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The Big Fat Manchester United Clear Out, And Their Potential Replacements
THE BIG UNITED CLEAROUT: AND THEIR POTENTIAL REPLACEMENTS…
There is no denying, that in recent weeks, the Manchester United squad has been shown up and weaknesses have most definitely been exposed. Investment into the club’s playing staff is certainly required, be it this month or in the off-season, and David Moyes and the executive board have promised that there is plenty of money to spend. Only time will tell if the cash is splashed, but in order for the new manager to do so, he will need to have a clear-out of the men currently occupying the red shirts. The only problem is – where to start? For me, it is clear there needs to be a major upheaval…
The evergreen Rio Ferdinand has been an excellent servant for United over the past decade but this season more than ever has heightened his lack of pace and tendency to drop off his man, allowing too much space to the opposing attackers. I fear whenever his name is on the team-sheet as he always has a mistake in him. A great servant to the club and one of the best modern-day defenders – but his race is just about run and his contract should not be renewed come July.
Alex Buttner never has been and never will be a Manchester United player. He’s just not a good enough all-round footballer – and a left-back who can’t defend? Criminal. One of the club’s worst recent signings and the only positive circumstance arising from his arrival is some rest on occasion for Patrice Evra.
For whatever reason, both David Moyes and Sir Alex Ferguson seem to freeze Fabio out of the first-team picture with alarming regularity, even when he is fit and United have a defensive crisis on their hands. Phil Jones, Chris Smalling – and worryingly even Antonio Valencia – have started games over the Brazilian at right-back despite him being the obvious like-for-like deputy in the absence of brother Rafael. With only a very sparse handful of appearances this season, he would do better to move on and start afresh, possibly back home in Brazil.
This is the most difficult one. Patrice Evra has been a fantastic, reliable member of the first-team squad since exactly nine years ago and in 2007 made the United left-back spot his own. However, positional defensive errors have been apparent in his game for a while now, despite offering much to the attack, and it is often costing the team dear. Unless he is willing to stick around as back-up for a new left-back in the shape of Fabio Coentrao or Luke Shaw, it is probably best for him to move on, which is a real shame, as he is a popular and key member of the dressing room as it stands.
Anderson has been shipped off on loan to Fiorentina for the rest of 2013/2014 and it might well be best for him if he stays there long-term. Flashes of brilliance usually succumb to lengthy spells on the sidelines and much, often passive, rustiness pervades his game upon his eventual return to the side. On his day, he can be a real driving force in the centre of the park – yet sadly, these days are harder and harder to remember with the passing of time.
Marouane Fellaini is another who is a misfit for the red shirt. A strange signing that I still feel was to pacify fans on deadline day – if Moyes genuinely wanted Fellaini, he would have got him for £23 million before his release clause expired, rather than for £27.5m on the last day of the transfer window – that has done little in his appearances so far. Granted, he has spent the last six weeks out with wrist issues, but has done nothing of note in his dozen showings thus far. Nor is he refined enough to play in central midfield; he needs too many touches, with a slow footballing brain and poor vision. We should cut our losses and get rid; there is much better out there.
One of the best footballers ever to play for Manchester United: but even Ryan Giggs will recognise that he is coming to the end of his glittering career. His appearances this season have been sparse and only the odd showing gave glimpses of the Giggs we all know and love. If this year is to be the one with a major squad overhaul then I think it is best he calls it a day at the same time. Have him do his coaching badges, installed on Moyes’s coaching staff and ensure every single Manchester United player knows what it means to pull on a red shirt.
In Sir Alex Ferguson’s autobiography, he stated that he saw Ashley Young as a long-term replacement for Giggs. But on two and half seasons’ evidence, this cannot be further from the truth. More often than not, he has flattered to deceive and has been regularly in and out of the starting eleven. With a tendency to pass backwards and cut infield rather than beat his man with pace and skill (sort of the point of a winger), Young’s goals and assists count is sporadic at best. He has a good cross usually – but not much else. I think it’s time he moved on: he flourished at Aston Villa, and I think that’s more his true level.
Shinji Kagawa promised so much and in reality has delivered little. Again, a man who has shown his best form in glimpses and when played behind the striker, his playing time is restricted because of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie’s guaranteed starting places (and rightly so). Ineffective when shifted out left – and understandably – it is difficult not to feel slightly sorry for Kagawa but he is wasted sitting on the United bench and playing in cup games. I cannot see him staying unless Rooney leaves and/or refuses to sign a new contract.
Poacher Javier Hernandez is another regular occupier of the United bench and with the options ahead of him, his playing time is also curbed by the superiority of his positional peers. With Danny Welbeck’s resurgence adding goals to his game this season, Hernandez’s knack for finding the net is relied upon even less. What’s more, his link-up play and general footballing skill is vastly inferior which leaves him found wanting when dropping deep. Such deficiency means he is also an ineffective and isolated lone striker with a number 10 dropping to help out in central midfield. A real shame, but he would probably score buckets of goals for a mid-table side here or in Europe.
There are also strong question-marks over Tom Cleverley and Wilfried Zaha, too. Cleverley divides opinion among United and England fans alike – he is capable of some very good performances but is extremely inconsistent. He cannot dictate games nor impose himself on the very best opponents; if he is to stay, it should be as a squad option at best. Likewise, Zaha is a very raw talent who has had few opportunities so far other than in the reserves. Personally, I’m not sure he’s a Manchester United player, and I would loan him out to a mid-table side to see if he can reproduce his best form at England’s highest level to help determine his future.
All this would leave manager David Moyes with a core squad of 15 players: de Gea, Lindegaard, Rafael, Jones, Smalling, Evans, Vidic, Carrick, Fletcher, Valencia, Nani, Januzaj, Welbeck, Rooney and van Persie. There are some excellent younger prospects mixed with those who have great experience – but crucially in players who still have good time left in their playing careers; here, Michael Carrick being the oldest at 32, closely followed by club captain Nemanja Vidic. It is important to keep some freshness and vibrancy around the squad, with the chance of Nick Powell, Jesse Lingard, Will Keane and Angelo Henriquez coming through the ranks to be blooded in to the first-team picture, too.
So who to bring in? The media have linked United with most players in existence as usual. With £100m+ supposedly available to the manager, you would expect some big names to appear. Here are my suggestions:
At the back: Fabio Coentrao, Seamus Coleman and Luke Shaw. Coentrao is most definitely on United’s radar as was apparent on September’s deadline day and his arrival this January depends on Madrid’s ability to acquire a replacement. He would be an excellent addition to replace or add genuine competition to Evra in the short-term. Down the left hand-side as well, Shaw is an exciting young prospect who can also play further forward. A genuine left-footer’s ability and versatility should not be under-estimated and he has the potential to become one of the best left-backs in the country. David Moyes is also a known admirer of Coleman and his performances have been sparkling for Everton this season, adding goals to his growing defensive maturity. The arrival of three genuine full-backs to complement Rafael would ensure Jones and Smalling can finally focus on becoming the centre backs they are intended to be.
In central midfield, two or three of Ilkay Gundogan, Arturo Vidal, Yohan Cabaye and Marco Reus would finally satisfy United fans’ cravings for a central midfield signing. Gundogan is admired across Europe for his play-making and range of quick passing that would add some stylishness and flair to a creaking red midfield. In many ways, he would complement and be the ideal partner for Michael Carrick. Reus’s brilliant close control, pace and ability to play in a number of attacking positions make him an exciting potential addition, but it is unlikely Dortmund would sell two of their key players to the same club in the same transfer window. Vidal would add some much-needed defensive nous and bite to the midfield that is yet to have replaced Roy Keane and would be available relatively cheaply in comparison to his Borussia Dortmund colleagues. Closer to home, Yohan Cabaye is a goal-scoring central midfielder that United have certainly lacked in recent times and his range of passing and ability to also knuckle down and do the midfield nitty-gritty is often under-estimated. All would improve the United squad vastly; Gundogan and Reus would individually command £30m (at least in the latter’s case), whilst Vidal and Cabaye would be around £20m each.
Also linked have been Juan Mata and Paul Pogba. Mata is a good player and a creative force but again, unless Rooney leaves, I can see his opportunities being restricted as they currently are by Hazard, Oscar and Willian at Chelsea. I also find it hard to believe Pogba would return to United so soon after leaving, and if he was to return to England, I get the feeling he wouldn’t be wearing red. Either’s arrival would depend on big-name departures not suggested above.
Whatever your viewpoint: it is clear Manchester United have a lot of work to do to become English champions again, let alone a force in Europe. It will take at least four or five major signings – and if they manage to acquire any of the players mentioned above, United will most certainly be all the better for it. David Moyes needs to exert his own impression and visions upon the club and he will be given the time to do so. Prepare for and expect a major player merry-go-round at Old Trafford in the next six months.
Argentina will be aiming for a record-breaking 16th Copa America title when they take on Colombia
The Copa America 2024 is set for an electrifying conclusion as defending champions Argentina face off against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday. This highly anticipated final marks the first-ever Copa America final meeting between these two footballing powerhouses. Argentina aim to secure a record-breaking 16th title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
Argentina’s road to the final has been marked by grit and determination. They navigated a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarter-finals before securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Canada in the semi-finals. Julian Alvarez opened the scoring, followed by a historic goal from Lionel Messi, who now stands as the second-highest male goalscorer in international football with 109 goals.
Argentina’s unbeaten streak now extends to 10 matches, and they remain unbeaten in major tournament knockout games on American soil since the 1994 World Cup. It is no understatement that they go into the clash as favourites.
Colombia are no pushovers, however. They have been in exceptional form. Since their 1-0 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying in February 2022, they have embarked on a record-breaking unbeaten run of 28 matches.
Jefferson Lerma’s header gave Colombia the lead before Daniel Munoz’s red card put them at a numerical disadvantage against Uruguay. Despite this setback, Colombia’s resilience shone through as they held on to secure their place in the final. The victory over Uruguay was marred by a brawl involving Uruguayan players and Colombian supporters, but Colombia’s focus remained unwavering. This final represents a chance for Colombia to end a long wait since their first Copa America triumph in 2001.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
For the final, Argentina face no injury or suspension issues. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to maintain an unchanged lineup. The defence will feature a solid back four with Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Emiliano Martinez as the goalkeeper.
In the midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul are anticipated to keep their places, even though Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios are pushing for a start. Angel Di Maria is poised for his international farewell on the right wing. Alexis Mac Allister, who has been impressive on the international stage, will play a crucial role, linking up with Messi from the midfield.
Lionel Messi, who overcame a leg injury to play the full match against Canada, will lead the attack alongside Julian Alvarez. Lautaro Martinez, the tournament’s top scorer, is expected to begin on the bench and should be brought on in the second half.
Predicted Playing XI (4-4-2): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lis. Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, E. Fernandez, De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez
Colombia
With Daniel Munoz suspended, Santiago Arias is set to start at right-back, joining Davinson Sanchez, Carlos Cuesta, and Johan Mojica in a solid four-man backline. Camilo Vargas will likely be the goalkeeper.
In midfield, Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos are expected to form the double pivot, providing protection for the defence and allowing the attacking players to push forward.
Captain James Rodriguez, who has recorded a tournament-high six assists, will continue in the number 10 role. He will be supported by Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Fluminense’s Jhon Arias on the flanks.
Jhon Cordoba, who has contributed with two goals and two assists, is expected to lead the attack, with Jhon Duran and Rafael Santos Borre available as options.
Predicted Playing XI (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Santiago Arias, Sanchez, Cuesta, Mojica; Rios, Lerma; Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba
Key Stats
- Victory will see Argentina win their 16th Copa America title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s illustrious history.
- Colombia are unbeaten in their last 28 international games.
- Argentina have won 26 of their 43 meetings against Colombia in all competitions.
- A win for Colombia will see them win just their second Copa America title, their first since 2001.
Match Deciding Duel
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) vs James Rodriguez (Colombia)
Argentina have been solid in defence and penetrating their backline has proven to be a challenge for most sides in the competition. Colombia have a rather dynamic attack but will depend on the veteran James Rodriguez to act as the playmaker.
With the likes of Luis Diaz able to make the most of opportunities, the onus will be on Enzo Fernandez to ensure Rodriguez does not have space to manoeuvre in. The duel between the two players could certainly set the tone for which way the cookie crumbles on the night.
Prediction
Argentina 2-1 Colombia
The clash is likely to be an entertaining one with the midfield battle expected to set the tone for the result. Argentina. however, have more strength in depth and the ability to bring a player of Lautaro Martinez’s calibre off the bench in the second half is akin to a cheat code. The Inter Milan star is expected to lead the defending champions to a close 2-1 win on the night.
Spain and England will face off for continental supremacy in the Euro 2024 final
As Euro 2024 reaches its climax, the football world braces for a thrilling final between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This highly anticipated match will determine the champions of Europe, with Spain looking to add to their illustrious history and England aiming to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy for the first time.
Spain, guided by Luis de la Fuente, entered the tournament somewhat under the radar but quickly established themselves as a formidable contender. They navigated the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with ease, securing nine points from three matches against Croatia, Italy, and Albania. Impressively, they emerged from the group stage without conceding a goal to an opposition player.
In the knockout stages, Spain demonstrated their resilience and quality. A stunning 4-1 comeback against Georgia in the last-16 and a tense extra-time victory over hosts Germany in the quarter-finals showcased their grit and talent. The semi-final against France was another test of their mettle, with young star Lamine Yamal lighting up the Allianz Arena and Dani Olmo sealing the win.
Spain’s journey to the final has not been without challenges, but their blend of experience and youthful exuberance has seen them through. They now stand on the brink of history, aiming to become the first European men’s team to win four major tournaments consecutively.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Gareth Southgate’s men had a mixed group stage, winning only once against Serbia and drawing against Denmark and Slovenia. Their knockout phase has been a tale of resilience and drama, coming from behind in both the last-16 and quarter-finals.
A lacklustre win over Slovakia and a penalty shootout victory against Switzerland set the stage for a semi-final clash with the Netherlands. Despite early setbacks, including a goal from Dutch prodigy Xavi Simons, England produced their best performance of the tournament. A late winner from Ollie Watkins, following a perfect penalty from Harry Kane, propelled them to their second consecutive Euro final.
Southgate’s squad has shown incredible determination and character, setting new records along the way. Kane’s scoring feats and the team’s ability to perform under pressure have been pivotal to their success.
We take a look at how both sides could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News and Predicted XI
Spain
Spain’s bad-tempered quarter-final against Germany saw Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand fall foul of the referee, leading to their suspensions for the semi-final. Both players are now back at De la Fuente’s disposal, bringing much-needed fresh legs to the Roja XI. Carvajal will replace Jesus Navas, while Le Normand should push Nacho to the bench.
Spain are expected to maintain a 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simon in goal. Daniel Carvajal and Marc Cucurella should hold the flanks in defence, while Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte should form the centre-back pairing. Rodri should form the midfield pivot, with Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz pushing forward.
Skipper Alvaro Morata should lead the line with the electric duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams providing support. Morata was initially a concern given his freak injury after the win against France. Thankfully for Spain, he trained normally and should lead them out.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Ruiz, Rodri, Olmo; Yamal, Morata, Williams
England
England arrive in Berlin with a fully fit squad, including Luke Shaw, who has recovered from injury. Shaw’s performance against Switzerland and his effective stint in the semi-final suggests he may start, replacing Kieran Trippier at left-back.
Southgate is likely to stick with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Jordan Pickford will guard the goal, with a back three of John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Marc Guehi.
Shaw and Kyle Walker will operate as wing-backs, while Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham form the midfield pivot. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka will support captain Harry Kane in attack. Southgate has enough game-changers on the bench and it remains to be seen if he will have the nerve to make bold calls or play the long game and roll the dice.
Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Key Stats
- A victory on the night will see Spain secure their fourth title, making them the most successful side in the competition’s history.
- A win for England will see them triumph in the European Championships for the first time in their history.
- Spain and England have faced off 27 times in all competitions. La Roja have won 10 games while England have won 14. Three games ended in a draw.
- England have never lost to Spain in a UEFA European Championship clash before.
Match Deciding Duel
Lamine Yamal (Spain) vs Luke Shaw (Spain)
Lamal has been a critical difference-maker for Spain in this year’s tournament and will hope to end it on a high. Up against the recently returned Luke Shaw, he will aim to run rings against the English veteran.
Shaw’s ability to get caught out could provide Yamal the space he needs to run into and put the English backline into disarray. This should also subsequently free up Dani Olmo to make his trademarks into the box.
Prediction
Spain 1-1 England (Spain to Win on Penalties)
England will be keen to end their trophy drought and also go one better than last time around. While they have a strong squad with plenty of depth, Southgate’s inability to take calculated risks should play right into Spain’s hands. It remains unlikely that the trophy will go ‘home’ anytime soon.
Argentina and Canada will face off in the first semifinal of Copa America 2024, a repeat of the competition opener from Group A
Canada have a golden opportunity to make history as they face defending champions Argentina in the first semi-final of Copa America 2024 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
In a rematch of their tournament opener, Canada can become the second CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America final. Both sides advanced to the semi-finals via penalty shootouts, with Argentina defeating Ecuador and Canada overcoming Venezuela after 1-1 draws in regular time respectively.
Argentina’s path to the semi-finals has been fortified by their exceptional defence and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The victory over Ecuador secures their fifth consecutive appearance in the Copa America semi-finals. Historically, Argentina have been strong at this stage, progressing in seven of their last eight attempts, with the only setback being against Brazil in 2019.
A triumph on Tuesday would mark the first time Argentina reached the Copa America final as defending champions since 1959. Scaloni’s team has been defensively sound, conceding just once throughout the tournament. The Albiceleste are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, allowing only three goals during this period.
On the other hand, Canada has shown remarkable resilience since their initial loss to Argentina. Jesse Marsch’s squad has conceded just once in their last three games. They are the third CONCACAF team to reach the Copa America semi-finals in their debut appearance, following Honduras and Mexico. They are also the first from the region to advance this far since the USA in 2016.
This semi-final marks Canada’s fifth appearance in the final four of a continental tournament this century. They have progressed beyond this stage twice, in the 2023 Nations League and the 2000 Gold Cup. Canada aims to emulate Mexico’s 2001 Copa America run, where Mexico reached the final before losing to Colombia.
Argentina’s defensive stability and tactical discipline under Scaloni will be pivotal, also giving their world-class frontline a base to build upon. Canada, under Marsch, has transformed into a more disciplined and resilient team. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies will be crucial in breaking down Argentina’s defence. SoccerSouls takes a closer look at this clash.
Team News and Predicted XI
Argentina
Lionel Messi was not at his best against Ecuador and will be keen to make amends for the penalty miss in the shootout. he missed the final group game with a hamstring injury but now appears to be back to full fitness.
Lionel Scaloni is likely to retain his flexible 4-3-3 formation with Emiliano Martínez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Marcos Acuna.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes should perform the role of the pivot in the centre, giving Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister and the dynamic Rodrigo De Paul the freedom to push forward. Lionel Messi is expected to don the playmaker’s role with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez leading the line. Angel Di Maria will offer Argentina another option off the bench should they need to shift gears.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Emi. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Acuna; Mac Allister, Paredes, De Paul; Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez
Canada
Inter Milan Tajon Buchanan remains a major doubt for Canada after he suffered a broken tibia during training just days before their match against Venezuela. This injury puts his participation in doubt not just for the semi-final clash against Argentina but also for the remainder of the tournament.
Jesse Marsch has an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from for the clash and is expected to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Maxime Crépeau in goal. The shot-stopper should be protected by the back four of Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies.
Stephen Eustáquio and Jonathan Osorio should form the double pivot, freeing up Jonathan David to act as the playmaker. Cyle Larin should start up front, with Richie Laryea and Jacob Shaffelburg providing support out wide.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Osorio, Eustaquio; Laryea, David, Shaffelburg; Larin
Key Stats
- Argentina have never conceded a goal against Canada.
- Argentina have not lost a major tournament match on U.S. soil since a 3-2 defeat to Romania in the 1994 World Cup’s round of 16.
- A win on the night will see Canmada make it to their first-ever Copa America final at the first time of asking.
- Argentina have not made it to the final of the competition as defending champions since 1959.
Match Deciding Duel
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) vs Derek Cornelius (Canada)
Lautaro Martinez is the top scorer in the tournament this season and has made it a habit of scoring late goals for Argentina. This augurs well for a side that is defensively compact, giving them a second wind to settle the game as the opposition gets tired. Derek Cornelius will have his hands full all night but will know that he cannot slack off for even a second with Martinez on the prowl.
Argentina’s ability to score late coupled with Canada’s vulnerabilities in the second half of the game makes for a thrilling finale in the final 30 minutes of the first semifinal. While Argentina do have several threats and matchwinners in their lineup, Martinez’s clinical touch has given them the edge this summer. He will certainly be aiming to make a difference once again on Tuesday.
Transfer Watch
Jonathan David
The LOSC Lille attacker is Canada’s trump card going forward and is expected to leave the Ligue 1 giants this summer. David is a pacy player whose ability to get into space and clinical ability in the box helps make a difference. While several clubs are keeping tabs on him, a solid showing against the defending FIFA World Cup holders will only help boost his profile among potential suitors.
David will be up against the meanest defence in the competition on the night. The duo of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez aren’t just formidable defenders but their ‘take no prisoners’ approach will certainly add a physical element to the duel. David is unlikely to come up against a meaner backline in the competition and how well he handles this challenge could determine his stock this summer.
Prediction
Argentina 2-0 Canada
Both teams will be familiar with each other having felt each other out on the opening day. The stakes are much higher this time round and Canada will be hoping for a monumental upset. Argentina were handed a late scare against Ecuador and that perhaps will ensure they don’t take Tuesday’s game for granted. The game should be a hard-fought one with Argentina’s match winners making the difference in the second half of the game.
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