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Manchester United’s season is not over, not just yet. Even at their lowest ebb, the Red Devils somehow managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat on Thursday evening to squeeze into the last four of the Europa League.

In need of a performance to keep the campaign alive, proceedings started in relatively routine fashion as the hosts led by two goals at the break, courtesy of Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, before a Lyon fightback sparked understandable nerves inside Old Trafford.

The spirited visitors – who had been pegged back just before the end of normal time following Corentin Tolisso’s dismissal – looked to have then completed a remarkable turnaround in extra-time, with Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette sending United crashing toward humiliation.

But then. In just over seven minutes of heaven, the season – for now – was saved, with the ever-reliable Bruno Fernandes converting from the penalty spot, prior to an expertly placed finish from substitute Kobbie Mainoo.

A nightmare night was totally flipped on its head at the Theatre of Dreams right at the death, as the oft-maligned Harry Maguire showcased his centre-forward instincts with a crucial backpost header. Cue delirium.

A far from vintage side produced a vintage result in the end, with Ruben Amorim now left with the unenviable task of trying to make sense of that glorious chaos.

Harry Maguire's performance vs Lyon

There’s only one place to start and that’s with that man Maguire, with the Englishman proving an unlikely hero once again this season, having notably scored the winner against Ipswich Town in the Premier League and against Leicester City in the FA Cup.

The 31-year-old had set the tone for proceedings early on with a crunching challenge on the lively Cherki on the halfway line, while also playing his part in Dalot’s first-half strike, after lofting the ball over the top of the Lyon defence to find the Portuguese full-back.

It was then the turn of Maguire himself to provide that cutting edge in the final third, with the Three Lions star thrust into a makeshift number nine berth as the home side chased the game, as Amorim later admitted that he is the “only one capable of scoring with his head”.

Such a switch paid off handsomely as Casemiro picked out the 6 foot 4 giant in stoppage time, with Maguire duly guiding the ball into the opposite corner to cap a magnificent night of entertainment in Manchester.

It would be fair to say that the £80m defender has endured a rocky road as a Manchester United player, not least after being stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag, but Thursday showcased once again just why he is an asset to this squad and this starting XI. As Amorim himself previously stated, the experienced ace is “perfect” for this 3-4-3 set-up.

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The same looked to be the case for Patrick Dorgu amid his arrival from Lecce in January, albeit with Thursday marking another shaky showing from the Dane at wing-back.

The Man Utd star who may need to be dropped

The 20-year-old hasn’t endured a smooth ride since his move to the Premier League, having notably been sent off in the 3-2 win over Ipswich, albeit while having particularly impressed against Real Sociedad after winning a penalty in that 4-1, second-leg thrashing.

Those mixed fortunes – which also saw the £30m man underwhelm in the defeat to Nottingham Forest – were on full display against the Ligue 1 outfit, with Dorgu putting in a somewhat frustrating performance down the left flank.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst noted, the attack-minded asset looks like he is “creating a chance in almost every game”, although that willingness to get forward can come at a cost, as he lost the ball on ten occasions from just 48 touches – or every 4.8 touches.

Dorgu’s game in numbers vs Lyon

100 minutes

48 touches

2 shots off target

88% pass accuracy

0 key passes

0 crosses completed

0 long balls completed

0 dribbles completed

10x possession lost

5/9 ground duels won

1/1 aerial duels won

Stats via Sofascore

Prior to being replaced by teenage sensation, Harry Amass, in the early stages of extra-time, Dorgu had also failed to complete a single cross nor provide a single key pass, having also skewed two efforts off target.

Those woes – which saw the left-footer also fail to successfully complete a single dribble – were added to by his shortcomings defensively as the new man was outmuscled at the backpost in the build-up to Tolisso’s strike.

That shaky defensive display led to GOAL journalist Richard Martin handing him just a 4/10 match rating while describing the new addition as a ‘weak link’, with there perhaps an argument that the 18-year-old Amass should now be handed a run of games in that wide berth.

Yes, Dorgu deserves a consistent period in the side himself in order to get up to speed in his new surroundings, although his starting berth certainly shouldn’t be guaranteed.

It is, of course, time to revel in the euphoria of Thursday’s victory, although it’s worth remembering that United were minutes away from yet more embarrassment. This team is still in need of drastic improvement…

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Posts ByJoe Nuttall Apr 17, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has held talks with the agents of a “dream” target for manager Mikel Arteta, and the Gunners know exactly what is required to convince the player to make a move to the Emirates Stadium.

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The Italian was officially announced as Arsenal’s new director in late March, with Arteta since tipping Berta to have a “big” first summer transfer window at N5.

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Arteta candidly expressed his excitement over Berta’s appointment, and the 53-year-old could even orchestrate a summer spend of up to £300 million on seven key signings, according to GiveMeSport.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

The north Londoners are plotting serious changes to Arteta’s squad across the board, defensively, in midfield and further forward, with Berta expected to target a new back-up keeper, full-back, midfielders, a left-winger, an alternative to Bukayo Saka and, of course, a goalscoring number nine (GMS).

The wide positions will be a key area of improvement, with uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of Leandro Trossard as the Belgian begins to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

Saka was a dear miss when the England star was sidelined through injury, which undoubtedly played a role in Arsenal falling miles behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race, and Arsenal could move to bring in a proven back-up.

According to credible recent reports, that man could be Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, who’s capable of playing both on the right and on the left. Arsenal have also held very recent talks with Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane over signing as a free agent, but as things stand, the German favours remaining under Vincent Kompany.

With a move for Sane looking less likely, and Williams expected to push for a Bilbao exit, it is believed that Berta reached out for talks with the 22-year-old’s representatives last week.

The Spain international’s contract contains a tempting £48 million release clause, but the real issue will lie in his wages.

Nico Williams makes £250k-per-week demand to join Arsenal

Following talks with Berta last week, it has now been revealed by GiveMeSport that Williams will demand a salary of around £250,000-per-week to join Arsenal or any other interested club, which would make him the club’s third-highest earner behind just Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

Arsenal’s wage bill is currently massive, and Berta will be eager to avoid skyrocketing it even further amid PSR and FFP regulations.

That being said, Williams is definitely worth the effort to prise away from Bilbao, if Arsenal can reach a compromise on his pay packet expectations. He bagged 19 assists in all competitions last term and played a starring role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, leaving little surprise that GMS have also reported the winger is a “dream” target for Arteta.

“Nico is unique, wonderful,” said José Mourinho recently.

“During the European Championship, people were focused on Lamine Yamal, who is obviously another wonderful kid, but personally, I prefer Nico. He’s a fantastic player, and you can’t think that a Turkish club could sign him. I hope he ends up with Real Madrid.”

Andrea Berta has been making all the Arsenal headlines this week following his official appointment, with Edu Gaspar’s replacement already very busy ahead of a vitally important summer transfer window.

Andrea Berta set for "big" summer at Arsenal

The 53-year-old is being tipped for a “big” summer of spending and recruitment, even by Mikel Arteta, who expressed his excitement over Berta’s arrival in north London.

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“I think it’s a big addition to the club, a big addition to the team,” said Arteta on what Berta will bring to Arsenal.

“A team that is already formed with a lot of great people. Richard [Garlick] leading it, obviously. But as well with James [King], with Jason [Ayto], with a lot of people at the club that have been doing such good work.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

“So it’s about building out that chemistry. And I believe Josh [Kroenke] has been fully involved in the process as well. So we are all very excited to have him. You just met him, and straight away the words that come out are always winning, improving and demanding. And he’s a person who is very honest, very straightforward, with a very clear vision of what he wants to do.”

While Arsenal prepare for another Premier League clash away to Everton on Saturday, Berta has already got to work on potential transfers in the background.

Bukayo Saka’s recent injury lay-off, not to mention Leandro Trossard’s uncertain long-term future, has highlighted the need for reinforcement out wide – leading Berta to start laying groundwork on a potential deal for Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams.

The Spain international’s reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards is well known by those within Arsenal, who’ve been repeatedly linked since last summer.

His contract also includes a £48 million release clause, and despite his reportedly sky-high wages at Bilbao, the Gunners are set to try and lure him to England.

Berta is reliably reported to have held talks with Williams’ agents this week, and journalist Graeme Bailey has shared his own update on the situation in a piece for The Boot Room.

Andrea Berta convinced Nico Williams wants to join Arsenal

According to his information, Berta is convinced that Williams is “hugely attracted” to the Arsenal project, following this meeting with the 22-year-old and his representatives in the last few days.

Bailey adds that the £200,000-per-week winger is currently on a long list of winger targets, which includes Mohamed Kudus (West Ham), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich), Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal) and Arda Güler (Real Madrid).

This also follows “constant communication” between Arsenal and the player’s camp over the last 12 months, with Berta outlining during the most recent round of talks with Williams’ agents that he’d be a key player in Arteta’s side.

Berta ended these discussions with the feeling that they’re favourites to sign Williams, if he does opt to finally leave Bilbao this year, so this could come as a very encouraging bit of news for supporters who want to see him at the Emirates.

Everton are now reportedly racing to sign a La Liga star ahead of both Leeds United and Juventus in the January transfer window.

Everton join race to sign Conor Gallagher

La Liga seems to be where it’s at for Everton ahead of the January transfer window, with reports now claiming that they’ve joined the race to sign Conor Gallagher.

The Ateltico Madrid midfielder has put the Premier League on high alert as he looks to leave the Spanish club this winter, and Everton could yet secure his signature.

A move for the England international would highlight the progress that the Toffees have made since moving into the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Currently sat 10th, David Moyes’ side are just three points off Chelsea in fourth and there’s every chance that they could push for a shock European place if their current form continues.

It’s worth noting that Gallagher’s not the only one on Friedkin’s radar ahead of January, either. The Toffees are in search of reinforcements across the pitch, perhaps starting with their frontline.

Whilst Thierno Barry is beginning to show glimpses of his quality, he remains without a goal after securing a £27m move from Villarreal in the summer. As such, Everton have reportedly set their sights on signing Franculino Dju ahead of Bayern Munuch.

Then comes the task of adding to Moyes’ backline and that has reportedly seen club chiefs turn their focus towards welcoming impressive Real Betis centre-back Natan.

Everton join race to sign Natan

As reported in Spain, Everton are now ready to compete in the race to sign Natan against both Leeds United and Juventus. The Real Betis defender has impressed in La Liga this season and is set to cost any potential suitor around €40m (£35m) in the January transfer window.

Dubbed a “physical” centre-back by Como scout Ben Mattinson, the South American has already played in Italy with Napoli and Spain with Real Betis. Now, a Premier League move could be calling, as Everton and Leeds do battle for his signature.

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Standing at 6’2, the 24-year-old would certainly fit the part at Everton, who have a number of aerial dominators in Moyes’ backline as it is. There’s every chance that Natan would receive the game time that he’s after, too, given that Jarrad Branthwaite continues to struggle with injuries.

If the Toffees are to push into the European places this season then further investment will be the key. Whether it’s Natan, Gallagher or Dju in January, Friedkin would be wise to repeat their summer work and add quality in depth to Moyes’ side this winter.

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The allrounder has resumed training with Otago and New Zealand on his road back from a groin injury

Deivarayan Muthu12-Nov-2025

New Zealand allrounder Glenn Phillips is “feeling really strong” right now and has returned to training, but is cautious about his return to top-flight cricket from a long injury lay-off.Phillips, 28, has not played competitive cricket since he suffered a groin injury while playing for Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket (MLC) final in July. He had suffered a similar injury during his IPL stint with Gujarat Titans in April.”Yeah, obviously when you do both groins the rehab and recovery is a little bit longer, so I guess things are coming along really nicely,” Phillips said. “I’m feeling really strong and now it’s just about loading it up and getting ready to play at some stage.”Phillips missed the Zimbabwe tour and home series against Australia, England and West Indies. The injury also sidelined him from the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) where he was due to represent Guyana Amazon Warriors. He has since trained with his domestic team Otago Volts and more recently with New Zealand in the lead-up to the fifth T20I against West Indies in Dunedin.”Obviously, we would always like to be back sooner rather than later, but at the end of the day it’s really just around the loading side of things. Once my leg has been loaded enough to be able to perform the way that I do in the field is the main thing. I guess it comes down to if I give everything 100% and if at 100% I’m a little bit weak then we’re not ready to go, so we’ll just wait until that stage.”