da bet esporte： In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Gus Poyet has backed Enzo Maresca to get Chelsea challenging for a league title next season.
Blues still on track for Champions League qualification
da bet vitoria： It has been a mixed season for the Blues, with qualification for the Champions League still very much in their grasp, although their task has been made much more difficult after the disappointing 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United last weekend.
If Maresca’s side do manage to get over the line, the campaign is likely to be viewed as a success, although their heavy spending under BlueCo ownership means they should have loftier ambitions in the future.
After a trophy-laden period under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, the west Londoners are yet to win a trophy since the arrival of Todd Boehly, which is something that will need to change in the very near future.
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That is according to former Chelsea man Poyet, who gave his thoughts on Maresca’s first season in charge, in partnership with BetBrain.
The 57-year-old said: “I think for him, Chelsea winning the European competition will be the platform to build on for next season. It’s always important winning a trophy for Chelsea and you cannot lose that.
The Uruguayan also suggested that while it would be a success to win the Europa Conference League, the Blues will need to start competing for major honours next season, saying the manager will know how: “Winning the European competition would be amazing. With all respects to them, two years ago they were young.
“They’re not young anymore, they’ve already played 80 games in the Premier League, so next year there is no excuses. They have to be better and they have to be more competitive? How? Well, the coach knows better than me what he needs.”
Maresca must start competing for major honours
Few would have predicted Maresca winning the Premier League in his first season at Stamford Bridge, and should his side manage to seal a top-five finish, it will be fantastic to return to the Champions League after a two-year absence from the competition.
However, Blues fans have become accustomed to success over the years, having won two Champions Leagues in the Abramovich era, and merely qualifying for Europe’s elite competition shouldn’t become the norm.
Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta celebrates with the trophy and teammates
Although there may be some concerns about the form in the second half of the season, there has been some cause for optimism of late, with Chelsea securing crucial victories over the likes of Liverpool and Fulham.
Not only that, but BlueCo have already started work on potential summer signings, having identified some exciting targets in a range of different positions, so there is a clear ambition to kick on next season and challenge for the league.
da spicy bet： Leeds United’s forward line has led them to huge success in the Championship throughout the 2024/25 campaign, helping Daniel Farke’s side claim the league title.
da 888casino： The Whites registered a staggering tally of 95 goals in their 46 league outings, an average of 2.1 per game – by far and away the highest tally in the division.
Striker Joel Piroe claimed the Golden Boot last time around, netting 19 times in his 46 appearances, finishing one goal ahead of Norwich City talisman Borja Sainz.
However, if Farke’s side are to have any chance of securing Premier League survival next campaign, they will need to invest in the playing squad to bridge the gap between the two divisions.
The centre-forward position in particular has already seen numerous players linked, including multiple players who are already plying their trade in England’s top flight.
The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of a new striker
Richarlison has been one name thrown into the mix to join Leeds this summer, after struggling to nail down a regular starting role at Tottenham Hotspur in recent years.
The Brazilian has started just four league games this campaign, notching four goals for Ange Postecoglou’s men, in what has been a disappointing campaign for Spurs.
Jamie Vardy is another player linked with a switch to Elland Road this summer, after announcing he would be departing Leicester City when his current contract at the King Power expires.
The 38-year-old has spent the last 13 years of his career with the Foxes, registering 199 goals – potentially offering Farke’s side an experienced and Premier League-proven option in attacking areas.
However, despite the links to the aforementioned talents in recent weeks, another player in England’s top-flight has also been touted with a move, but the club would be better off looking elsewhere, given their respective stats.
Why one Leeds target would be a better signing than Beto
Everton striker Beto is one of the latest names on the list of targets for Leeds over the last couple of weeks, as the manager looks to bolster the options at his disposal.
The 27-year-old, who joined the Toffees for £30m in the summer of 2023, has been inconsistent at Goodison Park, often being in and out of the side and sharing the role with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
However, he’s still managed to register eight league goals throughout 2024/25, potentially being a reasonable option for the Whites, should they land him at a competitive price.
Despite the interest in the former Udinese star, Farke should be pursuing a move for fellow target Troy Parrott, with the Irishman undoubtedly a better option.
The 23-year-old, who currently plies his trade for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, has emerged as a target in recent weeks, but he may not come cheap consider some reports suggest the Dutch outfit won’t accept offers below at least £21m.
He’s registered a staggering 20 goals in his 45 appearances across all competitions this campaign, excelling in his first season at his current employers.
However, his impressive figures don’t stop there, massively outperforming Beto with his underlying stats, highlighting why he would be a better option this summer.
How Troy Parrott compares to Beto in 2024/25 so far
Statistics (per 90)
Parrott
Beto
Games played
28
28
Goals & assists
16
8
Progressive carries
1.3
0.7
Goals per shot-on-target
0.4
0.3
Pass accuracy
70%
56%
Shot-creating actions
2.7
1.3
Passes into the final third
0.9
0.4
Stats via FBref
Parrott, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former boss Ryan Lowe, has also notched a higher goal per shot-on-target rate than the Everton ace – further highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.
He’s also completed more passes this season, whilst making more passes into the final third, handing the other attackers at Elland Road the opportunity to bolster their own tallies.
Their interest in his signature has been reiterated in recent weeks, but so far, it’s unclear how much a deal for the Spurs academy graduate would set them back this summer.
However, there’s no denying that the hierarchy should be pursuing a move for his signature over Beto’s, with the 21-year-old having bags of time to continue his development and be a potential star in Yorkshire.
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da premier bet： Glasgow Rangers had little to play for but pride and bragging rights when they faced Celtic in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
da dobrowin： Their city rivals had already wrapped up the league title last weekend, resigning the Gers to another second-placed finish, but Barry Ferguson’s men restored some pride with a 1-1 draw in front of their home fans.
Cyriel Dessers scored the only goal of the opening 45 with a tidy finish just before the half-time break, slotting into the bottom corner with his left foot after Liam Scales failed to complete a tackle on him, before Adam Idah’s second-half equaliser.
The Nigerian forward held the corner flag aloft and basked in the joy of the home support, able to celebrate in view of away supporters, finally, in an Old Firm clash.
It was his 17th goal of the season in the Premiership and the Europa League combined, which is a respectable return but does not tell the full story of his campaign.
Why Rangers could sell Cyriel Dessers
With the summer transfer window on the horizon, Rangers will have some big decisions to make on the players currently in the squad, as they have now failed to win the title in each of the last four seasons.
The Light Blues have to find a way to improve and close the gap to Celtic in the league in order to compete for the title in the 2025/26 campaign, and Dessers is one star who could be a candidate to move on from Ibrox.
During the Sky Sports commentary of the 1-1 draw with Celtic, former Gers midfielder Scott Arfield noted that Dessers is “on his heels” too often when the ball comes forward, which limits how effective the team can be in transition when passes are played down the sides of the defenders.
Cyriel Dessers (Premiereship)
23/24
24/25
Appearances
35
32
Goals
16
14
Assists
4
2
Pass accuracy
70%
73%
Duels won per game
2.3
1.9
Ground duel success rate
29%
33%
Aerial duel success rate
40%
32%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Rangers striker struggles with the physical side of the game, losing the majority of his duels without winning many per game, and is not particularly reliable as a passer.
Dessers has also missed a whopping 59 ‘big chances’ in the Premiership and European competitions combined since the start of last season, which shows that the striker is very wasteful in front of goal to go along with his struggles out of possession.
The 30-year-old forward could, therefore, be sold if the new Rangers manager does not want him to be his first-choice striker, and that could be the case if the latest report is to be believed.
The latest on the Rangers manager search
According to Football Insider, Steven Gerrard has emerged as the leading candidate to take the permanent Rangers job as manager this summer.
The report claims that the English head coach is now the ‘favourite’ to land the role for the second time in his career, having left the club back in 2021.
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It states that the former Aston Villa boss, who is currently out of work, is the favourite to be appointed as the next Rangers manager ahead of Marco Rose, the former RB Leipzig tactician.
Football Insider reveals that the 49ers are expected to play a key role in the appointment and that the 4-3-3 favoured boss is currently at the top of their list of targets for the job.
Steven Gerrard
If the iconic Liverpool midfielder does become the Gers manager for the second time, this could be bad news for Dessers and his future at Ibrox beyond this season.
Why Gerrard's appointment would be bad news for Dessers
The English boss returning for a second go at Ibrox would be bad news for the Nigeria international because of the kind of striker he liked in his first spell at the club.
Only Connor Goldson (182) and James Tavernier (178) made more appearances for Rangers as outfield players under his management than Alfredo Morelos (158), which illustrates how important the Colombian star was for him in Glasgow.
Gerrard, whose reputation was described as “amazing” by former England defender Glen Johnson, won the league title for the Gers in the 2020/21 campaign with the Colombia international as his main man up front.
Morelos, once described as a “real battering-ram” by ex-coach Scot Page, scored 12 goals and provided four assists in his 29 Premiership outings, but it was also the physicality in his performances that made him so influential for the Scottish giants.
Alfredo Morelos (Premiership)
20/21
21/22
Appearances
29
26
Goals
12
11
Assists
4
7
Pass accuracy
80%
80%
Duels won per game
3.7
4.1
Ground duel success rate
42%
41%
Aerial duel success rate
36%
48%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the powerful forward provided a physical presence in the number nine role for Gerrard, winning more duels and winning a higher percentage of his duels than Dessers has in his two seasons at Ibrox.
The current Rangers striker does not have the pace, the raw strength, or the mobility that Morelos consistently displayed under the English boss during that successful period in the club’s history, as evidenced by his struggles in the Premiership this season.
Dessers’ wasteful finishing in all competitions is another reason why Gerrard may not want the Nigerian number nine to lead the line for his team next season, should he be appointed as Ferguson’s successor this summer.
Therefore, the ex-Serie A marksman may not want the legendary former midfielder to get the job because it could spell the end of his career at Ibrox if he wants a forward who is similar to Morelos at Ibrox.
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It is now down to the 49ers and Kevin Thelwell to convince Gerrard to take the job, if he is their favoured candidate, to bring glory back to the club next season and beyond.
da dobrowin： Can Celtic start to rebuild some momentum ahead of the Scottish Cup Final?
da aposte e ganhe： On Sunday, the Hoops fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with fierce rivals Rangers at Ibrox, with Adam Idah equalising shortly after half time, before Daizen Maeda squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to snatch victory right at the death.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have therefore won only one of the five Glasgow derbies played this season, excluding penalty shootout victories, but it matters not, given that the Celts were crowned champions a week earlier, still a whopping 17 points clear at the top.
Nevertheless, Rodgers will still want to see his side get back to winning ways when third-placed Hibs visit Parkhead on Saturday, with the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen to come at Hampden a fortnight later.
Off the park, attention has already turned towards plans for the summer transfer window, so do Celtic have a player from within the Premiership in their sights?
Latest on Celtic's summer transfer search
According to a report by Stephen McGowan of the Herald, Celtic are ‘considering’ a move to sign Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan on a free transfer, with his contract at Pittodrie set to expire this summer.
Given that Kasper Schmeichel is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Viljami Sinisalo has started Celtic’s last six matches in goal, earning decent reviews, with Graeme McGarry of the National outlining that the 23-year-old has taken ‘it all in his stride’.
It’s unclear where Doohan would fit into the pecking order, but his potential arrival could see current third-choice Scott Bain depart, having not featured since a two-minute cameo on the final day of last season.
Doohan, for his part, is currently second-choice at Aberdeen, behind Dimitar Mitov, albeit he has made 18 appearances this season, described as “brilliant” by Dons captain Graeme Shinnie, following Celtic’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Pittodrie in December.
So now, could the 27-year-old, who was previously on Celtic’s books between 2013 and 2022 without ever making a senior appearance, be set to return to Glasgow’s East End?
Celtic's best value-for-money signings from within the Premiership
It’s hardly the most inventive or ingenious strategy, but Celtic have often sign the best players from within the Scottish Premiership, not only strengthening themselves, but simultaneously weakening their rivals in the process.
Celtic defender Greg Taylor
Here is a selection of the most recent examples.
Celtic signings from within the SPFL (2015-present)
Players
Selling club
Fee
Celtic appearances
Luke McCowan
Dundee
£1m
37*
Benjamin Siegrist
Dundee United
Free
2
David Turnbull
Motherwell
£3.25m
134
Greg Taylor
Kilmarnock
£2.2m
213*
Scott Bain
Dundee
Free
78*
Jonny Hayes
Aberdeen
£1m
68
Lewis Morgan
St Mirren
£300k
31
Jack Hendry
Dundee
£1.5m
27
Nadir Çiftçi
Dundee United
£1.5m
26
Scott Allan
Hibernian
£275k
17
Ryan Christie
Inverness CT
£500k
151
Gary Mackay-Steven
Dundee United
£250k
62
Stuart Armstrong
Dundee United
£2.5m
144
*indicates that the player is still at the club
All statistics and information courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table proves, Celtic’s domestic signings over the last decade have been pretty hit-and-miss; Greg Taylor, Ryan Christie and Stuart Armstrong all made a big impression, while others, looking at you Benjamin Siegrist, contributed very little at all.
The Hoops’ most recent signing from within the Premiership is Luke McCowan, who arrived from Dundee on deadline day last summer for a reported £1m, and has impressed during his first season in Glasgow.
To date, the 27-year-old has scored six goals and registered seven assists in hoops, with Rodgers describing the midfielder as “absolutely brilliant”, adding that he’s probably “been unfortunate not to play more” throughout the season.
Thus, McCowan proves that value can be found within the Premiership, which is certainly something for Celtic to think about ahead of the summer.
Doohan, for his part, has gained plenty of experience since departing Celtic after seven years at the club as a youngster, making 80 appearances for Ayr United, 60 for Tranmere Rovers, 20 for Aberdeen and 19 in the colours of Forest Green Rovers.
In this season’s Premiership, Doohan has registered a 54.4% save percentage, saving 33 of the 59 shots on target he has faced, keeping only two clean sheets in 14 starts but, should he move to Celtic, that ratio would surely be significantly higher.
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da stake casino： West Bromwich Albion decided to part ways with manager Tony Mowbray after his side were heavily beaten 3-1 by relegation-threatened Derby County on Easter Monday in the Championship.
da bwin： That result made it five losses in six matches for the experienced boss, whose only win came against Watford, and the club decided that it was time to make a decision.
Mowbray joined the club in January after Spaniard Carlos Corberan was snapped up by LaLiga outfit Valencia, which came as a big blow to the Baggies as he had been a terrific appointment for the club.
Why losing Carlos Corberan was a big blow for West Brom
West Brom appointed Corberan in October 2022, after he was let go by Olympiacos after 11 matches, and it was a bit of a gamble by the club, as he had only managed 113 senior games by that point.
The Spanish tactician spent time at Leeds United as their U21 manager and then as an assistant in the first-team to Marcelo Bielsa, learning his trade before going to Huddersfield and leading them to the play-off final in the 2021/22 campaign.
West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan.
West Brom’s gamble paid off, though, as Corberan went on to earn 1.59 points per game across 107 matches in charge of the club before his move to Valencia in January.
That included a fifth-placed finish and a play-off semi-final, losing to the eventual winners Southampton, in the 2023/24 campaign, despite – as per Transfermarkt – £0 spent on permanent signings in the summer of 2023.
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He worked wonders on an incredibly restrictive budget, as further evidenced by Mowbray’s struggles after replacing him, and they could repeat their Corberan gamble with their new interest in a Premier League coach.
West Brom eyeing up Corberan 2.0
According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, West Brom are targeting a swoop for Tottenham Hotspur first-team coach Ryan Mason to come in and replace Tony Mowbray, which may be a surprise move given his lack of first-team experience.
Tottenham's Ryan Mason
The 33-year-old former midfielder has been an assistant manager at Spurs in the Premier League since the summer of 2023, but has also had spells as a manager at academy level, as the head of academy coaching, and as a technical coach at first-team level during his time with the club.
He has managed 12 Premier League matches for Tottenham’s first-team as an interim, across two spells, and won six of those games, winning 1.58 points per game, and that is why he is a surprise candidate for a job at the top end of the Championship.
Ryan Mason’s Premier League managerial career
Opponent
Result
Southampton (H)
2-1 win
Sheffield United (H)
4-0 win
Leeds United (A)
3-1 loss
Wolves (H)
2-0 win
Aston Villa (H)
2-1 loss
Leicester City (A)
4-2 win
Manchester United (H)
2-2 draw
Liverpool (A)
4-3 loss
Crystal Palace (H)
1-0 win
Aston Villa (A)
2-1 loss
Brentford (H)
3-1 loss
Leeds United (A)
4-1 win
Stats via Sofascore
Mason, who preferred a 3-4-3 formation, only has limited experience as the main man in a first-team set-up, which would make him a big gamble as an appointment for West Brom.
However, it also makes him an exciting appointment because he is a bit unknown, but still has a great coaching pedigree at youth and senior level with a big Premier League club, which was also the case for Corberan with Leeds.
Tottenham's Ryan Mason
This means that Mason would be a gamble similar to the one they made with the Spanish boss, who had only had a spell with Huddersfield, given his short tenure at Olympiacos, to judge him on in senior management.
It is not a safe appointment or one with much of a guarantee of success, due to his lack of experience, but it is one that could pay off in the same way that Corberan’s did.
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da stake casino： Much of the talk at Manchester United is currently centred on the goalkeeping ranks – amid reports that Andre Onana could be on his way this summer – although Sunday’s defeat to Newcastle United also showcased the Red Devils’ woes in an attacking sense too.
da 888： As that 4-1 thrashing highlighted, Ruben Amorim’s side are simply starved of quality at the top end of the pitch, with the visitors looking particularly lifeless following the loss of Joshua Zirkzee to injury, alongside the withdrawal of goalscorer, Alejandro Garnacho.
Substitute Rasmus Hojlund, for instance, has still scored just three Premier League goals this season, while the returning Mason Mount has just one goal and one assist to his name in 36 games for United in total.
Having relied on the talents of Amad Diallo during Amorim’s early tenure – with the Ivorian registering 12 goal involvements in 20 games under the Portuguese coach – the Old Trafford side having looked particularly short of ideas since the 22-year-old’s cruel injury blow.
In all, United have scored just 38 goals in 32 league games this season, while the recent Manchester derby marked the 12th time that they have failed to score in a top-flight fixture in 2024/25.
Rasmus Hojlund for Man Utd.
At least one new forward is then the priority this summer – will Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha, be among those to arrive?
Latest on Man Utd's pursuit of Cunha
Tensions are brewing at Molineux regarding the future of their standout Brazilian, with Cunha – who only recently returned from a four-game suspension – having irked the Wolves fanbase following a subsequently deleted Instagram post, in which the 25-year-old stated that he “will follow my dreams, not yours”.
Matheus Cunha
That hint regarding a potential exit has come after the former Atletico Madrid man previously outlined his desire to “take the next step” in his career, with the 14-goal hero signing a new contract back in January which includes a £62.5m release clause.
As reported last week, United could be among the clubs to trigger that clause this summer, with The Athletic outlining that Cunha is among those being considered to play in one of the two number ten berths under Amorim.
The in-demand talent – who is also courting attention from the likes of Newcastle United, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest – notably scored and assisted against United on Boxing Day, having now racked up 39 goal involvements in just 76 Premier League outings to date.
It is clear then why Cunha would represent an attractive addition, even amid his recent disciplinary issues, albeit with there likely to be question marks over how the Red Devils would fund a move, with Amorim outlining that the club will have to sell before they can buy this summer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhacelebrates scoring their fourth goal
The Man Utd flop who could help fund Cunha move
Reports have claimed that there could be more than ten first-team departures at the Theatre of Dreams ahead of next season, with the likes of Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof approaching the end of their contracts, while both Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans could be in line for retirement.
There will also be a desire to cash in on those who aren’t currently making an impact under Amorim, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony all in need of a permanent new home amid their respective loan moves.
In the case of the latter man, the Brazilian is one of those that INEOS certainly need to send packing after three dismal years in Manchester, with the former Ajax starlet having registered just 12 goals and only five assists in 96 games following his £86m arrival.
Antony’s Man Utd record vs selected wingers (past and present)
Player
Games
Goals
Assists
Total G/A
Antony
96
12
5
17
Amad
57
12
10
22
Jadon Sancho
83
12
6
18
Alejandro Garnacho
135
25
20
45
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
That grim record represents just what a costly mistake the 24-year-old has proven to be, with club legend Gary Neville describing him as “frustrating at times”, having only shown flashes of what he can do.
In truth, you can almost count on one hand the real high points that Antony has enjoyed in a United shirt, be it his crucial late equaliser in the eventual 4-3 win over Liverpool last season, or his long range stunners against both Barcelona and Real Betis in the Europa League in 2022/23.
That record against LaLiga sides perhaps illustrates why he has now found his feet while turning out for Betis in recent months, with the polarising left-footer looking like a man reborn with eight goals and assists in just 15 games for the Seville outfit.
Such performances are a positive in the sense that it should generate a market for Antony this summer, with the club desperately needing to shift their expensive flop off the wage bill, amid his reported salary of £105k-per-week.
That wage appears even more unjustified when considering that he earns more than what his compatriot, Cunha, is collecting at Molineux, with the Old Gold star taking home £90k-per-week, despite his stellar impact at Premier League level.
As Antony has shown in Spain, there does appear to be a player in there somewhere – albeit, just not a Manchester United one.
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da winzada777： Manchester United are preparing a big-money offer for a former Manchester City player that Ruben Amorim is desperate to bring to Old Trafford, according to a new report.
Man Utd draw at Lyon as Amorim praises Zirkzee
da betway： After a difficult start to the season, United were finally showing signs of improvement under Amorim, having enjoyed much-improved results over the past two months.
In mid-week against Lyon in the Europa League, however, their progress suffered a slight setback as they were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
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He could be heading for the exit door…
1
Two mistakes from goalkeeper Andre Onana cost the Red Devils, with the Cameroon international first letting a cross go directly under him in the first-half, and then fumbling a tame shot in the final minutes of the game to allow Rayan Cherki to score a last-gasp equalizer, which resulted in him being dropped against Newcastle United on Sunday. The Magpies ran riot at St James’ Park, winning 4-1 without Eddie Howe on the sidelines.
Despite the setback against Lyon, however, there were still positives to take from the display, most notably that of forward Joshua Zirkzee, who was on the scoresheet for the second time in three Europa League games, heading home Bruno Fernandes’ cross in the 88th minute.
Joshua Zirkzee
Talking about the Dutchman, who earlier in the season was substituted after just 33 minutes in a game against Newcastle United, after the draw with Lyon, Amorim hailed his striker’s recent displays.
“Yes, he’s doing a great job. Also a very important thing was the way the fans react after that incident,” he said.
Asked about his role in Zirkzee’s turnaround, Amorim added: “I just want to help the team and then work with him. With all the work that all the staff is doing with him he’s improving, and then I put him to play. This is the only way to show confidence to the player.”
Man Utd launch £70m move for Morgan Rogers
Despite Zirkzee’s recent improvement, seven goals and three assists in all competitions still isn’t enough to help United back to competing for titles, so Amorim will no doubt be looking to bolster his forward line in the summer.
And according to a report from Spain, the Portuguese boss already knows just the man he wants: Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Rogers, formerly of Manchester City, has been one of the Premier League and Europe’s star players this season, helping Villa not only enjoy another solid Premier League campaign, but also reach the quarterfinals, and possibly even further, in the Champions League.
It is claimed that United and Amorim have identified the England international as one of their top targets for the summer, and are “willing to do everything possible to bring him to Old Trafford.”
The Red Devils are said to have already launched a massive £70 million bid for Rogers, however it’s thought that luring him away from Villa will be tough, with the club keen to keep hold of a player they consider one of their most important, and talented, stars.
Rogers stats for Villa 24/25
Games
46
Goals
14
Assists
12
After netting a hat-trick against Celtic in the Champions League back in January, former Villa star Stiliyan Petrov described him as a “joy to watch.”
“He was just outstanding, we saw everything from the young man. He looked like a mature player,” Petrov said. “He looked like he is going to be a star.”
da bet7k： Results remain inconsistent, yet Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system is starting to come to fruition at Manchester United, with the Red Devils heading into the international break in buoyant mood after convincing wins of Real Sociedad and Leicester City.
da pinup bet： Even in Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, there were further signs of encouragement, albeit with Amorim himself admitting that his side “need to be better” in the final third.
That narrow defeat saw United fire off 23 shots without getting on the scoresheet, with the fact remaining that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have scored just six Premier League goals between them this season.
Such a return from the Red Devils’ only senior options at centre-forward simply isn’t good enough, with the wait still on at Old Trafford for a proven and consistent number nine to lead the line.
As showcased below, not since Robin van Persie’s debut campaign has a player reached 20 league goals in a season for the club. Elsewhere in Manchester, by contrast, Erling Haaland has reached that milestone in each of his three seasons at the Etihad to date.
Man Utd’s top PL scorer by season
Season
Player
Goals
2024/25*
Bruno Fernandes
8
2023/24
Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund
10
2022/23
Marcus Rashford
17
2021/22
Cristiano Ronaldo
18
2020/21
Bruno Fernandes
18
2019/20
Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial
17
2018/19
Paul Pogba
13
2017/18
Romelu Lukaku
16
2016/17
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
17
2015/16
Anthony Martial
11
2014/15
Wayne Rooney
12
2013/14
Wayne Rooney
17
2012/13
Robin van Persie
26
Stats via Transfermarkt
Having actually only scored 37 goals in 30 top-flight games as a collective in 2024/25, it’s evident where the problem lies, with it seemingly no surprise that work is already being done on potentially trying to solve those goal-scoring woes.
Latest on Man Utd's search for a striker
In each of the last two summers, United have forked out for a ‘striker’ in the form of Hojlund and Zirkzee, with the pair costing just over £100m combined following their respective arrivals from Serie A.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As alluded to above, however, that extensive investment has not solved the Red Devils’ woes at the top end of the pitch, with the club almost back to square one in that regard, heading into the upcoming summer window.
Recent reports in Germany have named the likes of Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres among a raft of targets that INEOS are believed to be considering, with the latter man having scored 66 goals in just 68 games under Amorim’s watch at Sporting CP.
According to the latest claims, however, the Old Trafford side could look closer to home to find a new number nine, with the Daily Mail reporting that the club are stepping up their interest in Ipswich Town talisman, Liam Delap.
As per the report, United have held internal talks regarding a move for the in-demand striker, with as many as five clubs seemingly battling for his signature.
Liam Delap against Manchester United for Ipswich Town.
The suggestion is that the presence of technical director Jason Wilcox – who knows the 22-year-old from their time at Manchester City’s academy – could have given Amorim and co an ‘advantage’ in that race, with the Englishman set to be available for around £40m, amid Ipswich’s looming relegation.
Such a move would be the first time United have plucked a new senior striker from within the top-flight since landing Romelu Lukaku back in 2017.
Why Man Utd could be set for their next Lukaku
Let’s face it, Lukaku’s time in Manchester is likely not looked upon favourably by all parties, with the Belgian star departing after just two years at the club, having been criticised by journalist Samuel Luckhurst for his “woeful and costly” finishing during Jose Mourinho’s final days in charge.
Romelu Lukaku
There were also criticisms made due to the fact that the now-Napoli man had “bulked up too much” ahead of his second season at Old Trafford, as Luckhurst noted, with those woes culminating in a swift £74m exit to Inter in the summer of 2019.
The one-time Chelsea man may not have delivered quite what was expected upon his £75m move from Everton in 2017, yet his goal return has aged impressively, when considering the woes of Hojlund et al.
Indeed, Lukaku – who was just 23 when he made the switch from Goodison Park – finished off with a respectable total of 42 goals in 96 games. Hojlund, by contrast, has scored just 24 times in 83 outings in all competitions.
Lukaku arrived with a fearsome reputation amid his tally of 87 in 166 for the Toffees, with the same perhaps true of young Delap, with the Man City youth product having scored ten times in his first full season in the top-flight for the Tractor Boys.
That return – which betters every United player in the league in 2024/25 – has seen the England U21 star described as a “problem for every Premier League defence” by data analyst Ben Mattinson.
Also described as a “wrecking ball” by Sky Sports reporter, Lewis Jones, Delap mirrors Lukaku in being able to offer that physical focal point in attack, having seemingly relished the battle with Harry Maguire in the meeting between the two sides at Old Trafford.
What has been particularly evident this season is the Ipswich star’s ability to drive his side forward, as he ranks in the top 18% of European strikers for progressive carries, and in the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
Lukaku in his pomp at Everton was also that kind of bull-dozing centre-forward – as illustrated in his catalogue of goals below – with it having been understandable as to why Mourinho and co were so keen to land his services.
There may be a risk of Delap enduring similar woes to Belgium’s all-time record scorer, not least considering he is far less experienced in top-flight football, yet he does mirror a young Lukaku in being a high potential centre-forward who has showcased what he can do up against Premier League backlines.
He is a handful, no doubt about that.
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da dobrowin： Everton have a huge summer up ahead, with David Moyes given the keys to the transfer chest as he looks to remould the Toffees squad to his own design.
da premier bet： After losing his first match back at the helm against Aston Villa in January, the distinguished Scotsman has restored the feel-good factor at Goodison Park, stretching an unbeaten streak to nine Premier League matches as the Merseyside derby at Anfield now looms large.
While the Blues are riding the crest of a wave at the moment, there’s little question that Everton need to fortify their ranks considerably if they are to compete at a higher level, having languished in the lower fathoms of the top flight over these past few years.
It’s been reported that new owners, The Friedkin Group, are willing to give him increased transfer powers as he fills Bramley Moore with exciting new parts.
However, outgoings are also possible, with Jarrad Branthwaite’s Everton future a hot topic of discussion once again.
Jarrad Branthwaite's Everton future
Branthwaite is into his second season as a first-team regular at Everton, previously completing a loan stint at PSV Eindhoven. Last term, talent scout Jacek Kulig described the 22-year-old as an “absolute monster.”
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Framed at 6 foot 5 and with a strong-sinewed, no-nonsense style, Branthwaite is a real catch, and it was no surprise that Manchester United were warded off last summer.
Lodging a series of bids, the Red Devils were eventually deterred by Farhad Moshiri, who was resolute in his £75m demands. This is quite the figure, but Branthwaite has proved his worth over the past few years.
Jarrad Branthwaite in the Premier League
Stats (* per game)
23/24
24/25
Matches (starts)
35 (35)
22 (20)
Goals
3
0
Assists
0
1
Clean sheets
12
7
Touches*
52.2
50.5
Pass completion
80%
82%
Dribble success
71%
75%
Ball recoveries*
5.2
3.1
Tackles + interceptions*
3.3
2.4
Clearances*
4.5
6.3
Duels (won)*
5.3 (68%)
3.5 (63%)
Stats via Sofascore
Of course, intrigue in the centre-half isn’t just going to disappear, and after being overlooked for Thomas Tuchel’s March England squad, he has been reported by Sky Sports to be considering his options.
Moyes will need to make some signings this summer to convince his defensive star to stay put as his second Everton era is staged. There’s one man in particular who has caught the eye of late and could be a wonderful addition.
Everton chasing new centre-back
Branthwaite has a strong partner in James Tarkowski, who is acting captain as the ageing Seamus Coleman makes only sporadic appearances.
But with Michael Keane set to depart when his contract expires in three months, it’s important that a talented new option is welcomed through the Bramley Moore gates.
Everton defender Michael Keane
Genoa’s Koni De Winter might be that man. As per Football Insider, the Belgian defender has been on Everton’s radar for a while and they have been informed that a £25m bid will be accepted this summer.
Koni De Winter for Genoa.
De Winter, 22, is also attracting attention from Wolves and Serie A leaders Inter Milan, but Everton will hope that Moyes’ pedigree and the chance to work alongside another rising star in Branthwaite could sway negotiations in the Blues’ favour.
What Koni De Winter would bring to Bramley Moore
Though it seems unlikely that Branthwaite will retire having devoted the span of his top-flight career to Everton, there’s no reason why he can’t be kept on the books for a few seasons more.
The England international will, however, want to receive bang for his own buck, and thus Moyes and incoming Director of Football Angus Kinnear will need to add players such as De Winter to the fold so that competing for a place in Europe becomes not so much a dream as a goal.
Koni De Winter for Genoa.
Having left Juventus’ ranks to join Genoa for €10m (roughly £8m) last summer after spending the 2023/24 season on loan at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium, De Winter has made steady progress, featuring 50 times in total.
This season alone, the 6 foot 2 star has bagged three goals in Serie A, denoting a tremendous aerial ability and innate incisiveness. Everton, physical and adept at using their noggins, could benefit from such a quality.
Indeed, as per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of centre-backs in Serie A for goals scored, the top 4% for aerial duels won, the top 19% for clearances, and the top 16% for ball recoveries per 90.
Such goalscoring qualities and physical robustness have curiously seen Fiorentina’s Yerry Mina listed as one of his most comparable players by FBRef. Formerly of Everton, the Colombian has long been regarded as a high-class defender, just blighted by injuries throughout his career.
In August 2018, Everton signed the towering colossus from Barcelona for a £27m fee. He had thrived at the World Cup in Russia, scoring against England in the knockout stage.
Former Blues gaffer Marco Silva said that Mina was “unlucky” during his time at Goodison Park, only hitting 20+ Premier League starts in two of his five campaigns before departing on a free in 2023.
However, his leaping headers and ball-playing quality, forged in the famed furnaces of La Masia, really underscored the vision. Now, Moyes is looking to repeat a trick with De Winter – hopefully one which won’t be hampered by fitness problems.
Who knows, by bringing such an aerially adept player into the fold, hailed for his “unreal” progress by journalist Antonio Mango, it may even convince Branthwaite to stay put for a time yet.
Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite
For all the Englishman’s ability, he’s not yet mastered dominance in the skies. That is to say, Sofascore record that Branthwaite’s aerial duel success rate stands at just 53%.
Conversely, De Winter’s is a whopping 71% in Italy this term. You can see that by combining the contrasting skill sets, Moyes’ Everton might just go from strength to strength.
jack-tierney-yerry-mina-everton-premier-league
De Winter’s youth and modern-tailored skill set suggest he could be the perfect fit for an Everton side looking to adapt to new climes.
Partnering with Branthwaite for the long run, this truly could be a duo for the ages, leading Bramley Moore to the higher peaks of the Premier League and maybe even exploits overseas.
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da betsul： It’s been a testing summer window for Newcastle United.
da bet vitoria： Despite their return to the Champions League and a squad brimming with youthful potential, key attacking targets continue to slip through their fingers.
Bryan Mbeumo, João Pedro and Hugo Ekitike have all eluded the Magpies, while names like Benjamin Šeško remain out of reach for now.
Attention recently turned to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who left the Bees’ pre-season camp amid mounting speculation about his future and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Capable of playing across the front line and known for his pressing and intelligent movement, Wissa fits the profile of a player who could offer cover and competition for Alexander Isak, who remains a concern for Eddie Howe in terms of durability.
But Newcastle may have their sights set on a less polished alternative: a young forward who outscored Wissa and Sesko last season and could offer the clinical edge that’s been missing at key moments.
Newcastle looking at £40m striker
At 22, Mika Biereth might not be a household name in the Premier League just yet, but his numbers over the past 12 months have turned heads across Europe.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Well, after that stunning form, Newcastle, Wolves, Aston Villa and Everton have all been quoted as having an interest, according to Caught Offside, as they plot their respective moves.
After spending the first half of the 2023/24 season at SK Sturm Graz, the former Arsenal academy product made a €13m move to Monaco in January but according to the report, he could go for £40m now.
Across both stints, the forward proved himself to be a “menace” in the words of The Athletic’s Alex Barker, racking up 27 goals in all competitions, including 24 in domestic leagues alone. That’s more than Wissa (20) and Sesko (21) managed during the same campaign.
What makes this even more striking is his underlying data: those 24 goals came from an expected goals tally of just 11.3.
That’s a dramatic overperformance, one reminiscent of Darwin Núñez’s final season at Benfica, and while such numbers often regress over time, they still signal elite-level finishing instincts.
How Wissa compares to Biereth
According to data from FBref, Biereth registered 1.66 shots on target per 90 minutes last season, with 60.5% of his total efforts hitting the target. By comparison, Wissa, a proven Premier League operator, managed 1.27 shots on target per 90, with an accuracy of just 45.6%.
Yoane Wissa celebrates for Brentford.
Biereth’s sharpness in front of goal would complement Newcastle’s creative wingers, particularly Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga, who regularly generate chances with their direct running and early deliveries into the box.
However, Biereth is not yet the finished article. His contribution to build-up play is minimal compared to Wissa’s. He averaged just 10.9 passes per 90 and registered fewer progressive carries (1.02) and progressive passes (1.75) than Wissa (1.85 and 2.07, respectively).
He also ranks poorly in aerial duels, winning just 33.3% of his battles despite standing 6 foot 2 – a surprising stat when compared to Wissa’s 45.5% success rate, which places the Brentford man in the 64th percentile despite his smaller frame.
This same data from FBref shows that Wissa’s pressing numbers are also superior. He makes more tackles per 90 (0.68 vs 0.36), including more in the final third (0.25 vs 0.15), and he completes take-ons at a far higher rate (30.6% vs just 9.1%). These metrics suggest Wissa is far more integrated into all phases of play, from defensive pressing to link-up.
Still, that may be exactly why Biereth would offer something different. Newcastle already have a multi-functional No.9 in Isak, and what they lack is a game-changing finisher who can be introduced in moments of chaos.
Alexander Isak
For £40m, Monaco may be willing to sell, especially after signing Ansu Fati and with other forwards like Breel Embolo and Folarin Balogun on their books.
Newcastle would be gambling on potential, but it’s the kind of gamble that could prove inspired, particularly in scenarios against deep blocks where space is at a premium.
If Newcastle want a ready-made Premier League performer, Wissa ticks every box. He presses, combines well, and contributes defensively. But if they’re looking for a match-winner, someone who can convert at a rate few strikers in Europe can match, Biereth deserves serious consideration.
His raw data suggests an elite finisher in the making, and with the right service and role, he could offer Newcastle something they haven’t had in years: a true penalty-box predator with the confidence and tools to decide games on his own.
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