All posts by z3u9t.icu

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos possibly looking to bolster the playing squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Manchester United are in for a busy few months.

Plenty of positions need recruitment, but one that proved to be an issue last season was at centre back, hence the interest in English titan Jarrad Branthwaite.

However, it seems that the Red Devils will not repeat their previous mistakes this time around, as they’re now willing to pull out of any deal unless Everton make their asking price more realistic.

This could be a blessing in disguise, particularly if United instead opt to sign one target who’d be a big upgrade on Branthwaite.

Man Utd’s search for a new centre-back

According to reports in Spain via TEAMtalk, Man United are interested in signing Jules Kounde.

It’s said that a bid in the region of £34m is currently being prepared, but Barcelona will reject the offer.

In order to secure his services, that fee will have to increase up to at least £50m, which would still make him a cheaper option than Branthwaite.

The report mentions that Kounde will be one of the players who are ‘sacrificed’ to raise funds, which will give United an advantage in the negotiations as they know that the Spanish giants need to cash in at some point.

Kounde would be an upgrade on Branthwaite

Prior to joining Barca in 2022, Kounde had already established himself as an experienced centre-back in Spain, but his time at the Spanish giants has seen his game go to another level.

During his debut season at the club, the French defender featured rather heavily, starting 28 league games as he helped his side lift the La Liga trophy.

Last season, his involvement increased, making 35 appearances in the league and playing a huge role in keeping 15 clean sheets.

However, he proved to be an incredibly valuable asset due to his ability to thrive at right-back, which gave Xavi plenty of tactical flexibility, as he can stay wide on the right or drop into a central area to create a situational back three.

Passes completed

76.93

31.92

Touches

94.41

51.73

Progressive passes

7.61

2.14

Passes into final third

8.29

1.73

Tackles won

0.71

0.92

Ball recoveries

4.87

5.23

Aerials won

2.20

2.72

Nonetheless, it’s clear that Kounde would be an upgrade on Branthwaite if Man Utd did decide to drop their interest in the Toffees defender.

Firstly, the former Sevilla ace is extremely technical, boasting the ability to play out from the back with ease, even under pressure, while his quality on the ball would help United assert more control and dominance.

All of Kounde’s possession stats are far superior to Branthwaite’s, as not only does he retain the ball well, but he can also progress play brilliantly, which will help Erik ten Hag’s team perform better against teams that sit deep.

On the other hand, despite the France international’s defensive stats not being quite as impressive as the 21-year-old’s, the number 23 is an extremely dominant defender, mainly due to his athleticism, speed, and proactive approach.

This is what makes him a “sensation,” as dubbed by football scout Antonio Mango, as unlike Branthwaite, he doesn’t always need to engage in duels to get the better of his opponent.

On top of his ball-playing ability, which makes him an upgrade, Kounde’s ability to serve as a versatile defender and play as a full-back is extremely priceless, particularly given the number of injuries United suffered last campaign.

Overall, Kounde would be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, and given he would be cheaper and potentially better than Branthwaite, the deal is a no-brainer.

What Man Utd's dream XI could look like after £230m spending spree

Marcus Rashford doesn’t make the best eleven.

1 ByTom Lever Jun 7, 2024

Looking to continue their busy summer, Everton have reportedly turned their attention towards a Serie A defender in an attempt to hand Sean Dyche a defensive boost ahead of next season.

Everton transfer news

The Toffees have already signed Jack Harrison, Tim Iroegunam and Iliman Ndiaye this summer, whilst reports also suggest that they've agreed a deal to welcome free agent Sekou Koita fresh from his spell at Red Bull Salzburg.

Everton keen on signing "exciting" £8m Onana replacement

The Belgian’s future still remains up in the air after his Euro 2024 displays.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 4, 2024

The 24-year-old looks set to become a part of quite the attacking rebuild from the Toffees, who are looking to avoid yet another relegation battle in the Premier League next season.

Ndiaye spoke to EvertonTV fresh from putting pen to paper and said: “As a player, I like to dribble, show skills and get the fans out their seats. I want to score goals and get assists but I also like to work hard. I love running, chasing the ball, getting the team high up the pitch. As a striker, you're the first defender. I love doing that bit.

“I'm so excited. I want to come in and carry on from the team’s progress last season. I feel like I’ll be ready to help and I just want to give it my all to get this club higher up the table.”

Everton don't seem to be stopping there or even after Koita, however. Now, according to TuttoMercatoWeb, Everton are interested in signing Jackson Tchatchoua from Hellas Verona, who are demanding €8m (£7m). The Italian club are planning on making 400% profit on their right-back, having just signed him for a reported €2m earlier this month following a season-long loan spell.

Tchatchoua can succeed Coleman

Potentially arriving to add depth to Dyche's side, Tchatchoua can provide ideal competition for current Everton right-back and captain Seamus Coleman as well as Ashley Young, before eventually succeeding the two veterans, who are edging closer to retirement at 35 years old and 38 years old respectively. Tchatchoua's arrival would represent solid planning from the Toffees, as they look to put an end to their recent problems.

Minutes

1,725

665

2,280

Tackles Won

26

14

38

Key Passes

15

3

21

Ball Recoveries

84

39

120

Whilst Young enjoyed a solid campaign last time out, he can't go on forever and the responsibility down the right-hand side should be handed to Tchatchoua if he arrives this summer. The 22-year-old, by comparison, showed plenty of signs that he's able to keep up with the former Manchester United man and take his place sooner rather than later.

Competition for places will only benefit Dyche's side next season, whether it be going forward or, indeed, within his backline.

With Amadou Onana’s departure from Everton all but confirmed, Sean Dyche’s side are now leading the chase to sign a new defender.

Toffees target Onana successor this summer

The big news out of Goodison Park is that the saga around Amadou Onana’s future has finally come to an end. The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Saturday that the Belgian is on the verge of joining Aston Villa for a fee in the region of £50 million.

Dream Broja alternative: Everton ready to move for "remarkable" £33m star

The club are still trying to bolster their forward line this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 12, 2024

With the 22-year-old’s exit expected for some time, The Toffees have long been on the search for Onana’s successor in the middle of the park. Wilfred Ndidi was thought to be Everton’s perfect candidate to fill this vacancy, however, it has now been reported that the Nigerian has opted to remain at Leicester City, signing a new three-year deal at the King Power Stadium.

The Toffees have also held a longstanding interest in former Liverpool man Arthur Melo. The Brazilian midfielder is a free agent this summer after his contract with Juventus expired at the end of last month. Despite featuring for just 13 minutes during his time at Anfield, Everton have made contact with the player in the hope that he can help fill the gap left by the departing Onana.

Whilst a lot of the Toffees’ time appears to be being spent on finding an Onana replacement, it is reported that the Merseyside outfit are also serious about bringing in a sought-after defensive player this summer.

Everton ahead in the race for Serie A defender

As relayed by Sport Witness, the Italian press are claiming that Everton are leading the chase to sign Hellas Verona defender Jackson Tchatchoua. The outlet claims that the Toffees seem to be serious about signing the player having already made a bid for the defender via an intermediary to try and kick-start negotiations.

This development follows news from earlier this month which stated that Everton had an interest in Tchatchoua, however, it now transpires that the Toffees have gone one further and put in a bid for the full-back. West Ham were also said to be eager to pursue a move for the 22-year-old with the Hammers looking for a new right back to replace the outgoing Ben Johnson.

The report by Sport Witness claims that Verona want €8 million (£6.9 million) minimum to part ways with the defender this summer. Having paid just £2.5 million last month to make Tchatchoua's loan from Belgian side Royal Charleroi S.C. permanent, the Italian outfit would be in for a decent bit of profit if the deal is to go through.

Throughout his 26 league appearances for Verona last season, the natural full-back played as both a right and left-sided midfielder, suggesting that he is not afraid of pushing forward when necessary. Tchatchoua's versatility could prove vital to Dyche's side next season as they look to once again stave off relegation from the Premier League.

Yet to get their summer business underway, Liverpool chiefs have reportedly held a meeting with another Premier League club to find out about one of their player's desires and what it would take to complete a deal.

Liverpool transfer news

It's no real surprise that the Reds have endured a silent summer so far, given that Arne Slot is yet to even take charge of his first game. With Richard Hughes arriving to take the sporting director role and Michael Edwards returning in a higher role than ever before, however, Liverpool shouldn't be ruled out of stealing the headlines just yet this summer.

Those at Anfield have already been linked with the likes of Anthony Gordon and whilst a deal failed to materialise, the Newcastle man reportedly had his head turned by the prospect of such a move. Whether it is a pursuit that Liverpool revive now that Newcastle are past the PSR deadline and the need to sell key stars, remains to be seen.

Instead, Hughes and Edwards have seemingly set their sights on a different Premier League star in an attempt to add to their defensive depth. According to Caught Offside, Liverpool chiefs have held a meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers to find out the status of Rayan Ait-Nouri. The Reds gathered information on whether the left-back would like to join as well as how they could complete a deal for the €45m (£38m) rated defender this summer.

He's a cheat code: Liverpool could sign dream Trent replacement for £34m

The Reds star has been linked with a move away from the club this summer.

ByDan Emery Jul 18, 2024

With other Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester City also reportedly eyeing moves and the left-back open to an exit this summer, time may well be of the essence for Liverpool if they want to make Ait-Nouri Slot's first arrival. At 23 years old, he would become the natural heir to Andrew Robertson's role at Anfield, handing Slot a solution to a problem which is yet to really become a major dilemma.

"Incredible" Ait-Nouri could succeed Robertson

Although talks of retirement would only humour 30-year-old Robertson at this stage, there's every chance that he could begin to edge past his peak in the coming years, allowing a player entering his prime, such as Ait-Nouri, to step in. Back in the Champions League, competition for places wouldn't exactly be a bad thing either, with Kostas Tsimikas potentially on his way out this summer.

Assists

1

2

Key Passes

25

62

Tackles Won

44

24

Ball Recoveries

136

104

A player who performed better off the ball than on it, Ait-Nouri's energy is a trait that would have worked well under Jurgen Klopp and could yet hand Slot a boost if he carries the same fundamentals that saw the German succeed at Anfield.

Gary O'Neil won't be too keen to show his left-back the door though, having told Wolves' official website last season: "I’m enjoying working with Rayan, I think he’s an incredible talent, a great guy and he brings a real enthusiasm and life to the place. We can use him anywhere so, unfortunately, at the moment we have to because we don’t have many others.

“But he is talented enough when we roll him in and play him in midfield a few times and we played him as a right 10 in the second half today, and he’s come on loads – his work rate and everything about him."

Arsenal chiefs view a £76 million forward as a key potential signing for manager Mikel Arteta, and one who could really suit his long-term project in north London.

Edu and Arteta targeting new attacker for Arsenal

The Gunners have been linked with signing both a new wide player and striker this summer, but as of now, it is unclear which position Edu Gaspar and the recruitment team will prioritise.

£24 million forward targeted by Ten Hag now set for talks to join Arsenal

His agent will sit down with Gunners officials.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2024

The likes of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams and Wolves star Pedro Neto have been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium in the last few weeks, but after investing significantly in a deal for Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal will have to tread with caution in terms of marquee prices.

Arsenal chiefs think Neto will cost around £50 million to sign from Wolves, while the cost of a deal for Williams could be high given the Spain star's lucrative rumoured wage demands.

Arsenal have reportedly told Williams they're willing to pay his £50 million release clause, but reliable journalist Charles Watts has claimed that the 21-year-old's wages could prove to be the major roadblock in any proposed move.

If the Gunners do go for a winger who can alternate with Bukayo Saka on the right, they do have cheaper options, like Lille winger Edon Zhegrova.

Bukayo Saka

20

Leandro Trossard

17

Kai Havertz

14

Martin Odegaard

11

Gabriel Jesus

8

In terms of strikers, Arsenal have been seriously linked with Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres, but the Swede's £84 million release clause is a price which Edu and co may not be so eager to pay – despite his 43-goal haul in all competitions.

Arsenal also attempted to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig earlier this summer, but he instead decided to remain at his current club and pen a contract extension.

Arteta is known for being a fan of versatility in his players, so one man capable of playing at both centre-forward and out wide, and a player who's thought to be on Arsenal's radar as a result, is PSG forward Xavi Simons.

Arsenal view Xavi Simons as key potential project signing

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal chiefs view Simons as a key potential signing for Arteta's project, but face competition from Bayern Munich who are also real admirers.

PSG value the Dutchman, who helped his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, at around £76 million – so he wouldn't be cheap. Simons is fresh off the back of an impressive stint on loan at RB Leipzig last year as well, racking up 19 goals and eight assists in all competitions.

“It will be interesting to see if that’s what Enrique wants, but based on what he’s said publicly, he seems very keen on Simons’ profile," said journalist and French football expert Jonathan Johnson on Simons' future earlier this summer.

"There’s been talk of potential offers from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona, but I think it would have to depend on the offer, because I don’t really see PSG doing business unless there’s an offer that’s deemed too good to turn down.

“I expect decisions to be made soon, and PSG’s preparations for next season can even start now, given that they’ve gone out of the Champions League. There’s still a cup final to win, but Ligue 1 has been confirmed, so Enrique can start discussing with the club which positions need reinforcing and how Simons might fit into his plans for next season.”

West Ham United are ready to sell another player alongside defender Kurt Zouma, according to a new update.

West Ham’s busy transfer window

Ahead of Julen Lopetegui’s first season in charge, the Hammers and technical director Tim Steidten have been working extremely hard behind the scenes in the transfer market.

In recent days, the Hammers’ incoming list has doubled from three to six after moves for Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez were announced. Rodriguez was the latest arrival, with Steidten buzzing at the Argetine's arrival. "This is a massive moment for West Ham United in bringing a player of Guido’s pedigree to the club. He is a player I have admired for a long time, and we couldn’t be happier to have completed the deal to bring him to east London. "Guido is a defensive midfielder whose intelligence in and out of possession is a real strength to his game. He is also a proven winner, having won the World Cup, Copa América and Finalissima with Argentina, so to have secured his services is a big statement of intent."

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

There have also been plenty of players who have left the London Stadium, and more could be on the way in and out before the deadline.

Free agent and experienced centre-back Mats Hummels has an offer on the table from West Ham, whereas a bid worth around £25m has reportedly been submitted for AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham, a figure above the Italian side’s asking price. Unfortunately, Abraham appears to prefer a move to AC Milan over a return to England with West Ham.

Regarding further departures, Lopetegui has told centre-back Zouma to find a new club, according to recent reports, with the Frenchman attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.

It isn’t just Zouma who could be leaving, though, with Football Insider sharing a new transfer update on Danny Ings’ future at West Ham.

West Ham plan to accept Ings offer

They state that West Ham plan to accept an offer for Ings in the final weeks of the window, should the fee help them secure another new striker signing.

The update states that one problem in regards to moving on Ings could be his salary. According to Capology, the forward picks up around £125,000-a-week with the Irons and is under contract for a further 12 months.

The 32-year-old made the move to West Ham from Aston Villa in January 2023 and has gone on to make 52 appearances under former manager David Moyes.

However, Ings has managed to score on just four occasions in a West Ham shirt, his worst record for a club in his career. He managed a better goal-per-game ratio with Villa, Burnley, Liverpool and Southampton, so a move away could make sense for all involved.

Doing that could then allow West Ham, Lopetegui and Steidten to target another striker to rival Fullkrug and Michail Antonio, making this one to watch over the coming weeks.

Daniel Farke and his Leeds United squad are currently preparing to travel across Yorkshire to take on Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Friday night.

The Whites are set to play their third match of the Championship season and are still looking for their first win, having started the campaign with a 3-3 draw with Portsmouth and a 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion.

Whilst the West Yorkshire outfit are battling it out on the pitch to secure points in their pursuit of promotion to the Premier League, there is also plenty of work going on off the field.

Farke has lost a number of key players from his first-team squad during the summer transfer window so far, as Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter have all moved on.

Meanwhile, Leeds have swooped to sign Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns, Joe Rothwell, and Jayden Bogle to bolster their own squad, with Rodon signing permanently after spending the 2023/24 campaign on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

The summer transfer window officially slams shut next Friday and this means that there is still a bit of time left for the club to make further additions to the group, and they have reportedly set their sights on a new midfielder.

Leeds eyeing up Premier League starlet

According to the Daily Mail print edition (21/08, page 61), as relayed by The72, Leeds are one of the teams battling it out to sign Manchester United maestro Hannibal Mejbri.

The report claims that the Whites and fellow Championship side Burnley are eyeing up a deal to bring the Tunisia international down to the Championship this month.

It does not reveal whether the West Yorkshire outfit are keen to land him on a permanent or loan basis, but does add that the Clarets are currently in pole position.

Fabrizio Romano backs up the claim that Burnley are interested in the Red Devils academy graduate and reports that they have made contact with the Premier League giants to discuss a possible deal.

The Italian reporter adds that Scott Parker's side are hoping to sign the central midfielder, who is reportedly valued at £7m, on loan with a mandatory buy clause at the end of the season.

This shows that Leeds face an uphill battle to secure his services as it appears as though the Clarets are already a way down the road in their attempt to secure his signature.

If the 49ers and Farke can beat Burnley to the signing of Hannibal before next week's deadline, though, then they could land a dream partner for Ethan Ampadu in the middle of the park.

What Ethan Ampadu brings to Leeds

The Wales international joined the club from Chelsea on a permanent deal last summer and enjoyed a terrific first season at Elland Road, thanks to his quality and versatility.

Firstly, he has the ability to play in a holding midfield role or at the heart of the defence as a centre-back, which turned out to be a valuable trait last term. Pascal Struijk's absence in the second half of the campaign meant that he was needed in defence alongside Rodon.

Despite playing in two different positions, Ampadu started all 46 of the club's regular season matches in the Championship and showcased his defensive qualities.

The 23-year-old enforcer made 2.9 tackles and interceptions combined per game. He also won 57% of his ground duels and 63% of his aerial battles, which shows that he dominated opposition players on the deck and in the air in physical contests.

Liam Cooper's exit from Elland Road this summer allowed Ampadu to take on the captain's armband and Struijk's return from an injury has resulted in him being back in his favoured position in midfield.

Appearances

2

Pass accuracy

88%

Tackles + interceptions per game

4.0

Ball recoveries per game

5.0

Ground duel success rate

63%

Aerial duel success rate

75%

As you can see in the table above, the Welsh ace has enjoyed a strong start to the season in his favoured role in the middle of the park, continuing his dominance in physical duels.

However, Ampadu has created one chance in two games and only recorded one assist, with 0.8 key passes per game, in the 2023/24 campaign.

This suggests that the former Chelsea prospect needs a creative midfielder next to him in midfield to complement the defensive strength he provides.

Why Leeds should sign Hannibal

Hannibal has the potential to be a fantastic signing for Leeds because he has the passing ability to be the perfect partner for Ampadu in the middle of the park for Farke.

The 21-year-old talent endured a frustrating 2023/24 campaign, with two starts for Sevilla and Manchester United combined at league level.

However, he spent the previous season on loan with Birmingham in the Championship and proved that the quality is there for him to be an impactful player at that level.

Hannibal, who was once described as an "absolute baller" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, made 38 appearances in the second tier and caught the eye with his creativity in midfield.

Assists

0.23

Top 7%

Expected Assisted Goals

0.18

Top 10%

Shot-creating actions

3.14

Top 24%

Key passes

1.62

Top 18%

Crosses into penalty area

0.28

Top 19%

As you can see in the table above, the Tunisian starlet was one of the best players in his position in the division in a host of creative statistics, including assists and xAG.

He carried that form over from academy football after his return of 17 assists in 41 matches for Manchester United's U23 side before his first-team breakthrough.

These statistics suggest that the potential is there for Hannibal to arrive at Leeds as a terrific creative threat alongside Ampadu in midfield for Farke, which would make up for the Welshman's lack of creativity.

Leeds could brilliantly replace Kamara with star who's pushing to join

The Whites are reportedly interested in signing the central midfielder this month.

ByDan Emery Aug 21, 2024

Meanwhile, the Whites captain's physical dominance could complement the Tunisia international's struggles on that front, as he lost 56% of his duels in the Championship with Birmingham, which is why they could be a fantastic pairing in midfield.

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a signing to bolster their options in the middle of the park before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Whites have agreed a €4m (£3.4m) deal with Fortuna Dusseldorf to sign central midfielder Ao Tanaka before the deadline on Friday night.

He is set to undergo a medical at Thorp Arch before being unveiled as the club's latest signing, joining Joe Rothwell, Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns, Jayden Bogle, Largie Ramazani, and Manor Solomon.

Tanaka may not be the last addition of the window, however, as Daniel Farke's side have been linked with an interest in a forward from the Premier League.

Leeds in the hunt for Premier League striker

Speaking on talkSPORT, as relayed by GIVEMESPORT, journalist Darren Witcoop revealed that Leeds are one of the teams in the hunt to sign Danny Ings from West Ham United.

The reporter claimed that the English centre-forward wants to play regular football and is not in the long-term plans under Julen Lopetegui, which could open the door to an exit this week.

Witcoop added that the Whites and Burnley could both be options in the Championship for the former Southampton star, and stated that Leeds are in the mix to secure his signature.

Farke could land a dream partner for Tanaka at the top end of the pitch by sealing a late swoop for Ings, although it remains to be seen how viable a deal is for the £125k-per-week number nine.

Why Ings and Tanaka would be a dream duo

Firstly, the Japan international is a central midfielder who has the mentality and quality to make things happen at the top end of the pitch for his side.

In the 2. Bundesliga last season, the 25-year-old maestro scored seven goals and created six 'big chance' in 24 starts, which shows that he can make an impact in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Ings, who was once described as "clinical" by journalist Leanne Prescott, has not enjoyed the best time with West Ham, with four goals in 53 games, but his previous form for Aston Villa and Southampton shows that the quality is there for him to be a prolific scorer.

2022/23

15

8

2

2021/22

22

7

6

2020/21

26

12

4

2019/20

32

22

2

2018/19

23

7

3

As you can see in the table above, the 32-year-old forward, prior to the 2023/24 campaign, was a reliable source of goals and assists when selected as a starter in the Premier League.

Ings, who has scored 71 goals from 66.27 xG in his top-flight career, is a consistent finisher who has not had the best of times at the London Stadium and a move to Elland Road, dropping down to the Championship, could help him to rediscover his touch in front of goal.

Having a midfielder like Tanaka, who can pick up some of the goalscoring flak whilst also creating 'big chances' for his teammates, could help the English ace, which is why they could be a dream pair of signings for Farke.

Last-gasp move: Leeds on the verge of signing a "top" Kamara upgrade

The Whites are looking to bolster their options in the middle of the park before the deadline.

ByDan Emery Aug 29, 2024

Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the Premier League season, slipping to a 2-1 loss away to Brighton and Hove Albion on the South Coast. The Red Devils had periods of control on the game at times once more, but ultimately conceded late on to drop all three points in a frustrating affair.

It was former Carrington academy graduate Danny Welbeck who gave the Seagulls the lead in the first half, scoring his 100th career goal inside the six-yard box. United managed to equalise exactly on the hour mark, thanks to a deflected goal from 22-year-old Ivorian winger Amad, in what has been a tough week for him following the passing of a close family member.

Moments later, Alejandro Garnacho thought he had given United the lead, after finishing off a precise counter-attacking move. However, his strike glanced off Joshua Zirkzee’s knee, who was in an offside position and the goal was ruled out.

United hearts were broken in the fifth of seven added minutes, with Joao Pedro having a free header at the back post to give Brighton all three points. Despite the loss, there were still some impressive performances from the Red Devils players, including goalscorer Amad.

Amad’s stats vs. Brighton

22-year-old Amad repaid Erik ten Hag’s faith of three consecutive starts with his first goal of the season. Although there was some luck involved, a big deflection off a sliding Brighton defender, it was a good piece of play to cut back inside onto his left foot and get into a good shooting position, ultimately giving United the lead.

It was slightly frustrating that his first goal did not come earlier. Diogo Dalot played a wonderful cross into the path of the youngster, who could not quite guide the ball past Jason Steele with his left foot.

Indeed, the former Sunderland loanee was praised by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst for his performance at the AMEX Stadium. He was given a 6/10 by the journalist, who did criticise his finish from Dalot’s cross, but explained that he 'atoned' for his miss with his equalising goal.

Amad’s stats on Sofascore also showed the impact he had on the game against Brighton. The Red Devils’ number 16 had 53 touches at the AMEX Stadium, playing 41 passes and completing 32 of them, with a 78% accuracy. He also played one key pass and won three ground duels, certainly a solid day out on the South Coast.

Dalot’s stats vs. Brighton

A player who perhaps put in an even better performance than United’s young Ivorian winger was the man who nearly set him up wonderfully in the first half, Dalot. The Portugal international out in an enterprising performance at left-back, constantly getting up and down the flank.

He was also given a 6/10 rating from Luckhurst, who explained that the Portuguese defender 'crossed perfectly for Amad', although the Ivorian put it wide. Indeed, it was a peach of a cross from United’s number 20.

He got on the end of his own flicked header, which came from a long ball from Andre Onana. Charging down the left wing, Dalot lifted it towards Amad at the far post with his weaker left foot, but the chance was squandered.

The 25-year-old’s stats on Sofascore also showed just how good he was. He had 83 touches, completing 55 out of 61 passes and a 90% accuracy. Defensively, the full-back was excellent, winning six duels in total, and also made a crucial goalline clearance off James Milner’s shot.

Touches

83

Passes completed

55/61 (90%)

Tackles won

2/2

Duels won

6/10

Key passes

1

Goal-line clearances

1

The former Porto academy graduate was superb last season for the Red Devils, and he certainly seems to have carried on those performances into the 2024/25 season. He will certainly be hoping this momentum can carry on into game week three when United host Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Alongside Ugarte: Man Utd could land a £200k-p/w upgrade

This could be the perfect move to complete the summer’s spending…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 23, 2024

Sunderland supporters will be entering September over the moon with their side's top start to the Championship season, with the Black Cats still boasting a 100% record in the second tier after four games.

Only one goal has been shipped across this unbeaten patch so far, whilst ten strikes have also been scored by Regis Le Bris' men to keep them at the very top of the second-tier summit.

Whilst the likes of Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham have been thrust into the limelight off the back of this excellent start, reliable number-one goalkeeper Anthony Patterson also continues to prove his immense worth to the early Championship pace-setters.

Patterson's season so far

Much like Rigg, Patterson has been in the Sunderland first-team ranks for what feels like an eternity, despite the shot-stopper still only 24 years of age.

The homegrown Black Cats product has shone this season to date, as he has done over a number of campaigns in the senior mix now, with three clean sheets collected from those four clashes.

He was particularly impressive versus Cardiff City on the opening day to ensure Le Bris got off to a winning start in the challenging Sunderland dug-out, making four saves in the Welsh capital to constantly deny the Bluebirds and to help hand his side a 2-0 victory.

Wanted by a whole host of Premier League suitors this off-season, with Gary O'Neil's Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly interested at one point, Patterson will just aim to continue performing for his boyhood club – away from any admirers watching from afar – to try and put the Wearside outfit firmly back on the footballing map by winning promotion up to the top-flight.

Noted as having "outstanding" reactions in the past when in-between the sticks by football journalist Josh Bunting, Patterson is very firmly the main starting 'keeper week in week out for Le Bris' men.

He's even worth more than Bellingham, according to Football Transfers, which further reinforces his pivotal nature in the Sunderland first-team ranks, as the 18-year-old aims to soar to new heights across this season to come.

Patterson's transfer value in 2024

Not even Bellingham's bright start to the new Championship season – which saw the former Birmingham City prodigy assist Jack Clarke's final ever Sunderland goal away at Cardiff – has impacted Patterson's transfer value rising above the Black Cats number seven's, with Patterson worth £11.2m currently, as per Football Transfers.

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Bellingham is worth a little less at £10m, but will no doubt generate Sunderland more money than that if he is sold on down the line, much like Clarke gifting the second-tier promotion hopefuls up to £20m after leaving for Ipswich Town.

He could go for a fee around this region too, with a mightily impressive seven goals and one assist managed during his debut season whilst he was still finding his way in his new surroundings.

1. Anthony Patterson

£11.2m

2. Jobe Bellingham

£10m

3. Trai Hume

£8m

4. Dan Neil

£7m

5. Daniel Ballard

£6m

Glancing at the table above, both Patterson and Bellingham take the top two spots when it comes to the high-valued assets at the Stadium of Light in the here and now, with the likes of Trai Hume and Dan Neil also seeing their values shoot up somewhat.

Hume was only worth a meagre £168k when first making the switch from his native Northern Ireland, before becoming a settled first-team face on Wearside.

Patterson didn't cost a penny, rising up the youth ranks to become the trusty number-one shot-stopper.

Now up to 40 clean sheets in the Sunderland first-team to date, after his recent three had been added to the back catalogue, Patterson will aim to keep these excellent displays coming as another set of whirlwind Championship fixtures await the confident Wearside outfit after the international break is up.

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