Manchester United have a crucial couple of weeks ahead of them, with the hierarchy now tasked with making the right appointment to lead the club forward.

Ruben Amorim was handed his marching orders on Monday morning, subsequently leaving the role after spending 14 months at the helm and winning just 40% of his matches.

A lack of positive results will no doubt have played into the minds of the board, but his outburst and breakdown in relationship with members behind the scenes appears to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Whilst Darren Fletcher has been appointed on an interim basis ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Burnley, a long-term solution is needed at Old Trafford.

Numerous managers have already been massively linked with the role in recent hours, with a couple of whom already standing out as some of the hierarchy’s favourites.

Man Utd now in talks to appoint new manager

After Amorim was handed his marching orders yesterday, Roberto De Zerbi was named as a surprise option to take the reins, but he could well prove to be an excellent addition.

The Italian, who currently manages Marseille in France, has previously been interviewed by INEOS for the role, but they decided to move forward with Amorim instead.

However, it remains unclear if he would be open to a Premier League return after previously managing Brighton and Hove Albion for a two-year period in 2022 and 2024.

He’s not the only option currently being considered by the Red Devils board, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca now emerging as another key target for the role.

According to TEAMtalk’s latest report, the Italian’s agent has already been in contact with United chiefs about taking over, after he was also sacked from his role within the last week.

It also states that the 45-year-old would be keen to fill the role at Old Trafford, but the club will wait to interview other candidates before moving forward with any appointment.

Why Maresca would be a better appointment than Glasner

As previously mentioned, United are also keeping an open mind with other potential candidates, which has resulted in Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner also being considered at present.

The Austrian has been on their radar for some time, but a deal could be on the cards, especially considering he has just six months left on his deal at Selhurst Park.

It’s been reported that he’s unwilling to negotiate a new deal with the Eagles and is expected to depart and move onto pastures new at the end of his current contract.

Such a situation could certainly make the 51-year-old a top target to replace Amorim, but as previously mentioned, no rush is happening to make the next appointment.

However, given the options currently available, the Red Devils should look to pursue a move for Maresca in the week ahead, especially given his previous work at Stamford Bridge.

When comparing his Premier League stats to those of Glasner, the Italian has dominated in numerous key areas, which highlight why he’d be such an impressive appointment.

The former Chelsea boss, who’s been dubbed “one of the best managers in the world” by Pep Guardiola, has won more games whilst managing 14 fewer games in England than Glasner.

Maresca vs Glasner in Premier League

Statistics

Maresca

Glasner

Games managed

57

71

Wins

28

27

Draws

15

23

Losses

14

21

Goals scored

96

102

Goals conceded

64

88

Points per game

1.74

1.46

Stats via Transfermarkt

Such a record showcases his incredible ability to galvanise results and push for success in the Premier League – something which United have struggled with in recent years.

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During his time at Chelsea, his sides managed to achieve a better goal per game record, whilst also posting a better defensive record – highlighting the impressive work at both ends.

The Italian’s points per game record also showcases his ability to get needed results alongside impressive appearances, which again is desperately needed at Old Trafford.

Given his interest in taking over from Amorim at United, a deal should be an easy one to complete, but the hierarchy need to act swiftly if he’s to make the move.

As previously mentioned, the board are trying to keep an open mind over who takes the reins, but one of the best options is currently available in Maresca.

However, it looks unlikely that a move in the immediate future will be completed, which could lead the Red Devils to miss out on a potential incredible manager.

Related Man Utd can forget Glasner by hiring the "best young coach in Europe"

Manchester United could make a move for one top coach alongside Oliver Glasner after Ruben Amorim’s departure.

Posts ByEthan Lamb

After more than a year in charge at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim finally showed signs of flexibility and changed his system against Newcastle United.

He has played an infamous 3-4-2-1 for the majority of his tenure at Old Trafford, but fielded a 4-3-3 during the first half against the Magpies.

If this becomes a regular occurrence for Amoirm’s United side, then it opens up a plethora of new opportunities for spots in the side. One man who could be in luck is Kobbie Mainoo, who has not been given an opportunity this season, or in 2025 in general, despite his obvious talent.

Yet, there is hope that Mainoo might get his chance, and it is clear to see what he can bring to United’s midfield.

Why Mainoo still has a future at Man Utd

It has been quite the start to Mainoo’s short career so far. Despite the struggles he’s experienced this term with the lack of opportunity, he’s achieved a lot, including the winning goal in the 2023/24 FA Cup final, and starting for England in the Euro 2024 showpiece.

The 20-year-old has made 84 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring seven goals, including that one against Manchester City at Wembley, and assisting four.

However, this season has been very different.

This term, the Stockport-born sensation has only played 12 times, accumulating a little over 300 minutes. But the quality he brings on the ball is surely something Amorim must utilise more. Mainoo is a brilliant ball carrier, especially in small spaces, and can break lines with surges forward.

That is captured perfectly by some of his underlying numbers. In the last 365 days, the United academy graduate has ranked in the top 13% of midfielders in Europe for successful take-ons per 90 minutes, with 1.09.

It is clear that Amorim should give Mainoo more opportunities. But the Red Devils are targeting a midfielder who could reduce his chances even more.

Man Utd could land the new Paul Scholes

A report from The Athletic last week named United as one of the clubs ‘that have shown interest’ in signing AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit.

INEOS will face plenty of competition for the £52m star, though, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United also keen on the 19-year-old.

Despite his inexperience, it has been an impressive campaign for Smit in the middle of midfield for AZ. He has made 27 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and assisting a further five times.

He made a name for himself as a good box-crasher in youth football, too.

One of the best things about the Dutch under-21 international is the versatility he possesses. This term, Smit has tended to play as a number eight, but can operate deeper, at the base of midfield, and in a more advanced number 10 role.

One of the real standout skills in the young Dutchman’s game is his passing ability, especially in the final third. Smit is silky on the ball and “dominant” in possession, according to football analyst Ben Mattinson.

That is personified in his underlying numbers over the last year.

The 19-year-old has averaged 6.35 progressive passes and an impressive 1.93 key passes per 90 minutes, which places him in the top 19% and 8% of midfielders.

Smit key stats in last 365 days

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Progressive passes

6.35

81st

Key passes

1.93

92nd

Passes into penalty area

1.56

93rd

Progressive carries

2.38

94th

Take-ons completed

1.19

90th

Stats from FBref

With those passing stats in mind, it’s easy to compare the midfielder to United legend Paul Scholes. Few, if any, in Premier League history have been a better passer of the football than the Class of ‘92 member.

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Scholes was a true controller in midfield and impactful in the box. He bagged 155 goals for his boyhood club.

Arsenal great Thierry Henry once said, “the way he plays: one touch, arriving late into the box, the way he strikes the ball, his vision, his passing. Incredible.”

That is certainly reminiscent of Smit. The vision he possesses is eerily similar to Scholes, and the fact that he is such an effective player in the box. The similarities are clear to see, and that must be exciting as a United fan.

As for Mainoo, however, at a time when his game time has already been limited, the addition of another midfielder could well spell bad news for his future role under Amorim and INEOS.

Related The new Pogba: INEOS holding Man Utd talks to sign £100m “beast”

This player could improve Man Utd’s depth in midfield

Posts ByJoe Nuttall

Prithvi Shaw’s struck his third-first class hundred in only his fourth game as Mumbai went to stumps on 314 for 7 against Tamil Nadu at the Bandra Kurla Complex. Shreyas Iyer, picked in India’s T20 squad for the New Zealand series on Monday, made a counter-attacking 57.Electing to bat, Mumbai lost opener Akhil Herwadkar in the second over to seamer Yo Mahesh, playing his first game for Tamil Nadu in over three years. Mumbai, however, counterattacked through Shaw and Iyer; the pair added 98 off 118 balls. Shaw continued to score briskly even after Iyer’s dismissal – first in the company of Suryakumar Yadav, who made a run-a-ball 39, and then Siddesh Lad – and raised stands of 63 and 51 respectively for the third and fourth wickets.Tamil Nadu slowed down the scoring-rate by chipping away. After Yo Mahesh had Suryakumar lbw, India offspinner R Ashwin removed Lad and Shaw, who finished with 123 off 155 balls, including 17 fours and two sixes. Captain Aditya Tare (53) and Abhishek Nayar repaired the innings with a 63-run stand for the sixth wicket, but Vijay Shankar returned to dismiss Tare and Vijay Gohil to even things out. Ashwin (29-5-77-2) was the most economical bowler on the day.Tamil Nadu had an injury scare when allrounder Vijay Shankar landed awkwardly on his left ankle while celebrating a dismissal in the penultimate over of the day. Coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar said ice was applied on Shankar’s ankle that was subsequently strapped. “We need to wait and see how he holds up tomorrow,” Kanitkar told ESPNcricinfo. Shankar was Tamil Nadu’s most successful bowler on the day, taking three wickets.Centuries from captain Hanuma Vihari (143*) and opener DB Prasanth (127) and put Andhra in a commanding position as they finished on 278 for 2 against Odisha in Vizianagaram. This was Vihari’s second hundred in as many innings after he smashed 150 against Baroda in the previous round.Andhra’s decision to bat first received an early setback after KS Bharat was bowled by seamer Suryakant Pradhan in the sixth over. Prasanth and Vihari, though, put on 270 runs for the second wicket to frustrate Odisha. Both players scored 17 fours and Prasanth hit two sixes to Vihari’s one. It wasn’t until the penultimate over that Odisha achieved a breakthrough, as Basant Mohanty bowled Prasanth.Madhya Pradesh seamer Ishwar Pandey’s triple-strike reduced Tripura to 88 for 6 in Agartala on a day when only 40 overs were possible. Opting to bat, Tripura was immediately on the backfoot after opener Udiyan Bose was removed by Pandey. It triggered the fall of batsmen at regular intervals and from 53 for 2 Tripura slumped to 81 for 5. Only opener Bishal Ghosh (42*) resisted. Left-arm spinner Ankit Sharma complemented Ishwar’s spell with two wickets.

Sam Johnstone, Conor Townsend and Callum Robinson all struggled in West Brom’s disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Swansea City.

The Baggies were desperately looking for a victory at The Hawthorns on Monday night as they aimed to keep their increasingly slim Championship promotion hopes alive. Instead, Steve Bruce’s side endured yet another bad day at the office, losing 2-0 to the Swans amid much dissatisfaction from the home supporters.

According to Sofascore, three West Brom players stood out as the poorest performers on the night, among those to have played more than 45 minutes.

Sam Johnstone – 6.4

Johnstone could leave The Hawthorns for a Premier League club at the end of the season but this was not the most impressive showing from him.

The Englishman should have done better for Joel Piroe’s goal in the second half and his distribution was erratic, with nine of his long balls misplaced overall. Johnstone also only completed 72% of his passes on the night and lost the ball nine times.

Conor Townsend – 6.4

Townsend was another man who was below-par for the Baggies on a poor night for the left-back.

He lost possession 10 times and failed to make a single tackle or interception, as the Swans got the better of West Brom’s back-line. Also, both of Townsend’s attempted crosses were inaccurate, while he was beaten in three duels.

Callum Robinson – 6.4

Robinson was another underwhelming for Bruce’s side, failing to bring an attacking spark throughout the match.

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The 27-year-old didn’t manage a shot on target during the game and he also only won four out of 12 duels against the Swans. Robinson was wasteful in possession, too, losing the ball 14 times.

All in all, a difficult night for him and West Brom as a whole.

With Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side heading into Thursday evening’s Europa Conference League clash knowing they require something of a miracle to secure passage through to the next round of the competition, the 56-year-old Bhoys boss will undoubtedly be thinking up tactics that will provide his side with marginal gains over Bodo/Glimt at the Aspmyra Stadion.

Indeed, having been on the receiving end of a heavy 3-1 defeat in the first leg of the tie, the Hoops must defeat the Norwegian champions by two clear goals in order to take the game to extra-time, or three clear goals to see them through.

As such, the Greek-Australian coach simply must get his team selection absolutely spot on against Kjetil Knutsen’s impressive outfit if Celtic are to have any chance of qualifying for the next round of the tournament – with it appearing highly advisable for Postecoglou to make a change at left-back.

Postecoglou must unleash Taylor

While it is true that Greg Taylor endured a torrid evening up against Ola Solbakken, Hugo Vetlesen and Alfons Sampsted in the first leg of the tie – with the Scotland international earning an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.3 for his display – it would nevertheless appear a smart move to reintroduce the left-footer against Bodo/Glimt this evening.

Indeed, while Josip Juranovic is undoubtedly a fantastically talented player, who is more than capable of operating on the left of a back four, the fact that the Croatia international – who started at left-back in the 3-2 win over Dundee last weekend – is right-footed immediately makes Celtic more narrow, something that could well cause a problem against a side who set up in a 4-3-3 formation.

Indeed, with the middle of the park likely to be an extremely congested area of the pitch on Thursday, especially as Bodo/Glimt are an extremely efficient pressing side – as evidenced by their performance at Parkhead – playing a right-footer at left-back could quite easily play into the Norweigan’s hands.

Meanwhile, by starting the £8.2k-per-week left-footed Taylor, the 24-year-old would naturally look to progress the ball further up the pitch as soon as he receives it, in addition to generally providing Celtic with greater width when flooding forwards – something the Bhoys will undoubtedly need to do as often as possible if they are to have any hope of victory.

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As such, it would appear highly advisable for the 56-year-old to unleash the Scotland international who James McFadden dubbed a “brilliant” player who offers “so much more” down the left for Celtic against Bodo/Glimt, as he could well be the marginal gain Postecoglou is looking for.

In other news: Postecoglou could unearth Celtic’s next Dembele by unleashing 17 y/o “wonderkid”

Southampton could find themselves in the hat for the FA Cup quarter-final draw tomorrow, should they overcome the challenge that sits before them tonight, in the shape of high-flying Champions League-hopefuls West Ham.

The mood around the St Mary’s Stadium is one of excitement, with Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl guiding the club into the top half of the Premier League table, following a string of impressive performances.

With just three players confirmed as injured and unavailable, the Austrian manager hasn’t given too much away in terms of which players will be given the nod to start the game.

“Everybody [who is fit] is in contention and everyone has the chance to play tomorrow,” said Hasenhuttl at his pre-match press conference. “I have not decided yet 100 per cent what we are doing tomorrow.

“We have another session before where we can try a few things and we will see who gets the chance to play.”

With all of that in mind, here’s how we think the Saints will line up tonight against the Hammers, with four changes expected from the team which started against Norwich last Friday.

After being the highest-rated performer according to SofaScore in Southampton’s 2-1 victory against Coventry in the FA Cup fourth round, we expect 40-year-old Willy Caballero to return between the sticks tonight, in place of £72k-per-week earner Fraser Forster.

Meanwhile, in defence, Tino Livramento – who has just come back from injury, may give way for Frenchman Romain Perraud, with Kyle Walker-Peters returning to right-back.

In midfield, we expect Mohamed Elyounoussi to be replaced by £10m signing Nathan Redmond, who has returned from injury after a month out, while 22-year-old Ibrahima Diallo could give Oriol Romeu a much-deserved rest.

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Up top, Adam Armstrong is our pick to come in to replace Che Adams, who has played a lot of football recently.

Meanwhile, Armando Broja retains his place due to his recent form making him virtually undroppable in our opinion.

In other news: Forget Tino: Southampton gem with “super football intelligence” is their breakout star – opinion

West Ham United have been dealt yet another injury setback ahead of their upcoming Europa League fixture.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed on a recent episode of The West Ham Way podcast that Declan Rice is a doubt for the Europa League round of 16 clash against Sevilla on Thursday, as the midfielder has a virus.

Speaking about the current condition of the 23-year-old, the West Ham insider said: “Declan has some kind of virus which needs to be monitored. Apparently, he’s still not feeling great today [Monday], which is not good news.

“It’s not [the ongoing viral pandemic]. They’ve done a number of tests, and it’s been proven it’s not [related to the pandemic].

“I think it’s more like a chest infection with virus symptoms. Obviously, you can’t really play through that. You know what it’s like when you’ve got a real bad temperature and you just feel so run down and lethargic – there is no way you can play 90 minutes feeling like that.

“So, we’ve just got to hope that he miraculously recovers by Thursday because I think, at the moment, it’s going to be touch and go whether he’s going to be fit enough.”

Moyes will be devastated

Considering the fact that Jarrod Bowen looks as if he will be unavailable for selection for the trip to Sevilla after picking up an injury in the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, the news that Rice could also be set to sit out the round of 16 first leg tie is sure to have left David Moyes devastated.

Indeed, over his 26 Premier League appearances so far this season, the £75m-rated England international has been in imperious form for the Hammers, scoring one goal, registering four assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.8 key passes and taking 0.7 shots per game.

The £62k-per-week defensive midfielder has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.7 interceptions, 2.4 tackles, 51.9 passes, 71.2 touches and winning 5.4 duels – at a success rate of 58% – per fixture.

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These returns have seen the 23-year-old average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.20, not only ranking him as West Ham’s best performer in the league but also as the joint 25th-best player in the top flight as a whole.

As such, it is clear for all to see that being without the services of Rice, in addition to not being able to call upon Bowen, against Sevilla will come as a huge blow to the Hammers’ chances of securing a positive result at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium on Thursday – as well as being a situation that is sure to have left Moyes and West Ham supporters alike gutted.

In other news: Major blow: WHU dealt fresh injury setback ahead of Sevilla, Hammers will be seething

Wolves are set for a busy summer transfer window at the end of this season, with the likes of Ruben Neves, Max Kilman and Morgan Gibbs-White being linked with moves away from the club, while Joao Moutinho, Fernando Marcal and Romain Saiss currently will be leaving the club for free – unless new contract extensions can be agreed.

Another name now linked with an exit is versatile midfielder Leander Dendoncker, who has previously been described as “undroppable” by Dave Edwards despite never really nailing down one specific position as his own during his time at the club.

What’s the news?

In a report published by the Daily Mail, they claimed that Wolves “may listen to offers” for the Belgium international, who can fill in either at midfield or in defence.

Valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, any potential fee would likely be of a good value to the club, but his adaptability and versatility could be invaluable, with not too many players in world football right now being able to competently fill in those positions as well as Dendoncker.

Important squad player for Lage

Manager Bruno Lage has used the 26-year-old regularly this season, with him making 23 appearances in the Premier League, scoring one and assisting two on his way to earning an average match rating of 6.79 – which while may seem underwhelming, a number of his poorer games in terms of match rating have come from off the bench.

He’s a player that at club and country level can be counted on to add a bit more stability and control in the midfield – but may not catch the eye as much as the likes of Moutinho and Neves.

However, if Wolves get European football next season, players like Dendoncker should be kept around even if they aren’t going to be regular starters, as he in particular provides excellent squad depth in a number of areas.

Completing on average 86% of his passes in the Premier League, as well as making over one tackle, over one clearance and no errors leading to goals, he has shown that while at times he can be frustrating to watch, he is still a valuable asset at Molineux, and will be difficult to replace should he leave at the end of the season.

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With that in mind, letting a player leave what is already a small squad would be somewhat of a blunder from Lage and co.

In other news: Lage must unleash “phenomenal” £19.8m-rated Wolves ace who was a “baffling” signing

The board at Everton are now getting worried over the possible punishments they could face at the hands of the Premier League due to their devastating financial losses.

The Lowdown: Everton’s financial losses

Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri bought the Merseyside club in 2016 for a stunning £200 million.

Ever since, Everton have posted losses in all but one of the years with the Iranian businessman in charge. In the last three financial years, the Toffees have posted a combined loss of £265 million.

The £140 million loss in 2018/19 and the £112 million in 2019/20 both rank in the seven largest losses recorded by an English club.

The Latest: Everton board panicking

Whilst the Merseyside club have told the media that they will be able to demonstrate to the Premier League that they have worked within the profit and sustainability limits, fresh news has emerged, throwing this confidence in the air.

Football Insider has reported that the Everton board are now “frightened to death” of being “severely” punished by the Premier League, as a result of their huge financial losses.

An Everton source informed FI that there is a “big panic” amongst senior officials at the club, as they are worried the league could make an example of them by imposing strong sanctions, including the likes of transfer bans.

This would derive as a result of a combination of their losses and their involvement with Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, who is a close ally of Moshiri’s.

Usmanov was sanctioned by the UK government a fortnight ago.

The Verdict: Should be worried

A number of football finance experts have claimed that the Toffees are very close to breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

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The club have placed the blame on large Covid-related losses and the fact that they are currently building their new stadium Bramley-Moore Dock, which has incurred significant costs.

However, if the league do not find these reasons accurate and therefore acceptable, Everton could be in serious trouble.

In other news: Everton: Frank Lampard shares Andros Townsend injury update

Manchester United have been taking the opportunity to step up their pursuit for their next manager during the international break, with Mauricio Pochettino and Erik Ten Hag the two standout favourites for the position, although another name has been thrown into the ring for the job.

What’s the word?

Speaking on talkSPORT yesterday afternoon, former England striker Darren Bent has given his opinion on who United should be targeting for the challenging job at Old Trafford, with Roberto Mancini named by the ex-Tottenham marksman.

Bent told listeners of the Italian: “He is a winner. He is someone who has won the Premier League, so he has the experience.”

“I think he is better than Ten Hag, and certainly Mauricio Pochettino. He has proved he can do it in this country; I think that is vital. He has got the Premier League experience – I know he ended up leaving, but then he won a massive trophy with Italy in the Euros, so you cannot question his pedigree in winning things.”

Ten Hag alternative

Despite his allegiances to Manchester City, and his infamous spoiling of a seemingly nailed-on Premier League title win for United as Sergio Aguero scored in the 94th minute on the final day against QPR to steal the crown in 2012, duly leaving Sir Alex Ferguson furious, there seems little doubt that Mancini would improve the current situation at Old Trafford.

The Italy coach took his nation to victory against England in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley but has since crashed out of the World Cup in the qualifiers and will not attend the finals in Qatar this winter after the shock defeat to North Macedonia on Thursday night. With that in mind, it could be the ideal time for the 57-year-old to move on and seek a new challenge back in club football.

Given Mancini’s spell at the Etihad Stadium, it could split United supporters and would likely be a controversial appointment. However, with his winning mentality and ability to inspire victory by winning 14 trophies in his managerial career so far – including a Premier League title, FA Cup and two Serie A titles – he is not an option at whom United should be turning up their noses.

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With a decision expected to be made soon, the powerbrokers at Old Trafford must make a decision which will take the club back to the heights of winning trophies and competing in the Champions League regularly amid the longest trophy drought at the club in 40 years, and there is no doubt that Mancini has the CV and experience to get United back on their perch.

In other news: Man Utd suffer major Ten Hag setback which will have supporters worried