Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 288 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      From Chelsea flop to not wanted by Klopp – can Mo Salah end Ballon d’Or hoodoo or will it be Madrid heartbreak again?

      by

      MO SALAH has spent his entire career proving people wrong.Yet for Liverpool’s brilliant, 32-year-old talisman, to be crowned the best player on the planet would be his greatest achievement – for a variety of reasons.Mo Salah has been the star of the Premier League this seasonCredit: ReutersHe flopped when he first came to England at ChelseaCredit: Action Images – ReutersJurgen Klopp originally was not keen on signing the Egyptian forwardCredit: Sunday TimesFrom being a Chelsea flop and then not wanted by Jurgen Klopp to becoming one of Liverpool’s greatest players while firing Arne Slot to a stunning debut season with 30 goals.And we’re only in February.It is inevitable that Salah will collect his second Premier League winners’ medal after Sunday’s 2-0 win at Manchester City – but could he pip Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr to the Ballon d’Or later this year?It is difficult to believe that 11 years ago last month, Salah joined Chelsea from Basel for £11m, but in his two years at Stamford Bridge made just six Premier League starts and scored only two goals.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis was because he spent most of his time away from West London on loan at Fiorentina and Roma.Although fingers have always pointed at Jose Mourinho, who was in charge for much of the time when Salah was a Chelsea player, the Portuguese coach said: “For a start, people try to identify me as the coach that sold Salah. I am the coach that bought Salah. It’s completely the wrong idea.“I pushed the club to buy him and at the time we already had fantastic attacking players – Hazard, Willian, we had top talent there. But I told them to buy that kid.”Salah was sold once Mourinho had left the club and proved to be a huge hit for Roma in a £12m move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut after shining in Serie A, he returned to England for £34m in 2017 yet incredibly, the move was not initially wanted by Liverpool manager Klopp.Klopp’s first preference was to sign German international Julian Brandt from Bayer Leverkusen.Fans plead with Pep Guardiola as they spot secret Mo Salah charm offensive after Liverpool loss Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool stats Mohamed Salah has been a constant star since his arrival at Anfield in 2017…Appearances: 387Goals: 241Assists: 109Trophies: Premier League x1, FA Cup x1, League Cup x2, Community Shield x1, Champions League x1, Uefa Super Cup x1, Fifa Club World Cup x1Instead, Liverpool’s head of recruitment at the time Dave Fallows was the person who insisted on the club signing Salah.Yet the Egyptian was an instant sensation, scoring 44 goals from 52 games.Yet, he did not necessarily enjoy a close, warm relationship with Klopp. It was more professional and cordial than anything.There were occasions during his spell on Merseyside when Salah was clearly hoping for a move to Spain, hence a couple of interviews with Spanish sports paper Marca.This was a surprise because he has barely ever spoken to the English media apart from brief TV interviews directly after matches when, most of the time, he was handed the man-of-the-match award.Even last season, Salah argued with Klopp on the touchline during the 2-2 Premier League draw with West Ham.Afterwards, he said he claimed if he spoke “there will be fire” which clearly illustrated the relationship was not totally harmonious.By then, Salah knew Klopp would be heading off into the sunset and few people would have expected the forward to shine like this season under new boss Slot.Salah was one of the three musketeers alongside Bobby Firmino and Sadio Mane. Yet when his brilliant attacking unit started to break up, some Liverpool fans wanted to keep the other two.Even at the start of this season, there were some supporters who felt that, maybe, it was time for Salah to move on once his contract expired this summer.Now, though, there is not a single person connected with the club who wants their talisman to leave. Despite the mega money offers from Saudi Arabia, Salah – surely – will remain a Liverpool player.So that means he will still be on Merseyside when we have the Ballon d’Or awards later this year.There was a huge outcry in Madrid when Manchester City midfielder Rodri pipped Vinicius to the award last October. The weird thing was that everyone in Spain seemed to forget that it was actually Jude Bellingham who won the LaLiga player-of-the-year award.But Real officials made the decision to boycott the awards. And because they have made such a fuss, you would expect Brazilian star Vinicius to be a firm favourite for this year, albeit for the wrong reasons.So if Salah is to win the accolade this year, he might actually have to lead Liverpool to success in the Champions League final in Munich on May 31.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt seems a bit unfair but that is what he is facing. But equally, anyone betting against this remarkable footballer could be proved wrong. Again. More

    • 238 Shares66 Views

      in Soccer

      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table as European race hots up with top four shock and Man Utd SIXTEENTH

      by

      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the final Premier League table – and it’s terrible news for Manchester United.The Red Devils dropped points once again at the weekend against Everton.Man Utd have been tipped to finish the season just two places above the relegation zoneCredit: GettyLiverpool are expected to win the Premier League titleCredit: AFPGoals from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte salvaged a draw for United at Goodison Park following first-half strikes from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.But they were arguably lucky to avoid a loss after referee Andy Madley denied the Toffees a late penalty.The draw left Ruben Amorim and Co 15th in the Premier League table by the end of the weekend.However, they are now only ahead of West Ham on goal difference.Read More in FootballThe Hammers pulled off a shock victory over Arsenal on Saturday, putting a huge dent in the Gunners’ title hopes.Now, a supercomputer from Slingo has predicted that West Ham will surpass Man Utd before the end of the season.According to the simulation, Graham Potter and Co will finish 15th in the Premier League table, with United one spot lower in 16th.Separating the Red Devils from the relegation zone are Wolves with a total of 35 points.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe final Premier League table, according to a supercomputerBournemouth are predicted to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyAnd the teams predicted to go back down to the Championship are Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton.At the other end of the table, Liverpool are expected to be crowned Premier League champions after beating Arsenal by 11 points.Mikel Arteta lays into Arsenal flops after defeat to West Ham derails Premier League title bidManchester City and Bournemouth have been tipped to complete the top four, with Chelsea in fifth.However, due to the success of English clubs in Europe this year, the Blues will also secure a Champions League place should they finish just outside of the top four.Nottingham Forest and Newcastle will just miss out on Champions League football this season, according to the supercomputer.Instead, they will qualify for the Europa League.Meanwhile, Brighton have been tipped to make the Europa Conference League.The supercomputer has also predicted that both Aston Villa and Tottenham will miss out on Europe entirely.Spurs remain in the Europa League currently, while Villa are in the Champions League knockout stages.Tottenham are set to miss out on EuropeCredit: Getty More

    • 188 Shares106 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-England footballer Tom Huddlestone’s wife slapped with court order after failing to pay £600 debt

      by

      THE wife of ex-England footballer Tom Huddlestone has been slapped with a court order after failing to pay a £600 debt.Joanna Dixon failed to make payments to Independent Creative PR last year and is now facing a County Court Judgment (CCJ).Tom Huddlestone with his wife Joanna DixonCredit: InstagramThe midfielder used to play for EnglandCredit: PA:Empics SportHer husband was on a £30k a week salary while playing for Hull City before moving into coaching when his playing career ended.Now Joanna’s been publicly slammed by her former PR guru who claimed she “can’t be that hard up” after failing to pay a £5 a month debt reclaim.The row comes after Joanna told a court she feared she would be killed by masked men, who tied her up while they robbed an FA Cup medal, a £121,000 engagement ring and watches.Three men were jailed over the incident carried out while her husband – who is now an assistant coach at Birmingham FC – was playing an away match in 2019.READ MORE ON ENGLAND Joanna hired Independent Creative PR in spring 2024 and was said to have received a heavily discounted fee because of the company’s history with the former Premier League star.It’s claimed his wife refused to pay a month’s fee of £250 – as well as a month’s notice – before offering to pay £5 a month until the money owed was returned.She is accused of then defaulting on the second £5 payment.A CCJ against her has been granted for £601.04.Most read in FootballA spokesman for ICPR told The Sun: “It is a shame that Joanna Dixon defaulted on PR payments purposly as this has destroyed any friendship or association with Thomas.”Tom’s wife has even defaulted on a debt recovery plan that she proposed herself.Tom Huddlestone Interview”This default forced ICPR to make a legal claim against her to recover the company’s losses.”I’m sure she’s not that hard up, it’s simply cheeky to intentionally default on £250 a month pr contract and a notice period – that’s absolute pennies for PR.”She’s even defaulted on a £5-10 repayment plan.”Her husband is an ex Premier League and England footballer, they can’t be that hard up”.The spokesman added: “After eight months the small claims court have authorised ICPR to make a CCJ application against the defendant Ms Ioanna Dixon where we intended to recover all of our fees and legal costs.”We have submitted the CCJ application to the court out of pure principle, If you sign a contract then you are liable to uphold your part of your written agreement … you will be held accountable that is a promise.”The Sun has reached out to Huddlestone’s reps. More

    • 225 Shares66 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd coaches ‘losing patience with Rasmus Hojlund’ as horror stats show Wan-Bissaka is better than £72m flop

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED coaches are reportedly growing frustrated with £72million flop striker Rasmus Hojlund. The forward – signed from Atalanta in 2023 – has managed just TWO Premier League goals in 21 games this season with zero assists. Man Utd coaches are reportedly growing frustrated with Rasmus HojlundCredit: RexThese are Hojlund’s damning Prem stats this seasonEven Aaron Wan-Bissaka has provided more goalsMeanwhile right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka – who United sold for just £15m to West Ham – has two goals and two assists to his name. Hojlund is without a goal in 16 games and according to the Manchester Evening News, coaches are beginning to show frustration. One in particular was said to be fuming with the Dane’s performance in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham earlier in February. With United 2-0 down at Everton last weekend – Hojlund was taken off for 17-year-old Chido Obi who made only his second senior appearance.READ MORE IN football There was a loud cheer from the away end when Hojlund was taken with 20 minutes to go. And United scored twice within ten minutes of Hojlund’s substitution to salvage a point at Goodison Park. United manager Ruben Amorim hooked Hojlund after he lost an aerial battle in the 3-1 comeback win against Southampton.But in January, Amorim refused to point the blame on Hojlund, instead suggesting it was a collective problem. Most read in FootballHojlund’s heat map against Everton made for tough viewingHis touch map wasn’t much betterCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I think it’s a team problem. You can see it. It’s not just from now, it’s from the past. So we have clearly a lack of goals and a lack of threat. “When you threaten the opponents, the opponents maybe don’t press you so high. So everything is connected.Adorable moment Lisandro Martinez’s mum helps Man Utd star with rehab”All the players have moments in this season. I think when we started this journey together, Rasmus was the player that was always scoring.”So he can come back in the next game, we will see.”Hojlund – signed by ex-boss Erik ten Hag – scored 16 goals in his first season at Old Trafford. But he has only seven in all competitions this term – five in the Europa League. Ruben Amorim with HojlundCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares66 Views

      in Soccer

      Aston Villa fans beg transfer guru Monchi to raid Man Utd for goalkeeping coach after Marcus Rashford deal

      by

      ASTON VILLA fans have jokingly called for the club to sign Manchester United’s goalkeeping coach in light of Marcus Rashford’s displays.Rashford, 27, has impressed the Villa Park faithful since joining Unai Emery’s side on loan from United.Marcus Rashford has shown glimpses of his old self during his brief stint with Aston VillaCredit: REXRashford’s impressive displays have come a month after Ruben Amorim claimed he’d rather play his goalkeeping coach instead of the strikerCredit: REXVilla fans have jokingly called for club transfer guru Monchi to sign United’s keeper coach Jorge VitalCredit: PAThe England international has yet to find the back of the net but has shown glimpses of his old self in his four appearances, racking up two assists.Rashford’s form comes a month after Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim publicly blasted him by stating he’d rather start his goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital.The Portuguese put Rashford on blast by saying: “I’d put Vital on the bench before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day. I’ll not change in that department.“It’s always the same reason. The reason is the training.READ MORE ON RASHFORD”The way that I see what a footballer should do in training, in life, every day. If things don’t change, I will not change.“Same situation for every player — if you do the maximum, if you do the right things, we can use every player.“You can see it today on the bench. We needed pace to change the game, to move some pieces — but I prefer it like that.”Villa fans haven’t forgotten Amorim’s comments and have called for transfer guru Monchi to sign Vital following Rashford’s recent good showings.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOne wrote on X: “If Rashford is this good I fully expect Monchi to be putting in a bid for the UTD goalkeeping coach as well.”Another said: “Given our finances with salary as a ratio of revenue we couldn’t match his Man United wages.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decision”Would Rashford accept a cut is question… would that 63 yr old goalie coach also come?”And another said: “He might be unplayable I guess.”Villa have the option to permanently acquire Rashford’s services in the summer for a mere £40million.Emery was full of praise for the striker after Villa’s 2-1 win over Chelsea last weekend, saying: “Of course, he played a fantastic 45 minutes.”And really this is the only thing. We want to try to be consistent through him, in our squad and in our way we are going to do [that].”But he’s going to be hopefully very, very important like today. But hopefully more and more and more.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And the most important for him is try to feel comfortable here. Try to get confidence. Be here in [a] good atmosphere with us and this is my objective.”Villa will be back in action on Tuesday night, travelling to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag gives major update on future and reveals he ‘misses Old Trafford’ after Man Utd sacking

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG has given a major career update after being sacked by Manchester United.The Dutchman was relieved of his duties at Old Trafford at the end of October after winning just three out of nine Premier League games and sitting 14th in the table.Erik ten Hag has revealed when he plans to get back into managementCredit: TikTok / SEGStoriesSpeaking on SEG Stories he spoke about what he ‘misses’ about Man UtdCredit: TikTok / SEGStoriesTen Hag was seen reading The Sun during the reflective interviewCredit: TikTok / SEGStoriesThings have not improved at his old club under successor Ruben Amorim with the club now in 15th and having lost 12 from 26 games in the league – a run not seen since the club was last relegated.Quarterly accounts revealed it cost skint Man Utd £14.5million to sack Ten Hag, his staff and former sporting director Dan Ashworth.However, the 55-year-old has now reflected on his time at the helm of the Red Devils, admitting there is one thing he misses more than any other.Speaking to SEG Stories with the full interview set to be published tomorrow, he said: “If there is one thing I miss, it’s Old Trafford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You’re always working towards a dot on the horizon but you never get to the horizon.”We’ve had many highs at Manchester United, but as I always say there is always room for improvement. And good is not enough, you can do better.”Ten Hag always thought highly of the Man Utd faithful, pending an emotional thank you letter to them after his sacking in which he said: “Dear fans, let me start by thanking you. “Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times.”Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours…Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives verdict on Everton’s overturned penalty against Man Utd”I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.”I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life.”During Ten Hag’s time in England, he won the League Cup and FA Cup.But he also oversaw Man Utd’s worst-ever Premier League finish in his second season before kicking off another record-breaking campaign in all the wrong ways.Ten Hag has been linked with a variety of managerial jobs, including Borussia Dortmund, after his two-and-a-half-year spell in Manchester came to an end.He added: “I had already decided for myself, ‘Okay, I’m not doing anything until the 1st of July’.”Man Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure.As well as the general pressures of the Man Utd job, Ten Hag was forced to deal with player mutinies from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.Meanwhile, a bust-up he had with Raphael Varane also came to light last week.The centre-back revealed the pair had a heated argument in November 2023 when discussing the team’s form and set-up, which left Varane frozen out of the team for two months.The Frenchman told The Athletic: “It’s hard to find the right words, it was very tense at times.“Sometimes he made an effort to listen to the players’ feedback. Sometimes he made decisions without listening.“So there were ups and downs. It was complicated at times. He always needed an example of a player who was alone the entire time he was at Manchester.“He did that with at least one important player on the team. He was always in conflict with certain leaders of the group, that is his way of managing.“We had a robust discussion. We told each other some truths but then I didn’t play again for almost two months.“I said I didn’t agree with certain ways of doing things regarding the relationship between him and the team. “It wasn’t something that I thought was good for the team because some players weren’t satisfied.“It was not good in terms of the relationship with the coach. He said, ‘OK I heard what you said’, and after that I didn’t play.“I also have to recognise what was good. He gave me the peace of mind to come back from my injury to play in the FA Cup final.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He was counting on me, that was very positive, it allowed me to play my role in the team.”Varane also added he was “surprised” Ten Hag was kept on following the FA Cup final – one of many poor decisions from Ineos in their first 12 months in charge of United – as the “connection with the group no longer existed”. More

    • 213 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Alex Scott stuns in bold outfit at London Fashion Week as BBC pundit wears unusual spiky jacket

      by

      ALEX SCOTT has stunned in a bold outfit at the London Fashion Week.The BBC pundit has been enjoying the event and has already been in attendance with partner Jess Glynne.Alex Scott wore an unusual jacket at London Fashion WeekCredit: SplashThe jacket is made by designer Chet LoCredit: GettyIt features a unique spiky hoodCredit: SplashShe was snapped alongside athlete Imani-Lara LansiquotCredit: GettyScott, 40, regularly shows off some incredible outfits when attending glitzy events.But this time, she opted for a more unusual look as she wore a spiky hooded jacket.It is a creation by Asian-American designer Chet Lo and was featured at London Fashion Week last year.The jacket is a part of the designer’s “Terracotta” collection and features the brand’s iconic spikes.READ MORE ON SPORTThe former Lioness paired the item with a grey skirt, tights and black heels.Scott was seen beaming as she arrived for the fashion show.She was also joined by British athlete Imani-Lara Lansiquot for the runway.Lansiquot, 27, mainly competes in the 100m but claimed silver in the 4x100m at the Paris Olympics last year.Most read in FootballShe stunned in a glimmering full-length dress.Scott did post on social media to hail designer LABRUM who uses trends to tell West African narratives.Alex Scott given a fright by BBC presenter’s comment after picking last ball of FA Cup draw Scott also appeared at an earlier LFW eventCredit: GettyShe was joined by partner Jess GlynneCredit: GettyShe wrote: “Yess, LABRUM London absolutely smashed it once again.”Scott saw rapper Wretch 32 and musician-writer Akala perform in her previous appearance.She and Glynne looked loved-up as they were snapped in trendy long coats.They have been dating since 2023 and recently moved in with each other.Scott told The Times: “I wake up next to my partner, Jess, who has become the same person as me over the past year and a half.”She can see what going to the gym does for me mentally, so she’ll do the same.”I love seeing [Jess] thrive, I didn’t want to be photographed with Rihanna because I wanted the spotlight to be on Jess.”Check out Alex Scott’s most dazzling and daring outfits…Alex looked incredible as she wore a see-through dress and no bra to the GQ AwardsCredit: AlamyScott, who works primarily as a pundit for the BBC, dazzled in a red leather outfit when presenting SoccerAidCredit: RexShe is a presenter on Football Focus and The One ShowAlex made 148 appearances for Arsenal Women – but since quitting playing has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating singer Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexThe 39-year-old was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PAScott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PAShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More

    • 163 Shares66 Views

      in Soccer

      Dream Team’s top midfielder continues to deliver plentiful points despite Manchester United’s weaknesses

      by

      WHERE would Manchester United be without Bruno Fernandes (£6.2m)?The Red Devils are languishing in 15th having mustered just 30 points from 26 games in the Premier League this season and yet their club captain is now Dream Team’s best-performing midfielder.Dream Team’s new midfield kingCredit: Dream TeamA 16-point haul at Goodison Park meant Fernandes leapfrogged Cole Palmer (£5.8m) to go third in the rankings overall at the weekend, behind superstar forwards Mohamed Salah (£8.3m) and Erling Haaland (£8.1m).It seemed as if Ruben Amorim’s side were going to suffer their third consecutive defeat in the top flight when they went 2-0 down to Everton after 33 minutes.However, the Portuguese playmaker inspired the visitors to a second-half comeback with a sweetly struck free-kick, followed eight minutes later by Manuel Ugarte’s (£3m) equaliser.One could reflect upon Man United’s weaknesses for hours on end but Dream Team managers should focus on Fernandes’ impressive returns when weighing up his viability.He is statistically the most in-form midfielder in the game right now having banked 34 points in his last three outings.Manchester United are ultra reliant on their skipperCredit: GettyFernandes has scored ten goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions this season but that tally only tells half the story.The 30-year-old is primarily an attack-minded midfielder but only seven players in his position have made more tackles, most of them being combative ball-winners who contribute few goal involvements.He also ranks ninth in his position for shots on target and third for big chances created.Most read in FootballFactor in 27 bonus points, seven of which have come in his last three outings, and it’s no wonder Fernandes has worked his way up to the top of the midfield rankings.Granted, he has played ten games more than Palmer and seven more than third-placed Bryan Mbeumo (£4.7m) but the fact he takes on such a high workload is what makes him such an appealing Dream Team asset.From Amorim’s point of view, his over reliance on Fernandes is a huge concern but it’s a helpful factor for Dream Team bosses as it ensures minutes on the pitch.Amorim has plenty of problems to solve but Fernandes continues to supply pointsCredit: GETTYGameweek 25 is only half complete as there’s a full round of Premier League fixtures to come in midweek, with Man United set to host 18th-placed Ipswich on Wednesday night.Looking further ahead, Fernandes might be among a tiny minority of players who plays twice in Gameweek 26.Man United and Aston Villa are the only two teams set to pull double duty on account of them still being active in the FA Cup and their respective European competitions.The former are due to face Fulham and Real Sociedad in quick succession – can Amorim really afford to go without Fernandes in either fixture given the current situation at Old Trafford?Fernandes looks to be a smart option for Gameweek 26Credit: ReutersIt’s early days but Fernandes, who features in 19.6% of teams, is currently the most popular recruit ahead of the Gameweek 26 deadline.Another bumper haul against the Tractor Boys will only boost his popularity further. More