The right captain, a blend of data and intangibles, and steering clear of bias – the recency or emotional kind

Gaurav Sundararaman05-Feb-20222:53

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It is IPL auction week and the umbrella term ‘auction dynamics’ will be thrown around a lot. But the most significant part of those dynamics is auction strategy. A good auction strategy translates into success – Delhi Capitals is a good recent example. After struggling during the first decade of the IPL, Capitals invested heavily in a strong and young Indian core during the 2018 mega auction, which helped them make the playoffs the last three seasons in a row. Similarly, Sunrisers Hyderabad believed in compiling a strong bowling attack, mostly Indian again, and that helped them be a contender for the playoffs. Multiple-time champions Chennai Super Kings have forever invested in experience and succeeded. What you do at the auction determines whether you will finish as a top-team consistently.We look at the key building blocks necessary to compile a strong squad at the auction.Leadership
Pick the captain. Then empower the captain. MS Dhoni believes that experience is a key ingredient to winning crunch situations, and he got a team that delivered that. There have been instances where franchises have chosen a team and then picked a leader.Force-fitting captaincy could be challenging. R Ashwin at Punjab Kings in 2018 and 2019, and Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith at Rajasthan Royals are some of the examples in recent years where players were bought at the auction and then given captaincy. Unlike Test cricket, T20 is not won purely on skill but on how certain decisions are taken dynamically. It is important to not be predictable and always be one step ahead of the opposition. Sometimes, making fewer obvious errors is good enough to prevail over an opposition, which a leader like Dhoni does repeatedly.MS Dhoni gestures to his team-mates•BCCILeadership in the IPL is not just about the results but it also involves dealing with many decision makers outside the cricketing ecosystem. This could mean picking a player in the squad for marketing purposes, convincing owners once the season begins on why a particular eleven has been selected, or backing a player who is not in form. In the case of some franchises, the captain has to answer to multiple decision-makers. In case the equations don’t match, the relationship is bound to break as it has happened on many previous occasions with multiple franchises.Avoiding bias
Bias is a huge factor in an auction. It could be recency or it could be emotional. It is human nature to favour one player over another, but it could pose a challenge at the auctions. One of the biggest challenges is to manage bias consciously, especially while dealing with high profile decision makers. We have seen enough evidence of recency bias being a huge failure. Almost every BBL recruit in the last few seasons has faltered at the IPL. Some recent examples include the Australian bunch of Ashton Turner, D’Arcy Short, Riley Meredith and Jhye Richardson. Similarly, a quickfire century before the auction could increase the price point by a few crores, but is it a smart buy? None of these buys have been very beneficial in the end.Related

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A neutral perspective to every pick based on a few metrics such as: how well the batter plays the googly? How is his first ten-ball strike rate? Can he play the sweep shot well? How does a bowler handle a wet ball? How many variations does a bowler have? These factors could go a long way. There needs to be a balancing act between using data and cricketing instincts/experience.The game has still not reached a stage where contextual sample sizes are enough for machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide an advantage. Trusting techniques and ability to counter certain situations are more vital than blindly going by strike rates, averages, economy rates or whether the player is on the list of highest run-getters/wicket-takers. Bowling with a wet ball in Wankhede in April is very different from bowling in Australia or the Caribbean. Once again, it is the scouts that need to relay the right info to the coaches, who in turn have to convince the person raising the paddle.Price Points
What would be the right price point for Shreyas Iyer?•BCCIIn a mini auction, one can understand that the options are very limited and hence prices are elevated due to a demand and supply mis-match. However, this mistake should not occur in a big auction, when one is building a squad. Spending 15-20 crores on one player is approximately 20% of the budget on one player. One player cannot win the league. Rashid Khan still does not have a T20 trophy to his name. Royal Challengers have faced the same challenges in previous season with lopsided budget spends, role wise.No algorithm/model will ever be able to predict the right cost at which a player is likely to go accurately. If they were to be followed, no team would complete even 50% of their budget since algorithms would not predict 15 crores for a Glenn Maxwell (Royal Challengers) or an 11 crore for Manish Pandey (Sunrisers). Hence, it is important to understand the maximum price points of a skillset/role from experience, and work around that. Shreyas Iyer for example could be a beneficiary of this price-point conundrum in the coming auction as franchises might frantically bid for him hoping that suddenly Iyer would have the captaincy skills of Dhoni, the batting skills of Virat Kohli and the power of a Kieron Pollard.Picking the right players
Skillset remains the primary filter while building a squad. Whilst there will always be a wishlist for every role, it is equally important to look at other factors apart from the playing strengths that might make a franchise a good fit for a player. Understanding where the player stands in terms of his goals and his role, is primary. For example Krunal Pandya is a capable allrounder, but does he perform at his best when his brother Hardik is in the team or would he be better if he is on his own? Understanding a player’s background is equally significant, and this is where a good scouting network comes handy.Venkatesh Iyer is pumped after his side’s victory•BCCIWhile owners and CEOs can take the money calls at the auction table, they need to be fed with the right information from the coaching staff, in which scouts should play an integral role – especially while picking uncapped Indian players. Take Kolkata Knight Riders, whose scouts identified Varun Chakravarthy and Venkatesh Iyer early. Now both players are part of the franchise’s core having been retained.Ditto with Mumbai Indians, who have one of the best scouting networks, comprising former international coaches, players and selectors. They picked the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and the Pandya brothers as uncapped talents, and then retained them (or right-to-matched them) subsequently. Scouts at Royal Challengers Bangalore even visit the families of potential buys they have identified from the trials to understand the culture and the environment they come from. In the end a happy player is a free player who can perform at his best.

It’s hard to think of too many positives from this season for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have been diabolically bad in the Premier League and crashed out of both domestic cup competitions, leaving their campaign hinging on winning the Europa League.

With that said, there has been a shimmer of hope to come out of the club’s disastrous season, which has been the development of their youngsters like Mikey Moore, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

It looks like the Lilywhites want to add to their array of talented prospects by signing Southampton’s Tyler Dibling in the summer as well, but they might be able to save millions by trusting another of Postecoglou’s young signings.

The latest on Dibling to Spurs

Tottenham’s interest in Dibling has been long-established now, with reports on the topic emerging as far back as October last year.

However, things picked up in the winter transfer window and have not quieted down since, with reports from late last month claiming that the club were doing the ‘groundwork’ necessary to facilitate a possible move in the summer.

However, it could prove challenging to get their man once the window reopens, as reports from earlier this week revealed that Manchester United and Chelsea are also keen to land the exciting prospect.

On top of that, it could prove an expensive deal, as the same report claimed that it would require a fee of around €40m to get him out of Southampton, which is about £35m, and could be seen as too dear by some for a player who’s scored two goals and provided one assist in 27 Premier League games this season.

Moreover, if the Red Devils and Pensioners are genuinely interested in signing the 19-year-old, there is every chance that the price will increase further.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

In all, while Dibling is an undeniably exciting prospect, it might not be in Spurs’ best interest to splash the cash on him when they need more first-team-ready stars and when they already have another promising winger coming back to the team next season.

The Ange signing who could save Spurs millions

So, with Brennan Johnson still finding the back of the net on a somewhat regular basis, it seems likely that if Dibling is signed in the summer, he’d be used as a rotation option off the right, which seems unnecessary when Yang Min-Hyeok will be back in North London next season.

The North Londoners signed the South Korean winger last summer from Gangwon FC, but due to the K League running from February to November, he didn’t move to England until the end of last year.

It’s easy to see why his team wanted to keep him in South Korea for their entire campaign, as even though he was just 17 at the start, he was incredibly important.

Team

Gangwon

QPR

Appearances

38

10

Minutes

3050′

448′

Goals

12

1

Assists

6

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

0.20

Minutes per Goal Involvement

169.44′

224′

For example, he racked up a seriously impressive haul of 12 goals and six assists in just 38 appearances, totalling 3050 minutes.

That means the dynamic teenager, who analyst Joel Kim claims is blessed with “power and pace”, averaged a goal involvement every 2.11 games, or every 169.44 minutes.

After officially joining up with the North Londoners at the end of last year, the Gwangju-born gem was sent out on a short-term loan to Championship side Queens Park Rangers, where he has since impressed.

In ten appearances, five of which have been starts, the “underrated” 18-year-old, as dubbed by Kim, has scored once and provided one goal, which must’ve turned heads back home, as he won his first senior cap for South Korea in late March.

Ultimately, we are not necessarily claiming Yang is a better player than Dibling, but like the Englishman, he’s showing plenty of potential.

So, if Spurs want a backup to Johnson who could develop into something special, promoting the South Korean gem and using the money saved on another area of need seems sensible.

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In what would be quite the move, Manchester United are now reportedly aiming to hijack Real Madrid’s attempts to sign their top target this summer in a deal worth around £42m.

Amorim expresses Man Utd frustration

Even Ruben Amorim wouldn’t have been aware of just how difficult a job he had on his hands when he arrived a number of months ago, but the reality has since hit him in the most ruthless fashion. The former Sporting boss arrived with all the hope in the world that a young, ambitious manager would finally have what it takes to turn things around at Old Trafford.

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The Red Devils could cash in on a first-team player, following a very disappointing performance against Nottingham Forest.

1 ByDominic Lund Apr 3, 2025

Now in April, however, the squad that Erik ten Hag left behind has failed to adapt to his 3-4-2-1 system and it’s clearer than ever that Manchester United simply cannot afford to get things wrong this summer. Without back-to-back Premier League wins all season, the Red Devils had their latest moment to forget against Nottingham Forest – losing 1-0 courtesy of Anthony Elanga.

Amorim expressed his frustration over the result as his side took one step forward and two steps back once again. He told reporters: “It’s more [of] the same since this season began. So I think if you look at the game we are improving the way we play football.

“We are creating more chances, we are dominating more games. But in the end, when you don’t win, you feel that and that is a good thing. So we know that this season is going to be like that, the momentum. So we continue to go to the next [game].”

Go again is exactly what United must do too, with the Manchester derby awaiting in a run of crucial games towards the end of the campaign.

Manchester United vs Manchester City

06/04/2025

Premier League

Lyon vs Manchester United

10/04/2025

Europa League

Newcastle United vs Manchester United

13/04/2025

Premier League

Manchester United vs Lyon

17/04/2025

Europa League

Manchester United vs Wolves

20/04/2025

Premier League

With key clashes in the Europa League – arguably United’s last chance to qualify for European football – Amorim will be desperate to avoid a repeat of the Forest result and kick on once more at Old Trafford.

Man Utd target Hincapie hijack

One way to ensure that results such as the one against Nottingham Forest becomes less of a habit is to welcome some much-needed defensive reinforcements. And if reports are anything to go by, INEOS are well aware of that.

According to TeamTalk, Manchester United are now aiming to hijack Real Madrid’s move to sign Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen, who value their central defender at €50m (£42m) this summer.

Described as “athletic”, “physical” and “quick” by analyst Ben Mattinson, 23-year-old Hincapie could go from a Leverkusen invincible to Manchester United saviour this summer. Having already reportedly made contact over a move, the Red Devils’ plot to seal an ambitious hijack on Madrid seems on.

Manchester United’s stalemate against neighbours Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon solemnly underlined the issues Ruben Amorim is dealing with.

The Portugal tactician inherited a mess and is trying his best, but he’s not going to reach the heights that INEOS will have envisaged when appointing him unless surgery is undertaken in the transfer market this summer.

However, the Red Devils are in a fragile financial state and know that they must trim the blubber from their first-team ranks if they are to make real headway in the transfer market this summer.

Man Utd need to fix their wage bill

Pep Guardiola’s Citizens are the only Premier League club to have a higher reported wage bill than Manchester United. Capology record that Old Trafford is drained some £181m per annum on first-team salaries.

Luckily, a sizeable chunk is all but confirmed to be sliced this summer. Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are all into the final months of their deals, which will free a combined £335k per week from the books.

The resurgent Casemiro was widely expected to be sold this summer but he’s been in fine fettle of late and may play a role in the year to come. Albeit, the 33-year-old pockets a bigger pay packet than anyone else of a Man United persuasion.

Chopping away at such players to create room for exciting incomings is the way forward. It’s a daunting task, to be sure, but one that could will Old Trafford back into shape if handled correctly.

Another top earner, Antony, is out on loan at Real Betis, in fairness, and is not expected to return to Amorim’s brood. Freeing up his financial space will be a significant step in the right direction.

The same can be said for United’s other high-earning star currently out on loan.

Man Utd must axe their high earner

Since signing for Aston Villa on loan in January, Marcus Rashford has scored three goals and provided four assists across 12 fixtures.

He has been crucial in driving Unai Emery’s side into the FA Cup semi-finals and Champions League last eight, also pushing for a top-four (or five) finish in the Premier League.

However, he was described as a “major problem” by journalist Liam Canning, with performances toward the end of his time under the wing of Amorim proving to be “nothing short of shocking.”

This divorce of positivity and withdrawal of commitment was unacceptable for a player earning a gigantic wage at £300k per week.

But in truth, Rashford’s displays for his boyhood club had petered out over a number of years, with his brilliance over the 2022/23 campaign sadly standing as an outlier now.

Marcus Rashford – Man Utd Stats by Season (last 6 years)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

24

7

3

23/24

43

8

6

22/23

56

30

11

21/22

32

5

2

20/21

57

21

14

19/20

44

22

9

Stats via Transfermarkt

Villa have a buy option in their loan deal for the England international, which stands at £40m. Amorim wasn’t happy with him and deserves a clean slate to kickstart his project – of course, given that Rashford has earned north of £55m since making his professional debut, the argument for his permanent sale is only reinforced.

While Rashford has shown in the past that he can be a “goal machine” for Man United, as has been remarked by Statman Dave, there was a real sense of disconnect through the final days of his time at the club, there in the flesh.

He might be thriving at Villa Park, but for a player who has earned such vast sums as a Red Devil and ultimately lost his way, maybe cashing in and starting anew wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

Sweeping changes, at the start of a new INEOS and Amorim era, might just end up bearing fruit.

Related Amorim's own Salah: Man Utd pushing to sign "Europe's best player" for £67m

Man United need to make a range of impactful signings in the transfer market this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Apr 7, 2025

Manchester United might be rotting in the lower levels of the Premier League tower, but there’s a hopeful feeling that Ruben Amorim is brewing something worthwhile at the Theatre of Dreams.

The business end of the domestic season might be one big dead rubber, but the Red Devils are still in with a shout for redemption in the Europa League, preparing for the two-legged quarter-final tie against Lyon.

Winning the second-rate continental title would hand United a golden ticket into next season’s Champions League, an incredible thought given the overall narrative of Man United’s season.

But winning is in this club’s DNA, and if INEOS manage to complete a positive transfer window, there’s every chance that Amorim could turn a much-needed corner and start to build something special.

Though United’s goalscoring woes have led online discourse to centre chiefly around the need for a new centre-forward, that’s hardly the only position requiring surgery right now.

Where Man Utd need to strengthen this summer

Rasmus Hojlund has fallen by the wayside this season, having scored just three times in the Premier League across 26 appearances. Though he’s often devoid of service, the young Dane is hardly imposing himself on defenders, serving dutifully as the focal frontman.

Joshua Zirkzee, at least, offers a bit more across the park, but then he’s also lacking the clinical touch in front of goal that the Manchester side so desperately need to reach the next level and bring some attacking fluency back to the team.

However, Old Trafford needs furnishing across any number of further areas. Some of the rot will depart at the end of the term: Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans – earning a combined £335k per week – are all approaching the end of their contracts.

Depth will thus be needed, with Amorim himself confirming that “big players” are needed. Patrick Dorgu, a tactically suitable wing-back, has already been welcomed, but another wide defender should be targeted and indeed an athletic midfielder too.

However, with Antony and Marcus Rashford out on loan and neither expected to play a part in Amorim’s future plans, a wide forward is also needed, and INEOS are lining up the perfect man, one of Europe’s very best.

Man Utd pushing for UCL superstar

TEAMtalk have reported that Man United have received a major boost in their bid to sign Barcelona’s Raphinha following the Brazilian’s bust-up with head coach Hansi Flick at the weekend.

Transfer Focus

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While Raphinha has been one of the best attacking players in Europe this season, such an altercation will only fan the flames of his potential departure, especially when considering La Blaugrana’s interminable financial problems.

Understood to be worth in the ballpark of €80m (roughly £67m), the 28-year-old is obviously in the upper financial bracket but has showcased through the 2024/25 campaign that Amorim would receive bang for his buck.

With United deemed to be ‘pushing’ for his signature, the former Leeds United man could be the marquee summer signing that is needed.

Why Raphinha would be perfect for Amorim

Barcelona signed Raphinha from Leeds for £55m in 2022, the winger rejecting interest from Arsenal and Chelsea to move to Spain.

He’s ebbed and flowed a bit over his three terms in La Liga, but Raphinha has found his footing and then some in Flick’s setup, having incredibly scored 27 goals and laid on 20 more assists across 47 matches in all competitions this term.

While his catalogue of goals takes the cake, Raphinha is one of Europe’s most creative players, making 23 big chances in the Spanish top flight alone. On top of that, he’s won 55% of his duels, as per Sofascore, which is no small feat for an attacking player.

The potent force behind Barcelona’s Champions League charge, Raphinha is being regarded as a genuine Ballon d’Or contender after such an impressive haul.

In fact, Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley has even pronounced him to be “Europe’s best player” this season, such is the sheer heights of his influence over a resurgent Barcelona side.

His new-found deadliness in front of goal has actually led data-driven site FBref to record Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah as one of his most comparable players.

He’s been United’s bane for some time, but the Egyptian’s talents would go down a treat in Amorim’s system, who could sign a younger and more athletic version in Raphinha.

Goals

0.71

0.70

Assists

0.32

0.47

Touches

56.29

45.23

Touches (att pen)

5.31

8.93

Shots taken

3.61

3.338

Shot-creating actions

5.41

4.30

Progressive passes

4.27

4.02

Progressive carries

3.03

3.85

Successful take-ons

1.52

1.34

Comparing the respective players’ performances over the past year, you begin to see the value that Raphinha would add to Amorim’s squad, adding a Salah-like attacking certainty to the mix.

Raphinha is a silky and fleet-footed winger, but he’s traded in some of that unrelenting intensity for a more refined and purposeful goalscoring presence.

Liverpool are going to win the Premier League title and so much of their success is down to Salah’s remarkable consistency in and around the final third. Across 45 matches in all competitions, the 32-year-old has scored 32 goals and supplied 22 assists for his teammates.

With Amorim’s preference for overlapping, energetic wing-backs, you start to see the vision. Raphinha is hardly lazy, but his tactical approach, working so well at Camp Nou, could remain intact or maybe even rise to the next level, becoming United’s attacking superstar and being afforded even more room to showcase his prolificness.

Given that he’s already thrived in the Premier League before, with Leeds, Raphinha might just be the tonic to United’s troubles. Dan James once remarked that the £201k-per-week talent is a “magician” of a winger, but since he’s been away, there’s been a discernible shift to something more mechanical, economical, effective – call it what you will.

The important bit is that Raphinha has hit a new level and is reaching some rather concrete Ballon d’Or-related conversations. He could emulate Liverpool’s Salah and lead the Theatre of Dreams back to glory.

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ByJoe Nuttall Apr 7, 2025

Nottingham Forest have now made contact to sign a £100k-per-week Premier League striker, who is ready to leave his club in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Forest set to bring in successor to Chris Wood

Chris Wood’s goals have been of the utmost importance in Forest’s push for the Champions League this season, with the New Zealand international finding the back of the net 18 times in the Premier League.

However, given that the striker is now 33-years-old, the Tricky Trees have set their sights on a long-term successor, with Sporting CP’s Victor Gyokeres being identified as the ideal target back in March.

The Swedish forward is not the only option on the shortlist, however, with AFC Bournemouth star Evanilson also of interest as a cheaper alternative at £40m, while Gyokeres is expected to set suitors back around £50m – £58m.

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The Tricky Trees have set their sights on a midfielder, who is now likely to leave his club this summer.

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Within the Premier League, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha are among the strikers most widely linked with a move to the City Ground, but contact has now been made over a move for a different player.

That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which states Nottingham Forest have now made an enquiry over the possibility of signing Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is ready to leave the Toffees at the end of the season.

Calvert-Lewin’s contract is set to expire this summer, which means he is set to be available on a free transfer, should he fail to put pen to paper on a new contract, although David Moyes is still hopeful about keeping hold of him.

A number of Premier League clubs are circling for the striker, with Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur expressing an interest, while there are also a number of potential suitors from across Europe.

Nottingham Forest’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Everton (h)

April 12th

Tottenham Hotspur (a)

April 21st

Manchester City (FA Cup semi-final)

April 27th

Brentford (h)

May 1st

Crystal Palace (a)

May 5th

Question marks over signing of Calvert-Lewin

The 11-time England international has impressed for Everton at times, scoring a combined 29 Premier League goals across the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns, and his availability on a free transfer makes him an attractive option.

Not only that, but the marksman has more recently been lauded as “fantastic” by reporter Adam Jones, and at 28-years-old he could still have a lot left to give in the Premier League.

However, there will be serious concerns about the £100k-per-week centre-forward’s record in front of goal over the past few seasons, having found the back of the net just three times in the Premier League this term.

Not only that, but Calvert-Lewin has a concerning injury record, regularly suffering with hamstring problems, so it may be best for Nottingham Forest to consider alternative options this summer.

Fresh from having been narrowly defeated by Nottingham Forest earlier this week, Manchester United are now gearing up for Sunday’s Manchester Derby – just under five months on from clinching victory in dramatic circumstances at the Etihad.

Having been trailing 1-0 heading into the final knockings of the game, an Amad Diallo-inspired comeback flipped the match on its head, with the Ivorian first winning a penalty following a clumsy foul from Matheus Nunes, before sealing the win in stoppage time with an expertly taken finish from the angle.

That euphoric finale ensured it was a fitting way for Ruben Amorim to seal his first win in the fixture, albeit – as is often the way at United – it was matters off the field that dominated the headlines both pre and post-match.

Indeed, the Portuguese coach had taken the bold decision to leave both Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford out of the matchday squad for the meeting with Pep Guardiola’s side, with the 40-year-old stressing that the pair had been omitted due to a “selection” choice, rather than due to illness or injury.

In the case of Garnacho, the 20-year-old has since forced his way back into Amorim’s good books, having notably scored in the recent win over Leicester City, although as for Rashford, the England international hasn’t been seen in a United shirt since, having subsequently moved on loan to Aston Villa in February.

From scoring the winning goal in the derby back in March 2016, the same fixture at the Etihad perhaps marked the beginning of the end for the 27-year-old’s time with the Red Devils, with a permanent exit looking almost inevitable this summer.

Marcus Rashford's rise at Man Utd in 2016

Three goals in a week have ensured that Rashford is again the talk of the town at Villa Park, with the United academy graduate having shaken off his Amorim-led exile to kickstart his stuttering career under Unai Emery.

Having spoken of his desire for a “new challenge” back in December, the high-profile star – who could join the Villans on a £40m deal this summer – appears keen to leave life at Old Trafford behind, ending his lengthy association with the Red Devils.

In truth, it looks set to be a sad end to a story that started so spectacularly back in February 2016, with Rashford soaring from unknown teenager to household name overnight, following his brace against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

That stunning display on debut – which had come amid a remarkable injury crisis in Louis van Gaal’s centre-forward ranks – was followed by another double just a few days later on his first Premier League appearance against Arsenal, with the 18-year-old cementing his status as the new poster boy at the Theatre of Dreams.

In all, the promising striker would end that 2015/16 campaign with eight goals to his name from just 18 senior outings, albeit with few having been quite as memorable as his winner against City on the road.

On what was just his fourth league appearance for United, Rashford proved the hero after surging past the ageing Martin Demichelis, before expertly slotting the ball past compatriot, Joe Hart, and sending the travelling fans into a frenzy.

Just under a decade on, the Red Devils head into a derby without their 138-goal graduate – who has scored six times against City – to call upon. Could Amorim, however, have the next Rashford ready to be unleashed instead?

Man Utd could be brewing the next Rashford

It is easy to forget just what an incredible story it was at the time of Rashford’s emergence onto the scene at first-team level, with the local hero even going on to end 2015/16 as part of England’s squad for the European Championships in France.

That journey was somewhat mirrored last season as Kobbie Mainoo – who was handed his first league start in November 2023 – subsequently played a vital role in the Three Lions’ surge to the Euro 2024 final, having also netted what proved to be the clincher in the FA Cup showpiece in May.

The midfield maestro is unlikely to feature this weekend, however, as the 19-year-old steps up his return from his latest injury setback, albeit with there the potential for another teenage talent to make his mark in the fixture, in the form of Chido Obi.

FA Youth Cup top scorers – 24/25

Player

Club

Goals

Chido Obi

Man Utd

7

Tom Wingate

Fulham

5

Amin Nabizada

Watford

5

Mason Cotcher

Aston Villa

5

Shim Mhueka

Chelsa

4

Finlay Gorman

Man City

4

Emmerson Sutton

QPR

4

Cruz Allen

Derby

4

Matty Warhurst

Man City

4

Stats via Transfermarkt

On Tuesday evening at the City Ground, Amorim’s men failed to score for the 11th time in the league this season, with the ex-Sporting CP boss resorting to throwing on Harry Maguire as a makeshift striker at the death.

With Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund having scored just six top-flight goals between them in 2024/25, a change needs to be made one way or another, with it perhaps an opportunity for Obi to have his own Rashford-like derby moment.

Described as a “goal machine” at academy level by data analyst Ben Mattinson, the Danish starlet was absent from the midweek defeat after starting in the U18s FA Youth Cup loss to Villa on Monday night, with Adam Lawrence’s side crashing out on penalties.

Obi had scored seven times in just three appearances in the competition prior to that, with his total tally at that age group for United standing at 12 goals from just ten outings thus far.

Signed from Arsenal last summer, the 17-year-old hasn’t quite emulated Rashford yet after failing to score in any of his four substitute appearances at senior level, albeit while certainly coming close in the FA Cup clash with Fulham, after being denied by Bernd Leno from the angle.

With United’s priority for the remainder of the season now the Europa League, Amorim may deem it wise to rest the likes of Hojlund and Zirkzee regardless, ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final, first-leg tie with Lyon.

In The Pipeline

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That could then allow Obi – who is ineligible to feature in Europe – the chance to secure a first start for Amorim’s side this weekend, with there perhaps no better time for the youngster to get off the mark.

Rashford, unfortunately, now looks to be at the end of a fruitful journey at Old Trafford. For his potential successor, however, hopefully, the adventure is just beginning.

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Sheffield United are thought to be one of the sides in the lead to sign a new 6ft 4 defender for Chris Wilder.

Sheffield United planning for Premier League return

The Blades, despite starting the Championship season with a two-point deduction, are on course for an immediate return to the Premier League.

With seven games to go, Wilder’s side sit top of the second tier ahead of Leeds United and Burnley and look good for one of two automatic promotion spots.

Leeds (81 pts)

Sheffield United (83 pts)

Burnley (81 pts)

Luton Town (a)

Oxford United (a)

Coventry City (a)

Middlesbrough (a)

Millwall (h)

Derby County (a)

Preston North End (h)

Plymouth Argyle (a)

Norwich City (h)

Oxford United (a)

Cardiff City (h)

Watford (a)

Stoke City (h)

Burnley (a)

Sheffield United (h)

Bristol City (h)

Stoke City (a)

QPR (a)

Plymouth Argyle (a)

Blackburn Rovers (h)

Millwall (h)

With the club hoping they’ll be preparing for Premier League football in 2025/26, those behind the scenes at Bramall Lane have already been identifying transfer targets.

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They could look to raid the Championship, similar to how Ipswich Town operated last summer, with a move for Sunderland centre-back Daniel Ballard on the cards.

January target Jimmy Dunne from Queens Park Rangers remains of interest to the Blades, whereas Norwich City attacker Borja Sainz is another transfer target for Sheffield United.

However, away from the Championship, another defensive option is believed to be on the Blades’ radar.

Sheffield United in the lead for defender Terry Yegbe

According to reports from Sweden, relayed by Sport Witness, Sheffield United are in the race to sign Elfsborg defender Terry Yegbe. There were claims that Brighton & Hove Albion were about to sign Yegbe for around €5.4m (£4.5m), however, it is stated that Elfsborg would want up to €6.98m (£5.9m).

It is added that Sheffield United are still one of three clubs leading the race to sign Yegbe alongside Crystal Palace and Fulham.

The 24-year-old moved to Elfsborg in February 2024 from Finish side SJK Seinajoki for €550,000 and is under contract until 2028. Over the last 12 months, Yegbe, who stands at 6 foot 4, has made 44 appearances for his current employers, scoring three goals and even playing in the Europa League.

A centre-back who can also play as a left-back, Yegbe has also represented Ghana at international level and, over the last 365 days, ranks in the 99th percentile for clearances when compared to other centre-backs. [FbRef]

By the looks of things, a move to Yorkshire for Yegbe could be one to keep an eye on, especially if the Blades win promotion over the coming weeks.

Chelsea are now eager to sign a £40k-a-week full-back who’s “one of the best” in Europe, but there is set to be fierce competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Pressure building on Maresca

Fans are starting to lose patience with Enzo Maresca, given that performances have fallen way short of expectations in recent weeks, drawing 2-2 at home to Ipswich Town before suffering a 2-1 defeat against Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge.

However, the manager is likely to have bought himself some more time with the 2-1 victory at Fulham on Sunday afternoon, with Tyrique George and Pedro Neto striking late to secure a comeback victory at Craven Cottage.

By and large, the Blues’ backline has not been the issue this season, retaining the joint-fourth best defensive record in the league, and Maresca is likely to be far more concerned by the performances of his strikers.

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After once again drawing a blank on Sunday afternoon, Nicolas Jackson is without a goal in his last 12 Premier League games, while Christopher Nkunku has just three league goals to his name all season.

As such, bringing in a new striker may be a priority for Chelsea this summer, but they are also keen to strengthen in defence, according to a report from Caught Offside, which has revealed they are now eager to sign Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina.

Aina’s performances this season have attracted serious interest from a whole host of Premier League clubs, with Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also keen, and the latter two clubs are set to open agent talks soon.

Forest are eager to tie the full-back down to a new contract, which could see his £40k-a-week wages increased, but a free transfer is possible, should an agreement not be reached, with the 28-year-old’s contract set to expire this summer.

Aina enjoying impressive campaign at Forest

The Nigerian has been an indispensable member of the starting XI for Forest this season, making 30 Premier League appearances prior to recently sustaining a calf injury, and his side have gone on to lose both of the games he’s missed.

Having performed very well for the Tricky Trees, the London-born defender received high praise from Zach Lowy last month, with the journalist saying: “Ola Aina has genuinely been one of the best fullbacks in Europe this season. So effective going forward but above all, rarely drops anything less than a 7/10. Forest are lucky to have him.”

Not only has the former Chelsea man impressed on the front foot, but his ability to win back possession has also been on display regularly throughout the campaign.

That said, Chelsea are already well-stocked at right-back, with Reece James and Malo Gusto on the books, so Aina may not be a necessary signing unless one of Maresca’s current options moves on this summer.

Everton might have lost against Manchester City at the weekend, but they gave it a good go and continue to look levels above the disjointed mess that prompted Sean Dyche to step down in January after The Friedkin Group assumed ownership.

David Moyes will be delighted with the job he’s done since returning to the helm in January, nearly 12 years after leaving his Goodison Park dynasty to take on the job at Manchester United.

The fans are certainly happy, buoyed by the Scotsman’s impact as he prepares to lead the Toffees into a new chapter at Bramley Moore.

Time was when Everton were devoid of hope, but that’s no longer the case. TFG are set to hand Moyes funding to strengthen the squad this summer, but more than a few stars are set to leave to make room.

Long-serving striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is among them.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's Everton future

Calvert-Lewin might have been at Everton for an age, signing from Sheffield United in a £1.5m deal way back in 2016. But all things end, and Moyes is prepared to let him leave in the coming months as he puts his own stamp on his team.

The 28-year-old is indeed out of a deal this summer and Everton have been linked with a range of strikers as they prepare to cut ties.

Beto’s emergent shooting success has tempered the England international’s struggles, but it’s not good for Calvert-Lewin on a personal level, for Moyes is hardly going to be impressed by his three-goal return in 2024/25, having missed a whopping 13 big chances, as per Sofascore.

With 57 Premier League goals to his name, Calvert-Lewin has more than played his part. But injuries, consequent inconsistencies and his high earnings have confirmed that the decision to part ways would be the right one this summer.

He’s not the only one.

Everton veteran has reached the end

Everton are set to replace a range of first-team players in the transfer market this summer, with as many as 15 out of contract.

Seamus Coleman joins Calvert-Lewin on that list, and like the centre-forward he must be allowed to leave as Everton step into a new era.

The most experienced man in the Toffees squad, Everton signed a teenage Coleman from Sligo Rovers in his homeland for a jaw-dropping £60,000 figure, one of the biggest bargains in Everton’s modern history.

Now 36, he’s gone on to make a shedload of appearances, but only four have come this season, with Coleman last featuring on Boxing Day.

Given that he’s yet to even feature during Moyes’ second term, sitting as an unused substitute across five of Everton’s past six top-flight fixtures, it seems nailed on that the two parties will finally part when his £55k-per-week contract expires this summer.

1.

Seamus Coleman

426

2.

Jordan Pickford

314

3.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

269

4.

Michael Keane

227

5.

Idrissa Gueye

206

Coleman has played his part over a decade and a half of service, and he’s not doing too badly in the all-time rankings either, sixth in the all-time charts. There’s no doubt that Coleman’s a ‘club legend,’ even if it’s a moniker he refutes.

Hailed as a “warrior” by former manager Frank Lampard, Coleman is indeed a stalwart at Everton, but it feels fitting in a way that he should close the door on his storied Merseyside journey as Goodison Park prepares to lock the turnstiles for the final time.

Jake O’Brien is now the star man at right-back, and maybe Moyes will target a more conventional wide defender to compete with him this summer.

Whatever happens, it’s time for Coleman to bow out.

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