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Tottenham Hotspur exited the FA Cup in the fourth round earlier this afternoon, falling to a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Jacob Ramsey put the hosts ahead within the first minute before Morgan Rogers struck halfway through the second period to hand Unai Emery’s side a two-goal cushion.

However, Mathys Tel scored his first Spurs goal in stoppage time, but it was too little too late for Ange Postecoglou’s men, as they lost for the sixth time in 2025 already.

It saw the club exit their second cup competition in the space of a week after losing 4-0 to Liverpool at Anfield in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night, with the Europa League their final opportunity to end their wait for a trophy.

Too many players failed to impress once again in the West Midlands, subsequently putting their future starting roles at risk as the Aussie looks to turn around their slump in form.

Spurs’ disappointing performers against Aston Villa

Rodrigo Bentancur started at the heart of midfield once again for the Lilywhites but failed to back up Ange’s decision to stick with him after Thursday’s defeat.

The Uruguayan featured for 72 minutes before being withdrawn, winning just one of the six duels he entered, being dribbled past twice and making no attempts to track back for the host’s second of the afternoon.

Lucas Bergvall looked off the pace once more in the loss, with the build-up of action undoubtedly contributing to his recent poor performances for Spurs.

The 19-year-old lost eight duels, the most of any players, committing four fouls in the process and getting himself carded once again compounding his disappointing showing in the West Midlands.

Despite the lack of positive impact from the aforementioned duo, there was another first-team member who failed to impress, with the talent looking like a shadow of his former self once again today.

The Spurs player who dropped a 4/10 display against Villa

For numerous years, Heung-min Son has been the shining light in a below-par period for the club, often producing the moment of magic to dig them out of a difficult moment.

However, the same can’t be said in 2025, with the South Korean failing to meet the high expectations he’s set for himself during his time as a player in North London.

The display against Villa today was no different, with the 32-year-old wasteful with the ball at his feet, showing signs that the best days of his professional career are now in the rearview mirror.

Son featured for the entirety of the meeting, but could only muster a total of 23 touches, the lowest of any player who started the clash, with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky registering more with his tally of 43.

The forward missed a gilt edge chance to get Ange’s men back in the contest, completing just eight passes and losing 83% of the duels he entered, leading to journalist Japtej Ghura labelling his display as “inexcusable”.

He also lost possession eight times within his 23 touches, highlighting his wasteful outing, getting dribbled past twice with his lack of explosive pace now evident – looking nowhere near the talent he once was.

To top off his showing, Son was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by Express journalist Sam Smith, compounding his misery after the Lilywhites’ cup exit.

Tel’s late goal is proof that is coming to the point where the South Korean may have to step aside to allow the next generation to take over in North London – a difficult decision undoubtedly given his career at the club.

However, football is a cutthroat industry and if the club are to progress and fight for a trophy at any point in the near future, it’s crucial that Postecoglou axes the forward from his starting lineup.

He's now better than Son: Spurs must regret offloading "big-game monster"

Tottenham have a number of problems that need to be addressed at the end of the season.

By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 9, 2025

Manchester United are in dire need of improving their poor form this season having now slumped to 15th in the Premier League, and although relegation seems unlikely, they are set for a record-low finish in the Premier League.

United’s most recent game saw them make their final trip to Goodison Park to face Everton. The Toffees were the better side for much of the 90 minutes, but United managed to claw back a 2-0 deficit to draw, thanks to an inspirational performance from Bruno Fernandes.

It was not just United’s captain who stood out, with new signing Patrick Dorgu also impressing.

Dorgu's time at United so far

The Red Devils made Dorgu the first major signing of the Ruben Amorim era at the back end of the January Transfer window. They signed him from Serie A strugglers Lecce, for £25m up front and a further £4.1m in add-ons.

So far, the wing-back is just three games into his United career. His debut came in the FA Cup against Leicester City, where he featured for the first half. He has also played two games in the Premier League, getting 90 minutes under his belt against Tottenham Hotspur and, most recently, Everton.

The Denmark international was certainly one of the better United players against the Toffees. The Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst was impressed by his performance, giving him a 7/10. He explained that Dorgu ‘has not been ground down by the pressure of playing for United’ so far.

Goals and assists will surely follow soon, too. Before his move to Old Trafford, the young wing-back scored three times and grabbed one assist for Lecce this season, showing his threat in front of goal.

In fact, that is as many goal involvements as a former United full-back, who perhaps Amorim wished he could call upon if he was still in his prime.

Former Man United star is now on par with Dorgu

There are plenty of former Red Devils stars performing well since leaving the club. One of the best recent examples of this is Antony, who has five goal involvements in six games since his loan move to Real Betis.

Well, another player who is doing well after leaving United is Ashley Young. Make no mistake about it, the former club captain was exceptional during his time wearing the famous red shirt, and only left in 2020 on a free transfer to Inter Milan, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge of the club.

The former England international made more appearances for United than he did any other club over his career.

He played 261 games, scoring 19 goals and grabbing 32 assists. Perhaps his best game came against Arsenal in the famous 8-2 win in 2011, where he scored two and assisted three.

The further he got into his United career, Young’s role in the side changed. He went from dynamic and tricky winger to marauding full-back, capable of playing either side. His versatility became key for the managers he had at Old Trafford.

Left midfield

74

12

10

Right-back

56

2

4

Left-back

55

1

7

Left-wing

29

3

9

Right midfield

20

0

1

Right-wing

6

0

0

Second striker

3

0

0

Central midfielder

2

0

0

Centre-back

1

0

0

Now plying his trade for Everton, Young also has four goal involvements this season, just as Dorgu does for Lecce. However, the former England international has one goal and three assists for the Toffees, playing as a flying full-back. At 39 years of age, the former United number 18 is still going strong.

It does make you consider how much Amorim would have appreciated Young this season if he was still at Old Trafford. Given the versatility of the former United skipper, the ability he has to whip in a deadly cross, and the fact he is still contributing to goals, he could have been an ideal wing-back.

Better than Dorgu: Man Utd must regret selling "monster" star for just £5m

Manchester United once sold a defender who is even better than Patrick Dorgu.

4 ByDan Emery Feb 24, 2025

The need for a new striker at Manchester United is there for all to see, with their lack of ability within the final third hugely evident throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Ruben Amorim’s side only managed to find the back of the net on 44 occasions in their 38 Premier League outings, an average of just 1.15 goals per match.

Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes ended the season as the joint-top scorers, both registering eight goals, with no player in the squad registering double figures, highlighting the need for added reinforcements.

Two centre-forward options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, only managed seven league goals between them, with the former hugely touted with a move to Inter Milan this summer.

Given such form, it’s a surprise to no one to see the hierarchy prioritising a move for a player in such a department, with countless players already on their radar.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, numerous names have been mentioned to fill the striker void at Old Trafford, but no deals have yet been agreed to bolster Amorim’s side.

The likes of Hugo Ekitiké, Moise Kean and Aleksandar Mitrovic have all been mentioned as potential summer signings for the Red Devils, but it appears that attention has been turned elsewhere.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is the latest on their radar this summer, with the Napoli talisman expected to leave the Serie A outfit, according to United In Focus.

Their report claims that talks have already been held for the 26-year-old star over a move to Old Trafford, undoubtedly providing a superb option for the club after scoring 37 times on loan at Galatasaray in 2024/25.

It also states that after rejecting a move to Saudi Arabia, his priority is a switch to the Premier League, potentially seeing the Red Devils move to the front of the queue for his signature.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres has been a player firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of months, unsurprisingly so given his previous stint under Amorim.

The Swede netted 54 goals in his 52 appearances across all competitions this campaign, undoubtedly being one of the hottest prospects in Europe, with Arsenal also in the race for his services.

It was reported earlier this week that the hierarchy have made contact with the 27-year-old’s representatives over a switch to the Premier League, with a £55m transfer fee mooted.

There’s no doubt that such a goalscoring record would improve the situation at the manager’s disposal, but he’s never showcased his talents in Europe’s top five leagues, posing a potential risk given his price tag.

Osimhen has managed to thrive in such a department, scoring 65 league goals in his five seasons as a first-team regular with Napoli – helping them claim the Scudetto back in 2022/23. He’s truly one of the great forwards, with European football expert Zach Lowy notably suggesting he is already “one of the best strikers of this century.”

When comparing their stats from the ongoing campaign, the Nigerian has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, further backing up why he’d be a better addition.

He may have registered fewer goals to date, but has notched a higher goal per shot on target rate, highlighting his clinical edge within the final third.

He’s also won more aerials and completed more take-ons, handing Amorim an all-round option that could take United to the next level throughout 2025/26.

Whilst either of the pair would hand the club the talisman they’ve been craving in recent months, it’s pivotal that, with such big money being spent, the right man arrives in the coming months.

From the stats produced and their previous experience in Europe, it’s evident that the Nigerian would be the better choice, pushing them in the right direction to try and return to their former glory.

Amorim's answer to Cherki: Man Utd to make huge bid for "phenomenal" star

Manchester United could be about to land a star who could be their Rayan Cherki.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 10, 2025

Manchester United have now opened talks to sign an “insane” £13m+ colossus, making contact with his representatives in recent days, according to a report.

Man Utd set sights on new goalkeeper

It would be fair to say that Andre Onana has flattered to deceive ever since arriving from Inter Milan, and Ruben Amorim even dropped the goalkeeper for Altay Bayindir at times during the 2024-25 season, with the Turk playing three of the final four Premier League games.

As such, it is no surprise that United are now looking to bring in a replacement for Onana, and they have set their sights on a number of ambitious targets, many of whom are vastly experienced at Champions League level.

Target

Current club

UCL appearances

Gianluigi Donnarumma

PSG

40

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Barcelona

85

Emiliano Martinez

Aston Villa

14

Diogo Costa

FC Porto

23

That said, it could be difficult to attract some of Europe’s top goalkeepers after the Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, and the Red Devils have now joined the race for a perhaps more attainable target.

According to a report from GiveMeSport, Man United have now opened talks with the entourage of OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, although given that the two clubs are owned by INEOS, a deal may not be possible until January 2026.

United cannot do business with the French club until September, so they may wait until January before making a move for the goalkeeper, who is valued at over £13m, or failing that they could look to bring him in on a free transfer next summer.

Man Utd now preparing Zirkzee plus cash offer for "unbelievable" £50m+ star

The Red Devils are now willing to use Joshua Zirkzee as part of a swap deal…

ByDominic Lund Jun 11, 2025

AC Milan and Galatasaray could provide competition for Bulka’s signature, with United yet to engage in formal club-to-club negotiations, indicating the potential move is not yet at an advanced stage.

"Insane" Bulka impressing in Ligue 1

Football scout Ben Mattinson has expressed his shock that the 25-year-old has remained at Nice for so long, given his impressive performances in France, saying: “Marcin Bułka was insane vs PSG. I’m surprised he’s still at Nice after being the best GK in Ligue 1 last season.

“The combination of his shot stopping prowess and quality both-footed distribution whilst being 6’6” makes him a great option for big teams.”

Indeed, the Polish shot-stopper put in what could be a career-best performance against former club PSG back in April, achieving a 10 SofaScore rating after making nine saves from inside the box and preventing 2.53 goals.

Nice ran out 3-1 winners against the European champions, embarrassing them in their own backyard courtesy of their colossus between the sticks, who averaged the second-highest Ligue 1 rating in the squad last season.

As such, Bulka could be an excellent signing for Man United, and he may be a more attainable target than the likes of Donnarumma and Ter Stegen, although the fact they will have to wait until January is frustrating.

Australia restricted Sri Lanka to 93 and were in a spot of bother themselves at 35 for 3 in the chase, when Mooney steadied the ship

Firdose Moonda05-Oct-2024Australia began their T20 World Cup defence with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka, who slumped to a second defeat in less than 48 hours to leave their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread. Australia kept Sri Lanka to under 100, and knocked off the runs inside 15 overs. But their speed of run-scoring was not enough to put Australia on top of the group ahead of New Zealand on NRR, which could prove crucial in a pool where they have already been two upsets.While it was relatively straightforward for Australia, they would be the first to admit that they were not at their most clinical best. Their bowlers sent down five no-balls and two wides, and the 13 extras were the fourth-highest contributor on a sorry Sri Lanka scorecard. That continues a trend of Australia conceding the most number of extras since the start of last year, and is a discipline they would want to tighten up on.Nitpicking aside, Australia held the advantage early thanks to medium-pacer Megan Schutt, who finished with the best figures among the bowlers on a spinner-friendly track. Between them, spinners Ash Gardner, Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham bowled 12 overs, which cost only 55 runs while they shared four wickets.Sri Lanka’s only real resistance came from a 31-run fifth-wicket stand between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshika Silva, and they were the only batters to get more than 20. Sri Lanka ended up well short of a par total, but initially made a fist of defending it. They had Australia 35 for 3 and were fielding excellently, but did not have enough runs to make a game of it.Beth Mooney hit 43*, and sealed the chase in the 15th over•ICC/Getty ImagesAustralia’s awesome startIf there was any thought that Australia would be anything less than their absolute best as their tournament got underway, that was swiftly dismissed as they got off to the perfect start. Schutt started proceedings with the tournament’s second maiden over, and Gardner followed up with a second, which immediately raised questions of Chamari Athapaththu’s decision to bat first.She got bat on ball in the third over, when she guided Schutt past backward point for two, but the over ended badly when Vishmi Gunaratne was given out lbw off the last ball, and reviewed to no avail. Schutt got the ball to tail in from outside off and pin Gunaratne on the back pad in front of middle and leg stump. Ball tracking confirmed her dismissal.Things got worse two balls later, as Gardner beat Athapaththu’s sweep shot and asked for a review after the on-field decision seemed to suggest it was sliding down leg. But ball-tracking judged it to be hitting leg, and Athapaththu had to depart for a second single-figure score to start the World Cup. Sri Lanka were 6 for 2 in the fourth over.Sri Lanka fail to cross 100 second timeSri Lanka’s batters can’t be blamed for trying to make something happen in their search for runs, but their attempts to be attacking were unsuccessful as they could not get the ball to clear the boundary. Samarawickrama, who battled hard to score 23 off 35 balls, was the first to play a poor shot when she swung at a full, wide delivery from Molineux without much conviction, and popped a simple return catch to the bowler.Hasini Perera only faced four balls for her 2, and was then given a gift when Wareham sent down a filthy full toss which she swiped at, but towards Gardner, who took a good catch over her right shoulder. And in the final over, with runs needed to put up a respectable total, Anushka Sanjeewani tried to lap Schutt but ended up scooping the ball straight to Wareham at short fine leg.Udeshika Prabodhani cleaned up Alyssa Healy in the first over of the chase•ICC/Getty ImagesAlyssa’s aggression = Udeshika’s rewardSri Lanka were under the pump when they conceded eight runs off the first three legal deliveries of the Australia innings, but Udeshika Prabodhani had the perfect response. Her fourth ball was on a length and angled in, and Alyssa Healy shaped up for the leg-side flick, but the ball held its line and beat her completely to find off stump. Prabodhani closed out the over without conceding another run, and from nowhere, Sri Lanka were in the contest.Beth bosses itWhen Wareham was run-out in the third over and Ellyse Perry was bowled, the match teetered on an upset. But then, there was Beth Mooney. Arguably the best chaser in the women’s game, she took her time upfront and found her first boundary after the powerplay, when Inoshi Priyadarshani offered a full ball down leg, and Mooney paddled it fine for four.She was into her work when she sent Sugandika Kumari over mid-on for four, which reduced the runs required to under 50. In typically responsible fashion, Mooney was there at the end, unbeaten on 43, and hit the winning run in the 15th over.

The Test team have joined the white-ball pace-setters in setting numerous new benchmarks

Paul Muchmore16-Dec-2022