^ ^ ‘Never heard anything like this’ – Arne Slot slammed by Liverpool legend over PSG decision

Arne Slot’s decision to start Liverpool striker Alexander Isak against PSG raised eyebrows (Picture: Getty)

Dietmar Hamann has questioned Arne Slot’s explanation for starting Alexander Isak against Paris Saint-Germain, claiming he has ‘never heard anything like this’ in football before.

Isak had not started for the reigning Premier League champions since as far back as December after undergoing surgery on a serious ankle injury which included a fractured fibula.

The 26-year-old had managed only two substitute appearances – in Liverpool’s previous clash with PSG and against Fulham – since his return, but Slot decided to throw his record signing in from the off at Anfield on Tuesday night.

The decision backfired on the Liverpool head coach, though, with Isak making a total of just five touches as the Merseyside giants failed to overturn the two-goal deficit from the sides’ first quarter-final meeting in Paris.

Isak’s ineffectiveness and clear lack of fitness forced the hosts into an early change as Cody Gakpo came on in place of the former Newcastle striker at the halfway stage.

The substitution did little to affect Liverpool’s fortunes, however, with Ousmane Dembele scoring twice in the second period to ensure Luis Enrique’s men advanced through to semi-finals with a 4-0 aggregate victory.

Facing the media shortly after the final whistle, Slot insisted Isak was ‘ready’ to be included in the Reds’ starting XI despite his exit at the midway point.

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Isak managed just five touches before coming off for Gakpo (Picture: Getty)

A late double for Dembele sealed Liverpool a comprehensive quarter-final win (Picture: Getty)

‘I said before the game that if you go to extra-time and he plays the second half and plays 45 minutes, there are only two minutes in between before extra time comes up for half an hour,’ the Dutchman told reporters.

‘I don’t think that was realistic. To play him for 45 minutes and see at half-time how he feels to add five to ten minutes to that, that was a possibility today.

‘But because we already had to make the first substitution in the first half, I didn’t want to make the second substitution five minutes after half-time. That’s why I took him off at half-time.’

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On his shock decision to start the Sweden international, Slot continued: ‘He was twice close to a goal and that’s why you play a striker of his level.

‘There was one header from a set-piece and one great run in behind [Willian] Pacho where he was really close to scoring which was eventually offside. It’s good to have him back.

‘He was ready and if I thought he wasn’t ready then I wouldn’t have played him.

‘If you compare us today to last week, I think it’s fair to say he was completely ready to play otherwise you can’t play a first half as we did, although the second half was even better.’

‘I’ve never heard of anything like this’ – Hamann was baffled by Isak’s selection (Picture: Getty)

Fans and pundits alike were left puzzled by Isak’s surprise selection given the forward had only been used twice off the bench in Liverpool’s two previous contests.

Giving his reaction on Sky Deutschland, ex-Liverpool midfielder Hamann went a step further, claiming Slot’s explanation for starting the attacker was unprecedented and made next to no sense.

Hamann said: ‘He hasn’t played for three months and then he comes up against the best team in Europe and suddenly he should play. And Slot doesn’t want to bring him on because he might not be able to play extra time…

‘I have to be completely honest: I had the utmost respect for the man, but I’ve never heard of anything like this.

‘I don’t know if something like this has ever happened before. Probably, but not in the Champions League.’

Liverpool must quickly regroup and lick their wounds, with attentions immediately turning to what is set to be a tough Merseyside derby away to Everton in only four days’ time.

The Reds will be desperate for a morale-boosting win over their bitter rivals after a wretched run of six defeats in their last ten games in all competitions.

Despite their miserable form, though, victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium could see Slot’s men rise to as high as third in the Premier League table.

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^ ^ Manchester United star ‘agrees deal to leave’ as club prepare to announce transfer

Man Utd are working on incoming and outgoing transfers (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United are not only working on incoming signings ahead of the summer transfer window but are also in talks to sell a number of current Old Trafford players.

Much of the speculation around United ahead of the summer has been on their search for a new midfielder to replace Casemiro, who announced in January his intention to leave at the end of the season.

The Red Devils were already planning to sign a new midfielder before the Brazilian’s announcement, with former manager Ruben Amorim left disappointed by the club’s failure to bring in a No. 6 last summer.

Manchester United have expressed interest in Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Alex Scott ahead of the summer, with Nottingham Forest’s Anderson believed to be their top target.

While United’s priority is midfield reinforcements, they are also expected to sign a new forward to support Benjamin Sesko and are interested in signing a new full-back.

Manchester United’s new permanent manager should have money to spend with the Premier League giants on course to qualify for the Champions League.

They were just sixth at the time of Amorim’s sacking in January but have climbed to third under caretaker boss Michael Carrick.

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Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Picture: Getty)

Old Trafford bosses are already busy making plans for the summer and are just as preoccupied working on outgoings as incoming deals.

Manchester United hope to sell Marcus Rashford to Barcelona and have already agreed to offload Rasmus Hojlund, who looks set to earn a permanent move to Napoli.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his colleagues will look to cash in on Andre Onana despite his desire to return to Old Trafford while Jadon Sancho will finally leave after a dismal spell in Manchester.

Altay Bayindir is set to leave Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)

Another player set to leave is goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who has already agreed a deal to join European giants Besiktas, according to reports in Turkey.

Bayindir, who joined United during Erik ten Hag’s tenure, was the first-choice goalkeeper at times last season and in the early part of the current campaign.

But the 27-year-old is firmly behind Senne Lammens in the pecking order and was in talks over a move to Besiktas during the January transfer window.

While that deal fell through, Bayindir is set to return to Turkey this summer, with Besiktas preparing to announce the transfer, according to Fanatik.

Manchester United were reluctant to sanction Bayindir’s exit midway through the season but it is claimed they are ready to agree a deal ahead of the summer transfer window.

Bayindir looked set to feature regularly for United this season but £18m summer signing Lammens has emerged as the No. 1 at Old Trafford, even impressing legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

As a result Bayindir has not featured for Champions League-chasing Manchester United since September.

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^ ^ Arsenal vs Sporting: Predicted lineup today and Champions League team news

Rice was absent from training on Tuesday (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal have a number of injury concerns heading into tonight’s Champions League showdown with Sporting CP.

The Gunners were given a real test in the first leg of their quarter-final in Lisbon last week but Kai Havertz’s late goal has them in control at the halfway stage.

Mikel Arteta’s side are just 90 minutes from the semi-finals where Atletico Madrid await but may have to get the job done without some of his first-team stars once again.

Declan Rice was absent from training on Tuesday having played the full 90 minutes at the weekend against Bournemouth.

The England international has been almost ever-present in the starting XI this season, missing just one game through injury but is a doubt for tonight’s second leg in north London.

Arteta refused to disclose any details surrounding the issue when he spoke to the press yesterday, insisting Rice is doing everything he can to ensure he is available.

Bukayo Saka has missed Arsenal’s three games since the international break ended with Arteta revealing the winger has been struggling with an Achilles injury.

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Saka has been nursing an Achilles injury (Picture: Getty Images)

Arteta was hopeful he would return last weekend but Saka remains a doubt tonight.

Jurrien Timber has not played since the win over Everton a month ago due to a groin problem with Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori also absent from training on Tuesday.

Arsenal XI to face Sporting – Metro prediction

It’s difficult for Arteta – there can be no further slip-ups tonight but at the same time, he cannot afford to rush anyone back with that titanic clash with Manchester City waiting this weekend.

Martin Zubimendi is among those looking jaded and in need of a breather but with Odegaard and Rice still doubts, there is little alternative.

Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz were game changers off the bench last week in Portugal which may be enough to earn them starting berths this evening.

Arsenal vs Sporting TV channel, live stream and kick-off time

Arsenal vs Sporting kicks off tonight (15 April) at 8pm.

You can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 with streaming also available through the HBO Max app.

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^ ^ Edwin van der Sar warns Michael Carrick made mistake with £74m Man Utd star vs Leeds

Van der Sar watched his old side suffer a miserable defeat (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar believes Michael Carrick made a mistake starting Benjamin Sesko against Leeds United.

United were outplayed by Leeds in the first-half of Monday night’s Premier League clash and despite pulling one back through Casemiro in the second period, suffered a 2-1 defeat to their old rivals.

Carrick was forced into two changes on the night with Kobbie Mainoo picking up an injury and Harry Maguire serving a suspension with Manuel Ugarte and Lisandro Martinez replacing them. Noussair Mazraoui also started at right-back with Diogo Dalot only deemed fit enough for the bench after recent illness.

Bryan Mbeumo has regularly started through the middle since Carrick’s arrival with Sesko thriving in his role as a super-sub with four of his five goals under the interim manager coming off the bench.

The Slovenia international started ahead of Mbeumo on Monday night to little effect with Jaka Bijol having a good night up against his countryman.

Van der Sar, who won four Premier League titles in six years in Manchester, felt Mainoo’s absence on the night played a role in what was a limp performance from the hosts.

But the Dutch legend also suggested starting Sesko was not the right call.

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Sesko laboured up top against Leeds (Picture: Getty)

‘What Carrick has done bringing Mainoo back in, it is important for United to have youth coming through,’ van der Sar told Premier League Productions.

‘He represents certain values and it has made him feel appreciated again has made a difference.

‘Casemiro and Ugarte are similar type of players so I think they missed him. With Benjamin Sesko up front, I am not sure if that was the right option to go to.’

Sesko has a return of 10 goals in 29 appearances for United this season as United’s only traditional no9 in the squad.

Mainoo also missed the game through injury (Picture: Getty)

With United hoping to be back competing with Europe’s elite in the Champions League next season, another club great in Nicky Butt believes another striker must be signed to ease the burden.

‘I don’t think he can carry the club up front on his own, they’ll need another no9,’ Butt said. ‘He’s shown he’s got massive potential, great movement, he works his socks off. He can score a goal and you can see he’s good in the air but he’s not the complete centre-forward for United at that level. He can potentially get there.

‘When you go into the Champions League, it’s just a different kettle of fish. The tempo is totally different, the pressure on it is totally different. You’ve then got to come back and perform in the league, maybe two days later.

‘They’re going to have to go out and buy a top, top player. I do believe in recruitment there’s no point in going and buying a player who doesn’t improve the squad. You’ve got to go and buy the best player. I think Sesko will be a good player for United, I don’t think he needs replacing, but someone who is better than him that can lift his game as well.’

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^ ^ ‘It will never work’ – Gary Neville questions decision to start ‘limited’ Man Utd star

Carrick was left with very few options in midfield against Leeds (Picture: Getty Images)

Gary Neville has warned a midfield partnership of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte was ‘never going to work’ after Manchester United’s defeat to Leeds United.

Michael Carrick suffered his second defeat since taking the reins at Old Trafford on Monday night with Leeds securing a famous 2-1 win to ease their Premier League relegation fears.

The United boss was forced into two changes last night with Kobbie Mainoo ruled out after picking up a knock in training. Ugarte started his first game under Carrick in his place in midfield.

Harry Maguire was suspended as a result of the red card he picked up against Bournemouth with Lisandro Martinez returning from injury to replace hm – before he himself was sent off in the second-half.

With Noussair Mazraoui also starting at right-back ahead of Diogo Dalot after a recent bout of illness, United were far from full strength with Neville admitting he had concerns the moment he saw the team sheet.

United have made rebuilding their midfield a top priority this summer with their limitations in a long-neglected area of the pitch on show against Leeds. Without Mainoo, their only other central midfield option was 19-year-old Tyler Fletcher with him and Mason Mount remaining among the subs.

While Neville saw problems elsewhere in the XI, midfield was his biggest concern, insisting Ugarte’s limitations on the ball meaning he and Casemiro together cannot be considered a viable partnership for the remainder of the season.

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Ugarte started his first game under Carrick last night (Picture: Getty)

‘When I saw the team, I wasn’t sure about it,’ Neville said on the Gary Neville Podcast.

‘Maybe it was Mainoo not in there, Maguire not in there, maybe because Mbeumo wasn’t playing. It just didn’t feel like it was a team that was going to connect together.

‘Maybe it was the Ugarte-Casemiro partnership in midfield which Carrick probably feels he has to use because it is the two he has got and it is the hand he has been dealt. But it’s not a partnership that is ever going to work.

Mainoo missed the defeat to Leeds through injury (Picture: Getty)

‘Casemiro has been a world class player and there were times he was driving the team forward and scored the goal but Ugarte has been well short since he came to the club and if he is to play alongside someone, he needs a football player beside him because he is really limited on the ball.

‘Carrick has not started him in a game, so that means your midfield is blocked. Sesko up front is more than a target than someone who links. I always think if you have Amad [Diallo], Mbeumo, [Matheus] Cunha and Fernandes there is a fluidity to it. When Sesko plays, United are very different.’

United will be desperate to have Mainoo available again in time for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.

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^ ^ Paul Scholes makes confident title prediction ahead of Man City vs Arsenal showdown

Paul Scholes feels the momentum has decisively shifted in the Premier League title race

Paul Scholes fears there is no way back for Arsenal in the Premier League title race and is confident Manchester City will have their measure in Sunday’s top of the table clash.

The Gunners saw their nine-point lead reduced last weekend when their home defeat against Bournemouth was ruthlessly capitalised on by Pep Guardiola’s side who are hitting form at just the right point in the season.

A devastating second-half display at Stamford Bridge, decorated by quickfire goals from Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku helped put Chelsea to the sword and piled the pressure on Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side appear to be wilting in the face of mounting scrutiny and their record against the Premier League’s elite is hardly cause for optimism as they prepare to travel to the Etihad, a venue at which they haven’t won since 2015.

Faltering Arsenal must first overcome Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League tomorrow night before attention will turn to a potentially decisive clash with City, but Scholes fears the result is already something of a foregone conclusion.

‘I just think Arsenal have gone, me,’ the former Manchester United midfielder told  The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast

‘I just think all the momentum is with City. At some point, you have to beat your rivals. I’ve not seen them do it, they don’t win big games.’

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Arsenal were well beaten by Bournemouth last weekend (Picture: Getty)

Scholes’ former teammate and podcast co-presenter Nicky Butt agreed the writing appears to be on the wall for a group of players who are displaying the mental fragility that has reared its head in the past.

‘Until you’ve won it, or got over that hurdle, it is an absolute nightmare,’ he said.

‘You’re just thinking that you’re going to let them down again, and you can see that now with Arsenal and City, especially with Pep in charge, the amount of times he’s won the title.’

Pep Guardiola’s side are hitting form at just the right time in the season (Picture: Getty)

A third former United midfield general and multiple title winner Roy Keane, meanwhile, argued it us up to the senior players in the Arsenal dressing room, including Declan Rice, to get a grip of the current situation and display some much-needed leadership.

He said: ‘Rice has to show more leadership skills. That was a nervous performance. It’s okay being nervous, it’s how you deal with it.

‘When a team is pressing you – and Bournemouth really were – when it goes back to the goalkeeper and you’re showing for it, don’t; you’ve got a big target man.

‘Don’t complicate it, especially if you’re nervous. I’d rather be nervous up the field than giving the ball away cheaply in our own half.

Roy Keane believes Declan Rice needs to show more leadership at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

‘You have to smell these things. It’s not like Arsenal learned from the first half, they were doing it in the second half too.

‘People like Rice, talking about leadership skills, they’ve got to get a grip of people.

‘People are looking at Arteta, the fans are nervous, no – this is on the players.

‘The fans aren’t going to do it for you, the manager can only do so much, he’s got a great squad together in a brilliant position.

‘Arsenal have got to get a grip – or it will slip by.’

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