Having already ticked plenty of boxes on the incomings front, Manchester United and INEOS could be about to raise summer funds even further through a loan deal for one of Erik ten Hag's star men.
Man Utd transfer news
The Red Devils have enjoyed an excellent summer transfer window, recently adding both Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to Ten Hag's squad, which already welcomed both Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee earlier in the summer. And if that news wasn't positive enough for those at Old Trafford, then Bruno Fernandes' fresh contract should have done the trick.
The Manchester United captain is now set to stay put until at least 2027 and expressed his delight at the news, telling the club's official website: "Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United. I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club.
“I have had so many special moments here already; hearing my name sung from the Stretford End, scoring a hat-trick against Leeds, leading the team out at Old Trafford on European nights and lifting trophies at Wembley. But I wouldn’t have signed this contract if I didn’t believe that my best moments in a United shirt are still to come."
Keen to sign for Man Utd: INEOS targeting "monster" Eriksen upgrade
The veteran international would be an incredible addition to Ten Hag’s squad.
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Jack Salveson Holmes
Aug 14, 2024
That said, Fernandes' midfield partner might not have the same luck. According to The Times' Paul Hirst, Napoli are now in contact with INEOS over a loan deal for Scott McTominay. Manchester United are reportedly willing to part ways with their academy graduate for £30m this summer, so it remains to be seen whether they'll accept a loan move.
The Scotland international has been an unlikely hero at times under Ten Hag, scoring several late goals, but looks to have been shown the exit door, nonetheless, at Old Trafford.
Man Utd should keep "great" McTominay
Whilst it would be more than understandable if McTominay was not a regular starter should the likes of Manuel Ugarte arrive this summer, the Scot should still have a place in Ten Hag's squad.
His ability to pop up with the match-winner out of nowhere is an invaluable trait that is hard to find elsewhere. Given that United were fortunate enough to discover a player with that trait in their academy, they would be wise to take advantage of it.
Ten Hag is certainly well aware of what McTominay brings to his squad too, saying via TNT Sports last season: "Scott, he's great. He can score many goals, he's always coming in positions to score goals. We had some problems, it was too much like a tennis match. Every game we went for goal instead of waiting for the right decisions. With McTominay, he can get in the box and could score goals."
MLS NEXT announced the groundbreaking partnership Tuesday, integrating the development of both the girls and boys game
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MLS NEXT announces partnership with GA
Strategic alliance will grow youth soccer in North America
First display will be 2025 GA Cup
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WHAT HAPPENED?
MLS NEXT – Major League Soccer's academy program – has announced a strategic partnership with the Girls Academy (GA) beginning in 2025. The alliance will unify youth soccer in North America, while strengthening the bond between boys and girls soccer at the youth levels.
The GA is a leading youth development platform for girls youth soccer in the United States. The aim of the partnership will be to work together on technical standards, innovation, membership opportunities, and event integrations.
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The collaboration will first be on display in the 2025 Generation Adidas Cup, where MLS NEXT will integrate select GA clubs into a girls competition at the event, creating a high-level showcase at the prestigious international tournament.
“Our strategic alliance with the Girls Academy fosters an aligned development pathway for boys and girls aspiring to reach their highest potential,” said MLS NEXT General Manager Kyle Albrecht. “We believe this is an important step in growing the sport in North America, as the alignment between both programs will greatly benefit players, families, and clubs.”
WHAT THE GA SAID
“The Girls Academy is thrilled to partner with MLS NEXT on a shared vision to elevate players and standards to the highest level,” said Girls Academy Commissioner Patricia Hughes. “MLS NEXT is the leader in the North American ecosystem and together we will focus on driving the game forward. Our collaboration will prioritize player-centric development, emphasizing the individual growth of each athlete. This alliance represents a significant step toward ensuring players, coaches and clubs have the resources they need to reach their full potential."
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WHAT NEXT?
The agreement begins in 2025, with the first showcase being GA Cup in April, 2025. The event takes place in Bradenton, FL from April 12-20 and features 753 teams from 151 clubs – 29 MLS academies and 122 MLS NEXT Elite Academies across the U13 – U19 levels.
Real Madrid are reportedly looking to rename their iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium for the first time in nearly 70 years.
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Real Madrid eye stadium name change
Been called Santiago Bernabeu since 1955
New proposed name revealed
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to Marca, Madrid are looking to change the name of their iconic ground from Santiago Bernabeu to The Bernabeu. The report adds this is being made for commercial and marketing reasons.
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Los Blancos put in place the Santiago Bernabeu name on January 4, 1955, and was used to honour the club's former player, manager, and president of the same name. It has since become one of the most famous sporting stadiums in the world.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bernabeu was Madrid's president for nearly 35 years, during which time the club won six European Cups, 16 league titles, six Spanish cups, and many more trophies. He also reportedly helped Manchester United rebuild its team following the Munich air disaster in 1958.
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While many will wait for Madrid to comment on this matter, Carlo Ancelotti's team return to La Liga action on January 3 away to lowly Valencia.
Manchester United’s first Premier League game of the season saw the Red Devils run out 1-0 winners over Fulham at Old Trafford. It was a close affair on a sunny Friday night in Manchester, with the Cottagers giving United a good game, but failing to capitalise on some good chances, with Erik ten Hag’s side eventually scoring the winner late on thanks to a debut goal from Joshua Zirkzee.
Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee scores vs Fulham
Indeed, United were just about the dominant side against Marco Silva’s men, with SofaScore confirming such a theory. United had slightly more possession than the Cottagers, with 55% to 45%, and had slightly more shots, with 14 compared to Fulham’s ten. Where the Red Devils did considerably better than Fulham was with the number of big chances created, specifically four to the visitor’s none.
Ten Hag will no doubt be pleased his side have got off to a winning start with improvements on last season’s disastrous showings. However, in order to climb the table and push for the top four, they may well dip into the transfer market again to add to their four signings so far.
Erik ten Hag
United have recently been linked with someone who could return to the club and add depth and quality to midfield.
Man United target Serie A midfielder
The player in question here is Fiorentina and Morocco international midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. The 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from Florence this summer, after spending the last campaign on loan at Old Trafford.
Indeed, according to a report from Fabrizio Romano, in conversation with GiveMeSport, the Red Devils view Amrabat as an ‘alternative’ signing to PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who appears to be their main target this summer.
Romano explains in his exclusive report that the Old Trafford club ‘maintain contacts’ with the Morocco international’s entourage, and would still consider doing a deal for the La Viola midfielder before the deadline on the 30th of August.
Whilst a price for the former Utrecht midfielder has not been named, it could end up being a similar fee to the £17m option to buy the Red Devila had in Amrabat’s loan contract, which also included add-ons of around £4.2m. However, it would not be surprising to see United try and negotiate a lower fee or bring the player back to the club on loan.
Why Amrabat would be a good signing
Strangely, although he pushed for the signing last summer, Ten Hag never really gave Amarabat, whom he worked with in the Netherlands at Utrecht, many opportunities. This was even more surprising when you consider the 45 separate injuries United had last term, the most in the Premier League, as per BBC Sport.
Sofyan Amrabat
In fact, the 27-year-old made just 30 appearances in all competitions for United, with 21 of those coming in the Premier League. That worked out at just 1,545 minutes altogether and equated to only 17.1 full 90 minutes.
Amrabat’s lack of game time last term was even stranger after he put in a superb performance in the FA Cup final, in what was his last appearance donning that famous red shirt. In fact, he was so good that MEN journalist Samuel Luckhurst gave him a 9/10 match rating, praising the Moroccan for being 'an impregnable shield' in United's 2-1 win.
The Fiorentina midfielder could certainly be a cost-effective option if Ugarte becomes unattainable for United this summer. A report from The Guardian on Monday suggested PSG want £51m for the Uruguayan this summer, although with Amrabat costing approximately £30m less than the former Sporting man, he could be a shrewd option.
Not only would Amrabat be a cost-efficient alternative to Ugarte when considering their transfer fees, but he would likely demand less money a week. As per Capology, the Moroccan currently eans £32k per week in Florence, with the Uruguay international earning around three times that amount, with £101k per week.
Should the Red Devils bring Amrabat back to Old Trafford this summer, he could be perfect to play behind talented United youngster Kobbie Mainoo. The 19-year-old midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2023/24 and is now a key player for Ten Hag in the heart of the midfield.
Of course, the duo already have plenty of experience playing next to each other in midfield, given Amarabat spent the previous season in Manchester on loan. They played ten times together and started each of United’s last four games of the 2023/24 campaign, including the FA Cup final.
Kobbie Mainoo scores for Manchester United
However, his profile is also complimentary of United’s number 37, who can play in a deeper role but excels when playing in advanced areas of the pitch, as he showed last term for both the Red Devils and United.
Amrabat is a superb sitting midfielder, an “engine in midfield” as football statistician Statman Dave described him. From a defensive point of view, the Moroccan is a brilliant ball-winner, and in the Premier League last season tackled 1.63 dribblers per 90 minutes, which ranked him in the top 7%. He also made 1.92 blocks per 90, ranking him in the top 9%, as per FBref.
Amarbat defensive stats PL 2023/24
Stat (per 90)
Number
Dribblers tackles
1.63
Blocks
1.92
Tackles and interceptions
3.36
Ball recoveries
5.76
Tackles won
1.54
Stats from FBref
Aside from his impressive defensive numbers, the 27-year-old is also a potent threat on the ball. He is a progressive number six, averaging 5.95 passes into the final third each game which ranked him in the top 11% of Premier League midfielders. The former Utrecht midfielder also played 6.33 progressive passes, which placed him in the top 18% of midfielders.
With this defensive nous in mind, Amarabat would certainly allow Mainoo to venture forward with less defensive pressure on his shoulders and get involved more in the final third. The United youngster is a wonderful ball carrier and, as per FBref, within the past 365 days, attempted an average of 2.81 take-ons per 90 and completed 1.58 of those. That ranks him in the top 8% and 7% of midfielders in Europe respectively.
Sofyan Amrabat
Given he already has an established relationship to build on with Mainoo and is a very cost-efficient signing both in the sense of his fee and wage, re-signing Amrabat could be a smart move for the Red Devils this summer.
He would provide an excellent option as a number six for Ten Hag’s squad and showed his quality as United won the FA Cup last season. It could certainly be a shrewd move for the Red Devils, and it would be unsurprising to see him in that famous red shirt again next season, despite the clamour for Ugarte.
Man Utd struck gold on "baller" worth way more than McTominay & Casemiro
The incredible talent looks set to become a superstar.
West Bromwich Albion continued their fantastic start to the new Championship season with a 2-1 win away at Stoke City last weekend, as Karlan Grant and Josh Maja shared out the goal load on the road versus the Potters.
As much as Carlos Corberan will be overjoyed with his side's fast-paced leap out of the blocks, with seven points picked up from a possible nine in league action, there is still room for the Spaniard to play around with when it comes to incomings to really boost the Baggies camp.
Callum Styles is the latest capture, taking bodies in through the door at the Hawthorns this frantic transfer window up to nine, as a tenth new face is now being lined up to join the ever-expanding group at Corberan's disposal.
West Brom make Lorient man a top priority
According to French outlet L'Equipe, West Brom have made versatile Lorient man Theo Le Bris one of their priorities to get in through the door, as the transfer window starts to wind down towards its dramatic conclusion this Friday.
Also still being linked with a move for ex-Manchester United youngster Will Keane, this swoop for Le Bris might well have more legs at this stage over any deal involving the Preston North End attacker, with L'Equipe stating that enquiries have intensified between the Baggies and the Ligue 2 outfit over ironing out a late deal.
Used to competing with the likes of Paris St. Germain in the top French division, Lorient falling down to the second tier could see Le Bris pack his bags and move to England, where his uncle is coincidentally located, having recently taken over the reins at Sunderland as manager.
The promising 21-year-old would instantly give Styles some competition if a move was secured in time for Friday's deadline, with both assets known to be adaptable figures who can play in a wide range of positions all across the pitch.
What Le Bris would offer West Brom
The young Frenchman has starred for his current employers mainly playing down the left flank however, which is also one of Styles' stronger spots, with this goal fired in against Rennes last year coming from the left midfield position.
But, Le Bris will be able to line up in many different spots away from just this one specific area, which will be useful to the Spaniard, when you evaluate how many top players he's lost that has left his squad feeling somewhat on the light side.
Le Bris' career numbers by position – Lorient senior team
Position played
Games played
Goals scored
Assists
LM
19
1
3
RB
4
0
0
RM
4
0
0
CM
2
0
0
AM
1
0
0
DM
1
0
0
LW
1
0
0
LB
1
0
1
Sourced by Transfermarkt
The one-time France U20 international has lined up in a mind-boggling eight different positions for Lorient over his time with the French club to date playing at a senior level, as can be seen glancing at the table above, with one assist even picked up when Le Bris was playing in an unorthodox left-back role.
That could well come in handy, with Gianluca Frabotta the only recognised option at left-back available to Corberan at this moment in time, as new Nordic recruit Torbjørn Heggem has had to fill in here currently in league action.
West Brom might also be hesitant to rely too heavily on Styles, as the Hungary international did struggle last season in the second tier on loan with Sunderland, only managing 12 forgettable appearances for the Black Cats before returning back to Barnsley.
Whatever happens on the transfer front this dramatic week, Baggies supporters will be confident that a positive season is already underway though, as Swansea City come to town the day after deadline day is over and done with.
Report: West Brom now set to submit fresh offer for £2,000-a-week forward
He has 34 Championship goals to his name across a long career.
Luis Diaz is reportedly 'positioning himself' to join Barcelona as contract talks with Liverpool continue to stall.
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Diaz yet to sign new Liverpool deal
Winger 'prefers Barcelona move'
PSG and AC Milan waiting in wings
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to Spanish publication Antena 2, Liverpool are encountering 'obstacles' in their bid to extend Diaz's contract. If a new deal cannot be agreed, the winger would reportedly 'prefer' to join Barca, but Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are also keeping tabs on his situation.
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The report adds that Diaz, whose contract runs until 2027, is valued at around €80 million (£66.2m/$83.5m), which is beyond Barcelona's budget. However, the 27-year-old is said to be 'positioning himself' to join the Blaugrana. The Colombian international is an important player under Liverpool boss Arne Slot and if he does leave, they will want to get a big fee for him.
DID YOU KNOW?
Diaz, who joined Liverpool from FC Porto in January 2022, has scored nine goals and bagged three assists for the Reds in 22 appearances this season.
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WHAT NEXT?
Aside from this transfer speculation, Diaz will hope for more game time this weekend when table-toppers Liverpool travel to mid-table Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.
Of all the traditional 'big six' clubs, Manchester United probably have the proudest history of integrating academy products into the first team and turning them into superstars.
In fact, arguably one of the most well-known football quotes of the last 30 years, "you can't win anything with kids," was about the United side of the mid-90s, and if we remember right, they were just a little bit successful.
Even today, Marcus Rashford, rightly or wrongly, remains one of the most important players in Erik ten Hag's squad, and the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo means that the club's record of producing superstars for the first team is set to continue.
However, for every player that makes it, plenty don't, but one who couldn't quite make the grade is now thriving away from the Theatre of Dreams, has won comparisons to former greats and might even be better than Mainoo, maybe.
The rise of Mainoo
Mainoo made his debut for United's first team in an EFL Cup game against Charlton Athletic in January 2023. While he didn't score, he played 60 minutes and helped the team to a 3-0 win at home.
Kobbie Mainoo scores for Manchester United
He'd make another couple of short cameos in the FA Cup and Premier League, but mainly stayed with the youth teams until he was finally given a chance to show the world his quality the following season.
In all, the 19-year-old gem made 32 appearances for Ten Hag's side last year, in which he scored five goals – including a stunner against Liverpool – and provided one assist, meaning that he averaged a goal involvement once every 5.33 games, which is quite impressive for a young midfielder in a somewhat dysfunctional side.
The Stockport-born star turned so many heads during the campaign that England manager Gareth Southgate decided to take him to Germany for the European Championships, where he made six appearances and started every match from the round of 16 through to the final.
In all, Mainoo looks like he's just the next in a long line of superstars produced by United, although another former Red Devil who's just made it into the England squad might have a claim to being an even better player than the 19-year-old.
Angel Gomes' rise
Yes, the former United prospect in question is fellow midfielder Angel Gomes, who, after failing to break into the first team, signed for French giants LOSC Lille for free in the summer of 2020 following the expiration of his contract.
The youngster was immediately sent on loan to Portuguese side Boavista for a season, during which he impressed enough to earn a place in Les Dogues' squad the following campaign and then a place in the starting lineup the season after that.
The 24-year-old has been described as being "like Paul Scholes" by former United academy graduate Dann Webber for his ability to "dictate a game with his intelligence". However, there are a couple of other similarities as well.
The first is their physical stature, with both men standing at just 5 foot 6, and the second is their positional versatility.
While the Lille ace has now moved into a role that sees him stay in midfield more often, he has played all over the pitch in the past, akin to how the former United legend was sometimes moved around on the pitch between club and national team games.
With all that said, how does the former United "wonderkid", as talent scout Jacek Kulig described Gomes, compare to their current one? Well, both players are set to be in the upcoming England squad and both can operate in central and defensive midfield. However, the Lille ace does start more games in attacking midfield, and the difference in their output reflects that.
For example, while the 19-year-old scored five goals and provided one assist last season, the Lille star scored two goals and provided ten assists, suggesting that he is the better creator out of the two.
Gomes vs Mainoo
Player
Gomes
Mainoo
Appearances
45
32
Goals
2
5
Assists
10
1
Goal Involvements per Match
0.26
0.18
All Stats via Transfermarkt
That said, even with Gomes looking like a slightly more dangerous player at the moment, you'd be hard-pressed to find a United fan willing to take him over Mainoo.
So, while it would've been great for the Red Devils to keep a hold of the talented midfielder, his move away in 2020 has worked out relatively well for everyone involved.
Their own Rabiot: Man Utd fans should be excited about 17 y/o academy star
The incredible youngster could have a bright future at the Theatre of Dreams.
Mason Greenwood’s Marseille have been tipped to make a fresh move for former Manchester United team-mate Andreas Pereira in January.
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Pereira has 18 months remaining on his contract
Marseille could make a re-attempt to sign the midfielder
Is a Carrington Academy graduate and spent 11 years at Man Utd
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to the Brazilian who has 18 months remaining on his contract, has attracted interest not just from Marseille but also from Palmeiras. However, the Brazilian club might find themselves outpriced for the midfielder’s services.
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Pereira has faced speculation about his future, particularly after a controversial interview in Brazil last November. During the chat, he mentioned his connection with Roberto De Zerbi, the Marseille head coach, and a previous failed transfer to Nottingham Forest. When omitted from Fulham's squad for their 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, questions about his future intensified. However, Fulham manager Marco Silva attributed his exclusion to "technical" reasons, while Pereira later claimed his comments were misinterpreted during translation.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fulham signed Pereira from Manchester United in 2022 for approximately £10 million, with the Red Devils retaining a 20 per cent sell-on clause. Since joining, Pereira has made significant contributions to the west London club, becoming an integral part of Marco Silva’s side. Fulham, currently three points away from a potential European spot, are unlikely to entertain offers for key players like Pereira as they aim to strengthen their squad in January.
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WHAT NEXT?
Nonetheless, if a move materializes, Pereira could be a valuable addition to Marseille’s midfield. His creativity and vision make him a versatile option, capable of supporting both the attack and defensive transitions. With Greenwood already making an impact in France, the reunion with Pereira could provide an exciting dynamic for Marseille in the second half of the season.
Dele Alli took a trip down memory lane as he shared his link-up play with former Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane in their 2-0 win at Arsenal in 2018.
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Dele & Kane had great Tottenham partnership
Instagram story posted from win at Arsenal
Respective careers since gone in different directions
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WHAT HAPPENED?
On Tuesday, former Spurs star Dele posted an Instagram story of striker Kane setting up the midfielder in their Carabao Cup quarter-final win over bitter rivals Arsenal at the Emirates in December 2018. The clip shows Kane punting the ball ahead for Dele, who nonchalantly lobbed goalkeeper Petr Cech to put the tie to bed. This was only Tottenham's second and most recent win at the Emirates, with Ange Postecoglou's men aiming to register a third there on Wednesday.
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Unfortunately for Dele, his career has gone backwards since then. The 28-year-old is currently without a club after a sorry end to his time at Tottenham and a difficult, injury-hit spell with Everton. Kane, however, is flying high at Bayern Munich. Despite their contrasting fortunes, they will always have moments like this Spurs one to look back fondly on.
DID YOU KNOW?
Free agent Dele is currently training with Como's first-team squad with the view of potentially earning a contract at Cesc Fabregas' Serie A side.
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WHAT NEXT?
While Dele tries to work his way back into football, Kane is preparing for Bayern's home Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim on Wednesday night.
Manchester United secured their second win of the season, beating newly promoted Southampton 3-0 at St Mary’s Stadium. It was a huge win for the Red Devils, who responded well to two disappointing defeats against Brighton and Hove Albion and most recently Liverpool at Old Trafford.
There was an early scare for Erik ten Hag’s side after Diogo Dalot brought Tyler Dibling down just inside the penalty box to give the Saints a penalty. However, Andre Onana pulled off a save low to his right from Cameron Archer’s spot-kick, also managing to save the rebound.
From there, United dominated, and took the lead through new centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who scored from a well-worked corner routine, meeting a Bruno Fernandes cross with a bullet header.
Marcus Rashford then doubled the Red Devils’ lead, scoring from range and sending his effort past Aaron Ramsdale’s far post and into the bottom corner. Alejandro Garnacho sealed the three points with a late strike off the bench.
United will be pleased with their performance, getting a crucial three points and their second clean sheet of the season. There were some impressive defensive showings from their backline, with Lisandro Martinez putting in a particularly good shift.
Lisandro Martinez’s stats vs. Southampton
The 2023/24 season was frustrating for United defender Martinez, who suffered several long-term injuries. In total, the Argentine World Cup winner missed 42 games and 188 days last term with three separate injuries.
However, he has seemed very much his old self so far this term and was integral to United’s three points on the South Coast on Saturday afternoon. The defender played with another former Ajax player, De Ligt, for the fourth time at St Mary’s.
Indeed, the Argentine international was so impressive against Russel Martin’s side that GiveMeSport journalist Louis Wheeldon gave him a post-match rating of 8/10. The journalist stated that Martinez put in “several critical” defensive contributions, before praising his “perfect” passing.
That was also reflected in the 26-year-old’s SofaScore stats. He completed an impressive 58 out of 60 passes, at an accuracy of 97%. Not only that, the defender won four out of four ground duels and both of his attempted tackles.
Lisandro Martinez stats vs. Southampton
Stat
Number
Passes completed
58/60
Pass accuracy
97%
Touches
70
interceptions
4
Ground duels won
4/4
Tackles
2/2
Dribbles completed
2/2
Stats from SofaScore
It was certainly an impressive showing from the defender, although he was arguably outshone by his partner De Ligt, who was superb outside of the goal he scored.
Matthijs de Ligt’s stats vs. Southampton
It was a brilliant first goal for the Red Devils for the man Ten Hag made captain of Ajax at the age of just 17. Now an experienced campaigner despite being just 25 years of age, De Ligt showed all of his class at St Mary’s this afternoon.
United’s number four went off injured, and Ten Hag will be desperate for him to be available for next weekend’s trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, given the nature of his performance against the Saints.
Indeed, Wheeldon gave the Dutchman a higher rating than his defensive partner after the game at St Mary’s. He graded De Ligt’s performance a 9/10, describing him as “imperious at the back” to go along with his goal.
De Ligt scores against Southampton.
The 25-year-old’s stats on SofaScore also made for impressive reading. He made 59 passes out of 64 he attempted, with a 92% accuracy. Defensively, the centre-back was colossal, winning three from three aerial duels and making six clearances.
It was a phenomenal performance from, the defender, who has made himself undroppable for the time being under a manager who knows him so well.
Ten Hag must keep the Dutch international in the starting XI moving forward as he has shown the defensive steel and strength that will be needed to enjoy a successful campaign.