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Manchester United go into the international break sitting in seventh place, nine points off Manchester City in fourth. and it proves they’ve hardly moved forward since they sacked Jose Mourinho last December. This time last year they sat in eighth, but were seven points behind the top four.

Victor Lindelof was signed by Jose Mourinho and has taken to the media to praise him this week, saying to Aftonbladet (via Metro): “He is one of the world’s best coaches and he is supposed to have a job at one of the biggest clubs. I miss him in football. He’s a great coach and a great person, whom I owe a great deal. It was he who gave me the chance here.”

The centre-back has been a mainstay in the United’s line-up so far this season, starting 11 games in the league. However, even with Harry Maguire in the side, they’ve managed just two clean sheets so far this season. Fans saw Lindelof’s comments when United news aggregator Utd Xtra posted them on their Twitter account, and the reaction wasn’t all positive. Some fans clearly believe the 25-year-old isn’t good enough for their club and that his comments on Mourinho aren’t accurate.

You can see some of their reactions to the tweet below:

Man United fans, what have you made of Victor Lindelof’s start to the season? Let us know below!

Tottenham fans have taken to Twitter to react after Football Insider reported that the club have entered negotiations over a new contract with young prospect Troy Parrott.

Parrott – who only signed his current deal back in February around his 17th birthday – has been in impressive form so far this season with seven goals in just five appearances, while he has also appeared for the first-team in the Carabao Cup defeat to Colchester.

Tottenham are said to be keen to tie the teenager down to a long-term contract, and Parrott’s stock has only increased since he was handed his Republic of Ireland debut in the recent 3-1 win over New Zealand.

Football Insider state that Parrott is regarded as one of the best centre-forwards in his age group across Europe.

One fan said that this is the kind of news that they like to hear, while another Spurs supporter made the bold claim that Parrott could be the next Harry Kane “if handled properly”.

Let’s take a look at some more of the Twitter reaction…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Leeds United fans are probably sick of seeing xG tables at this point.

The Whites have dominated the alternative league standings this term as they indicate that the Yorkshire club should be 13 points clear at the top of the Championship after just 17 games.

Leeds currently sit in a better position than they did 12 months ago – they’re second in the league after 17 games, but United fans will be hoping that they can start dominating the league in the way that the xG table indicates they should be.

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It seems that they’re actually a better team than they were last season, as last term’s xG table at this point has them 14 points below where this season’s version has them.

Yet, United remain in a promotion battle rather than running away with the division, and it’s really easy to point the finger at where the problem is.

They are actually outperforming their expected goals against as they’ve conceded four fewer goals than the standings suggests they should have, so it’s clear that their problems are in front of goal.

United have underperformed their xG by almost 10 goals, and that’s why they’re not running away with this division in the way they should be.

The Whites’ xG points tally is so high due to their incredible ability to create chances as well as their brilliant defence, but despite that, the Yorkshire outfit still aren’t putting the ball in the net regularly enough.

The fact that their xG points tally is 14 greater than it was this time last year shows that only one thing now stands between them and promotion.

Bielsa’s team are doing everything they need to do at the back, and now it’s time for the attackers to start doing their bit.

Goals may be on the way for Leeds as they’ve been linked to a Premier League striker recently, and our writers gave their opinions on the potential signing

With the Premier League amid an impromptu hiatus, perhaps it’s unsurprising that the transfer rumours have started early this year, with Manchester United in the thick of it.

Of course, any rumours always need to be taken with a pinch of salt, especially at a time when the football media is desperate for stories to cover, but if recent claims prove true Manchester United’s starting XI could be nothing short of genuinely incredible by the time 2020/21 rolls around.

Here’s a quick rundown of how the Red Devils could look based on current speculation…

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Goalkeeper – David De Gea: No changes here. Dean Henderson has been impressing on loan at Sheffield United with the second-most clean sheets of any Premier League goalkeeper, but it would surely take a massive offer for the Red Devils to part with De Gea while there’s still three years left on his contract.

Right-Back – Aaron Wan-Bissaka: A strong first season from the former Crystal Palace man in which he’s averaged 3.8 tackles per game in the Premier League suggests he’ll be first-choice next term as well. United have been linked with PSG’s Thomas Meunier, but the 28-year-old could be more of a squad option considering Wan-Bissaka’s done so little wrong.

Right Centre-Back – Matthijs De Ligt: The Daily Star have claimed Manchester United are considering a stunning swoop for De Ligt that would see Paul Pogba go in the other direction to Juventus. The Red Devils were keen on the Dutch defender last summer until he joined Juve in a £67.5m deal, but he’s struggled to impress with an average Whoscored rating of 6.72 in Serie A.

Aged 20, the former Ajax man would still be a wise long-term investment for any top club and certainly provide Harry Maguire with a top-quality partner, something The Star claim Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to find this summer. It’s worth noting, however, that De Ligt’s father-in-law has been quick to quash the rumours.

Left Centre-Back – Harry Maguire: Much like Wan-Bissaka, Maguire has adapted to life at Old Trafford with impressive ease, even taking up the captain’s armband. The England international scored a heroic header in the most recent Manchester Derby and looks like he’ll be a cornerstone of the first team for some time.

Left-Back – Luke Shaw: The Sun claim Solskjaer has been so impressed by Brandon Williams’ development this season that United won’t be on the lookout for another left-back this summer. It’s still early days for the 19-year-old though, so we’re expecting Luke Shaw to remain first choice – at least at the start of the campaign.

Holding Midfield – Saul Niguez: The Star have sensationally reported that United are confident of landing Atletico Madrid’s Niguez this summer in an incredible club-record £135m deal. That might seem like a lot of money to pay for someone who we’ve put in holding midfield but in many ways, that’s the beauty of the Spain international – this season alone he’s played in five different positions, and he seems uniquely adaptable to the demands of whatever team he’s in.

It’s alleged Solskjaer sees the 25-year-old as a potential replacement for Pogba who can operate alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield, but we’ve dropped him back a little bit to make room for another alleged United incoming.

Central Midfield – Bruno Fernandes: Having already bagged three goals and four assists in his first nine outings for United, it’s safe to assume January signing Fernandes won’t be going anywhere next season. He’s already proving to be a vital cog in Solskjaer’s side and it would be a complete shock to see him bumped down the pecking order next season.

Central Midfield – Jack Grealish: The Aston Villa signing arrives to complete a midfield a la Pep Guardiola, with two roaming playmakers in front of a trusted and tenacious anchorman. Despite once again landing himself in hot water after bizarrely ignoring his own advice about self-isolation, The Daily Mail claim United are still expected to land the Englishman in a deal worth up to £80m.

A fine season for Grealish has seen him reach the League Cup final for Villa and contribute to 13 Premier League goals, despite his side languishing in the relegation zone. He’s certainly got the ability to make the step up to a top club, although there are some question marks over his attitude.

Right Wing – Jadon Sancho: According to Mirror Football, with Liverpool excluding themselves from the race, Manchester United and Chelsea will go head-to-head for the services of Jadon Sancho this summer. The 20-year-old is a frightening prospect, with 17 goals and 19 assists this season alone, and offers a solution to the right wing conundrum that has plagued United this season.

Like De Ligt, he represents another wise long-term investment for a top club. However, Mirror Football also claim United aren’t prepared to match Dortmund’s £100m asking price, so it seems some haggling may have to take place before this deal gets over the line.

Left Wing – Marcus Rashford: We often think of Rashford as the centre-piece in United’s attack but he’s actually made more appearances as a wide forward this season according to Transfermarkt, producing a prolific 15 goals and 4 assists in 19 outings from the left. It’s perhaps not Rashford’s ideal position long-term, but placing him there again next season will allow for another key addition up front.

Striker – Harry Kane: Manchester Evening News have suggested a United swoop for Kane remains unlikely but following on from his admission that he may eventually leave Spurs if there are no clear signs of progress, Rio Ferdinand has defiantly claimed that the Red Devils will be in for the Tottenham star, insisting he’s “perfect” for them.

Daniel Levy is notorious for refusing to do business with Premier League rivals, but Kane would no doubt be a fantastic addition to the Old Trafford ranks as arguably the best striker in the world. Even this season, which has been plagued by injuries and Spurs’ wayward form, the England captain has netted 17 times in 25 games.

The final XI

Meanwhile, Paul Pogba’s transfer priority has been revealed. 

Leeds United’s decision to let Tom Cairney leave the club prematurely back in 2007 has looked more and more like a disastrous piece of business over the past few years.

The midfielder was with the west Yorkshire outfit for nine years but was released for being deemed “too small” despite only being a 16-year-old. His 5 foot 1 frame grew to 6-foot, and he’s not looked back since.

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This rejection at such a tender age “crushed” the Scotland international to the point of it being his motivation and thus, over the course of his career as proven those decision-makers at Elland Road wrong. Ever so wrong.

Former Hull City boss Phil Brown took a punt on him following his departure where he played several times in the Premier League during his debut season before landing a move to Blackburn Rovers – the place he really made a name for himself.

But what is he up to now?

Where is Cairney now?

Well, now 29, Cairney has become one of Fulham’s star players as he’s been trusted with the armband by Cottagers boss Scott Parker.

He has enjoyed five seasons at Craven Cottage, including another foray into the English top-flight, and who knows, they could well join Leeds there should the third-place outfit reach the other automatic spot or go up via the playoffs.

The box-to-box maestro has been in fine nick this season, scoring eight times whilst laying on three assists too, via Transfermarkt.

Per WhoScored, he is even averaging an impressive 1.8 key passes, 1.4 tackles and an 89.6% passing success rate for the promotion hopefuls.

Such performances have seen his stock rise to £13.5m, which positions him nicely in second-place for the division’s most valuable player, behind teammate Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is worth more at £22.5m.

Of Leeds’ contracted players, Kalvin Phillips matches it with Helder Costa tagging behind at £9m.

Cairney has made United pay on a couple of occasions, and as seen above, he loves a goal against his former club.

The decision to let him depart west Yorkshire so early has clearly been hugely senseless in hindsight, but then again, they could have given him a platform to shine first. He was only a teenager.

AND in other news, Leeds fans react to Phil Hay’s BIG Elland Road claim…

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has provided Leeds United fans with a fresh update on the future of the current Championship campaign and whether or not the club’s stance has changed at all.

What’s he said?

The west Yorkshire outfit, favourites to win the title with most bookies on www.captaingambling.com, were one of the final teams to stop training and with the entire squad on Marcelo Bielsa’s rigorous fitness regime from home, they’ll be raring to go when and if the season resumes.

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Hay was asked about the latest in a recent Q&A where he reiterated the EFL’s desire to complete the final nine games of the season whilst also claiming that the Whites would 100% argue for the season to be finished.

Here’s what was said:

Government decision

However, the ultimate and final decision will come down to the British government. And while cases are slowly decreasing each and every day, they simply cannot risk a second surge at a future date.

Which makes it ever so difficult to truly know when football will return and if the fans of Leeds will even get to see their team promoted to the top-flight for the first time in 16 years.

The French government effectively shut down Ligue 1’s chances of completing the current season, so understandably there are fears that the same could happen across the English Channel.

But as of today, the EFL and Leeds both still want the season to resume when it is safe and viable to do so.

AND in other news, Noel Whelan claims Leeds must replace Hernandez…

Celtic fan page Celtic1967.com have asked fans what has impressed them most about the club under Neil Lennon and a lot of the Hoops faithful have replied in praise of the manager.

The former Hoops player has completely dominated Scottish football in his two spells at manager of the club. His first spell in charge of the side was from 2010 to 2014, when he won 159 of his 227 matches, drawing 29 and losing 39, whilst he also won three league titles and a Scottish Cup, as per Transfermarkt.

Since he returned to the club in February 2019, the Hoops have played 67 games, winning 53, drawing eight and losing six (as per Transfermarkt), which highlights that he is continuing to do a great job for the club since his return. They are on course to win their ninth title in a row, as per Transfermarkt, as they currently sit 13 points clear at the top of the table, as per BBC Sport.

Lennon was managing the Hoops when they won the first of their current run of league titles and it would be an iconic moment if he is in charge for the side to win their ninth and possibly 10th in a row, which is something the club has never done before, as per Transfermarkt.

Here is what some Celtic fans had to say following the tweet:

Celtic fans, is it due to Neil Lennon that the club is currently so dominant in Scotland? Comment below with your views!

After arriving from Hoffenheim last summer, it’s fair to say Joelinton didn’t exactly set the world alight at Newcastle.

The Brazilian managed just one Premier League goal all season, with his only strike coming way back in August of last year when he struck the winner against Tottenham.

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Speaking to Goal in Brazil (and quoted by The Shields Gazette), the striker admitted that his struggles in front of goal has been a major burden on his shoulders, but insisted that he will eventually come good at St James’ Park.

He said: “I think that for any striker, going for a while without scoring is bad, it leaves us with great anxiety. But I think it’s part of this beginning of trajectory in English football, and I’m not used to being shaken by a bad moment. I seek strength to train, improve and return to the games to score goals and help Newcastle come out with the victories.”

And after hearing about Joelinton’s vow to start firing, Newcastle fans took to Twitter to throw their support behind the 23-year-old.

A couple of fans suggested that Joelinton may actually come good under a new manager, with one supporter claiming that appointing Mauricio Pochettino (who has been touted with the Magpies job) might just do the trick.

After seeing the Brazilian’s disappointing debut campaign on Tyneside, it’s refreshing to see many of the club’s supporters still show their faith in the £18m-rated striker.

At only 23, he still has plenty of time to get settled in to English football, and perhaps this current break may just see him pick things up when the Premier League restarts next month.

David Moyes is preparing the West Ham squad for the return of the Premier League, and it looks like a surprising name might be in the starting eleven for their first fixture against Wolves on the 20th June.

According to Football.London,  David Moyes has a dilemma in the centre of midfield and he could be tempted to bring in a ‘curveball’ option and pick Jack Wilshere in the middle.

This would be a very intriguing option should Moyes go through with it, the Englishman hasn’t featured in the Premier League since 19th October 2019 (largely due to injury) and he only played for 27 minutes, whilst he received an average 6.1 rating from Sofascore.

It is something that hasn’t gone down well with the Hammers fanbase and arguably it would mean the Irons would not be fielding their strongest midfield as the player is not going to be match sharp yet. Indeed, many even suggest that if he does play, it may be the only time they see the 28-year-old during the run-in as they feel he will get injured – his injury record shows that he is regularly in the treatment room.

With Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek, Pablo Fornals and Mark Noble currently seen as better options, and their WhoScored stats prove why this is, if Moyes does pick Wilshere and the East London side lose, then he could receive a lot of criticism from the fan base.

Here is what fans said following the news:

Hammers fans, would you like to see Wilshere involved when the Premier League returns? Comment below!

Jurgen Klopp has spoken about Crystal Palace’s performance against Bournemouth, as the Eagles face his side on Wednesday, and a lot of the Palace fan base are reacting to his comments.

The South London side won 2-0 against the Cherries and dominated the game. The victory meant they had won their last four in a row, and they had kept clean sheets in all of those games. This is a great feat and has seen them climb to ninth in the division, per BBC Sport.

Clearly this has been noted by Klopp, as he said, “I saw Crystal Palace yesterday, they look like a proper well oiled machine.”

The respect he has shown in his comments has seen a lot of Palace fans appreciate what he has said whilst also joking about his fear for the upcoming match as one said, ‘He’s scared’. It has built up their expectations for the match.

With Manchester City beating Burnley, it now means the Reds cannot win the Premier League in Wednesday’s match against Palace, but they can certainly move one step closer with three points.

Here is what fans have said following the complimentary comments from Klopp.

Palace fans, what are your thoughts on Klopp’s comments? Let us know down below!