Erik ten Hag has struggled to progress from his triumphant debut campaign this season, with continuous injuries and underperforming players letting his side down.

Manchester United can only challenge for silverware via the FA Cup and the Premier League, but given their seventh position, the former seems the only route to success this season already.

With that in mind, the former Ajax boss will look to reignite the fans' excitement by eyeing up a move for a tricky attacker in January.

Man Utd transfers latest – Takefusa Kubo

According to The Sun, Takefusa Kubo is being linked with a move to Old Trafford as a possible Antony replacement.

Ten Hag has reportedly sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old on numerous occasions this season, including last weekend’s game versus Real Betis.

Real Sociedad will accept an offer of £43m and the Brazilian could be used as a bargaining tool, potentially in the form of a loan deal.

How Takefusa Kubo compares to Antony

The Japanese star has developed into one of Sociedad’s best players since arriving at the club for just £5.5m last season, and he seems to have developed into an extremely “special talent” this campaign – as described by journalist Josh Bunting. Kubo has featured 17 times in La Liga, scoring six goals and registering three assists.

The ex-Real Madrid ace can play in the number ten role, yet he excels and mainly operates at right wing, making him a potential direct replacement for United’s £86m forward. The table below highlights Kubo’s playstyle and how he compares to Antony based on statistics from the last year across the top European leagues.

Kubo vs Antony Stats

Stats (per 90)

Kubo

Antony

Goals

0.34

0.1

Assists

0.16

0.07

Key Passes

1.99

1.45

Successful take-ons

2.49

1.69

Carries into penalty area

2.71

1.48

Shot-creating actions

4.30

3.83

Stats via FBref

As you can see by all the attacking stats, Kubo would be a huge upgrade on Antony. The first difference between the two is that the Japanese international is a much more direct winger, using his quick feet and small stature to wriggle his way past players and carry the ball forward with intent.

The former Madrid youngster is extremely intelligent and combines the traditional style of a winger with the more modern output-focused inverted forwards. He’s the type of player to make the crowd get off their feet by dribbling and putting the ball in the back of the net, which the ex-Ajax player has yet to display in a United shirt this season by failing to register a single goal contribution.

Although Kubo doesn’t get massively involved in play compared to other wingers, he is constantly receiving the ball and using it effectively in the final third. He is extremely difficult to mark because if the defender gets close, he will skip past them, but if they stand off, he has the ability to play deft passes that slice the opposition open.

Furthermore, as per Transfermarkt, Kubo (£43m) is valued more than even Alejandro Garnacho (£26m), which just highlights how talented and highly rated the Sociedad creative mastermind is.

Man United having two destined-for-success prospects on each wing would be frightening, to say the least, and if they continue to develop, Ten Hag would have one of the deadliest duos in the Premier League.

Manchester United head into the festive period full of little cheer or joy. The Red Devils now sit eighth in the league table after a hugely disappointing start to the campaign.

Erik ten Hag's side are no longer in Europe and have won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions.

If the Dutchman wasn't already feeling the pressure then he certainly will after Saturday's 2-0 defeat to West Ham.

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The clock is surely quickly ticking on his time at Old Trafford but fortunately, the January transfer window has arrived at just the right time. A productive month in the market could well save United's season and indeed his job.

Man United transfer news – A midfield hunt on the way

When it comes to improving the Man United squad in January, Ten Hag should be looking to reshape most areas of his team. However, he could certainly do with some more solidity in midfield.

A move for budding Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram has been linked with the Red Devils aiming to add a bit more bite to the centre of the pitch alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Co. However, if they want to make a statement then acquiring one of the best young prospects in Europe would surely go down well.

The latest on their pursuit of 18-year-old Arthur Vermeeren came a few weeks ago with reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, suggesting that Liverpool, Man United and Barcelona were battling to secure the teenager's signature from Royal Antwerp.

Any move could well be a bargain one with Vermeeren expected to earn his side around €25m (£22m) from his prospective sale in 2024.

How Arthur Vermeeren compares to Kobbie Mainoo

Ten Hag is already blessed with one of the finest young midfielders in the Premier League in Mainoo.

The teenager burst onto the scene at Goodison Park a few weeks ago as he earned his maiden Premier League start at Goodison Park. He "put on a masterclass" in the words of reporter Liam Canning, even outshining that memorable goal from Alejandro Garnacho.

Minutes played

72

Pass success

34/41 (83%)

Touches

57

Dribble success

2/3 (67%)

Accurate long balls

2/4

Tackles won

100%

Interceptions

2

Recoveries

3

Duels won

5

However, in Vermeeren, United could arguably land a bigger and brighter talent than their current academy darling.

Why? Well, for starters, Vermeeren already has a full season of Belgium Pro League football under his belt. You may well argue that the standard isn't particularly high but let us remind you this is the league where the likes of Youri Tielemans, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne learnt their trades as young footballers.

A midfielder, the teen has been cooking up a storm in his homeland over the last 18 months, notably being described as "one of the most complete young midfielders in Europe" by scout Jacek Kulig. Fine praise indeed for a youngster who's also been noted as the 'next Andres Iniesta' in some quarters.

But how do Mainoo and Vermeeren compare? Well, they're both adept technically and possess a high amount of discipline and maturity in the centre of the park. That latter quality is hard to sum up using statistics but the rest of their respective games can be quantified nicely.

Progressive Carries

1.06

1.11

Progressive Passes

7.34

2.50

Expected Goals (xG)

0.08

0.01

Pass Success Rate

85.5%

87%

Key Passes

1.17

0.28

Passes into final 3rd

5.11

2.78

Shot-creating Actions

2.29

1.11

Tackles Won

1.22

1.39

Tackles & Interceptions

3.09

3.33

Touches

62.7

57.2

As you can see, while Mainoo is more proficient defensively, it's Vermeeren who's more likely to get on the ball and make things happen. He's truly exciting, making a remarkably high level of progressive passes per 90 minutes in comparison, supplying more balls into the final third and boasting a higher number of shot-creating actions – moments that directly lead to a shot on goal.

You may well argue that United need more high-quality experience in their team but as Mainoo has shown, if you're good enough, it doesn't matter how old you are. The thought of pairing these two players together is a mouthwatering one.

Manchester City star Kyle Walker and his wife Annie Kilner reportedly made a 'tense' appearance at Wayne Rooney's bank holiday bash.

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Walker made headlines with scandalous affairCouple attempting to patch up relationshipAppeared at Rooney's bank holiday partyWHAT HAPPENED?

According to The Sun, the couple were 'frosty' with each other at the bank holiday party, which Rooney threw for a bunch of his footballer friends. Walker has reportedly moved back into the family home after a long-term affair with Lauryn Goodman, but sources at the party claimed that things still seemed extremely 'tense' in his relationship with Annie Kilner.

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Kilner has told Walker's mistress to 'stay away' from the family, and seems to be open to patching things up with her husband, despite his infidelity, with adding that both parties are trying to get the marriage 'back on track'. The couple married in 2022 following a 12-year relationship, but after news emerged that Walker had fathered two children with Goodman, he was kicked out of the marital home and separated from the four kids he has with Kilner.

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite the scandals that have dominated Walker's personal life throughout 2023-24, he has still had an impressive season on the pitch for Manchester City. As a result, he's continuing to attract attention from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, who are rumoured to be interested in signing the 33-year-old this summer.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR WALKER?

A move to Germany might be on the cards this summer, but first up Walker will be focusing on Manchester City's Premier League run-in. His team has the opportunity to win a record fourth consecutive title, as long as they win all of their remaining fixtures. Next up, they face a trip to Fulham on Saturday.

Super Over
Sri Lanka’s spinners squeezed and throttled and tugged down the opposition run rate in defence of a modest score, but it was the best slow bowler on show – Imran Tahir – who saw South Africa through a tense Super Over situation, and suggested that whatever his team-mates are like, he is capable of keeping his cool in tough circumstances.Not choking is important for South Africa. They are in a World Cup year. They have a history of wilting in the heat of a close finish. But in conceding only five runs in the Super Over, Tahir suggested there are players in South Africa’s ranks who can thrive in tense circumstances. So too David Miller, who had earlier top-scored with 41 off 23 balls, before hitting a six and a four off Lasith Malinga’s Super Over to set the opposition a target of 15. With Tahir in South Africa’s ranks, that target always seemed unlikely for Sri Lanka.Even before the Super Over, though, this was an intriguing low-scoring thriller, during which each team had its moments, even if South Africa were ascendant for the majority. When they had restricted Sri Lanka for 134 for 7 on a slow-ish but not unplayable Newlands surface, the hosts may have expected to cruise to victory. Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya and Jeffrey Vandersay, however, took a wicket apiece and conceded only 81 in their 12 combined overs.Although the spinners were excellent, Malinga was the real star of the Sri Lanka bowling innings. He conceded a four off his second ball – and that only off an outside edge off Quinton de Kock’s bat, that flew to the third-man boundary. He did not allow the opposition a boundary thereafter in regular play, bowling an especially outstanding pair of death overs, in which his figures were three runs for two wickets.Thanks to Malinga, Isuru Udana still had five to defend off the last over of the innings. He conceded a single to JP Duminy – the last recognised batsman – first ball, then delivered two slower-ball dot balls to Dale Steyn to make the equation four from three balls. Duminy was run out soon after, but then off the last ball of regular play, perhaps, came the key moment of the innings.South Africa had two to get, with No. 10 batsman Tahir on strike. He bottom-edged the last ball of the innings to keeper Niroshan Dickwella, who should have easily run out non-striker Steyn and won Sri Lanka the match. Dickwella, though, failed to take his glove off, and his shy at the strikers’ end missed – Steyn comfortably out by a couple of metres had Dickwella hit at least one of the stumps. His team-mates’ annoyance at Dickwella’s mistake was plainly obvious in the break between regular play and the Super Over.Getty Images

Tahir’s final over was perhaps the most dramatic performance of an intense T20 match, but Miller’s performance was also key to South Africa’s victory. Not only did he eventually pummel Malinga – who had figures of 2 for 11 from his four overs in regular play – he had also led South Africa past 100 in the chase.Miller had arrived at the crease with the score on 52 for 3 and South Africa tracking at less than a run a ball – Sri Lanka’s spinners having tied the hosts down. He was immediately aggressive, however, slapping Vandersay for four through cover first ball, before slog sweeping him to the boundary in Vandersay’s next over.It was against Udana, though, that Miller truly accelerated, and swung the match in favour of South Africa. In the 15th over of the innings, with South Africa needing 52 off 36 balls, Miller smoked three fours, a six and a two, single-handedly taking 20 off that over.Malinga’s outstanding death overs would later see Miller dismissed, and push Sri Lanka to a position where they could dream again with South Africa’s tailenders now in residence at the crease. Slower-ball specialist Udana did deliver an excellent final over, in which the only real pockmark for Sri Lanka was Dickwella’s game-defining missed run-out.Earlier, Kamindu Mendis had been the only Sri Lanka batsman who looked halfway fluent on this pitch, even if he did score all but one of his boundaries – three fours and two sixes in total – off the first eight deliveries that he faced. In that initial period, he hit his first six by top-edging Kagiso Rabada over third man, before ramping him over the same boundary next ball. Kamindu scored 41 off 29 balls, but none of his team-mates could cross 20.Andile Phehlukwayo was the best of South Africa’s bowlers, taking 3 for 25 from his four overs. Lutho Sipamla was the next best, claiming 1 for 19. All South Africa’s bowlers took at least one wicket apiece.

Arsenal now reportedly find themselves in pole position to sign a £60 million star as a report from the English press shares news this week.

Edu's rumoured transfer plans for January

Gunners sporting director Edu and club chiefs are rumoured to be interested in a new striker, midfielder and two full-backs as we approach January (The Independent).

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However, after spending over £200 million in the summer, Arsenal will have to tread with caution surrounding FFP regulations, and not fly too close to the sun.

It's believed manager Mikel Arteta may be forced to compromise on a couple of the aforementioned positions. Other reports suggest that Arsenal are keen to sign Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, with Thomas Partey proving unreliable when it comes injuries this season.

The Ghanaian will travel to represent his country at AFCON next year, which will leave them a bit short in the middle of the park, while both Mohamed Elneny and Jorginho's deals expire in the summer.

In terms of a striker, Arsenal's main target appears to be Brentford star Ivan Toney. The 27-year-old was one of the Premier League's top goalscorers last season, and Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Arsenal are holding internal talks over signing Toney next month.

Bees director Lee Dykes, speaking to the press recently, has also admitted the Englishman could leave Brentford "very shortly".

"There will be lots of interest in Ivan in January," Dykes told club media (via 90min).

Aerial duels

Offside awareness

Direct free-kicks

Passing

Through balls

Finishing

(via WhoScored)

"Naturally, there should be. He was the third-highest Premier League goalscorer last season – one of them [Harry Kane] has gone to Germany now, so he’s up there as one of the best strikers in the division. He is in the top five in the world, in my opinion.

"So there should be interest, and maybe the time comes very shortly that Ivan moves on to another club. But they will have to pay a decent transfer fee to acquire his services because he is some talent.”

The north Londoners appear a very viable destination for Toney mid-season, with the forward set to return from his ban for alleged gambling breaches mid-way through January.

Arsenal in pole position for Toney

According to The Independent and reliable journalist Miguel Delaney, Arsenal are "leading the chase" to sign Toney in January despite the presence of Chelsea and Tottenham.

In a further boost, Brentford are willing to do business, as highlighted by Dykes' public statement, but interested clubs will have to pay an initial £60 million to sign him – which could rise to £80m with add-ons.

£60m could actually be a reasonable fee where Arsenal are concerned, especially since Sky Sports were claiming he'd cost around £100m. Toney's 20-goal haul last term isn't the only draw for Arsenal either, with Jermaine Pennant even once tipping him to be a "better Ian Wright".

“I’ve said a few times that Toney would be a great signing for Arsenal," said the former Liverpool star (via TEAMtalk and The Express).

"He’d be a newer, better Ian Wright! It would be a walk in the park for him and he’d boost Arsenal."

As has been the way for Manchester United this season, it has typically been a case of taking one step forward and two steps back for the Red Devils, with that particularly evident during the final week of 2023 in the Premier League.

Having gone on a dismal run of four games without scoring in all competitions, the Old Trafford outfit subsequently bounced back in the thrilling 3-2 triumph over Aston Villa on Boxing Day, producing a stirring second-half comeback to thwart the surprise title hopefuls.

Any notion that such a result could be a turning point for the club's season was swiftly quashed just a few days later, however, with Erik ten Hag's men ending the year with a whimper following an abject, 2-1 loss away to Nottingham Forest.

While yet again the floundering outfit looked rather meek in attack, prior to Marcus Rashford's late equaliser, that grim defeat at the City Ground also highlighted the club's defensive woes once again, with Morgan Gibbs-White exposing United's shortcomings on the counter to claim an 82nd minute winner.

Far too often this season have Ten Hag's side been undone by a simple cutback from the opposition, with both Gibbs-White and Nicolas Dominguez capitalising on the space afforded to them inside the penalty area.

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Although the withdrawal of Kobbie Mainoo may have been a factor in that, it also highlighted the need for improvements to be made at the heart of the defence, hence the club reportedly stepping up their interest in a certain Jean-Clair Todibo.

Man Utd transfer news – Jean-Clair Todibo

According to transfer expert Rudy Galetti, United are believed to be the frontrunners in the race to sign the towering Frenchman from OGC Nice, with the Ligue 1 outfit said to be willing to cash in on the centre-back for a fee of around €60m (£52m).

The suggestion is that Chelsea are also interested in signing the 24-year-old – who has also caught the eye of Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur – yet it is the Red Devils who remain in "pole", with the one-time Barcelona ace identified as the "main target" for Ten Hag and co.

This comes amid reports throughout the summer window that the Old Trafford hierarchy were eyeing a move for the 6 foot 3 sensation, with such speculation only heightened by the recent confirmation that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is the owner of Nice, has bought a 25% stake in the Premier League side.

With rumours rife that Raphael Varane could be on his way in the near future, Todibo could well represent a long-term solution at the Theatre of Dreams.

Jean-Clair Todibo's season by numbers

Currently part of a Nice side that is just five points behind Paris Saint-Germain at the summit of France's top-flight, Todibo has helped to form a typically stubborn defensive unit so far this season, with the Ligue 1 outfit conceding just nine goals in 17 league games.

The in-demand talent has featured in 14 of those outings – helping to keep eight clean sheets – averaging an impressive 3.2 tackles and interceptions per game in that time, while also averaging a stellar 7.9 ball recoveries per game.

To be that into perspective, a resurgent Harry Maguire – who only recently claimed the Premier League's Player of the Month award for November – has averaged just 2.1 and 3.6 for those same two metrics, respectively, indicating the possible upgrade that United could have on their hands.

A further benefit of Todibo's arrival would be his composure in possession, as he boasts a pass accuracy rate of 91% and averages 101.6 touches per game as a marker of his willingness to play out from the back.

Varane, by contrast, averages only 45.8 touches per game and has a pass completion rate of 89%, further showcasing just what an asset Todibo would be both in and out of possession – hence why he has been dubbed the "complete package" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Not only could the Nice star strengthen the backline, but he could also prove a real blessing for those ahead of him, with such an addition potentially set to aid the likes of Casemiro, once he makes his long-awaited return from injury.

The stats to show how Todibo could help Casemiro

United's current woes have ensured that supporters are undoubtedly angling for the return of the experienced Brazilian, yet it wasn't too long ago that the 31-year-old was firmly under the microscope following his poor start to the campaign.

A talismanic presence last season – having been dubbed the "cement" in the side by Ten Hag – the former Real Madrid man was notably "torn to shreds" on the opening weekend against Wolverhampton Wanderers, as per Gary Neville, setting the tone for the woes that were to follow.

Since then – and with the midfield maestro sidelined with a hamstring issue since November – speculation has been rife that the Red Devils could be looking to cash in on their £70m signing, with Ratcliffe reportedly critical of the decision to sign the ageing asset on such a costly deal.

Shipping him off to Saudi Arabia may be the easy move, yet it does appear far too soon to write Casemiro off just yet, with the signing of a youthful, all-action presence like Todibo seemingly set to help breathe new life into the £350k-per-week monster.

28 games (24 starts)

4 goals

3 assists

7 'big chances' created

4.4 tackles & interceptions per game

1 key pass per game

65% aerial duels won

7.21 average match rating

Stats via Sofascore

Firstly, the Frenchman's "explosive pace" – as described by podcaster Nathan Clark – should allow him to mop up effectively in the backline and support Casemiro, with the Red Devils unlikely to be so easily caught out on the counter.

Equally, as previously noted, Todibo offers a stern last line of defence behind the midfield, showcasing that he ranks in the top 5% among his European peers for tackles made per 90, again ensuring he can effectively protect the man operating in that deep-lying pivot.

The one-time Schalke loanee also has the nous to be able to pick out the likes of Casemiro with a clever, incisive pass, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 18% for progressive passes per 90, while he also has the composure to receive the ball under pressure from the midfield.

Jean-Clair Todibo

1st January

David Alaba

18th December

Fikayo Tomori

16th December

Ronald Araujo

11th December

Marc Guehi

9th December

Leny Yoro

8th December

A figure with "superb build-up and defensive attributes" – as per Kulig – the two-cap international could be an undoubted brick wall at centre-back, ensuring that Casemiro and co can concentrate on impacting proceedings further forward, safe in the knowledge that they are protected behind.

As such, while the reported £52m price tag may appear somewhat steep for the mid-season window, with other Premier League clubs sniffing around, United simply must not hesitate if they are to get their man.

As good as Arsenal have been at times this season, recent slip-ups could prove costly come May with the Gunners now sitting fourth in the Premier League and five points adrift of leaders Liverpool. The January transfer window could yet turn the title race on its head, however, with the chance for all sides involved to sign key reinforcements.

Ahead of a crucial few months, Arsenal could prove their transfer genius once more by strengthening Mikel Arteta's squad. And that could include a deal to sign a Bundesliga gem ahead of Premier League rivals in an arrival that may benefit Arsenal in years to come.

Arsenal transfer news

After splashing out to sign Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and David Raya in the summer transfer window, it would be incredibly disappointing for those at The Emirates if Arsenal failed to win the Premier League title. The Gunners came so close last time out before Manchester City swooped in on their way to a historic treble win. Hoping to avoid that feeling of defeat for a second consecutive campaign and also in years to come, Arsenal could welcome one particular future star from the Bundesliga this month.

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal have been "informed" about a deal to sign David Odogu. The journalist posted on X:

With the potential to get one over on the likes of Chelsea and Brentford and sign a player with plenty of potential in the process, Arsenal could certainly be a club to watch in pursuit of Odogu. Given that the centre-back's contract will turn professional when he turns 18 on June 3, however, the Gunners may need to act quickly this month.

Odogu is an in-demand "top talent"

It speaks volumes that Wolfsburg are keen to keep hold of Odogu. The 17-year-old is yet to make his first-team debut but could take his opportunity with both hands when his first professional contract arrives in June. Before then, however, Arsenal could swoop in and hand the German the opportunity that he so desperately craves. Given Arteta's proven ability to work with young players too, having excelled with William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and others, Udogu could be wise to choose Arsenal over elsewhere in the Premier League.

Odogu is a player who's already caught the eye, including from Plettenberg, who described the Wolfsburg teenager as a "top talent" on X. As the January window progresses and Odogu's desire to leave Wolfsburg remains, he'll certainly be one to watch, especially if Arsenal make their move. Whilst the Gunners have one eye on the Premier League title, they could sign a player capable of playing a part in cementing Arteta's future legacy at The Emirates in years to come.

MatériaMais Notícias

No término da preparação para a partida de ida da final da Copa do Brasil, o Palmeiras realizou, na manhã deste sábado (27), na Academia de Futebol, o último treino antes da decisão contra o Grêmio, que será neste domingo (28), às 21h, na Arena do Grêmio, em Porto Alegre. O técnico Abel Ferreira comandou uma atividade tática e ensaiou algumas jogadas específicas.

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>>Saiba o valor pago para cada clube por sua posição no Brasileirão

No treino, o técnico dividiu o grupo em duas equipes para um coletivo, passou orientações e conversou individualmente com alguns jogadores, como Scarpa e Gabriel Menino. Na segunda parte do trabalho, a comissão focou no posicionamento das bolas paradas ofensivas e defensivas. Alguns atletas praticaram ainda cobranças de falta.

Sem Patrick de Paula, que testou positivo para Covid-19 no último dia 23, e Breno Lopes, que não pode ser inscrito devido ao fato de já ter jogado a competição pelo Juventude-RS, a provável escalação do Palmeiras é a seguinte: Weverton, Marcos Rocha, Luan, Gustavo Gómez e Matías Viña; Felipe Melo, Danilo, Raphael Veiga e Gabriel Menino (Zé Rafael); Rony e Luiz Adriano.

Após o treino, a delegação alviverde embarcou no período da tarde para a capital gaúcha e recebeu apoio de torcedores na saída da Academia de Futebol. A partida de volta, com mando alviverde, será disputada no domingo seguinte (7), às 18h, no Allianz Parque.

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Manchester United fans watched water gushing through the leaky roof of Old Trafford during their clash with Arsenal.

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Old Trafford's terrible condition exposed once againFans found water gushing through leaky stadium roofsMan Utd went down 1-0 against Arsenal on SundayWHAT HAPPENED?

As Sunday's Premier League clash between United and Arsenal approached full-time, fans were left bemused watching water leaking through the roofs of Old Trafford amid torrential downpours. The hosts went down 1-0 courtesy of a first-half strike from Leandro Trossard.

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Concerns were raised over the poor condition of Old Trafford's infrastructure earlier in the season. However, the club hierarchy concluded that renovation works could not be commenced while the season was still ongoing.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

The Red Devils, who are eighth in the league at the moment, will be next seen in action on Wednesday as they take on Newcastle United at home.

The 2023/24 Premier League season has been another one to forget for Chelsea fans, and it has only just crossed the halfway point.

The massive spending in the summer and the appointment of former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has done little to improve upon the poor performances of last year and if anything, the side look worse.

Aside from Cole Palmer and potentially Đorđe Petrović, it would be hard to describe any of the summer signings as successes, and with the January window now open and Benfica's Antonio Silva heavily touted for a move to Stamford Bridge, Axel Disasi could be about to lose his place in the starting XI – if not the entire club

Chelsea transfer news – Antonio Silva

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola (via Sport Witness), Chelsea are incredibly interested in Benfica's promising young centre-back Silva and have even made an offer in the region of €60m, which is about £52m.

However, the Portuguese giants swiftly rejected the proposal, and as such, the Blues have reportedly 'found the door firmly closed on them'.

That said, while the report is clear that the Eagles do not want to sell their star defender midway through the season, there is said to be a €100m – £86m – release clause in his contract, which the club have 'pointed to' as Chelsea and Manchester United have persisted in their interest.

It is going to take a serious effort from Todd Boehly and Co to get this deal over the line this month without paying for the full release clause.

Still, based on Chelsea's actions in the market in past years, they might just be able to get it done – to the detriment of current starter Disasi.

Axel Disasi could lose his place in the team to Antonio Silva

The 25-year-old Frenchman only joined the Blues in the summer from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, but he has already become one of the first names on the team sheet for Pochettino, starting 90% of Chelsea's Premier League games and 100% of cup games.

Yet, despite his seeming importance to the manager's set-up, he has not been all that impressive. In fact, he has been poor for much of the season, with talkSPORT pundit Andy Jacobs labelling him a "disaster" earlier in the season and former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand claiming that he wouldn't play him next season on his podcast, FIVE.

Now, players can often struggle in their first season in the Premier League, and so perhaps next year, when he has had time to acclimatise to the league, he'll be far more impressive and be able to justify his place in the XI, although at a team like Chelsea, in the state that they are in, he might not get that chance, especially if Silva comes in.

That said, how do the pair's underlying numbers compare? Is there a significant difference between them, or is this a classic case of the grass always being greener on the other side?

Unfortunately for Disasi, there is a difference and a marked one at that.

The Portuguese "smooth operator", as U23 scout Antonio Mango dubbed him, comes out on top in every critical metric and by quite some way in a few of them.

Stats per 90

Silva

Disasi

Progressive Passes

4.47

4.12

Progressive Carries

1.07

1.02

Passing Accuracy

92.5%

89.7%

Shot-Creating Actions

0.87

0.45

Tackles Won

1.80

0.68

Blocks

2.07

0.79

Interceptions

0.60

0.56

Clearances

3.47

3.28

Aerial Duels Wn

2.37

2.13

All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season

He wins far more tackles, makes more blocks, interceptions and clearances, wins more aerial duels than Disasi, and he's also more of a goal threat as he produces more shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90 than the Frenchman.

Ultimately, this would be an expensive deal to complete, and while it could be seen as harsh on the former Monaco man, if Chelsea have the chance to sign a player Mango described as being "born to play football", then they must take it.