Tag Futebol

And breathe. What a game.

Chelsea looked destined for another shocking defeat in the Premier League last night as they let a two-goal lead slip to Manchester United – until Cole Palmer stepped up, that is.

Mauricio Pochettino must have a shrine to the young Englishman in his house because, at times, it feels like he's the only reason the Argentine still has a job.

That said, another Chelsea ace will be thanking their lucky stars that Manchester City sold the talented gem to the Blues last summer after their shocking performance last night.

Cole Palmer's performance vs Manchester United

He may not have opened the scoring for the Pensioners last night, but there can be no denying that it was the Palmer show once again.

The 21-year-old sensation doubled the west Londoners' lead in the 19th minute with an ice-cold penalty, restored parity with another one 81 minutes after that, and scored the winner courtesy of a Scott McTominay deflection just 60 seconds later.

It was an unreal performance from the Wythenshawe-dynamo and one fully deserving of the 10/10 the Standard's Nizaar Kinsella gave, who described his display as 'heroic.'

While his hat-trick will be the main topic of discussion – and rightly so – the rest of his game was equally impressive.

In his 103 minutes of action, he had five shots on target, won five of his eight duels, made two interceptions, created one big chance, played eight key passes, and took 74 touches.

Minutes

103'

Goals

3

Expected Goals

1.86

Expected Assists

0.42

Touches

74

Key Passes

8

Big Chances Created

1

Shots on Target

5

Shots Blocked

4

Duels (Won)

8 (5)

Interceptions

1

In all, it was a masterful showing from the incredibly talented youngster and one that saved one of his teammates from significantly more flak.

Marc Cucurella's performance vs Manchester United

The dismally poor player in question is Marc Cucurella, who, despite looking decent at the start of the game, only further proved that he simply isn't good enough for the Blues.

The Spaniard was lively for the first 20 minutes or so, bombing up and down the byline and even winning the first penalty of the game, but as the match went on, his defensive fragilities came to the fore.

For example, in his 103 minutes of action, he lost six of his 11 duels, lost the ball 13 times, was dribbled past a whopping four times, committed one foul and managed a paltry passing accuracy of just 78%.

Minutes

103'

Expected Goals

0.05

Expected Assists

0.02

Dribbled Past

4

Duels (Won)

11 (5)

Possession Lost

13

Fouls

1

Accurate Passes

35/35 (78%)

Kinsella was particularly harsh on the former Brighton & Hove ace in his player ratings, writing that he was 'terrible defensively', blaming him for Alejandro Garnacho's second goal, and ultimately awarding him a 5/10, which might actually be too generous – especially for a full-back who lost out to Antony of all people.

Chelsea "monitoring" an "incredible" Poch upgrade who could be Jose 2.0

There are more than a few similarities between the highly sought-after manager and the ‘Special One.’

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 3, 2024

Ultimately, the 25-year-old was all over the place last night, and were it not for the herculean efforts of Palmer almost single-handedly winning the game for the Blues, he would have been in for an awful lot more criticism.

Manchester City have reportedly slapped a huge price tag on Julian Alvarez after the Argentina star demanded to leave Pep Guardiola's side.

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Alvarez wants a fresh challenge City demand £77m for the strikerAtletico Madrid unwilling to match the valuationWHAT HAPPENED?

According to the forward remains keen to get more playing time and relocate to a warmer climate. However, he might find himself hindered by City's valuation which is reportedly around £60m ($77m), with an additional £17 million ($22m) in potential add-ons. Atletico Madrid, who have shown considerable interest in the player, disagree with City's demands and might pull out of any potential deal if further negotiations fail to convince the Premier League champions to lower their asking price.

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Alvarez has flown to Paris to participate in the Summer Olympics with Argentina after plying his trade in the Copa America, which will further deter Pep Guardiola from handing him a starting role, at least in the initial phase of the 2024-25 campaign. He hasn't had a substantial break in three years owing to club and international commitments, making his situation even more complex.

DID YOU KNOW?

In recent years, City have demonstrated a willingness to allow players to leave if they desire, a policy highlighted by the transfers of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal. However, they have also shown resistance when it comes to key players, whom they will struggle to replace at short notice, creating challenges for potential suitors. Last summer, they blocked the sales of Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva, demonstrating their selective approach to player transfers.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

City's financial prudence while dealing with key assets has come to the forefront once again. They are likely to be rigid with their valuation of Alvarez, who has already reportedly rejected a four-year extension offer, which could force the player to continue at Etihad as a backup to goal-machine Erling Haaland, at least for another year.

The reigning Ballon d'Or winner must deliver in Copa America final if Argentina hope to conquer Colombia

When Lionel Messi stepped up to take Argentina's first penalty against Ecuador in the Copa America quarterfinals, the outcome was inevitable. Messi was surely going to bury it. Maybe he'd smash it top corner, perhaps he'd panenka it down the middle. Either way, there was no way he could miss.

And then, the unthinkable happened. Messi missed.

He tried to chip the ball down the middle, but his effort clipped the bar and went behind. Argentina seemed doomed, in the moment. Of course, that didn't happen. Emi Martinez made two saves, and every other Argentina player converted on their spot-kicks as La Albiceleste stayed alive.

Messi, the guy who had saved his team so many times, was bailed out by those he had so often led to victory. Depending in which corner of social media debate you reside, Messi is either the best or the second best footballer to ever play the game.

He operates on his own plane. Messi is the rare star player who tends to act like one. And Argentina need him. After enduring a disappointing tournament – by his standards, anyway – Messi simply must come alive when Argentina line up against Colombia in Sunday night's Copa America final in Miami.

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  Bailed out

  That Ecuador game was arguably one of Messi's worst in an Argentina shirt in years. The stats, in isolation, make for grim reading. The Argentina captain touched the ball 29 times, completed 21 passes, took one shot, and didn't dribble past a single opponent. La Albiceleste's undisputed talisman was reduced to a bit-part player.

  Some of the credit has to go to Ecuador. Moises Caicedo – so disappointing for Chelsea last season – shepherded Messi excellently. He barely had time to breathe. When the Argentine did the standard walking-to-get-open stuff, Caicedo simply followed him around. And when he was caught, someone else stepped in. The only real way to stop Messi is to suffocate him. Ecuador did just that.

  That meant Argentina had to turn elsewhere. Lisandro Martinez took his goal well, and La Albiceleste were excellent on penalties again.

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  Injured?

  Through all of this, though, there is a real concern that Messi might not be entirely fit. He arguably hasn't been for nearly two years. We are talking about a 37-year-old, after all. Messi played almost every minute at the 2022 World Cup, and won the trophy he coveted so dearly as his reward.

  But since then, he has suffered from constant injuries. First, it was his calf during his last few months at PSG in early 2023. Then it was a series of knocks for Inter Miami, loosely described as "muscle fatigue."

  These are all understandable ailments for someone of his age, and with all the minutes in his legs. Messi is certainly quick and strong, but he has never been an incredible athlete, and has never had to rely on his physical attributes to be the best in the world. Still, he walks more these days, and is given nights off for Miami (something that has landed him in hot water with MLS.)

  And he missed a Copa America fixture as a result, ruled out of Argentina's game with Peru. Manager Lionel Scaloni admitted just a few days before the Ecuador quarterfinal that he didn't know if Messi would be ready to play. He ultimately did, but these concerns aren't so easily ignored.

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  Allowing others to thrive

  Still, watch Messi live, and you will notice everything he does off the ball. It was often remarked about Karim Benzema at Real Madrid that the striker was the best player in the world at creating space for others – knowing when to weave in and out of space, showing the world how touching the ball can sometimes be as equally important as touching it.

  That's crept into Messi's game these days. Some superstars demand the ball – and Messi often does. But he's also equally happy not to have it, to move away from play, drag a defender with him, and allow one of Argentina's other supremely talented attacking players to make something happen.

  Such was the case in La Albiceleste's opening goal against Canada in the semifinal. Messi dropped away from goal. Julian Alvarez had space to run into. Rodrigo De Paul provided the pass, Alvarez held off two defenders and scored. Messi was 40 yards from the ball, but his selflessness, his willingness to get out of the way, effectively created a goal for his team.

  And therein lies his impact. Even when he is touching the ball less, Messi is never static. He may walk around, but he is always on the move, constantly giving opposing defenses something to think about. Those things don't show up on the stat sheet. They're not even immediately obvious. But Messi, aware of how much attention he draws, is able to allow others to thrive.

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  Lessons to take from Qatar

  This is not a new concept. Messi himself has acknowledged that there is a real art to his walking. He has even advised other Inter Miami players to do the same. The difference is, in recent years, he's also been able to make the most of the ball when he has it. He can be involved less, but be devastating when he's afforded the opportunity to make that happen.

  The 2022 World Cup was a perfect example. Messi was the best player in the tournament by some distance, but not once was he the player with the most touches for his team. His chance creation, shot, and key pass numbers were all lower than they had been in years. The difference? Every single pass was clean, almost every opportunity was taken. He made the half chances look like easy goals, the impossible balls looked like easy assists.

  No, he wasn't involved as much as he would have liked. But he maximized every opportunity when given the chance.

Big picture

It was no real surprise that Sri Lanka rode an outstanding fifty from Danushka Gunathilaka to a competitive total in the first match. Were it not for injury and disciplinary issues, the opener would command a place in their first-choice limited-overs XI. He is among the more naturally gifted batsmen in any match.It was also no surprise that Dasun Shanaka helped Sri Lanka maintain their momentum through the later stages of the innings. He is one of the cleanest ball-strikers around.What was surprising was the ease with which Sri Lanka shut Pakistan’s chase down. Even without Lasith Malinga, the fast bowlers had the opposition 22 for 3. Pakistan are the top-ranked T20I side in the world, but this particular top order contained Umar Akmal, who had not contributed to that rise, and Ahmed Shehzad, who had not played a T20I since mid-2018. They made 4 off 9 balls and a first-ball duck respectively. As a result, coach Misbah-ul-Haq, who made these out-of-left-field selections, is facing a little scrutiny after his first T20I in charge.ALSO READ – Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad have my full backing as captain – Sarfaraz AhmedBut one victory does not make Sri Lanka invulnerable. Avishka Fernando appears to have hit some modest form in Pakistan, to follow his breakout World Cup, but the likes of Lakshan Sandakan and Wanindu Hasaranga are also far from reliable wristspin options still. The more senior players in the Sri Lanka XI will need to continue to produce excellent innings and spells, so that the younger cricketers can play in their slipstream.

Form guide

Pakistan LLWLL (completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka WWLLL

In the spotlight

Very quietly, Shadab Khan has been having a disappointing 2019. His legspin has averaged 41.11 across 13 ODI innings this year (though his World Cup average of 35.55 was better). In T20Is, his numbers are even bleaker – his economy rate up at 9.42, and his average at 44, albeit from only four appearances. Sri Lanka is a team he had generally done well against, but several batsmen seemed to enjoy his bowling through the course of this tour, and his 1 for 35 on Saturday was modest without being terrible. In recent years, Sri Lanka haven’t loved playing wristspin. If Shadab can turn his form around, Pakistan will go some way to checking the opposition’s batting.Misbah-ul-Haq oversees Pakistan’s training session•AFP

Prior to his debut, no uncapped Sri Lanka player had quite produced as much hype in the capital as Bhanuka Rajapaksa. A star at school level for one of the fanciest Colombo institutions – Royal College – Rajapaksa had been tipped by many to become one of the island’s best. But in senior cricket, his record has been modest, particularly in first-class and List A matches. Despite this, he has now got the chance to showcase his wares at the top level, and in his first T20I, he produced an innings that went some way to justifying the ten-year hype. If he can back Saturday’s 32 off 22 balls up with another good performance, the selectors may keep him on even when the first-choice players return to the fray.

Team news

Given Shehzad’s poor innings in the first match, Fakhar Zaman may come back into the XI.Pakistan (possible): 1 Fakhar Zaman, 2 Babar Azam, 3 Umar Akmal, 4 Sarfaraz Ahmed (capt.) (wk), 5 Iftikhar Ahmed, 6 Asif Ali, 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shadab Khan, 10 Mohammad Amir, 11 Mohammad HasnainSri Lanka will probably see no reason to change their XI.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Avishka Fernando, 3 Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 4 Shehan Jayasuriya, 5 Minod Bhanuka (wk), 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt.), 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Isuru Udana, 9 Lakshan Sandakan, 10 Kasun Rajitha, 11 Nuwan Pradeep

Pitch and conditions

The dew that both teams had expected did not turn up in force on Saturday. Expect Lahore to produce a similar surface.

Stats and trivia

• Sri Lanka have lost each of their four most-recent T20 series, two of which have been at home, and two away. Their last away series win (outside one-off games) was against Bangladesh in early 2018.
• Pakistan have never lost a bilateral T20I series to Sri Lanka.
• Umar Akmal has not made a T20I fifty since February 2016. Shehzad had not made one since September 2017.

Having shown Michael Beale the door after just 12 games and nine weeks in charge, Sunderland's search for a new manager is on. The more that the weeks have ticked by, the more that their decision to sack Tony Mowbray has looked like a major mistake. Now, as they look to make things right, the Black Cats are reportedly eyeing up a serial winner.

Sunderland manager news

Sunderland confirmed the news of Beale's dismissal this week with Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman telling the club's official website: “We are disappointed that Michael is leaving Sunderland AFC. Our desire is to improve and unfortunately that hasn’t been evident, as such we take full accountability and feel that acting decisively is in the best interests of the Club.

"This has been a difficult few months for Michael, who leaves with our best wishes for the future. Our focus is now on the players and supporting Mike Dodds in the remaining games to ensure we achieve the highest possible league finish. We will be updating our supporters further as and when significant developments are made.”

Following 12 games to forget, those at The Stadium of Light must get their next appointment right, and that could see a serial winner come in. According to TeamTalk, Sunderland are eyeing a move for Marek Papszun, who has entered the radar of several English clubs due to his success in Poland, winning the cup, Super Cup and Rakow Czestochowa's first-ever league top-flight title in Poland.

Free agent Papszun is reportedly keen to speak to Sunderland about the vacant role, as they look to make up for lost time during Beale's nightmare 12-game tenure back in English football. The successful manager isn't the only name to seemingly enter Sunderland's initial shortlist, however, with former Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom and Steve Cooper, who was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest, also initially reportedly among the options.

Papszun's CV should excite Sunderland fans

Whilst Heckingbottom and Cooper may seem the more obvious options, given their experience in English football, Beale proved that experience in the Championship should not be the quality that stands out for Sunderland. Instead, a manager capable of taking a team to the very top of their division up against arguably stronger sides on paper should stand out. And that could present Papszun with an unexpected chance.

The 49-year-old won a total of five trophies during his time at Rakow Czestochowa and could bring that winning feeling back to the Stadium of Light as Sunderland seek promotion. Papszun's 3-4-2-1 formation is a more expansive system than Beale's 4-1-4-1 and is interestingly the same formation that Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso uses. If the Polish manager's system is anywhere near as attacking as Alonso's, then the Black Cats could be in for a treat, should they make their move.

After falling behind in the race for the play-offs in the Championship, Sunderland will be keen to return to the top six next season, whether that's under Papszun or another candidate.

Southampton just don't know when they're beaten at the moment, stretching their unbeaten run in the Championship to 22 games – and 25 overall in all competitions – with an action-packed 5-3 win over Huddersfield Town last time out.

Russell Martin's promotion-chasing Saints did need to be bailed out by a late blitz of goals at St. Mary's, but the 38-year-old boss wouldn't have cared one bit as another crucial three points was picked up come the end of an enthralling 90 minutes.

Still, regardless of all the heroics to pull off such an unbelievable victory, a few players here and there will be sacrificed for the trip to Bristol City tonight.

Flynn Downes will miss out due to an injury sustained in the Terriers win, whilst Che Adams could also drop out for similar reasons with Sekou Mara waiting in the wings with anticipation to start up top.

Sekou Mara's performance vs Huddersfield in numbers

Despite only being on the pitch for a meagre 11 minutes, Mara has certainly left a lasting impression on Martin to give him a start tonight at Ashton Gate over a potentially ropey Adams.

With Adams coming off with a slight knock as was revealed by Martin after the barnstorming contest had died down, it's a logical swap bringing in Mara for the Scotsman after the Frenchman's game-altering cameo.

Mara would help himself to a goal and an assist in quickfire time, hammering home an opportunity put on a plate for him by fellow substitute David Brooks before turning provider himself by remaining calm on the ball to tee up Samuel Edozie to net the all-important fifth goal.

As such, this blistering performance from off the bench demands that Mara is given a chance to shine from the get-go tonight regardless of whether or not Adams is fit enough to begin the game.

Joe Rothwell will also start the contest versus the Robins due to his equally impactful run-out from off the bench against the lowly Terriers, the Saints thankful that they made the late call to sign the AFC Bournemouth loanee in January now with Downes ruled out.

Joe Rothwell's performance vs Huddersfield in numbers

Called into action earlier than expected with Downes going down with an injury concern, Rothwell stepped up to the mark in the absence of Southampton's star number four.

The headline-grabbing moment from his excellent 57 minutes on the St. Mary's turf was his second goal of the afternoon, the £8k-per-week new recruit hitting a first-time effort so sweetly into the back of the net that Huddersfield goalkeeper Lee Nicholls just watched in amazement as the ball rippled in.

There was more to Rothwell's performance than just that wondergoal, however, misplacing just one of his 30 passes in a calm display from the experienced central midfielder.

Once described as a "super talent" by his former Blackburn Rovers boss Tony Mowbray, he lived up to the current Birmingham City boss' remarks in a scintillating display against Huddersfield.

Rothwell's numbers vs Huddersfield

Minutes played

57

Goals

2

Shots on target

2

Touches

42

Accurate passes

29/30 (97%)

Key passes

1

Stats by Sofascore

Southampton could well terrorise another team in the form of Liam Manning's hosts tonight if Martin starts both Rothwell and Mara, the ex-Swansea City boss utilising his full squad effectively as the South Coast side aim for an immediate return to the Premier League in style.

Whilst Newcastle United are yet to make their first move in the January transfer window, perhaps restricted by Financial Fair Play, the potential sale of Miguel Almiron could go a long way in helping Eddie Howe to welcome some much-needed reinforcements – some of which could be stars for the future.

Newcastle transfer news – Almiron set to leave

According to reports, Newcastle and Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab have reached an agreement over a deal for Almiron in a transfer that could be worth £30m if the Magpies receive their reported asking price. The sale, whilst an attacking blow, could hand those at St James' Park some breathing room on the FFP front.

The Premier League's profit and sustainability rules state that clubs can only reach £105m in losses over the course of three seasons, meaning that Newcastle's reported loss of £155m could have left them in trouble. And although investment into their women's team, academy and charity foundation means they can technically stay below that figure, there's still cause for concern for PIF, who must sell before making their next big-money move.

It remains to be seen just who the next big player to come through the door will be, as for now, it seems as though the Magpies are focused on the future. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Newcastle have agreed a deal to sign Alfie Harrison from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee. Following the breakthrough, the young midfielder is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days, before putting pen to paper on a long-term deal at the club.

The 18-year-old will certainly be one to watch, given that the deal reportedly centred around handing Harrison a pathway to the first-team. Paul Midgley, who joined from Manchester City to become Newcastle's head of recruitment, reportedly played a role in the move.

"Exciting" Harrison is a rising star

Scoring ten goals and assisting a further eight for Manchester City's U18s this season, Harrison's talent is clear. Now, Newcastle will hope to see the young midfielder go on and realise his potential, perhaps even making his debut for the Magpies this season if all goes well, given the promised pathway to Howe's side. Harrison is certainly a highly-rated player too, drawing praise from the likes of The Secret Scout.

With just one week left in the January transfer window, Newcastle could yet add to their additions even further, especially if Almiron does complete his departure from St James' Park within that timeframe. Behind in the race to secure a European spot, the Magpies could certainly do with plenty of reinforcements. Whether that be through experienced players or stars for the future such as Harrison remains to be seen, but it could be a busy seven days on Tyneside nonetheless.

The January transfer window can be crucial for sides in Newcastle United's position. The Magpies have hit several stumbling blocks in the current campaign and are on course to miss out on their goal of back-to-back top four finishes in the Premier League. When the window opens, however, they could turn things around in the form of reinforcements for Eddie Howe at St James' Park.

If the manager is backed in the transfer market by PIF, then he could have the squad depth capable of keeping up with England's elite and perhaps even guiding Newcastle back into Europe as a result. And among those who could add to that depth is one particular Real Madrid attacker.

Newcastle transfer news

Newcastle arguably failed to do enough in the summer transfer window and have paid the price ever since. But January gives them a fresh opportunity to go again and rectify their mistakes. Recently speaking on the forthcoming window, Howe wasn't quick to provide positive news though, saying:

"January is always a difficult month. We haven't had those assurances [about funds]. I apologise if I sound like I'm saying the same things, but it is a very difficult month to bring in quality players. Financial Fair Play continues to play a part in our decision-making, so let's wait and see."

The door has at least been left ajar and that could yet see the Magpies pull off some surprise deal, including for a La Liga gem. According to reports from Spain, Newcastle are willing to offer €60m (£52m) for Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz in the January transfer window. The deal would be some statement, but it seems as though the Spanish giants do not contemplate the possibility of allowing the former Manchester City man to leave next month, despite the interest of Newcastle.

"Quality" Diaz could be an instant upgrade on Almiron

Whilst Miguel Almiron starred for Newcastle last season as they qualified for the Champions League, his dip in form has gone hand in hand with the Magpies' struggles as a whole. If Diaz was to arrive, it could be the winger sacrificed to hand Newcastle an instant upgrade. Diaz's stats show that he offers more on the ball this season than the struggling Almiron has done at St James' Park.

Player

Progressive Carries Per 90

Progressive Passes Per 90

Take-on Success

Passes into the Penalty Area

Brahim Diaz

5.89

4.29

50%

1.96

Miguel Almiron

4.07

4.34

42.9%

1.10

It may be difficult to tempt Carlo Ancelotti into parting ways with Diaz these days, given what the Real Madrid boss has had to say about the attacker this season. The former Bayern Munich boss said:

“He can play in both positions, as a midfielder with defensive work, and as a second striker: he can do it in other complicated matches as one of the two strikers. He has a lot of quality in his feet. Brahim’s game and Joselu’s game brought something good. In the first half we lacked a little more accuracy."

Mike Dodds' interim spell in charge of Sunderland looks to have ended in a whimper rather than a bang, the Black Cats losing 1-0 to Bristol City last time out with the Tyne and Wear side now gearing up to announce Tony Mowbray's successor imminently.

Mowbray's successor looks as though it could be former Rangers and QPR manager Michael Beale, a potential appointment met with many detractors owing to the 43-year-old's recent failures with the Gers and the fact he walked out on the Hoops just months into his tenure at Loftus Road to move to Ibrox.

Failing to get a deal over the line to secure the services of a left-field manager from afar in both Will Still and Kim Hellberg, Beale could still freshen things up and give the entire Sunderland squad a boost on his suspected arrival.

Jewison Bennette in particular will welcome the new appointment, a fresh set of eyes in the dug-out who could give the dynamic Costa Rican forward more first-team opportunities at the Stadium of Light soon.

Frozen out by Mowbray, the 19-year-old has shown glimpses of his quality for the Black Cats when used sporadically in the past.

Jewison Bennette's numbers for Sunderland

Rumoured to be loaned out in the coming transfer window, owing to just 79 minutes of senior action, Beale could give Bennette a lifeline by playing him in the first team more.

Described as a "flamboyant winger" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig on social media, Bennette has shone in patches on rare senior occasions for the Black Cats.

This season, the 19-year-old tricky attacker entertained the Sunderland masses with a dazzling cameo versus Southampton in a comprehensive early campaign 5-0 win.

Bennette had a part to play in adding more salt to the Saints' wound, only amassing seven touches – as per Sofascore – but assisting Chris Rigg's goal late into the game to make the scoreline even more embarrassing for Russell Martin's visitors.

Skilfully taking it past two Southampton defenders with outrageous showboating, his cross after pulling off the skills was also floated in expertly for Sunderland's 16-year-old midfielder to head home.

Bennette is yet to experience more first-team action this season, but has been impressive in the Premier League 2 during his short time at the Stadium of Light too – scoring two goals and assisting a further four from ten U21 appearances to date.

The bold left winger could be given a chance to impress in the first-team fold under Beale however, who has previously enhanced players in that very position at other clubs he's managed.

Why Bennette could benefit from Beale

In his previous job post at QPR, the divisive 43-year-old got the best out of former Arsenal man Chris Willock down the flanks who plays where Bennette operates.

Willock would become a man possessed under Beale, scoring six goals and picking up one assist under Beale's guidance in west London before Rangers came calling.

The goal output dried up after for QPR's number seven without the 43-year-old in the dug-out, only helping himself to one more assist during the entire rest of the 2022-23 season with zero goals scored.

Football journalist Jack Austwicke described Bennette as "hungry" and having a desire to "want to learn earlier in the year when speaking to Football League World, and so the Costa Rican forward will hope he can push on and advance his game under new potential Black Cats boss Beale by showing his eagerness and willingness to make strides.

Bennette won't come in and displace the likes of Jack Clarke – the ex-Leeds United winger into double figures for the season already with ten goals – but the new Sunderland manager will want to utilise his squad more effectively than Mowbray.

He can start that by giving Bennette far more first-team chances, hoping to work his Willock magic on the promising attacker.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has given a passionate defence of his managerial record after receiving criticism this season.

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• Ten Hag under fire for Man Utd's poor form
• Dutchman slammed pundits in passionate rant
• Asks for patience ahead of Arsenal clash

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils head coach is under increasing pressure as reports suggest he could be given the boot in the summer. Ten Hag has guided Manchester United to back-to-back FA Cup finals but struggled in the Premier League, sparking criticism from pundits and ex-players. He has since hit back and questioned their knowledge of football ahead of the clash against Arsenal.

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• WHAT TEN HAG SAID

  During his press conference, Ten Hag said: "In almost every game except Palace, they have fought. There is a good team spirit. We saw it against Brentford, Chelsea, Liverpool, Coventry until 70 minutes. They were resilient against Sheffield United, and the physical output against Burnley, their third game in six days, was incredible. I see some comments (from pundits). Either they don't have any knowledge of football or managing a football team."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite Ten Hag's passionate defence, there is no denying United have been below par in 2023-24. They forked out a fortune last summer to bring in the likes of Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund but have failed to challenge the Premier League's top three.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TEN HAG AND MAN UTD?

  Ten Hag's men can still secure a spot in Europe next season but will likely have to beat Arsenal at Old Trafford to stay in the running for a top-six finish. They face Newcastle in midweek for what could be a make-or-break match for the Dutchman.