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da aposte e ganhe： Jogando no Estádio Beira-Rio na noite deste domingo (30), o Internacional não soube administrar a vantagem e ficou no empate de 2 x 2 com o Sport. Edenílson e Rodrigo Lindoso colocaram o Colorado na frente, mas Thiago Neves e André deixaram tudo igual.

Entrando direto na 3ª fase da Copa do Brasil, o Internacional estreia no torneio na próxima quinta-feira (3), quando visita o Vitória, no estádio do Barradão, às 19h. Por outro lado, já eliminado na copa nacional, o Sport só volta a campo no domingo (6), quando enfrenta o Atlético-MG, na Ilha do Retiro, às 20h30, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.

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da brwin： >Todos os jogos da 1ª Rodada no Brasileirão 2021

PRESSÃO SURTE EFEITO

Dono da casa, o Internacional não tomou conhecimento do Sport nos minutos iniciais. Controlando a bola, o Colorado buscou encontrar espaços na defesa dos pernambucanos, que se fecharam.

Na primeira boa oportunidade dos gaúchos, Maurício invadiu a área, mas bateu em cima de Maílson, que agiu bem e mandou para escanteio. Pouco depois, Moisés pressionou a saída de bola e conseguiu desarmar Paulinho Moccelin. Entretanto, errou o alvo, finalizando por cima do gol. Ainda antes dos 15 minutos, Caio Vidal e Taison também tentaram, só que mandaram para fora.

A insistência deu resultado para o Colorado. Em jogada pelo lado esquerdo, Maurício levou para o fundo e rolou para trás. Ao tentar chegar na bola, Caio Vidal foi atingido por Sander e sofreu pênalti. Na cobrança, Edenílson deslocou Maílson e colocou o Internacional na frente no Beira-Rio.

JOGO ESFRIA

O gol diminuiu a intensidade da partida. Com a vantagem, o Internacional se acomodou e passou a apenas administrar o duelo. Controlando o meio de campo, a equipe começou a trocar passes, mas sem muita objetividade.

Por outro lado, o Sport melhorou no quesito posse de bola. Entretanto, a melhora nos números não significou muito no que se viu até os 35 minutos. Sem criatividade, o Leão da Ilha tentava apostar nas bolas longas pelos lados do campo, porém sem êxito.

MARCELO LOMBA SALVA E INTER AMPLIA

Se pelo chão o Sport não conseguia chegar, foi na bola aérea que encontrou a solução para finalmente dar seu primeiro chute ao gol. Em cobrança de falta pelo lado esquerdo, Thiago Neves apareceu no meio da defesa para cabecear, obrigando Marcelo Lomba a espalmar para o lado. No rebote, Rafael Thyere, livre, tentou completar para o gol, mas parou em nova intervenção do goleiro colorado.

O susto acordou o Internacional. Aos 43 minutos, Maurício recebeu dentro da área e tentou a finalização, mas foi travado pela defesa, que mandou a bola para escanteio. Na cobrança, Moisés colocou a bola na cabeça de Rodrigo Lindoso, que testou firme para ampliar o marcador e levar o 2 x 0 para o intervalo.

FILME REPETIDO

Assim como na etapa inicial, o Internacional começou a parte final do jogo mais agudo. Yuri Alberto pressionou a saída de Maílson com os pés e, por pouco, não tomou a bola do goleiro do Sport. Pouco tempo depois, Caio Vidal recebeu pelo lado direito, pedalou, limpou o defensor e bateu cruzado, mas ninguém apareceu para completar.

Ainda com 8 minutos, Yuri Alberto quase fez o terceiro do Inter e o primeiro dele no confronto. Lançado pelo lado direito da área, o centroavante dominou e disparou para o gol. A bola beijou o pé da trave esquerda de Maílson, mas não entrou.

THIAGO NEVES DIMINUI

Apesar da pressão do Internacional, o Sport conseguiu diminuir o placar. Na primeira boa chegada do time no 2° tempo, Thiago Neves dominou dentro da área e tentou passe de calcanhar. A bola bateu no seu próprio pé de apoio e, depois, encontrou o braço de Maurício, dentro da área.

Com o pênalti marcado, o próprio camisa 30 foi para a cobrança. Tranquilo, o meia rolou no meio, enquanto Marcelo Lomba caiu para o lado esquerdo e não conseguiu evitar o gol do Leão da Ilha.

REESTREIA EM GRANDE ESTILO

O Sport virou dono do jogo após o empate. Controlando a bola, os pernambucanos passaram a levar perigo constante ao gol de Marcelo Lomba. Além disso, a estrela do técnico Umberto Louzer brilhou. O técnico promoveu as entradas de Maxwell e André.

Por duas vezes, Maxwell teve a chance de empatar o confronto, mas errou o alvo na primeira e, na segunda, parou em boa defesa de Lomba. Contudo, aos 44 minutos, André recebeu dentro da área e bateu tirando do goleiro, deixando tudo igual no Beira-Rio.

O Internacional ainda tentou pressionar nos minutos finais, mas Palacios desperdiçou boa oportunidade mandando para fora. Pouco depois, Thiago Galhardo mandou de letra para as redes, mas a arbitragem pegou a saída da bola no cruzamento. Desse modo, o jogo se encaminhou para o final com o 2 x 2 amargo para os colorados no placar.

FICHA TÉCNICA DA PARTIDA
INTERNACIONAL 2 x 2 SPORT
​
Local:Beira-Rio, em Porto Alegre (RS)
Data/Horário: 30/05/2021 – 20h30 (de Brasília)
Árbitro:Vinicius Gonçalves Dias Araujo (CBF-SP)
Assistentes:Marcelo Carvalho Van Gasse (FIFA-SP) e Alex Ang Ribeiro (CBF-SP)
Árbitro de vídeo:Péricles Bassols (CBF-SP)
Cartões amarelos:Mauricio, Moisés, Lucas Ribeiro, Palacios (INT)
Cartões vermelhos:

GOLS:Edenílson (18’/1°T) (1-0), Rodrigo Lindoso (44’/1°T) (2-0), Thiago Neves (16’/2°T) (2-1), André (45’/2°T) (2-2)
​
INTERNACIONAL (Técnico: Miguel Ángel Ramírez)

Marcelo Lomba; Saravia, Lucas Ribeiro, Víctor Cuesta e Moisés; Rodrigo Lindoso, Edenílson (Nonato, aos 27’/2°T), Taison (Palacios, aos 39’/2°T) e Maurício (Praxedes, aos 27’/2°T); Caio Vidal (Patrick, aos 39’/2°T) e Yuri Alberto (Thiago Galhardo, aos 33’/2°T).

SPORT (Técnico: Umberto Louzer)

Maílson; Hayner, Rafael Thyere, Sabino e Sander (Marquinhos, no intervalo); Marcão Silva, Júnior Tavares, Ricardinho (José Welison, aos 51’/2°T) e Thiago Neves (Gustavo, aos 39’/2°T); Paulinho Moccelin (Maxwell, aos 32’/2°T) e Mikael (André, no intervalo).

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.”

Meg Lanning is hoping that Australia have saved their best game for last, in front of a potentially record-breaking crowd, as they seek to claim the T20 World Cup title in a tournament that has stretched them physically and mentally.Only their group match against Bangladesh was without drama as they overcame their opening defeat against India, a batting wobble against Sri Lanka, a brave chase by New Zealand and the Sydney rain to reach the final at the MCG.

Harmanpreet Kaur not perturbed about long break

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur does not believe their momentum has stalled heading into the final, despite an eight-day gap between their last match – against Sri Lanka on February 29 – and the final on Sunday. The gap was widened after India’s semi-final against England was washed out on March 5.
“We all were doing training indoors,” Kaur said. “I know they are not something that give you full confidence because the surface is totally different but everybody was in great touch and everybody was there to think about what they needed to do for the team and with that we definitely got that rest also because when you’re playing for a long time you need a break from the cricket.
“I think still everybody was keen [to play] and nobody wanted to take rest. Everybody was on the ground and everybody was ready to take on whatever situation.
“One thing we have to keep in mind is it’s a fresh game and a fresh start and we have to start everything from ball one,” Kaur said, when asked whether their win over Australia in the group stage could be a factor.

It has been a far cry from the dominating performances they put in through 2019 but nothing less than Lanning expected.”It hasn’t been an easy road to the final but I wouldn’t have had it any other way,” she said. “We are match and battle-hardened, all our games have been cut-throat, must-win clashes and have all been close. We’ve had to deal with that pressure, needed to stand up when you are under the pump.””We haven’t played our best game of cricket yet and that’s still out there somewhere and hopefully it happens tomorrow. We’ve shown that we’re able to cope and be really calm under pressure and that’s what is going to be needed tomorrow. Often in finals, you don’t need to go above and beyond what you’ve already presented.”We’ll be going out there to play our style of cricket and just getting the basics done really well. Especially early in the game where there are a lot of nerves flying around. That’s going to be the most important thing. I think the team that settles the quickest will give themselves a really good chance in this game.”One of the major adjustments they will have to make from the opening game of the tournament is how they played Poonam Yadav who took 4 for 19 at Sydney Showgrounds as Australia collapsed to a defeat that left their campaign forever on a knife-edge. It was clear during their net session on Saturday that plenty of onus was going into how they would combat Yadav’s threat with a collection of net bowlers of various heights sending down legspin.”We will be facing some slow spinners today at training,” Lanning said. “Their spinners can change their pace. It’s not just Poonam we need to worry about. They’ve got some really good left-armers like Rajeshwari Gayakwad and that’s really important as well. They’ve got a really strong line-up right through their bowlers. We’ll be covering all bases and making sure we’re as ready as we can be.”There remains a good chance the final will take place in front of a record crowd for a women’s sporting event with 75,000 tickets sold as of Thursday and stand-up tickets made available on Friday. It is within touching distance of the 90,185 that attended the 1999 FIFA World Cup final.ALSO READ: Stage set for blockbuster finale as mighty India meet top-ranked AustraliaAt the Showgrounds the crowd was around a 50-50 split between the two teams and Lanning was unperturbed by any thoughts that blue could outnumber green and gold as her team seek a home World Cup title.”You saw in Sydney they have a really big fan base, they are really passionate about cricket and really love it and the atmosphere in Sydney was amazing. It’s probably got nothing on what it will be tomorrow, I hope there’s a lot of India fans there, I hope there’s a lot of Australia fans there to pack out the MCG.”On the field, it’s always a great contest, we have a lot of respect for each other and I’ve no doubt that’s what will happen tomorrow. We understand there’s one more challenge to come tomorrow, and it’s going to be our toughest one so far so we’re really bracing for that and looking forward to the chance to play against an excellent team.”

It's been a rollercoaster of a season for Crystal Palace fans this year.

The Eagles have picked up some impressive results in the Premier League, such as their 2-2 draw away to Manchester City, but they've also looked abysmal at points, such as in their 4-1 defeat to bitter rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Unfortunately, there has been more of the latter than the former so far, which resulted in the sacking of Roy Hodgson and the hiring of the exciting Austrian coach, Oliver Glasner, earlier this month.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt boss has already seen his side pick up four points in two games, and while there's a lot of work to be done, one thing he should do is make sure the club don't offer another contract to one of their senior players in the summer, a player who somehow earns more than Marc Guehi.

Marc Guehi's time at Crystal Palace

Guehi has been out of action since the club's embarrassing defeat to Brighton earlier this month, and while there was hope he might be back in action soon, it was confirmed earlier today that he's going to miss at least another two months following knee surgery.

The nine-capped Englishman was signed for a fee of £18m from Chelsea in July 2021 after spending an impressive season and a half on loan with Swansea City in the Championship, and has since become an integral cog in the Eagles' machine.

In his first season in south London, he made 42 appearances for the club and chipped in at both ends of the pitch, scoring four goals and providing one assist alongside his impressive defensive displays.

He would make another 40 appearances the following season, and even with his current injury problems, he already has 26 this year.

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2021/22

42

4

1

2022/23

40

1

0

2023/24

26

0

1

Total

108

5

2

Alongside his defensive abilities, the Abidjan-born monster has become one of Palace's most prominent leaders and was named captain for the first time in a game against Watford in February 2022, something he described as a "huge honour."

Since then, he has pulled on the armband many more times in the absence of Joel Ward, and he has rarely, if ever, looked out of place doing so.

With all that in mind, you might expect the "top-class" centre-back, as he was described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, to be one of the club's top earners. Yet, his £50k-per-week wage is not even in the top five, and he sits comfortably behind a senior player who is undoubtedly less crucial to the side.

Nathaniel Clyne's wage at Crystal Palace

Yes, the highly-rated and incredibly impressive Guehi earns significantly less – £30k-per-week, to be exact – than right-back Nathaniel Clyne at Selhurst Park.

Now, the first thing to say is that while there might still be some value in keeping the 32-year-old around in terms of experience and squad depth, his number of performances combined with his woeful output makes it a hard case to push.

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2020/21

16

0

1

2021/22

22

0

1

2022/23

25

0

0

2023/24

14

0

0

Total

77

5

2

For example, in the four seasons he has spent at the club since his return in October 2020, the former Liverpool full-back has made just 77 appearances, scored five goals and provided two assists, which is a worse offensive output than Guehi, which just isn't good enough for a modern-day right-back.

Moreover, the "poor" defender, as described by journalist Josh Bunting, is currently earning £80k-per-week, equating to about £4.1m-per-year and making him the joint third-highest earner at the club.​​​​​​​

Player

Weekly Wage

Annual Wage

Michael Olise

£100kp/w

£5.20m

Dean Henderson

£100kp/w

£5.20m

Eberechi Eze

£100kp/w

£5.20m

Odsonne Edouard

£90kp/w

£4.68m

Nathaniel Clyne

£80kp/w

£4.16m

Joachim Andersen

£80kp/w

£4.16m

With the recent arrival of Daniel Munoz and the progressive mentality of Glasner, it seems impossible to justify the wages that Clyne is currently earning, and while he might be a great professional, the club cannot offer to renew his deal this summer.

Cardiff City legend Sol Bamba has been honoured with a new mural in Grangetown, unveiled less than a year after his tragic death at the age of 39. His widow, Chloe, delivered a heartfelt tribute at the ceremony, admitting she will “never be OK” with how her husband was taken but expressing gratitude for the love and support shown by the community.

Bamba's tragic battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Bamba, who played a key role at Cardiff City and later returned as assistant coach, passed away in August 2024 after a long battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The defender had been declared cancer-free in 2021, but the illness cruelly returned and claimed his life just a month after he was appointed Adanaspor head coach. On Wednesday, a three-storey mural of Bamba was unveiled in Grangetown, ensuring his legacy lives on.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportChloe Bamba's emotional speech at the mural unveiling

Speaking at the unveiling, Chloe said, "If you were ever lucky enough to meet Sol, you'd agree that he was larger than life. So to see him memorialised on a three-storey building is just perfect – absolutely perfect!"

Her voice then faltered as she added, "I will never be OK with the way that we lost Sol, ever. But what I love is that we can come together and celebrate him, and we have honoured him."

Reflecting on his battle with illness, she continued: "The illness — the fact he had to fight so hard for the last few years of his life — he didn't deserve it. No one going through that deserved it. It felt incredibly unfair, because he had so much more to do and achieve in his life, and I know that he would have."

Bamba leaves behind his legacy with his three children

Bamba’s death sent shockwaves through Cardiff and the wider football community, robbing the game of a player and coach admired for his charisma, resilience and strength. His wife Chloe and their three children continue to speak openly about his memory, making sure his presence remains alive in their daily lives. Chloe added, "They [the children] are doing so well. His daughters have his strength. We spend a lot of time talking about him. He is not a taboo subject at all. We talk about him all the time, and we do things he would have loved, we play Uno together and share stories. We remember the joy."

She went on: "Every day, I miss him. I have my moments, but I focus on him and his character. One word that would sum Sol up would be strength, so I try to weave that into my daily life. To see the community come together and do something like this to commemorate him means the world to me."

Getty Images SportChloe says she will always support Cardiff City

Cardiff City and their fans will continue to celebrate Sol Bamba’s life, keeping his legacy alive both on and off the pitch. Chloe has vowed to carry on supporting the Bluebirds, honouring the club that gave her husband so much joy. For the Bamba family and community, the focus will remain on remembering the joy and strength that Sol embodied every day.

Manchester United's January transfer window has been quiet so far, but they could be in for a busy last stint with Erik ten Hag demanding reinforcement.

The Red Devils certainly need inspiration, with the side sitting eighth in the Premier League having scored fewer goals than all but three sides in the division.

A new signing could provide that, with a striker the main target for the Dutch boss, who wants to improve his side's output in the final third.

A striker is Ten Hag's priority

According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs via GIVEMESPORT, United are interested in signing Joshua Zirkzee. Below is what the journalist had to say:

"It's not easy for Manchester United to find a striker in this window, but Zirkzee is a genuine target and there has already been some early contact between the clubs."

As mentioned, a deal this month is unlikely, with the Red Devils financial fair play guidelines and Zirkzee's reported £50m price tag hindering the process.

January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland

Stay on top of all the latest transfer deals across the Premier League, EFL and SPFL as the January window closes.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024 How Joshua Zirkee compares to Harry Kane

Ten Hag's biggest problem since the summer has been finding a way to get his attackers firing, with United scoring 1.14 goals per game, which is down from 1.53 last season.

The focus has been on Rasmus Hojlund, who has netted just twice in 16 Premier League games, but Bruno Fernandes (3), Marcus Rashford (4), and Antony (0) have all underperformed in attack as well.

The player who could help ease their attacking woes is Zirkzee, who has been described as a "special" player by Italian journalist Pietro Blazano Prota. The 22-year-old number nine has scored seven goals and created two assists, which is the best goal-contribution record for the Bologna team by three.

Unsurprisingly, football writer Ben Mattinson has compared Zirkzee to former Man United target and Premier League legend Harry Kane, stating that the two are "so similar."

That certainly bodes well for any prospective transfer, and with that in mind, the table below showcases a handful of statistics from their respective leagues that compare the duo.

Goals

0.40

1.32

xG

0.29

0.98

Progressive passes

2.72

2.94

Key passes

1.42

1.20

Touches

42.59

31.72

Although Kane obviously wipes the floor with Zirkzee pretty much across the board, notably for chance conversion and scoring goals, there are still certain similarities between the two. Firstly, they are both strikers who love to get involved in the play and use their intelligence to affect the game from a deeper position, as you can see by the touches, progressive passes, and key passes.

They're both also excellent finishers who outperform their xG, and although it cannot be displayed via statistics, Zirkzee and Kane are extremely composed and will often find space in the box, regardless of how little room there is. The ability to shift the ball quickly to either foot inside the penalty area is what makes them both so dangerous.

The signing of Zirkzee would make United far less predictable in the final third, and he could become a much cheaper alternative to Kane for Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Manchester United's lack of goal-scoring prowess has been a hot topic of conversation this season.

The Red Devils have only netted 24 goals in 21 matches this campaign, which has played a huge role in their current eighth position in the Premier League.

With that in mind, Erik ten Hag will look to reinforce the striker position this January by aiming to secure a short-term fix.

Man Utd's search for a new striker

According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United are interested in signing Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting this month.

Talks have taken place between the club and his agents, as a move could be completed this month.

The reporter took to social media to say: "Man Utd have discussed signing Eric Choupo-Moting, but no club-to-club negotiations with Bayern yet."

Why Choupo-Moting would be a good signing for Man Utd

It is well-known that United's star signing of the summer, Rasmus Hojlund, has struggled to adapt to his new surroundings and with the step up from the Serie A to the Premier League.

The 20-year-old has scored two goals all season in the league, which have both come in his last two matches. Yet, he has been firing in the Champions League with five goals, which proves he's an exceptional talent.

However, the pressure of having to perform can become overwhelming, and his winner versus Aston Villa on Boxing Day was celebrated with more relief than enjoyment. That said, Ten Hag could look to bring in an experienced striker on a short-term deal who can take some pressure off Hojlund's shoulders.

Choupo-Moting could be that individual who is currently playing second fiddle to Harry Kane at Bayern. The 34-year-old has only started three Bundesliga games all season, playing an average of 23 minutes per game.

Nevertheless, the table below proves that the ex-Stoke City player would be a good signing for Man United, based on his stats from the last year across Europe's top leagues.

Non-penalty goals

0.50

Top 17%

Shots total

3.64

Top 10%

Touches (Att pen)

6.87

Top 7%

Shot-creating actions

3.81

Top 9%

Key passes

1.49

Top 15%

Passes completed

21.86

Top 9%

Progressive passes received

7.62

Top 16%

As you can see by his non-penalty goals, shots, touches in the attacking penalty box, and progressive passes received, Choupo-Moting is the definition of a true number nine who would provide a reliable source of goals, unlike Hojlund.

The 6 foot 3 star has even been called "the best target man in the world" by his teammate Serge Gnabry, which potentially foreshadows just how large his impact could be at Old Trafford. That is supplemented by a broad range of statistics, notably the fact that he ranked within the top 17% of forwards at the World Cup in 2022 for aerial duels won.

It's also echoed by his ability to shrug off defenders when running with the ball, tackled by an opponent just 28% of the time when attempting a take-on. That puts the Cameroon international impressively within the best 2% of forwards in Europe over the last year.

The 34-year-old evidently has a completely different style of play from Hojlund, however, and he could well elevate the game of those around him with his technical ability and capability to drop deeper to get on the ball.

This would provide Ten Hag with an opportunity to have different attacking patterns, depending on the opponent and who leads the line. The fact that he ranks in the top 9% for passes completed proves that, whereas the Dane ranks in the bottom 23% in the Premier League, as per FBref.

Overall, the signing of Choupo-Moting could be an extremely smart move, and one that in the interim could well have Hojlund running scared.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso is happy with Kylian Mbappe's impact since he regained the weight he lost due to illness at the Club World Cup.

Mbappe scored two goals in win over OviedoCoach says Mbappe has gained four kilosClaims the overall feeling is goodFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mbappe led Madrid to a comfortable win as he scored two goals in the 3-0 win against Real Oviedo on Sunday. The striker has looked agile and sharp in his last two fixtures, but coach Alonso claims the French forward has gained a few kilos that he previously lost during the Club World Cup when he was hospitalised with gastroenteritis.

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Alonso previously praised Mbappe as he highlighted noticeable positive changes in his mindset and ambition. He further claimed that the reason he is backing the player's form is because of a combination of two things: first, he has already spent a season at Madrid and now wants more, and second, maybe because of donning the iconic No. 10. Mbappe's two-goal contribution further cements his form and provides Alonso a much-needed confidence boost.

WHAT ALONSO SAID

Asked about what has changed about Mbappe, the Spanish manager told reporters: "He's gained four kilos back. He had lost four at the World Championships. He looks good; I love watching him do those laps. When we manage to maintain those distances, everyone closer to each other, we find each other. He did very well today, and the other day too. We're still looking at what to correct, but the feeling is good."

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MADRID?

The ex-Bayer Leverkusen coach was clear about making changes in the future. He stressed that every player will get the opportunity to play. The substitutions depend "game to game", and his intention is for "everyone to contribute." Madrid will face Mallorca next in the league on August 31 before the international break kicks in.

Stuart Dallas’ injury is a massive setback for Jesse Marsch and Leeds United, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport. 

The lowdown

The 31-year-old was forced off deep into first-half stoppage time against Manchester City at the end of last month after challenging Jack Grealish for the ball.

It has since emerged that he has suffered a fractured femur, and The Athletic’s Phil Hay has said that the Northern Ireland international will be fortunate to return before Christmas.

Leeds are fighting for their Premier League status as they enter their final three games of the season. Their 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday saw them slip into the bottom three, level with Burnley on points but with a far inferior goal difference.

It was a sign of the ill fortune that the Whites are currently enduring that the first goal for the Gunners came about from a shocking error by Illan Meslier.

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The latest

O’Rourke has said that Dallas’ injury is a ‘huge’ problem for Leeds at a critical time and thinks that the player’s versatility will be one of the things that Marsch misses most.

The journalist told GiveMeSport: “It’s a huge blow for Leeds to lose someone like Stuart Dallas, especially at such a crucial stage of the season, you want all of your best players fit.

“We know how important Stuart Dallas is to Leeds, he can play in so many positions, which he has done in the past. He’s played in midfield and defence and would probably play up front if he was asked to by Leeds.”

The verdict

Dallas is the ultimate utility man. This season, he has operated in both full-back positions, defensive midfield, central midfield and on the left wing.

The £53,000-per-week stalwart had started all 34 of Leeds’ Premier League matches before suffering the nasty injury, along with all but one league game in the preceding two campaigns, so his importance to the team is clear.

More generally, the Whites’ injury woes this season have been extensive. As of 5 April, they were second in the division for total injuries and first for total days missed (via Ben Dinnery), with the likes of Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper all enduring lengthy absences.

Perhaps if they had better luck, they simply wouldn’t be in this position. Alas, they can’t afford to wallow in self-pity, with their Premier League status very much on the line over the next fortnight.

In other news, a pundit makes a worrying Calvin Ramsay transfer claim.

Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele has revealed why he performs better in France than he did at Barcelona.

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Dembele joined PSG in 2023Enjoys more freedom than at BarcelonaForm resulted in France call-upWHAT HAPPENED?

Dembele joined PSG a year ago for half the price Barcelona paid for him in 2017. The French champions forked out just north of €50m (£42m/$53m) for the pacey winger who tallied 20 goal contributions in all competitions in 2023-24. He recently gave an interview suggesting that he works better under head coach Luis Enrique because he is given the freedom to roam on the pitch.

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Dembele's value may have decreased in recent years, but he has continued to show glimpses of his world-class talent. The 44-cap France international has suffered from several long-term injuries but when fit, he is one of the most formidable wingers in Europe. With Kylian Mbappe leaving his hometown club this summer, Dembele may need to be the man to step up in his absence.

WHAT DEMBELE SAID

In an interview with Marca, Dembele said: "Luis Enrique gives me a lot of freedom. At Barcelona I was more attached to the wing. At PSG, I can play everywhere, as a No.10, on the wing, as a false 9. I had more freedom in the second half of the season. The coach told me to keep moving, except when I had to maintain my position on the wing."

DID YOU KNOW?

The 27-year-old arrived at Barcelona a few months after his current manager Enrique left the Camp Nou. Dembele was unveiled after signing a deal worth over €100m (£84m/$107m) but only scored three times in 17 La Liga appearances in his first season.