasized mentality. This team was often underdogs, particularly against the world's elite, but they would scrap and claw their way to results by doing whatever it took to get them. That mentality led to several program-defining wins, but that fierceness appeared to be absent in several program-defining losses.

  Ream, the USMNT's one true veteran, summed it up best.

  "This is a fantastic group as everyone knows, but sometimes the intensity falls through the cracks," Ream told Univision. "If we start to think that we are a finished product then guys are going to stagnate and just stay at the level they are at."

  Those words are damningly accurate. For a veteran to admit that this group doesn't always bring the right mindset to the fight is yet another indication that major revisions are required.

  Berhalter, too, has pointed to struggles with intensity. It showed itself in the pre-tournament humbling by Colombia. The fact is that this team doesn't always show up ready and willing to do what it takes – and when they do, it can often be too late.

  Many of the prior iterations of the USMNT thrived on that intensity. For years, American players were overlooked, which in part cultivated that mentality. What would have happened if modern scouting methods had been in place for those USMNT legends of the past? Could they have ended up with European heavyweights, similar to the current US stars? Could they have done more with their talent than this group has with theirs?

  It's impossible to know. What we do know, though, is that there has been a lack intensity, a lack of desperation, among the current players. Going to Europe was supposed to make them mentally stronger, but there are few signs of that with this USMNT.

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  Lack of discipline

  Tim Weah's red card was a shock. Anyone who has followed Weah or this team knows that the USMNT winger is typically as calm as they come. For him to get sent off for such a brash act? No one could have expected it.

  However, Weah's red wasn't the first time this U.S. team lost their cool, as discipline has been a legitimate problem for this group.

  It arose last year when Sergino Dest was sent off against Trinidad & Tobago, forcing his team to defend a lead short-handed. It was an issue when Dest and McKennie were sent off for brawling against Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League. And, in many ways, it was an issue this tournament as numerous questionable officiating decisions caused the U.S. to lose their heads and futilely argue with the referee in the final two group-stage games.

  Too often this U.S. team has been dragged down by external factors, be it opponents or officials. Panama expertly turned their clash with the USMNT into a CONCACAF game – physical, intense, baiting – and they were rewarded by Weah's punch.

  Good teams simply don't do that. Good teams don't self-destruct. Good teams force opponents to beat them – and in multiple moments in multiple games of this Copa America, the UWMNT instead found their toughest opponents to be … themselves.

Blue cards and 10-minute sin bins could be making an introduction to the Premier League in the near future after they were successfully trialled at grassroots level. The measure is aimed at preventing referees from abuse as it will be used as a punishment for dissent but FA chief executive Mark Bullingham also claimed they're looking at extending the protocol to other areas, such as tactical fouls.

Most recently, the plans have led to public outcry, with FIFA even recently intervening to insist that its rolling-out at all levels is not as imminent as had been reported. However, it is set to be discussed at the next AGM with lawmakers IFAB next month.

Football FanCast has taken a look at ten of the most cynical tactical fouls that may have warranted a blue card. Without further ado, here is our list…

10

Antony hacks down Bissouma

19th August 2023, Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Manchester United

Antony was shown a yellow card by referee Michael Oliver earlier this season for his cynical foul on Yves Bissouma that stopped the midfielder from breaking. On second viewing, there were slight question marks that the Brazillian may have touched the ball but had he not, the proposed sin bin ruling could have been applied in this instance. Coincidently, Bruno Fernandes was also booked for dissent, so could Manchester United have been reduced to nine men, here? We'll let you decide…You can watch the incident here.

9

Lockyer trips Eze

25th November 2023, Luton Town 2-1 Crystal Palace

Luton Town's Tom Lockyer may well have been on the receiving end of a blue card earlier this season for his trip on the speedy Eberechi Eze, who was bearing down on goal. The Wales international was subsequently booked but could have faced a 10-minute absence from the action, leaving the hosts with 10 men. The foul was committed just before half-time, so the Hatters would've had to begin the second interval with a significant disadvantage. Could Palace have capitalised?

It's certainly going to be fascinating to see how detrimental these sin bins may be, should the rule materialise of course. Rob Edwards' side ultimately came away 2-1 victors and now reside four points clear of the drop zone whilst Palace languish in 13th, having won one of their last six games. You can watch the incident here.

8

Emerson brings down Semenyo

12th August 2023, Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham United

Antoine Semenyo pounced on Jarrod Bowen's lose pass and was beginning to surge forward before being hauled down by West Ham United left-back Emerson. The former Chelsea defender cynically tripped Semenyo inside his own half and was rightly shown a yellow card, though, a 10-minute absence from the field would've likely been his punishment had it happened under the new potential rulings. Emerson, who committed the foul with three minutes of normal time remaining, would've endured a nervy 10 minutes in the dugout, with his side likely backed up against the wall and clawing onto the 1-1 scoreline. You can watch the incident here.

7

Xhaka swipes at Barrow

15th October 2016, Arsenal 3-2 Swansea City

Arsenal's Granit Xhaka was sent off for his petulant trip on Modou Barrow, who was racing away from the Switzerland international. But would the new ruling have seen a sin-bin awarded rather than a red card? Either way, referee Jon Moss, in this case, gave the midfielder his marching orders. There is certainly an argument for it to have only been a yellow, so perhaps a blue would've been the ideal punishment.

6

Jones lunges at McMahon

14th May 1988, Liverpool 0-1 Wimbledon

Wimbledon produced one of the greatest FA Cup shocks ever when they defeated the recently crowned top-flight champions Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.

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1

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We'll be focusing on Vinnie Jones' lunging challenge on Steve McMahon, though, as it would've certainly resulted in a sin bin at the very least. In fact, a tackle like that nowadays could've seen Jones shown a straight red card due to the forceful and reckless nature of it, but thankfully for the Dons, the physical defender was only booked.

5

Belletti lashes out at Ronaldo

11th January 2009, Manchester United 3-0 Chelsea

Juliano Belletti completely lashed out at Manchester United's fleet-footed winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who skipped past the Brazillian fullback, riding a kick on the way, before being forcefully hauled down by a high challenge. Having done Belletti for trickery, Ronaldo was making a surge for the penalty area for what could've resulted in a third goal for the hosts. Coincidentally, the resulting free-kick ended up in the back of the net anyhow, with Dimitar Berbatov volleying home Ronaldo's well-struck cross.

4

Chiellini hauls down Saka

11th July 2021, Italy 1-1 England

England met Italy in the European Championship final at Wembley Stadium, with the tournament hosts hoping to end their 55-year trophy drought. Having led for much of the game following Luke Shaw's well-struck opener inside the first two minutes, Leonardo Bonucci tapped home the leveller in the second half.

A moment of madness ensued not long after when veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini dragged down Bukayo Saka by the neck of his shirt but the referee only produced a booking. The foul warranted a much harsher punishment, which is where the proposed blue card would've really provided justice in this scenario. Chiellini certainly got away with one, as the jet-heeled Saka was set to blitz down the line to provide a real threat with the score level.

Ultimately, the final ended in heartbreak for the Three Lions as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Gli Azzurri on penalties.

3

Ramos stops Atleti's break

28th May 2016, Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid lined up against their city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final, two years on from the 2014 finale which saw Los Blancos defeat Diego Simeone's men in extra-time. And the same outcome unfolded once again this time, as Madrid won 5-3 on penalties to become champions of Europe for the 11th time in their history.

Perhaps one of the most important moments of the fiery encounter was when Sergio Ramos put a halt to a dangerous stoppage time Atleti counterattack, bringing down the speedy Yannick Carrasco. Ramos was shown a yellow card by referee Mark Clattenburg and the tie ultimately went to extra-time. The Spaniard likely would've thought twice if the sin bin ruling was in place…

2

Ter Stegen throws second ball on pitch

27th November 2016, Real Sociedad 1-1 Real Madrid

Barcelona shot-stopper Marc-André ter Stegen was shown a yellow card for throwing a second ball onto the field of play, thus halting Real Sociedad's impending corner kick. A 10-minute sin bin could've been issued in this instance and a backup goalkeeper would've surely had to enter the fray, replacing an outfield player. Had that scenario loomed, it's unlikely that the German would've committed the offence and the visitors may have capitalised on a legitimate error.

1

Ramos drags down Salah

28th May 2018, Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool

Real Madrid triumphed over Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool in the Champions League final, with former Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale stealing most of the headlines. The Welshman netted a brace and his first effort was quite possibly the greatest goal of all time, producing a spectacular bicycle kick that soared past the helpless Loris Karius in the net.

The Reds were dealt a major blow when their talisman Mohamed Salah came off in the 30th minute with a shoulder injury after Ramos hauled him down by his arm before landing on it awkwardly. There will be debate whether it was a tactical foul, but some cynics believe it was a deliberate attempt to injure Liverpool's biggest threat.

Lionel Messi has given a fitness update on the back of another Copa America triumph.

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• All-time great suffered ankle injury
• Still able to lift trophy No.45
• Hoping that he will not be out for long

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The most-decorated player in history now has 45 trophies to his name after claiming a second continental crown. The Albiceleste successfully defended that title on U.S. soil, with an extra-time goal from Lautaro Martinez enough to see off Colombia in a dramatic final showdown.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi exited that game in tears after suffering an unfortunate ankle injury that raised immediate fears regarding his fitness heading into a return to domestic action at MLS side Inter Miami. There is no news on how long the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be sidelined for, but the mercurial 37-year-old has suggested that he will not be out for long.

• WHAT MESSI SAID

  Messi has said in an emotional Instagram post: “Copa America is over and firstly I want to thank everyone for the messages and greetings. I'm doing well, thank God, and hopefully soon I can be on the pitch again enjoying what I love doing most. I'm happy, a lot, especially because we achieved the goal we had and Fide [Angel Di Maria] leaves us with another Copa. The biggest ones, like him, Ota or me, we live it with special excitement, with other team-mates who already have several tournaments and add their experience as well, and with a litter of young people who give their all in every ball. We are a team and also a family, a spectacular group. Thanks to everyone who was supporting us, this national team has a lot of present and a lot of future too. Let's go Argentina f*ckkkkk!”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Inter Miami have already been without talismanic captain Messi for five games and are desperate to welcome him back into their ranks – alongside veteran Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. Argentina’s GOAT will require treatment when rejoining the Herons fold, but is hoping to respond positively to that as his sights shift to an ongoing bid for MLS Cup glory.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola would take just one player from the Manchester United squad as it stands, it has been revealed, in a damning indictment of just where the once kings of the Premier League have fallen to.

Ratcliffe aiming to knock City "off their perch"

Since the departure of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, United have fallen from their perch at the top of English and European football. With only minor silverware to their name in the last decade, they have seen Manchester City overtake them as the unstoppable force in club football, with Guardiola's side having matched the iconic treble of 1999 last season.

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By
Ben Browning

Feb 22, 2024

Recent results have only served to demonstrate the gap clearly too, with United having beaten their noisy neighbours just twice in their last nine attempts, and watching them win four of the last five Premier League titles.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe now taking charge at Old Trafford, they will be hoping that the power dynamic shifts once more in Mancheste – the INEOS chief vowed to knock City and Liverpool "off their perch" – but Guardiola has offered a damning assessment of just how low the quality in the Red Devils squad is right now.

Guardiola keen on one Man Utd star

Now, a Football Insider report has claimed that given the choice, Pep Guardiola would take just one Manchester United star for his own squad, with everyone else believed to 'not have the capacity' to play in his system.

The Spaniard would only be keen on signing Marcus Rashford, with the Spaniard understood to rate his talent and style of play, while his pace and directness could offer something that would combine aspects of Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish's game.

Rashford has struggled this season after an excellent 2022-23 campaign, and he has found the net just five times in the Premier League, while his off-the-field attitude has been questioned after he skipped training following a night out in Belfast, something that he has since apologised for. However, the report details that Ratcliffe is determined to keep the winger at Old Trafford.

United fans have also criticised his work rate on the pitch, most recently for his attempted pressing against Luton Town, a clip that went viral on social media.

Despite this, there has of yet been no indication that any party would be interested in the move. Rashford came through the Manchester United academy and is unlikely to follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho or Carlos Tevez in swapping one side of the city for the other, while City would likely be reluctant to pay the massive fee that any move would almost certainly demand.

The Englishman penned fresh terms at Old Trafford just last summer and his contract is up in 2028 as things stand, with the arrival of Ratcliffe and the INEOS group not set to change their stance on the winger.

A current Premier League coach has backed Manchester United to complete the signing of a "world-class" superstar in the future.

Man Utd looking for statement signings

The Red Devils know the importance of a big summer in the transfer window, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to bringing in top-quality signings, not to mention potentially appoint a new manager and sporting director.

Statement signings will be the order of the day for United, in order to close the gap on rivals such as Manchester City and Liverpool, and Napoli star Victor Osimhen has emerged as a superb option for them at the end of the season.

The Nigerian is reportedly wanted by the Red Devils, despite the impressive emergence of Rasmus Hojlund this season, being seen as a game-changer in attack, having scored 72 goals in 123 appearances for Napoli, outlining his elite ability.

Meanwhile, mooted incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth reportedly wants to seal the big-money double signing of Serie A pair Gleison Bremer and Nicolo Barella, who are at Juventus and Inter Milan currently.

Man Utd back to sign world superstar

Speaking on talkSPORT [via Caught Offside], West Ham coach Kevin Nolan claimed that Harry Kane will likely end up at Manchester United one day:

"I can certainly see him back in the Premier League. I don’t think Tottenham would have ever have sold him to Manchester United, but for him to go to Bayern Munich, then it’s easier for him to come back from Germany and I think Man United will be his destination.

"I think they (Bayern) would want their money back. Of course (he is worth it). 20+ goals every season and he was playing for Tottenham during them times as well. Realistically, are Man United as good as Tottenham? But I just think he brings a different aura to them anyway, a different aura to the team as soon as he puts the shirt on for, whoever. But I probably think Man United would be the one."

The idea of Kane in a United shirt in the future is mouthwatering, considering what an incredible career he has enjoyed, standing out as one of the finest strikers of his generation.

At 30, the England captain admittedly isn't getting any younger, but he has never relied too much on pace and there is no reason why he can't remain at an elite level for another five or six years, as the likes of Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski showed well into their 30s. Antonio Conte, who has been linked as an INEOS target himself, is just one of a long list of admirers.

This season, Kane has scored 27 goals in just 24 Bundesliga appearances, but if he does decide to return to the Premier League at some point, United do feel like his most logical destination. He surely wouldn't move to Arsenal or Chelsea, given their rivalry with Tottenham, while City and Liverpool are already stacked with options.

He may even be eyeing up breaking Alan Shearer's Premier League goalscoring record one day, so it is easy to envisage him back in England for the autumn of his career.

Mason Greenwood could be set to play his first game in England in 30 months as new club Marseille have scheduled a friendly at Valley Parade.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Greenwood has joined Ligue 1 club Marseille
• French side to play pre-season friendly at Bradford
• Striker could feature in game against Sunderland

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Greenwood has completed a move to Ligue 1 side Marseille from Manchester United and is set to begin a new challenge with the French club. The forward has not played for the Red Devils since his arrest in January 2022 but could be set to play on English soil once again before Marseille kick off their new Ligue 1 campaign.

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• THE EXPLANATION

  Sunderland have announced they will play Marseille in a friendly on August 3 at Bradford City's Valley Parade Stadium. The game will take place in Greenwood's hometown of Bradford as Sunderland's Stadium of Light ground will not be ready in time. The fixture is a commemorative match to mark 15 years since the passing of Robert Louis-Dreyfus. He was the father of Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and also the French side's majority shareholder from 1996 to 2009. 

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Louis-Dreyfus said: "My earliest childhood memories are of Olympique Marseille and my love for football was born from my father’s association with the Club. Like Sunderland, Marseille is a city that lives and breathes football 24/7 and it will be a privilege to bring the two Clubs closest to my heart together to celebrate the life of my father. It is unfortunate that we can’t play at the Stadium of Light due to our ongoing developments and we appreciate Bradford City’s support in hosting the game, which I’m sure will also act as the strong test for our team ahead of the new season.” 

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• Marseille
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR GREENWOOD

  Greenwood is due to start work with Marseille after signing a five-year contract with Roberto De Zerbi's side. Marseille face friendlies against Nimes, Toulon and Pau before heading to England to take on Sunderland.

If you had told the Aston Villa faithful that their club would be in contention to qualify for the Champions League this season, they would have simply laughed.

What was once a dream could now become reality, with Unai Emery leading the side to the world’s most prestigious club competition, with the Villans sitting fourth after 27 games.

However, it isn’t just the present that the Spaniard is looking to impact, with Villa’s recent activity in the transfer market suggesting that he’s looking towards the future.

In January, Villa acquired multiple outfield signings aged 21 and below – such as Morgan Rogers – but it’s a purchase before the current boss’ time at the club that could be next up – and even become the next John McGinn.

John McGinn’s season so far

The Scotland international has gone to a whole new level this season under Emery, taking to his new role as an inverted left midfielder extremely well.

McGinn has started every single Villa game in the league this season, playing 86 minutes on average per game, providing excellent leadership, and setting the example with the captain's armband on.

The 29-year-old is known for the energy and effort he brings each week without fail, but he has started to affect the game much more in the final third, netting six goals and providing three assists in the Premier League.

He is irreplaceable at Villa, and what he brings to the team is so priceless. Since the injury to Boubacar Kamara, the former Hibernian gem has dropped into a defensive role alongside Douglas Luiz, showing that he is versatile and, above all, that he’s willing to do anything to help his side out.

Kyrie Pierre could be a future star

In 2021, Villa signed an incredibly talented 15-year-old from Bristol Rovers, named Kyrie Pierre, for a fee of around £200k.

At the time of his signature for his new club, his old academy coach, Chris Hargreaves, was full of compliments regarding the young star, saying he had “similarities” to a certain Ollie Watkins, whom he had previously worked with at Exeter City:

"They’ve got that same energy on the pitch, which is infectious, and a belief they can go and do it."

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The now-18-year-old – who has been described as "highly-rated" by journalist Ashley Preece – has played plenty of games in the academy at U18 and U23 level, racking up 55 appearances in total with a record of ten goal contributions.

Pierre is versatile, and he can play across the midfield, which makes him extremely similar to McGinn, who’s played mainly as a left midfielder. The youngster has primarily played on the wing this season, but last year he started most matches as a central midfielder.

It seems as though Pierre could become the perfect successor to McGinn, and Emery may plan to slowly introduce the number 70 into the first team setup in the near future.

The attitude and professionalism of Watkins – who boasts 33 goal involvements this season – and the versatility of McGinn make him a player to certainly keep an eye on.