All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of Manchester United fans have criticised the display of Paul Pogba in their 1-0 loss at home to Aston Villa at Saturday lunchtime.

It was a disappointing performance at Old Trafford all round from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team, who conceded to a Kortney Hause goal from a late corner kick, before Bruno Fernandes blazed a penalty way over the bar in injury time.

Pogba was certainly not at his best, losing out on six of his duels – the most of any of his teammates – as he also failed to make any accurate crosses or long balls and lost possession of the ball on 21 separate occasions, the most out of any outfield player (Sofascore).

It does beg the question whether Solskjaer should continue playing him off the left, or restore him to his more natural centralised position.

Man Utd fans slam Pogba’s display

These United fans on Twitter slammed Pogba’s performance, with one supporter describing the 28-year-old as ‘horrid’ yesterday:

“Pogba has been so poor. Offered nothing so far.”

Credit: @Thenextantman

“#mufc have been so bad this second half. It’s frustrating for sure. Pogba is horrid today. Fred is saving us.”

Credit: @AnthonyCarlton9

“Pogba is quite sloppy in the 2nd half. Can we restart the game?”

Credit: @skseenu

“Pogba is just lazy today”

Credit: @Dolphinthedj

“Pogba needs to be taken off. Terrible game”

Credit: @Cherif227

“Erratic Pogba, the biggest concern for Ole at half time. Bring on Sancho.”

Credit: @Hat17_MUFC

In other news, some MUFC fans also slammed this player’s first half display against Villa

Sevilla have increased their asking price for defender Jules Kounde by €10m (£8.5m), Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge has told Football FanCast.

Kounde is a target for Chelsea and was thought to be close to joining the European champions last week.

According to the reliable Gianluca Di Marzio, a €50m (£42.8m) deal was close to being completed. However, at the last minute, it appears that Sevilla have shifted the goalposts with their asking price.

Chelsea are in the market for a new centre-back after selling Kurt Zouma to London rivals West Ham and if they manage to end up signing Kounde before tonight’s deadline, Bridge believes the Frenchman would complete their jigsaw.

“According to the contact I’ve got at Chelsea, Sevilla just whacked on another €10m, so they’re just playing silly now,” Bridge said to FFC. “But I think he would complete Chelsea’s jigsaw.”

Zouma’s just left, Thiago Silva is turning 37 soon and Antonio Rudiger is yet to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season, so it is easy to see why Chelsea want to sign another centre-back.

Elsewhere on the centre-half front, Andreas Christensen looks close to signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge in a more positive development.

West Ham fans will love the latest claim from ExWHUemployee this week…

What’s the word?

Reports had surfaced suggesting that Irons midfielder Declan Rice was keen to insert a release clause as part of any new contract at the London Stadium as he prepares for this current campaign to be his last at the club.

However, the ever-reliable insider has poured cold water on such claims in a recent update on ‘The West Ham Way’ Patreon site.

“Despite many rumours and reports from various outlets, as covered on the podcast, Declan Rice has not been in talks over a new contract recently!” he said.

“Therefore, he has not requested a release clause and any reports of this are simply false. The situation remains as it has been for a while, now that transfer season is over, unfortunately, stories like this will emerge so that there are things to talk about regardless of facts.”

A sense of relief?

This will come as encouraging news for many around east London as it means that Rice won’t currently be getting a release clause within any new deal – something that would make it easier for him to leave, should any club pay the right fee.

Manchester United are one team eyeing up a move for the England international next summer, according to ESPN, so the interest will certainly be there.

Rice currently earns around £60k-per-week, which isn’t even among the club’s highest earners, with summer signing Kurt Zouma thought to be on £125k-per-week and fringe forward Andriy Yarmolenko on a reported £115k-per-week, too.

Back in July, the Telegraph reported that the 22-year-old had rejected two new contract offers from the club but ultimately, he’s tied down until the summer of 2024, so he’s somewhat powerless for the time being.

And this is why the Irons faithful should be absolutely buzzing by this latest claim from Ex.

It means Rice is unlikely to leave the club anytime soon, and that’s a major positive as he’s a crucial part of David Moyes’ squad and to their success. He will also be a big influence in the Europa League this season.

He’s currently ranked as the Hammers’ third-best player (7.64), as per WhoScored ratings, where he tops the charts for interceptions (2.3) and dribbles (three) per game, as well as managing a squad-high 94.9% passing accuracy, even despite registering the joint-most number of passes per game.

That goes to show just how important he is to this side and also proves why Moyes and the fans need him to stick around for the foreseeable future.

Many supporters can now breathe a sigh of relief.

AND in other news, West Ham “monster” sees value crash by 48.5% under Moyes, Sullivan won’t be impressed…

Aston Villa finally unveiled new signing Leon Bailey on Thursday after he penned a four-year deal at Villa Park earlier this month.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters were quick to react to the club’s official post on the winger on social media.

The 24-year-old cost Villa £28.8m from Bayer Leverkusen and was pictured holding up a Villa top on Thursday.

Bailey had the number 31 on his training attire and also met Dean Smith, with Villa sharing his first day at Bodymoor Heath.

The Jamaica international is one of three big-money signings made by Villa this summer, alongside Emi Buendia and Danny Ings.

Bailey also posted pictures of himself in Villa colours on his personal Twitter account on Thursday evening with the caption ‘the wait is finally over’.

Villa fans react

The club shared a picture of Bailey on their official Twitter page with the caption ‘signed, sealed, delivered’.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with none describing it as ‘beautiful’.

“oh my god finally”Credit: @avfcdom2″LETS GOOOOO”Credit: @maxavfclove”Fantastic, welcome to the pride Leon.”Credit: @1966wall”what a beautiful tweet”Credit: @catrinavfc”AHHHHHHHHHHHHH”Credit: @DG_Avfc”Love to see it”Credit: @GW_94

In other news: £10m offer made: Villa first club to make bid for versatile international at the top of his game.  

Crystal Palace are said to be in the hunt for Midtjylland midfielder Jens Cajuste, as their summer recruitment drive intensifies [SportExpressen via Sport Witness].

Primarily a holding midfielder, the 21-year-old enjoyed a commendable season for the Danish runners-up, making 39 appearances and registering one goal and two assists in that time [Transfermarkt].

Now attracting attention from Premier League clubs, he could have choice to make on his future sooner rather than later.

The Eagles are said to have ‘concrete interest’ in the Swedish youngster, alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United and Newcastle United [Sport Witness].

Furthermore, Cajuste was pulled from his current employers’ UEFA Champions League qualifying match against Celtic yesterday, with murmurings suggesting Midtjylland may not want to ‘risk anything because a big sale may be imminent’ [Sport Witness].

In light of this, no wonder loads of Crystal Palace diehards took to Twitter to express their thoughts on the latest news.

Crystal Palace fans react:

Replying to popular Crystal Palace fan outlet PALACE XTRA, here is what some fans had to say about recent reports:

“Very talented box to box midfielder, great vision, good on the ball. PL ready just yet? Maybe not but great potential. He was the second youngest player in our Euro squad, only featured once as a sub though. But he is likely to play a bigger part in the Qatar WC in 2022.”

Credit: @FIFA_hakke”Would take him over any of the other rumoured transfer targets”Credit: @getcomeuppance”Yes please”Credit: @longlivewilliam”Jens Cajuste’s stats last season: Minutes Played: 649 Assists: 1 Key passes: 4 Chances Created: 5 Accurate passes: 166 (78%) Dribbles succeeded: 7 (78%) Blocked shots: 3 Interceptions: 9 Clearances: 8″Credit: @cpfcgoaat”We have more pulling power then them, if we go strong we get him, Vieira will want who he wants and he will get them.”Credit: @Kevbartleyy”No young midfielder will turn down working for one of the best midfielders of all time”Credit: @cpfcharlie0In other news, Crystal Palace fans react to an Andros Townsend update.

If Ange Postecoglou thought he was going to have a simple ride at Celtic then he must think again.

The Australian coach has had an incredibly stressful start to life with the Hoops, having not been backed sufficiently in the transfer window.

The Bhoys are already no longer in the Champions League and tasted defeat in their opening league clash.

On the chalkboard

Celtic still have plenty of work to do in the transfer market before they can consider themselves genuine contenders for the Premiership title again.

They appear to be a mess at the back once more and after losing Kristoffer Ajer, it’s hardly surprising.

Carl Starfelt was thrown in at the deep end on his debut against Hearts without many minutes under his belt but even he looked shaky.

However, much of the blame in the early stages of the season has been cast towards Nir Bitton. He was inexplicably sent off against Midtjylland in the first leg of European qualification and was questionable at Tynecastle last weekend.

Bitton was hardly a reliable figure last season either and has already been described as a “walking joke” in Celtic circles this campaign.

The solution

One way Postecoglou can instantly axe Bitton from his plans is by signing another centre-half.

Stephen Welsh wasn’t favoured last Saturday and with Christopher Jullien still out injured, their options remain relatively unconvincing at the back.

The Hoops have been linked with a move for Lausanne defender Moritz Jenz and by assessing his performances, he’d be a massive upgrade on the Israeli.

Hailed as a “very dominant” player by The Celtic Analysis, their data showed him to be an extremely impressive centre-back.

The 22-year-old stands at 6 foot 3 and therefore, is a monster in aerial situations.

He ranks in the 88th percentile for aerial duels won while he’s even more impressive on the ground. When it comes to the challenge, Jenz is successful with 79% of his tackles. That puts the German in the 94th percentile for that attribute; a mighty fine statistic.

Jenz is composed in possession of the ball which means he’s close to being the perfect modern-day centre-half.

Bitton has shown recently that he’s a liability, especially when it comes to usurping his opponents. On the other hand, Jenz is assertive and confident; Postecoglou must bring him to Paradise this summer.

AND in other news, Celtic must swerve Buta deal to sign “superb” 19 y/o who’s “extremely dangerous”…

An update has emerged on Sunderland target Daniel Jebbison…

What’s the talk?

According to the Sheffield Star, Sunderland have been put off by Sheffield United’s loan fee demands for the 18-year-old striker.

The report claims that the Black Cats have held talks over a swoop for the forward, but they are baulking at the Championship’s side £1m loan fee that they want in exchange to send him out on loan.

Fans will be livid

Sunderland fans will be livid with this news as it seems to all but rule out a deal for Jebbison before the end of the window, unless Sheffield United decide to lower their demands.

A £1m loan fee for a player with four senior league appearances for his name is steep, as there is no solid evidence to suggest that he will be a star player in League One.

Transfermarkt value him at a little less, around £900k, for example.

That is not to say he does not have the potential to be, but Sunderland would surely want a degree of certainty about what they are getting if they are shelling out seven figures to have a player for less than a year.

Therefore, the club’s stance on this move is understandable. It has the possibility of being a waste of money, which may be why they are not interested in meeting United’s demands for the player.

This will not stop fans from being gutted that Jebbison may not be coming to the Stadium of Light, though, as he is a talented young player.

Ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards hailed Jebbison as the shining light in Sheffield United’s squad as they were relegated from the Premier League. He told Sky Sports (via the Examiner):

“I really like the look of him. He just gets in the right areas, and they needed that with all the negativity that’s gone on at the club.

“You want to bounce back straight away, and you want to go to the end of the season with positivity.

“They’re playing for pride, and he’s the shining light.”

He scored one goal in four Premier League appearances for Sheffield United at the backend of last season, winning 1.3 aerial battles and 1.5 tackles per game.

This is an impressive return for an 18-year-old striker and suggests that he could have the quality to make an impact in League One, which is why fans would be excited to see him come through the door.

However, you have to consider the financial element that comes along with it and – as it stands – the deal would be too much of a gamble for it to make sense for Kristjaan Speakman and Lee Johnson to pull the trigger.

So, the fans will be livid but it looks to be the correct decision on paper.

AND in other news, Forget Stewart: £3.6k-p/w SAFC beast who won 87% of duels stole the show vs MK Dons…

Rennes defender Sacha Boey has bizarrely walked away from negotiations with Celtic after previously being in advanced talks with the club [L’Equipe via The Scottish Sun].

The Lowdown: Celtic hunt for quality ahead of the 2021/22 Scottish Premiership season

Progressing towards the opening weekend of the Scottish Premiership season, newly appointed Bhoys manager Ange Postecoglou will be zoning in on recruiting in a number of key positions in order to strengthen squad depth.

In particular, right-back will be an area of interest to the Aussie. Facing a dearth of quality in what has been a problem position at Parkhead in recent years, Anthony Ralston is the only right-sided defender currently on the books with senior experience.

In spite of this, one man who will now not be joining the Scottish giants this summer is 20-year-old Boey, according to recent developments.

The Latest: Celtic move for Boey off due to bizarre reason

The 5ft 10in ace is said to have walked away from discussions with Celtic, with issues due to undesirable ‘foreign intermediaries’ causing the deal to completely ‘collapse’ [The Scottish Sun].

Previously, L’Equipe had claimed that Postecoglou’s men were in the advanced stages of negotiations with Boey.

However, any deal now looks to be off the table for Boey, whilst a number of French sides are said to be monitoring his situation closely.

The Verdict: Losing out on Boey will be a bitter blow for Celtic

Facing a race against time with competitive football already back underway for the Hoops, losing out on the full-back will come as a bitter blow to the Parkhead hierarchy.

In 2020/21, Boey gained regular first-team experience on loan at Dijon, recording a solitary assist in 24 appearances [Transfermarkt].

More importantly, his defensive attributes stood out despite his former club suffering relegation. Across the campaign, the youngster was able to record an impressive 2.3 tackles per game [WhoScored], which put him first in his squad (min. 2 games) and would also rank him first at Parkhead.

Having also been quoted with interest in Boey’s Rennes teammate Brandon Soppy alongside Sheffield United man George Baldock, Celtic now need to move on to other targets as quickly as possible.

In other news, Celtic face another crushing transfer blow.

Some Wolves fans have been reacting to a transfer update involving Ryan Giles.

As per Football Insider, Cardiff City have agreed to sign the midfielder from Molineux after a breakthrough in discussions.

The Bluebirds have beaten off competition from a number of other clubs in the Championship to secure his signature, and a Cardiff source has told the news outlet that a season-long loan deal could be announced in the coming days.

Giles has clearly impressed after his respective loan spells at Coventry City and Rotherham United in the 2020/21 season, during which he managed two goals and an assist in 44 games across all compeittions for both teams (Transfermarkt).

However, there would certainly be question marks over how much game time the midfielder would get under new manager Bruno Lage, and at 21 years of age, he needs to be playing regular football now.

Wolves fans on Giles transfer update

These Wolves fans gave some fairly mixed reactions after the transfer update was shared on Twitter:

“Seems like a good move for the lad. Let’s hope he can get regular games and really push on. #wwfc”

Credit: @Gibbo2605

“Would be good for him, however if he keeps getting sent out on loan then he will want to leave permanently.”

Credit: @AgendaWolves

“But you’ve got to ask, is he really £19 million pounds worse than Rayan Ait-Nouri”

Credit: @wwfcPerry

“Fume in Codsall today”

Credit: @Gibbo_Wolves

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?”

Credit: @lewis__wwfc7

“Do not tell Jacqui Oatley”

Credit: @BuzzcutHaver

In other news, find out which Euro 2020 ace Wolves are eyeing

Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles looks could be on the move this summer, but Marcus Bent doesn’t reckon he’s a player that would appeal to Everton.

The versatile defender, who’s also able to play in midfield, spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom having seen his opportunities decrease under Mikel Arteta.

He took his opportunity, quickly making himself a regular at the Hawthorns, but a permanent deal was quickly ruled out following West Brom’s relegation.

Since his loan spell expired, Maitland-Niles has been linked to Crystal Palace and Leeds, although the Toffees are also reportedly in the race for his signature, according to the Daily Mail.

With Maitland Niles, described by Martin Keown in 2020 as a “Rolls-Royce of a player”, now wanting to play more regularly in midfield, a chance could present itself at Goodison Park, with regulars Tom Davies and Allan linked with moves away from Goodison Park.

However, former Toffees striker Bent exclusively told Football FanCast that he’s not a target Rafa Benitez will consider:

“I’m not sure, he went out to West Brom, did ok. He’s gone back to Arsenal but getting into the team is hard at the best of times, especially at his age.

“I don’t think he’s a player that Everton would be attracted to at this moment.

“He’s definitely a talent, but if you’re going to go to Everton, you’re expected to hit the ground running, so I don’t think inexperienced players will be brought in unless you’re a massive talent.”