Football News: December 2023

Sunday, December 31, 2023

^ ^ Gary Neville ‘worried’ by Manchester United’s plans for Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane

Liverpool FC v Manchester United - Premier League — Raphael Varane’s Man Utd contract expires this summer (Photo: Getty)

Gary Neville says Manchester United should be looking to let go of Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane instead of renewing their contracts.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority takeover of United now complete, fans are expecting the club’s transfer policy to undergo some big changes.

This would surely include the Red Devils getting rid of deadwood and allowing underperforming players to leave.

It was extremely surprising and angering to many then when it was reported that United had triggered their option to extend Lindelof’s contract – which was due to expire in the summer – to 2025.

They also want to retain the services of fellow centre-back Varane and offer him a new deal, with his current one up at the end of the season.

However, it is said that, bizarrely, they will not trigger the extension clause in his contract meaning that from the 1st January he will be free to negotiate a free transfer to a foreign club.

It seems incredibly strange that United are prioritising Lindelof’s future over Varane’s, given that the French World Cup winner is widely considered to be by far the better defender.

Everton FC v Manchester United - Premier League — Victor Lindelof has just had his Man Utd deal extended to 2025 (Photo: Getty)

But as far as Neville is concerned, both players should be out the door come the end of the campaign, tweeting: ‘If United are looking to renew Lindelof and Varane (on reduced terms) I’m worried.

‘We have to start afresh as much as possible.

‘Whilst these 2 aren’t bad players by any stretch, a message must be sent to everyone inside and outside of the club that it’s not going to tolerate the levels over the last few years.’

While Varane was a key part of Erik ten Hag’s side last season, a mix of injury and a drop in form saw him surprisingly lose his place to Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans earlier this season.

Lindelof has featured a fair bit this campaign, filling in across the backline during the team’s injury crisis but is currently on the sidelines himself with a groin problem.

United finished 2023 with a 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, a result that has left them seventh in the table, 11 points off leaders Liverpool.

MORE : Tottenham dealt yet another injury blow as Pape Matar Sarr leaves pitch in tears during Bournemouth clash

MORE : Ange Postecoglou delighted as ‘super’ Tottenham star makes shock return from injury to start against Bournemouth

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Saturday, December 30, 2023

^ ^ Kevin De Bruyne still not fit despite returning to Man City squad, admits Pep Guardiola

Manchester City v Sheffield United - Premier League — Kevin De Bruyne is nearing a return to fitness (Picture: Getty Images)

Kevin De Bruyne might be available when Manchester City take on Newcastle on 13 January, says Pep Guardiola, after the Belgian returned to the matchday squad against Sheffield United on Saturday.

The 32-year-old was a surprise addition to the City bench against the Blades, but he didn’t feature in the match, with Guardiola admitting he is not yet ready to return from the hamstring injury that has kept him out since the first day of the season.

Asked about the prospect of De Bruyne playing before the 2-0 win, Guardiola told Sky Sports: ‘I would say not. But he’s training and we spoke yesterday about him being on the bench and in the routine and the locker room.

‘He’s one of our captains so it’s important. It’s really nice to see him back and him being there is proof that he’s getting close to coming back.’

Speaking after the game, the manager suggested it is the trip to St James’ Park that De Bruyne is targeting, rather than the FA Cup clash with Huddersfield on 7 January.

‘Really good – we’ve been waiting a long time for him,’ he said of the midfielder’s return.

‘He’s turning good the last week or so. He came for the trophies today for the picture and to be here and realise when to warm up and how the people support him and look forward to seeing him again. Maybe Newcastle he will be ready.’

Rodri and Julian Alvarez scored in the routine win over Sheffield United, with Phil Foden assisting both goals, leading to Guardiola comparing the Englishman to a club legend.

‘We’re not top of the league but we’re not far away. Titles we won this season. Mood is good, now we rest a bit and have a few days off,’ said the Spaniard.

‘We’ve played these types of games many times, we know and sometimes we handle good sometimes not. Against Villa they played the same system, it’s tight and difficult. We didn’t concede any set pieces second half and when Oscar [Bobb] came in we increased tempo in the final third and created chances.

‘Phil [Foden] can arrive on the sides and make crosses which is tough without Erling [Haaland] or he has to move in the small spaces and in the pockets. Like David Silva in the past. Bernardo [Silva] and Oscar too are really good in the small spaces.’

MORE : Why Rasmus Hojlund is not in Manchester United squad for Nottingham Forest clash

MORE : Manchester United extend Victor Lindelof’s contract until 2025

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

^ ^ Why Rasmus Hojlund is not in Manchester United squad for Nottingham Forest clash

Rasmus Hojlund opened his Manchester Untied goalscoring account in the Premier League against Aston Villa (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United have been dealt a blow ahead of Saturday’s Premier League game against Nottingham Forest with Rasmus Hojlund unavailable for selection.

The summer signing from Atalanta finally broke his Premier League duck at the 15th time of asking against Aston Villa earlier this week and would’ve hoped to build on that momentum.

Erik ten Hag will, however, be without the Denmark international due to illness and has been forced to make changes to his forward line once again.

Hojlund’s absence meant a return to the starting line-up for Antony, with Amad Diallo back in the first team squad and rewarded with a place on the bench following his return to fitness.

With Anthony Martial still absent, also due to illness, Ten Hag was left with little option but to deploy Marcus Rashford through the middle, despite the England international struggling in that position previously.

‘Rasmus Hojlund is not available today due to illness,’ confirmed Ten Hag ahead of kick-off.

‘He doesn’t have the energy to start or be on the bench. You have to deal with it.’

More to follow…

Friday, December 29, 2023

^ ^ Man Utd flop has contract terminated by new club just three months after leaving Old Trafford

Manchester United Training and Press Conference — Eric Bailly (left) was signed by former Man Utd manager Jose Mourinho (Picture: Getty)

Former Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly has had his contract terminated by Turkish club Besiktas just three months after joining them.

Bailly only left United in September to join the Super Lig side but the 29-year-old’s time in Turkey has been a disaster and has now come to an early end.

The Ivory Coast international spent seven years at Old Trafford between 2016 and 2023, making 113 appearances for the Red Devils.

Bailly played just eight times for Besiktas after leaving the English top-flight and the club have put out a statement to confirm that they have parted ways with him.

‘Eric Bailly’s contract has been terminated by mutual agreement,’ Besiktas confirmed on Friday. ‘We wish Eric Bailly success in his career.’

Bailly was banished from Besiktas’ first-team squad earlier this month following a defeat to rivals Fenerbahce.

In a statement after that loss, Besiktas said: ‘Information from our club. 5 players from our Football A Team have been excluded from the squad.

Group D - UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24Club Brugge v Besiktas JK — Eric Bailly played just eight times for Turkish side Besiktas (Picture: Getty)

‘Our Football Teams General Coordinator Samet Aybaba; He announced that Vincent Aboubakar, Valentin Rosier, Eric Bailly, Rachid Ghezzal and Jean Onana were excluded from the squad due to poor performance and incompatibility within the team.’

Bailly was involved in a bust-up with his own teammate Tayfur Bingol in November.

The defender has now become a free agent and will look to revive his career at a new club – which could be Spanish side Villarreal – according to reports.

MORE : Erik ten Hag names five Man Utd players who are set to return in January

MORE : Barcelona 'determined' to sign Man Utd star ahead of January transfer window

^ ^ Ange Postecoglou concedes Tottenham squad is ‘nowhere near’ strong enough ahead of January transfer window

Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, applauds the fans after defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur at American Express Community Stadium. — Tottenham are dealing with a host of injuries to key players (Picture: Getty)

Ange Postecoglou has brandished his Tottenham squad as ‘nowhere near’ strong enough before pouring cold water on any hopes of an active January transfer window.

Tottenham were handsomely beaten 4-2 by Brighton on Thursday as they missed out on the chance to move back into the top four.

Spurs remain riddled with several injury concerns, with Cristian Romero – now sidelined for a month – the latest to join the injury list.

Ben Davies and Emerson Royal once again partnered up in a makeshift central defence combination, with Postecoglou frank about the threadbare nature of his squad after the game.

‘The way we play takes a fairly hefty physical toll – more than the way other clubs play,’ the Australian said.

‘For us to sustain and maintain that and be a team, it’s no secret we need a strong squad. We’re nowhere near that at the moment, understandably so.’

January will see the reopening of the transfer window, but it will also beckon on the latest wave of absentees for an already beleaguered Tottenham squad.

Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur looks dejected following defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur at American Express Community Stadium . — Ange Postecoglou fears Tottenham won’t be able to strengthen greatly in January (Picture: Getty)

Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma and captain Son Heung-Min are due to head off to the African Cup of Nations and Asian Cup respectively and Postecoglou was reticent to promise much in the way of January incomings.

‘We are where we are but nothing magical is going to happen in January,’ the 58-year-old said.

‘What we need to do is just keep building. We’ve had one window with this team to change it around, to do things differently.

‘The fact that we’re in the position we are is a credit to the players. We’ll see what we can do in January but ultimately, it’s about building a side that will get us to where we want to be.’

Tottenham host in-form AFC Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve as they look to bounce back from their midweek defeat and end their calendar year on a positive.

MORE : Ange Postecoglou slams VAR for not sending off Brighton star during Tottenham defeat

MORE : The games Son Heung-min will miss for Tottenham due to the Asian Cup

^ ^ Mauricio Pochettino tips Cole Palmer to reach Angel Di Maria’s level at Chelsea

Chelsea's Cole Palmer — Cole Palmer has made an impressive start at Chelsea (Reuters)

Mauricio Pochettino believes Cole Palmer has the potential to reach Angel Di Maria’s level at Chelsea.

Palmer has made an impressive start to his career at Chelsea following his £42.5 million move from Manchester City in the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old has six goals and five assists for Chelsea this season and is pushing for a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad next year.

Di Maria, meanwhile, is thriving in his second stint at Benfica one year after he helped Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar.

Pochettino worked alongside Di Maria during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain and the Chelsea manager admits he sees similarities between the Argentine and Palmer.

‘In the position that he [Palmer] plays, and because he’s a left-footer and because he has some similarities and the quality, he’s a potential Angel Di Maria,’ Pochettino said of Palmer in an interview with TNT Sports.

Mauricio Pochettino managed Angel Di Maria at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG via Getty)

‘Angel is a world champion [with Argentina], he was in Paris with us, and is an amazing player.

‘He [Palmer] has the capacity and the potential to be close to him, with time. He’s still far away, but this type of player that can link, can be a playmaker, have the capacity to score, assist, it’s this type of player like Angel.

‘Always you expect when you sign a player, you expect that they perform in the best way.

‘But of course he’s performing really well from Day 1, he’s adapted very well to the club, to the teammates, to Chelsea life, and yes it’s amazing, because always you expect the player can perform well, but he’s doing excellent.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thursday, December 28, 2023

^ ^ Hugo Lloris in talks with MLS side as he finally nears Tottenham exit

Everton FC v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League — Hugo Lloris captained Tottenham from 2015 to 2023 (Photo: Getty)

Hugo Lloris looks set to finally leave Tottenham with the former club captain reportedly in talks with MLS side Los Angeles FC.

The World Cup winning goalkeeper looked set to depart north London last summer after 11 years at Spurs, eight of which spent as their skipper.

He was given the all clear to leave by Ange Postecoglou, but despite being linked with a whole host of clubs around the world, he ended up staying put as none of them would guarantee that the 37-year-old would be first-choice keeper.

Even a return to boyhood club Nice could not tempt Lloris and he has remained at Tottenham, though he has not featured in a matchday squad this season, with Guglielmo Vicario and Fraser Forster ahead in the pecking order.

Furthermore, he is no longer club captain, with Son Heung-min taking the armband and spearheading Spurs’ unlikely resurgence under Postecoglou.

But it seems that Lloris’ time with the Lilywhites is at an end, with various sources including the Daily Mail reporting that the Frenchman is close to joining LAFC with talks with the American side in its final stages.

Founded in 2014, the MLS side famously count Hollywood star Will Ferrell among their many co-owners.

World Cup Champions France Portrait Session — Hugo Lloris lead France to World Cup glory in 2018 (Photo: Getty)

Lloris joined Tottenham from Lyon for £11million in 2012 and has since gone on to make 447 appearances for them – ranking eighth on the all-time list – keeping 151 clean sheets.

In 2015, Mauricio Pochettino named him the new captain, replacing Younes Kaboul, but he was unable to win silverware with the team, reaching the 2019 Champions League final and two League Cup finals.

He had better success with France, whom he also captained from 2012 to his international retirement in 2022, and is his country’s most capped player of all time (145 appearances).

Under his leadership, Les Bleus won the 2018 World Cup and 2020/21 Nations League, and also reached the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

MORE : Mauricio Pochettino breaks Chelsea record with his starting XI vs Crystal Palace

MORE : Liverpool approach Fulham over signing Antonee Robinson amid injury crisis

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

^ ^ Phil Foden fires warning to Manchester City’s Premier League title rivals

FBL-ENG-PR-EVERTON-MAN CITY — Phil Foden scored in Man City’s 3-1 win over Everton on Wednesday (Picture: Getty)

Phil Foden has warned Manchester City’s Premier League title rivals that Pep Guardiola’s team have ‘massive players’ set to return from injury.

City have lifted five of the last six top-flight trophies but currently sit fourth in the table behind Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa in what has been somewhat of a disappointing campaign thus far compared to their dominance in other seasons.

But City are set to receive a boost to their title hopes with Guardiola confirming after the 3-1 win over Everton that midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will soon return.

The Belgian superstar has been ruled out since the first game of the season while City also have Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku to come back into the side.

‘We have massive players to come back in with the likes of Erling [Haaland], Jeremy Doku and Kevin [De Bruyne] so three important players,’ Foden told Amazon Prime following City’s victory at Goodison Park.

‘When they come back, hopefully they make the team stronger. I’m looking forward to them coming back.’

Foden also feels that Everton were ‘blown away’ by City and that his side played ‘tremendous football’.

‘In the second half, wow,think we blew them away with the way we played,’ Foden added.

‘I want to praise Everton because I think they’ve been doing really well recently and are a top side. They make it difficult.

‘I’m really happy with the result. It’s a difficult place to come. I think we needed that first goal to give us momentum. After that, we blew them away and played tremendous football.’

MORE : Paul Merson names Arsenal star who makes him ‘worry’ over title race

MORE : Man Utd legend says he's 'going to cry in the toilet' after Liverpool go top

^ ^ Formula 1 stars name their Driver of the Year – but Lewis Hamilton snubs vote again

F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi - Qualifying — Lewis Hamilton finished third in the 2023 championship (Photo: Getty)

Max Verstappen was voted Driver of the Year in a poll by his Formula One peers – with the notable exception of Sir Lewis Hamilton who once again abstained from voting.

In an annual poll run by F1 itself, drivers anonymously rank their top ten drivers of the season with the scoring based on the current F1 points system (25 for 1st all the way to 1 for 10th).

Unsurprisingly, it was Verstappen who claimed the top prize for the third year running after the Red Bull star cruised to a third consecutive title by winning 19 of 22 races.

Hamilton claimed second place after finishing as the best non-Red Bull driver in the actual championship, while Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso was third after an impressive year.

McLaren’s Lando Norris was fourth, but George Russell, the third Brit on the grid and Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate, did not make the top ten after a disappointing campaign.

However, only 19 of the 22 drivers who raced in 2023 took part in the vote, with Hamilton, Liam Lawson and Nyck de Vries missing.

It is understandable that the AlphaTauri duo would not be involved as the pair will not be racing next year.

F1 Drivers' Driver of the Year 2023 results:

Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
Lando Norris (McLaren)
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
Alex Albon (Williams)
Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

De Vries was axed by the Red Bull sister team after just 10 races of last season, while Lawson is back on the sidelines as the team’s test and reserve driver.

But it is strange that the seven-time champion wouldn’t take part, though he also missed last year’s vote.

All drivers are currently enjoying the winter break as their teams ready next year’s cars, with Hamilton and co. hoping they’ll be given machinery capable of dethroning the all-conquering Verstappen and Red Bull.

The 2024 F1 season gets underway on 2nd March with the Bahrain Grand Prix.

MORE : Lewis Hamilton snubbed as McLaren boss names his best three drivers on the Formula 1 grid

MORE : Mercedes respond to claims Lewis Hamilton gave away FIA trophy in protest

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

^ ^ Joao Cancelo names Frenkie de Jong as his ‘most surprising’ player at Barcelona

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong — Joao Cancelo has been surprised by Frenkie De Jong’s quality at Barcelona (Getty)

Joao Cancelo has named Frenkie de Jong as the player who has surprised him the most after he joined Barcelona from Manchester City.

The Portugal international completed a loan move to Barca in September and has quickly established himself as a key player for Xavi’s side in just three months.

De Jong, meanwhile, is currently in his fifth season at Barca having joined in a £65 million deal from Ajax in 2019.

The Netherlands international was Erik ten Hag’s top midfield target for Manchester United last year but despite Barca being open to a sale, the 26-year-old was adamant that he would not leave Camp Nou.

And Cancelo believes Barca have managed to keep hold of a rare midfield talent.

When asked which player surprised him the most after he joined Barcelona, Cancelo said on the 1 Para 1 podcast: ‘Without a doubt, Frenkie de Jong.

Erik ten Hag was desperate for Manchester United to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona (Getty)

‘[Ilkay] Gundogan is also fantastic but I already knew him [from Man City].

‘The impact, the greatest impact I have seen, in terms of quality, here has been Frenkie de Jong.

‘If you trained with him or watched him train, you would realise that he has something different, different attributes.

‘At the level of Rodri, of course, Rodri’s physical build gives him attributes that Frenkie doesn’t have but technically, Frenkie is very good.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

^ ^ Rasmus Hojlund ‘frustrated’ with Man Utd teammates and hated by everyone, says Paul Parker

FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-ASTON VILLA — Rasmus Hojlund moved to Old Trafford in a deal worth £72m this summer (Picture: Getty)

Rasmus Hojlund is ‘frustrated’ with his Manchester United teammates and is hated by everyone, according to Paul Parker.

Hojlund finally scored his first Premier League goal in Tuesday’s 3-2 victory over Aston Villa following 1026 minutes of top-flight action.

United legend Paul Scholes felt that Hojlund was ‘lucky to be on the pitch’ after it took him 15 Premier League games to get off the mark.

The Denmark international striker moved to Old Trafford in a deal worth £72m this summer.

‘Everyone hates Manchester United and Rasmus Hojlund,’ Parker told Tipsbladet.

‘Experts and critics hope that he fails because he plays for the world’s biggest club, which nobody likes.

‘The good thing is that the fans have always supported him, and they will continue to do so.

Manchester United v Aston Villa - Premier League — Rasmus Hojlund has scored one Premier League goal across 15 games (Picture: Getty)

‘I think he has been frustrated with his teammates because they don’t provide him with the best conditions to score goals.

‘The good thing about Hojlund is that he doesn’t show it on the field, and he never behaves like a diva, which we have seen especially Cristiano Ronaldo do in the past.

‘I actually think he could benefit from being more selfish. He should tell Rashford and Garnacho to give him the ball every time they have the opportunity.

‘He is the best player on the team, so they should give him the ball all the time, just like we gave the ball to Eric Cantona all the time when I played.

‘I think he might face a tough time now. If you think the critics will be quiet, you are mistaken. Expectations are higher for him now, and everyone will expect him to score consistently.

‘So, I believe that the next goal, if possible, will be even more important but also more challenging for him because he has to prove that it wasn’t a lucky punch.’

MORE : Paul Scholes names returning Man Utd star who can 'be the difference' for Rasmus Hojlund

MORE : Sir Jim Ratcliffe urged to get rid of 11 Manchester United players by Dean Saunders

Football News

Sunday, December 31, 2023

^ ^ Gary Neville ‘worried’ by Manchester United’s plans for Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane

Saturday, December 30, 2023

^ ^ Kevin De Bruyne still not fit despite returning to Man City squad, admits Pep Guardiola

^ ^ Why Rasmus Hojlund is not in Manchester United squad for Nottingham Forest clash

Friday, December 29, 2023

^ ^ Man Utd flop has contract terminated by new club just three months after leaving Old Trafford

^ ^ Ange Postecoglou concedes Tottenham squad is ‘nowhere near’ strong enough ahead of January transfer window

^ ^ Mauricio Pochettino tips Cole Palmer to reach Angel Di Maria’s level at Chelsea

Thursday, December 28, 2023

^ ^ Hugo Lloris in talks with MLS side as he finally nears Tottenham exit

^ ^ Phil Foden fires warning to Manchester City’s Premier League title rivals

^ ^ Formula 1 stars name their Driver of the Year – but Lewis Hamilton snubs vote again

F1 Drivers' Driver of the Year 2023 results:

^ ^ Joao Cancelo names Frenkie de Jong as his ‘most surprising’ player at Barcelona

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

^ ^ Rasmus Hojlund ‘frustrated’ with Man Utd teammates and hated by everyone, says Paul Parker

^ ^ Ruben Amorim responds to Manchester United fans calling for Chido Obi-Martin debut

Report Abuse

Labels