Man Utd told to keep 'good character' Casemiro despite Saudi interest and eye-watering £340k-a-week wages as ex-Red Devils star claims struggling Brazilian can still be 'valuable'

Manchester United have been advised by a former Red Devils defender to keep Casemiro despite the Brazilian's concerning drop-off in performances.

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Silvestre urges United to keep midfielderBrazilian has had difficult pre-seasonSerial-winner's character can be an assetWHAT HAPPENED?

Casemiro was one of United's best performers in Erik ten Hag's first season but his form nosedived in his second campaign. He was so poor that in May Jamie Carragher urged him to quit football at the highest level. Former United defender Mikael Silvestre, however, has urged the club to give him another chance.

AdvertisementWHAT SILVESTRE SAID

"I think he still has the energy and enough in the tank to respond to that and show that he is still a valuable player for the team," Silvestre said in conversation with . "Not maybe every single game because it's quite intense but in the biggest fixtures, most of the time he was performing to the level he’s expected to. I wouldn’t rush to any conclusions for Casemiro, he seems like a good character to have in the dressing room. If the team wants to get back to winning ways, they need these types of players around."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Casemiro was dropped from Brazil's squad for the Copa America, meaning he enjoyed a rare break over the summer. However, the extended rest has not led to an improvement in performances and he has struggled to impose himself on games during United's pre-season. He has two years left on his contract and is United's second-highest earner, on a reported £340,000 per week ($431k). The Saudi Pro League has been touted as a potential destination for him, but Silvestre believes United should keep him in the team.

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'GOOD LEADER'

"Not unless the club has recruited and has someone coming in through the pipeline. It’s important for the manager to have the right amount of players in training and the right amount of players in the defensive midfield area," Silvestre said. "Of course you have Kobbie Mainoo but besides him, you can’t identify another top number six in the squad. There's still another three weeks until the window shuts. I wouldn't be shocked if Casemiro was playing for another season, it's not like United are challenging for the title so I think if you consider this period as a transition, he could still be a good leader in that squad."

Ten Hag could ease LB woes by trialling Man Utd "monster" in new role

Manchester United have turned more corners than a Formula One driver this season, having repeatedly produced a statement performance to help lift the mood around Old Trafford, only to then meekly throw it all away in their next outing.

That was notably the case at the weekend, as two weeks on from the thrilling 4-3 win at home to rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup, the Red Devils all but ended any realistic hopes of Champions League qualification away to a struggling Brentford side.

Mere moments away from what would have been a richly underserved smash-and-grab win at the Gtech, in true United fashion the visitors buckled at the death, with Kristoffer Ajer heaping the scrutiny back on Erik ten Hag – for some now a 'dead man walking' as the summer looms.

For all the tactical questions that can be asked of the former Ajax boss, the Dutchman has certainly not been helped by injuries throughout this wretched campaign, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka's dismal 2/10 display – as dished out by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst – once again laying the bare the issues at left-back.

With that in mind, here's a look at the 'options' Ten Hag has at his disposal to fill that problem position, in the absences of both Luke Shaw and the forgotten Tyrell Malacia…

1 The Obvious Option Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot

While Wan-Bissaka performed admirably up against Mohamed Salah just a fortnight ago, his shortcomings as a makeshift left-back were brutally exposed on Saturday night, having lost the ball on 12 occasions in what was a worrying performance.

It may then make sense to switch the former Crystal Palace man to the opposite flank moving forward, with Diogo Dalot arguably a better or more obvious option to slot in on the left, having done so on 35 occasions in his career to date.

While currently shining on the right – having perhaps emerged as Ten Hag's 'best player' of late – the Portuguese ace may represent one of few practical alternatives to Shaw and Malacia, having scored in that left-sided role against Wigan Athletic this season, as well as against Nottingham Forest last term in the Premier League meeting at the City Ground.

2 The Tactical Tweak Lisandro Martinez

Even with the recent injury concerns for Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane at centre-back, it may be time for Ten Hag to trial his returning "monster" Lisandro Martinez – as hailed by Shaw – at left-back, with the Argentine the only senior, left-footed defender available at the club at present.

The World Cup winner marked his return from an eight-week absence as a late substitute against the Bees, albeit while enduring a tricky cameo after failing to win a single duel and also being restricted to just 13 touches.

In need of minutes in order to get fully back up to speed, deploying Martinez in that left-back berth may not be the worst idea, particularly considering his innate quality on the ball, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 6% among his European peers for pass completion across the last 365 days, as per FBref.

What also sets the 5 foot 10 menace apart is his ability to carry the ball out from the back with ease, as shown by the fact that he also ranks in the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90 and in the top 7% for assists, ensuring he could provide an outlet down the left flank to support the likes of Marcus Rashford.

Taking the star centre-back away from the heart of the backline is not ideal, but at a time when needs must, Ten Hag has few other solutions…

3 The Wildcard Option Harry Amass

At a time when 16-year-old Lamine Yamal is shining at Barcelona, perhaps United could unleash their own precocious teen in the form of Harry Amass, with the former Watford starlet currently thriving in the youth ranks at left-back.

A bold call it would be to turn to a player who has only just turned 17, yet Amass is already viewed as "Luke Shaw's successor" – according to journalist Alex Turk – following a promising first six months or so in Manchester.

The England U17 international has scored once and provided three assists in 14 U18 Premier League games in 2023/24 thus far, having also made his debut for the U21 side against Middlesbrough back in early March.

Having seen the success of promoting the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho of late – with a young Rashford also once benefitting from an injury crisis in the first-team – there could be worse ideas than to hand Amass chance in the coming weeks.

Man Utd could soon replicate Saka's rise by unleashing "wonderkid" at LB

Erik ten Hag could look to an academy talent to solve his left-back woes…

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Ênio, do Botafogo, reconhece erro e pede desculpa após atuar em torneio amador: 'Fui irresponsável'

MatériaMais Notícias

Ênio se pronunciou pela primeira vez desde que foi flagrado atuando em um torneio amador, em Duque de Caxias, no último domingo. Por meio das redes sociais, o jogador do Botafogo reconheceu o erro e pediu desculpas.

+ Ênio joga torneio amador, terá que se isolar e está fora da final da Copa do Brasil; Botafogo estuda punição

Durante a folga, Ênio jogou um torneio amador pelo Boby Marley FC e teve contato com aglomeração e pessoas sem máscara. Pelos protocolos de Covid-19, o atleta foi afastado dos treinamentos e dia a dia do Botafogo por dez dias e multado pelo clube.

Isto quer dizer que o jogador ficará de fora da final da Copa do Brasil sub-20, diante do Coritiba, que será disputada no próximo domingo. Apesar de já estar no dia a dia da equipe profissional, era praticamente certo que Ênio seria “emprestado” ao time de base visando a decisão.

– Quero pedir desculpa pelo meu erro. Fui inocente e irresponsável. Me coloquei em risco, assim como coloquei meus companheiros e os funcionários (do clube) também. Assumo minha falha e as consequências. Vou usar isso para refletir. Peço desculpas de novo aos meus companheiros e principalmente para a torcida, que sempre me deu muito carinho. O Botafogo é a minha casa e vou trabalhar dobrado para voltar a honrar essa camisa – escreveu o atleta.

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Man City set to make £300,000-a-week contract offer to star who Pep loves

Manchester City are set to make a huge contract offer to an "incredible" player who Pep Guardiola loves, according to a new update.

Man City players' contract situations

The reigning Premier League and European champions have a remarkable squad currently, with world-class players littered throughout it from back to front.

Guardiola has so many individuals who are integral to the team's success moving forward, and for that reason, he will want to ensure that there is no threat of them leaving in the near future, especially on free transfers if their contracts expire.

In fairness, the only player out of contract this summer is goalkeeper Scott Carson, who is far from a key man, with all due respect, but it is a different story in the years that follow.

Kevin De Bruyne for Manchester City

Next year, Kevin De Bruyne will see his current deal expire, and considering he remains one of the best players in the world, the hope could be that he decides to stay on for longer.

In 2026, Ederson, John Stones and Bernardo Silva, three more key players for Guardiola, will be able to leave for free, too, highlighting the importance of keeping an eye on their contract situations. Silva has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain in the recent past.

Now, a significant update has emerged regarding another influential ace at the Etihad – one that is extremely positive.

Man City ready huge new deal for Rodri

According to an update from The Mirror, Manchester City are set to offer Rodri a big new contract, with Guardiola believing he "has developed into his most important player over the last 12 months".

An improved deal would see the Spaniard, currently on £180,000-a-week, earn a whopping £300,000 per week, with negotiations expected to begin at some point in the near future.

Rodri celebrates scoring for Manchester City.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of Rodri to this City side, with the 27-year-old arguably the best player in the world in his position currently. Earlier this week, he broke the record for the longest unbeaten run for a player in Premier League history, taking his tally to 59 at the time and making it 60 after Saturday's 4-2 win away to Crystal Palace.

Guardiola is clearly under no illusions as to how important the Spain international is to him, too, calling him "incredible" recently, and for all the brilliance of the likes of De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and others, it is hard to argue against him being the first name on City's team sheet currently.

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Still only 27, there is no reason why Rodri cannot remain at his peak for the foreseeable, so tying him down to a long-term extension should be seen as priority business by the club. He may not see a reason to leave the Etihad, too, considering he is playing for the world's best club side – one who are looking to win back-to-back trebles this season.

Rangers’ Barisic replacement plan in tatters after Fabrizio Romano update

Rangers have been handed a hefty blow as it has emerged that their succession plan for one of their stars now lies in ruins.

Barisic set to leave Ibrox

Though a longtime servant at Ibrox, it appears that Borna Barisic's time with Rangers is coming to an end. The Croatian defender is out of contract this summer and is yet to pen fresh terms at the club he has spent the last six seasons with, meaning that he will be a free agent come the end of the season.

He has appeared only 15 times in the Scottish Premiership this season and racked up just over 1000 minutes in the competition, far less than the 2500 he managed last campaign. Indeed, he has fallen down Philippe Clement's pecking order, with Ridvan Yilmaz often preferred to the 31-year-old, but he too has been linked with an exit.

Ridvan Yilmaz

Though it has been a successful campaign to date for the Ibrox outfit, it has been far less impressive for Barisic, who has spent much of that season among the substitutes.

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ByRoss Kilvington Mar 13, 2024

It seems clear that the club are preparing for life without their longtime left-back, and with Yilmaz also not certain to be at Ibrox next season, the Gers were already planning to recruit another left back, but were looking for ways to outsmart the market to get a deal done cheaply.

However, that hope has just been scuppered.

Gers target has already chosen his next club

One of the reported replacements was FC Twente left-back Gjis Smal, who is set to be out of contract with the Dutch side this summer.

This would have allowed Rangers to pounce and sign the 26 year old on a free transfer, allowing them to keep their financial muscle for other deals in the transfer market. They had been interested in the Dutchman in January, but ultimately opted to wait rather than splash out to sign him.

How Smal compares to current Rangers options (23/24)

Borna Barisic

Ridvan Yilmaz

Gjis Smal

Appearances

20

24

17

Goals

0

1

0

Assists

3

1

1

Tackles + interceptions (per 90 mins)

3

1.95

2.55

Progressive passes (per 90 mins)

4.2

N/A

6.9

As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Smal has already agreed a move away from Twente this summer, but he isn't headed to Ibrox.

Instead, he has opted to stay in the Netherlands, where he will sign for Feyenoord. Though no official confirmation has been given, Romano has taken to X to explain that there is a "verbal pact in place" and that the agreement for him to join as a free agent is "almost done" after Smal "turned down a proposal from abroad", which could well be from Ibrox.

The news will come as a blow to Clement, who will now have to return to the drawing board in search of a left back or make a belated offer for Barisic to stay.

Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney take Australia into tri-series final

A brilliant bowling performance from Australia young duo of Sophie Molineux and Tayla Vlaeminck has put Australia into the tri-series final against India after England were strangled in the middle overs chasing just 133 at the Junction Oval.Molineux took 3 for 19 off the back of Vlaeminck’s two early breakthroughs in the powerplay. Jess Jonassen also bowled a superb spell as England not only failed to chase down the total but they also fell short of the 124 needed to stay ahead of India on net run-rate after all three teams were tied on the table with two wins each from four matches.Earlier, Australia’s innings was held together by a calm and skillful half-century from Beth Mooney in the face of a top-order collapse against England’s spin twins. Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn bowled superbly to take 4 for 37 between them from eight overs to leave Australia in a huge hole. But Mooney’s defiance, plus a handy 24 from Rachael Haynes late in the innings gave Australia a defendable total of 7 for 132.Australia will now meet India in the final on Wednesday at the Junction Oval.Healy’s horror run continueHealy’s last T20I innings prior to this series was a women’s world record of 148 not out against Sri Lanka back in October last year. In this series, she has scored just 11 runs in four innings and yet again she fell to Katherine Brunt. After just three balls she pulled a length ball straight down the throat of Dani Wyatt who was perfectly placed at deep midwicket. Brunt has now claimed Healy eight times in T20Is. The spin of Ecclestone and Glenn then took control. Their lengths were outstanding, hitting the top of stumps consistently but they mixed their pace to cause Australia all sorts of issues with three big guns clean bowled. Ash Gardner was undone by Ecclestone, deceived completely in flight running down the track. Meg Lanning was bowled misreading length from Glenn after struggling to rotate the strike, while Ellyse Perry tried to create a cut shot from an Ecclestone arm ball that zeroed in on off stump. It left Australia 4 for 79 in the 13th over.Mooney shinesRather than punching balls to fielders in the ring for no reward, Mooney was prepared to drop and run with soft hands and wait for the bad balls to come. Any width that was offered she was able to carve through and over the offside. She made her second half-century of the tournament from just 39 balls with six boundaries. But she too made an error in judgement against Glenn trying to pull a ball that skidded low and crashed into the stumps. But Haynes picked up the slack after a lean summer. She made a valuable 24 from 21 with a six and a four late in the innings to ensure the total ticked up over 130.Valuable VlaeminckPerry noted during the week that extra pace would be a weapon in the T20 World Cup after Vlaeminck took 3 for 13 against India in Canberra last weekend. Vlaeminck’s injury history has seen the Australian hierarchy use her sparingly in this series, playing just one game per weekend. She was badly missed against India on Saturday and proved why with a rapid spell that changed the game. England were cruising at none for 21 in the fourth over. Vlaeminck hit Wyatt in the helmet via a top edge with a ball nudging 120kph. She then had her caught off the glove down the leg side two balls later. Two overs later Vlaeminck was unfortunate not to have Nat Sciver lbw but was too quick for Amy Jones, rattling her leg stump to leave England 2 for 39 at the end of the powerplay.Spin to winLanning held her spinners back until the ninth over with Sciver and Heather Knight looking very comfortable against Australia’s other medium pacers. Sciver tried to target Molineux straight away and holed out to deep midwicket. It started a rot with Molineux and Jonassen matching what Ecclestone and Glenn did earlier. The two left-arm orthodox bowlers targeted the stumps and mixed their lengths and lines to put England in a spin. Heather Knight was stumped running past one from Molineux after her and Fran Wilson scored just 7 runs in 10 balls following Sciver’s dismissal. Wilson was also stumped off Jonassen while Tammy Beaumont was bowled trying to reverse sweep Molineux as the run-rate ground to a halt. It left England 6 for 70 needing 63 runs from 42 balls. They were unable to get near Australia’s target with the tail only scoring five boundaries in the last seven overs to miss out on the final.

"We’re used to Rangers…" – Sutton is at it again after Ross County defeat

Chris Sutton has aimed another dig at Rangers after their shock Scottish Premiership defeat away to Ross County over the weekend, as he looks to get a rise out of supporters once again.

Rangers suffer damaging defeat

Philippe Clement's side had the chance to close the gap at the top of the table on Celtic on Sunday, keeping destiny in their own hands at the same time. They fluffed their lines horribly, however, falling to a surprise 3-2 loss which could have been worse if not for a late James Tavernier penalty.

Having taken the lead in the first half, heading into half-time 1-0, things went badly wrong for Rangers, who suddenly found themselves 3-1 down and facing one of their most disappointing results of the season.

Cyriel Dessers

There was time for Tavernier to score a late consolation from the penalty spot, giving them faint hope of a last-gasp comeback, but the Gers were unable to find an equaliser during a frantic ending.

The defeat means that Rangers are now four points adrift of Celtic with only one game in hand, firmly handing their rivals an advantage in the Scottish Premiership title race, and there is now huge pressure to respond, starting with Wednesday night's trip to Dundee.

Sutton takes aim at Rangers again

Speaking on Sky Sports on Sunday [via Ibrox News], Sutton once again had a sly dig at Rangers, even though he admitted that their penalty was deserved on Sunday: "It’s the position of the arm. You could say it’s a little bit unlucky, but he jumps using his arms, his knee is up. I don’t think any of us are going to complain, we’re used to Rangers getting penalties."

This is just the latest example of Sutton looking to rile Rangers supporters, even if he has made far more controversial comments than this in the past. He can never prevent himself from taking a swipe, given his Celtic past, perhaps knowing that he has the knack of annoying Gers fans, and he has taken plenty of criticism from them recently.

That came to the fore during the 3-3 draw at home to Celtic earlier this month, when Sutton's bias came across on Sky Sports commentary, leading to former Rangers midfielder and manager Graeme Souness hitting back on talkSPORT: "I can't believe how biased Chris is when he's talking about Rangers. He was saying 'it's embarrassing, it's not a penalty'.

"It was easily a penalty. It's not even a discussion to have for me that. And here's a question. Do VAR listen to the commentary for the game? Because I'm thinking 'Chris is going that strong here he's trying to influence whoever is listening maybe in the VAR.'"

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'Still want to prove myself in Tests' – Moeen Ali

Allrounder says he “wants to be part” of next winter’s Test tour of India

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Feb-2020Moeen Ali has restated his desire to return to Test cricket in the future, saying he has “huge ambitions” to prove himself in the format. Moeen did not make himself available for next month’s tour of Sri Lanka but said he was keen to be involved in next winter’s five-match World Test Championship trip to India.Moeen’s last Test appearance was in August, for the opening encounter of the 2019 Ashes. He subsequently took time away from the game to deal with burnout, making his England return in the third ODI against South Africa last week.He was named Player of the Match in Durban on Friday as England levelled the T20I series, and spoke afterwards about his plans for a Test return.ALSO READ: Tom Curran holds nerve as England level series”I do want to be part of that [tour to India] for sure,” Moeen told the BBC. “I still have huge ambitions for Test cricket. It is still the best form of the game and the hardest. I want prove to myself and to other people that I am not a bad Test player.”England play two Tests in Sri Lanka in March, before taking on West Indies and Pakistan during their home summer.Moeen, who lost his central contract in October but could have been obliged by the ECB to make himself available for Sri Lanka as part of his white-ball deal, will next head to the Pakistan Super League, where he has been signed by Multan Sultans.”I am going to give myself a bit more time,” he said of his break from Test cricket. “I want to make sure when I come back I am ready and fresh.”I want to keep enjoying my cricket and get that hunger back because I feel I lost that completely. I had no interest in my batting and bowling and when you are in that situation there is no point playing.”I definitely feel like I am getting there and not far [away]. I want to give myself extra time and know when I come back I will have to fight for my place.”Moeen played once during the ODI series against South Africa, taking 1 for 41 and then hitting the winning runs in Johannesburg. He showed signs of getting back to his free-scoring best in the second T20I, cracking a whirlwind 39 off 11 balls to fire England to a score they narrowly managed to defend in a dramatic final-over finish.”It was amazing to contribute and finally feel like I am back for England,” he said. “I will not take it for granted.”

Howe must cash in on Newcastle flop who earns more than Anderson & Miley

Newcastle United's unthinkable season last campaign was helped massively by the financial backing from the Saudi PIF, with players such as Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier playing a key role in the club's success.

The Magpies finished in the Premier League's top four, securing a place in the Champions League for this campaign before being knocked out in the group stage.

However, things haven't gone as planned this campaign, with Eddie Howe's side lingering around mid-table after suffering somewhat of an injury crisis throughout the season.

Sven Botman was the latest player to be ruled out through injury, with the Dutchman needing surgery on an ACL injury that could see him miss up to nine months.

goncalo-inacio-sven-botman-newcastle-transfer-premier-league

Despite the injury crisis, many players who had an impact at the club before the takeover have still failed to gain any game time, with certain players being victims of the club's rapid success.

One player in particular is currently on loan away from St James', with the club needing to permanently offload the player to help in their battle to avoid any punishment for breaking PSR rules.

Ryan Fraser's stats at Newcastle United

After arriving at St James' on a free transfer from Bournemouth in the summer of 2020, winger Ryan Fraser made 18 appearances in the Premier League during his first campaign for the team – failing to score a league goal during the 2020/21 season.

However, the attacker did manage to find the back of the net on his Newcastle debut in the 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Blackburn Rovers in September 2020.

His second season on Tyneside saw him have his best season for the Magpies, scoring twice in his 27 games in a campaign in which the club finished 12th in the Premier League.

It would all rapidly go downhill for the Scottish international, with the 2022/23 campaign his worst to date for the Magpies, with Fraser only featuring eight times in the league – featuring for just 311 minutes, with the winger subsequently leaving the club on loan ahead of the current season.

Newcastle United forward Ryan Fraser.

The 30-year-old joined Southampton on loan during last summer's transfer window, with the former Bournemouth attacker scoring eight times in the Championship, having enjoyed a good run of form in the second tier.

How much Ryan Fraser earns in 2024

After signing a five-year deal at St James' Park, the attacker would take home £42k-per-week, a decent chunk of money given his lack of impact during his time at the club.

His wage sees him earn £12k-per-week more than talented youngster Elliot Anderson, who currently earns £30k-per-week, and unsurprisingly teen superstar Lewis Miley who is on a weekly salary of £5k. The "terrible" forward, as Fraser said of his own performances on Tyneside, currently earns a whopping £2.1m a year, with the club needing to clear the attacker off the wage bill at the next opportunity.

elliot-anderson-newcastle-united-match-opinion-chelsea-premier-league

His good form on loan at Southampton could tempt Russell Martin's side to permanently sign the 30-year-old, with Fraser still having one more year under contract at St James'.

Should he leave the club, Howe's side would command a fee for his services, with his transfer fee and wages going a long way in the club's battle to stay within the PSR confines.

Newcastle winger Ryan Fraser.

The attacker's move to Newcastle has been a disaster for both parties. Nine goal contributions in 59 appearances for the Magpies is a poor return given the club's desire to sign him back in 2020.

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Man Utd must immediately drop 4/10 ace who lost the ball every 4 minutes

Manchester United got back to winning ways in the Premier League with a 4-2 home victory on Wednesday night against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United.

It was not all plain sailing for the Red Devils, who were behind twice. Jayden Bogle opened the scoring for the Blades after a mistake from Andre Onana before Harry Maguire equalised with a superb flicked header just seven minutes later.

Just five minutes into the second half, Sheffield United led again, this time through Ben Brereton Diaz. However, two goals by Bruno Fernandes, one from the penalty spot and the other an excellent long-range strike, and a poacher’s finish from Rasmus Hojlund sealed the three points for United.

18-year-old Ethan Wheatley also made history just over 24 hours after scoring twice against Manchester City to help the U18s win the Premier League Cup final; he became the 250th academy graduate to play for United’s first team.

However, despite a memorable night in the end at Old Trafford, it was a night to forget for one Red Devils starter, who put in a frustrating display and was substituted early on in the second half.

Antony's game vs Sheffield United in numbers

The man in question here is Antony, who lasted just 55 minutes before being replaced by Amad. It was certainly a tough night for the Brazilian, who has not really found his feet at Old Trafford but has especially struggled this season. He is yet to score in the Premier League this season and has so far managed just one assist.

Samuel Luckhurst of Manchester Evening News even gave Antony a dire 4/10 in his post-match ratings. He explained that Antony had “little end product despite some reasonable openings”, which is certainly reflected in his statistics from the game.

As per Sofascore, the winger had two shots but did not register either one on target, and he completed just 50% of his dribbles, two in total. The 24-year-old lost possession 13 times – once every four minutes – won just three of his 11 duels and was dribbled past on two occasions. It was another frustrating performance.

Antony’s substitution just before the hour mark was not very surprising, given his night’s work. United fans will also surely have been excited to see another opportunity for Amad, who has had fleeting opportunities since his FA Cup heroics against Liverpool in the quarter-final.

Amad’s performance vs Sheffield United

Frustratingly for Ivorian winger Amad, he has made just three appearances since scoring United’s winner in the FA Cup last month, including Wednesday’s outing against the Blades. With that being said, he left his mark on the game again with the rare opportunity he was given.

In just 35 minutes, the former Atalanta man had 28 touches, and boasted a 94% pass accuracy, completing 17/18 of his passes in total. Whilst he also struggled off the ball, winning just two of his duels, Amad showed his impressive close control, and within moments of coming on the pitch, slalomed in and out of Sheffield United defenders, creating an opportunity for United in the box.

After another disappointing showing from Antony against Chris Wilder’s side, it could well present a key opportunity for Diallo to claim a more regular starting spot in the United starting lineup.

Marcus Rashford’s injury meant Alejandro Garnacho shifted over to the left-hand side, and should that be the case on Saturday afternoon against Burnley, Erik ten Hag could well select the young attacker, and give him his first start of the season.

Regardless, Amad is a player who United fans will be desperate to see more of. He showed them exactly what he can do in the FA Cup quarter-final and his other fleeting appearances this season. He is a superb dribbler with a high footballing IQ, and, as he proved against Sheffield United and in games prior, has all the tools to make it at Old Trafford.

Next up for the Red Devils, they play host to Burnley at 3pm on Saturday, before some tricky fixtures to end the season, including hosting Arsenal. Of course, everything is building up to the FA Cup final next month, where they will be hoping to right the wrongs of last season and beat Manchester City.

Man Utd have a 'leading candidate' to replace Ten Hag but he's Moyes 2.0

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