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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done a tremendous job of eradicating the many mistakes his predecessors made in the transfer market, but there are still a handful of underperforming flops lingering around the club.

During his two-and-a-half-year stay as Red Devils boss, the Norwegian tactician has shown the door to the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Marouane Fellaini and Matteo Darmian, replacing them with astute purchases that have transformed the fortunes of the 20-time English champions.

However, Solskjaer’s squad overhaul is not quite complete yet. And one player who continues to raise question marks due to his disappointing displays is Diogo Dalot.

The 22-year-old defender arrived at Old Trafford back in the summer of 2018 from boyhood club Porto via a £19.8m move, and former United boss Jose Mourinho couldn’t hide his delight after the deal was concluded.

“Diogo is an extremely talented young defender with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for this club,” said Mourinho at Dalot’s unveiling.

“He has all the attributes that a full-back needs: physicality, tactical intelligence and technical quality, combined with a Porto academy mentality which prepares players for the maturity they need at the professional level.

“In his age group, he is the best full-back in Europe, and we all believe he has a bright future ahead of him at Manchester United.”

However, things have not worked out as planned for the Portugal international. During his first two seasons with United, Dalot made just 13 Premier League starts and largely failed to impress during his time on the pitch.

Things started to look up for the youngster last term, though. He joined Serie A giants AC Milan on a season-long loan and played a pivotal part in the success that Stefano Pioli’s charges enjoyed.

Throughout his 12-month spell at San Siro, Dalot made 33 appearances in all competitions, achieving a highly respectable 6.76 WhoScored rating along the way.

And £25k-per-week earner’s contribution to the Rossoneri was sizeable, making 1.5 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, and 1.8 clearances per league game as Milan finished in second place in the Serie A standings.

Nevertheless, he’s struggled to replicate that sort of form since returning to English shores. In his five appearances for United during the opening weeks of 2021/22, Dalot has been awarded a rating of just 6.67 for his exploits, highlighting his unsatisfactory output.

The right-back’s performances levels have seen his market value plummet to just £9m despite his age and current contract not expiring for another two years, illustrating how a much-celebrated transfer has turned into a nightmare.

At 22, the best could still be to come from Dalot and he will have ample opportunity to finally fulfill his potential, but he will have to improve his game quickly if he’s to get many more chances in a United shirt.

And, in other news…Rob Dawson reveals worrying Man Utd transfer update, Ole may be concerned 

New Celtic signing Jota ‘can be a frustrating and inconsistent player’, according to The Athletic’s data analyst Mark Carey. 

The lowdown

Jota was one of three Deadline Day arrivals at Celtic Park, along with centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers and striker Giorgos Giakoumakis (via BBC Sport).

He’s joined from SL Benfica on a season-long loan with an option to buy for £6million (via Sky Sports).

The 22-year-old, who’s predominantly a left-winger but can also be deployed centrally or on the right-hand side, has scored two goals and provided three assists in 34 appearances for Benfica’s senior side (via Transfermarkt).

Jota was part of the Portugal squad who reached the final of the Under-21 European Championships at the start of the summer, scoring in the quarterfinal victory over Italy.

The latest

Carey warns that Jota could be a player who draws groans from the stands given his carelessness.

“He clearly has bags of talent,” he wrote. “What is the catch?

“Essentially, he can be a frustrating and inconsistent player. As suggested by his low smarterscout rating for ball retention (20 out of 99), he tends to give the ball away. A lot.”

The verdict

This signing really feels like it could go either way. Jota could simply prove to be a class above and light up the division given his natural flair and showings at youth international level.

But if Celtic experience a tricky run of form, you sense that he’s the kind of player who could become an easy target for frustrated supporters, especially if he takes some time to adapt to a new and extremely physical league.

That’s why it’s smart for the Hoops to have negotiated an option, rather than an obligation, to buy come the end of the season.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou wants this position strengthened.

Liverpool have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash at Anfield on Saturday.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Liverpool website, Jurgen Klopp revealed that James Milner looks set to miss the visit of Chelsea this weekend, as the midfielder has not recovered from the injury which ruled him out of the victory over Burnley last weekend.

Speaking about the current state of his squad, Klopp said: “Millie will not be ready – I think that’s it pretty much.

“All the rest trained and looked good and sharp – we should better be because, obviously, Chelsea is a tough one as well. That’s already kind of like the Champions League, just in the Premier League!”

Klopp will be gutted

While Milner is no longer a bonafide starter in the Liverpool team, having been picked in the starting XI just 20 times over the club’s 2019/20 and 2020/21 league campaigns, the absence of the 35-year-old on Saturday will nevertheless leave Klopp gutted, as the midfielder’s versatility and experience would have been invaluable in a fixture against a side as impressive as Chelsea.

Indeed, having been deployed at left-back, right-back, defensive midfield, left-midfield, central midfield and right-midfield during his time at Anfield, Milner is the archetypal utility man who can be deployed to nullify a particularly dangerous opposition player – of which Chelsea have many.

Furthermore, Milner is a player whom Klopp often brings on to see a game out having taken the lead – something that clearly works, considering the £2.7m-rated man’s average of 2.12 points per game since his move to Liverpool back in 2015.

However, the German coach will have to make do without the England international against Thomas Tuchel’s side on Saturday, a game in which at least one of Liverpool’s or Chelsea’s 100% record so far in the Premier League will have to give.

In other news: Klopp can scare Chelsea by unleashing “extraordinary” £27m-rated Liverpool dynamo

Celtic’s talks with VVV-Venlo forward Georgios Giakoumakis are on the right track, according to journalist Konstantinos Lianos.

The Lowdown: Scales announced, two more?

Celtic completed their ninth summer signing on Friday morning with the addition of versatile defender Liam Scales.

Reports earlier in the week suggested that Ange Postecoglou could add three more to his squad, with a versatile midfielder and forward on top of a defender which has proven to be Scales.

That forward could well be Giakoumakis, and after having a £2.6m bid accepted, appear to be making progress when it comes to personal terms with the Greece international.

The Latest: Lianos’ post

Lianos had shared what he knew about a possible transfer on Monday and posted an updated version of events on Thursday morning, claiming the Hoops have a ‘significant advantage over Werder Bremen’.

“What I know about Giorgos Giakoumakis part 2:

– Celtic have an agreement with Venlo in principle for around €3million (£2.6m).

– Talks with Giakoumakis continue and seem to be on the right track.

– Celtic have significant advantage over Werder Bremen”

The Verdict: Giakoumakis in, Edouard out?

It could well be a case of one in and one out before the end of the month in regards to Celtic’s attacking ranks.

Giakoumakis could well be the man to come in with talks seemingly heading in the right direction, and should he sign, Odsonne Edouard could seal a long-awaited exit.

The Frenchman has been eyeing up a move away from Parkhead since April, and Bordeaux have now been linked with a late move, so that could be one to keep an eye on along with Giakoumakis.

In other news: Southampton reporter ‘told’ significant Ryan Christie update.

Anil Kumble, the Indian Test captain, is confident of returning for the third Test against Australia in Delhi, after sitting out the second game in Mohali due to a shoulder injury

Cricinfo staff22-Oct-2008
Anil Kumble: “With an eye to the future, it also augurs well for India that we’ve found someone like Amit [Mishra]” © AFP
Anil Kumble, India’s Test captain, is confident of returning for the third Test against Australia in Delhi after sitting out the second game in Mohali due to a shoulder injury. Kumble said it was unfortunate he could not be part of the combination which achieved India’s biggest Test win in terms of runs – 320 – and that he was looking forward to returning to the Feroz Shah Kotla where he has taken 55 wickets in six games.”It was very heartening to see MS [Dhoni] lead from the front and it was fantastic to watch the way the team approached the game and the intensity we kept up throughout,” Kumble wrote in his syndicated newspaper column. “And while I unfortunately had to sit this one out, I’m raring to get going at the Kotla, my favourite Test centre.”Kumble had a forgettable outing in the first match in Bangalore, going wicketless for only the third time in his Test career. He reacted strongly to media criticism about his captaincy, form, and fitness, and insisted he would return once fully fit.Kris Srikkanth, the new chairman of selectors, agreed that Kumble had a good chance of returning for the Test, starting on October 29. “I’m very confident he will play,” Srikkanth told ABC Radio. “One of the reasons he probably didn’t play this (Mohali) match was so that he gets proper rest for the next two Tests.”Kumble’s return, however, could come at the expense of the legspinner Amit Mishra, who took seven wickets on debut. Kumble was very impressed with Mishra’s use of flight and variations.”With an eye to the future, it also augurs well for India that we’ve found someone like Amit,” Kumble wrote. “An orthodox bowler, he spins the ball a lot, uses his flight very nicely and frankly, it was great watching him. The first five-for I got told me that if I could get one, I could get more. Confidence is critical. As Amit’s five-for has come in his first game itself against Australia, it’s even better for him.”He said Mishra was finally being rewarded after going through the grind in eight domestic seasons. “He bowled beautifully and not just by the debutant yardstick. All the hard yards he’s done as a domestic cricketer served him well here. It’s incredibly tough work, the domestic circuit and Amit serves as a perfect example of what perseverance can do.”

Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya has been included in the All Stars team for the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes on November 8 and 9

Cricinfo staff24-Oct-2008Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya has been included in the All-Stars team for the Hong Kong Sixes tournament on November 8 and 9. Some of the other members include Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Justin Langer, Stephen Fleming and Matthew Hoggard.”I’m delighted to be playing in the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes and I’m looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic weekend at the Kowloon Cricket Club,” Jayasuriya said. “It will be great to team up with guys like Shiv, Justin, Stephen and Matthew, who have been my friends and respected opponents for many years in Test and one-day cricket, and hopefully we can put on a fantastic show for the fans.”Mark Burns, the tournament director, said Jayasuriya’s reputation as one of most dangerous hitters in world cricket will be terrific for the series.Langer and Fleming had announced their retirements from international cricket earlier in the year.The All-Stars are part of the Sobers Pool which also comprises Hong Kong, Australia and Sri Lanka. England, South Africa, India and Pakistan form the Bradman Pool.

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he’s surprised Leeds haven’t signed another striker to compete with Patrick Bamford.

Marcelo Bielsa has been generally quiet in the transfer window, with left-back Junior Firpo from Barcelona their only notable addition, although Jack Harrison did sign permanently from Manchester City.

Leeds came ninth in their first campaign back in the Premier League and quickly established themselves as one of the most entertaining in the division, with goals a plenty at both ends of the pitch.

Bamford was a key part of their success last season, scoring 17 goals in the league, behind only Bruno Fernandes, Mohamed Salah, and Harry Kane.

Despite Bamford’s heroics in his first full season in the top-flight, though, Windass believes that Leeds need another top striker to compete for European football next term.

They currently have Spaniard Rodrigo, but he managed just seven goals in his debut campaign in English football.

Windass told FFC:

“They need another number nine, a proven 20-goal a season that gets you in the top four or top six.

 “Bamford did extremely well, but I think every football club needs a proven goalscorer. So, I’m surprised Bielsa hasn’t signed another nine to push Bamford.”

Paul Collingwood’s time as England one-day captain has come to end on the same day as Michael Vaughan’s Test reign. He said he’d stepped down after feeling the captaincy was affecting his performances.It means England will have new leaders in both forms of the game when the selectors make their announcement at Lord’s on Monday. Collingwood took on the role last year against West Indies, after Vaughan resigned the one-day job, and his initial results were promising with series victories against India at home and Sri Lanka away.However, England had a poor World Twenty20 and have suffered back-to-back series defeats against New Zealand. Collingwood also became embroiled in controversy against New Zealand when he insisted on appealing for Grant Elliott’s run out at The Oval after he’d been knocked to the ground by Ryan Sidebottom. He later admitted his error, but following the match picked up a four-game suspension for a slow over-rate. Kevin Pietersen took over for the final ODI against New Zealand and is now favourite to become the new full-time captain, as well as lead in Tests.”I’ve made the decision to step down as England’s one-day captain as I want to give myself the best chance to perform for England and enjoy my cricket,” Collingwood said. “Whilst I am humbled to have been given the opportunity to captain England’s one-day side, I feel the captaincy diminished my ability to perform for England across all forms of the game. I feel the England captaincy impacted on my ability to enjoy my cricket and contribute to the team.”Collingwood returned to form in the Test arena with his 135 in the second innings at Edgbaston after being on the brink of losing his place. “I’ve always enjoyed representing my country at the highest level,” he said, “and it has always been my ambition to play cricket, across all forms of the game, but I’ve found the extra workload of the captaincy to be very difficult.”The last thing I want is for the captaincy to impact my performance and that of the team’s which is why I’ve arrived at this decision after a huge amount of consideration. I will continue to make myself available to England for all forms of cricket and look forward to playing a significant role in England’s future success.”Hugh Morris, managing director of England cricket, said: “Paul feels this is the best decision in terms of benefiting the England team and his contribution to the team, across all forms of the game.”We are extremely grateful for the way in which Paul has led the England one-day side since his appointment last year. The team has made real progress under his leadership and he will continue to be a valuable member of the England set-up.”

The West Coast reigned supreme at the inaugural women’s Pro20 Super Fours, emerging deserved victors having been unbeaten throughout

Cricinfo staff30-Jul-2008The West Coast reigned supreme at the inaugural women’s Pro20 Super Fours, emerging deserved victors having been unbeaten throughout. In the final, they beat Highveld by seven wickets, to round off a successful tournament, which had been introduced in part to gain as much exposure to Twenty20 cricket as possible ahead of the World Twenty20 next year.Alicia Smith took 2 for 26 to reduce them to 113 for 3 despite Daleen Terblanche’s 45 and Mignon du Preez making 34. Yolandi van der Westhuizen struck 42 to take West Coast to a comfortable victory. They had swept aside Central by seven wickets earlier, when Ashlyn Kilowan’s pace claimed the first five wicket haul of the tournament. She ended with 5 for 8 in four overs.East Coast reached 103 for 4 to finish third in the tournament after beating Central by 51 runs. Marizanne Kapp made an unbeaten 27 and harvested 3 for 7 in Central’s response of 52 for 7. Giselle van Rensburg showed some resistance with 23.The national squad then headed to England for their ODI and Twenty20 tour.

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O técnico Rogério Ceni admitiu que o São Paulo teve menos “pegada” que o Corinthians na derrota por 2 a 0, neste domingo, no Morumbi, pela ida da semifinal do Campeonato Paulista. O treinador ainda lembou o 2 a 0 sofrido para o Cruzeiro na última quinta-feira e disse que são “derrotas difíceis de ingerir”.

– São duas derrotas em casa muito difíceis de ingerir, principalmente quando põe acima de 40 mil pessoas nos dois jogos. Não posso me colocar na condição de arquibancada, porque sou treinador da equipe. Antes disso também não, só em 2016, quando o fiz e me vi no papel de torcedor. Eu acho que o primeiro tempo faltou competir um pouco mais, o Corinthians competiu mais, teve mais pegada. No segundo tempo só tenho que fazer elogios ao time, tentamos de todas as maneiras. Sem o Nem tivemos um sistema ao qual estávamos mais acostumados, Jucilei fez um jogo fora de série, Gilberto entrou bem, cruzamos 39 bolas, Cássio fez boas defesas. Fizemos o que o jogo pedia, tiramos os dois pontas por lesão e porque eu achei que podíamos fazer um jogo diferente, com losango no meio de campo para municiar os dois centroavantes – analisou.

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Rogério Ceni ainda disse entender a reação da torcida, que vaiou a equipe após a partida. Do lado de fora do Morumbi, integrantes da organizada Independente realizaram um protesto.

– Antes de você estudar pra ser treinador, o que mais vale é o acúmulo de experiências. Eu joguei durante 26 anos, sei o sentimento do atleta, do torcedor quando perde, a cobrança, o grito, a vaia, o aplauso. Isso tudo não é em curso que você aprende, é na vida ao longo da carreira. Eu passo por isso há 20 e tantos anos, convivendo com aplausos, vaias. Como técnico não é diferente, eu tento fazer o melhor trabalho possível todos os dias e é compreensível o torcedor sair chateado. Quando você perde não adianta falar em números, só dois importam: os seus gols e o do adversário. São os números que importam. Quando você vence, eles têm importância. Quando perde são segunda peça. Mas temos que saber trabalhar com momentos de derrota, a vida não é construída somente por vitórias – afirmou Rogério, antes de falar sobre o protesto.

– Eu sou profissional, treinador de futebol, trabalho pelo melhor para o clube. Não saí do estádio, não sei de manifestação, até peço desculpa pela falta de informação. Dentro do estádio é normal e aceitável, o torcedor quer o resultado imediato, é aceitável o questionamento e a vaia. O meu trabalho eu tenho total consciência de que está sendo feito da melhor maneira possível, pelo melhor do São Paulo. Infelizmente foram duas derrotas, o que é sempre ruim para qualquer treinador – acrescentou.

Com desvantagem no Paulistão e na Copa do Brasil, o São Paulo volta a treinar na tarde desta segunda-feira, no CT da Barra Funda. O confronto com o Cruzeiro será na quarta-feira, no Mineirão, enquanto o duelo com o Corinthians será no próximo domingo, em Itaquera.