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Arsenal continued to rebuild their momentum last night with a 2-1 win in the Premier League away to Nottingham Forest.

However, until Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring in the 65th minute, it looked like it might have been turning into another match in which Mikel Arteta's men failed to take their chances, a flaw represented in their expected goals number this season.

The Brazilian was replaced by Eddie Nketiah late into the game, but the Englishman did very little to stake a claim for the starting spot this weekend.

Worse yet, the latest player touted for a move to the Emirates ranked as one of the league's most clinical finishers last season, so the 24-year-old could be in danger of losing his place in the squad entirely.

Arsenal look north for more firepower

According to prior reports, Arsenal are one of several sides interested in Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson this month, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano having since told GIVEMESPORT that the future of the Englishman is "one to watch" in "the final hours" of the window – amid the context of the Gunners' interest.

The Italian journalist explained that while the Magpies "insist the player is going nowhere", financial fair play implications could force their hand if they receive an "important proposal" and that if this happens, the player himself "could be open to the move."

In more good news for the Gunners, a report from the Evening Standard earlier this week revealed that it could take an offer of just £18m to get this deal moving, which in today's market seems like a steal for a player like Wilson.

That said, with Chelsea and Manchester United also said to be keen, it's unlikely that the deal will be that straightforward.

How Wilson compares to Nketiah

Nketiah has been a useful player for Arteta in the time he has been at the club, scoring some big goals, such as the two at Chelsea a couple of years ago and the winner against Manchester United last season.

However, aside from the hat-trick he scored at the Emirates against bottom-club Sheffield United, he has been rather ineffective this season, scoring just two league goals and providing two assists in his other 20 appearances.

In contrast, Wilson's seven league goals in seven starts have come in six games and were he able to keep this up for the Gunners, that would be far more useful in a title fight than one or two games in which he bags a hat-trick or brace.

It isn't just the former Bournemouth star's goal haul and the manner in which he scored them that make him a better option than Nketiah for the north Londoners, but also his underlying numbers.

For example, in the metrics most relevant to a top-level striker, such as expected goals and assists, actual goals, shots, shots on target and successful take-ons per 90, the "incredible" Toon star, as described by his manager Eddie Howe, eclipses the Arsenal man.

The one area in which the former Chelsea youth product comes out ahead is in the number of assists the pair produces per 90, but with Arteta's most pressing problem being his frontline's finishing this season, this seems like a non-issue.

Arsenal make enquiry to sign £26m-rated Havertz replacement

The 24-year-old has been impressing in Italy this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jan 31, 2024

Ultimately, if Arsenal can get this deal over the line in the dying embers of the transfer window, they absolutely should, as the "ruthless" Wilson, as described by journalist Chris Waugh, could bring the experience and clinical nature that could be the deciding factor in a title race that looks set to go down to the wire.

Kevin Roberts also said that New Zealand would not have to wait another 32 years to play a Boxing Day Test in Melbourne

Daniel Brettig in Melbourne27-Dec-2019Kevin Roberts, the Cricket Australia chief executive, has pledged New Zealand will be granted more frequent Boxing Day Tests as he acknowledged that the game’s financial powerhouses needed to work together to ensure that it grows healthier outside the cricket super economies of India, England and Australia.Responding to the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly’s suggestion for a “Super Series” in which India, England and Australia would play a tournament amongst themselves, Roberts termed the idea “innovative”. But he was careful to stress that all nations needed to be given opportunities for quality cricket and chances to raise revenue, amid widespread dismay that such a concept might be allowed to get off the ground given the parlous state of so many other nations’ finances.New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is struggling to find sufficient and consistent revenue streams in the face of three consecutive years of financial losses, while elsewhere Ireland has been forced to cancel a raft of fixtures due to cost pressures. The scheduling of a “Super Series” rather than the extra ICC events proposed by its chief executive Manu Sawhney would not only overturn the current cricket calendar but place further pressure on the already stretched finances of most ICC member countries.”I think it’s an example of the innovative thinking coming out of the BCCI with Sourav Ganguly as president,” Roberts said. “In his very short time, only a couple of months, we have already seen India commit to and host a day-night Test in Kolkata, so a brilliant result there. And now a suggestion around the Super Series, another potential innovation. We will be in India next month and Bangladesh talking about the future cricket calendar. We’re in discussions with New Zealand as well and I was recently in Pakistan talking about the importance of our future partnership with Pakistan.”We’re really respectful of the importance of our international cricket relationships and our role as a leader in world cricket in supporting the development of cricket in other countries. We’re really looking forward to hosting Afghanistan next year and that is an example of our commitment to world cricket. We have discussions with all member nations of the ICC and take really seriously our role to partner them and working together with them to grow the game.”We’re just trying to be a good proactive partner to both the ICC and its members. Cricket is part of the fabric of Australian culture and we’ve got to play our part to make sure it remains and become an even stronger part of other countries around the world. Cricket is more or less a religion on the sub-continent. It’s absolutely the favourite sport in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. We’ve got to try and make sure we see the game emerging in countries all around the world.”Tony Irish, the FICA executive chairman, has stated bluntly that any push for more bilateral cricket than is already scheduled between India, England and Australia would only serve to grow the yawning gaps that exist between rich and poor. “The mooted super series is a real concern for the global game. It is likely to further open the gap between the rich and the poorer countries in international cricket,” Irish told ESPNcricinfo.”FICA has maintained for some time now that two key issues to be addressed for the future of international cricket are a) a more coherent global schedule, and b) more equitable global game economics. This proposed new event does not assist in either of those.”Asked whether New Zealand would have to wait another 32 years for another appearance on Boxing Day, Roberts was quick to assure Australia’s Trans-Tasman neighbours that a crowd of more than 80,000 of Boxing Day at the MCG would help ensure that the fixture would become a far more regular occurrence. He also stated that the MCG would keep the Boxing Day Test for the foreseeable future, as CA negotiates a new stadium deal with the Melbourne Cricket Club.”We really value the partnership with New Zealand. We are already having some high-level discussions around the cricket calendar from 2023 to 2031 and we absolutely hope and look forward to hosting New Zealand at a Boxing Day Test well before another 32 years pass,” Roberts said. “They are a really important partner and nation in the world of cricket.”The reality is there is only one venue in Australia that can host over 80,000 people on Boxing Day as the MCG did yesterday. It was just a picture. That’s something we are really grateful for and respect. The MCG Test is one of the two most iconic Tests on the planet, along with the Lord’s Test.”You would have to say that, given this is the equivalent of two AFL grand finals, as MCC CEO Stuart Fox was quoted as saying that the other day, that indicates the importance of it, not just in Victoria but in communities beyond Australia. Given the importance of the MCG Test to world cricket, I would like to think it will remain here in perpetuity. There is a bit of work to be done on that front. But you would have to say it is best for world cricket to have a Boxing Day Test in Melbourne for years to come.”

Although a significant transfer is off the table for Manchester United this January, they will still look to reinforce their squad before the end of deadline day.

Erik ten Hag's squad has been relatively thin all season due to injuries, yet that problem will only worsen with a few players on their way out.

Therefore, to avoid a repeat of the first half of the season, United will become active in the latter stage of the window.

Man United want to sign a centre-back

According to a recent report from The Athletic, Man United have inquired about a potential loan deal for Matthijs de Ligt.

The Dutch centre-back is estimated to be worth £43m as per CIES Football Observatory, but he could become a stop-gap signing this winter.

The fact that United are in a rebuilding period means that a loan seems to be the way forward, alongside their financial fair play restrictions.

How De Ligt would fit into the United starting XI

Injuries have been a problem across the entire team for the Red Devils this season, but their centre-backs have been particularly affected.

Every single central defender, bar Willy Kambwala, has picked up an injury this season, but luckily, Lisandro Martinez returned to the field against Spurs last time out.

The Argentine is hands-down United's first-choice left centre-back, with Ten Hag valuing his on-the-ball ability and proactivity. However, the boss has yet to find a perfect partner for the number six that he can rely on, which is why the loan move for De Ligt has come into the picture.

The 24-year-old defender was the rock and leader of Ten Hag's Ajax team that reached the semi-final of the 2018/19 Champions League campaign, which is why he's been described as a "generational talent" by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig. However, he has fallen out of favour at Bayern Munich and only played 14 games across all competitions.

Nonetheless, let's take a look at De Ligt's stats from the last year and how they compare to his positional peers from Europe's top five leagues.

The biggest attribute of the former Juventus star is his ability to control a game via his technical qualities and vast passing range, which is also one of Martinez's biggest strengths, as highlighted by the fact he had the second most accurate passes per game for United last season.

As a pairing, they would assert so much dominance in possession, rarely losing it while also having the ability to feed those higher up the field. They would also bring the best out of Andre Onana's passing qualities while allowing Ten Hag to switch to his playing out-from-the-back philosophy.

Furthermore, De Ligt's pure power and athleticism allow him to be dominant in the air, which would help United become more dangerous from crosses while also making them less likely to concede from set pieces. This is particularly important when next to Martinez, who ranks in the bottom 2% for aerials won across the top European leagues, as per FBref.

Overall, De Ligt would make United a much more balanced team, and his composed approach would work perfectly alongside the aggressive Argentine. Even if it's just a loan, it could turn Ten Hag's season around.

Tasmania trail by 379 runs with eight wickets in hand

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Nov-2019Tasmania’s captain Matthew Wade and former Test batsman Alex Doolan established a promising platform for the visitors after they denied Jake Weatherald a double century on an overcast second morning of the Sheffield Shield match at Adelaide Oval.Weatherald and Callum Ferguson looked set to continue SA’s domination, only to find the second new ball swinging. Weatherald swished at Sam Rainbird’s first ball of the day for a thin edge behind, a low key end to a headlining innings.Ferguson was confounded and lbw when Rainbird went around the wicket, and Jake Lehmann’s recent run of poor displays at first-class level continued when he played all around a Jackson Bird in-ducker.Harry Nielsen then shepherded the Redbacks to a tall tally with typical enterprise, allowing Lehmann to declare on the cusp of 500. Doolan and Beau Webster kept the new ball out, before Wes Agar broke through, and George Bailey did not last long before he became Joe Mennie’s first Shield wicket of the season following injury.However, Doolan and Wade showed considerable patience and technical wherewithal to build a stand that frustrated SA and also left the Tigers in a position to make their presence felt over the final two days.

Major League Soccer has announced the finalists for its 2025 Year-End Awards, with Lionel Messi headlining a five-player shortlist for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. Bradley Carnell, Jesper Sørensen, and Mikey Varas are finalists for the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year honor, with winners to be revealed during the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.

• AFP
  

  Chasing MVP

  The MVP race features a group of prolific attacking players who defined the 2025 regular season. Messi, aiming to become the first player in MLS history to win the award in consecutive years, led the league in goals to claim the Golden Boot. He finished the season with 29 goals and 19 assists. LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, last year’s runner-up, returns as a finalist after another strong campaign at the heart of LAFC’s attack with 24 goals and nine assists. 

  San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer also earned a place among the finalists after an impressive debut season, becoming just the fourth player in MLS history to record at least 15 goals and 15 assists in a single campaign at 19 goals and 19 assists. FC Cincinnati’s Evander and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge round out the list, each playing pivotal roles in guiding their clubs to playoff contention.

  MVP candidates

  Player	Club
  Denis Bouanga	LAFC
  Anders Dreyer	San Diego FC
  Evander	FC Cincinnati
  Lionel Messi	Inter Miami CF
  Sam Surridge	Nashville SC

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  Coach of the Year candidates

  The Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award features three finalists who led remarkable turnarounds. San Diego FC's Varas guided the expansion side to the most points ever by a first-year club, building a dynamic attacking team that set numerous offensive records. Philadelphia Union's Carnell transformed a struggling side into Eastern Conference contenders after taking over ahead of the season, implementing an aggressive pressing style that revitalized the club. The Vancouver Whitecaps' hire of Sørensen also proved impactful, with the Dane steering the club to second place this year in the Western Conference. 

  Coach of the Year candidates

  Coach	Club
  Bradley Carnell	Philadelphia Union
  Jesper Sørensen	Vancouver Whitecaps FC
  Mikey Varas	San Diego FC

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  Other awards

  MLS also announced several other leading award finalists. Here is the full list:

  Comeback Player of the Year

  Player	Club
  Lawrence Ennali	Houston Dynamo FC
  Nick Hagglund	FC Cincinnati
  Richie Laryea	Toronto FC

  Defender of the Year

  Player	Club
  Tristan Blackmon	Vancouver Whitecaps FC
  Jakob Glesnes	Philadelphia Union
  Kai Wagner	Philadelphia Union

  Goalkeeper of the Year

  Player	Club
  Matt Freese	New York City FC
  Dayne St. Clair	Minnesota United FC
  Yohei Takaoka	Vancouver Whitecaps FC

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  Awards schedule

  The finalists for each award category were determined through a comprehensive voting process involving MLS club technical staff, first-team players, and select media members, with each group accounting for one-third of the final results. As the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs progress, the league will announce winners across all categories, adding another layer of intrigue to the postseason competition.

Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled up injured just three minutes into Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Marseille on Tuesday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu. The English full-back, handed his Champions League debut in the white jersey by head coach Xabi Alonso, lasted just three minutes before pulling up in pain.

• From dream start to disaster

  Alexander-Arnold had barely broken into stride when disaster struck. Sprinting forward with the ball, he suddenly clutched at his left hamstring. The look on his face said it all, another cruel twist for a player who has had rotten luck since swapping Merseyside for Madrid.

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  Limping off but no stretcher

  Alexander-Arnold sank to the turf, grimacing and shaking his head in disbelief. But in a small mercy for the fans, he managed to walk off on his own, declining a stretcher and showing at least some signs of mobility.

• Alonso's rotation plans in tatters

  Alonso has been keen to rotate his full-backs this season, giving Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold two La Liga starts apiece in the opening four fixtures. The plan was to keep legs fresh, competition fierce, and options plentiful across all competitions. But that strategy is now under threat. Carvajal, a club stalwart and academy graduate, has once again shown why prising the role away from him is near-impossible. With Alexander-Arnold sidelined, the Spaniard has a grip on the starting spot.

• AFP
  

  A blow to Trent's new chapter

  For Alexander-Arnold, the timing could not be worse. Moving from Liverpool to Real Madrid was meant to be the fresh start to supercharge his career. Instead, his Bernabeu story has already hit a stumbling block. The full-back has shown flashes of his trademark passing range and attacking instincts, but the sheer presence of Carvajal has prevented him from truly planting his flag in Spain. This latest setback leaves him scrambling to prove his worth all over again.

Tottenham could "look to strike an early deal" for a very promising alternative to Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, and he may even leave on the cheap.

Postecoglou looking to sign new midfielder

After completing deals for Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin, widespread reports suggest that manager Ange Postecoglou is keen to sign a new midfielder for Spurs.

"Very exciting" player wants to leave Tottenham after Ivan Perisic

There’s been a plethora of outgoings at Spurs this month, and more could follow.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 20, 2024

The north Londoners are also holding talks to sign Club Brugge sensation Antonio Nusa, but the 18-year-old is more of a signing for the future, and would join on a buy-to-loan-back deal similar to Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr.

In the background of that deal, it is believed that Spurs are still considering a move for Chelsea star Conor Gallagher. There are some suggestions that Tottenham have held negotiations over Gallagher before February 1, with Fabrizio Romano also refusing to rule out a bid for the 23-year-old.

The trouble could be his new-found importance at Stamford Bridge, with the England international becoming a key player under Mauricio Pochettino.

While there are reports Chelsea could consider selling Gallagher in an attempt to balance their FFP books, Pochettino may not be willing to let one of his star men leave mid-season, making this a pretty complex deal.

While there has been no indication via the press that Tottenham have definitely ruled out a move for the midfielder, it is perhaps wise for the club to look at alternative options just in case a transfer isn't attainable.

Tottenham could "look to strike an early deal" for Wharton

According to journalist Dean Jones, writing for Sportslens, Blackburn Rovers star Adam Wharton could be one.

The Englishman, who would also add to Postecoglou's homegrown ranks, has been a mainstay for Rovers this season and features among their most regularly-selected players at Ewood Park.

Jones claims Tottenham could "look to strike an early deal" for Wharton, who could also be available for just £10 million.

Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson, speaking to Rovers TV, has already praised the 19-year-old for his quality and suggests he's a real star in the making.

I saw Adam’s quality on the ball immediately when I arrived here," said Tomasson to Rovers TV.

“I’ve been pushing him every day, he’s a young boy who wants to learn and he has a big future. I’m on him every day, he has to demand more from himself as well.

“He’s a great player but there’s still a lot to learn off the ball. The important thing with Adam is that he’s willing to learn. He’s done a great job, he’s a positive boy and he’s already developed a lot and he has the mentality to become better every day."

“We can give compliments to Adam for coping with a lot of changes in such a small period.”

The fast bowler physically attacked Arafat Sunny Jr during a National Cricket league game in Khulna

Mohammad Isam19-Nov-2019Shahadat Hossain, the Bangladeshi fast bowler, has been banned for five years, with two years suspended, following an incident during a National Cricket League (NCL) game in Khulna when he physically assaulted team-mate Arafat Sunny Jr on the field.The 33-year-old Dhaka Division player was withdrawn from the game against Khulna Division after allegedly hitting Sunny, apparently following an argument about shining the ball – Sunny refused to shine the ball for the paceman. Those who saw the incident said it needed the Dhaka players’ intervention to restrain Hossain.His actions amounted to a Level 4 offence and he was handed a fine of BDT 100,000 (USD 1200 approx.) by the Bangladesh Cricket Board.The NCL’s technical committee made the decision on Tuesday afternoon, leaving Shahadat with a chance to appeal against the penalty by November 26.”We have banned Shahadat Hossain for five years with two years of suspended sentence,” Minhajul Abedin, the chief selector who is part of the NCL’s committee, said after their meeting in Dhaka. “He can appeal by November 26. He has been reported with a Level 4 offence, based upon which the technical committee took the decision.”What he did was very unfortunate. These incidents keep happening. BCB has a zero-tolerance policy for these things. No player will be spared. We have considered his previous history before taking this decision. It should serve as an example for all cricketers.”Meanwhile, according to local newspaper reports, Dhaka pacer Mohammad Shahid could also be punished, after it emerged that he had been mentioned in the match officials’ report for starting the scrap with Sunny. Shahid has reportedly admitted to his guilt.Hossain, who has played 38 Tests, 51 ODIs and six T20Is between 2005 and 2015, hasn’t been in the national frame since he was arrested in 2015 for beating up his domestic help, which led to a temporary suspension.

A ninth-wicket partnership of 109 runs may have staved off an innings defeat for South Africa

The Report by Firdose Moonda12-Oct-20199:19

Agarkar: Will be surprised if India don’t enforce follow-on

Keshav Maharaj and Vernon Philander, the lead spinner and senior seamer of the South Africa team, were picked to do a job with the ball. But the pair frustrated India with the bat with a ninth-wicket partnership of 109 runs, South Africa’s third-highest in the series, and might have done enough to stave off an innings defeat.

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Virat Kohli will able to sleep on whether he wants to put South Africa, 326 runs behind, in again, but he will have plenty to consider. His bowlers were in the field for 105.4 overs and South Africa’s lower-order showed they are capable of making India work for their wickets. Kohli may also be wary of batting last on a surface that is taking turn, even if there is only an outside chance that India will need to chase a target. Either way, they sit in prime position to seal the series in the remaining two days and have asserted their dominance over a South African side whose quality remains in question.South Africa’s top-order batsmen were beaten at their own game as India’s seamers reduced them to 53 for 5. Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami maintained a slightly fuller length and bowled to attacking fields, whereas South Africa’s bowlers had erred on the side of too short and too wide, and the difference brought wickets. Nightwatchman Anrich Nortje was dismissed in the third over, caught at fourth slip, and Theunis de Bruyn, who looked confident on the front foot for much of his 30 runs, ended up stuck in his crease, uncertain whether to move forward or back to an Umesh delivery and was caught behind.Mohammed Shami takes flight•BCCI

That brought South Africa’s most accomplished pair, captain Faf du Plessis and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, together. They posted 75 runs, with du Plessis increasingly authoritative on the cover drive, but the resistance was broken when de Kock was bowled by an R Ashwin delivery that also tested his footwork. South Africa scored 100 runs in the morning session but the loss of three wickets and all but one of their top-six batsmen saw them staring down the barrel of being asked to follow-on for the first time since 2008. It seemed certain that they would be asked to bat again as Kohli saved his quicks and kept his spinners on for 38 overs, but South Africa’s tail had other ideas.Philander, who was coming off a pair in the first Test, faced 22 balls before he scored his first run, an indication that he was settling in for a long stay. With du Plessis having brought up his second half-century of the series and looking comfortable on the sweep as well, South Africa showed some fight, but Ashwin made a timely breakthrough when he found du Plessis’ outside edge with a delivery that went straight on. At 162 for 8, South Africa’s resistance seemed up but Maharaj and Philander stonewalled so well against a ball that was softening that they forced Kohli to bring back his seamers.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Maharaj’s effort was particularly impressive because he did it nursing an injury. He went down while fielding on the first day and was taken for scans on his right shoulder. They proved inconclusive so he returned for a second set of scans on Saturday and was cleared to bat, and make jaws drop. The team management certainly sat back and marvelled as he scored a career-best 72 off only 132 balls. It is, however, still unclear if Maharaj can bowl as the Test match drags on.The only chance of the entire partnership came when Maharaj, on 44, offered a return catch to Ashwin, but the offspinner could not hold on in his follow-through. Maharaj went on to a maiden Test fifty and his partnership with Philander leapfrogged the 91 runs put on by Dane Piedt and Senuran Muthusamy for the ninth-wicket in Visakhapatnam. They also faced the second-highest number of balls by any ninth- or tenth-wicket pair in India – 259.South Africa’s ninth wicket is only 30 runs off being their most productive pairing in this series. Under different circumstances, that would be something to celebrate. Now, though, it will only leave their top order wondering why they have not be able to put similar pressure on India when it mattered more instead of when the fight is already up. They will have a second innings to answer that question, and it may come as early as tomorrow.India bowled South Africa out in the dying stages of the day’s play, first removing Maharaj, who was caught at leg slip, and then trapping Kagiso Rabada lbw. Ashwin claimed both wickets. That leaves India with two full days, either to add to their total and then attempt to bowl South Africa out again or to try to take ten more wickets straight away. Given how porous South Africa’s batting has looked, either will be regarded as a safe option, putting India within touching distance of a series win.

Manchester United’s new signing Benjamin Sesko has been compared to Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, with one of his former coaches, Rene Aufhauser, insisting the Slovenian is already close to that elite level. Sesko, who joined from RB Leipzig after interest from Newcastle and Arsenal, has been tipped to reach the very top thanks to his mix of physical presence, speed and technical ability.

• Sesko compared to Haaland by former Salzburg coach
• United beat Arsenal and Newcastle to his signature
• Striker tipped to become one of Europe’s best strikers

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Sesko scored 39 goals in 87 games for RB Leipzig before sealing a move to Old Trafford this summer. Manchester United beat off strong competition for his signature, hoping he can become their long-term attacking leader. At 22, the 6ft 4in forward has drawn direct comparisons to Haaland for his power, pace and aerial threat, and Aufhauser, who has coached both strikers, believes that Sesko can reach the levels Haaland has shown.

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  WHAT AUFHAUSER SAID

  Speaking to Sky Sports, Aufhauser said: Rene Aufhauser, who previously coached both Haaland and Sesko at Salzburg, said: “Erling Haaland, I will rate him 10 out of 10.

  "I think Erling is [an] outstanding striker, and Benji, I think at the moment, maybe he's a nine, nine and a half out of 10. And he has also potential. He will develop in the next one and two years, I'm sure.

  "Erling reached his mark after his transfer from Dortmund to Man City and we will see. I am quite sure Benji will reach this mark after one or two years. But of course, Erling is the top. He has 10 out of 10 from me.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sesko’s move gives United the kind of physical striker they have been missing in recent years. While comparisons with Haaland are inevitable, the Slovenian’s technical skillset and ability to link play could offer Ruben Amorim a different type of weapon. If Sesko adapts quickly, United could finally have the clinical presence they have craved since the days of Robin van Persie.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SESKO?

  Sesko will be under immediate pressure to hit the ground running in the Premier League. His debut season will likely be judged against Haaland’s remarkable impact at Manchester City, but United will be patient as he adjusts.