Criticism has been a common theme of Paul Pogba’s second stint at Old Trafford, an inevitable consequence of being – momentarily – the most expensive player in the history of the sport. While some of the accusations during his first season were largely justified though, there has been a tendency to point the finger too quickly and place the France international at the heart of every shortcoming Manchester United have suffered under Jose Mourinho.
Paul Scholes provided a case in point last week, when he singled out the powerful midfielder after the Red Devils’ scoreless draw with Southampton. The price-tag was mentioned once again, yet there was a bemusing logic in criticising United’s second-deepest lying midfielder after a game in which they failed to find the net. Sure, Pogba is meant to be a match-winning factor for United – but can he really be expected to prove the difference in every single game, in the way Scholes’ latest critique alluded to?
“He doesn’t look like a player who will win you games – that’s what you pay £90m for.”
In any case, those criticisms have already proved short-lived after Pogba responded in convincing fashion against Everton. In a gritty New Year’s Day clash between two managers famed for their pragmatic approach, it was the former Juventus star’s marauding presence in midfield that had the biggest impact.
Indeed, Pogba set up both of his side’s goals with incisive passes to the edge of the box, supplying first Anthony Martial and then Jesse Lingard for similar finishes that curled around Ashley Williams and into the top corner. But they were just two of seven chances Pogba created throughout the ninety minutes, while only the aforementioned Lingard produced more efforts at goal than the Frenchman – who also completed two dribbles and 84% of his passes.
“I think the only thing Paul Scholes does is to criticise. I don’t think he comments, I think he criticises, which is a different thing, but not every one of us has to be phenomenal, like he was as a player.It is not Paul’s fault that he made much more money than Paul Scholes. It is not Paul Pogba’s fault, it’s just the way football is.”
In turn, that gave Jose Mourinho ammunition to do what he does best these days – moan about something. In a subliminal endorsement of Pogba’s influence in the 2-0 win at Goodison Park, much of Mourinho’s post-match discussion centred around Scholes’ comments and his quality as a pundit. While many will put that down to simply Mourinho being Mourinho, Pogba’s performance versus the Toffees highlighted the element of genuine truth behind it – while Scholes may be a United legend, there’s a superficial simplicity to his punditry.
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Norwich striker Cameron Jerome has claimed he was the subject of racial abuse from Leeds defender Giuseppe Bellusci during Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw the two Championship sides.
The pair came together midway through the first-half when the Canaries ace appeared to react angrily after an exchange between the two players.
The 28-year-old squared up to the Elland Road enforcer, although the content of what was said is unclear, with referee Mark Clattenburg having not witnessed the event.
“Cameron has alleged that a racist remark was made,” Norwich boss Neil Adams told BBC Sport after the final whistle.
“I don’t think he’d have reacted in the way he did if it hadn’t happened.
“Mark came over to explain to myself and Darko exactly what had happened to put everybody in the picture, which I think was the right thing to do,
“He spoke to the players and representatives from each club at half-time and he’ll be taking statements from the players involved.
“Mark will submit a report to the relevant authorities and it will be dealt with from there. He didn’t take any action at the time. He merely relayed what Cameron had said. It must now go through the proper channels.
“Bellusci is the player who has been alleged to have made the remark. My concern was to speak to Cameron at the break to make sure his head was right.
“We back our player. I’m sure Leeds will back their player, but other than that we can’t comment any further because there is now going to be an investigation I would expect.”
Leeds boss Darko Milanic said: “It is difficult for me to comment because I didn’t hear anything,”
Clattenburg appeared to give Bellusci a warning after the incident, but the summer signing from Italian side Catania was not punished.
Jerome himself was booked shortly afterwards for a robust challenge on the defender.
Although English football has a good reputation when it comes to levels of racial abuse in football, there have been a few major incidents in recent memory.
Perhaps the most high profile occurrence came in 2011 when former Liverpool star Luis Suarez clashed with Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.
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The Red Devils star alleged that the striker had made a comment referring to the colour of his skin, for which Suarez was eventually found guilty by a three man FA panel and banned for eight games, while being ordered to pay a £40,000 fine.
John Terry was also accused of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in 2012, but the Chelsea captain was found not guilty, although the incident ultimately cost him his role as England skipper.
Should Bellusci be found to have made the alleged remarks to Jerome, the 25-year-old is likely to face a punishment on par with that Suarez was handed, with the defender having no history of such actions.
When you have a forward line with the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, it is never going to be easy for an aspiring youngster to break into the first-team- as Josh King is finding out at Manchester United. talkSPORT reports.
The promising Norwegian footballer has represented his country at every age-group from Under-15 to Under-21, but is growing frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities with United.
The 20-year-old has made just one substitute appearance so far and admits he would be willing to return to Norway in January and join Molde, managed by United legend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
King previously played for Valerenga before being spotted by United and has since had loan spells at Borussia Monchengladbach, Preston North End and Hull City.
Will Keane is another striker coming through the ranks and Sir Alex Ferguson hoped he could be involved with the first-team this season, but he damaged knee ligaments and will not feature this season.
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The January transfer window has never been an ideal time to buy players, Âbut it does give Premier League clubs an important opportunity to offload some deadwood before the season’s final run-in.Something Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino should bear in mind – his Tottenham side are currently caught in transition and there’s a number of players falling by the wayside, struggling to fit into the Argentine’s energetic philosophy.Getting rid of some fringe players will free up funds for more recruitment in the summer too, and thus, here’s a list of FIVE players the Lilywhites could look to axe when the winter window opens.
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BENOIT ASSOU-EKOTTO
In Ben Davies, Danny Rose, Kyle Naughton, Jan Vertonghen and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Spurs possess five players capable of playing at left-back. No club in the world needs five potential No.3’s – an issue the Lilywhites will surely look to address when the transfer window reopens.
And in regards to potential departures, the Cameroon international is by far the likeliest candidate.
He recently received a three-match ban for supporting Nicolas Anelka’s infamous ‘Quinelle’ gesture on Twitter:
That translates as “I congratulate you on your beautiful quinelle” – something a large contingent of the White Hart Lane faithful still rather shocked and appalled by, considering the salute’s anti-Semitic connotations.
But even if he was available, the 30 year-old wouldn’t be part of Mauricio Pochettino’s match day plans; despite having the early rounds of the Europa League to issue fringe players as much time as possible, Assou-Ekotto is yet to feature competitively under the Argentine, having also been left out of Tottenham’s 25-man Premier League squad.
Indeed, after a rather forgettable loan spell in the Championship with QPR last season, it’s alleged Spurs offered the defender out on a free transfer during the latter stages of the summer window:
But with a viable suitor yet to emerge for Spurs stalwart, who has made 155 top flight appearances for the north London side, Tottenham may be stuck with him until the summer when his contract expires. This headbutt on Cameroon team-mate Benjamin Moukandjo at the World Cup certainly hasn’t improved Assou-Ekotto’s limited market appeal: //www.youtube.com/embed/d_MtcEFnVdw?rel=0
Likely selling fee: £0
Roberto Soldado
How long can this sorry state of affairs go on for? Tottenham splashed out a club-record £26million on Roberto Soldado, but the Spain striker has found just six Premier League goals since – four of which were from the penalty spot. There’s certainly been moments of brilliance along the way, giving a glimpse into what the former Valencia star is capable of under the right circumstances:
//www.youtube.com/embed/aI_HGuZbPO8?rel=0 But measuring in at 5 foot 10, bearing no particular pace or power, Soldado has always looked out of sorts with the Premier League and even more so, Tottenham’s style of play. In 2011/2012 and 2012/13, the Lilywhites recorded the second-most shots per match of any Premier League side, 47% and 56% respectively of which were from outside the box, yet the Spaniard could count could count his amount of goals from over 18 yards for Los Che on one hand. With Spurs seemingly keen to recoup as much of their investment as possible before the 29 year-old loses all resale value, rumours liking him with a move away from White Hart Lane are not hard to find:
And having issued Soldado even less appearances than 21 year-old Harry Kane this season, Mauricio Pochettino is unlikely to stand in the way of a January departure. Likely selling fee:£12-£15million
Andros Townsend
Andros Townsend was labelled as England’s new hero when he netted this stunning strike against Montenegro to secure his country’s place at the World Cup last October: //www.youtube.com/embed/BAkOjFq1_Tc?rel=0
But based on his woeful form since, the 23 year-old has already experienced the highest point of his career. Indeed, last season he took 56 attempts at goal, yet, with only one actually hitting the target – believe it or not, a misguided cross which somehow looped it’s way over Aston Villa’s Brad Guzan – his conversion rate was a pathetic 2%.
The kind of player who appears to revel in the fact he can nearly score from anywhere on the pitch, despite never actually finding the net, Townsend’s become a huge frustration for the fans and seemingly Mauricio Pochettino, who has issued him just two substitute appearances in the Premier League thus far. The Lilywhites allegedly tried to offload the former QPR loanee during the summer, suggesting a swap deal for Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez, and they’ll likely attempt to rekindle this deal in January.
The winger may feel he needs a change of scene too, with Roy Hodgson warning that without regular game time, Townsend won’t be selected for future England squads:
Likely transfer fee:£7million-£10million, or a sum to that value taken off Jay Rodriguez’ price-tag.
AARON LENNON
Another winger who’s Tottenham career could be coming to an abrupt end – according to reports this morning, the Lilywhites are set to sell Aaron Lennon:
As the headline claims, the 27 year-old doesn’t want to leave, but he’s only mustered up one Premier League start under Mauricio Pochettino and is unlikely to see more game-time with Erik Lamela now beginning to find form.
Lennon has been an incredible servant to the Lilywhites – he’s made 353 appearances for them since moving to north London from Leeds United way back in 2005. Here’s a look at some of his highlights for Spurs:
//www.youtube.com/embed/m_o-6PvL8qw?rel=0
But after nine years, Lennon’s Tottenham tenure has likely run its course. In terms of potential buyers, QPR and Stoke were both linked on deadline day and could reignite their interest in the new year.
Likely transfer fee:£6million-£9million
Moussa Dembele
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Powerhouse midfielder Moussa Dembele has muscled his way back into Tottenham’s starting Xi in recent weeks, having spent much of last season on the peripheries of the squad.
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But reports claim Everton are planning a January swoop:
And having never really replicated the form that earned him a £15million move from Fulham to White Hart Lane in summer 2012, as shown in the video below, the Lilywhites could be convinced into cashing in on the Belgium international.
//www.youtube.com/embed/xCZotD1jC9c?rel=0
Especially considering Spurs are hardly short of imposing, physical figures – like Dembele- in the middle of the park. Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Nabil Bentaleb and Benjamin Stambouli all fit that mould too.
At the weekend, Phil Jones spoke publicly of his hope that he and Chris Smalling would become Manchester United’s new central defensive partnership from next season onwards. But are the young England pair really ready for the responsibility?
With Nemanja Vidic departing to Inter Milan in the summer and Rio Ferdinand unlikely to be offered a contract beyond the end of the current campaign, David Moyes has a void at the heart of his defence that will need to be addressed. Although United have primarily been linked with midfielders in the rumour mill, a new central defender is also believed to be a priority.
Although Jones would welcome the competition, he believes that Moyes should turn to the young England duo. The former Blackburn Rovers player stated “I’ve played with Chris for three or four years in the England Under-21s and also United, and we have a really good understanding.” Recognising the pair’s relative inexperience, Jones added “we complement each other well and when you look at other central-defender partnerships and how they grow and build, they get better by playing together.” The pair cost United approximately £26 million and Sir Alex Ferguson likely intended for the two to form the club’s new central defensive partnership.
Based on the successful blueprint of Ferdinand and Vidic, Jones and Smalling do seem to possess the required attributes to complement one another. While Jones has proven himself capable of bringing the ball out of defence like the former England captain, Smalling has recently begun to command a greater authority in the air.
But the partnership is not ready yet.
With United floundering domestically, Moyes is not in the position to currently grant the Jones-Smalling partnership the necessary time to develop. As the banner flown over Old Trafford in the recent fixture against Aston Villa, a noticeable proportion of the club’s faithful have grown restless with the “Chosen One”. The Red Devils cannot risk extending their absence from the Champions League which means Moyes has to spend big in the summer.
Jones’ comments also overlook the role of Jonny Evans. A quick search on fan forums reveals a strong debate over which of the three is better right now. Jones may like to partner Smalling but there is no guarantee that either would be first choice, and Moyes may be tempted to rely upon Evans’ greater experience on certain occasions.
The fact that the three of them all have such a poor injury record also needs to be considered. With Moyes unlikely to get a full season out of any of the trio, it would be foolish for him to not replace at least one of Ferdinand and Vidic.
Jones and Smalling may have been purchased with the intention of becoming the club’s central pairing, but up until now the duo have occupied a number of positions. Both have been asked to fill in at full back fairly frequently whilst the former has also adopted a midfield role at times.
Whilst this will prove beneficial for the players’ long term footballing development, it doesn’t aid their immediate case to become Moyes’ first choice pairing. Neither of them have played enough times in the heart of defence to have established themselves as the preferred partnership, especially at a club like United. Some will argue that Jones and Smalling should be played to allow them to learn and improve together and in an ideal world, this would be the best solution. But with the pressure continuing to mount on the manager, the “Chosen One” simply cannot afford the pair the necessary time.
With Patrice Evra potentially leaving too, United could be starved of genuine experience at the back unless Moyes makes a move in the transfer window. Rafael has developed immeasurably but still at times displays a naivety with impetuous challenges whilst Alexander Buttner has only been used sparingly thus far. Whilst Alan Hansen’s infamous “you can’t wing anything with kids” comment will not be repeated here, United will likely require an experienced and commanding presence at the heart of their defence to at least ensure their return to the top four.
David De Gea has improved significantly since joining the club but still does not possess the authority to effectively co-ordinate those in front of him. In Ferdinand and Vidic’s absence, United essentially need to find somebody to lead from the back.
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This is why as well as the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos, Moyes has been linked with a number of experienced central defenders. Dante and Mats Hummels may seem unrealistic targets but a player of a similar calibre is required at Old Trafford.
In an ideal world, the partnership of Jones and Smalling would be allowed the time to develop and prove themselves as United’s long term central pairing. But given the club’s current predicament, Moyes cannot afford to rely on them just yet.
Thierry Henry could be forgiven for having Robert Pires in mind; both are currently training with Arsenal. But the former Arsenal captain went on to compare Mesut Ozil to his former teammate, suggesting that there was a likeness to their style of play and contribution on the field, rather than stating the German was Arsenal’s modern equivalent to Pires.
Pires was a flair player; elegant and fluid. He was considerate with his passing; economical and hospitable. He knew how to make the most of his teammates and how to work in tandem with the other forwards. As Henry stated ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League tie away to Napoli, “football is about partnerships.”
I made the point recently that Ozil was a reference point for the other midfielders in the team. His arrival has lifted the mood at the club and his presence on the pitch has fed confidence to his teammates, yet he’s still regarded as the talisman in midfield, despite the form of others.
In addition, I also pointed out that Ozil’s contributions aren’t always seen from the stats page. His assists numbers over the past three years have been phenomenal, but it’s worth looking at how much he does for others in the way he plays. That was the point of Henry’s comparison. In terms of style and certainly build, Pires and Ozil are notably different.
But then there shouldn’t be much of a surprise that Pires was so educated on the ball. Like so many others who have walked through the doors at either Highbury or The Emirates, Arsene Wenger has looked to transform central players into attackers from the flanks. Tomas Rosicky seemed to be Pires’ most obvious replacement when the Czech international arrived at the club in 2006, seen as a natural No.10 but moved out onto the left.
Henry went on to state his wish to have had played with Ozil, such is the quality the German brings to the team. This is Ozil’s first season in English football, and at present it seems as though Aaron Ramsey is among a small group of players who could be in contention for the Footballer of the Year award in the Premier League.
But Ozil could be on a similar course taken by Pires. During his second season in the Premier League, Pires became one of the driving forces for Arsenal’s success as title winners. The fact that he missed part of the season due to injury further highlights how good he was to pick up the Footballer of the Year accolade. Henry clearly sees similar traits in Ozil. The talent is clear in the German. But what he brings to the team, more so than his actual style, is certainly comparable to Pires.
Liverpool travel to Southampton today on the back of a superb 3-2 victory over high-flying Tottenham last weekend.
A result like that one at Anfield will have Brendan Rodgers’ side believing a top-four finish is still achievable, despite trailing fourth by seven points going in to this weekend’s fixture.
Southampton are far from safety as they lurk dangerously above the drop-zone and their current form of one win in their last eight Premier League games shows they still have a lot to do to maintain their top-flight status.
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A disappointing end to the season sees Liverpool travel to Stoke this weekend having already failed in their quest to qualify for back to back Champions Leagues with a spot in next year’s Europa League the best they could manage.
It was always going to be difficult following last season’s success, a campaign that saw them narrowly miss out on the league title after some brilliant attacking displays, led in big part to the trio of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling.
Liverpool’s failure to make the top four is largely down to their inability to replace their star man Suarez after he left for Barcelona last summer, and with Daniel Sturridge missing most of the season through injury, it comes as little surprise to see them miss out.
Unfortunately for the Reds, their lack of progress looks to have had an affect on the other star in that trio, as the main summer transfer saga surrounding Sterling continues to rumble on and he closes in on his Anfield exit.
Sterling has come under a lot of criticism lately for the way in which he and in particular his agent, have handled the whole situation regarding his reluctance to sign a new contract at Anfield.
And although this can certainly be justified, those questioning his motives for wanting to leave the club and criticising this decision, only have to put themselves in his shoes to realise he is doing the right thing.
He has every right to push for a Liverpool exit, with the main factor being something money can’t buy; trophies.
Sterling has two years remaining on his current £35,000 a week deal, and there in lies the first problem.
He may only be 20, but having become one of the club’s most important players over the past couple of seasons he certainly warrants far more money than that given the nature of today’s game.
He will see the likes of Mario Balotelli, who has contributed very little to the side and will certainly be on a great deal more than that, and feel like he’s not receiving his fair share given his performances.
They may well be offering him £100,000 a week now, but that it’s already too late and it seems no amount of money is going to keep him at amount.
Sterling’s main cause for concern is the lack of ambition Liverpool seem to be showing, and with no sign of it changing any time soon, he has to leave in order to give himself the best chance of winning things.
There’s no disputing he will get his £100k a week at a top four rival, and maybe more, but a move to the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal or Chelsea will certainly be a progression for his career.
Liverpool have qualified for the Champions League just once in their last six attempts, and having won just one trophy in nine years, you can’t blame the youngster for looking elsewhere.
He wants to be playing at the top level of European football on a consistent basis as well as challenging for domestic honours, and this is something Liverpool can’t offer him.
Last season has proved to be a spectacular one off, probably because of the Suarez factor, but even then they didn’t win a thing.
Their signings last summer, at a point when they should have been best equipped to strengthen and really push on have proved to be a disaster. And with no Champions League football to tempt any potential new signings, it’s hard to see this summer being much more successful.
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Just like Sterling, their targets are going to be more attracted to the top four sides, and this is something only a sustained period of successful league finishes will solve.
People look at Sterling and think, he just wants more money, but this is not the case, and his desire to win trophies and move onto a bigger club should be praised.
This will be Liverpool’s fifth season outside the top four in their last six, and aside from last year’s second placed finish, they are actually on course for their highest league position since 2009.
The harsh reality for Liverpool is they can’t cater for players who have higher aspirations, and unless that changes, they will face a struggle to hold onto their star names in the future.
On loan West Ham striker Andy Carroll is happy to take a significant pay cut in order to join former club Newcastle United this summer, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Liverpool front man is set to return to Anfield for pre season as West Ham have struggled to secure a deal to keep him in East London after impressive displays in recent weeks.
The England forward is now the Hammers joint top goalscorer this season and the Hammers are doing everything possible to keep him.
However the Newcastle-born striker is hoping to move back to his hometown club this summer and is willing to take a pay cut to do so.
The Toon desperately need to get a result at Queens Park Rangers today in order to avoid joining them in the Championship next season, however it is still in their hands with Wigan three points adrift.
Carroll may be a big name arrival in the summer but a number of key players may well be on their way out of St James’ Park at the end of the season.
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that he is concerned about the expectation level regarding Jack Wilshere on his return from injury, according to talkSPORT.
Wilshere started his first Gunners game for 14 months in yesterday’s 1-0 win at home to QPR, but his manger refuses to put too much importance on his talent in the current Arsenal squad.
“I feel there is too much pressure on him but we cannot change that, it always goes with the great players,
“The level of expectation will always be high with Jack, but we will have to deal with that.
“I think he deals with it well but overall it’s important that he just enjoys his football.”
“I told him only today (about starting v QPR) to not give him too much time to think about that.”
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“He did well, technically well. He of course lacked the pace of the game but overall he did well.”