To say that Wayne Rooney's spell at Birmingham City has been a disaster so far would be a great understatement. The former Derby County manager took over from John Eustace with the Blues on course to challenge for a Championship play-off place, only to endure a run of one win in nine games since arriving. Now, Birmingham sit as low as 17th and seven points adrift of the top six. It seems more and more like January can't come soon enough for Rooney.

With that in mind, reports suggest that Birmingham are eyeing a move to sign a La Liga gem who is edging closer and closer to a first-team debut in Spain's top flight.

Birmingham City transfer news

With the riches of Tom Brady available, Rooney has the chance to make his mark on his Birmingham side in the January transfer window. It's clearly needed given how poorly he's done without reinforcements so far.

As the Manchester United legend's dismal run continues, questions will be asked over his suitability for the job and whether the Blues will regret sacking Eustace when in such a comfortable position. Rooney, meanwhile, will hope that current form is merely a rough patch before he finds his feet. One move could particularly help prove that theory, too.

According to TEAMtalk, Birmingham City are eyeing a move to sign Sevilla youngster Musa Drammeh, who has just six months left on his current contract and will be available for a cut-price deal in January. Birmingham have reportedly already sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old striker for Sevilla Atletico – Sevilla's B team – alongside Sunderland, who are also eyeing up a potential move.

The deal would certainly hand Rooney a boost given his side's recent woes, though it remains to be seen whether he can tempt Drammeh into leaving Spain and picking Birmingham over Sunderland in January.

Drammeh is one for the future

At 22, Drammeh looks set to have the biggest decision of his career so far ahead of him when the January transfer window opens. The idea of working under a legendary striker in Rooney should appeal to any young forward, but the Sevilla man certainly has his options. Drammeh's stats, meanwhile, show that he is more than ready for first-team football. In 13 appearances for Sevilla Atletico this season, the forward has scored five and assisted a further two goals in an impressive campaign to date, which has reportedly left him closer than ever to Sevilla's first team.

Rooney recently spoke about potential January arrivals, saying via The Birmingham Mail: "We are not going to go crazy in January because we’ve got a huge summer coming up. But if we can make changes in January and bring players in then, of course, we will. We are looking at players that we need. It’s not bringing players in for the sake of it. If we can get players in that we are watching and we like – not just bringing players in for the sake of it – then we will. If we can’t get those players in, there’s no rush to get players in."

انتهت مساء يوم الإثنين منافسات الجولة الثانية من بطولة الدوري الإيطالي، موسم 2024/25، حيث واصل يوفنتوس تألقه وفاز على هيلاس فيرونا بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.

وواصل ميلان نزيف النقاط بعدما تعرض للهزيمة أمام بارما بهدفين لهدف، في حين تخكى إنتر ميلان نظيره ليتشى بثنائية نظيفة.

وسقط روما أمام إمبولي بهدفين لهدف، في الجولة نفسها، بينما انتصر نابولي على بولونيا بثلاثة أهداف دون رد. ترتيب الدوري الإيطالي 2024/25 بعد نهاية الجولة الثانية

1 يوفنتوس، 6 نقاط.

2 إنتر ميلان، 4 نقاط.

3 تورينو، 4 نقاط.

4 جنوى، 4 نقاط.

5 بارما، 4 نقاط.

6 أودينيزي، 4 نقاط.

7 إمبولي، 4 نقاط.

8 أتالانتا، 3 نقاط.

9 لاتسيو، 3 نقاط.

10 نابولي، 3 نقاط.

11 هيلاس فيرونا، 3 نقاط.

12 كالياري، نقطتان.

13 فيورنتينا، نقطتان.

14 ميلان، نقطة.

15 روما، نقطة.

16 مونزا، نقطة.

17 فينيزيا، نقطة.

18 بولونيا، نقطة.

19 كومو، نقطة.

20 ليتشي، بدون نقاط.

ويمكن متابعة ترتيب الدوري الإيطالي، موسم 2024/25، مُحدث بشكل مستمر من هنا.

National selector felt allrounder was not England’s first-choice spinner, nor suitable to overseas conditions

George Dobell14-Feb-2019Moeen Ali says he was “hit hard” by comments from the national selector, Ed Smith, suggesting he was neither England’s first-choice spinner nor suitable to overseas conditions.Smith, appointed as England’s national selector last April, could not find space for Moeen in his first Test squad for the series against Pakistan, which started in May. Instead, Dom Bess was selected with Smith making it clear Jack Leach would have played had he been fit.”Moeen had a difficult winter,” Smith said at the time. “We know he can be a very productive player in English conditions. But the role of first-choice spinner might not be best suited to him. His best way might be as second spinner.”But while Moeen says those comments were “disappointing”, he also believes they “spurred” him to win a recall. That happened for the fourth Test of the series against India, when he won the man-of-the-match award after out-bowling Ravi Ashwin and picking up nine series-sealing wickets.And now, having finished both winter tours as England’s highest wicket-taker (he and Jack Leach both claimed 18 wickets in Sri Lanka, while Moeen claimed another 14 in the Caribbean) he has both responded eloquently to Smith’s challenge and re-established himself as the side’s No. 1 spinner.”It hit me hard,” Moeen said. “It was disappointing. I felt like they were looking for someone else.”But it spurred me on. I did need that break at the time. Maybe if I’d been picked versus Pakistan I wouldn’t have bowled well. But I came back against India fresh, scoring runs and taking wickets and I felt at the top of my game.”I still had the belief. So to get back in the side and prove I can do the job is… [pleasing].”Moeen had endured a grim 2017-18 Ashes. He failed to pass 40 with the bat and claimed only five wickets at a cost of 115 each with the ball. After another wicketless Test in Auckland, he was dropped for the final Test of England’s winter.There were mitigating factors. With England having picked only two spinners in their touring squad – one of which was 20-year-old legspinner Mason Crane – Moeen was obliged to go into the first Test carrying a finger injury that compromised his performance. England had been reluctant to throw Crane into the hostile environment of an Ashes Test in Brisbane on debut as the only spinner. While Moeen’s injury had healed by the back end of the series, his confidence had dipped and he was unable to compensate with his batting.

I remember reaching 50 and thinking that was a massive achievement. Someone said ‘maybe 100?’ and I thought no chance

That seems a long time ago now. This year, Moeen has continued to rise up the tally of England’s leading wicket-takers and is currently tied with Angus Fraser on 177. Only 17 men have claimed more Test wickets for England; only four (Derek Underwood, Graeme Swann, Jim Laker and Sydney Barnes, whose categorisation is not straightforward) are spinners.And while his average – 36.37 – is higher than all those above him, his strike-rate – 60.4 – compares well even with England’s two most prolific Test spinners: Underwood’s 297 wickets came at a strike-rate of 73.6, while Swann’s 255 came at 60.1. Over recent weeks, Moeen has surpassed the wicket totals of such respected spinners as Tony Lock, Monty Panesar, Fred Titmus and John Emburey. On every occasion, he has done having bowled far fewer – sometimes several thousand fewer – deliveries.”I’ve done better than I thought I ever would,” Moeen admits. “I must have done okay to get that many wickets. I remember reaching 50 and thinking that was a massive achievement. Someone said ‘maybe 100?’ and I thought no chance.”But when you go past some of the greats, you think ‘maybe I am a good spinner?'”I feel like I belong. People might think I don’t because they think I’m not a proper spinner. There will always be good days and bad days but I am improving. I think I can get into the side as a bowler now, even if I didn’t bat.”There have been times this winter when that has probably been just as well. While he top-scored in the Antigua Test, that innings of 60 was his only half-century of the winter. In 11 innings, he only reached 35 once. As a result, he admits he has work to do on his batting, though he now – for perhaps the first time – appears to see himself as a bowling all-rounder.”It needs working on,” he says. “But I feel set. I will stay at No. 8 and I know it. I have got my head around that and it feels natural now. Being a bowler: I’m very happy with that. Even if I do well people may say I should move up. But I’m happy.”Having experienced such ups and down, Moeen is well qualified to offer some hope to Adil Rashid who was dropped after the Barbados Test and could face an uphill journey to win a recall. But, at least as far as Moeen is concerned, Rashid requires a bit more understanding and “backing”.”Things can change quickly,” Moeen said. “We didn’t expect him to play Tests a year ago. He bowled better than me in the first innings in Barbados. Both of our beliefs is that people can plan or say things, but God’s plans are different.”He’s got so much skill maybe sometimes he confuses himself. His role is to take wickets. He will go for runs. As players, supporters, media, we have to realise that.”No one will be Shane Warne. But a mystery guy like Rash will pick up wickets given the right time, backing and mindset.”I hope it’s not the end. We know what he can do. If we can manage him right, we can get so much more out of him. I still feel he can be one of the best in the world at Test cricket.”

Brisbane Heat go down by nine wickets, sink to their seventh defeat of the season

The Report by Shamya Dasgupta29-Jan-2019Early breakthroughs made the difference for Hobart Hurricanes as they kept Brisbane Heat to 145 for 6 before D’Arcy Short and Caleb Jewell combined to knock the runs off in just 14.2 overs for a nine-wicket win. The result helped the Hurricanes consolidate their top spot on the Big Bash League points table, while the Heat remained stuck at seventh place.D’Arcy Short kept up his superb form•Getty Images

James Faulkner, David Moody and Jofra Archer – twice – struck within the Powerplay overs as the Heat slipped to 27 for 4 after being asked to bat. They recovered, with Alex Ross and Jimmy Peirson hitting half-centuries in a 109-run fifth-wicket stand. But just nine runs from the final two overs meant a below-par total from the Heat.The target was made to look even smaller than it was as Short and Jewell, who got together after Matthew Wade fell for a seven-ball 12, hit quick half-centuries in an unbroken 132-run stand. Short finished with 68 off 41 balls and Jewell 61 off 38.Archer makes an impact
Max Bryant must have enjoyed the sound of ball on bat as he hit Faulkner down the ground, seemingly over long-on. But Archer was there, sticking out his right hand, grabbing the ball, lobbing it back in as he went out, and then completing the dismissal.That was in the third over, the first wicket of the Heat innings, and soon Chris Lynn and Matt Renshaw were back alongside Bryant, both done in by Archer. Lynn could send the bowler only up to George Bailey at mid-off, and Renshaw was gone next ball, nicking Archer outside off to Wade behind the stumps.The Ross-Peirson fightback
If the scoreboard shows 27 for 4, and the four includes Lynn and Brendon McCullum, it means trouble. The Heat, who have struggled for the best part of the season, were in a spot of bother, but in Ross and Peirson had good men for the rebuilding job.The two batted together from the third ball of the sixth over – with little by way of a platform to build on – to the end of the 18th, adding 109 runs together. They opened up after the 12th over and took the Heat all the way to 136 before being separated, giving their bowlers a little something to play with.Another big one from Short
Short was right on top of the run-scorers’ chart for the season before the start of the game, and by the end of it, hehad taken a 142-run lead over fellow Hurricanes opener Wade, his latest outing taking his tally to 541 from 11 innings, at an average of 67.62 and a strike-rate of 141.25.Short has been nigh unstoppable this season, and is one of the primary reasons for the Hurricanes’ success. The Heat target wasn’t a big one anyway, and Short took off once Jewell had set the ball rolling at the other end, ending with his sixth half-century of the competition.”I am having fun with the batting,” he said afterwards. He certainly looks it.

The January transfer window reopening could come at the perfect time for Wayne Rooney and his new Birmingham City side, the former Manchester United great turned Blues manager struggling in the St Andrew's dug-out so far.

New fresh bodies into the building handpicked by Rooney himself could be the catalyst for change as the under-pressure boss begins to leave his mark on the Blues, Birmingham falling down the Championship table at a rapid pace under the former Derby County manager's doomed reign to date with only one win from eight.

Rooney could well have a number of Red Devils players on his shopping list, relying on his ties still to Old Trafford in order to gain some exciting talents in through the door at St Andrew's to stop the rot.

Here are three Man United players the already under-fire Blues boss could attempt to sign on loan this January to liven up proceedings…

1

Joe Hugill

Rooney could well opt to bring in a fresh face up top this January, with Joe Hugill potentially his desired target who continues to be prolific at youth level for Man United.

Birmingham's strikers are struggling for goals minus young hot-shot Jay Stansfield – with five goals – who is on loan from Fulham, so Rooney could decide another loan buy is worth pursuing.

Hugill has seven goals in all competitions for the U21's side this season, scoring twice last time out in Premier League 2 action versus Everton.

The 20-year-old did struggle out on loan at non-league Altrincham recently – only netting one goal from seven National League appearances in 2022/23 – but Erik ten Hag might well see Hugill going under Rooney's wing on a short-term basis as a beneficial learning curve for his exciting prospect.

2

Omari Forson

Another youngster exciting those at Man United is Omari Forson, who would also benefit from a taste of senior action if he was to be loaned out.

Forson has been deployed at U23 level this season down both flanks and even through the centre of the park, with Forson excelling mainly down the left wing – four of his seven goals in all competitions coming from this role in the side.

Birmingham are light on numbers down the flanks so Forson could well be a worthwhile short-term buy this January, with Koji Miyoshi in recent weeks even moving over to the wing despite starting his career at the Blues mainly as a central attacking midfielder.

Other options in the winger positions such as Oliver Burke have just failed to acclimatise to St Andrew's – the Werder Bremen loanee routinely firing blanks for the Blues with zero goals – and so the skilful and clinical attacker from Man United could be a wise acquisition in the transfer window.

3

Radel Vitek

Lastly, the final name on Rooney's potential shopping list from the Red Devils could be Czech goalkeeper Radel Vitek.

Vitek was a surprise inclusion on the bench against Sevilla in last season's Europa League for Man United, with the 20-year-old shot-stopper highly thought of at Old Trafford.

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The ludicrous decision to sack John Eustace and replace him with Wayne Rooney has backfired massively for Birmingham…

By
Tom Griffin

Nov 22, 2023

Amassing 55 appearances in numerous age brackets at the club, the time could be right for Vitek to experience the cut and thrust of EFL football on loan.

The Blues do have two experienced goalkeeper options on their books, with former Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper John Ruddy the preferred number one, but Vitek could offer the ageing shot-stopper some healthy competition if he was signed by Rooney.

Ruddy has struggled to keep the ball out of his net this season, only keeping four clean sheets from 19 appearances. Could a fresh recruit from the Red Devils hungry for more minutes come in and steal his number-one jersey?

MatériaMais Notícias

A expectativa dentro do Internacional é altíssima. Com o fim do Brasileirão cada vez mais próximo, elenco e torcida estão com a calculadora na mão fazendo contas para levantar a taça.

+ TABELA DE CLASSIFICAÇÃO DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO

Dentro do time, o volante Edenilson, um dos principais jogadores, não esconde a sua ansiedade, mas pede que o Colorado fique com o pé no chão para evitar surpresas desagradáveis.

‘Vamos batalhar por cada bola em busca do três pontos. É um clube que não conquista o Brasileiro há mais de 40 anos, mas é jogo a jogo’, ponderou.

Sobre o jogo, Edenilson lembrou que o adversário ainda tem muito o que disputar e precisa somar pontos para fugir do rebaixamento.

+ Tem clube interessado em Alexandre Pato: veja jogadores com passagem por seleção que estão sem time

‘O Sport também briga pelas suas coisas. Precisamos estar atentos a todos os detalhes’, concluiu.

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Leeds United are interested in making a move for a "flair" player who has broken Whites hearts in the past, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

Leeds transfer news

Leeds could delve into the transfer market in January, as they look to give themselves the best possible chance of making a quickfire return from the Championship to the Premier League.

Fenerbahce's Bright Osayi-Samuel is one player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road, with the full-back also wanted by Crystal Palace and Wolves, while AFC Wimbledon's Ali Al-Hamadi is another who is seen as a possible transfer target for Daniel Farke.

In terms of potential outgoings, Crysencio Summerville is one player who could leave Leeds, and Aston Villa are believed to be a possible destination in 2024. The Whites will no doubt want to retain his services, however, given the quality he could provide between now and the end of the season.

Leeds want to sign David Brooks

Taking to X, talkSPORT's Alex Crook claimed that Leeds are keen on signing Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks on loan, with rivals Southampton also in the mix to acquire his signature next month.

"Understand both #LUFC and #SaintsFC would like to sign #AFCB winger David Brooks on loan. More on the @talkSPORT transfer notebook later today."

Brooks could be a great signing by Leeds in the January window, adding the technical ability and end product that could give them that extra bit of guile in attacking areas. The 26-year-old could also be open to the idea of moving on, considering he has only started two Premier League games this season, meaning it could be a transfer that suits all parties.

The Englishman was once lauded by former manager Eddie Howe during their time together at Bournemouth, with the now Newcastle boss saying:

"It has typified his introduction to the club. He has played ever so well for us, he has got a creative flair, non-stop energy and he took his goals really well today. He is a player that can do a little bit of everything, he is very good offensively, is creative, turns well with the ball and is very intelligent."

Brooks' level of character has been highlighted by the incredible bravery he has show in overcoming cancer, and his arrival could be met with such positivity by Leeds supporters. They have also felt his wrath in the past when he scored a late winner at Elland Road during his time with Sheffield United.

Leeds could oust Bamford by signing wonderkid who's like Henrik Larsson

Leeds United could finally wave goodbye to a declining Patrick Bamford with this transfer deal in January.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 29, 2023

He is someone with proven Championship expertise, having scored nine goals and registered 11 assists in 69 appearances in the competition, so there shouldn't be an issue with him adjusting to life there.

In fact, he has 15 goal contributions in 59 Premier League outings, also showing that he can impress at the top level, so there are few reasons why a move would be a negative, especially as it would only be on loan, and it could be one to watch over the coming weeks.

It is shaping up to be another thrilling season of highs and even higher highs for Arsenal this year as the men in red and white contest for the Premier League title for the second year running.

Mikel Arteta's side are not quite as free-flowing as they were last campaign, but, instead, they have developed a new steely determination that has seen them power through games.

However, the lack of goals and assists from Gabriel Martinelli, compared to last year, is a slight concern, although it's a problem that could be alleviated by the latest player touted for a move to the club, Ivan Toney, as the lethal number nine could supercharge the Brazilian's assist numbers.

Arsenal transfer news – Ivan Toney

According to TeamTalk, Arsenal are on the lookout for a new striker in 2024 to help the side fight for the title, and one of their top targets is Brentford's Ivan Toney.

The Bees are understandably reluctant to sell their star man and have set the price tag to around £70m, which, while significant, shouldn't be unattainable for a club of Arsenal's size. That said, they will have to battle it out with other interested parties, such as Chelsea and Real Madrid.

The once-capped Englishman was a force of nature in the Premier League last season, scoring 20 goals in just 33 appearances, but has not played since May after he was given an eight-month football ban for betting offences.

This lack of game time could represent something of a risk for interested clubs, but his output last year and sheer brilliance make it a risk worth taking – especially if he can help Martinelli climb the assist chart.

Ivan Toney could supercharge Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli was in scintillating form for most of last season – scoring 15 league goals and providing five assists – and while he has still been brilliant to watch this year, he has not been as effective.

The young Brazilian has scored just two goals and provided two assists in 14 league starts, which is undeniably a disappointing drop-off. Now, were he to be playing alongside a striker journalist Josh Slack dubbed a "goal-scoring machine", he would likely see his numbers shoot up.

The former Newcastle United striker scored 21 goals in all competitions last year from an expected goals figure of just 18.7, meaning that he was finishing at an exceptionally high standard, something which Arsenal's current number nine, Gabriel Jesus, cannot do.

The former Manchester City man has found the back of the net three times from an expected goals figure of four so far this season, meaning that his teammates – like Martinelli – have to produce an abundance of chances to register an assist.

Stats (per 90)

Toney

Jesus

Expected Goals

0.57

0.48

Goals

0.61

0.35

Goals per Shot on Target

0.42

0.25

All Stats via FBref for all 2022/23 & 2023/24 Domestic Competitions

Furthermore, the "unplayable" Toney, as described by Alan Shearer, scored from almost half as many shots on target as Jesus, something that would seriously help Martinelli's assist numbers.

Ultimately, Jesus is a very talented player, but if Arteta wants to see Martinelli increase the number of assists he produces, he needs to sign a clinical striker, a striker like Ivan Toney, to finish off the chances the Brazilian creates.

Manchester United are now believed to be leading the race to sign a talented player but may need to pay over £100 million to land his signature, according to a report.

Man Utd's January plans…

Following an inconsistent time of things in the Premier League so far this campaign, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could be desperate to strengthen his side in January to try and maintain their challenge for continental qualification, especially following the news of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's recent investment. Nonetheless, Red Devils chief operating officer Collette Roche has warned that Financial Fair Play restrictions may force the club into a quiet transfer window, as she stated at a recent fans forum:

"Looking ahead to the January transfer window, we are not expecting it to be particularly busy.

"There will always be the possibility of deals around the edges of the squad, particularly in terms of finding opportunities for players who are not playing as much football as they would like. However, we've always been consistent in saying that we do not see January as the optimal time to do business and our recruitment strategy remains focused on summer windows."

Man Utd's rumoured centre-back targets for January

Latest update

David Alaba

18th December

Fikayo Tomori

16th December

Ronald Araujo

11th December

Jean-Clair Todibo

10th December

Marc Guehi

9th December

Leny Yoro

8th December

According to journalist Ben Jacobs speaking to GIVEMESPORT, RB Leipzig star Timo Werner and Stuttgart poacher Serhou Guirassy are under "internal consideration" at Manchester United to strengthen the striker department, saying:

"I am told Timo Werner and Serhou Guirassy are both under internal consideration but nothing yet is advanced. Dortmund and Milan are also tracking Guirassy, who has 17 Bundesliga goals."

Now, a fresh report has emerged claiming that the Red Devils are at the front of the queue to sign a talented young midfielder in a potential big-money deal.

Man Utd in first place for Joao Neves

According to reports in Portugal via Sport Witness, Manchester United are in first place to sign Benfica star Joao Neves and may need to pay more than £100 million to sign the midfielder.

Similar players to Joao Neves (FBRef)

Player

Club

Rodrigo Aliendrio

River Plate

Mats Wieffer

Feyenoord

Ben Sheaf

Coventry City

Erick Gutierrez

Guadalajara

Steven Alzate

Standard Liege

The 19-year-old currently has a release clause of €120 million, which could rise to €150 million in the event he were to agree fresh terms at Estadio da Luz; with Benfica working on a new deal. Nevertheless, several outlets cite the Red Devils as the strongest competitor for his signature at present, although the player doesn't appear to be keen on an exit in January.

Dubbed a "warrior" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Portugal international has gone on to make 25 appearances in all competitions for Benfica, registering one goal and one assist (Joao Neves statistics – Transfermarkt).

With Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat's long-term futures both deemed to be uncertain at Old Trafford, bringing in someone like Neves could help to add some valuable stability over the coming years in Ten Hag's engine room while his arrival may also act as a statement signing by Manchester United, making this one to watch in 2024.

Those who follow the beautiful game will be well aware of the struggles at Manchester United this season, with their entire campaign so far becoming a one-step forward, two steps backwards situation.

Erik ten Hag’s latest setback occurred last weekend, with his side losing 3-0 at home to Bournemouth. The hosts had 69% possession and 20 attempts at goal, but they were unable to create any clear goal-scoring opportunities.

Tonight, the Red Devils host Bayern Munich in a must-win game at Old Trafford, but in order for the Reds to win, the boss must unleash 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo.

Man Utd’s midfield issues

‘Control’ is a word that is rarely used when describing Manchester United, both in possession and without the ball. Ten Hag is persistent with playing Scott McTominay as a free-roaming high eight, whose only job in the side is to crash the box and score goals.

In fairness to the Dutch manager, this has technically been a success, as the Scotland international is United’s top scorer in the Premier League with five goals, but the detrimental effect this is having on the cohesion of the side is glaringly obvious.

The number 39 offers very little on the ball in the buildup phase and the attacking third, with the former making United extremely predictable and easy to press. The table below showcases McTominay’s in-possession statistics from this season.

Passes attempted

30.72

Worst 8%

Passes completed

25.39

Worst 15%

Progressive passes

2.66

Worst 12%

Progressive carries

1.02

Worst 41%

Key passes

0.1

Worst 2%

With just one lone defensive midfielder in the side, United have often been caught in transition and even when playing a deeper line, the protection in front of the backline is sub-par.

Andre Onana has faced at least ten shots in their last 14 matches across all competitions, which highlights the need for a defensive-minded reinforcement in midfield.

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The international could establish control in the Red Devils midfield.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 11, 2023

Furthermore, the fact that the Manchester club has scored 12 goals in five Champions League matches and only won once should be an indicator to tighten up at the back.

Why Kobbie Mainoo should start against Bayern

The double pivot of Fred and McTominay was heavily relied upon by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and based on United’s recent showing, Ten Hag may have to recreate his own version of that, with Mainoo and Sofyan Amrabat.

The duo are yet to play alongside each other, but they can provide defensive stability, ball retention and press resistance.

The academy graduate has only featured three times this season, due to an injury he picked up in pre-season which halted his progress, so there is only a small sample size regarding his ability to perform at the highest level.

However, his player of the match performance versus Everton on his debut was extremely impressive, showing bravery in possession and proactivity off the ball. The table below sums up his performance.

Minutes played

72

Pass completion %

83%

Dribble attempts (succ.)

3 (2)

Duels (won)

8 (5)

Interceptions

2

Mainoo brings class and a calmness to the United team, aspects that most certainly make him look “like a Man City player” as Gary Neville once stated and "unbelievable", as Roy Keane commented.

Amidst the chaos of the 3-3 away draw versus Galatasaray last time out, the subbed-on youngster had a 100% pass completion rate, dribble success rate and duels won percentage. To be thrown in at the deep end and look unphased is a sign that he is more than ready to take to the field this evening. After all, Ten Hag did say “if you’re good enough, you’re old enough”.