Posts

Two Manchester United transfer choices revealed by merciless Nottingham Forest after baffling £90m decisions

By Damerex -
Image
Manchester United’s decision to sell Anthony Elanga for £15m while rating Alejandro Garnacho at £70m illustrates the kind of errors that define their transfer missteps.  Manchester United are terrible at signings. That is no surprise. Their terrible history of post-Ferguson acquisitions is painfully familiar. However, they are arguably inferior in every facet of player sales, and insufficient emphasis is placed on how that disastrous failure has been more persistently harmful than subpar recruitment to their prospects for a significant rebuild.  They have never earned over £100m in a single season from player sales (four Premier League teams achieved this in just one season). They are the sole Premier League club whose highest sale happened prior to 2011. They still consider David Beckham's transfer to Real Madrid in 2003 as their fourth-biggest sale ever, and two players ahead of him – Angel Di Maria and Romelu Lukaku – were sold at a loss compared to their initial signing fe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bukayo Saka makes a perfect comeback, but Arsenal's 24/25 season comes to a premature conclusion after another injury setback

By Damerex -
Image
Bukayo Saka shone brightly with a goal in his comeback during the 2-1 victory against Fulham, yet Arsenal may soon see their season come to an abrupt halt following yet another significant setback...  In reality, Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League title concluded prior to the international break.  The slim chance of something amusing occurring during what is poised to be a rather tedious conclusion hinged on Mikel Arteta’s team defeating Fulham on Tuesday night and Liverpool prolonging their ongoing two-match winless streak against Everton on Wednesday evening.  Arsenal delivered on their promise, though they didn't do so entirely convincingly…  Even with Saka's positive return to the bench following his hamstring injury, Arsenal's ongoing issues persisted, and one could easily believe – particularly during the first half – that the Fulham match felt like a meaningless fixture as a minor hurdle on the way to summer break.  As they have throughout mu...
Post a Comment
Read more

Identify the sole two players in the Premier League with star quality

By Damerex -
Image
Did you believe that Bukayo Saka or the current Ballon d’Or winner possesses 'star quality'? As though it makes a difference regardless...  ‘Is the Premier League experiencing a shortage of superstars?’ is an opening line from Sam Wallace in the Daily Telegraph that stems entirely from the absurd situation of the international break concluding with an FA Cup weekend lacking any of England's most popular clubs.  You realize you are drifting into middle age when you begin to ponder where all the true superstars have disappeared to; wasn’t it more enjoyable when you could leave your door unlocked, men were men, women were something unspecified, and the Premier League overflowed with star talent? The issue? It never truly was.  In the latest Forbes ranking of the top-earning athletes in 2024, which generally aligns with the most renowned players globally, the Premier League features three individuals: Erling Haaland, Mo Salah, and Kevin De Bruyne.  In 2020, the Premier L...
Post a Comment
Read more

Man Utd confronts a ‘significant challenge’ as Amorim prepares for a record offer for Fernandes

By Damerex -
Image
According to reports, Man Utd is preparing for a historic transfer offer from Real Madrid for Bruno Fernandes during the summer transfer window.  The Red Devils are enduring a difficult season, with Ruben Amorim’s team sitting in 13th place on the Premier League table after 29 games.  Man Utd appointed Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag in November, yet results and performances have declined under the Portuguese manager.  Amorim is facing challenges in getting his Man Utd team to adjust to his style of play, philosophy, and tactics – yet one player who has risen to the occasion is Fernandes.  Fernandes has made a remarkable impact with 16 goals and 14 assists in 44 matches across all competitions this season, despite the team's difficulties.  This has caught the eye of La Liga powerhouses Real Madrid, with the Daily Star reporting that Man Utd is ‘prepared for a record transfer offer’ from Los Blancos during the summer transfer window.  Real Madrid are poised t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Marcus Rashford is leaving Manchester United's anguish behind him as he embraces a new era with Aston Villa

By Damerex -
Image
Marcus Rashford had a dream at Manchester United, but ultimately felt unhappy. However, during his time at Aston Villa, he is recalling his true identity.  When it comes to FA Cup matches, you won't find many more classic than this one. The inaugural encounter between these teams took place in the fifth round of the FA Cup approximately 137 years ago, in 1888. When the Football League started later that year, it concluded with Preston North End as the champions and Aston Villa as the runners-up.  We might suggest that football has evolved somewhat since that time, yet the trend of top-tier teams facing lower division rivals in the FA Cup has been firmly rooted. The larger team dominates while their less favored opponents put forth a valiant effort. That's precisely what we have here.  Despite all their territory and peril, Villa battled to deliver the decisive strike for nearly an hour. The prime opportunity indeed went to Preston, as Stefan Thordarson failed to direct hi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Arsenal requires 'unique players' as Keown is 'confident' about where funding will be allocated this summer

By Damerex -
Image
Arsenal icon Martin Keown is "confident" about the areas where the Gunners will enhance this summer, believing it is necessary as "special players" can "bring things to a close".  Arsenal secured the second position in the Premier League for the past two seasons. With a gap of 12 points from league leaders Liverpool, the Gunners find themselves in second place again, making it seem that this finish is the best they can anticipate.  In the previous two seasons, they appeared truly able to claim the championship. This season, they have strayed from that, as injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz are compounding the issues.  Arsenal icon Keown, a three-time league winner with the club, also finished as a runner-up several times, believes that adding a top forward is necessary for the next phase of progress.  "Certain individuals are fortunate, and their path to achievement is direct." "Not for this Arsenal squad," Keown r...
Post a Comment
Read more

Man City predicted to be ‘dissolved’ following FFP ‘private prosecutions’ with Haaland suggested for a move to Forest

By Damerex -
Image
Man City could confront being 'liquidated' due to 'private prosecutions', while a potentially 'humorous' alternative 'resolution' might trigger Erling Haland to Nottingham Forest.  The true ‘greatest’ influence of Man City FFP…  Acknowledging all the warnings, I believe that everyone is missing the main issue if City is deemed guilty. You have listed five penalties, but the greatest effect will likely come from the private prosecutions, which I think have been retained by Man Utd, Liverpool, and Arsenal. United clearly have the greatest need for funds, thus the absence of prize money, sponsorship, and commercial opportunities is an issue they will be eager to tackle concerning titles and trophies. Liverpool and Arsenal will also be bold in pursuing compensation, and we then look at the European teams that have faced disadvantages.  I have made this argument previously, but this could be crucial for City as a club. The club cannot sustain this without the...
Post a Comment
Read more

Trophyless XI of players pursuing FA Cup success includes English duo Eze and Watkins

By Damerex -
Image
Fulham, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace are seeking their first trophies as they compete for FA Cup triumph in 2025. But what concerning the players without pots? We have you supported with a lineup assured to secure sixth place in the Premier League.  GK: Bart Verbruggen [Brighton] Netherlands' top player Verbruggen kicks off our trophyless XI, as his Brighton team gets ready to face the Premier League's third-best squad, Nottingham Forest, in the FA Cup quarter-finals this Saturday.  Brighton aim to get back at the team that scored seven against them and Verbruggen on February 1. Verbruggen allowed all but two of the attempts that Forest directed on goal, resulting in the Seagulls facing their worst league defeat since the 9-0 loss to Middlesbrough on the opening day of the 1958/59 season in the second division.  Verbruggen is among the top young goalkeepers in Europe yet couldn't secure any titles during his three years at Anderlecht, which is regrettable giv...
Post a Comment
Read more

Man City placed sixth in FA Cup ‘don’t care’ ranking, which includes four teams with no title

By Damerex -
Image
Seven Premier League teams are in the FA Cup quarter-finals, with four of them being over 115 years old and competing for their first trophy victory.  The inquiry is: How much should the seven remaining premier clubs care about this historic tournament?  7. Nottingham Forest  If you had given Nottingham Forest supporters the choice between Champions League qualification or a domestic trophy at the season's outset, they likely would have chosen the trophy – once they stopped laughing.  With Champions League participation nearly secured, we believe Forest prefers a visit to the Allianz Arena over Wembley. The proprietors would certainly do so – consider all the cash.  6. Manchester City  This year's FA Cup is notably open and thrilling, making Man City’s anticipated 4-0 victory in the final a disappointing letdown.   Pep Guardiola typically avoids trophyless seasons, but securing City’s spot in next season’s Champions League holds more significance than ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cristiano Ronaldo advises star to join Man Utd before 'huge transfer window'

By Damerex -
Image
Reports indicate that ex-Man Utd forward Cristiano Ronaldo has advised Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao to transfer to Old Trafford this summer.  The Red Devils are enduring a poor season, as Ruben Amorim’s team is placed 13th in the Premier League standings after defeating Leicester City 3-0 prior to the international break.  Man Utd dismissed Erik ten Hag at the end of October to hire Amorim from Sporting CP in a bid to quickly improve the club’s situation.  It hasn't occurred yet because the Red Devils' manager has faced difficulties getting the Man Utd team to adjust to his playing style, philosophy, and tactics.  Amorim is hoping that Man Utd will assist him in the approaching transfer market as he aims to acquire players that fit his system.  And where could one look more suitably than at Sporting, where Amorim’s strategies bore fruit as he achieved significant success for the Portuguese club, with Trincao believed to be a primary target at Old Traffor...
Post a Comment
Read more