Ornstein confirms Man Utd interest in Southgate, as second move for former Liverpool man examined
Manchester United are definitely keeping tabs on England boss Gareth Southgate, though they will not be moving for a former Liverpool chief, as per David Ornstein.
INEOS duo Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford are currently taking a look at every aspect of Man Utd to see what needs changing in order to bring major success back to Old Trafford. They are evaluating the performance of Erik ten Hag as manager, leading to plenty of speculation about his future.
On Wednesday, it was claimed that Man Utd think appointing Southgate will help Marcus Rashford get back to the world-class standards everyone expects of him.
In his latest Q&A for The Athletic, Ornstein was asked about the reports linking Southgate with Man Utd.
He replied: “INEOS’ decision-makers definitely like and have links to Southgate — that’s no secret and there’s nothing wrong with it. They probably like a lot of coaches and managers, players and staff.
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“Sir Dave Brailsford knows Southgate well and they’ve spent time together over the years. Ashworth, of course, worked with Southgate at the FA — but that does not automatically mean he is the top choice if a change is to be made or that he is going to be appointed there at all.
Related video: Former Man United and Liverpool players come together to tackle tragedy chanting (The Independent)
There's a lot of different there's a few different answers.
“Southgate himself kind of quashed the possibility of it happening this summer and showed great respect to Erik ten Hag. Rightly so, because Ten Hag is in position and we have nothing concrete to suggest he will be leaving.
“The new hierarchy at Old Trafford will be assessing everything, including Ten Hag, and Ten Hag will also be assessing them and his future. That is only natural as he approaches the final year of his contract (which includes an option to extend by a further 12 months). It appears no firm decisions have been made yet and, with so much still to play for, that feels sensible.”
Ornstein was also quizzed on Man Utd’s pursuit of potential new sporting director Dan Ashworth – who has been put on gardening leave by Newcastle United – as well as ex-Liverpool chief Julian Ward and Southampton’s Jason Wilcox.
Man Utd still gunning for Dan Ashworth capture
“I’m not aware of any breakthrough yet in talks with Newcastle over Ashworth,” the journalist said. “Unless that happens (and you have to think it will at some point), I think he is on a five-year contract with a nine-month notice period (I’d need to double-check that to be certain).
“Newcastle wanted/want £20million and Manchester United don’t intend to pay anywhere near that. United will look at what Newcastle paid Brighton, consider how long he has been at Newcastle and be reluctant to pay much more. They seem happy to bide their time if needed.
“Should that continue to be the case, Newcastle will need to consider whether they want to continue paying Ashworth his full salary to sit at home doing nothing for them. United are also waiting for Omar Berrada to start as CEO this summer, but they could recruit somebody else in the meantime.
“It has been well documented that there is some admiration for Julian Ward — and he would be available to start immediately — but indications are that he will not be joining.
“Jason Wilcox is a target I revealed some time ago and I imagine that deal with Southampton would be more straightforward than Ashworth’s with Newcastle, but again United will need it to be right for them (especially with profit and sustainability regulations a lingering concern) before proceeding.
“They will have other options, too. Many meetings and conversations are taking place, with many candidates for many positions. Some patience will be required to see exactly what the new setup looks like and even then it is sure to evolve as INEOS find its feet and Berrada begins his post.”
READ MORE – Next Man Utd manager: Five Gareth Southgate alternatives analysed as Ratcliffe reflects on Ten Hag future
Chelsea co-owners opt to ‘remove’ Boehly at earliest opportunity but return is possible in 2032
Chelsea will reportedly appoint a new chairman at the earliest opportunity after deciding to oust the incumbent, Todd Boehly, though he could return to the role down the line.
Boehly took over in the summer of 2022, and since then he’s sanctioned the signings of over £1billion worth of players. That has not panned out very well on the pitch, with Chelsea finishing 12th in the Premier League last season, and they’re currently 11th.
It was recently suggested the Blues could opt to replace Boehly at that point. According to the Daily Mail, that decision is one the board are going to make.
Indeed, it’s said the American ‘will be removed’ and a new figurehead will take his place. Given the chairmanship can pass between the owners, it could be that one of Behdad Eghbali or Jose Feliciano – the managers of Clearlake Capital – may take the role.
The company owns a 61.5 per cent stake in Chelsea, while Boehly and two other members control the other 38.5 per cent.
No decision on who will become the next chairman has been made yet, according to the report, but Boehly is going to be removed and it could be that another man entirely is hired, rather than somebody already within the club.Related video: The Problem With Chelsea's Tactics Nobody's Talking About (FourFourTwo)
Well, the very simple answer is the Crystal Palace worked
But while the American is going to be given the boot from the chairman position, he could retake it in 2032.
He ‘would have the option’ to retake his role then should he wish, as another five years will have passed, and the terms of the agreement are clear than the person in the role can change every time that happens.
While Boehly will be stripped of his title, it’s said there is ‘unlikely’ to be much change in Chelsea’s operations. That means recruiting quality young players who they feel can become stars is going to continue no matter who is the chairman.
That could also mean for much more turnover of funds, after £1billion was spent in the first two years. If that is the case, Blues fans will hope the money actually makes them a better side, something that, as yet, has not happened.
READ MORE: Premier League manager rankings: Moyes clambers off the canvas, Ten Hag turns another corner
Arsenal can only afford to drop four more points in Premier League title race, says Carragher
Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal can only afford to drop four more points in the Premier League title race this season.
The Gunners take on Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday in what could prove to be a crunch clash in the race for the Premier League, while Liverpool take on Brighton at Anfield.
90 is the magic number
Kevin De Bruyne scored a brace in City’s 4-1 win over Arsenal in the same fixture last season, but Mikel Arteta’s side go into the game in a far better place, on the back of four league away wins on the trot.
But Carragher reckons Arsenal will struggle to keep pace with City and Liverpool in the final few weeks of the season, explaining that he thinks the winners will need 90 points to claim the title, meaning Arteta’s side can only afford to drop four points in their last ten games.
Asked on The Overlap how many points will be required to win the title, Carragher explained: “I actually think 90 points. I was looking at the points on the international break and what you might need to do. I think 90 points.
“That would be Liverpool dropping four points from where they are, Man City dropping four points, I actually think everyone is looking at Arsenal’s fixtures and thinking I could see Arsenal dropping more than four points with the away games they have got.Related video: Why Arsenal 's Biggest Weakness Was Exposed Against Porto (FourFourTwo)
Arsenal's Champions League qualification looks a little bit more precarious
“I think winning there is not just psychological but because of the points situation, the belief of going to City and winning, you will believe you can go to Old Trafford and win, you will believe you can go to Tottenham and win, which are not easy games.”
Crouch backs Liverpool
Peter Crouch told talkSPORT this week that he believes his former team Liverpool have what it takes to go all the way this season.
He said: “I said Liverpool [would win the title] at the start of the season and I think plenty of people will say there is a bias there and they’re probably slightly right.
“But Arsenal have played themselves back into the conversation for me.
“Manchester City will obviously be favourites given the recent history and you would say it’s a two-horse race, but Arsenal have just put themselves right back in the mix now.
“The amount of games that Arsenal have played where they have just won so convincingly… if they get their injured players back then it’s definitely a three-horse race.
“But I’m going to stick with Liverpool. I still think they can do it.”
READ MORE: Man City ‘expulsion’? They have more pressing issues ahead of Arsenal visit
Chelsea to ‘come in strong’ for Brazil starter who’ll cost record fee after multiple ‘refused’ offers
Chelsea are one of five clubs who it’s said will ‘come in strong’ for Brazilian goalkeeper Bento, who has started back-to-back international games, and his club have ‘refused’ multiple offers for him.
The goalkeeper situation at Stamford Bridge seems to be up in the air again less than a year after two new stoppers were signed. As Edouard Mendy left for Saudi Arabia in the summer and Kepa Arrizalabaga went on loan to Real Madrid, Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic were added to the Chelsea squad.
But Sanchez failed to convince in the first-half of the season, and was then injured, leading Petrovic – who was really only signed as a backup – to be given the gloves.
Chelsea want Bento
The Blues do not seem as if they will settle for players they don’t deem good enough, and while Petrovic has done well when required, they are looking at other goalkeeper options – Brazilian Bento is now one name on that list.
According to Globo, Chelsea are one of five clubs who ‘promise to come strong in the next transfer window’ for Bento. Alongside them are Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Inter Milan and Benfica.
Bento has been the starter for Athletico Paranaense for the past two seasons, and is a full Brazil international – he played the last two games for his country, against England and Spain, keeping a clean sheet in the former.
It’s said his club have ‘already rejected proposals’ of approximately £13million for him, – Benfica offered below that and Inter have previously been in the mix – and that he’s now a full international, his price will be rising.Related video: The Problem With Chelsea's Tactics Nobody's Talking About (FourFourTwo)
Well, the very simple answer is the Crystal Palace worked
Indeed, it’s said Bento is now ‘more valued’ than the offers that have been rejected and in the coming days the goalkeeper’s agent and his club will ‘sit down’ to define his price.
Athletico want world-record fee
It seems he’s going to be value very highly, as the report states Athletico ‘intends to make Bento the biggest deal for a goalkeeper in European football’, with the sides tracking him all from the continent.
Kepa’s £72million transfer to Chelsea is the most-expensive fee a club has ever paid for a goalkeeper, so it seems the Blues may have to break their own record if they are to land Bento.
That will not come without its challenges given their current Financial FairPlay issues, and they may have to sell some stars before they can land the Brazilian.
READ MORE: Chelsea co-owners opt to ‘remove’ Boehly at earliest opportunity but return is possible in 2032
Pochettino details ‘surprise’ at Southgate decision that saw Chelsea man return injured from England duty
Mauricio Pochettino has admitted it “is a surprise” that Ben Chilwell played both England games during the international break, as the boss is now unsure if his left-back will be fit for the next Chelsea game.
Chilwell has missed 15 Premier League games this season due to hamstring and knee problems. After a long injury lay off, the Blues left-back returned to the fold for six games, before sitting out the last game before the international break with injury.
However, he then started both of England’s games – with Luke Shaw injured – completing 67 minutes against Brazil before he played the entire 90 minutes against Belgium, receiving a knock in the closing stages.
Pochettino has admitted he was somewhat surprised with Chilwell’s heavy involvement given he missed Chelsea’s last game before he went off to represent England.
“I don’t know if he cannot play with us or be available, because he didn’t play after Brentford with us,” Pochettino said in a press conference.
“He played a few minutes against Leicester. He started two games. Yeah, maybe, it’s a surprise for us. But it’s bad luck because he got a dead leg in the last moment of the game against Belgium.”
There was also an issue with top scorer Cole Palmer on international duty, which led to him playing no minutes. However, Pochettino has revealed the winger, who has 14 goals and 12 assists this season, should be involved against Burnley.Related video: Really difficult situation for Lavia - Pochettino (English Football Channel)
but how is he? Because he's made this big money
“I was talking with him, he’s a little bit disappointed because he cannot play or perform with the national team,” Pochettino said.
“The first game he had a small problem and I think he thought he could play against Belgium but he didn’t play.
“Now he is okay and training well. Still one more training session tomorrow but if he responds tom”rrow in the same way, he will be available on Saturday.”
Chelsea could conceivably rise from 11th to eighth in the Premier League table with a win against 19th-placed Burnley, who have come out on top in just four league games this season.
READ MORE: Who are the favourites to be the next England manager after Gareth Southgate?
James Maddison ‘very, very grumpy’ after ‘disappointing’ Gareth Southgate snub for England
James Maddison is “very, very, very grumpy” at watching England from the bench, but insists he no longer “sulks” as he would have done as a teenager, just wants the opportunity to make a difference.
The Tottenham playmaker will be hopeful of a place in Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad when it is announced in May, having made an eye-catching cameo appearance in the 2-2 draw with Belgium on Tuesday.
“I just want that opportunity.”
After sitting out the loss to Brazil, Maddison came on to tee up Jude Bellingham for the last-gasp equaliser against the Red Devils.
It was Maddison’s sixth England cap, but he has never completed a full 90 minutes for the senior side.
Asked if he was happy to be able to make an impact, the former Leicester player said: “Yes, but we’ve got 26 players who are capable of that.
“There is big competition, a lot of quality in the squad. You have to make sure when you are called upon, you have to go and do the business.
“I don’t lack the confidence and belief in myself to do that, but you still have to go and do it, you have to produce. I just want that opportunity, I want that time on the pitch, because I know what I’m capable of.
“It’s not the be-all and end-all that I got an assist. I know the quality that I have and possess and that can help this team, most definitely. You’ve also got to show it and you have also got to have the opportunity to show it.Related video: James Sharman still has faith in Gareth Southgate! (Homestand Sports)
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“I didn’t feature in the first game, which was disappointing because I wanted to play in a big game at Wembley.
“I came on (against Belgium) and made an impact. I’m showing him (Southgate) what I’m capable of and I just want to show more of that.”
Older and wiser
Maddison explained how he had watched from the bench against Belgium, seeing the spaces in which he felt he could operate.
While he is plotting and planning, though, he also admits to being frustrated at not being on the pitch.
“Grumpy. Very, very, very grumpy is the first thing I’d say,” he replied when asked what he is like sat on the bench.
“But once you accept the fact you’re on the bench. I’m experienced now, I’m 27. On the odd occasion when I was younger, I’d be sulking, I’d be moody, probably not go about it the right way as a teenage James Maddison.
“Now I’m older, I just assess the game and see where I can have an impact. I noticed here there was a lot of space between the lines.
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“Their midfield started really strong but it looked like they tired – it’s a big pitch, Wembley – and I knew I’d be able to have an impact. So I studied the little pockets, I got on and managed to make it work.”
There is fierce competition for a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad and the self-confident Maddison is now targeting a good end to the campaign with Spurs to aid his cause.
“I don’t feel any pressure. Once you’re away from here you can only play well for your club,” he said.
“I’ve been in the squad for 18 months now. I feel really at home. I have got a great relationship with all the staff and the players.”
Making it to Germany would give Maddison a chance to play in a major tournament after a niggling knee injury saw him miss England’s 2022 World Cup campaign despite being part of the squad in Qatar.
“That was a very difficult time, what people don’t see behind the curtain,” he said.
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“I had an injury that I just couldn’t shake off. I got myself back training after the group stages but I wasn’t really right.
“I was so disappointed, because going to a major tournament with your country is the pinnacle and you want to impact. I’m hungry to get there now.”
READ MORE: Mainoo bolts into the famous F365 Euro 2024 England ladder, which has a new No. 1
