Tag: goals

Deeney claims Hojlund isn’t Man United’s main problem despite big ‘frustration’

Despite not scoring in his last 19 fixtures, Troy Deeney insists Rasmus Hojlund is not the biggest of Manchester United’s worries.

The misfiring Dane has netted just seven times in 36 appearances across all competitions this term.

Hojlund has been unable to escape the spotlight amid his alarming goal droughtCredit: Getty

However, his barren run in front of goal is somewhat emblematic of the Red Devils’ struggles in recent months as they sit a lowly 14th in the Premier League.

Given United forked out £72million to bring Hojlund to Old Trafford from Atalanta in July 2023, his 19-game goal drought should sound major alarm bells and signal he may not be the right man to lead the line.

But Deeney believes the blame cannot land squarely on the 22-year-old’s shoulders and believes Hojlund’s struggles stem from a lack of attacking verve across United’s forward options.

“I feel sorry for him because in those 19 games, I don’t remember a chance that you go, ‘Oh, he should have scored that,’” Deeney told talkSPORT.com.

“The chances he’s getting are kind of iffy chances.”

Deeney added: “The final quality’s not been great, not just for him but Manchester United on a whole. I think there’s a lot he can do and improve on, but I don’t think it’s right to go, ‘He’s the problem.’

“I think as an attacking force, they’ve been relatively poor this year.”

Even if Hojlund has not benefited from a solid amount of service via his teammates, a goal drought as lengthy as his could prove to be a major psychological challenge to overcome.

Deeney, like all strikers, endured his fair share of spells without scoring throughout his career.

But there was one training drill Deeney used to do with Chelsea icon and former Watford manager Gianfranco Zola that left him ‘humiliated’ but proved pivotal in changing his goalscoring fortunes.

Manchester United’s top Premier League goalscorers this season

Name	Goals scored
Bruno Fernandes	6
Amad Diallo (injured)	6
Marcus Rashford (out on loan)	4
Joshua Zirkzee	3
Alejandro Garnacho	3
Matthijs de Ligt	2
Rasmus Hojlund	2
Lisandro Martinez	2

It is perhaps something Hojlund could adopt, if he hasn’t already, should his misfortune in front of goal continue.

“If lads went through spells of not scoring, we’d strip it down to its basics and do shooting drills with no goalie,” Deeney said.

“Now as a player, you’d hate that because you kind of feel a bit humiliated.

“But you get used to hitting the back of the net again, then you bring the goalie in.”

Deeney also pointed out goals are often borne from confidence on the pitch and is largely down to the individual in question.

However, the former Watford hero does not believe a player at United needs that confidence to come from external sources.

Hojlund will hope to avoid a 20th consecutive game without scoring on Sunday against ArsenalCredit: Getty

Instead, the mere fact of playing for a club of that stature should be enough.

“I believe confidence is based on you, confidence is for myself,” Deeney said.

“But a lot of the new players, everyone pussyfoots around and makes them feel like they’re the best thing since sliced bread.

“Go and earn it. You play for Manchester United, it’s the biggest club in world football. F****** strap your big boy pants on and get after it.”

Another United forward who has endured a rough patch of late is Joshua Zirkzee, who joined in the summer from Bologna.

Jeered by his own fans after being hauled off in the first half of a clash against Newcastle, Zirkzee also missed a penalty during the shootout that sealed the Red Devils’ exit from the FA Cup against Fulham.

Andy Goldstein & Darren Bent discuss Rasmus Højlund’s recent POOR form for Manchester United

However, the Dutchman rebounded and scored for United in their 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the Europa League last Thursday.

Deeney noted Zirkzee has ‘showed character’ since the infamous substitution against Newcastle.

But Deeney did not hold back when it came to pointing out his biggest gripe with Zirkzee and Hojlund as he offered some sage advice for the pair.

“Both of them, I want them to shoot but f****** act like you’re going to score,” Deeney said.

“They shoot hoping that they’re going to score, like, ‘If I kicked this at the goal, hopefully it takes a deflection and it goes in.’

“Go and make it happen, go and get it done. That would be my frustration with the two of them.”

Zirkzee hasn't enjoyed the greatest of goalscoring fortunes since joining from Bologna — Zirkzee hasn’t enjoyed the greatest of goalscoring fortunes since joining from BolognaCredit: Getty

Deeney added: “Wrap it in, have a bit of confidence. If you miss, so what? People think you’re crap anyway.

“If you score, you score. But go with the intention of trying to score.”

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March 8, 2025

Mateta is ‘not the answer’ for United – he’s not good enough for Crystal Palace

Manchester United must avoid a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta – they should’t be fooled by his sparking form.

That’s the view of ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney, who believes the Frenchman is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal.

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Mateta has been a player transformed since Oliver Glasner took over at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty

Mateta has been in sensational form for Palace of late – scoring eight Premier League goals from his last eight games.

It is a marked contrast from the first half of the season, where he found the back of the net just four times from Palace’s first 19 top-flight fixtures.

Mateta’s recent purple patch has reportedly left Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim impressed with what he’s seen, to the point where he could come calling for the Palace star in the summer.

However, Deeney believes it would be a foolish move from United’s end given Mateta scored only 13 goals from 83 appearances in all competitions for Palace before Oliver Glasner arrived in February last year.

When asked whether Mateta is the answer to United’s striker woes, Deeney told talkSPORT.com: “No, because he’s not the answer for Palace.

“So why is he going to be the answer for Manchester United?”

In response to being told Mateta’s form under Glasner includes 28 goals in 46 games, Deeney replied: “Did he never play before that? OK, so we take people from that small sample size and go, ‘That’s what it is?’”

Mateta’s importance to Palace aside, Deeney also held grave fears as to whether the 27-year-old could even step up to the level required of a United player.

Although the former Hornets skipper pointed out United and Palace operate with a similar formation, which could benefit Mateta, the stature of the two clubs is ‘completely different’.

“I think Jean is a very good player, by the way,” Deeney remarked.

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Mateta’s goal tally has been boosted by an impressive run of late

“But he’s a very good player at Crystal Palace. I was a very good player at Watford. Going to the levels of these big clubs is completely different.

“The only thing that plays into his favour is they kind of play a similar formation with Palace at the moment, where he’s the lead one through the middle.

“But I would argue that Palace’s No. 10s are better than what Manchester United have got currently.

“So I think he’s going through a good vein of form because Palace are in a good moment. No-one was saying they should have signed him in pre-season.”

Deeney’s verdict on Mateta comes amid the prolonged struggles for United’s incumbent strikers.

Rasmus Hojlund, who was signed from Atalanta for a whopping £72million in July 2023, has not scored in his last 19 fixtures.

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Mateta has more goals than Hojlund has shots on target in the Premier League

Since his arrival, the 22-year-old has fired in just 23 goals from 79 appearances in all competitions.

It is a goal return far below what United would have expected when they forked out the fee they did for the Dane.

Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has also struggled to shine since he joined from Bologna.

The Dutchman has been used in a variety of positions for the Red Devils but most predominantly at centre-forward, with only six goals from 41 games to show for his efforts.

Given the pair’s goalscoring woes, United boss Amorim will be tempted to address the issue in the summer window.

Although Deeney can understand why Hojlund and Zirkzee have struggled at Old Trafford, he believes a new face up top is needed.

Simon Jordan blasts ‘cowardly’ Millwall goalkeeper as Liam Roberts could face extended ban for Jean-Philippe Mateta kick

He stated: “You bring in someone to improve them. I think Zirkzee is more of a ten, more than a striker. At Bologna, he was a ten and on the left. People try and force him into the position.

“I think you go and get a proper No. 9 and you allow Hojlund to learn off that No. 9. Maybe someone that’s five, six years older.

“There’s a player there in Hojlund. I still think the same with Darwin Nunez. They’re both great team players that run around and do all the good stuff, they just don’t score.

“I think they need to work on that and be a bit more selfish as opposed to team-oriented, then they’ll get the goals.”

Hojlund, who has started United’s last four games, will hope to avoid extending his goal drought to a 20th game on Sunday as Amorim’s side host second-placed Arsenal.

Should United taste defeat for a 13th time in the league this term, they could find themselves as low as 16th on Monday evening should other results go against them.

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March 7, 2025
‘Oh my word’ – Chelsea fans rave as wonderkid scores screamer for Palmeiras

The summer window can’t come soon enough for Chelsea fans.

That’s because they’ll finally get their hands on Brazilian whizz kid Estevao, whose two sensational goals for Palmeiras on Saturday left Blues supporters drooling.

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Estevao’s two goals for Palmeiras were sublimeCredit: Getty

The 17-year-old started on the right wing for Palmeiras in their Campeonato Paulista quarter-final away to Sao Bernardo.

It took the teenage talent just 16 minutes to open the scoring with a shot that somehow didn’t blast a hole in the net, such was the ferocity of the strike.

Estevao controlled the ball from a header before taking a touch to open up space for a strike from outside the 18-yard box.

With his left foot, the Chelsea-bound star rifled a shot into the top-right corner of the goal that left Sao Bernardo goalkeeper Alex Alves clutching at thin air.

Safe to say, Chelsea supporters were in awe of the 17-year-old’s strike.

One user on X wrote: “Oh my word Estevao what a goal. The power on that strike.”

Another said: “Another day, another banger from Estevao. What. A. Goal.”

One fan added: “Just saw Estevao’s goals so far from tonight. What a joke. This kid is actually a demon. The absolute biggest thing out of Brazil since Neymar. Don’t you dare fumble his development, Chels.”

The teen collected his second goal of the contest in first-half stoppage time.

With the ball at his feet high on the right flank, Estevao beat his marker and cut inside to find himself in acres of space before unleashing a driving curling effort past a sprawling Alves.

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Chelsea fans were left in awe of Estevao’s two goals against San BernardoCredit: Getty

By scoring twice against Sao Bernardo, it brought Estevao’s total goal involvements for Palmeiras to 30, 20 of which were goals and ten being assists.

It meant Estevao became the first Brazilian to reach 30 career goals and assists before the age of 18 since superstar winger Neymar accomplished the feat in 2010.

Unfortunately for Palmeiras supporters, they only have a few more months left to enjoy Estevao before he moves to Chelsea on a permanent basis.

The Blues completed a £56million swoop for the 17-year-old in December.

However, due to FA and Premier League rules, teams are unable to sign players from abroad if they are under the age of 18, meaning Estevao cannot join until the summer.

But it hasn’t stopped Chelsea fans from getting excited ever since they agreed the deal to sign him, especially since he has been nicknamed ‘Messinho’, or ‘Little Messi’, owing to his small stature and remarkable ability on the ball.

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It won’t be long before Blues fans could see Estevao in action for the clubCredit: Getty

He was also crowned the Best Young Player and Best Attacker of the 2024 Brasileirao thanks to his exploits with Palmeiras as he registered 13 goals and nine assists in 31 Serie A appearances.

Estevao’s success will no doubt give Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca a headache of the good kind as the Italian works out how he could fit the teenager into his team.

Further complicating matters is the fact Estevao previously told ESPN Brazil his ‘favourite position is number 10.’

“But I am comfortable in every position, also on the wing,” Estevao added.

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March 2, 2025
Marcus Rashford has arrived at Aston Villa – Man United’s loss is Emery’s gain

Marcus Rashford played with gusto and he certainly played with Malo Gusto.

The poor Chelsea right-back could not cope with the speed of thought and movement, and accurate delivery, of Aston Villa’s barnstorming substitute.

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Rashford is quickly making his mark at Villa following his January moveCredit: Getty

The story should really be about the goalscoring Marco Asensio, the ace of brace, but it will inevitably be about Rashford’s two assists.

His loan move to Villa from Manchester United has been one of the stories of the season.

Rashford had to leave United, of course. They wanted him out for tactical and financial reasons, he sensed that and chased a new challenge.

None of this should be taken as criticism of United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, who wants to play a way that doesn’t suit Rashford and who needs to generate funds for his 3-4-2-1 rebuild. Fair enough.

Rashford’s departure, initially on loan but with a permanent move to Villa or somewhere else inevitable in the summer, suited all parties.

Rashford says he will never fall out of love with football, but he needed to play with a smile on his face again. Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has done that.

“Support him,” Emery replied on how he is bringing the best out of the 27-year-old.

“Help him try to get confidence with us.”

A happy Rashford is a formidable footballer. He’s always been that way. He’s always needed to feel the belief and support of his manager.

He’s always needed to be liberated in a system that keeps him high up the field, reducing his defensive responsibilities, unleashing him on opposing right-backs like Gusto.

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Rashford made the left wing his own and terrorised Gusto in the second half

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The winger has helped lift Emery’s side up into seventh spot in the tableCredit: Getty

All defenders hate facing pace, which Rashford has in abundance. He’s made for 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 like Emery’s.

It wasn’t actually his pace that skewered Chelsea here. He inflicted some of it on Gusto from the moment he came on at half-time.

Villa were trailing 1-0 at the time and Emery was being outwitted by Enzo Maresca.

Villa struggled to get to grips with Chelsea’s formation and movement in the first half: a 4-2-fluid-4. Reece James partnered Moises Caicedo in deep midfield. Cole Palmer, busy but not at his best, and the underwhelming Christopher Nkunku were wide.

Pedro Neto was a false nine, occasionally moving right with Enzo Fernandez breaking into space as for Chelsea’s goal after nine minutes.

Caicedo was too swift and strong for Youri Tielemans in the middle, and he turned and played a long switch to the right. Neto was ready, taking the ball and running at Ian Maatsen.

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Neto had Maatsen’s number, but his teammates couldn’t match his endeavourCredit: Getty

Emery had rotated, starting Maatsen ahead of Lucas Digne, who’d had a draining evening with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in midweek.

Emery may also have had an eye on Maatsen proving a point against the club that kept sending him out on loan and eventually selling to Villa for £35million last summer. But Digne is a better one-on-one defender and Maatsen’s defensive issues were exposed by Neto.

He accelerated, moved the ball on to his left foot, shaped to go inside Maatsen, who fell for the feint.

Neto sped outside, had a quick look up, checked Fernandez’s run, and picked him out with a driven low ball.

Fernandez, unmarked and close in, had the easiest finish past his compatriot Emi Martinez.

Villa urgently needed more pace to support Ollie Watkins so Emery made his move at the break. Rashford replaced Jacob Ramsey and immediately began running at Gusto.

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The stage was set for a famous half in front of a beseeching, delighting Holte End. Noise and belief rose shortly before the hour.

When Matty Cash crossed – with his left – to the far-post, Rashford was clearly played onside by Fernandez and his cross was turned in by Asensio.

Chelsea did respond briefly, and Palmer had a shot cleared off the line by Ezri Konsa, but the force was with Villa.

Chelsea were fortunate they did not concede a penalty from a Rashford corner when Marc Cucurella clearly pulled over Lamare Bogarde.

The clock showed 88 minutes 52 seconds as Rashford prepared to take another corner on the left in front of a baying Holte End.

He played it short to Tielemans, who touched it back for Rashford to whip it in, slightly angled back towards Asensio.

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Rashford was the provider for both goals in a game-changing 45-minute display

The 29-year-old Spaniard met the ball with his left foot, sending it straight at Filip Jorgensen.

It should have been a routine save, but Jorgensen, preferred again to Robert Sanchez, fumbled horribly and the ball fell over the line.

“The keeper position is a delicate one,” Maresca said of the role’s innate vulnerability, “if the keeper makes a mistake it is clear for everyone.”

What is also clear is that Chelsea have spent more than £1bn and don’t have an elite goalkeeper or elite centre-forward.

At the final whistle, their false nine, Neto, sunk to his knees, punching the turf in frustration.

“For me, personally this is the toughest defeat of the season,” Maresca lamented.

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Emery led his side to their first league win in six matches to move up to seventhCredit: Getty

For Emery, who walked down the touchline after the final whistle punching the air, it was deeply satisfying, barring the sad sight of Tyrone Mings limping off with a knee problem.

This was Villa’s first Premier League win in six, lifted them from tenth to seventh, and confirmed the wisdom of their January transfer work.

The sight of a smiling Rashford applauding the Holte End said it all.

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February 22, 2025
Phil Jones names ‘animal’ Man United prodigy who can help Ruben Amorim right now

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones believes teenage talent Chido Obi-Martin will be at the forefront of the team’s revival.

United supporters got a glimpse of the future during the 1-0 loss to Tottenham last Sunday as every player on the bench, with the exception of Victor Lindelof, was under the age of 20.

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Jones had rave reviews for United wonderkid Obi-MartinCredit: Getty

Despite having a full bench, even if it was filled with inexperience, Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim made just one substitution and waited until the stoppage time to do so.

It was Obi-Martin, as he came on for Casemiro in what was his senior debut.

The fact it was the 17-year-old who was brought on ahead of his fellow teenage compatriots on the bench has given Jones, who works as a coach in United’s academy at Carrington, plenty of belief he will play a starring role in the English giants’ turnaround.

In fact, Jones has tipped the Danish prodigy to follow a similar path to Amad Diallo, who impressed on loan spells before he became one of the first names on the team sheet under Amorim.

“Working in and around the academy and helping those young players develop, United have some really good and talented young players coming through,” Jones said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.

“The squad had a lot of injuries against Tottenham and the bench was full of kids, but there were some talented players on that bench.

“People might not know a lot about them now, but they certainly will in the next few years.

“I think you look at Kobbie Mainoo, top player, you look at Chido who we’ve just signed from Arsenal, who’s an animal.

“You look at Amad who had a couple of really good loans, and I remember watching him winning it against Liverpool in extra time last season, and I had said at that time he’d play a huge part in the next season.

“I played with Amad for a year or two and you could see then that the quality he had was really good and really strong.

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The former Red Devils defender has been impressed by the Dane in trainingCredit: Getty

“As I said there’s a great crop of young players ready to be given the chance and integrated into the team.”

United’s academy and first team staff undoubtedly have high hopes for Obi-Martin given the effort they made to prise him away from Arsenal last September.

The Red Devils reportedly beat out two German teams to Obi-Martin’s signature thanks to their willingness to fast-track the forward into the first team picture.

Obi-Martin was a menace in front of goal for the Gunners’ under-18 side last season, netting a whopping 32 goals in just 18 league fixtures.

He even bagged a seven-goal haul in a 9-0 victory against Norwich City’s under-18’s in April.

Thanks to his goalscoring exploits, Obi-Martin beat Folarin Balogun‘s tally of 25 to become the record-holder for most goals scored by an Arsenal under-18’s player in a single season.

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Obi-Martin was the only player Amorim brought on against Tottenham last SundayCredit: Getty

Obi-Martin didn’t have to wait long to make a positive impression at Carrington as he bagged a first-half hat-trick in his debut for United’s under-18’s against Nottingham Forest.

In fact, his first goal came after just 13 seconds as the Dane rounded the Forest goalkeeper following a loose pass in their defence.

Obi-Martin then completed his hat-trick in the 14th minute with a close-range finish and was taken off at half-time.

The 17-year-old will hope to be involved with United’s first team for a second-straight weekend when Amorim’s side travel to Everton on Saturday.

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February 20, 2025
‘Deceived’ – Ex-Chelsea star lays into Jadon Sancho in scathing rant

Ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel implored Jadon Sancho to ‘wake the f*** up’ and claimed the winger had ‘deceived’ Blues supporters.

Sancho moved to Stamford Bridge on loan from Manchester United last summer and began his stint brightly, registering two goals and three assists from his first nine league games.

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Sancho has come under fire for his recent performances

The winger also provided assists for both of Chelsea‘s goals in their 2-0 win over Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League last November.

But since his goal in the Blues’ 4-3 win over Tottenham on December 8, Sancho’s goal returns have disappeared.

From that match onwards, Sancho has just one assist from his last 12 appearances across all competitions.

With Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke sidelined with injury and Joao Felix on loan at AC Milan, Sancho must shoulder more of a goalscoring and creative burden that ever before.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel questioned where the Sancho from the opening nine games had scampered off to and called on him to deliver more.

“Jadon Sancho, he’s come on and he’s deceived us with a few couple of games,” Mikel said.

“We thought, ‘F****** hell, now we’re getting this Jadon Sancho from Dortmund.’

“He’s gone. He’s gone again. I don’t know what’s happened to Jadon. He’s disappeared, off the grid.

“He takes the ball, he doesn’t go past people anymore, he doesn’t create chances anymore.

“He doesn’t help the team as much as he should be.”

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Mikel was at a loss to explain why Sancho had become reluctant to take defenders onCredit: The Obi One Podcast

Sancho’s barren run when it comes to goals and assists has coincided with Chelsea enduring a worrying run of form.

In their last 14 games across all competitions the Blues have picked up just six wins.

However, three of those came against Kazakh side FC Astana, Irish outfit Shamrock Rovers and League Two battlers Morecambe.

The alarming run of results has also seen Chelsea drop from second all the way down to sixth in the Premier League as the pressure cranks up on Maresca.

With the Blues’ season at risk of fizzling out, Mikel demanded more from Sancho and felt he still hasn’t proved himself despite his successes with Dortmund in Germany.

“Jadon Sancho needs to step up,” Mikel said.

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Sancho’s form from the start of the season has deserted him

“I don’t know what’s happened to him. But Jadon Sancho needs to wake the f*** up.

“He’s gone to so many places. Yes, at Dortmund, we know he’s done it. But that’s the German league.

“No disrespect to the German league, you only have Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, let’s put it that way.

“The Premier League is the toughest league in the world.”

Sancho will look to break his goalscoring drought when Chelsea travel to Aston Villa, who are winless in their last four league fixtures, on Saturday.

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February 17, 2025
Roy Keane doesn’t hold back in Man United criticism after FA Cup near-miss

Roy Keane believes Manchester United ‘got out of jail’ as they scraped past Leicester City into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The Red Devils prevailed 2-1 at Old Trafford thanks to Harry Maguire‘s last-minute header.

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Maguire spared United’s blushes against his former clubCredit: Getty

However, replays showed Maguire was offside when Bruno Fernandes‘ free-kick was floated into the box.

Unfortunately for Leicester VAR was not in use for the tie, meaning they bowed out of the FA Cup thanks to a goal that shouldn’t have counted.

Keane was left baffled as to how the linesman missed what looked like a simple call to make.

“That’s just a poor decision,” Keane said on ITV.

“We talk about VAR, if it was here and it should be here, whatever, but the linesman’s got to see that, has to see that.”

The Red Devils legend did feel Foxes goalkeeper Mads Hermansen should have been more commanding, but couldn’t escape the feeling his former employers got lucky.

“I just think if your team were under pressure, I’d want your keeper to come,” Keane said.

“He ends up literally heading it in the six-yard box, I’d want my keeper to come there.

“But United got out of jail tonight. Harry [Maguire] said it there really well, [Alejandro] Garnacho, the subs obviously made a difference and they played a lot more direct.

“Forward passes, what they should do more of, they’re a much better team like that, but they rode their luck.”

United boss Ruben Amorim wasn’t exactly complimentary of his team’s performance either, as he lamented their lack of ‘energy in the beginning.’

Although his side put in a better display in the second half as they operated ‘with a little more speed’ and ‘winning second balls’, Amorim felt it was only ‘a good result, not a good performance.’

The manager’s verdict left Keane somewhat surprised, especially his comment regarding their energy.

“The manager is obviously really frustrated with the performance and he says about the team having no energy, that’s the bit I don’t understand,” Keane said.

“I get the tactics and players settling in, but you’ve got to play with energy because your starting point has to be energy and enthusiasm and you from there.

“If you have no energy, it doesn’t matter what system you’re playing, you won’t get near anyone.”

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The United icon was left less than impressed with the team’s lack of energyCredit: ITV

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Amorim’s side produced a rather lacklustre display in the first half

Keane added: “Leicester were getting plenty of joy out there. We saw two bad teams out there tonight and any team with a bit more quality than Leicester would have got the job done.

“Man United rode their luck and he’s clearly frustrated with the performance.”

The tone of Keane’s full-time verdict was markedly different to what he had to say 45 minutes earlier.

As Amorim pointed out, United were sluggish in the first half and failed to register a single shot on target while Leicester were a goal up thanks to Bobby Decordova-Reid and had three shots on target.

Both teams had an even share of possession, with United completing just three more passes.

The poor display in the first-half sparked a scathing assessment from Keane.

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“Shocking, really, really poor,” Keane said.

“You start looking at this United team for all the stats, again no shot on target, I think two shots on target against [Crystal] Palace, they’re really… Actually, they’re boring now.

“You feel like you should go in that dressing room and remind the players what the game’s about.”

Keane added: “No energy, there’s no energy in the stadium, someone’s waiting for something to happen so the players go and make something happen, and Leicester deserve the lead.”

Luckily for United, the half-time substitution of Garnacho for debutant Patrick Dorgu generated the spark they desperately needed.

It was the Argentinian winger’s driving run down the left that led to the equaliser, as his low cross found Rasmus Hojlund but his effort was blocked.

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Garnacho provided the needed spark to kick United into gear in the second halfCredit: Getty

The rebound subsequently to Joshua Zirkzee, who tapped home in the 68th minute.

With the wind in their sail, United pushed for the winner but were met with a stubborn Foxes resistance.

Sadly for the visitors, it was broken by their former defender Maguire.

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February 7, 2025
Rudiger was left stunned that his toughest opponent didn’t play at higher level

Antonio Rudiger took a sly dig at Tottenham as he revealed his toughest opponent.

Having played in the Premier League, LaLiga and the Bundesliga, Rudiger has had the unenviable task of keeping some of the deadliest strikers quiet.

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Rudiger has had his fair share of battles against the world’s best strikersCredit: Getty

The Real Madrid star has come up against the likes of Luis Suarez, Karim Benzema, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski throughout the course of his career.

However, it was not a forward that Rudiger declared as the most difficult rival he’d encountered.

Instead, it was a midfielder he played just twice.

Speaking on an episode of The Inside Scoop, Rudiger revealed former Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele was his toughest opponent.

But the 31-year-old was left in disbelief that the north London side was the highest level he played at in terms of clubs.

“Like, wow,” Rudiger said.

“This guy, that he didn’t play, no disrespect to Tottenham, but that he didn’t play at a bigger club, I don’t know how. I really don’t know how, because he had everything.

“This guy, I’ve never seen someone so strong like him. He was like a wall.

“And technique, he doesn’t know pressure. You can pass him the ball, two men can be behind him, no problem.”

The only times Rudiger and Dembele came up against one another was in the 2017/18 Premier League season.

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The Belgian was a standout during his seven-year stay at TottenhamCredit: Getty

Chelsea got the better of Tottenham in the first encounter in August 2017, winning 2-1 as both played the full match.

But Tottenham got their revenge in the return fixture at Stamford Bridge as they won 3-1 in April 2018.

Rudiger is not the first person to have made such a strong claim about Dembele’s remarkable ability.

Martin Jol, who was in charge during Dembele’s stay at Fulham, waxed lyrical about the Belgian after Tottenham triggered his £15million release clause in August 2012.

“We’ve had a few players over the last few years who are a class above,” Jol said in 2012.

“Dembele is probably the best player on the ball I’ve ever seen, and we lost him.”

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Dembele was a colossus in Tottenham’s midfield

Following his move from Fulham, Dembele went on to make 249 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham.

But his time in north London came to an end in January 2019 as Dembele joined Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F for just £11m.

He only turned out 47 times for the Chinese outfit before electing to retire at the end of the 2022 CSL season.

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January 31, 2025
Aston Villa’s asking price for Duran revealed as league leaders weigh up move

Aston Villa have named their price for Jhon Duran as a European giant weighs up a move in the transfer market.

Duran was the subject of heavy interest before the season began from West Ham United and Chelsea.

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Duran’s impressive form this term has caught the eye of a major European teamCredit: Getty

The Colombian even made an Irons-shaped gesture during an Instagram live video while on holiday, adding fuel to the fire he was headed to the Hammers.

However, Duran provided an apology in the best way possible as he scored the winner for Villa against West Ham in their opening match of the current season.

He has since gone on to score 11 goals across all competitions, including winners against Leicester City, Everton and Southampton.

But none of his winning goals were as iconic as his late strike against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, lofting the ball over Manuel Neuer from distance to record a famous victory at Villa Park.

The hype surrounding the 21-year-old has now sparked interest from French behemoths Paris Saint-Germain, talkSPORT understands.

It is also believed Villa could be tempted to part with Duran for £60million.

Should a move to the French capital eventuate, Duran would join an attacking unit boasting the likes of Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele and Lee Kang-In.

PSG celebrated a Trophee des Champions victory on Sunday as Dembele’s stoppage-time strike secured a 1-0 win over Monaco.

The French side also sit unbeaten at the top of Ligue 1 on 40 points, seven ahead of second-placed Marseille.

Aside from Duran, Villa look likely to be active in the January market as Unai Emery seeks fresh additions to his squad.

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Duran has enjoyed his best season in front of goal since he joined in January 2023

One player who appears a likely arrival at Villa Park is Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen.

talkSPORT understands Villa have verbally agreed personal terms with Malen.

However, a fee between Villa and Dortmund is yet to be agreed, with the Premier League side believed to be £10m short of the Germans’ asking price.

Emery’s side have already had one bid worth around £15m turned down.

Another area Villa is reportedly looking to strengthen is the right side of defence.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Villa have ‘started talks to explore a move’ for Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza.

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Emery hopes to bring in a versatile forward and a right-sided defender in JanuaryCredit: Getty

Mingueza, who has two caps for Spain, is believed to be one of several right-sided defenders under consideration as Emery looks to provide some much-needed competition to Matty Cash.

The 25-year-old is a La Masia product and made 66 senior appearances for Barcelona before he joined Celta in July 2022.

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January 6, 2025
Aston Villa in shock talks to sign ex-Arsenal youth star in £25million deal

Aston Villa are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a move for Donyell Malen, talkSPORT understands.

Dortmund are willing to sell Dutch international Malen for a fee in the region of £25million.

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Villa have Malen in the crosshairs as they look to do some early January businessCredit: AFP

Chief football correspondent Alex Crook believes Malen would represent a ‘decent’ bit of business for Villa should the move eventuate.

“He brings a level of experience,” Crook said on talkSPORT.

“A full Dutch international, played a lot of European football as well.

“He’s been part of a Borussia Dortmund side that’s usually there or thereabouts in the Bundesliga, so he could be a decent signing for Villa.”

Villa have been on the lookout for a versatile forward that can play across the front three since the £60m summer departure of Moussa Diaby to Saudi Pro League Al Ittihad.

Diaby, who moved to Villa Park from Bayer Leverkusen only 18 months ago, dovetailed with Ollie Watkins up top or would cut in from the right wing.

However, the need to comply with UEFA‘s profit and sustainability regulations, which are separate to the Premier League’s rules, led to Diaby’s departure from Villa.

Villa signed Jaden Philogene from Hull City last summer but the 22-year-old has started only two Premier League matches from 19 played this season.

Leon Bailey has been the primary option at right wing, while the likes of John McGinn and Morgan Rogers have also played there at various stages this campaign.

Bailey has struggled to match his impressive performances from last term so far and is yet to score in 22 appearances across all competitions.

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Unai Emery is in need of a versatile attacking option to reduce the load on Leon BaileyCredit: Getty

By this stage in the 2023/24 season, Bailey had six goals and five assists in the league.

The signing of Malen would no doubt ease the burden on Bailey and provide him with some much-needed competition that could help kick the Jamaican into gear.

Malen joined Dortmund in 2021 from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, where he scored 55 goals in 116 appearances across all competitions.

The 25-year-old was Dortmund’s top scorer in the Bundesliga last season with a tally of 13.

However, Malen has started just ten of Dortmund’s 22 games this term and may feel he has a better chance of regular game time at Villa.

A stint with Unai Emery‘s side also wouldn’t be Malen’s first time playing in England.

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Malen has 41 caps for the Netherlands to his name and bagged two goals at Euro 2024Credit: Getty

The Dutch international was in Arsenal‘s youth set-up from 2015 to 2017 and represented the Gunners in the Youth Premier League, FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League.

Malen made his senior debut for Arsenal during a pre-season friendly in 2017 against Australian side Sydney FC but never made a competitive appearance for the Gunners.

He was sold to PSV in August 2017.

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January 2, 2025