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Loads of Rangers fans have reacted to something Peter Lovenkrands posted on Instagram, as the former Ibrox hero was clearly enjoying the broadcast of his iconic cup final performance this weekend.

With no proper football to entertain us at the moment, clubs and broadcasters alike have had to resort to showing old matches to keep fans entertained, and the 2002 Scottish Cup final was shown on BBC this weekend.

Best of the Decade: Top scorers & creators – Can you name them?

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The Gers triumphed 3-2 over Celtic courtesy of a brace from Lovenkrands, with the Dane’s winning strike coming with virtually the final touch of the game, heading home from a Neil McCann cross just seconds before the 90-minute mark.

The 40 year-old, who is now coach for the reserves side at Ibrox, was watching the match along with fans on Instagram, live streaming his reaction to the winning goal.

Unsurprisingly, supporters were absolutely loving it, as they took to Twitter to share their joy, and you can find some of the best responses down below…

Rangers’ potential Alfredo Morelos replacements are absolutely abysmal…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Sheffield Wednesday have enjoyed eight of their 14 Championship matches with Garry Monk at the helm, and it is safe to say that they are currently on the right path.

The Owls have lost just one match under the 40-year-old as they sit in fifth position, only three points from the league-leading West Brom, who failed to win either of their games last week.

Watch Sheffield Wednesday Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

It is now 15 points from a possible 24 after Saturday’s 0-0 stalemate against local rivals Leeds United, which before the game had Monk well on track to surpass his three previous predecessors.

His impact at the club has been highlighted by Adam Reach, who spoke after that draw about the former Swansea City man.

The 26-year-old has started every single match under Monk, primarily on the right-hand side of midfield, so there’s no one better to explain just how well the manager has done than a player that has been a regular under him.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Reach said:

“We have stuck in there and got ourselves in a good position and finally I think we have got a manager who is the right man at the right time and we have got the quality of the players.

“We have got someone who is improving every player.

“I think everyone can admit they have improved in some area under him and we need to keep that going.

“There is plenty more work to do. We are always striving to get better.”

This glowing review of Monk’s reign so far only goes to show that Wednesday are serious contenders for promotion this season.

The division is hugely competitive with just four points separating second to 12th, which is crazy, but that doesn’t neglect the Owls’ chances one bit.

The 40-year-old is working with a squad that was completely inherited, meaning he’s effectively managing a team built by Steve Bruce, and to some extent, by caretaker boss Lee Bullen.

He can’t stamp his own mark, player-wise, until January if he chooses to do so.

Losing just one game in eight matches at a club that hasn’t seen the playoffs for over two seasons now is mightily impressive, and they’re only just improving.

After Blackburn Rovers this weekend, the south Yorkshiremen have to play West Brom and Swansea City, which should prove Wednesday’s credentials this season.

It certainly has been the right man at the right time.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over the reins from Jose Mourinho last December, Manchester United appear to have really embraced the counter-attacking life.

As per FourFourTwo, in the Red Devils’ key victories over the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain last season, the Manchester side registered under 40% of the possession. Then, against Chelsea to start off this campaign, the team blew away Frank Lampard’s men with a blistering display of breaking at speed, winning 4-0 whilst only having 46% of the ball.

Under the Norwegian, they have undoubtedly had some marquee wins. But slowly but surely, their emphasis on having just this one approach to beat teams is being found out – and at a major cost too. Having looked like they had turned the corner from their slump this campaign – United had held Liverpool before racking up three successive away wins over the past week or so – they fell to a dismal 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

It was the kind of performance that has been so typical of their season so far – not creating enough chances, and far too reliant on transition football to even remotely trouble the opposition defence. In total, Solskjaer’s men had just four shots on target – this despite them having an average of 58% possession. What is perhaps just as frustrating for the United manager, is that they only created one big chance. And that too from central midfielder Fred, rather than any of their attacking players.

The Red Devils simply didn’t have the creativity and ingenuity to unlock the Cherries defence, and it was a major surprise to see Solskjaer opt against bringing on the creative Juan Mata. Instead, the Norwegian introduced Jesse Lingard, another man whose raw pace is more suited to counter-attacking rather than picking passes.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

If United are to truly achieve success this season, then they desperately need to find a Plan B as soon as possible. Their main game-plan has been worked out, and they’re costing themselves big points in the Premier League because of it.

Chelsea chiefs now want a Premier League defender, who Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has publicly praised, with Todd Boehly and BlueCo already continuing transfer plans despite a very eventful summer window.

Chelsea spend nearly £300 million on 13 summer signings

The Blues spent close to £300 million (£271 million) on 13 new summer signings, with Joao Felix, Mike Penders, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga, Estevao Willian, Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Caleb Wiley, Omari Kellyman, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho all making the move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea offer 3 clubs out-of-window chance to sign "really talented" player

The Blues are eager to find him a landing spot.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 6, 2024

Chelsea also attempted a deadline day move for Victor Osimhen, but they ultimately failed to reach an agreement with the Nigerian, who was then forced to join Turkish Süper Lig side Galatasaray on loan.

Appearances

25

Goals

15

Assists

3

Shots Per 90

3.86

Key Passes Per 90

1.05

Successful Take-Ons Per 90

0.73

WhoScored

They were successful with one deadline day transfer, though, as Sancho joined Chelsea on loan at the eleventh hour. Their deal for the English winger includes an option to buy him next summer, set at around £20-£25 million, and it will be interesting to see if the Man United outcast can resurrect his career in west London.

Chelsea were also linked with a last-gasp move to sign a centre-back, with Benfica starlet Tomas Araujo entering their radar late in the window. It was rumoured that Enzo Maresca wanted another centre-half to replace Trevoh Chalobah, but given the latter's switch to Crystal Palace came in rather last-minute fashion, there was little time for a transfer to be done.

January could represent an opportunity to rectify that and provide Maresca with another astute option for his backline. There could be a few solid options available to them mid-season and when the winter window opens, including Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior.

Chelsea now interested in Jakub Kiwior

According to journalist Graeme Bailey and The Boot Room, Kiwior is considering an Arsenal exit in January, having pledged to help Arteta's side until the winter – where he will then ponder his options.

The former Spezia starlet, who commanded a £13 million price tag in the summer, made 20 Premier League appearances under Arteta last season – bagging three assists as a makeshift left-back, but centre-half is his natural position.

Chelsea are believed to be interested in signing Kiwior as they look at bringing in another central defender, as are other top-flight sides, so this could be worth monitoring heading into January.

“Very good!”, said Arteta on Kiwior and his versatility.

"Especially because obviously he had not a lot of moments before. We had some injuries, and we are asking him to play in a position that he hasn't played, and he's adapting very fast and his performances, they've been really consistent.

“And that's why you need the players that when you call on them, they step in and they get the job done.”

Leeds United are set to complete their sixth summer signing on Tuesday, according to reliable reporter David Ornstein.

Leeds eye multiple signings before deadline

The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises ended a month long wait for another new addition last week by bringing in Largie Ramazani from Almeria.

He became the fifth addition of the window, joining Joe Rodon, Jayden Bogle, Joe Rothwell and Alex Cairns at Elland Road. The Belgian looks set to fill the void left by Crysencio Summerville and said after signing:

“Finally I'm here, I'm excited and I can't wait to get started. You know how big the club is and it was an easy decision for me and I just decided, you know what, this is a no-brainer.

“I'm very excited to come back to England, especially to a big club like this. The fans and the club, I know how big it is. It's an emotional team, very passionate and that's something I love.

“I bring a little bit of that different flair and different type of skills. I think I can excite the fans and bring something different to the team. I think the objective is very clear and I’m just excited.”

More signings are wanted before the transfer deadline on Friday, though, with an attacker, midfielder and full-back all on the radar, according to The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth. Now, another new attacker looks set to join him in Yorkshire under Daniel Farke.

Leeds set to submit last-gasp bid for 26 y/o who scored twice this weekend

The Whites have left it late…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 26, 2024 Leeds to sign Manor Solomon from Tottenham

Winger Manor Solomon looked set to join on a season-long loan from Tottenham, with the news breaking following Leeds’ 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening. However, a move has since gone quiet in the media, and it looks as if there was late interest elsewhere in the Israel international.

Now, Ornstein has confirmed that Solomon will complete his move to the Whites on Tuesday, joining on loan without an option to buy in a boost for the 49ers and Leeds.

Solomon, called an “important” player by Fulham manager Marco Silva, picks up £60,000-a-week with Spurs and actually has a 100% win record vs Leeds. Both of his victories over the Whites came in the 2022/23 season on loan at Fulham. He scored a brilliant goal in a 2-0 FA Cup win and also came off the bench in a 2-1 Premier League victory, playing on the left wing on both occasions.

He now looks set to feature under Farke for the remainder of the campaign, offering the manager an option out wide and in an attacking midfield role, something which could be handy as the season progresses.

Hoping to seal their summer by ticking one last target off their list, West Ham United are reportedly at an advanced stage to sign an attacking reinforcement and are now happy to meet his valuation.

West Ham transfer news

The Hammers have arguably had one of the best transfer windows in the Premier League, signing the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Crysencio Summerville, Jean-Clair Todibo and several others. And Julen Lopetegui has already started to reward the owners for that investment, picking up his first three points as a West Ham manager in their 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

Even after a successful summer so far, however, the London club may not be done there on the incomings front, having been linked to the likes of Raheem Sterling and Carlos Soler.

Reports even suggest that their deal to sign Soler from Paris Saint-Germain is a priority for sporting director Tim Steidten, with negotiations ongoing to seal the Spaniard's signature. In a move to add more creativity to Lopetegui's midfield, Steidten has also reportedly turned his attention to signing a solution to the Hammers' long-term striker problem.

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport via Sport Witness, West Ham are now at an advanced stage in their deal to sign Tammy Abraham and are even happy to meet his valuation of €20m-€25m (£17m-£21m) in the coming days.

West Ham star who won 88% duels was the real hero over Soucek

West Ham star proved his worth with an excellent performance.

ByConnor Holden Aug 25, 2024

This follows earlier reports that West Ham were close to meeting that price tag, with the fresh update indicating that any gap has now been bridged ahead of the forward's potential arrival. A Chelsea academy graduate, Abraham looks increasingly likely to be on his way back to the Premier League, where he could haunt his former club by starring for a London rival in England's top flight this season.

Is Abraham better than Fullkrug?

It would have been easy to assume that West Ham were done with signing strikers after welcoming Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund earlier this summer, but he was never a long-term option at 31 years old. That's where Abraham could come in and instantly usurp the German this month, with his Premier League know-how a vital advantage in what would be an intense battle for the starting spot.

Appearances

89

Goals

26

Assists

5

Managing a goal contribution just over every two games during his previous Premier League spell, Abraham would be arriving a more experienced forward this time around at 26 years old. Looking to rediscover his best form after an injury-ridden year or so at Roma, the London Stadium should be an ideal environment to do just that.

Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is someone who will certainly be keeping an eye on the England international, having praised Abraham during his time in charge. Lampard told Chelsea's official website: "I’m delighted with Tammy. He has a really great attitude in training, a desire to score goals and his all-round game was really good as well. Myself and the staff are working closely with him on little bits of his game where I think he can be even better and he’s been very receptive to that."

Aston Villa could complete the signing of Napoli winger Hirving Lozano in the summer transfer window, according to his former advisor Alessandro Monfrecola.

Are Villa linked with Lozano?

The £97,000-a-week Mexican has enjoyed a hugely successful season at club level, winning the Serie A title with Napoli and becoming an instant hero along with his teammates, considering it is their first league crown since 1990.

That being said, Lozano wasn't actually a guaranteed member the starting lineup throughout 2022/23, invariably having to settle for a squad role and starting only 20 of his side's 38 league matches.

In recent times, the winger has been linked with a summer move to Villa, as the club look to make a number of significant signings to strengthen an already-impressive squad.

What's the latest transfer news on Lozano?

Speaking to Area Napoli [via Sport Witness], Monfrecola admitted that he could see Lozano joining either Villa or West Ham as he enters the last 12 months of his contract:

"West Ham’s proposal for Lozano? I believe that if Lozano leaves Napoli he will do so for an English club. The rumours coming from Mexico tell me that there is interest from English clubs. I think Aston Villa or West Ham will be the solution for Lozano.

"He’s had a year below his expectations, so such a large salary in De Laurentiis’ view is not good. When Raiola died, he was one of the few to change agency, moving towards an agency developed towards buying and selling in England, this is his dream, the boy’s signal is clear. He is fine in Napoli, but his dream is to play in the Premier League."

Lozano could be an excellent signing for Villa, possessing real pedigree at both club and international level, considering he is now a Serie A champion – he won the Erdedivisie with PSV in the past, too – and has also scored 17 goals in 64 caps for Mexico, including one at the 2018 World Cup.

The 27-year-old would add a spark out wide that has arguably been lacking, with someone like Leon Bailey not a consistently strong performer – he only scored four goals in 33 Premier League appearances last term – with his speed and directness having the potential to cause opponents nightmares.

These are exactly the type of signings that Villa need to be making, in terms of taking them to that next level, and bringing in Lozano would feel like a big statement of intent.

For all the disappointment of Saturday's FA Cup final defeat, Manchester United can reflect upon what was largely a positive campaign under Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman having steered the club to Champions League qualification and Carabao Cup glory in his first season at the helm.

The United players appear to have benefitted from the arrival of the former Ajax boss, with Marcus Rashford, in particular, having looked rejuvenated after netting career-best figures of 30 goals in all competitions – after scoring just five goals in the previous campaign.

Another major success story for the 53-year-old has been that of teenage winger, Alejandro Garnacho, with the young showman enjoying a real breakout campaign after bagging five goals and five assists in 34 appearances across all fronts.

Having initially caught the eye after playing a key role in the club's FA Youth Cup success in the 2021/22 season – having netted twice in the showpiece win at Old Trafford – the 18-year-old has shaken off early concerns over his attitude to establish himself as a vital part of the Red Devils squad, notably being hailed as a "game changer" off the bench by journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

How much is Garnacho worth now?

That early promise has shown just what a bargain it was to snap up the Argentina international for a minimal fee of just £100k from Atletico Madrid back in 2020, with transfer insider Dean Jones suggesting that the Madrid-born starlet could now be worth in the region of £50m.

Asked about the wide man's current worth – in an interview with Football Fancast – the respected source stated:

"You've just got to compare to what players are worth in that position. Almost immediately – as a player that's playing in the first team at Man United, getting outings – as an exciting player, you're straightaway worth £50m. There's not really any question about that.

"So Garnacho will already be in that bracket. So how high can he go? That's the question."

As Jones alluded to, it remains to be seen if the "dangerous" asset – as hailed by club legend Paul Scholes – can kick on over the coming years, although it is clear to see that the 5 foot 11 ace is already being tipped for big things despite his relative youth.

Argentina legend Mario Kempes has notably hailed the "personality" of the teen speedster, while also going as far as to state that Garnacho "reminds him of [Kylian] Mbappe".

While that may be a bold comparison to make, the fact that the United ace is already making an impact at such a young age is a testament to his quality, with Mbappe – who now boasts 239 club career goals – notably making his Monaco debut at the age of just 16 back in 2015.

Somewhat like the 24-year-old Frenchman – who scored a hat-trick in last year's World Cup final – Garnacho has also shown he can be the man of the big occasion, having netted away to Leeds United at Elland Road, while also popping up with an assist in the victory over Manchester City back in January.

Even in the recent meeting with City at Wembley, the exciting prospect showed no signs of nerves after entering the fray late on, having 'looked like United's only hope' in the second half, according to GOAL's Richard Martin.

To think that just a year on from his FA Youth Cup heroics the youngster is now something of a difference-maker in the first-team is truly impressive, with that £50m price tag arguably more than justified.

Manchester United will be confident that they can tie down Marcus Rashford on a new deal for the coming years at Old Trafford, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Marcus Rashford?

Cited by Viaplay quoted by The Manchester Evening News, Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has signalled that he expects Rashford to renew his £200k-a-week contract at Old Trafford, which is set to run out in the summer of 2024. The 53-year-old said: "I expect Marcus Rashford to renew. He wants it. Manchester United wants it. He is a child of this club, so I assume this will happen."

The Red Devils are said to be making 'good progress' in their efforts to extend the 25-year-old's stay at Old Trafford and could make him Manchester United's best-paid player to ensure he stays at his boyhood club, as per The Telegraph.

Rashford has enjoyed a fantastic season at Manchester United and has been recognised for his consistent performances, being awarded Manchester United's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year award.

In 2022/23, the England international has racked up 30 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Manchester United will offer Rashford a contract that will reflect his status as a key player at the club.

Jones said: "They need to build around Rashford, they need to make sure that he is somebody the crowd can attach to; you've got to have that when building a project like this.

"Rashford doesn't want to leave, he's never wanted to leave, but it's just a case of making sure that he gets the right deal for where he is in his career right now. So I think the excitement will be pretty big.”

Should Manchester United build their team around Marcus Rashford?

It's hard to argue otherwise given his contribution to Manchester United this term and Ten Hag will be keen to see more of the same from his star man in 2023/24.

The Dutchman has tipped Rashford to hit the 40-goal mark next season, as per The Independent, stating: he can improve but I am happy from where he was last season to what he did now, that he brings himself back. We supported him where we could, with the way of play but also in his mental mindset, so we are happy with that. But, yeah, we have to push for more and I am sure he’s capable to score 40 goals in a season, to make also for him the next step.”

WhoScored note that Rashford has been Manchester United's third-most consistent performer behind Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, earning an average match rating of 7.08/10 for his performances.

Rashford has also recorded 120 shot-creating actions in all competitions, as per FBRef, demonstrating his ability to be a chance provided as well as a goalscorer.

It is clear there is more to come from Rashford and Manchester United fans will be desperate to see him sign a new deal at Old Trafford.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou could dip into the market in the summer transfer to bolster his squad in spite of their domestic success this season.

The Hoops can complete the treble on Saturday if they beat Inverness in the final of the Scottish Cup, after already securing the League Cup and the Scottish Premiership.

However, they are reportedly looking to bolster their attack and midfield in the coming months ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and winger Ryotaro Ito is said to be a target.

The Daily Record claimed that the Albirex Niigata talent is one of the names on Postecoglou's radar heading into the transfer window, as the head coach looks to raid Japan once more.

Celtic's manager could now brutally ditch winger Liel Abada from Parkhead by swooping for Ito as the 25-year-old arriving in Scotland would open the door for a player in the forward areas to depart.

In April, Football Insider reported that the Hoops could cash in on the attacker this summer and that they could rake in a fee of up to £10m for his services.

How has Liel Abada performed this season?

The 21-year-old scored ten goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances in the Premiership and failed to contribute directly to a goal in five outings in the Champions League.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.01 and created 1.1 chances per game in the Scottish top-flight and these statistics show that the wizard was a consistent threat for the Hoops domestically.

The dynamo provided a big goal threat and regularly provided his teammates with opportunities to score from, which shows that the youngster made a significant impact in the final third for Postecoglou.

However, Ito, who can play out wide or through the middle, could come in as a potential upgrade on the Israel international, which would allow the club to bin the current Hoops star.

Who is Ryotaro Ito?

He is a 25-year-old phenomenon who has been in exceptional form in the J1 League in 2023 since earning promotion from the second tier in 2022.

Ito has racked up seven goals and two assists in 15 appearances in the division. The whiz has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.47 and created an eye-catching 3.2 chances per match, which shows that the gem is capable of slicing open the opposition's defence multiple times in each game.

Japanese author Yatao hailed the maestro as a "tremendous talent" and that comment is backed up by the attacking midfielder's sensational form in the J1 League.

Ito has proven himself capable of scoring goals and creating chances on a regular basis whilst maintaining a high standard with his average performance level.

This means that Postecoglou could ditch Abada this summer and not have to worry about losing his production in the final third as the Niigata star could come in and offer more at the top end of the pitch if he is able to adapt to Scottish football.