Steven Gerrard can take a big step closer to the top half of the Premier League by leading Aston Villa to a win against Crystal Palace today.
Both teams have enjoyed slight resurgences of late and come into the match in decent form, although Villa suffered defeat against Liverpool in midweek.
Gerrard could be considering some changes to his starting XI following that defeat, with the aim of securing all three points against Palace.
With that in mind, how might the 41-year-old set up his Villa team today?
In goal, Emiliano Martinez will surely start and will be hoping to register his 12th clean sheet of the campaign.
The back four will likely be unchanged from the defeat to Liverpool, with Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa partnering each other at the heart of defence, while Matty Cash and Lucas Digne feature on the right and left respectively.
The midfield three could see one change, with £34k-p/w dud Marvelous Nakamba – one of Villa’s worst performers against Liverpool – being axed for the 18-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka, who Paul Merson described as “outstanding” following his top-flight debut last August. John McGinn and Douglas Luiz will likely keep their places from midweek.
Going forward, Philippe Coutinho will once again operate in the space between midfield and attack, where he can cause so much damage to the opposition. The injury that Watkins sustained against Liverpool could see Gerrard go with a 4-3-2-1 against Palace, with Emiliano Buendia starting alongside the Brazilian in attacking midfield.
This would leave Danny Ings in the lone striker role as the Villa manager makes a possible tactical tweak which will hopefully lead the side to victory.
A win would push the Midlanders into the top half depending on Leicester City’s result. It could well be a good weekend for the Villa faithful if they can get back on track after their gutsy display in defeat to Liverpool.
AND in other news, Lange plotting Villa swoop for “fearless” 87-goal monster, he’s better than Watkins
New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag appears to have had a major setback over one of Europe’s brightest talents.
What’s the word?
Man Utd have been linked with RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku recently, however, it appears that he won’t be leaving the German side this summer.
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Liverpool were also linked with the versatile attacker, but Leipzig claimed that even a bid of £85m wouldn’t be enough to prise their finest talent away from the club.
The news was relayed by Fabrizio Romano who put across comments from the club’s director, Oliver Mintzlaff. The Tweet read:
“RB Leipzig director Oliver Mintzlaff on Christopher Nkunku’s future: “We have clearly discussed it internally: we won’t let Nkunku leave this summer, we told him and his agent”. RB Leipzig will also try to extend his contract but talks are still at early stages.”
Ten Hag faces first blow over Nkunku
The incoming manager faces a big rebuilding job at Old Trafford in the summer, with a rejig of the squad absolutely certain, ten Hag will be determined to stamp his authority on the team as soon as possible.
With the side’s frustrations in the final third, Nkunku would have been an ideal signing and thus, missing out on him will be a first major blow to the Dutchman, one that will understandably leave supporters gutted and perhaps even upset.
The 24-year-old has netted a remarkable 34 goals in 50 matches this season, adding in a further 20 assists, and it’s clear to see why he is one of the most sought-after properties on the continent.
All of this is from mainly an attacking midfield role too, with former Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch dubbing him as a “player with no weaknesses.”
With Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, the only two United players to have scored double figures this season, adding another attacker is the utmost priority for ten Hag.
It is surely only a matter of when instead of if regarding Nkunku joining an elite side, despite his club stating he isn’t for sale.
If the Red Devils come in with a seismic offer, then it might just be tempting enough for the German club to consider it.
With his current stats being exemplary, then there is no doubt he could be the right man to lead the club into a new era. It’s a shame, therefore, that this move looks unlikely.
AND in other news, Forget McTominay: MUFC must brutally axe “pathetic” dud who 0 duels duels v Brighton
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Antonin Barak to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.
What’s the word?
That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Mondo Udinese (via Sport Witness), who claim that, following an extraordinary campaign in Italy, Antonio Conte is now keen on a move to bring the Hellas Verona attacking midfielder to the Premier League at the end of the current campaign.
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The report then goes on to state that the 52-year-old Spurs manager would play a key role in tempting the 27-year-old into a switch to north London, while it is also claimed that Juventus are also keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Czech Republic international.
He’s better than Soucek
With it being reported that a new central midfielder is one of Conte’s primary targets in the summer transfer window, and with Spurs having already been linked with a move to West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek, the argument that Barak would be a much better fit for Tottenham than his Czechia compatriot is a rather easy one to make.
Indeed, over his 29 Serie A appearances this season, the £18m-rated talent has been something of a revelation in the Hellas midfield, bagging 11 goals, registering four assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 1.0 key passes and completing 1.1 dribbles per game.
These returns have seen the £15k-per-week man who Josh Bunting dubbed a “fantastic” player average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.05, ranking him as Igor Tudor’s second-best performer in the top flight of Italian football – playing a key role in Hellas’ push to secure a top-half finish in the league.
In comparison, over Soucek’s 33 Premier League outings this term, the £43m-rated midfielder has scored five goals, provided one assist and created two big chances, in addition to taking an average of 1.3 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.3 dribbles per fixture.
These metrics have seen the £70k-per-week colossus average a SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as David Moyes’ fourth-best player in the English top flight.
As such, while Socuek’s returns are far from underwhelming, when taking into account the fact that Conte already has the options of the defensively-minded Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the middle of the park, the signing of a central midfielder who possesses a more attacking mindset would appear the smarter move by Spurs – something which it is undeniable that Barak is when compared to Soucek.
Furthermore, with it being reported that the West Ham star will be available for around £40m this summer – as well as the 27-year-old himself demanding a weekly wage well above his current salary at the London Stadium – compared to Barak’s more modest €20m (£17m) asking price, the Hellas sensation would appear much better value for money.
So, all things considered, it would indeed appear that a move for Barak would be a far more intelligent choice by Conte and Fabio Paratici this summer.
AND in other news: Spurs now plot £17m bid for “one of the top four or five No 8’s”, Conte would love him
Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills has backed goalkeeper Illan Meslier to earn a new contract at Elland Road this summer.
The lowdown: ‘Big future’
Signed from Ligue 1 outfit Lorient in 2020, Meslier was rewarded for a fine start to a career in England with a new deal until 2026 soon after his arrival.
The four-cap France Under 21 international has kept 25 clean sheets in 84 outings for the club and already looks to have made the number one spot his own for many years to come.
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After new manager Jesse Marsch predicted that the 22-year-old stopper had a ‘big future’ ahead of him, one former Elland Road favourite urged the club to further extend the French youngster’s stay…
The latest: Mills urges fresh talks
Speaking to Football Insider, the full-back who made 139 appearances for Leeds before moving into punditry work with talkSPORT has had his say on Meslier’s future.
“He’s a good young goalkeeper. He’s clearly improving all the time. There’s no thought of replacing him whatsoever.
“If you give him a longer-term contract he retains his value too. Extending it by a year or two, why wouldn’t you? That makes perfect sense.
“With his age profile and the ability that he’s got, without a doubt extend his deal.”
The verdict: Get it done
Already a high-quality operator despite his tender years, Leeds would be wise to tie down Meslier for as long as possible in order to stave off potential suitors as Jesse Marsch looks to build a squad around key players.
So far this season the French starlet has earned an impressive 6.89 rating whilst making 3.7 saves on average per game from 34 Premier League appearances (Sofascore).
Described as being ‘cool under pressure’ by journalist Graham Smyth following a standout display against Leicester City, Meslier has previously been indexed with a move to Manchester United and therefore the 49ers group and Andrea Radrizzani would be wise to tie down their talented stopper regardless of their Premier League status.
In other news, BBC pundit criticises Leeds ace for ‘poor’ display against Manchester City…
Leeds United are eyeing up one manager who has wins over Oliver Glasner, Thomas Tuchel and Ange Postecoglou to replace Daniel Farke.
Farke under pressure at Leeds after Nottingham Forest defeat
The Whites and Farke headed into the international break following two Premier League losses on the road to Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
Conceding three goals at the AMEX and the City Ground, Leeds now find themselves just one point clear of safety and have an extremely tough run of fixtures when club football returns.
Leeds’ upcoming fixtures
Date
Aston Villa (h)
November 23rd
Manchester City (a)
November 29th
Chelsea (h)
December 3rd
Liverpool (h)
December 6th
Brentford (a)
December 14th
Crystal Palace (h)
December 21st
Sunderland (a)
December 28th
There has been plenty of speculation on Farke’s future following the defeats in recent week, but journalist Graeme Bailey insisted the 49ers Enterprises intend to give him until January to turn things around.
Bailey said: “Pressure is mounting on Daniel Farke – but he knew this was coming and the club did too. This is going to be a long season. Everyone was aware. They didn’t spend the tens of millions that Sunderland did.
“They know Farke can only do so much with the squad at his disposal. But the quality of performance and how they compete is going to be vital in the coming weeks.”
There have been a number of managers mooted with an Elland Road move to replace Farke, should the 49ers make a change, including Liam Rosenior of Strasbourg and Valencia’s Carlos Corberan, a former assistant to Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds eyeing up move for Marco Rose
Now, according to Football Insider, former RB Salzburg, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose is firmly on Leeds’ radar.
The outlet then relayed comments from former scout Mick Brown, who said it would be a “gamble” to appoint someone like Rose.
“I have no doubt Marco Rose is on Leeds’ radar. Their links with Red Bull make that a possibility for Leeds, so it’s certainly an option they might look to explore if they do decide to make a change.
“But personally I would be surprised if he was the person they chose to help them. If they decide to sack Farke, it will be because they’re at risk of getting relegated, so I don’t think taking a gamble on a manager like Rose would be right for them.
“He doesn’t know the Premier League, and it might be a cliche, but that’s what Leeds will be looking for. There was talk about Farke during the summer and whether he could go, because they wanted somebody with experience of being successful in the Premier League.
“So if they decide to sack him now, I expect that’s what they’re going to look at.”
The 49-year-old, who plays a 4-4-2 system, is currently out of work after leaving Leipzig back in March.
Rose does have wins over the likes of Glasner, Tuchel and Postecoglou on his CV and revealed what style of play he likes his sides to have.
Could that be at Leeds?
He's got a "bit of Bielsa": Leeds could sack Farke for "mental" 4-3-3 coach
Daniel Levy has brought an end to his 25-year stay at Tottenham with the announcement of his resignation as executive chairman on Thursday – huge news which came completely out of nowhere.
Since taking over from Sir Alan Sugar in 2000, Levy oversaw the transformation of Spurs from a largely mid-table side in the late 1990s to one of the Premier League’s ‘big six’, but his running of the club was also marred by protests from supporters over a lack of success on the field.
"ENICOUT" banneroutside Spurs
The Lilywhites are now one of Europe’s most valuable clubs — boasting a state-of-the-art new stadium and training complex — with Tottenham also the ninth highest revenue-generating side in world football, according to the Deloitte Money League.
Real Madrid
£1.2 billion
Man City
£727 million
PSG
£700 million
Man United
£668 million
Bayern Munich
£664 million
FC Barcelona
£659.5 million
Arsenal
£621.5 million
Liverpool
£620 million
Tottenham Hotspur
£533 million
Chelsea
£474 million
via Deloitte Money League
Off the pitch, Levy’s work deserves high praise, but just two major trophies in two and a half decades frustrated the fanbase.
The 63-year-old’s perceived lack of squad investment during his tenure also attracted fierce criticism, but ENIC’s decision to part company represents a “new era” for the north Londoners.
In the aftermath of Levy’s shock exit, questions are being asked about why this has happened now and so suddenly.
BBC journalist Sami Mokbel and other reliable media sources are reporting that the decision to part ways was ultimately taken out of Levy’s hands, with ENIC effectively pushing him out of the door.
Club insider Paul O’Keefe has also shared some intriguing bits of detail about the story.
ENIC plan "weakened" Daniel Levy's grip on Tottenham before resignation
Taking to X, Spurs in-the-know claims that ENIC’s plan to get properly involved — namely through Lewis’ kids Vivienne and Charlie — is said to have “weakened” Levy’s “vice-like grip” on Tottenham before he was forced out.
ENIC appear set for a more hands-on role in the wake of Levy’s departure, and in that sense, a new era certainly has begun at Tottenham.
Their controversial ownership hasn’t exactly been popular among Spurs supporters, but time will tell whether they manage to turn the tide when it comes to public perception.
For Levy, the ex-official and his family are still a beneficiary of ENIC, owning a near-30 per cent stake in the group, but his club involvement will now cease with immediate effect with no notice period (BBC).
Celtic hero Chris Sutton put it best when summarising the situation surrounding Adam Idah at Parkhead – “a total mess”.
A surprise late approach from Swansea City looked to have spelt the end for the Irishman’s time in Glasgow, only for the Hoops to hold fire amid the wait to acquire a replacement for manager Brendan Rodgers.
Heading into deadline day, the former Norwich City man ultimately sealed his bumper £7m switch to South Wales, bringing an end to a mixed 18-month stint in Scottish football.
Having been stung by the failure to replace Kyogo Furuhashi in January, the Celtic hierarchy had thankfully learned their lesson, with a successor to Idah already lined up months in advance.
Oh no, wait, that’s not what happened, is it? Instead, in the dying embers of the window, the Scottish champions were left scouring the free transfer market, even considering an approach for an injury-prone Patrick Bamford amid his recent Leeds exit.
As it proved, Rodgers got out the phonebook to reunite with Kelechi Iheanacho, having enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the Nigerian at Leicester City.
As for Idah, while the manner of his exit – and the search to replace him – represented a ‘total mess’, were Rodgers and co actually right to sell him?
Why Celtic had to sell Adam Idah
The caveat to this, of course, is as explained above. The Premiership giants should only have sanctioned a sale if a suitable replacement had already been lined up.
Adam Idah in pre-season for Celtic.
That being said, a £7m fee for a player of his ilk was undoubtedly too good to turn down, with Celtic only taking a slight hit on their initial £9m investment.
In truth, that was a fee that should never have been dished out in the first place, with the Hoops gambling on a player who had scored just 17 goals – yes 17 – in 116 games in all competitions during his time at Norwich City.
Of course, the 24-year-old’s return of nine goals in 19 games during his initial loan spell in 2024 – which included that Scottish Cup final clincher – was reason for encouragement, although the subsequent burden of a £9m fee, and the No.9 shirt, appeared to weigh too heavy.
Yes, there were high points, including his brace at Villa Park and the 20 goals in all competitions last term, yet his overall record of 29 goals in 76 games makes for disappointing reading – as too does his 19 big chances missed in the Premiership in 2024/25, as per Sofascore.
Failure to score in the early knockings of the new campaign, alongside his shoot-out miss away at Kairat, appeared to pave the way for his departure, with Celtic left to reflect on an expensive gamble that simply didn’t pay off.
At Ibrox, meanwhile, Rangers could well have secured their own Idah figure with the eye-watering £10m capture of Everton’s Youssef Chermiti, while Celtic may have to rely on a familiar face to deliver the goods this season.
How Daizen Maeda's value compares to Idah and Chermiti
If the £9m dished out on Idah raised eyebrows, then the £10m that the Gers have forked out for Chermiti appears even more headscratching, not least considering that the Portuguese striker has failed to score a single senior goal during his time with the Toffees.
As Celtic have seen in the case of the ex-Norwich man, splashing the cash on a player doesn’t always lead to success on the field, with the club’s best work having come when plucking a bargain from the market.
Matt O’Riley’s £1.5m acquisition is a perfect case in point, as too is the £1.6m fee that was forked out to make Daizen Maeda’s initial loan move a permanent deal, with few deals having proven quite so fruitful.
Market Movers
It hasn’t always been plain sailing for the Japanese speedster – having been guilty of his own spot-kick miss last month – but boy has he been effective during his three-and-a-half-year stay in Glasgow.
There are few better sights in football than the 27-year-old breathing down the neck of a defender with his relentless pace, having proven himself to be a physical “machine” in recent years, in the words of his former coach at Yokohama F Marinos, John Hutchinson.
A unique talent in European football, let alone Scotland, Maeda has more than warranted his growing cult hero status at Parkhead, having taken his game to even greater heights last season.
While an at-times profligate figure in his early Celtic days, having notably missed three big chances across just six Champions League group games in 2022/23, the ex-Yokohama man is now Rodgers’ go-to man.
Hibs
14
7
Hearts
12
6
Livingston
7
6
Rangers
21
5
Killie
11
5
Aberdeen
11
5
St Johnstone
10
5
Motherwell
11
4
Indeed, 2024/25 yielded a ridiculous tally of 33 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, including four goals during the club’s encouraging European run.
While only a solitary goal has followed this time around, the value of Maeda to Rodgers and to Celtic is immense. Indeed, according to Transfermarkt, he is now worth as much as €15m (£13m).
Daizen Maeda
That not only eclipses the recent fees dished out for his fellow forwards Idah and Chermiti, but also the pair’s actual market values, deemed to be in the region of €6.5m (£5.5m) and €8m (£7m), respectively.
There will be much debate at Parkhead over who will take on Idah’s mantle as the starting striker, be it Iheanacho, Johnny Kenny or Shin Yamada, but in reality, if this season is to be a success, then it will be Maeda who is central to it.
Celtic interested in signing "explosive" 27 y/o free agent after Iheanacho
Arsenal have internally discussed the possibility of striking a deal for one forward who’s been offered to Premier League rivals Manchester City, according to a report this week.
Arsenal expected to sign forward after Martin Zubimendi
Barring a very unexpected surprise, Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi will become Andrea Berta’s first signing as Gunners sporting director.
Arsenal tipped to sign class striker after Zubimendi as Arteta pressures board
The Spaniard has made his wishes clear to Emirates Stadium transfer chiefs.
ByEmilio Galantini May 29, 2025
The Spain international will put pen to paper on a move to north London with Arsenal set to trigger his £51 million release clause. Zubimendi is also awaiting a medical at N5, as confirmed by multiple reliable sources, including Fabrizio Romano.
The 26-year-old’s arrival is seen as very good news for Mikel Arteta, who’s moved quickly to secure a world-class replacement for the exit-bound Jorginho.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
As per Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol earlier this week, Arteta has been pressuring the Arsenal board to be active in recruitment this summer, and there is every expectation that they will look to bring in attackers.
While Arsenal are widely tipped to sign an elite-level centre-forward, amid repeated links to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, they’ve also held negotiations for wide players.
Berta is very keen to bring in a new winger and is holding active talks over “numerous” targets, as per Sky Germany last week, with Arsenal negotiations for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo recently stalling due to wage demands.
Soon to be out-of-contract, £242,000-per-week Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane could be another viable option.
Arsenal internally discuss Leroy Sane deal this summer
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, Arsenal have internally debated a deal for Sane, who was once valued at £137 million by his ex-employers Man City.
Pep Guardiola has actually been offered the chance to re-sign his former player, as have “every major club in England”.
“We have been here before with Sane – talks with Bayern have been off and on, he has a good offer from them, but his people are assessing options elsewhere,” said Bailey.
Leroy Sane for Bayern Munich
“I am told there are two offers in Turkey, one from Galatasaray which are ‘very big’ and there is the Saudi Pro League. As we revealed previously he was offered to every major club in England, even former club Man City.
“There is a liking for the player in England and Arteta is a fan, and whilst there is interest – no offer has come from Arsenal yet – he is an option I am told and they have talked about a prospective deal.
“Sane is a top player and appeals on a free transfer – could he be seen as a ‘win now’ player? Quite possibly.”
Reports in Germany this week stated Tottenham are actually emerging as the main contenders for Sane, so he could potentially move to north London, but maybe not with Arsenal.
Manchester United are now closing in on their first signing of the summer as they have agreed personal terms with Wolves star Matheus Cunha, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Man Utd stepping up transfer plans as they lodge multiple bids
This summer is expected to be a busy time for the Red Devils as they look to address what has been a very poor campaign and give Ruben Amorim the ingredients to become a success at Old Trafford. The summer transfer window isn’t even open yet, but United have already started to make moves in the transfer market.
A report from Spain has claimed that Man United have submitted a £55 million bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford – Mbeumo is seen as a player who can improve United’s attacking options, and the hope from Old Trafford is that the offer is enough to tempt Brentford into selling one of their star players.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
As well as making an offer for Mbuemo, reports have claimed United have also lodged a staggering £113 million bid to try and sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig this summer.
The Dutch international is expected to leave the Bundesliga side, and United hope he will ease the creative burden on Bruno Fernandes. It is claimed that United are desperate to bring Simons to Old Trafford, and his signing would be a huge statement from INEOS in terms of them backing Amorim in the transfer market.
Man Utd lodge £113m bid to sign their new Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United will aim to snap up their next Bruno Fernandes with this stunning purchase.
ByKelan Sarson May 19, 2025 Man Utd closing in on £62.5m Cunha deal after agreeing personal terms
Mbuemo and Simons appear to be top targets for the Red Devils, but they are not going to be the first signing the Premier League side make this summer. That is because, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Man United are close to signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Romano reports that United are close to signing Cunha, as the Wolves star has now accepted the project on offer at Old Trafford and has agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, which means the deal is now almost completed. Romano adds that just the final details need to be sorted between all parties ‘and then, here we go’.
United have moved very quickly to sign Cunha, who has been dubbed “sensational” by pundit Micah Richards. The Brazilian international has a release clause worth £62.5 million, and the Red Devils are expected to trigger that to reach an agreement.
It was claimed last week that Arsenal had reopened talks to sign Cunha from Wolves, perhaps prompting INEOS to act fast with their move for the versatile forward, who has scored 15 goals in the Premier League this season.
Apps
31
Goals
15
xG
8.04
Shots per game
3.2
Shots on target per game
1.3
Chance conversion
15%
Assists
6
Big chances created
13
Cunha’s arrival at Old Trafford will likely see him deployed as one of United’s number 10s in Amorim’s system. But his versatility means the Brazilian can also operate as a number nine, which Amorim may be more inclined to do, given the struggles of Rasmus Hojlund.
Manchester United’s recent fortunes would suggest that a place in the Europa League final isn’t quite guaranteed, not just yet, although Ruben Amorim’s men certainly have one foot in the showpiece following a stunning first-leg triumph on Thursday night.
Up against an Athletic Bilbao side who had conceded just 12 goals at home all season in LaLiga and in European competition combined, the Red Devils romped to a brutal 3-0 win in San Mames, maintaining their unbeaten run in this year’s edition.
Bruno Fernandes
After a nervy opening – which saw Inaki Williams notably guide his effort over the crossbar – the visitors took control through Casemiro’s backpost header, before ever-reliable skipper, Bruno Fernandes, converted from the penalty spot following a last-ditch foul on Rasmus Hojlund.
With Dani Vivian dismissed for the action that led to the spot-kick to compound matters for the home side, United swiftly extended their advantage just minutes later, with that man Fernandes rounding off an intricate team move just before the break.
A fourth and potentially tie-clinching goal did not emerge after the interval, although Amorim can have few complaints on a night in which his experienced heads, in particular, kept their cool.
Casemiro and Fernandes rise above the rest
If the former Sporting CP boss is to have any reason for negativity following Thursday’s convincing win, the Portuguese tactician may be concerned at the shaky start which his side endured, with Victor Lindelof notably among those to have needlessly squandered possession in the early exchanges.
Touches
Casemiro (109)
Accurate passes
Victor Lindelof (97)
Key passes
Bruno Fernandes (3)
Crosses
Bruno Fernandes (5/7)
Shots on target
Bruno Fernandes (3)
Successful dribbles
Ugarte & Sannadi (2)
Defensive actions
Casemiro (9)
Duels won
Casemiro (10)
Possession lost
Nico Williams (20)
The Swede did, thankfully, redeem himself soon after with a vital goal-line block, with Manuel Ugarte also enjoying his own in-game redemption, having shaken off a careless beginning to ultimately register two assists on the night, including a clever backheeled flick for Fernandes’ second.
Some initial nerves may have been understandable, although in the case of the captain and Casemiro, the experienced pairing proved to be “the difference again”, in the words of journalist Samuel Luckhurst, having been head and shoulders above the majority of their teammates.
For Fernandes, such a performance has simply become the norm, with the influential skipper now boasting 37 goals and assists this season in all competitions, including seven goals and four assists in the Europa League alone.
To see the 30-year-old pulling the strings is no surprise, although for his veteran teammate, this recent resurgence has been a welcome one, not least considering it appeared as if he was approaching the end of a storied career not too long ago.
Casemiro
Once looking like “he is playing in Soccer Aid” under Erik ten Hag last term, as per pundit Jamie Redknapp, Casemiro has been reborn in the Amorim regime, with the return to Spain seeing the former Real Madrid warrior win ten of his 12 attempted duels, alongside getting on the scoresheet.
A starter in every knockout stage game in the competition, this redemption arc continues for the 33-year-old – much like it does for Harry Maguire.
The Man Utd hero who's now undroppable again
The importance of Fernandes and Casemiro was evident as even at 3-0, Amorim opted not to rest the star duo despite making a raft of changes, with the two men simply pillars in this developing 3-4-3 system.
Performance in Numbers
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In a similar manner, the fact that Maguire was withdrawn just after the hour mark was also a sign of his growing stature under the new regime, with Amorim unable to afford an injury setback to the 6 foot 4 Englishman.
The 32-year-old hasn’t been a stranger to periods on the sidelines this season, having actually only featured on 34 occasions, although at present he looks the real bedrock in a back three that repeatedly chops and changes with each passing game.
Harry Maguire
A player his manager previously described as “perfect” for this setup, following the extension of his contract by a further 12 months, Maguire looks at home in the centre of the defensive trio, having been largely untroubled against the Basque outfit.
There was one hairy moment just prior to his withdrawal, amid appeals from the home crowd for a red card following a ‘foul’ on Maroan Sannadi, although it was otherwise plain-sailing, with the former Leicester City man spraying passes with ease after racking up a 97% pass accuracy rate in total.
Much like last month and his stoppage time heroics to clinch victory over Lyon, it was actually his impact in the final third that was most memorable from Maguire’s outing, with the towering defender proving an unlikely menace down the right flank, before whipping in a cross that eventually found its way to Casemiro, via the head of Ugarte.
The sight of the big man twisting and turning truly was a joy to behold, with that marking another “glorious” moment – as per The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell – in the revival of a player who was memorably stripped of the captaincy by Ten Hag back in 2023.
There were even suggestions that a move to West Ham United was on the cards that summer, yet now the £190k-per-week powerhouse looks a key cog in the Amorim machine – with the aforementioned Luckhurst noting his ‘solid’ 8/10 performance on the night.
In an era of pursuing younger and younger signings, with the aim of looking to the long-term, the likes of Maguire, Casemiro and Fernandes are proving that experience and class are simply priceless.
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