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Liverpool players have made their feelings known as Trent Alexander-Arnold prepares to set sail for Real Madrid.

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• Alexander-Arnold set to join Real Madrid
• Right-back has been Liverpool fan since childhood
• Reds dressing room has had its say on transfer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Madrid have been tracking the England international since 2023, and sources suggest they already have a contract offer ready for him to sign. Once finalized, the agreement will see Alexander-Arnold earn approximately €15 million (£13m/$16m) per year, a significant pay rise compared to his current Liverpool wages. Additionally, the deal is expected to include attractive performance-based incentives and a signing bonus comparable to a reasonable transfer fee.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to Liverpool players and staff "are unmoved" with Alexander-Arnold’s decision and "understand" that his move is not driven by footballing or financial reasons. The full-back, who has been with the Reds since the age of six, is believed to be seeking a fresh experience and a different way of life beyond Merseyside. It has been suggested that his decision is not necessarily about believing Madrid is a better option, but rather about embracing something new.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report also mentions that his departure is not expected to impact the contract situations of other key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Each contract negotiation at the club is being handled based on "individual merit, data, and circumstances."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?

  Currently, Alexander-Arnold is recovering from an ankle injury sustained during Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. The right-back is expected to be sidelined for around a month, meaning his return to action is likely to come towards the end of April.

La Liga say they will appeal the decision to allow Barcelona to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor as the ruling is "not in accordance with the law".

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• Barca receive Olmo and Victor boost
• Ruling grants them registration
• La Liga to appeal CSD decision

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mere hours after Spain's High Sports Committee (CSD) ruled that the Barcelona duo have been registered to play until the end of the season, La Liga will contest this matter in court. They claim that the previous decision by the Monitoring Committee, of the league and the Royal Spanish Football Federation, were appropriate and that this is outside of the CSD's jurisdiction.

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  WHAT LA LIGA SAID

  Part of La Liga's statement reads: "La Liga considers that the dismissal Resolution notified today is not in accordance with the law.

  “We must remember that the licenses of the two players automatically expired on December 31, 2024, at the end of the duration of the same, agreed between the Players and the Club. Therefore, in no case is a federative act of cancellation of the same required.

  “The competence of the CSD in matters of licences is limited to the review of acts of issuance or refusal of licences, but not to their cancellation or extension (art. 116.3.a and 117 LD) as is the case in the present case. This, in view of the numerous judicial decisions issued and even resolutions issued by the CSD itself, which contravenes its previous doctrine, which confirm that it is a matter not susceptible to administrative review.

  “In addition, the CSD’s resolution ignores the consolidated administrative and judicial doctrine according to which the nullity of full right must be manifest, because the competence is expressly entrusted to another body (or to none) and that it does not occur, when there is a need for a prior legal interpretation to determine it, nor when the applicable regulations do not specify which body the competence corresponds to. In this sense, sports legislation does not attribute competence in matters of prior visas and the issuance of licences to any body of the professional leagues and Spanish sports federations and in the resolution of the CSD there is not a single mention of which internal body of La Liga or the RFEF would be competent. therefore, there cannot be a “manifest lack of competence” from which the nullity of full law is derived."

  They added: “La Liga reiterates its commitment to legality, competitive fairness and the objective application of the regulations on economic control and registration of players and therefore, La Liga, not considering the aforementioned Resolution to be in accordance with the law, will appeal it immediately."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Barcelona know that their financial troubles are not going away anytime soon and while this ruling is a welcome reprieve for them, their registration issues will come to the re-emerge again. And if La Liga get their way, the Blaugrana – who managed to get these registrations approved after agreeing a deal to lease out 475 VIP seats at Camp Nou for 30 years in exchange for €100 million on December 31, 2024 – could be in strife once again very soon.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  It is uncertain whether or not La Liga will be successful in their appeal. In the meantime, Olmo and Victor can look forward to trying to get Barca minutes in the coming weeks.

Whilst Chelsea stumbled to a goalless draw away at Everton on Sunday, Liverpool turned on the style on their travels to Tottenham Hotspur to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points.

The final scoreline would swing 6-3 in favour of Arne Slot’s entertainers, as Ange Postecoglou’s depleted Spurs side wilted throughout to allow the Reds opportunity after opportunity to make the victory even more emphatic.

It definitely wasn’t a game for the defenders in North London, with the hosts showing off their firepower in spurts, whilst Liverpool looked like scoring every single time they ventured forward in the hectic affair.

Standout Liverpool attackers

Mohamed Salah’s unbelievable season shows no signs of stopping as the Egyptian magician picked up a stunning two goals and two assists in the high-octane win.

Everyone associated with Slot’s table-toppers will be praying that the spellbinding Liverpool winger stays put past his contract expiring this coming summer, as the 32-year-old managed to terrorise the hosts all afternoon long with the likes of Djed Spence for Spurs simply taken aback by his devastating quality.

Away from the continued brilliance of the Liverpool number 11, Dominik Szoboszlai also got in on the act with a goal and assist of his own making, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold shone when pushing forward from defence with a stunning four key passes collected from his 94 touches of the ball.

Spurs being so open – which had seen them leak four to Chelsea at home earlier in the month and three against Man United a few days ago – really played into the hands of the away side, with Luis Diaz using the contest as a way to significantly boost his confidence after some unmemorable individual displays of late.

He got Slot’s men up and running when his header beat Fraser Forster, with Gary Neville even stating as a commentator for the game that Diaz played like “Roberto Firmino of old” from the centre-forward role, dropping into deep areas and roaming freely in the centre of the pitch.

Diaz's performance in numbers

Now playing back-to-back Premier League matches as a central forward, after only really being utilised as a winger previously at Anfield, Slot could well have struck gold on moulding the electric Colombian into more of a false 9 profile of player based on this 8/10 impressive showing, as it was judged by the Liverpool Echo.

The Liverpool number seven will hope he can go down as a great like Firmino when his career in England is examined down the line, with Diaz already up to 35 goals for the Reds from 121 clashes after notching up this brace versus Spurs.

The majority of those had come from that familiar left wing spot, but with five strikes from five now in that new striker position, Slot would be foolish not to stick with Diaz here as he now aims to replicate Firmino’s goalscoring heroics up top.

The Brazilian would bow out from his celebrated time at Anfield with 90 goals amassed from the centre-forward spot, with his ability to finish off chances in a blink of an eye reminiscent of Diaz at Spurs, who was in the right place at the right time to power home Alexander-Arnold’s inviting cross.

Therefore, Slot will hope he has found a permanent striker he can rely on away from keeping his fingers crossed for the enigmatic Darwin Nunez to come good.

After all, the ex-Porto star would constantly pepper Forster with seven shots registered from just 47 touches of the ball, with his header on the day amazingly his first goal in league action since the middle of September. Also accurately completing 88% of his passes, it’s safe to say it was a fine day at the office.

Now, Slot will pray a purple patch of form is coming for his new option up top, as Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City begin to fear a pasting is on the cards on Boxing Day.

He's like Diaz: Liverpool could repeat Salah blinder with £54m "magician"

Liverpool want to sign a winger in 2025 and are looking at this former Premier League star.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 21, 2024

Chelsea have been a revelation under Enzo Maresca this season, impressing as outsiders in the Premier League title race.

Liverpool might be a cut above the rest but the Blues have laid the framework for a prosperous era, but the Blues have been sensational when considering the club’s recent history.

Maresca has expertly managed his crowded squad since joining in the summer, but there’s a clear distinction between the tried-and-tested top-flight stars and the more peripheral members, who dwell almost exclusively in the Conference League.

Without question, there are still gains to be made, but given that the west Londoners have unearthed a winning strategy, there’s ample reason for optimism.

Blending high-class quality with exciting potential, Chelsea are on the rise, and Todd Boehly appears to have identified their latest teenage sensation.

Chelsea transfer news

Cobham Academy has long been accomplished as one of the finest in Europe, and that hasn’t changed despite the upheaval over the past four years.

Some thrilling prospects wait in the wings, but with Chelsea eyeing a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi, the best may still be to come. As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are among the high-profile European outfits looking at the LOSC Lille midfielder.

Bouaddi, 17, is believed to have blown scouts away with his composure and technical distinction, though Chelsea will need to up their game given Arsenal are ‘enamoured’ with the talent and could make their move as early as January.

Lille would be looking to collect a figure in the ballpark of €30m (£25m), and while this isn’t cheap for someone so young, Arsenal may well take a punt on that and Chelsea must ensure that they steal ahead.

Why Chelsea are interested in Ayyoub Bouaddi

Chelsea’s ruthless nature has left rivals incensed for many years, but then it’s also a product of their ambition and will to win. Bypassing Arsenal’s pursuit of Mkyhaylo Mudryk to sign the Ukrainian in a deal rising to £89m is evidence of this, even if it hasn’t gone to plan.

Bouaddi could be a different prospect altogether, however, having established himself through a Lille production line that has recently created Leny Yoro and Benjamin Pavard. Talent scout Jacek Kulig has praised his “impressive” start to life in Ligue 1 and rightly so.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has praised Bouaddi’s composure and even suggested that he is shaping into a midfielder worth more than “£80m”. He’s the kind of player who dances between statistical lines, skirting around metrics and numerical analysis while still producing exceptional results.

Even so, his fledgling steps onto the major stage have belied his youth and then some, for he has completed 90% of his passes in Ligue 1 this term while winning 58% of his ground duels. For a young deep-sitting midfielder lacking in the bulk department, this is a most interesting point toward his tenacity and combativeness.

As per FBref, Bouaddi actually ranks among the top 9% of midfielders across the span of Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 10% for tackles per 90. Why don’t we wipe that point about metrics – it’s clear that Bouaddi will rank favourably on many lists as he continues to make headway.

Chelsea won’t want to derail the progress of a player who has only made 36 senior appearances in his career, but then there’s little question that he is capable of achieving great things, and with Maresca at the wheel, he will be more than capable of shining on the margins of Chelsea’s squad over the coming years (he may also complete a season out on loan to further sharpen the whetted blades of his toolkit.

Who knows, he might grow into the cream of Chelsea’s teenage crop, even surpassing the soon-to-arrive Estevao Willian.

Bouaddi could be a bigger star than Estevao

Estevao’s agent Andre Crury has tipped his client to win the Ballon d’Or one day as Lionel Messi’s natural successor. He’s silky and elegant, a bag of tricks with an eye for goal and bundles of creativity besides.

The 17-year-old Brazil winger is still plying his craft in his homeland but agreed a deal to leave Palmeiras for Chelsea in the summer of 2025 for an initial £29m figure.

The head of Palmeiras’ academy, Joao Paulo Sampaio, made quite the bold claim: “Estevao is the best player to have emerged from Brazilian football since Neymar.”

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, he’s stirred up quite the storm over the past year or two, winning the 2023 Brasileiro Serie A championship and posting 25 goal contributions across 45 outings for the side thus far into his young career.

That may be true, but Bouaddi is quietly going about his business and shaping into one of the best deep maestros of his generation. In any case, if Chelsea beat the likes of Arsenal to his signing, it would only add another layer to their young ranks, stepping up a prosperous new era.

After all, Kulig, who specialises in assessing the finest prospects around, has hailed Bouaddi as a “10/10 talent” as he continues to show his style in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

There’s no telling how he’ll do on English shores, of course, but it’s certainly something that he is already impressing in the French top flight. His age-mate still resides in Brazil and might find jumping continents something of a big adjustment at the maiden stage of his career.

Keen-eyed analysts may well view Bouaddi as an £80m star in the making, but honestly, his stock could rise stratospherically higher if he continues at his current rate.

Chelsea must sell £40m flop who was dubbed one of Europe's "most exciting"

Chelsea must finally axe £40m flop who was previously dubbed as one of Europe’s “most exciting” players

By
Connor Holden

Dec 29, 2024

Harry Kane admits to feeling nervous before big games, but the Bayern Munich and England striker has explained why that is a good thing.

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• Three Lions captain boasts vast experience
• Has starred at the very highest level
• Can still feel emotional before taking to the field

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The prolific frontman boasts vast experience at 31 years of age. He is the all-time leading goalscorer for Tottenham and the Three Lions, while filling the captain’s armband for his country. Remarkable individual standards are currently being maintained in Germany.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kane has grown accustomed to gracing the very highest level, domestically and internationally, but he still gets butterflies in his stomach before taking to the field. He has worked out how to use those emotions to his advantage.

• WHAT HARRY KANE SAID

  Kane has told when asked how to deal with nerves, with one of the most fearsome forwards on the planet putting them to good use: “I think that’s completely normal, to be nervous before important games.

  “For me, building up to a big game, it’s just making sure I’ve prepared well – doing everything both on the training pitch and off the pitch, whether it is recovery or eating well.

  “I feel like if you take care of all those things, then you can go into the game with a clear mind and just use those nerves as a good feeling to go out there and perform – understanding that it’s normal and it just means that you care about the situation. That’s what I try and do – preparation is the most important thing so try and take advantage of it.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Kane has every right to feel nervous at present, as he remains in the hunt for a first major trophy. Bayern are in contention for Bundesliga and Champions League titles, meaning that 2025 could be the year in which his much-publicised silverware duck is broken.

Hoping to finally find a long-term option between the sticks, Celtic are reportedly nearing an agreement to sign a Premier League goalkeeper who would replace the ageing Kasper Schmeichel.

Celtic transfer news

Of course, this isn’t the first time that Celtic and Premier League have crossed paths in the January transfer window, with the Bhoys looking to dip into English football to land improvements on their way to yet another Scottish Premiership title. Among the options on that front is Kieran Tierney, who could return to his former club almost six years on from his departure to join Arsenal.

It’s a deal that would certainly make sense in the face of Greg Taylor’s likely exit at the end of his current contract this summer and given just how desperately Tierney needs a career revival.

The left-back isn’t the only Premier League player to have been linked to the Scottish giants, however. According to the Star in Turkey, Celtic are closing in on an agreement to sign Altay Bayindir, who is currently playing the role of deputy behind Andre Onana at Manchester United.

Now 26 years old and ready to become a number one elsewhere, Bayindir could reportedly be shown the door at Old Trafford in pursuit of the regular game time that he’d get in place of the ageing Schmeichel.

5 players who could leave Celtic this January

There could be a clearout at Parkhead this month…

By
Barney Lane

Jan 4, 2025

38 years old and on course to leave Celtic Park as a free agent in the summer, unless he does put pen to paper on an extension, Schmeichel could yet make way for a younger, more long-term option in the form of Bayindir.

With that said, the Bhoys may have to wait until the summer if they want to secure Bayindir’s signature, with the Manchester United goalkeeper’s own agent pouring cold water on any burning transfer flames by telling reporters as relayed by United in Focus: “There were offers from many European clubs and the Premier League for Altay at the beginning of the season.

“There are currently clubs that are interested, but Altay wants to stay and play for Manchester United. The club definitely does not want to let Altay go.”

"Great" Bayindir can end Celtic's goalkeeper search

Whilst Schmeichel deserves great credit for how he has successfully replaced Joe Hart in the current campaign, he was always going to be a short-term option rather than someone who can take that number one role for years to come. Instead, that’s where Bayindir should come in. A player with plenty more years ahead of him and one ready to step into a starting role, the move would suit all parties.

Despite acting as Manchester United’s number two in recent times, the goalkeeper has still earned impressive praise from former Turkey assistant manager Mehmet Mzdilek, who was quick to talk up Bayindir’s “great” work with the ball at his feet last year.

Manchester United provided positive updates on injured stars Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the end of the season.

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• Amad stepping up injury recovery
• Mainoo joined Man Utd training
• Pair may be back in action soon

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mainoo last played for United in an FA Cup fixture against Leicester on February 7. Days later, he picked up an injury during a training session while Amad also damaged his ankle ligaments. Initially, it was speculated that Amad's season might be over, but on Wednesday the Red Devils provided positive updates on both youngsters.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United shared a video of the club's training session at Carrington on Wednesday, after which the squad jetted off to France for the Europa League fixture against Lyon. Mainoo was spotted joining his colleagues for training.

  The club also shared images of Amad undergoing rehab as he stepped up his recovery from the ankle injury.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Mainoo's return further strengthens Ruben Amorim's side, who are looking to salvage some pride in the 2024-25 campaign by winning the Europa League title.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

  After facing Lyon on Thursday in the first leg of their quarter-final fixture, United will be back in action in the Premier League on April 13 as they take on Newcastle in a difficult away fixture.

Sunderland have reportedly made contact to sign an “incredible” winger alongside their move for Leicester forward Tom Cannon.

Tom Cannon to Sunderland latest

The Black Cats have already made their first signing of 2025, bringing in midfielder Enzo Le Fee on loan from AS Roma until the end of the season. A move will become permanent in the summer should Sunderland win promotion to the Premier League from the Championship.

Regis Le Bris doesn’t want to stop there, though. Talking recently, the manager admitted that Sunderland are targeting a versatile forward to provide competition to the likes of Patrick Roberts, Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda.

“Probably, we’ll have a target for the 11, 9, 7 position. A versatile player will be useful for us because we have two injuries on the left side at the moment, for the example.

“We know for example that Wilson has been really good, Eli really good, Pat really good – but we have only had three main players in these positions. Others have been involved, but not as much. So another forward could be important for us, yes.”

Sunderland now seriously interested in signing 21 y/o forward in January

Regis Le Bris wants to sign a player Sunderland are already aware of.

By
Brett Worthington

Jan 14, 2025

That man appears to be Leicester City’s Tom Cannon. Reports have revealed that Sunderland have made a bid to sign the attacker on loan with an obligation to buy for £13m should they go up.

Cannon has been on loan at Stoke City, however, the Foxes have now recalled the forward ahead of a potential move to the Stadium of Light or Bramall Lane, with promotion rivals Sheffield United also interested.

However, alongside Cannon, Sunderland appear to have made their first move for another addition in the final third.

Sunderland also make enquiry for "incredible" winger with Cannon

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Sunderland have made an enquiry to sign Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo. Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday have done the same, however, an unnamed European club have agreed a deal to sign Matondo on loan.

It looks as if Sunderland haven’t had the answer they wanted in their pursuit of the “incredible” attacker, with Matondo capable of playing on the left wing, right wing or as a second striker.

He’s been at Ibrox since 2022 after joining from FC Schalke and has made 67 appearances for the Scottish giants, scoring eight goals and registering 12 assists.

The 24-year-old ticks the box when it comes to a versatile attacker wanted by Le Bris, but it looks as if he’ll be heading elsewhere this month, leaving the Black Cats to look at alternative targets.

Atalanta want to cash in on Premier League riches by attracting big fees for two star players this summer.

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• Atalanta keen to cash in on Premier League riches
• Lookman and Ederson attracting interest
• Ex-Man Utd transfer chief in charge

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Serie A club are aware that there is huge interest from English top-flight clubs in midfielder Ederson and winger Ademola Lookman. John Murtough, who left Manchester United last year and signed on as Atalanta's Director of Global Development this week, will be in charge of getting the fees as high as possible, report Il Giorno.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lookman finished 14th in the Ballon d'Or last year after a superb season in which he helped Atalanta win the Europa League. He has already featured for Premier League clubs Everton, Fulham and Leicester City, and Liverpool are said to be keen. Midfielder Ederson is known to be one of the best holding midfielders in Italy and is attracting interest from both Manchester clubs.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Atalanta have already made good use of the finances in the English game in recent seasons, selling Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund to United, Cristian Romero to Tottenham, and Timothy Castagne and Calb Okoli to Leicester

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ATALANTA?

  Atalanta are probably out of the Serie A title race – 10 points shy with six games to play – but have plenty of work to do to secure their Champions League qualification. They go to Milan on Sunday before a home game with Lecce the following weekend.

Manchester United have reportedly rejected a £40 million bid for one of their young players who has struggled since the arrival of Ruben Amorim in November.

United escape against Southampton thanks to brilliant Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo was the hero for United as they came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday night and win a Premier League game for the first time in a month. After United had gone behind courtesy of a Manuel Ugarte own goal, the Ivory Coast international, who has been United’s standout player this season, scored three goals in the last 12 minutes to secure a vital victory for Amorim’s side.

Amad’s hat-trick was the first of his professional career and saw him become the first African player to score three goals in a game for United, and the second-youngest player in the club’s history to score a Premier League hat-trick, behind only Wayne Rooney.

“I’m so happy to score my first hat-trick, especially at Old Trafford,” the 22-year-old, who last week signed a new five-year deal at United, said after the game. “I’m so happy, especially for the win, because I think this team deserve it, and we have to keep going like this.”

Amorim, meanwhile, said: “He is having a very good season. Congratulations to him. I hope he enjoys tonight because he needs to appreciate these moments.

“He needs to continue. In football, one day, you’re a really good player. The next day, you have to do it all over again. He has a lot to improve. He played in a different position today and then, in the second half, we took advantage of his ability, with good assists from the players.”

Manchester United reject Garnacho bid

While Amad is thriving under Amorim, his United teammate Alejandro Garnacho has been struggling. The Argentine has failed to register a single goal or assist in nine Premier League games since Amorim’s appointment in November, and was dropped from the matchday squad for the Manchester derby last month, which United won 2-1.

Amid Garnacho’s struggles, Italian side Napoli have reportedly tried to lure the 20-year-old winger away from Old Trafford.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Napoli recently submitted a £40 million bid for Garnacho, which was rejected by United. Head coach Antonio Conte is said to be eyeing Garnacho as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is set to join Paris Saint-Germain. However, sources in Italy suggest that Napoli believe United’s asking price for Garnacho to be too high, and they are now looking at other targets.

Man Utd gem who left for £0 is now outperforming Garnacho & Foden in the PL

The former Manchester United ace has outperformed Alejandro Garnacho after leaving.

By
Ethan Lamb

Dec 11, 2024

Ahead of the win over Southampton, Amorim was asked if Garnacho, who won the 2024 Puskas Award with his flying overhead kick against Everton, has a future at Old Trafford.

He replied, according to the Metro: “That is clear. He has talent. He needs to learn to play in a different position. He needs to play better inside. He improves a lot recovering (his) position when he doesn’t have the ball.

“Sometimes he’s not in the right place to make transitions like he was in the past because I prefer to defend and then build up with all the team to reach the final third. He’s finding the best way to play in this system.”