The 'very mature' 18-year-old represents a welcome break from the Red Devils' previous transfer dealings and can be a step towards great things

Manchester United fans might have been wary when they learned that Rio Ferdinand helped convince Leny Yoro sign for the club. Ferdinand was one of several United figures who had urged Cristiano Ronaldo to make his ill-fated return to Old Trafford, reportedly calling the striker at 3am to warn him against moving to Manchester City and twisting his arm in favour of signing for United.

Ronaldo might have scored 27 goals for United and given supporters a few sugar hits, but his second coming proved to be a huge mistake for the player and the club. After Ronaldo's tell-all interview with Piers Morgan, even Ferdinand admitted: "That love affair with Manchester United is finished. The book has been closed, he’s snookered the club and put them into a position where there’s no way back."

The Ronaldo signing represented the worst of United's transfer policy at the time, hoping the glory days would return by using the same methods as in the past. The club paid £12 million ($15m) and £52m ($68m) in wages for a nostalgia trip. They gained a player long past his sell-by date who had one good season on an individual level, but overall held the team back, derailing the project Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had been building and humiliating the club by leaving just 14 months later.

There are high hopes, however, for Ferdinand's next project. Yoro, like Ferdinand was when he signed for United from Leeds in 2002, has the potential to be a transformational signing, one who could lead their defence for the next decade and take them back to the very top.

GettyBreak from the past

United signing 18-year-old Yoro represents a huge break from their old transfer policy, while offering real optimism about the direction the club are moving in under new minority owners INEOS and sporting director Dan Ashworth.

His predecessor, John Murtough, tended to value experience over potential, paying huge sums for players who had already proven themselves, in some cases several years previously. Ronaldo was just one example, while Raphael Varane, who signed in the same summer as the Portuguese, had won multiple trophies with Real Madrid and the World Cup with France, but by the time he had arrived at Old Trafford, for £50m ($64m), plus a reported £17m ($22m) a year, he was on the decline and increasingly vulnerable to injuries.

Varane was only able to start 58 out of the 114 Premier League games United played in his three-year spell, suffering a total of 16 periods of absence. The Red Devils thus decided against triggering his one-year extension in his contract and he left for nothing.

Casemiro, though, is probably the worst example of Murtough's transfer policy, costing the club up to £70m ($90m) in transfer fees plus £18m ($23m) annually in wages, on a four-year deal. That's £142m ($183m) for a player Jamie Carragher begged to leave last season to prevent his reputation deteriorating yet further. The Brazilian's summer break does not appear to have done him much good and he has performed badly in both of United's pre-season friendlies so far.

Signing big names long past their best who have no sell-on value does, however, pre-date Murtough. Take Edinson Cavani, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Radamel Falcao and many others as examples.

AdvertisementGetty Beating Madrid at their own game

Signing Yoro, who was targeted by Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Real Madrid before opting for a move to Manchester, signals an end to United being seen, in the words of one agent, "the garbage can for all clubs who don't want their players".

While Casemiro, Varane, Ronaldo and Cavani had been to the top and were on their way down, Yoro is on his way up. And a clear sign is that Real Madrid were United's biggest rivals to sign him.

Through the work of chief scout Juni Calafat, Madrid have become the kings of signing emerging young players in the last decade, snapping up Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Endrick and Eduardo Camavinga when they were teenagers.

Madrid were super-keen to bring Yoro in as their fourth centre-back after parting with Nacho and Rafa Marin this summer, and spoke to Yoro’s agent Jorge Mendes. According to , "all signs pointed to Santiago Bernabeu". But Los Blancos were not willing to bid more than €30m (£25m/$30m) as Yoro was about to enter the final year of his contract at Lille.

Madrid were pinning their hopes on Yoro being so determined to move to the Spanish capital that he would be willing to wait for them, but United made an offer that Lille couldn't refuse, and it was soon accepted by the player, who became the club’s second signing of the summer after Joshua Zirkzee.

Getty'Very mature'

Yoro's £52m ($68m) transfer fee has raised eyebrows in some quarters given he is just 18, not yet a full international and has only had one full season in one of Europe's top leagues under his belt. But a big offer was needed to tempt him to join United over Madrid and compensate for a lack of Champions League football at Old Trafford.

And it could well pay off. Yoro's former coach at Lille, Paulo Fonseca, predicted that he would become "one of the best central defenders in France and probably in Europe". He also praised his technical ability and his maturity, which he said "was not normal for an 18-year-old".

United fans were given an early glimpse into his capabilities in his debut against Rangers on Saturday. Yoro was full of confidence in his 45 minutes on the pitch, showing off his passing range as well as his recovery speed and strength. Erik ten Hag was impressed, praising the defender for a "very mature performance".

He added: “That’s what we saw when we scouted him. It’s great to have him. He’s a very young, talented ­centre‑back and there’s a lot to come. He’s here, we think he can play but there’s so many games that he’ll be in a group of four or five defenders."

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GettyMore defenders to come

Yoro is one of six centre-backs in the United squad at the moment, although Will Fish, who also impressed against Rangers and spent the last two seasons on loan at Hibernian, is unlikely to still be at Old Trafford by the end of the summer. And more changes could be on the horizon before the transfer window closes.

United remain interested in both Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite even after capturing Yoro. Budget limitations are a big obstacle to both pursuits, although De Ligt appears to be more accessible, with Bayern Munich reportedly demanding just £42m ($54m) for the Dutchman compared to the £70m ($90m) Everton are holding out for to let go of Branthwaite. A deal for either player is likely to depend on United being able to sell Victor Lindelof or Harry Maguire.

Against Rangers, Yoro partnered Jonny Evans, who is almost double his age at 36. Evans made a surprise return to the club last summer and exceeded expectations, but he should be used more sparingly next season as the club learn how to better manage players’ fitness levels.

Lisandro Martinez, who was sidelined for most of last season through injury, will be the first-choice centre back. He showed United what they had been missing with an exceptional performance in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City and was a crucial part of Argentina's Copa America triumph.

Former Australia ODI captain and current Tasmania batsman George Bailey is set to become the third member of the national selection panel alongside chairman Trevor Hohns and head coach Justin Langer, adding the contemporary voice that Cricket Australia has been searching for in their deliberations for the national team.Bailey, who is widely respected in Australian cricket circles, will be a departure from tradition by taking on a selection role while still a player, though numerous cricketers have been selectors either as captain or in the summers immediately after retirement, including Hohns, Peter Taylor and Greg Chappell. It was Chappell’s retirement from his role as selector following the Ashes series this year that opened up the place taken by Bailey.CA had previously flirted with the concept of having a current player as a selector when Hohns floated Darren Lehmann as a candidate prior to his retirement, before the concept was thwarted at board level. Usman Khawaja, the Queensland captain, spoke favourably of the prospect of choosing a current player as a selector when asked about it on Monday.”I think there is always an option there. I think there is no one more involved and more relevant in the game than people who are actually playing the game,” Khawaja said. “I think players are one of the biggest stakeholders, sometimes the most under-utilised and undervalued stakeholders in the game. I think it’s always important to have someone in the skin of the game.”Communication between selectors and players has improved over the years, but it is believed that the players have suggested it can get better still, something that Bailey will be keenly aware of. Equally he will bring along the perspective of a cricketer who has played more or less his entire career in the Twenty20 era, leading Australia to the global tournament in Sri Lanka in 2012 when they reached the semi-finals.Other candidates to make the final three included the former Victoria and South Australia batsman Michael Klinger and also Greg Shipperd, presently the coach of the Sydney Sixers. Langer had also spoken positively of wanting to find a role in Australian cricket for Trevor Bayliss after the conclusion of his time as England coach this year.”Really pleased with the people who put their hat in the ring for that role,” CA’s head of national teams Ben Oliver said on Monday. “There will be some people who are really disappointed no doubt [at missing out on the role] but they should all take great encouragement and they all have a lot to offer. Really looking forward to getting to the end of that process. Not quite there yet, but we’re not far away.”The panel, and all three, will be responsible for all Australian men’s teams. What we’ve tried to achieve in this recruitment process is adding in some complementary skills to support Trevor and Justin, and one of those is a consideration around short-format cricket.”Oliver explained that the national pathways manager Graham Manou, who had previously worked closely with Chappell in his role as national talent manager, would have a major linking role to keep the selectors abreast of developments in junior and pathway competitions, though like the national captains Tim Paine and Aaron Finch he will not be formally added to the panel.”It’s important for our selection panel to be across the talent that’s emerging through domestic cricket,” Oliver said. “Graham Manou as the national talent and pathway manager has a key role to play in connecting the domestic system but certainly we’re looking for this particular role that we’re recruiting for now, to have a close connection to Graham and to our domestic teams and our domestic coaches.”Sticking with three and Graham’s an important conduit between the panel and domestic cricket. He’s been helping throughout this period as well. At the moment sticking with three [selectors].”Bailey has retorted to questions about bias by saying “I’m not going to pick myself”, while Paine revealed during the Gabba Test against Pakistan that he was firmly in favour of the appointment. “In last week’s Shield game he was batting at five, I was batting at seven, so we were both sitting in the change rooms and set up a mock interview,” Paine told ABC radio. “He’s ready to go, so hopefully he gets the nod, I think he’d be ideal.”

Manchester United have reportedly agreed to personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte after wrapping up a deal for Leny Yoro.

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• Man Utd reach agreement with Ugarte
• Yet to settle on transfer fee with PSG
• Jorge Mendes working on deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the Uruguayan midfielder, who shares the same agent, Jorge Mendes, as Yoro, is eager to join the Red Devils despite the club's inability to offer Champions League football. However, the deal is far from being closed as United and PSG have not yet reached a consensus on the transfer fee.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The reports that PSG are firm in their valuation and have set a price tag of £59 million ($76m)for Ugarte. The midfielder, who joined the Ligue 1 champions from Sporting CP for £42 million ($54m) just last summer, fits the club's strategy of building a younger team without high-profile superstars and they are not keen to sell him at a discounted rate.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  United's pursuit of Ugarte faces stiff competition from other top European clubs. Bayern Munich have shown interest and inquiries have been made by two Italian sides as well as by another Premier League club. This heightened interest from multiple clubs strengthens PSG's stance on their valuation which further complicate United's efforts to secure the midfielder's services.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  If United are to snap up Ugarte, they must then offload one of their current midfielders. Scott McTominay, who scored 10 goals in all competitions last season, is a potential candidate to leave. Additionally, veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro might depart following a challenging second season at Old Trafford.

If South Africa continue their recent trend of producing lively surfaces for Test cricket, England will believe they have a fighting chance

The Preview by Alan Gardner25-Dec-2019Big picture”Let’s get reeeeaaaaddddyyyyy…” Rumbles between South Africa and England have always had something of a seismic quality. Think Graeme Smith bringing down three successive England captains, the battle for the Test mace in 2012, or South Africa being Broadsided at the Wanderers in 2016. Two Test heavyweights who know how to tango.This time, however, both camps look a little battered and bruised before the series has even begun. South Africa have hastily picked through the rubble of their 2019 winter, appointed an entirely new management structure, and will be attempting to end a five-Test losing streak when they take the field in Centurion. England, meanwhile, are also being led by a new head coach, and arrive in South Africa looking to improve on a pretty awful touring record that has seen them lose five of their last six away series; and that, too, while dealing with a sickness bug that continues to deplete their resources.News of the illness affecting Ben Stokes’ father has cast an even darker pall over the tourists’ preparations. England have asked for privacy and it remains unclear whether the Test vice-captain will be available for selection; either way, his focus is bound to be on more important matters.If Faf du Plessis was in a more optimistic mood after spending some time at a training camp with Mark Boucher and his entourage of golden oldies, assembled in the last ten days by Smith (now South Africa’s director of cricket), then there are still issues to ponder. The 16-man squad picked for the first two Tests contained as many as six players uncapped in this format, and they have since lost Temba Bavuma to injury. In Bavuma’s absence, Rassie van der Dussen has been earmarked for a debut, while Zubayr Hamza, the man in possession at No. 3, is only two Tests into his career. Holes left by the retirements of Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers (for now) loom large.It was South Africa’s traditional bowling strength that underpinned a run of seven consecutive series wins at home, until they were unexpectedly upended by Sri Lanka at the start of the year. While Dale Steyn has also hung up his chainsaw, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander remain to orchestrate the trial by seam – although in Philander’s case, only until the end of the series, when he too will be retiring. Du Plessis will be hoping that home comforts can help Anrich Nortje prove he is ready to step up.Jacques Kallis has joined up as South Africa’s batting coach•Getty ImagesSimilar problems abound for England, who are trying to bed in a new top order, will rely on a couple of all-time greats to lead the bowling, and have concerns around the balance of the XI. Illness confined Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and Jack Leach to the team hotel for most of England’s two warm-up games in Benoni – though given Archer’s experience with the Kookaburra in New Zealand, he may not have missed the opportunity for another bowl all that much.With spinners averaging 64.77 over the last ten years in Centurion (compared to 26.46 for pace bowlers), England seem to be leaning towards playing an all-pace attack. Both Broad and Archer have been able to resume training and seem set to take their places alongside James Anderson, who at 37 is lining up for his 150th Test after five months out with a calf injury. If South Africa continue their recent trend of producing lively surfaces for Test cricket, England will believe they have a fighting chance.Rather than the slick build-up of a world-title bout, this series bears the hallmarks of a last-minute scramble to get everything ready in time for Christmas. South Africa are hoping to tear the wrapping off on a brand-new era, while for England the series represents a sizeable bauble as they plot an Ashes assault in 2021-22. And that’s before we’ve even mentioned the World Test Championship (England sit sixth, South Africa bottom).A decade ago, these teams played out a memorable drawn series that marked the start of their rivalry for the No. 1 ranking. Now they find themselves rubbing along in the chasing pack, looking to re-establish their credentials once again. It could be a messy old affair, but then isn’t that all part of the festive fun? Time to get stuck in once again.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)South Africa LLLLL
England DLWLWIn the spotlightTen years ago, Rassie van der Dussen was “14th man” at the Centurion Test between South Africa and England. Now he is set to make his Test debut, at the age of 30 and on the back of a 113-match first-class career that has yielded more than 7000 runs. Van der Dussen eventually forced his way into South Africa’s limited-overs set-up last year, after his Mzansi Super League exploits, and currently averages 73.77 in ODIs; but, as he put it in the build-up to this match, “my next big challenge is to become a three-format player”.He is only two Tests into his career, but already Dom Sibley has been set a number of posing questions. How does he deal with the short ball? What are his off-side release shots? Can he convert undoubted obduracy into match-shaping scores? An opener who is difficult to knock over is precisely what most teams are after in this day and age, but Sibley’s tendency to become a sitting target allowed New Zealand to work him over at leisure and expose areas of weakness; South Africa’s quicks won’t need a second invite to do the same.Team newsSouth Africa look set to name two Test debutants in their XI, with van der Dussen in line to replace Bavuma and Dwaine Pretorius favoured in the allrounder spot. In contrast with England’s thinking, the home side will probably include the spinner Keshav Maharaj, in order to lighten the workload on the quicks. Du Plessis indicated they would name a 12 beforehand, with Dane Paterson or Beuran Hendricks likely to be the seam-bowling back-up.South Africa (possible): 1 Dean Elgar, 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Zubayr Hamza, 4 Faf du Plessis (capt), 5 Rassie van der Dussen, 6 Quinton de Kock (wk), 7 Dwaine Pretorius, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Anrich NortjeEngland need to make a decision about their attack, with Leach a major doubt – he missed training again on Wednesday, as did Ollie Pope and Chris Woakes, adding to the list of players who have come down ill. Sam Curran’s left-arm variation possibly edged him ahead of Woakes anyway, while Jonny Bairstow would be the prime candidate for a recall if Pope is ruled out. There is greater optimism about Stokes’ involvement, with his father’s condition improving.England (possible): 1 Rory Burns, 2 Dom Sibley, 3 Joe Denly, 4 Joe Root (capt), 5 Ben Stokes, 6 Ollie Pope/Jonny Bairstow, 7 Jos Buttler (wk), 8 Sam Curran, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 James Anderson, 11 Stuart BroadPitch and conditionsChris Silverwood revealed in the build-up that England’s data analysis suggested “seam was the way forward” in Centurion, while du Plessis said the pitch had a reputation of going up and down as the game progressed – particularly if it gets hot. The forecast is for the temperature to be in the 30s C, but there will also be the humidity to deal with, and the potential for some thundery showers during the course of the game. A decent Boxing Day crowd is expected, with plenty of England fans making a festive trip up to the Highveldt.Stats and trivia Centurion has the worst average for spin bowlers of any Test venue over the last ten years (minimum five Tests). The previous encounter between these two teams at SuperSport Park, in 2016, saw victory secured by a 13-wicket haul from Kagiso Rabada – the second-best match figures for South Africa. England’s last Test series defeat in South Africa came in 1999-2000. Since then, they have won twice and drawn once. Anderson is set to become only the ninth man to play 150 Tests.Quotes”They have got a batting line-up that is young, but also that has some experience. There is an opportunity for our bowlers there. I’m sure England will say the same thing, about our line-up and they will back their bowlers against us.”
Faf du Plessis “I’ve never played against a SA team that isn’t full of pride and passion and isn’t giving everything to try and win the game and do their best.”
Joe Root

Tottenham are said to be "well positioned" over the signing of an exciting 20-year-old prodigy as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to bring in more youngsters.

Spurs look to grow academy as Postecoglou makes wish clear

Spurs are looking to add some of Europe's most exciting talents to their roster over the coming years, and have already made serious headway by beating Barcelona to the signature of Swedish sensation Lucas Bergvall in January.

Tottenham chiefs view 18-year-old as key summer signing they want to make

They think he’ll be a vital cog in their future project.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 16, 2024

Reports also suggest that Spurs see Antonio Nusa as a "key" potential addition of their future project, after chasing him for much of the winter window and appeared to look set to lose out in the race courtesy of Brentford.

The 18-year-old failed a medical there and is now back at Club Brugge, which hands technical director Johan Lange another opportunity to add Nusa to Postecoglou's ranks in the summer window.

Attracting the Norwegian wonder kid, among other potential rising stars, is a key strategy of Postecoglou's as he looks to the future.

"It's like anything in life, you can try to sell a vision of something to someone but if there's tangible physical evidence of it [it's easier]," said Postecoglou recently.

"Anyone who has watched us since I've joined will have seen the aspirations we have to be the kind of team we want to be.

"That's not just me saying it, we're actually doing it. OK, we're not the finished product by any stretch but we're giving young players an opportunity: Destiny, Pape and Micky [are] all guys in their early 20s who have already played significant roles. So we're building a team. From our perspective it's pleasing and hopefully we become a club which is a preferred destination for talented young players.

"I've said the other day, there aren't too many hidden gems around. Everyone knows who the talents are. Hopefully our point of difference. I've always felt your football is your biggest selling point beyond anything else. Hopefully we're showing evidence of that which is helping us.

"I don't think we have the production line other top clubs have, certainly not. Even currently that’s why we’re investing in some younger players, even for the first team. For us as a football club that's definitely the way forward."

Tottenham positioning themselves for Stojkovic

According to Tottenham News, another exciting youngster who Spurs have their eye on is Dinamo Zagreb ace Luka Stojkovic. The 20-year-old made an impressive start to life at Zagreb before a major injury earlier this season, and this has apparently done enough to earn him admirers at N17.

Tottenham are "well positioned" in the race to sign Stojkovic, and an industry source would make him his "first recommendation" as a player who could become Zagreb's best. The starlet has also been likened to RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo by the report.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo perdeu para o Atlético-MG por 1 a 0, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, no Mineirão e segue sem vencer no Campeonato Brasileiro. O gol do Galo foi marcado pelo volante Jair após uma bela jogada de Hulk.

ATUAÇÕES: Sem poder de reação, São Paulo vai mal e perde mais uma no Brasileiro

Segundo o técnico do Tricolor, Hernán Crespo, o jogo foi decidido nas detalhes, com a boa atuação atacante do Galo, que para o argentino, fez a diferença no confronto entre as equipes.

VEJA A TABELA E SIMULE OS RESULTADOS DO BRASILEIRÃO

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– Cada jogo tem uma história diferente. Nesse caso, o jogo foi decidido por um detalhe, com um grande jogador que é o Hulk, fez uma grande jogada. E basta. Poderíamos ter ganhado, como eles poderiam ter ganho. Acredito que o mais justo seria um empate – analisou o comandante do São Paulo.

Crespo também falou sobre a fraca atuação ofensiva do Tricolor na partida. O São Paulo não conseguiu acertar uma finalização ao gol de Everson.

– O rival joga, jogou um futebol onde conseguiu o gol, a diferença que bastava. Defendeu muito bem, fechou espaços, tentou jogar no contra-ataque em que nenhum momento concedemos. Defenderam com as suas ferramentas, tentamos com trocas, mudanças, de todos os modos. Estou curioso para saber o quanto jogamos no segundo tempo, tivemos muitas interrupções – disse o treinador do clube do Morumbi. .

He played 44 Tests between 1958 and 1969 and was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1970

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Dec-2019

Basil Butcher, the stylish Guyana and West Indies batsman of the 1950s and 1960s, died on Monday in Florida following a long illness aged 86. He played 44 Tests between 1958 and 1969, scoring 3104 runs at an average of 43.11, and was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1970.Of his seven Test hundreds, Butcher is best remembered for his second-innings 133 – in the 1963 Lord’s Test against England – which is often rated as one of the greatest matches to have been played at the ground. He made those runs against an England attack led by Fred Trueman after having learnt of his wife’s miscarriage just moments before walking out to bat.Three years later, Butcher posted his highest Test score of 209 not out, against England in Nottingham. It helped West Indies overhaul a first-innings deficit of 90 to win by 139 runs. It was in 1958-59 that Butcher, understood to be the first player of Amerindian descent to represent West Indies, first made his mark in West Indies colours. Against India, he scored 486 runs at 69.42 in his debut series, but fell away for the next few seasons. He then returned to the side in 1963 for the England tour, and was a regular fixture in the team after that till his retirement. After Richie Benaud, the Australian legspinner, played West Indies in two series in that period, he said Butcher was the most difficult of all West Indian batsmen to dismiss.Butcher, in fact, bowled some legspin himself. All of his five Test wickets came in one innings when he claimed 5 for 34 against England at Port of Spain in 1967-68.Butcher was born on September 3, 1933 and was raised on a sugar estate outside the village of Port Mourant in what was then known as British Guiana. He was a neighbour of Alvin Kallicharan’s family and future West Indies team-mates Rohan Kanhai and Joe Solomon lived nearby too. To support his cricket career that began at Port Mourant Sports Club, he worked as a teacher, an insurance salesman, a clerk, and a welfare officer. After his retirement, he ran a bauxite company in Guyana.

The Norwegian found the back of the net, marking the only real positive from an otherwise worrying performance from the Premier League champions

There's an uncharacteristic amount of uncertainty about Manchester City this year. The squad, once enviously deep, is now shrinking, and with rumours swirling regarding departures of a handful of key players, the reigning Premier League champions look a little shaky ahead of the 2024-25 season. And those worries were only amplified on Saturday, as a youthful City crumbled in a 3-2 loss to AC Milan in New York.

There were some positives for Pep Guardiola. Erling Haaland buried his one real chance, while Oscar Bobb threatened on the right. But it was an otherwise forgettable night, as a side heavy on academy kids failed to influence the game – while Jack Grealish struggled through 90 minutes.

A much sharper Milan threatened early, as Ederson was forced into two important saves inside the first 15 minutes. But City took their first chance when it came, Haaland slotting into the bottom corner after a clever piece of wing play from Bobb. Milan equalised after 30 minutes, though, as Lorenzo Colombo snuck in at the back post to nod home from close-range.

The Rossoneri added a second four minutes later in similar circumstances, with Colombo once again finding space at the far post for an easy finish. But City responded after the break, James McAtee equalising with a well-taken header. Milan, however, found a much deserved winner, provided by Marco Nasti as he found the bottom corner with a clever finish from the edge of the box.

Guardiola can't take too much from this as half of his squad is still on holiday. Still, this is suddenly something of a flawed City side, with far less certainty about them than in years past.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Yankee Stadium…

• Getty
  

  WINNER: Erling Haaland

  Where are those "League Two player" allegations now? Haaland may not have the cleanest touch in football, nor is he an elite hold up player, but Roy Keane's insistence that the Norwegian was a "League Two player" always felt harsh, but there was a thin veil of truth to it all.

  That all matters little, though, when Haaland is finding the net. And he did so again here, as he scored with his first real touch of the game, cleverly finding space before slotting home – leaving Lorenzo Torriani with no chance in goal.

  A fine save denied him of a second, and he came inches from rifling one into the top corner with his weaker foot, too. Some time off appears to have the two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner in fine form already.

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  LOSER: Mahamadou Susoho

  These games are supposed to be a time for youngsters to get a run out. Errors are allowed here, and faults can be excused. For a teenager like Mahamadou Susoho, this fixture is the perfect opportunity to bed into first-team football – and perhaps show his manager what he might be able to offer.

  This one will have to go down as a chance missed, then. The 19-year-old lost his man on both of Milan's first-half goals, letting Colombo sneak in at the far post on two separate occasions, effectively gifting the Serie A side a 2-1 lead. There were some positives here – Susoho was tidy on the ball – but it's his defensive mistakes that will live in the memory from this contest.

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  WINNER: Oscar Bobb

  Man City's right wing looks wide open all of a sudden. What was once a position of enviable depth for the Premier League champions is now pretty shallow, with Phil Foden at his best in a more central position – something he showed last season.

  And although Bernardo Silva has the spot nailed down, there is talk that he could finally leave the Etihad Stadium. His departure, it would seem, leaves space for someone else to come into the fold, and Bobb could be that man.

  He played like he wanted to spot against Milan, as he dribbled at his opposing defender relentlessly and full of craft and guile on the wing. A skillful run setup City's first, and some cleaner movement in the centre would have surely seen him grab another assist or two.

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  LOSER: Jack Grealish

  Grealish or Jeremy Doku on the left? It is the dilemma that Guardiola never seemed to figure out last season. For stretches, he trusted Doku, admitting himself that he was often transfixed by the Belgian's dribbling ability. But Grealish also had his moments, as he is more valuable for his ability to hold onto the ball under pressure. This season, it's likely to be a dead heat between the two of them for the starting spot.

  Grealish didn't exactly inspire confidence with his showing against Milan, though. He didn't create a single chance, and managed just one touch in the opposition box. Yes, he was tidy on the ball, and turned in the kind of risk averse showing that Guardiola cherishes. But that signature attacking spark that made him some good at times was missing.

أدلى أندري لونين، حارس مرمى فريق ريال مدريد، بتصريحات بعد خسارة الأمس أمام ميلان، في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

وتعرض ريال مدريد للهزيمة أمام ميلان في عقر داره، في الجولة الرابعة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، بثلاثة أهداف لهدف.

وتُعد تلك الخسارة الثانية على التوالي لـ ريال مدريد، بعدما سقط أمام برشلونة في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني الأسبوع الماضي، بنتيجة 4/0.

وقال لونين، في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “لا يمكن تفسير الهزيمتين الأخيرتين، علينا أن نقوم بتحليل جيد وأن يكون لدينا رد فعل سريع، علينا العودة”.

وأضاف: “لا أرى الفريق متوترًا، لسوء الحظ في كرة القدم هناك لحظات صعبة، علامات سوداء، نحن ندرك أننا ريال مدريد ويتعين علينا الفوز دائمًا، وأنه لا توجد أعذار”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مدرب ميلان: الفوز على ريال مدريد في دوري أبطال أوروبا أسهل من مباراة مونزا

وواصل: “يتعين علينا الهيمنة، وتقليل الفرص القريبة من مرمانا، والاستفادة بشكل أكبر من فرصنا الخاصة، لكنني لا أرى أي شخص متوترًا، سنحلل الأمر، أعتقد أننا سنتغلب على هذه اللحظة”.

وتابع: “صافرات الاستهجان؟ لطالما كان ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو ملعبًا متطلبًا، وهذا يساعدنا في اللحظات الصعبة عندما نخسر، فهم يدفعوننا ويشجعوننا، اليوم لم يكن الأمر كذلك، يمكنني أن أفهمهم، لكن الناس دائمًا معنا”.

Last season Erik ten Hag marked his debut campaign in English football with a top-four place and a trophy; Manchester United sealed the Carabao Cup after beating Newcastle United.

There was much to savour, therefore, about United’s new era but it’s rather petered out during the Dutchman’s second term at Old Trafford.

United have had some great results, notably in the FA Cup where they defeated Liverpool 4-3. With a patched-up backline, their 26th different combination of the season, they then took a point away from their rivals in the league on Sunday afternoon.

Yet, they sit sixth in the Premier League, 11 points behind Villa in fifth and Spurs in fourth. Any hopes of achieving Champions League football for next term would now take a miracle. It’s incredibly unlikely.

United could still win the FA Cup but even then that might not be enough to save Ten Hag’s job. It’s why the club’s new hierarchy, consisting of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, could look elsewhere in the summer.

Managers in the frame to replace Ten Hag

One name linked with the job in recent weeks has been former Chelsea boss Graham Potter with Ratcliffe reportedly a big fan of what the English coach could bring to the table.

However, a more attractive name is Thiago Motta who is on the verge of securing Champions League qualification with Bologna for the first time in their history.

That comes courtesy of reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, who suggest that not only is he on Juventus’ radar this summer, but that United also ‘want’ him to come to English football.

Links to such established clubs are unsurprising. The 41-year-old has lost only six games all season with the Serie A side.

Thiago Motta's 2-7-2 formation

What immediately stands out with Motta is the clear identity with which he prefers his teams to play.

This has been a notable critique of Ten Hag’s time in Manchester with Gary Neville one vocal pundit on the matter.

Talking on his podcast, he recently said: “Manchester United’s style of play is mad. Some of the things you see out there, you wouldn’t see at schoolboy level. Their structure defensively goes from being in shape and being okay to all of a sudden emptying the whole midfield. Players press on their own without the rest of their teammates going with them.”

Well, that likely wouldn’t be a problem any longer if Motta came to United, with his famous 2-7-2 system gaining plaudits.

Of course, that isn’t the official term but it does help to depict the structure Bologna and indeed PSG U19s have played with when the Italian has been at the helm.

Speaking to Gazetta Dello Sport about his system, the former midfielder once stated: “My idea is to play offensively. Short team that controls the game. High pressure and a lot of movement without the ball.

“The goalkeeper counts as one of the midfield seven. For me, the attacker is the first defender and the goalkeeper is the first attacker. The goalkeeper starts the play with his feet and the attackers are the first to put pressure on the ball.”

The goalkeeper – who in this case would be Andre Onana, typically adept with his feet – would push into the midfield and defensive lines when in possession. It’s important to note that a formation would traditionally be read out with the horizontal system in mind. On this occasion, it’s vertically, like below (credit to Tifo Football).

This might sound rather confusing but it’s a clear style of play and one that’s helped Bologna to fourth spot in Serie A currently, four points behind Juventus.

For this, he has been lauded as “one of the most interesting young coaches in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig, and a “special” figure by Italian football expert James Horncastle.

Additionally, he’d surely find a way to cure United’s diabolical defensive record.

In the first half against Liverpool, while the Red Devils registered 0 xG, their opponents managed 1.59 xG and this has been a common theme throughout the season.

In their miraculous 1-1 draw with Brentford, the Bees had 31 shots, their most ever in a top-flight game and were remarkably only two touches in the United box away from equalling Man City’s Premier League record of 87.

They have also have the third worst expected goals against (xGA) tally in the entire division, with 61.23. To put that into context, Arsenal’s total stands at just 24.80, the best in the league.

Expected goals against: Top 6 in the PL

League position & team

xGA

#1 Arsenal

24.80

#2 Liverpool

37.13

#3 Manchester City

31.15

#4 Spurs

53.57

#5 Aston Villa

52.80

#6 Manchester United

61.23

Data via Understat.

So, how could Motta solve this? Well, the figures tell you everything. His Bologna side sits fourth in Serie A for expected goals against (31.72) and have the third-best record in the division when it comes to conceding goals (25). That’s not bad at all.

This may well be a left-field appointment should it take place but it would be a clever and pragmatic answer to their problems.

The young tactician is achieving things with Bologna that they never thought was possible