An “outstanding” manager has now exploded into contention to replace Barry Ferguson as Rangers manager this summer, according to a report.
Gers stepping up new manager pursuit
After crashing out of the Europa League in the quarter-final, the Gers are now set for a trophyless season, which suggests major changes could be needed this summer, and it is looking increasingly likely that interim manager Ferguson is replaced.
Several top managers have been identified as potential targets, including Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho, with the 62-year-old believed to be among the frontrunners, although he would only be willing to join if he receives the board’s backing in the transfer market.
Having been in charge during the Light Blues’ 2020-21 Scottish Premiership title triumph, links to former manager Steven Gerrard are to be expected, and the Liverpool legend is now believed to be in pole position to replace Ferguson this summer.
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According to a report from TEAMtalk, the 49ers have now whittled down their shortlist to just two managers, with Gerrard being rivalled for the job by Marco Rose, who has now exploded into contention to become the new Rangers boss.
While Gerrard remains under serious consideration, there is now a feeling that the Gers could make a move for Rose, who is ready to return to work next season, having been dismissed from his role as RB Leipzig manager back in March.
RB Leipzig coachMarcoRosebefore the match
The former RB Leipzig boss has shot up the list of targets, with incoming sporting director Kevin Thelwell expected to play a big role in appointing the new manager.
Ferguson is desperate to be appointed on a permanent basis, but it is now looking increasingly likely the 49ers will make an outside hire.
Rose could be "outstanding" appointment for Rangers
The German’s time at RB Leipzig may not have ended the way he would’ve wanted it to, but he enjoyed some success during his time with the Bundesliga side, winning the DfB Pokal in 2023 and the German Super Cup in the 2023-24 campaign.
Not only that, but the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss also received praise during his time at Signal Iduna Park, with Marco Reus describing the job he did during his first few months with the club as “outstanding”.
The 48-year-old, who favours a 4-4-2 formation, could be a forward-thinking appointment for Rangers, given that he likes to implement a high-pressing style of play, so it is exciting news that he is among the main candidates for the job.
There may be a desire to appoint Gerrard, given that he has already experienced success in Scotland, but Rose’s time with RB Leipzig has demonstrated he could be capable of closing the gap on Celtic and winning the title next season.
Liverpool have won back the Premier League from Manchester City, five years after they last stoop atop the mountainous English pyramid.
Pep Guardiola’s side have broken records to win four in a row since Jurgen Klopp put Liverpool back on their perch, but City have fallen by the wayside this season and Arsenal have never managed to build the requisite consistency to end their recent runner-up reputation.
But consistency has been Arne Slot’s middle name this year, his first since replacing Klopp in the Anfield dugout and putting the Reds back in the ascendency.
It bears testament to FSG’s business model that already sporting director Richard Hughes is liaising with Michel Edwards ahead of the summer transfer window, with signings needed in defence and attack to protect this exciting new position at the summit.
Ryan Gravenberch, a revelation
Gravenberch is a Premier League-winning midfielder. The Dutchman has started every single match as Liverpool have capered toward the title, deeply set in the midfield soil, no way of being uprooted.
Who saw it coming? Many of a Liverpool persuasion will no doubt admit they had reservations after a stop-start 2023/24 campaign, his first in England after Klopp completed his midfield rebuild by signing the Bayern Munich prospect for a £34m fee at the end of the 2023 summer transfer window.
The Netherlands international, 22, has recently spoken of the adversity he has had to overcome after playing so infrequently last year, and while he’s looked a little sapped at times recently, Gravenberch has been “first-class all season” in the eyes of pundit Peter Crouch.
Ryan Gravenberch in the Premier League
Stats (* per game)
23/24
24/25
Matches (starts)
26 (12)
34 (34)
Goals
1
0
Assists
0
4
Touches*
28.8
67.3
Pass completion
83%
89%
Key passes*
0.6
0.7
Dribbles*
0.9
1.0
Ball recoveries*
2.8
5.3
Tackles + interceptions*
1.5
3.6
Duels (won)*
2.8 (47%)
5.0 (58%)
Stats via Sofascore
He’s effectively improved across every metric, turning from a meandering midfield prospect into a deep-lying general of surpassing quality.
However, Gravenberch has indeed alluded to the fact that he’s been overworked, and it’s something Slot and Hughes have considered, for Liverpool seem to be getting ready to sign a midfield rival this summer.
Liverpool ready to sign Premier League midfielder
According to reports, via Caught Offside, Liverpool are interested in signing FA Cup hero Adam Wharton this summer and are preparing to lodge a £50m offer in the coming months.
Wharton, 21, has been a revelation at Crystal Palace and is not going to be short of suitors, with Arsenal and Manchester United also reported to be keen on doing a deal.
Though Liverpool’s title-winning midfield is probably the area of the pitch least in need of external assistance, Wharton might prove to complete the puzzle and maybe even leave Gravenberch sweating over the security of his starting berth.
Why Adam Wharton would be perfect for Liverpool
Crystal Palace produced a consummate performance against Aston Villa last weekend to set their place in next month’s FA Cup final. Wharton was among the standouts, with BBC pundit Shay Given even likening him to a rather well-respected midfielder of old.
Centre-midfielder Wharton left Blackburn Rovers in the Championship to sign for the Eagles for an initial £18m fee, leaving the club that had reared him.
He’s not going to have looked back, striking from the get-go a reputation for his slick passing and composed stride in the centre of the park.
His renown has burgeoned over the past 15 months, reaching its apotheosis (so far) after dismantling a Villa side at Wembley to move within touching distance of a first major trophy in Palace’s long history.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton
As per FBref, Wharton ranks among the top 5% of Premier League midfielders this season for progressive passes, the top 9% for ball recoveries and the top 15% for shot-creating actions made per 90, perfectly illustrating his elite passing game, crisp as you like while being creative too. He’s also a thoroughbred athlete, covering so much ground.
It’s a similar profile to that of Gravenberch. Although the argument that he’s performing such metrics to a lesser standard is there. It’s recorded that the Dutchman ranks among the top 31% of said midfielders for progressive passes, but also among the bottom 36% for shot-creating actions per 90.
Given that both players operate in positionally similar zones, it’s easy to ascertain that Wharton is the better man in distribution. Moreover, he doesn’t shirk from his defensive duties either, winning 1.8 tackles per Premier League game this season, as per Sofascore.
There’s nothing to say that these two players couldn’t work in conjunction within Slot’s Liverpool set-up, but there’s little question that Gravenberch lacks the natural-born seamlessness in possession. Not to say it’s a tactical deficiency of his, but rather, a glowing endorsement of Wharton’s talent.
The fact is, Gravenberch has lulled, and while he has areas that eclipse that of Palace’s man, the semblance between the two, which still manages to contrast and show off distinctive qualities, suggests that Liverpool would hit the jackpot in forging ahead with a deal for Selhurst Park’s midfield star.
Slot’s finely-wrought system hasn’t seen too much tinkering this term, but Wharton would be able to ply his work effectively at number six, fitting in for Gravenberch and given the opportunity to make the role his own.
He’s demonstrated his capacity on the big occasion, with esteemed journalist Henry Winter describing Wharton as a “passing machine” and the “best player on the pitch” during the FA Cup semi-final.
You could even make the strong claim that the one-cap England international has the superior ball-playing game to Gravenberch and may well be a more fitting number six in Slot’s flowing system.
In any case, having both in the mix would hardly be a bad thing; indeed, this is exactly the type of move that Liverpool need to make so as to consolidate their position at the top of the Premier League.
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Whilst Leeds United lapped up most of the praise in the Championship this season, winning the second-tier title, Scott Parker’s Burnley were more than worthy challengers to the West Yorkshire side’s throne.
After all, Daniel Farke’s side only clinched the title on the final day via goal difference, with the Clarets hoping and praying for a shock Plymouth Argyle victory in Devon, but Parker’s men had to make do with the tag of being runners-up despite also achieving a remarkable haul of 100 points.
Still, there would be celebrations aplenty as the Lancashire side instantly returned to the promised land of the Premier League.
Burnley certainly have their unbelievable defensive record to thank for sealing automatic promotion, with James Trafford a formidable option in between the sticks all season long.
Trafford's standout season in goal for Burnley
Unfortunately for the Turf Moor side, some of their standout performers could still depart for more luxurious pastures this summer, even as the Clarets return to the elite league.
Trafford definitely fits into this category, with rumours circulating that Newcastle United are keen on adding the ex-Manchester City stopper to their roster off the back of his unerring quality in the second tier.
Unbelievably, the Carlisle-born ‘keeper would only concede 16 goals across Burnley’s triumphant 46-game marathon, leading to a jaw-dropping 29 clean sheets being tallied up.
Parker has even gone as far as labelling Trafford as “world class” off the back of such a memorable campaign for his promoted side, but he isn’t the only standout figure in the Clarets camp that is attracting deserved Premier League action.
James Trafford for Burnley.
Indeed, there was a performer who was just as lively, albeit at the complete opposite end of the pitch.
The Burnley "superstar" who is ready for the Premier League
Parker will already be wary about the difficult challenge ahead, considering he has only picked up nine career wins at Premier League level as a manager.
But, he will be slightly less hesitant about diving back into the tricky division if he can keep Josh Brownhill situated at Turf Moor, with the 29-year-old keen to make an impression on the top-flight again after taking the second tier by storm in 2024/25.
Staggeringly, the experienced EFL head managed to bag more goals in Championship action this season than Trafford would ship, with a bumper 18 goals coming his way to help his team soar into the top two spots.
With six assists also next to his name, the midfield “superstar” – as he was previously labelled by one of his former bosses in Lee Johnson – will be raring to go in the top-flight next season with or without his current employers.
The likes of Everton and West Ham United are reportedly taking an interest in the skilful Clarets captain to boost their own options centrally.
Brownhill’s G/A numbers by division
Division
Games
Goals scored
Assists
Championship
231
41
25
Premier League
111
6
6
League One
67
8
4
Sourced by Transfermarkt
After all, even with the table above confirming that Brownhill’s most comfortable location is the Championship, he has shown flashes of his immense quality in the Premier League before even whilst Burnley have struggled, with his 2023/24 output seeing him pick up six of his overall 12 goal contributions.
This is why both the Toffees and the Hammers are presumably keen, but if Parker and Co are serious about staying put in the top-flight for the long-term, losing Brownhill would be a disaster.
The much-loved number 8 does already have two top-flight relegations on his CV, but after such a sensational personal season alongside the strong Trafford, he could be just what the Clarets need moving forward to return back to their former Premier League glory days.
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Nottingham Forest face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley later this afternoon, looking to book their place in next month’s final.
It is the first time the Reds have reached such a stage since 1991, with a win edging them one step closer to their first FA Cup triumph since way back in 1959.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s men come into the clash off the back of a 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night, handing them the momentum ahead of the crucial fixture.
However, they face Pep Guardiola’s side, who have dominated the competition in recent years, winning twice and losing in the final once in the last six seasons.
If the Reds are to continue their incredible season and claim another historic victory, they will have to do so without numerous key players who will miss the clash at Wembley this afternoon.
The players who will miss the clash with Man City today
Ola Aina has been missing from the Forest side since the 1-0 win over Manchester United back on the 1st of April, with it unclear if he will return this afternoon.
The Nigerian has been key to the success endured in recent months, with his return greatly welcomed, especially considering the situation Nuno faces in the capital.
Ryan Yates and Neco Williams are both suspended for the meeting at Wembley after both picking up their second yellow cards of the competition in the previous round against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Such suspensions are huge blows given their importance to the side, with the Reds facing a selection crisis at right-back should Aina fail to feature after his injury layoff.
With Williams suspended and Aina still a doubt for the meeting, the manager will have to utilise a player out of position, potentially shifting one first-team member into an unnatural role.
The Forest player who could start right-back against Man City
Forest have used the fewest number of players in the Premier League this season, highlighting the tight-knit squad Nuno has built during his tenure at the City Ground.
The likes of Anthony Elanga, Jota Silva and Williams have all featured in unfamiliar roles – with the latter cementing his place at left-back given his performances in recent months.
However, Nuno faces another situation in which he has to operate with someone out of position this afternoon, potentially dropping Nicolas Dominguez into a right-back role against City.
The Argentine, who’s primarily a central midfielder, has once played at wing-back for the Reds in the defeat against Aston Villa, but a role in the back four could utilise his strengths in a much better capacity.
He struggled to provide the width in attacking areas, whilst often being caught out in behind previously, but should the manager select Elanga in a right-midfield role, it could allow the pair to double up on the opposition wingers if needed.
Dominguez’s Premier League stats from the ongoing campaign make him the ideal choice to fill the void this afternoon, hopefully maintaining his popularity amongst the fanbase with another impressive showing.
He’s managed a huge 2.2 tackles won per 90 – the most of any player in the squad this campaign – whilst also coming out on top in 6.3 duels per 90, subsequently proving his defensive qualities.
Games played
29
Goals & assists
1
Pass accuracy
88%
Tackles won
2.2
Duels won
6.3
Duel success rate
56%
Interceptions made
1.4
In possession, he’s been just as impressive, completing 88% of his attempted passes, whilst also creating 0.8 chances per 90, allowing the likes of Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White ahead of him to cause City huge problems.
Whilst the selection problem is far from ideal for the Reds this afternoon, the players have proven time and time again that they are capable of stepping up to the occasion and thriving on the chances handed their way.
Harry Toffolo did just that against Spurs on Monday night, with Dominguez the next man up, potentially playing a key role in any success come the end of the meeting later on this evening.
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Chelsea are now eyeing a summer move for a “composed” defender, with manager Enzo Maresca believed to be a keen admirer, according to a report.
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Axel Disasi has spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa, and it looks as though the 27-year-old could be heading for a permanent exit at the end of the season, with the Villans now opening talks over a summer deal.
Maresca’s side have been faring well in their pursuit of the Champions League without Disasi, and they are now just one win away from securing qualification for Europe’s elite competition next season, with the crucial trip to Nottingham Forest pencilled in for next weekend.
As such, it could make sense to sanction the Frenchman’s departure, but Maresca may be keen on bringing in a top-level replacement, should his side return to the Champions League, with FA Cup-winning captain Marc Guehi among the potential targets.
Crystal Palace's Joel Ward and MarcGuehicelebrate with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
After leading his Crystal Palace side to FA Cup glory, Guehi is likely to have no shortage of interest this summer, but the 24-year-old is not the only English centre-back of interest to the west Londoners.
According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Chelsea are now interested in signing Leicester City defender Ben Nelson, who caught the eye with his impressive performances for Oxford United in the Championship last season.
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The Blues have been keen on Nelson for quite some time, having also considered a move back in the January transfer window, and their interest seems like it stems from their manager, with Maresca believed to be an admirer.
The Italian has previously described his former player as “ideal”, while also adding: “He’s quick. He can play right or left – it’s perfect.”
"Composed" Nelson destined for the top
Not only is Maresca a big fan of the Leicester ace, but he also impressed teammate Peter Kioso during his time with the U’s, with the fellow defender saying: “Nels has come in and done what he’s needed to do. Credit to him, he’s still a young lad and I feel like he’ll go to the very top in football, just from his mentality and how he reads the game, and how composed he is.”
Player
Current club
Potential cost
Marc Guehi
Crystal Palace
£60m
Antonio Rudiger
Real Madrid
Unknown
David Hancko
Feyenoord
£42m
Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP
£68m
The 21-year-old missed large parts of the campaign with injury problems, but he remained a key player when fit, making 17 appearances for Oxford in the Championship, featuring at centre-back on every occasion.
Having put in some solid performances in the second tier at a young age, the £5k-a-week defender may soon be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, but Chelsea should also make sure to bring in a more experienced centre-back, having identified a number of targets.
Rangers may have to brace for the departure of one of their key players, as two clubs could soon table serious bids for his services, according to a report.
Summer of change on the horizon at Ibrox
It is set to be a summer of major change at Ibrox, with the 49ers on course to complete their takeover of the Scottish club, and the prospective new owners are also tasked with installing a new manager to replace interim boss Barry Ferguson.
Not only that, but with the Gers currently 17 points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table, there are clear signs the new manager will need to make major changes to his squad in the summer window, and potential targets have already been identified.
The 49ers are plotting the statement signing of a new midfielder, with Troyes’ Metinho in their sights, amid concerns over the future of Nicolas Raskin, who the Light Blues are determined to keep hold of despite growing interest in his signature.
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There has now been a new update on Raskin’s Rangers future, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing they have been rocked by major interest in the midfielder, having attracted the attention of soon-to-be Premier League side Leeds United.
Aston Villa, who made it to the Champions League quarter-finals this season, have also registered their interest in the Gers star, and there is now a feeling that a serious bid could be made for his services over the next few weeks.
Nico Raskin
The Belgian’s current £19k-a-week contract is set to run until 2027, and the Ibrox outfit are now ready to offer him a new deal, in an attempt to ward off the interest from elsewhere, and to make sure his market value is protected.
Rangers must keep hold of "phenomenal" Raskin
Having barely managed to even compete in the Scottish Premiership title race this season, the Gers may be looking to re-shape their squad this summer, but the Belgian maestro is undoubtedly one of the players they should be looking to keep hold of.
Scottish football analyst John Walker has been particularly impressed by the 24-yerar-old’s performances, having lauded him as “phenomenal” earlier in the campaign, while also claiming the central midfielder improved the entire team after returning from injury.
The Liege-born maestro has four goals and ten assists to his name in all competitions this season, most notably scoring in his side’s 3-2 victory against bitter rivals Celtic back in March.
That said, while Rangers should be looking to tie Raskin down to a new deal, he may be unwilling to commit to fresh terms, which means it could make sense to cash-in at the end of the campaign, as they should be able to command a good fee for his services this summer.
As Manchester United get set to take on Chelsea in the penultimate game of their miserable Premier League season on Friday night, one man who won’t be involved in proceedings is Old Trafford exile, Jadon Sancho.
The 25-year-old loanee – who is ineligible to feature for the Blues against his parent club – is set to head into a summer of uncertainty at Stamford Bridge, with it yet to be seen whether the west London side will secure his services on a permanent basis.
With talk in recent months indicating that Enzo Maresca’s side could actually pay a £5m fee in order to send him back to Manchester, despite agreeing to a £20m-£25m obligation to buy last summer, the Red Devils face the very real prospect of being lumped with the £195k-per-week winger once again.
In truth, even with a change in the dugout following Ruben Amorim’s arrival, the England international should have no future back at the Theatre of Dreams, having proven a simply wasted venture following his £73m arrival in 2021.
Perhaps hampered by a long, drawn-out saga that began in 2020, the former Borussia Dortmund man has been unable to replicate his Bundesliga heroics, having chalked up just 18 goals and assists in 83 games for United to date.
Man Utd record for selected wingers (past and present)
Player
Games
Goals
Assists
Total G/A
Antony
96
12
5
17
Anthony Elanga
55
4
4
8
Amad
61
13
11
24
Jadon Sancho
83
12
6
18
Alejandro Garnacho
146
26
22
48
Dan James
74
9
9
18
Angel Di Maria
34
4
12
16
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
63
13
11
24
Memphis Depay
53
7
6
13
Stats via Transfermarkt
Alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony, Sancho is a player who INEOS need to cash in on this summer. What they must not do, however, is sign a talent of a similar ilk…
Man Utd's search for a forward
Whether it pays off or not remains to be seen, although it is encouraging to see that United are looking to target current Premier League stars this summer, ensuring there should be less of a need for adaptation next season.
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Indeed, both Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap appear to be at the top of the shopping list, while recent reports have also indicated that Amorim and co are interested in Bournemouth’s £60m-rated sensation, Antoine Semenyo.
With the Red Devils intent on strengthening the 40-year-old’s attacking options, Sky Sports have since revealed that United are also keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi.
As per reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Englishman currently has just a year left on his contract at the City Ground, with talks currently “ongoing” with the Champions League hopefuls regarding an extension.
Reading between the lines, INEOS appear ready to pounce should those negotiations hit a stumbling block, with Forest perhaps willing to cash in, considering that they signed the ex-Chelsea man for a fee of just £3m back in 2023.
Alongside former United academy graduate, Anthony Elanga, Hudson-Odoi has no doubt flourished for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side – but is he what Amorim really needs?
Why Man Utd could be targeting another Sancho
The journey of a young footballer is rarely a smooth one, as Sancho, in particular, has come to learn.
Jadon Sancho for Chelsea
Plucked from Manchester City by Dortmund on a £10m deal in 2017, the wing wizard went on to sparkle in German football over the next four years, with his total record for the Bundesliga side – when factoring last season’s loan spell back at the club – standing at 120 goals and assists in 158 games.
For all that talent and potential, it just hasn’t worked out since then, with Sancho now a forgotten man in Manchester, having also provided only eight goal involvements in the league this season for the Blues. His last Three Lions outing came as far back as October 2021.
It has been a similar story for Hudson-Odoi too, with the one-time wonderkid touted for big things after making his senior international debut at the age of just 18, having also been the subject of a £70m offer from Bayern Munich in 2020.
Injuries and limited game followed back at Chelsea, however, while he was also shipped off to Bayer Leverkusen for an unsuccessful loan in 2022/23, which yielded just one goal and one assist.
After recording 16 goals and 22 assists in 126 games for the west Londoners, the decision was made to cash in on the fleet-footed winger two years ago, while on the international scene, he has been unable to build on his three caps – all of which came in 2019.
To his credit, the man once described as a “monster of a talent” by journalist Nizaar Kinsella has found his feet at Forest, with 13 goals and six assists in 68 games in all competitions, including the winner against Manchester City earlier this year.
Hudson-Odoi vs Sancho – 24/25 PL stats
Stat (per 90)
Hudson-Odoi
Sancho
Non-penalty goals
0.21
0.16
Assists
0.08
0.21
Shot-creating actions
3.93
3.59
Pass completion
82.2%
82.5%
Progressive passes
2.76
4.65
Progressive carries
5.31
5.28
Successful take-ons
1.51
2.38
Touches in penalty box
3.01
6.39
Progressive passes received
7.78
11.68
Stats via FBref
That said, like Sancho, he hasn’t exactly pulled up any trees – if you’ll pardon the pun – in Nottingham, having matched his compatriot’s record of only eight goal contributions in the top-flight this term.
Interestingly too, the two widemen – both of whom can play on either flank – are noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in the division, as per FBref, with United at risk of landing another mercurial and inconsistent talent.
Perhaps, for a bargain fee, Hudson-Odoi could prove worth the gamble, although having witnessed Sancho struggle so greatly in recent years, targeting a player of similar quality and ability may well need to be avoided.
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In what would be one of the most surprising moves of the summer transfer window, one Manchester United player is now reportedly demanding his agent to seek out a transfer to Real Madrid.
Garnacho hits out at Amorim's decision
Ever since the arrival of Ruben Amorim, Alejandro Garnacho has often found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. As soon as Amorim arrived, the Argentine found himself dropped for the Manchester derby alongside Marcus Rashford and although he didn’t face the same exit fate as the latter, he has struggled to impress his new manager.
It seemed over recent months that the young winger had worked his way into Amorim’s plans only to be snubbed for a starting place in the Europa League final for Mason Mount. It was a final that Manchester United went on to lose, of course, leaving Garnacho in a righteous mood.
The 20-year-old didn’t keep quiet about his frustrations over his manager’s decisions, however. Instead, he told reporters: “Up until the final, I played every round helping the team, and today I play 20 minutes, I don’t know. The final will influence [my decision], but the whole season, the situation of the club. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens afterwards.”
In a battle of words, Amorim issued a response to Garnacho’s frustrations, saying: “How many times have we had this conversation, and it was the opposite? Some players come in, like Mason Mount, against Bilbao and changed the game.
“So now it is easy to say. Who missed the big opportunity in the first half against Bilbao? Yeah [Garnacho]. Of course, now it is easy for us to talk about a lot of views.”
Whether that is the straw that breaks the camel’s back for the winger’s Manchester United career remains to be seen, with a meeting now reportedly scheduled with INEOS.
Garnacho now demanding Real Madrid move
Despite struggling to break into Amorim’s strongest Manchester United side, the 20-year-old has set his ambitions high. According to reports in Spain, Garnacho is now demanding that his agent secures him a move to Real Madrid this summer. Whilst an exit does seem likely at this stage, a move to the Bernabeu is as ambitious as it gets for the winger, who may not get his wish.
That said, to his credit, Garnacho was showing plenty of signs that he’s destined for the very top when playing under Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman – perhaps unlike Amorim, based on the mounting evidence – was also a big fan of the Argentine and shared high praise for him.
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Speaking to reporters when asked about Garnacho, Ten Hag said: “You have seen in the start of the season, we played him, then his contribution was not good enough.
“But he had also then some good actions. You see always that he always is attracting the game even when he is not playing that well. And he has to learn, ‘when I do my job in defending, I will always have my moment.’ And he will always be decisive, because he has great qualities.”
The Premier League has seen some world-class wingers since 1992, with Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah the current best player in the top flight.
The Egyptian King has extended his stay at Anfield and looks set to continue to light up the division, but where does Salah rank among the best wingers in Premier League history?
Ranking factors Appearances Goals Assists Titles What others have said about them 20 best wingers in Premier League history: in pictures 20 Leroy Sane Man City
Arguably one of the quickest left-wingers the Premier League has seen, Leroy Sane’s spell at Man City under Pep Guardiola was extremely successful.
The German was one of Guardiola’s first signings at the Etihad and would destroy full-backs with his pace alone, with the Spaniard calling Sane “the best wide player in the world” in 2019.
Games
90
Goals
25
Assists
28
Titles
2
19 Harry Kewell Leeds, Liverpool
After coming through Leeds United’s academy, Harry Kewell made a big impact in the Premier League with the Whites and then Liverpool between 1996-2008.
The Australian, could score all sorts of goals, beat defenders with ease and use his pace to great effect and won the Young Player of the Year in the Premier League in 1999/00.
Games
274
Goals
57
Assists
38
18 Alexis Sanchez Arsenal, Man Utd
Alexis Sanchez’s Premier League career may have been stained slightly due to how his time at Man Utd went, however, he lit up the division with Arsenal between 2014-2018.
Under Arsene Wenger, Sanchez would be the Gunners’ main man in attack, so it’s no surprise that the legendary Arsenal manager would call the Chile star a winger who has “something special”.
Games
154
Goals
63
Assists
31
17 Bukayo Saka Arsenal
Over his career, Bukayo Saka could quite easily rise up this list even higher, and he has already made a big impact for Arsenal since turning professional in 2018.
The England international has become a key player for club and country, cutting in off the right to score with his left foot on a regular basis. Regarded as one of the best attackers in the world, Saka has even been called Thierry Henry’s “favourite player” and “one of the best players in Europe” by Robert Pires.
Games
200
Goals
55
Assists
45
16 Marc Overmars Arsenal
Continuing the trend of great Arsenal wingers brings us to Marc Overmars, who would star in his first season in north London to help the club win their first Premier League title in 1997/98.
The Dutch speedster was called “world-class” by Arsene Wenger and also had great technical ability, so it wasn’t a shock when Barcelona paid big money for Overmars after three years at Highbury.
Games
100
Goals
25
Assists
14
Titles
1
15 Steve McManaman Liverpool, Man City
An academy graduate at Liverpool, Steve McManaman’s ability to dribble past defenders with ease was frightening, and he was key for the Reds out wide in the 1990s.
Going down as an arguably an underrated Liverpool legend, McManaman’s displays caught the eye of Real Madrid, where he would go on to become ‘the most successful English player to head overseas’.
Games
275
Goals
41
Assists
59
14 John Barnes Liverpool, Newcastle
John Barnes was approaching 30 years of age when the Premier League was formed, however, he arguably saved the best years of his career as a winger in the latter stages of his career.
Barnes was even called “the best player” Jamie Carragher has ever trained with and the “best finisher” ahead of Fernando Torres, Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler, which says all you need to know about how good Barnes was at Anfield.
Games
201
Goals
28
Assists
29
13 Freddie Ljungberg Arsenal, West Ham
After scoring seconds into his debut against Man Utd in 1998, Freddie Ljungberg didn’t look back and would go on to become a Premier League great.
The skilful Swedish winger would win two titles under Arsene Wenger and had a knack of scoring important goals for the Gunners. His career in north London has seen him recognised as the 11th best player in Arsenal’s history.
Games
241
Goals
48
Assists
29
Player of the Season
1
Titles
2
12 David Ginola Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Everton
Iconic winger David Ginola lit up the Premier League in the 1990s and will be best remembered for his time at Newcastle and Tottenham, so much so he was voted PFA Player of the Year during Man Utd’s treble-winning season.
Ginola’s ability to dribble past defenders with ease was his main attribute, and he made the game look extremely easy in his prime, being named among the top 10 Frenchman to play in the Premier League.
Games
195
Goals
21
Assists
42
Player of the Season
1
11 Son Heung-min Tottenham
Son Heung-min has shown during his time at Spurs that he can do it all. Create, take defenders on, score every type of goal, the South Korea star has lit up the division for more than 10 years now.
Regarded as ‘the best finisher in world football’, Son also became the first player from Asia to score more than 100 goals in the Premier League and even won the Golden Boot with 23 goals in 35 games in 2021/22.
A worrying injury update has now emerged on a Sunderland star ahead of this weekend’s trip to Coventry City in the first leg of the Championship play-offs.
Black Cats gearing up for play-off clash
The Black Cats have earned the opportunity to end their eight-year absence from the Premier League, courtesy of a fourth-placed finish in the second tier, but they could have their work cut out, given their form heading into the play-offs.
Regis Le Bris’ side are winless in their last six Championship games, losing their last five games on the spin, while upcoming opponents Coventry have fought valiantly in the second half of the season to secure a play-off finish under the helm of Frank Lampard.
While it could be difficult to re-gather momentum heading into the play-offs, Le Bris has insisted that a lack of a prize to play for may have affected his team towards the tail end of the season, saying: “We had nothing to chase and in that situation, it’s very difficult for all the teams in the world.
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“Look at Paris St Germain, for example. They won the title and went unbeaten all season. But as they started to prepare the (Champions League) semi-final, they lost two games in a row.”
The Sunderland boss had been hoping Romaine Mundle would return to selection for play-offs, which could have given his side a much-needed boost, but there has now been a worrying update ahead of Friday’s trip to Coventry.
Le Bris said: “I don’t know exactly who will be available but I don’t think we will quite have a full squad,”
“I think it will be a little bit soon for Romaine and also for Aji to be involved in the first leg. Most of the squad will be available. Romaine and Aji can hopefully be involved on Tuesday night.”
"Brilliant" Mundle could be huge miss for Sunderland
It looks very unlikely that Mundle will be involved this weekend, with Le Bris indicating he may not even be able to be involved in the second leg, and the winger could be a huge miss for the Black Cats.
The 22-year-old has been a key player when fit this season, picking up five goals and two assists in the Championship, and his absence coincides with the major drop-off in form, underlining his importance to the side.
Sunderland’s last five fixtures
Result
Queens Park Rangers (h)
0-1
Oxford United (a)
2-0
Blackburn Rovers (h)
0-1
Bristol City (a)
2-1
Swansea City (h)
0-1
Captain Dan Neil will also be disappointed by the news that the forward is unlikely to play a part in Saturday’s game, having lauded his teammate as “brilliant” in the past.
The news that Mundle is set to be unavailable will be a major concern for Sunderland ahead of the play-offs, especially considering their very poor form heading into the tie against Coventry.