More stories

  • in

    VAR could be SCRAPPED next season with Premier League sides to vote on change after club files motion

    PREMIER LEAGUE clubs could scrap VAR from the start of next season.Top-flight sides are set to vote on whether or not to continue using the video assistants following a complaint from Wolves.Premier League clubs are set to vote on whether to scrap VARCredit: AFPAccording to The Athletic, the club have formally submitted a resolution to the Premier League calling for VAR to be scrapped.In doing so, Wolves have triggered a vote from the 20 clubs on June 6.A statement from Wolves reads: “There is no blame to be placed — we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football — and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success.”However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League, it is time for a constructive and critical debate on its future.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards.”The club added that they accept the decision to introduce VAR was “made in good faith” and “with the best interests of football and the Premier League at its heart”.However, they now argue the practice has caused “numerous negative consequences”.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWolves also claim those consequences are “damaging the relationship between fans and football” as well as “undermining the value of the Premier League brand”.Most read in FootballMeanwhile, a spokesperson for the Premier League said: “The Premier League can confirm it will facilitate a discussion on VAR with our clubs at the annual general meeting next month.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days”Clubs are entitled to put forward proposals at shareholders’ meetings and we acknowledge the concerns and issues around the use of VAR.”However, the league fully supports the use of VAR and remains committed, alongside PGMOL, to make continued improvements to the system for the benefit of the game and fans.”VAR was introduced in the Premier League from the start of the 2019/20 season, though.The current campaign has seen multiple flashpoints caused by the use of video assistant referees, though.Wolves’ VAR complaintsWolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.

    Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football special
    Frustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communication
    A more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAR
    Overreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrity
    Diminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitch
    Continued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standards
    Disruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively long
    Constant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the league
    Erosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption

    Liverpool wrongly had a goal disallowed in their controversial loss to Tottenham in September.Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have written letters of complaint to the PGMOL.Forest even publicly questioned the appointment of VAR Stuart Attwell after their defeat to Everton last month.Clubs in Sweden recently voted against introducing VAR to the country’s top-flight. More

  • in

    Prince William sends jubilant message to Aston Villa as club seal Champions League spot and ‘can’t wait for next season’

    PRINCE WILLIAM hailed Aston Villa’s new highness – as his message hailing his heroes’ historic Champions League qualification went viral.The first in line to the throne “can’t wait for next season” after Villa were ensured the Premier League’s fourth and final spot at Europe’s top table.Big fan Prince William will see Villa in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersWe are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement. Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at @AVFCOfficial. Can’t wait for next season. #UTV! W https://t.co/u2px5yLqkR— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 14, 2024

    The Prince must be looking forward to big European nightsCredit: RexHis favourite club will be in the continent’s top cup competition for the first time since 1982-83 – when they entered what was then called the European Cup as defending champions.The Prince went straight on social media to share his joy at Villa’s royal ascent – after Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat of Tottenham meant fifth-place Spurs can’t catch his team.Via his official account with the Princess of Wales, he posted: “We are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement. Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at @AVFCOfficial. Can’t wait for next season. #UTV! W”Villa players leapt and danced with joy in a video of Unai Emery’s men watching on a large screen at their end-of-season awards-do as City won.READ MORE TOP STORIESDefender Lucas Digne’s crazy revelling impressed viewers, while keeper Emi Martinez was on hand to shower his team-mates with champagne.However, Ollie Watkins looked less happy – with some observers mischievously speculating that was because he’s an Arsenal fan who had just seen City virtually seal a fourth successive title.Nonetheless, individual plaudits at Villa this season have focused on that same striker – as well as boss Emery’s awesome 19-month reign.Watkins’ red-hot form means the Englishman could even have hopes of a Euro 2024 starting place, let alone just a squad spot.Most read in Champions LeagueMan City’s Erling Haaland tucked home a penalty to finish off Spurs and ensure Villa earned a Champions League spot via fourth place in the PremCredit: ReutersBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, there have been widespread calls for ex-Arsenal chief Emery to be named manager of the year.Soon after completing the double over the Gunners, Villa roared back for a 3-3 home draw with Liverpool on Monday, thanks to sub Jhon Duran striking twice in the closing minutes.Forgotten five-time Champions League winner, 32, wins 19th MOTM award in just 28 games after stunning career revival And after Erling Haaland’s two goals downed Spurs 24 hours later, Prince William’s regal rejoicing spread the joy.But despite his jubilant post on X, he was quickly corrected on his language by one royal jester.That fan suggested the Prince should be chanting: “One is Champions League! I say one is Champions League!”But as Pep Guardiola’s men look certain to clinch yet another crown ahead of Arsenal on Sunday’s final day, one fed-up supporter asked William to have a word in the right ear.He wrote: “Can you tell your Dad to relegate City? Please and thank you.”King Charles might be too diplomatic for that – but on the other hand he no longer has much skin in the game now that his favourite team, Burnley, have been relegated.Supporters on social media were thrilled to see Prince William’s contribution to Villa’s joy.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne said: “Imagine having the future King of England as one of your fans. You can’t beat that.”Another asked: “Any room for me and my lad in your royal box next season, couldn’t get him a ticket all season.”Lucas Digne revelled at Villa’s end- of-season awardsCredit: https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial More

  • in

    Liverpool No2 Pep Lijnders lands management job with club set to play in major tournament Klopp couldn’t qualify for

    LIVERPOOL’S assistant manager has landed a new job as boss of a club set to compete in a competition Jurgen Klopp couldn’t qualify for.The Reds were rocked in January when their German manager announced that he would be leaving Anfield this summer.Jurgen Klopp’s assistant Pep Lijnders (left) has landed a new job in AustriaCredit: PAThe two men will both bid farewell to Anfield on SundayCredit: GettyThe 56-year-old ensured that he will depart with some silverware when guiding the Reds to Carabao Cup success in February.However, his hopes of leading them to the title are as well as their FA Cup and Europa League aspirations also being ended.Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, 45, is widely-believed to have already agreed to become Liverpool’s new boss for next season.And fans are just waiting for the formalities to be completed and an official announcement to be made with the Dutchman set to move into Klopp’s house on Merseyside.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut, while Klopp is set to make an emotional farewell to the Kop against Wolves in his final game on Sunday, two of his staff members are looking forward to an exciting new challenge.Pepijn Lijnders, will take over as Red Bull Salzburg manager after he departs Liverpool this weekend.And he will be joined at the Austrian Bundesliga giants by fellow Anfield coach Vitor Matos, who will go as his No.2.Lijnders said: “I am very proud to become the new head coach of FC Red Bull Salzburg.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“This is a real privilege for me. After PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto and Liverpool FC, I am now moving to another exceptional club with a really good structure and a particular focus on youth development.“I want to develop a mentality with the team that places a lot of emphasis on attacking style of play and where passion and hunger for success are the basis of everything.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days“Together with my assistant coach Vitor Matos and the entire support team, we will do our best to help the club continue to grow in an ever-changing football world.“My family has visited the city before and was overwhelmed by its beauty and the friendliness of the people. That was the last and important step for me in choosing FC Red Bull Salzburg.”Lijnders initially worked at Liverpool from 2014 as U16s coach but then stepped up to be first-team development coach in 2015.Working initially under Brendan Rodgers, he remained in his role under Klopp before the Dutchman headed for a one-year spell as boss at NEC Nijmegen in his homeland.What they have said about Arne SlotHere’s what the experts think about Klopp’s replacement:
    MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
    “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
    “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
    “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
    SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
    “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
    “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
    “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
    Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
    “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
    “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
    Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
    “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
    “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.”

    But Lijnders returned to Liverpool as assistant manager ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and played a key role in Klopp’s success.Liverpool were denied a place at the expanded 2025 Club World Cup while Arsenal also missed out after they were eliminated from the Champions League.Fifa decided that no more than two teams per country would be guaranteed participation in the controversial 32-team event with Man City and Chelsea representing the Premier League.Each Champions League winner from the period between 2021 and 2024 qualifies, meaning the 2023 and 2021 winners both make the cut.That ruled out the Kopites, while Arsenal needed to go all the way by winning this season’s Champions League to take part in it.However, they have now been knocked out of both events as a result of their defeat by Bayern Munich in the quarters.Instead, their spot will go to RB Salzburg – who will have their new man at the helm.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey’ve never won a European trophy and have only ever made it out of the Champions League group stage once.The second criteria is based on a club’s place in the Uefa Champions League coefficient over the same period, which is how Salzburg got in.Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
    But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
    In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
    Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
    But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
    These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
    Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
    But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
    Klopp got it wrong.
    Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
    Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

  • in

    Man Utd could bring back familiar face in shock appointment to replace Ten Hag as club ‘make contact’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been linked with a shock move to bring Kieran McKenna back to replace Erik ten Hag as manager.Pressure is mounting on the Dutch coach after Arsenal beat the Red Devils 1-0 on Sunday to leave them stuck in eighth place and on course for their worst Premier League finish.Serious questions still remain over Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: AlamyIpswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has been linked with his jobCredit: PAUnited are now at serious risk of missing out on European football altogether and have lost 19 games in all competitions, which is the most since the 1978/79 season.The latest setback was also their ninth at Old Trafford this campaign, the joint-most at home in a single season in their history.United do have an FA Cup final with Man City on May 25 to look forward to – and it is after that when new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to decide on Ten Hag’s future.The likes of Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel have been linked with the job, and now The Guardian says that Ipswich Town manager McKenna has emerged as a surprise candidate ahead of tonight’s clash with Newcastle.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 38-year-old was part of the United coaching staff under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for six years before taking over at the Tractor Boys in League One in December 2021.He has since led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions and they will compete in the Premier league for the first time since 2002.McKenna is “highly regarded by the United ­hierarchy” and is now “under serious con­sideration to take over” after the post-Wembley review on Ten Hag.This update states that “initial contact is believed to have already been made between United and McKenna’s representatives” although the report states that “sources have stressed that it is still ‘early days’”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMcKenna rejected an approach from Crystal Palace earlier this season and remains under contract at Portman Road until 2027.He started as U18s coach at United after joining from Tottenham in 2016 and then he went on to become one of Solskjaer’s assistants.Erik ten Hag says Man Utd have to ‘fight hard’ to get win against Newcastle Ipswich understandably are desperate to hang on to him and “any move is likely to involve paying considerable compensation”.This report also added that “Ipswich’s owners are planning to hold talks with the Northern Irishman in the next few weeks” over his future.And they also believe that they can “convince him to lead them into the Premier League”.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
    Michael Owen – He has to go
    “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
    Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
    “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

  • in

    When does the 2024 summer Premier League transfer window open and close?

    THE Premier League season is nearing an end – which means it’s almost transfer season!SunSport has the all-important dates for the summer window below…The Premier League have confirmed the dates for the summer transfer windowCredit: REUTERSWhen does the summer transfer window open and close?The summer window will open on Friday, June 14 – 26 days after the final matchday of the Premier League season.And the window will close on Friday, August 30 at 11pm BST – exactly 11 weeks later.Last summer, the window shut at 11pm on September 1, meaning this year it will close two days earlier than 2023.No players signed after noon on deadline day will be eligible to play that weekend’s Premier League fixtures.READ MORE IN PREMIER LEAGUEA spokesperson confirmed Prem chiefs came to the decision after discussing the new window date with the other big five leagues in Spain, Germany, Italy and France.They said: “To ensure harmonisation with the major leagues in Europe, the closing dates were set following discussions with the EFL, DFL, Serie A, LaLiga, and LFP, who will all close their Summer and Winter windows on 30 August and 3 February respectively.”How much did Premier League clubs spend last summer?Last summer, Premier League clubs spent a record-breaking £2.44bn on transfers.The 20 top-flight sides also generated a record-breaking £1.36bn from player sales.Most read in FootballChelsea spent the most on player recruits with a whopping £434.5m spent on transfers.Midfielder Moises Caicedo was a staggering £115m of the total amount after he made the summer switch from Brighton to Stamford Bridge. More

  • in

    Liverpool ace Luis Diaz ‘is Barcelona’s top summer transfer target’ as winger ‘dreams’ of playing for Spanish giants

    BARCELONA are lining up a move for Liverpool’s Luis Diaz this summer, a report claims.The winger has been key in Jurgen Klopp’s squad since his £50million arrival from Porto in 2022.Barcelona are reportedly lining up a move for Diaz this summerCredit: GettyDiaz, 27, has made 97 appearances for the Reds, scoring 24 goals and adding 13 assists.The 47-cap Colombian international has started in 31 of Liverpool’s 36 Premier League games this season.And according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are keen to sign a winger this summer, with Diaz their top target.Despite the club’s financial struggles, the report suggests that the Catalan giants remain determined to bolster their squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club’s pursuit of Diaz is a strategic move to strengthen their left wing.Diaz has emerged as their top choice, but they are also interested in Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo and Porto’s Pepe.Xavi’s side are convinced that Diaz’s style of play is ideal for their tactical set-up and are actively devising strategies to secure his services.For Diaz, a switch to Barcelona would fulfil a lifelong dream, which his father has echoed in the past.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe report adds Diaz’s chances of moving are boosted by Klopp leaving the club at the end of the season and to be replaced by expected successor Arne Slot.Diaz’s contract runs until 2027, yet an offer from Catalonia could influence his future at the club.Watch Gary Neville’s brilliant reaction to Aston Villa equaliser against Liverpool on live TV as fans beg ‘meme that’Barcelona have been trying to find ways to overcome their economic challenges, including the sale of future television rights revenues to private companies.According to the report, the club’s strategy for bolstering their squad this summer hinges on complying with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations and salary caps, to allow them to spend more.The increase in spending capacity is to be supported by new sponsorship agreements with Nike and the selling of shares in Barca Studios – the club’s in-house production company.Barcelona are also set to sell some of their key stars to cover the cost of transfers this summer. More

  • in

    Tottenham fans troll Arsenal as they admit Son cost them Premier League title – but not in the way they think

    TOTTENHAM fans have mocked Arsenal by suggesting Son Heung-min cost them the Premier League title… but not in the way they think.The South Korean, 31, raced through in the latter stages of Spurs’ clash with Manchester City on Tuesday night, only to be denied by Stefan Ortega.Son Heung-min was denied by Stefan Ortega towards the end of Spurs’ defeat to Manchester CityCredit: GettySon scored twice at the Emirates in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal earlier in the seasonCredit: ReutersMan City then closed the game out as Erling Haaland converted his second goal of the match from the penalty spot to hand his side a 2-0 win.It puts Pep Guardiola’s men on the brink of a fourth successive title, much to the dismay of Arsenal fans.Had Son scored against Man City and Tottenham drawn the game, the title would have been in Arsenal’s hands heading into the final day.Yet Son is actually responsible for costing Arsenal another two points earlier in the campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat is because he scored twice in the North London derby in September as Tottenham earned a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.Son cancelled out Cristian Romero’s own goal, before Bukayo Saka put Arsenal back in front.But Son then struck again seconds later to secure a point for Ange Postecoglou’s side.If both Man City and Arsenal win their final Premier League matches against West Ham and Everton, those two points dropped against Spurs could cost the Gunners the title.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd some Tottenham fans were quick to point out this fact.One said: “I mean…. I think we already cost you the league 🤣🤣🤣, there’s your 2 points right there [September’s North London derby] you little cry baby c***s.”Man City star Ederson furiously boots drinks box after being substitutedWhile another added: “Do you want Son to score for a two-point swing or not? Make your minds up.” More

  • in

    Man Utd flop Antony gets massive tattoo of HIMSELF celebrating on his back but fans left fuming

    FANS have slammed Antony after the Manchester United flop got a huge tattoo of himself celebrating scoring for Ajax on his back.A snap of the Brazilian winger, 24, was pictured on Instagram by tattoo artist Bruno Lopes receiving the inking.Antony appears to have scored another own goal with Man Utd fansCredit: EPAImages of the Brazilian receiving a new tattoo have been shared on InstagramCredit: Instagram @brunolopes.tattooHe has a huge image of himself celebrating a goal for Ajax inked on his backCredit: Instagram @brunolopes.tattooAntony has had a season to forget with the Red DevilsCredit: GettyThe image of him celebrating is after he scored a late winner against rivals Feyenoord in the Eredivisie in 2022.That goal was crucial to Ajax, who were managed by Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag, winning the title by two points.Antony then arrived at Old Trafford for £85.5m from Ajax two summers ago when Ten Hag joined.But after a bright start, off-field allegations disrupted his start to this term.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe has failed to shine since, scoring just three times in 38 matches, with just one coming in the Premier League along with a solitary assist.He was spotted throwing tantrums against Liverpool and he sulked again after being switched to left-back in the defeat to Arsenal.Antony was also slammed for taunting Coventry’s players after United beat them on penalties to reach the FA Cup Final, where they will face Man City on May 25.It has been a miserable season all-round for the Red Devils with the club stuck in eighth place and on course for their worst Premier League finish.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey are now at serious risk of missing out on European football altogether having lost 19 games in all competitions, which is the most since the 1978/79 season.United face Newcastle tonight at Old Trafford also looking to avoid a record tenth home defeat of the season.Man Utd star Antony shares footage of himself getting five new tattoos including ‘shush’ on finger And after images of Antony getting his tattoo surfaced on Instagram, fed-up fans did not take long to jump in two-footed in the comments.“More tattoos than good games,” responded one fan to the images on social media.Another said: “More tattoos than career goals.”A third added: “Great quality tattoos. P*** poor baller.”A fellow fan raged: “Instead of a tattoo f***n play football.”A fifth fumed: “He should focus on football instead @antony00 you can’t even pass a ball… But your ego is shocking.”Antony has a lion and a clock face on one of his armsCredit: Instagram / @dom.tattooHis neck tattoo reads ‘illuminado’ or ‘illuminated’ in EnglishCredit: Instagram / @dom.tattooHe has shown off a number of his tattoos in the pastCredit: Instagram / @dom.tattooWhile a sixth said: “Man got himself tattooed when he’s s***.”Another joked along with laughing emojis: “Who has their own face tattooed on themselves?”And one of the most damning comments read: “No passion for football at all, rather draw tattoos than to play football and be focused on your upcoming matches.“I can’t believe Manchester United have players like this, this is the height of it all.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe inkwork by Lopes covers the attacker’s entirety of his back with the tattoos also paying tribute to his roots growing up in the impoversished favelas of Brazil.In a nod to that, the tattoo shows him overlooking an area that resembles his old home as he celebrates his goal for Ajax.SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
    Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
    Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
    Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
    Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
    Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
    Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
    Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
    Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
    Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
    Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
    Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
    Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
    Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
    Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
    Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
    Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
    Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
    Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
    Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
    Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
    Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
    Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
    Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
    Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
    Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More