Amid a disappointing start to the season, Crystal Palace have been handed more bad news with one star now set to miss the next “several weeks” through injury.
Crystal Palace injury news
Looking to pick up where they left off under Oliver Glasner last season in the manager’s first full campaign in charge at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace have felt the impact of Joachim Andersen and Michael Olise’s departures so far. The duo swapped Palace for Fulham and Bayern Munich respectively, as those at Selhurst Park turned to the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Eddie Nketiah as a result.
Palace fans have been forced to wait for Chalobah’s debut, however, after he was injured in his very first session with his new side. It will understandably take the central defender some time to get back up to his best level after being frozen out and cast aside like several others in an overpopulated Chelsea squad.
Glasner did at least confirm prior to 0-0 draw against Manchester United that Chalobah is in line to return next week though.
Alas, the same can’t be said for another star man. As confirmed by Glasner via Edmund Brack of the South London Press, Cheick Doucoure is now set to miss “several weeks” through yet another injury blow. The midfielder of course missed the majority of the last campaign before returning at the start of this season. Just five games in, however, and he is back on the list of absentees.
Parish & Freedman want Crystal Palace to beat Man Utd to signing of 18 y/o
The Eagles are looking to get one over on Manchester United…
1 ByTom Cunningham Sep 20, 2024
It’s a frustrating period for both Palace and their £70k-p/w star, who will be desperate to get back to fitness as soon as possible and back to his best as a result.
Palace already feeling impact of "strong" Doucoure's absence
As they did last season before the arrival of Glasner, Palace are likely to feel the impact of Doucoure’s absence just when they thought they were finally on their way to seeing the midfielder return to his best back from injury. Now, however, Glasner will be forced to come up with a solution amid a disappointing run of form. Described as “strong” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, there’s no doubt that the Eagles will miss Doucoure for the next several weeks.
Of course, Palace already experienced what their midfield would be like without their defensive midfielder against United at Selhurst Park on Saturday, as the visitors largely overran them for much of the game, forcing Dean Henderson into a man of the match performance.
Wrexham have been told why an ambitious transfer for Leeds striker Patrick Bamford is unlikely despite the “glitz and glamour” of Hollywood co-owners.
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Red Dragons ready to spend againHollywood co-owners funding projectCould land a Championship strikerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
With Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney continuing to make the funds available that allow Phil Parkinson to recruit in each passing window, the Red Dragons have seen a move for England international striker Bamford speculated on.
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He is, however, on big money at Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds – having previously represented them in the Premier League – and is not expected to reach an agreement that would see the 31-year-old swap West Yorkshire for North Wales.
WHAT EFL PUNDIT SAID
Wrexham are, however, being linked with other forward options in January and EFL pundit Don Goodman, speaking via , has said: “With the greatest of respect to Wrexham, it's a brilliant project with all the glitz and glamour, I think Patrick Bamford would have greater ambition from a footballing point of view, as despite them having a brilliant season, it’s possible Wrexham could still be a League One club next season.
“I could see Ryan Hardie being an attractive option, however. Phil Parkinson likes that kind of striker and I'd imagine the player would receive a hefty pay increase despite the fact he'd be dropping down a level.”
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Scottish striker Hardie is currently on the books of Plymouth, where he was recently working with Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney. He is said to have a £2 million release clause at Home Park which, if triggered, would see Wrexham smash their transfer record once again.
Kent stay just out of reach as New Zealand quick defends 18 off final over
ECB Reporters' Network02-Jul-2021Adam Milne took a hat-trick off the final three balls to clinch a thrilling 11-run victory for Kent Spitfires over Surrey at Canterbury, smothering the visitors in the death overs to leave them on 180 for 6, in reply to the Spitfires 191 for 4.Milne took 4 for 38 and defended 18 in the final over, bowling Ollie Pope with the fourth delivery and getting Kyle Jamieson caught on the long-on boundary with the penultimate ball to make the result all but certain. He then had Laurie Evans caught off the last ball of the innings to seal an astonishing recovery.Surrey looked heavy favourites when Will Jacks smashed a T20-best score of 87 from 54 balls, but after putting on 92 for the second wicket with Evans, who made 57, the run rate steadily increased.Kent had posted a challenging 191 for 4, thanks to another hefty partnership between Jordan Cox and Jack Leaning, who hit 61 not out and 50 respectively.After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Kent lost skipper Daniel Bell-Drummond to the second ball of the innings, lbw to Jacks, for nought. Zak Crawley made 24 before he was bowled by Jordan Clark and Joe Denly top-edged Gus Atkinson to Pope for 36. The run rate slowed before, not for the first time this season, Leaning and Cox rescued Kent with a stand of 90 for the fourth wicket.Leaning reached 50 and although he was out next ball, driving Jamie Overton to Clark, Clark’s final over went for 19, Alex Blake hitting 12 not out and Cox ending the innings with a six over cow corner.Surrey made a ferocious start. Fred Klaassen ripped out Jamie Smith’s middle stump for 9, but Evans and Jacks batted through the next 10 overs until Klaassen had the latter lbw.Kent were right back in it when Jamie Overton holed out off Milne, caught by Qais Ahmad for 6, and Surrey needed 34 from the last two overs. The penultimate, bowled by Klaassen went for 16, and Milne’s first three balls cost six runs, but the fourth splayed Pope’s stumps and needing to hit successive sixes, Jamieson perished in the deep.
Mason Greenwood held his nerve to convert a last-minute penalty for Marseille against Monaco, with that effort sparking wild post-match celebrations.
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Ex-Man Utd forward converted from the spot
Took part in post-match singalong
Up to nine goals for the 2024-25 campaign
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WHAT HAPPENED?
It appeared as though the points would be shared at Stade Velodrome heading into the closing stages of a keenly-fought contest, with Luis Henrique having cancelled out Aleksandr Golovin’s first-half opener for the visitors.
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There was, however, to be a dramatic twist late on, with Greenwood being presented with an opportunity to fire home from the spot. After taking a couple of deep breaths, the ex-Manchester United forward did just that as he sent Monaco goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki the wrong way and found the bottom corner.
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A 2-1 victory has lifted Marseille back above south coast rivals Monaco and into second place in the Ligue 1 table – seven points adrift of leaders Paris Saint-Germain. With Roberto De Zerbi’s squad in high spirits, they gathered around a table in the home dressing room for a passionate post-match singalong – with Greenwood joining in as the volume was raised and bottles of water squirted everywhere.
Sean Dyche and Everton are on the verge of completing the signing of a £30 million+ midfielder, according to a new report from a Sky Sports journalist.
The Toffees have made a dismal start to the new Premier League season, as they have suffered back-to-back heavy defeats against Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur, which has already seen pressure mount on Dyche.
However, he will be hoping that his new arrivals soon start to settle down and adapt to their new club, while also hoping that between now and the deadline on Friday, they can possibly add one or two more players to his squad.
Everton hold talks to sign £30,000-a-week striker to replace Neal Maupay
Talks are underway over a move.
ByHenry Jackson Aug 27, 2024 Everton transfer news
Everton have brought in six new players in this transfer window so far, with their biggest capture being defender Jake O’Brien from French side Lyon. But Dyche will be keen for the club to not end there, as he tries to get the Merseyside club to avoid a repeat of last season.
Jack Harrison
Leeds United
Tim Iroegbunam
Aston Villa
Iliman Ndiaye
Marseille
Jesper Lindstrom
Napoli
Jake O'Brien
Lyon
Asmir Begovic
QPR
As well as Everton closing in on the signing of a midfielder, they are also potentially looking at other areas and, therefore, other players they could pursue before the deadline. One player that is said to have emerged on Everton’s radar is Chelsea striker Datro Fofana, with the Toffees reportedly holding talks with the London side over a possible loan deal. The report states that work is being done behind the scenes for Everton to sign the striker, with the Merseyside club looking to move current striker Neal Maupay on as well.
As well as looking at Fofana, Everton have also been linked with a move for West Ham United target Carlos Soler. It was claimed that the Toffees were “exploring” a deal for the PSG midfielder, with the French giants either wanting a loan for the player or a £20 million transfer fee.
As well as fighting the Hammers for Soler, Everton could also be in the race to sign Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier, a player that Dyche knows very well from their time at Burnley.
It has been claimed that Everton have been in contact with the Magpies over a potential loan deal, as the England international wants to leave the club before the transfer window closes. While these may be deals that occur closer to the deadline, it appears Everton are closing in on a signing now.
Everton on the verge of £33 million loan to buy deal
According to journalist Hugo Guillemet, relayed by Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Everton are on the verge of signing Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala.
He reports that the midfielder will join the Toffees with immediate effect, after Everton agreed a deal with the French side to sign Mangala. The deal is said to be a one-year loan with an option to buy at €40 million, which is roughly £33 million.
Furthermore, he goes on to add that a total verbal agreement is done, and the player will finalise his medical on Wednesday before the deal is completed. The 26-year-old only joined Lyon last summer from Nottingham Forest, but he failed to appear regularly for them, featuring in just eight Ligue 1 games as well as four in the Coupe de France.
Manchester United may already be open to selling Joshua Zirkzee, with the forward failing to meet expectations since joining from Bologna.
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Zirkzee struggling for goals at Man Utd
Forward signed in £36.5m summer deal
Player's agent in talks with Juventus
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Zirkzee made an immediate impact upon his arrival at Old Trafford, scoring on his debut in the 1-0 win over Fulham back in August. It's been a struggle since then, though, with the 23-year-old failing to add to his tally. Indeed, Zirkzee hasn't started a Premier League game for United since the end of September, and rumours surrounding his future have begun to emerge.
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It was reported earlier this month that Serie A giants Juventus are considering a move for the Dutch forward, and this has been corroborated by . They claim Zirkzee's agent, Kia Joorabchian, is in talks with Juve director Cristiano Giuntoli over a potential move as the Old Lady seek attacking reinforcements.
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It's also reported that the Red Devils are 'aware' that their £36.5 million (€43.7m/$45.8m) investment in Zirkzee hasn't paid off. INEOS certainly will have expected more than just one goal and two assists from the attacker – although the blame for his signing can't be placed at the feet of ex-boss Erik ten Hag.
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Ten Hag's replacement Ruben Amorim will likely see if he can get a tune out of Zirkzee in the coming weeks. The Red Devils host Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday evening, before facing Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester United sacked Erik ten Hag after a defeat to West Ham but referees’ chief Howard Webb feels the winning penalty shouldn't have been given.
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Man Utd sack Ten Hag after poor start
West Ham defeat was Dutchman's last game
Winning goal came from a controversial penalty
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester United's 2-1 defeat to West Ham proved to be the Dutchman's last as Red Devils boss with the club finally running out of patience after the match. The winning goal came from the penalty spot after a clash between Matthijs de Ligt and Danny Ings. Match referee David Coote did not give the penalty at the time but subsequently awarded a spot-kick after being told to review the incident by VAR Michael Oliver. Webb, who is the chief refereeing officer at PGMOL, thinks it was an error to give the penalty and has already made his opinion on the matter known, according to .
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The result left Manchester United down in 14th place in the table and with Ten Hag bemoaning his bad luck after the game. The decision was then taken to fire Ten Hag and appoint Ruud van Nistelrooy as the club's interim manager. Van Nistelrooy has since overseen a 5-2 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Manchester United have subsequently confirmed that Sporting boss Ruben Amorim will be the club's next permanent head coach and will start work at Old Trafford on November 11.
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Manchester United have won just 12 Premier League points so far this season, their worst return after 10 games of a league campaign since 1986-87.
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Van Nistelrooy will oversee Manchester United's next two games against PAOK in the Europa League and Leicester in the Premier League before stepping aside for Amorim. The 39-year-old will take charge of United for the first time against Ipswich Town on November 23.
West Indies Test captain Jason Holder, limited-overs captain Kieron Pollard, and Test vice-captain Roston Chase are among ten players who have pulled out of the upcoming tour of Bangladesh amid Covid-19 concerns. Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran are the other players who “declined the opportunity to tour due to Covid-19 related concerns or personal fears,” according to a CWI release.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Allrounder Fabian Allen and wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich were unavailable because of personal reasons.In the absence of Holder, opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the Test side; he had also captained the Test team when they last toured Bangladesh in 2018. The ODI squad will be led by Jason Mohammed, who last played for West Indies in 2018.According to the CWI Covid-19 policy, any player can opt out of an overseas tour over fears of safety, and the decision will not impact their future selections. Bravo and Hetmyer had also turned down call-ups for the England tour earlier this year because of concerns about their families.Hodge, Moseley, Mayers get maiden Test call-ups In the absence of a number of first-choice players, the uncapped pair of Kavem Hodge and Shayne Moseley were included in the Test squad. Moseley, 26, has been on the fringes of Test selection, having toured the UK and then New Zealand as a reserve batsman. In his most recent match for West Indies A in Nelson earlier this month, Moseley scored 110 and 54 against a New Zealand A attack that contained internationals like Doug Bracewell, Jimmy Neesham and Scott Kuggeleijn.Moseley’s Barbados team-mate Kyle Mayers, who made his T20I debut in New Zealand, also earned his maiden Test call-up. Mayers was the second-highest run-getter in the 2019-20 West Indies first-class competition, scoring 654 runs in 15 innings at an average of 50.30.Hodge is the third left-arm fingerspin-bowling option in the squad behind Jomel Warrican and Veerasammy Permaul. Rahkeem Cornwall will provide another option with his offbreaks.”He has been around for a few years and has made a case for himself and he now gets his chance,” chief selector Roger Harper said of Hodge. “The fact that he also bowls left-arm spin has certainly helped his cause. We also have Kyle Mayers and Shayne Moseley, who have both toured with the team to England and New Zealand as reserves, being selected in the Test squad for the first time.”Senior fast bowler Kemar Roach, who missed the Wellington Test and returned home following the death of his father, was back to lead the red-ball attack along with Shannon Gabriel, who recently featured in his 50th Test.The other Holder – Chemar – was missing from the Test squad after having impressed for West Indies A as well as the senior Test team in New Zealand. Chemar, though, was named in the ODI squad.Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua da Silva, Alzarri Joseph and Mayers were the players who were picked in both the Test and ODI squads.Ottley, Hosein picked in ODI squad Batsman Kjorn Ottley and left-arm fingerspinner Akeal Hosein were among the new faces in the ODI squad. Ottley hit 325 runs in nine innings at an average of 54.16 and strike rate of 80.64 for Barbados in the 2019-20 domestic 50-over competition. In all, the 31-year old has 1175 runs in 45 List A matches at an average of 30.12.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
“The absence of several more experienced players has certainly provided an opportunity for the left-handed Kjorn Ottley who has had a good Super50 tournament last year,” Harper said. “He will be very keen to make his mark. Tours of Bangladesh are never easy as they always play well in their own conditions. Although a number of the senior players are missing in both formats, I expect our teams to be very competitive. I expect our players to play with purpose, with passion and with the desire to prove that they belong at this level.”As for Hosein, he played a vital role for the Trinbago Knight Riders in their unbeaten run to the CPL 2020 title. When Sunil Narine was unavailable (because of kidney stones), Hosein stepped up and bowled the tough overs in the powerplay. He took a career-best 3 for 14 in the semi-final against the Jamaica Tallawahs and followed it with 1 for 26 in the final against the St Lucia Zouks. Hosein will be complemented by legspinner Hayden Walsh Jr.This series will be West Indies’ first assignment in the ODI Super League, and this will be their third tour since the pandemic hit, after visiting England and New Zealand.The West Indies touring party is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on January 10 and, after completing quarantine protocols, they will kickstart their preparations with a one-day warm-up match in Savar. The three-match ODI series will begin in Dhaka on January 20, with the Test leg starting on February 3.Test squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Raymon Reifer, Jomel WarricanODI squad: Jason Mohammed (capt), Sunil Ambris, Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Andre McCarthy, Kjorn Ottley, Rovman Powell, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.
Despite points deductions last season, Everton are on the hunt to bolster their side in a bid to prevent a fourth successive season battling relegation in the Premier League.
Sean Dyche has done a fantastic job transforming the Toffees in recent seasons, building his side on a foundation of strong defensive play and hitting sides on the counter – subsequently winning games by the odd goal.
However, ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, the boss is looking to strengthen in multiple key areas including in midfield, with numerous players linked with a summer move to Goodison Park.
Everton manager Sean Dyche.
Aston Villa’s Tim Iroegbunam looks the most likely to join the club, after journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the youngster was undergoing a medical ahead of a £9m move to Merseyside.
Despite the deal nearing completion, Dyche’s side are still looking to add more bodies to the midfield department.
One player in particular has been on the Toffees’ radar for the last couple of months, with Everton now finally making a move to sign him amid major competition from multiple sides around Europe.
Everton offer deal to former Premier League star
According to journalist Santi Aouna, Everton have made an offer to sign out-of-contract Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi.
The Nigerian, who featured 32 times for the Foxes last season, is yet to agree a new deal at the King Power Stadium, putting numerous sides on red alert.
Alongside the Toffees, Marseille and Lyon have both offered terms to the 27-year-old, with Monaco and Spanish side Sevilla also
registering interest in the talent ahead of his contract expiration on the 30th of June.
He’s a man in demand, but should Dyche’s side pull off a deal for the talented midfielder, it could spell the end of one player’s time at Goodison Park.
Why Ndidi would be an upgrade on Idrissa Gueye
Every Everton supporter will know how crucial Idrissa Gueye has been to the club in his two separate spells on Merseyside, with last season arguably his best in the blue of the Toffees.
He featured in 25 Premier League matches, registering his best goal return in a single campaign, offering a combative option alongside James Garner in the middle of the park.
However, Ndidi has the talent to dislodge the Senegalese fan-favourite as a perfect upgrade on him next season, producing some excellent stats in 2023/24, albeit in a lower-quality division.
The Nigerian contributed with five more combined goals and assists, providing Dyche’s side with an added goal threat as they aim to improve their lowly goal tally from last season, which saw them score the second-lowest amount of goals in the division.
He also managed to achieve a higher tally of progressive passes over the season, demonstrating his ability to play the ball forward and create opportunities for his teammates, further adding to the club’s attempts to score more goals.
Games
25
32
Goals & assists
4
9
Progressive passes
83
102
Aerials won
13
21
Clearances
16
36
The “incredible” talent, as previously dubbed by former boss Brendan Rodgers, would provide an added aerial threat to Dyche’s side, winning 21 aerial duels last season – boosting the Toffees’ presence from set-pieces, with the club managing to score 18 – the second most in the league.
Despite featuring in England’s second-tier last season, he’s previously featured for the Foxes in the Premier League, providing more top-flight experience as the club aim to improve on last season’s 15th-placed finish.
Manchester United have had an impressive repertoire of Dutch players represent their club over the years. Some of the best Dutch players in Premier League history have played for the Red Devils, although the link between Old Trafford and the Netherlands stretches back further than that.
Midfield general Arnold Muhren played for United between 1982 and 1985. The Dutchman joined United from Ipswich Town in 1982, and as a player, he was a midfield general and a superb passer of the ball. He was not unfamiliar with finding the back of the net, either, and scored 15 goals for United.
Aside from Muhren, there are four truly iconic Dutch players to have represented the Red Devils. Jaap Stam was a hard-as-nails centre-back, who was at the heart of United’s defence as they won the treble in 1998/99. Ruud van Nistelrooy is one of the greatest strikers in United’s history and scored 150 goals in just 219 games.
Former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy.
After struggling to replace Peter Schmeichel in the years after he left, Edwin van der Sar came into the club to become the heir to his throne. The Dutchman kept 135 clean sheets in 266 games for the Old Trafford club. Finally, Robin van Persie scored 58 times in 105 games and had an instant impact on United’s Premier League fortunes. His phenomenal 26 goals in 38 games in his first season won United the league, straight after leaving Arsenal.
The Red Devils have recently been linked with another Dutch player who would be hoping to have a similar impact as his compatriots did at Old Trafford.
Man Utd target Dutch attacker
The player in question here is PSG and Netherlands’ versatile attacker Xavi Simons. The youngster spent last season loan at RB Leipzig, where he performed to an exceptional standard, and could now leave PSG.
Xavi Simons for RB Leipzig
That is according to a report from French news outlet L’Equipe. As per the report, United have contacted PSG over a potential deal for the 21-year-old. However, the Red Devils are not the only club who want to sign Simons, with L’Equipe reporting that Arsenal, Manchester City and Bayern Munich are interested, too.
At this time, a loan is the only way out of PSG for Simons. This is thanks to a clause in his contract which would see former side PSV receive a large portion of any transfer fee. This expires in January of 2025.
How Simons compares to Bruno Fernandes
Last season, Simons put up some impressive numbers for Leipzig in the Bundesliga, playing 32 times, scouring eight goals and registering 13 assists along the way. He also notched up two goals and two assists in the Champions League.
Indeed, during his Champions League exploits, he performed superbly against Real Madrid in the Round of 16, and almost dragged his side through into the next round. It left Arsenal legend Ian Wright waxing lyrical on his podcast, explaining that Simons “was brilliant to watch”, before calling his performance “unbelievable”.
Should Simons join United, he could become the heir to the throne of United’s talisman and captain Bruno Fernandes. The Portugal international is in his prime and shows no sign of stopping, but planning forward is always helpful, and Simons could have a big role to play now and in the future, once Fernandes’ United career is over. Last season, United’s number eight scored 15 goals and registered 13 assists in 45 games in all competitions.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes
Statistically, Fernandes is better than Simons, however the drop-off is not very noticeable. The pair are both very creative players, who can have a major impact on a game from nothing. As per Fbref, the Dutchman averages 6.04 progressive passes per 90 minutes, compared to Fernandes’ 8.58. He averages only slightly fewer key passes with 2.68, whereas Fernandes plays 3.29 per 90.
Simons vs. Fernandes passing stats
Stat (per 90)
Simons
Fernandes
Progressive passes
6.04
8.58
Key passes
2.68
3.29
Final third passes
3.46
5.40
Penalty box passes
2.24
2.57
Stats from Fbref
One area where Simons excels is his ball carrying. He is a slick dribbler, and uses his low centre of gravity well, to change direction quickly and get away from defenders. He averages 5.12 progressive carries compared to Fernandes’ 2.49 per 90, and 4.51 carries into the final third, with the Portuguese averaging just 1.76.
The 21-year-old is a versatile player, who is able to operate anywhere across the front three, and as a number 10. It is certainly possible to fit both Simons and Fernandes into the same team, given the Netherlands international can play out wide, with the latter operating centrally.
In signing Simons, INEOS would be signing a player with “superstar potential”, as football analyst Ben Mattinson put it. While United's skipper still has many years at the top, thinking towards the future could be a smart move, and the Netherlands international might be the ideal candidate to replace him one day. Perhaps an initial loan move could subsequently lead to a permanent move happening.
Mainoo's dream partner: Man Utd targeting £51m "powerhouse"