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Last weekend, Manchester United frustrated Liverpool once again with a 2-2 draw that was almost identical to the FA Cup clash.

Although the result on paper is relatively impressive, the performance once again left a lot to be desired, and in truth, Jurgen Klopp’s side could have had a healthy lead at the break, given how often they broke through the Red Devils defence.

For a proportion of the United faithful, they would rather see complete performances than pick up unconvincing victories like they have all season.

Erik ten Hag must change his approach against Bournemouth this weekend, as they simply can’t afford to give the opponent so many opportunities, and that tweak could start with the removal of one player in particular.

Casemiro’s 23/24 campaign so far

After a relatively impressive first campaign in the Premier League, there may have been an expectation that Casemiro would continue to perform at the heart of the Man United midfield.

However, in October, the Brazilian picked up an injury that saw him miss 83 days of action and 17 matches in total, which left Ten Hag with a difficult squad selection dilemma.

Since returning from his setback, Casemiro’s performance standard has completely plummeted, with the basics even becoming a challenge at times, even being called a “liability” out of possession by football writer Casey Evans, who added that the Brazilian picks up too many bookings and gives away fouls in dangerous positions too often.

Nonetheless, the former Real Madrid ace has started 17 Premier League games this season, being preferred to Sofyan Amrabat in the defensive midfield position alongside Kobbie Mainoo.

The "impressive" star Man United could sign to partner Mainoo

The Man United target could be signed for £0 this summer.

ByTom Lever Apr 12, 2024 Why Casemiro must not start against Bournemouth

Unless personnel are changed, the same problems that have haunted the Red Devils since the first game of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers will continue to occur.

Unfortunately, Casemiro’s decline has been rather rapid, with the midfielder now visibly causing issues for his side rather than impacting the game in a positive manner.

This has been apparent over the last few months, but it was particularly highlighted against Liverpool last weekend, as he struggled on every front.

The Manchester Evening News’ player ratings from the game also support that, handing him a 5/10 rating for his performance, and the statistics from that game also suggest he was disappointing.

Pass accuracy

69%

Possession lost

16

Long balls (Accurate)

5 (0)

Tackles

4

Clearances

6

Duels won

5/11

Dribbled past

3

Having said that, as you can see, the 32-year-old was actually rather strong defensively, making four tackles and six clearances, which helped United pick up a point.

However, there’s little use in a player winning the ball back if they’re just going to give it away cheaply and continuously, which is where Casemiro has particularly fallen short recently.

The number 18 had a 69% pass accuracy, and he also lost possession 16 times, which prevented United from gaining control and, more alarmingly, he gave Liverpool plenty of chances to counter.

This complacency in possession simply cannot occur against the Cherries this weekend, with the side extremely strong on the counterattack with the quality of Dominic Solanke up front.

Furthermore, Casemiro was dribbled past on three occasions and lost six of his 11 duels, which proves his athleticism is now a problem, with journalist Richard Keys alluding to the fact that he’s not "able to run".

Overall, it’s quite clear that as each game goes by, Casemiro is struggling even more, with his decision-making on and off the ball becoming an issue, and it’s no surprise to see that he’s on the list of players to sell this summer.

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are locked in "tense" negotiations for Conor Gallagher as Joao Felix makes his decision on Stamford Bridge move.

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Chelsea still in contact with AtleticoFelix & Gallagher deals being discussedPortuguese ready for Stamford Bridge WHAT HAPPENED?

The discussions between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid initially centred around a deal that would see both Gallagher and Samu Omorodion switch clubs. However, the agreement regarding Omorodion fell through at the last minute, complicating the negotiations and putting Gallagher’s move to the Spanish capital on hold. Despite this setback, the talks between the two clubs have not collapsed, and there is still cautious optimism that a deal can be reached, according to

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Felix has already indicated his willingness to return to Chelsea, where he had been on loan earlier in his career. This has added a layer of urgency to the negotiations, with Atletico Madrid eager to finalise the deal as soon as possible as the Spanish club is keen to have Gallagher join their squad, and they are pushing Chelsea to meet their demands to ensure the transfer goes through.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to the Rojiblancos have set a loose deadline to finalise the transfer, as they aim to present Gallagher alongside their other summer signings during a planned presentation next Wednesday. Atletico Madrid have been pushing Chelsea to increase their offer for Felix, with the latest proposal reportedly standing at £40 million (€46 million), along with an increase in variables. However, Chelsea has yet to submit a firm offer that meets Atletico’s expectations.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

As the weekend approaches, it is expected that negotiations will intensify, with both clubs eager to reach a resolution. Should a deal be reached, it would pave the way for Gallagher’s move to Madrid, allowing Atletico to complete their summer transfer business on a high note, with Felix moving in the opposite direction.

Canada coach Bev Priestman has been criticized by members of her Olympic roster for not taking ‘responsibility’ during the Paris 2024 drone scandal.

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Priestman criticized by players over drone scandalIncident at Olympics led to six-point deductionFIFA also banned the coach for a yearWHAT HAPPENED?

Canada Soccer was at the center of controversy during the Games this summer after New Zealand, its women's team's first opponent, spotted a drone flying over one of its training sessions. It transpired that a Canada staff member, Joseph Lombardi, had been spying on the opposition, leading to his imprisonment before he accepted an eight-month suspended sentence. Following that, past incidents of spying via drones came to light, leading to Priestman being banned for a year by FIFA, the Canada team being deducted six points and the federation beginning an investigation.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Somehow, Canada still managed to progress from the group stage, winning all three of its matches to reach the quarter-finals against all odds. However, that was as far as the 2020 Olympic gold medallists would go in a tournament marred by a controversy that will not go away quietly, as investigations continue.

WHAT THE CANADA PLAYERS SAID

Two members of Priestman's Paris 2024 roster, defender Gabby Carle and striker Evelyne Viens, have now spoken candidly about the Olympics on the latest episode of , with the former unhappy with a lack of responsibility taken by the head coach during the tournament.

"She told us she was going to take all responsibility. You want candid? In my opinion, she didn't. I think she kind of went around and I don't think that was okay," Carle said. "At the end of the day, whatever happened to her, happened. But I think initially we just thought, 'Okay, this is being handled. Our coaches are dealing with this. Our head coach is dealing with this. It's under control'. And then the very next day, we see the press release and we realize, 'Oh, accountability is not being taken'. Then it just kept getting worse and worse and worse.

"I think we're really lucky that our team had such a great leadership group, also a group that already had so much experience and people that had been in in weird situations like these ones before. This was definitely our worst crisis but we had been in crisis before, so I think we were handling it well and we knew that we could do this without a head coach, or with the staff that remained – who were so great, by the way. I think we were so lucky to have them."

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DID YOU KNOW?

In a report during the Olympics, sources told that the Canada national teams had been partaking in spying for many years, including during Tokyo 2020 when the women's side won Olympic gold. Canada Soccer is investigating the whole situation, including these past incidents, with its findings to be revealed in due course.

Viens, meanwhile, is hopeful that the controversy will not overshadow past achievements of the national team, which also won bronze medals at London 2016 and Rio 2016. "I really hope for all the [veterans], for everyone, that from what they find, our reputation is not damaged or something because the players have just been going through so much and just worked for the country," she said.

"I really hope the whole world doesn't think we're cheaters because we're not. We're just hard workers that… We don't play for the money, we don't play for that, we just play for our badge and representing our country and making people proud. I just really hope that people of the world don't think we're cheaters."

Suzie Bates is sandwiched between the two at No. 2 in the latest ICC T20I rankings

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Mar-2020Beth Mooney’s 259 runs in six innings at the Women’s T20 World Cup, the most in a single edition, has seen her move up two spots and become the new No. 1 T20I batter in the world.Mooney scored 60 in the must-win group-stage game against New Zealand, then 28 in the semi-final against South Africa and finally 78 not out in the final against India on Sunday at the MCG, which Australia won to take the trophy for a fifth time. Her consistent run-scoring through the World Cup won her the Player of the Tournament award too.India’s 16-year-old Shafali Verma had entered the playoff stage of the World Cup ranked No. 1, but a washed-out semi-final against England and 2 in the final meant she dropped to third.New Zealand’s Suzie Bates remained in second place.This is the first time Mooney has been at the top of the rankings chart; the closest she had come to being No. 1 was in March 2018, when she was ranked second. Her opening partner Alyssa Healy, who collected the Player of the Match award at the final for her blazing 39-ball 75, climbed two spots to fifth. The other big mover among batters was South Africa’s Laura Woolvardt, who moved 13 places to No. 31.Among bowlers, the top four of Sophie Ecclestone, Megan Schutt, Shabnim Ismail and Amelia Kerr held on to their spots, Jess Jonassen and Deepti Sharma exchanged spots, the Australian moving up to fifth position after picking up 3 for 20 in the final. Jonassen’s career-best tally of 728 ranking points got her into the top five for the first time since November 2017.Apart from being ranked No. 6 among bowlers, Sharma also jumped two spots to become No. 5 among T20I allrounders. Ahead of her are Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Nat Sciver and Hayley Matthews.

Tottenham could look to their Premier League rivals to bolster their frontline this summer, it has been reported.

Spurs set for Europa League?

A disappointing defeat at the hands of bitter rivals Arsenal in their most recent outing has left Champions League football out of Tottenham's hands heading into the final month of the season.

Ange Postecoglou's side currently sit fifth in the Premier League, seven points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, though they do have two games in hand on Unai Emery's side.

However, they are still relying on the Villans to slip up in their final three games of the season, with Villa needing to drop points on at least one occasion for Spurs to have any chance of Champions League football.

Meanwhile, their own fixtures are not easy; they head to London rivals Chelsea and fallen title challengers Liverpool in the coming days, while they also face reigning champions Manchester City in their final five games, alongside matches against already-relegated Sheffield United and relegation battlers Burnley.

The battle for Champions League football

Game

Aston Villa

Tottenham Hotspur

34

N/A

Chelsea (A)

35

N/A

Liverpool (A)

36

Brighton (A)

Burnley (H)

37

Liverpool (H)

Manchester City (H)

38

Crystal Palace (A)

Sheffield United (A)

Regardless of where they finish this season, summer business seems certain, with the attack an area that the club are keen to strengthen. Timo Werner has enjoyed a strong loan spell but there is no indication as to whether the deal will be made permanent.

Now, Spurs have been linked with an audacious move for a Premier League star that could be an alternative to the German.

Could Marcus Rashford really be a target?

The latest links come courtesy of reports in Spain, which name Spurs as one of three clubs keen on Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.

The Manchester United academy graduate has struggled this season after a fine campaign in 2022/23, and recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils are open to parting ways with him this summer with Rashford among those thought to be transfer listed by the Red Devils hierarchy.

Spurs can solve Werner blow by giving teen "superstar" his senior debut

Ange Postecoglou would please many supporters by making this bold call…

ByAngus Sinclair May 1, 2024

That is in part for financial reasons, with Rashford's £315,000-per-week salary among the highest at Old Trafford, while his homegrown status means that any sale will be recorded as pure profit in a boost for Financial Fair Play compliance.

As per a report in Spain, PSG and Bayern Munich are among the clubs keeping tabs on the Englishman, but so too are Tottenham, who don't want 'to be left behind in the race to acquire the services of the versatile attacker'.

They add that Rashford is an attractive option due to 'his ability to perform both as a winger on both wings and in the number 9 position', in a way similar to Son Heung-min, who has played across the frontline for Postecoglou this season.

He would certainly be an exciting addition in north London and add some serious firepower, with Xavi pointing out just how dangerous he can be before United's clash with Barcelona last season.

"In the transition he is very, very dangerous so, yes, we need to take care of all of them, but especially Rashford," he claimed.

"He's one of the most dangerous players now in Europe, yeah. He's very fast, he has a very good at dribbling in one-versus-one."

However, the reported £70m asking price combined with wages is almost double that of second-highest earner James Maddison, making a move wholly unlikely barring a major shift in circumstances or demands.

The Brazilian had another shocker, but he was far from alone as United's arch-enemies ran riot once more

Manchester United went the whole of last season against Liverpool unbeaten, but normal service was resumed on Sunday as they were shredded by their arch rivals in a 3-0 loss which actually felt kind given the balance of play.

Liverpool were denied an early goal by VAR in the sixth minute from Trent Alexander-Arnold as Mohamed Salah got a touch while offside. United fans gloated when the decision was announced, but their joy was soon sucked away by a sharp finish from Luis Diaz after a hospital pass from Casemiro was hoovered up by Ryan Gravenberch.

A Casemiro slip-up played a role in Liverpool's second goal, too; literally in this case as he was bundled over by Diaz, who then collected the ball from Salah before scoring his second.

Casemiro was hauled off at half-time, but it made little difference and Kobbie Mainoo became the latest victim of Liverpool's high press, leading to Mohamed Salah scoring his customary goal against United.

GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Andre Onana (4/10):

Didn't get close to any of the goals, although they were all brilliant finishes.

Noussair Mazraoui (3/10):

Got destroyed by Diaz in the first half. Had United's only notable effort on goal in the first half when he tested Alisson.

Matthijs de Ligt (3/10):

Made a strong start but his confidence went downhill after the first goal.

Lisandro Martinez (4/10):

Showed some spirit but it was not always helpful, such as when he got booked in the first half. Tried an overhead kick which missed the target.

Diogo Dalot (4/10):

Struggling again on the left and it seems unfair he's being played there to accommodate Mazraoui.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Kobbie Mainoo (4/10):

A rare poor game. Did very little of use with the ball and was easily dispossessed for the third goal.

Casemiro (2/10):

One of his worst games, only one mark above the Crystal Palace nightmare. Responsible for first two Liverpool goals and his passing was sloppy throughout. Mercifully hooked by Ten Hag at half-time.

Bruno Fernandes (4/10):

Looked helpless out there trying to plug the gaps in midfield and create something. His frustration told with a wild shot over the bar late on.

Getty ImagesAttack

Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):

Frequently nullified by the excellent Robertson.

Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):

Kept the faith and had his side's best effort of the game when he was thwarted by a fine save from Alisson.

Marcus Rashford (3/10):

His runs were ineffective and his passes were either under or over-hit.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Toby Collyer (5/10):

A pretty tough environment to make his Premier League debut but at least looked more comfortable than Casemiro.

Harry Maguire (5/10):

Made the team ever so slightly more solid and no more goals were leaked when he came on. Had a go in attack.

Amad Diallo (5/10):

Showed some promise but had no support.

Christian Eriksen (N/A):

Introduced in the 86th minute.

Erik ten Hag (4/10):

No real issue with his selections or substitutes, but the result and performance say it all. He has three points after his first three games in all of his three seasons with United.

Assistant coach says West Indies’ fast-bowling stocks are at their highest since the 1980s

Alan Gardner15-Jun-2020England have felt the heat from West Indies’ resurgent battery of quicks on more than one occasion in recent years, most notably during heavy defeats in Barbados and Antigua 18 months ago. The fires stoked by Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel and Jason Holder have drawn comparison with West Indies attacks of old, and the team’s assistant coach, Roddy Estwick agreed that Caribbean fast-bowling stocks were at their highest since the 1980s.Roach, notably, dismantled England with match figures of 8 for 82 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in 2019, having claimed 5 for 17 as the tourists were shot out for 77 the week before in Bridgetown, and has already indicated he is keen to “get stuck into them” again on this tour. While his regular new-ball partner Gabriel is currently working his way back from an ankle injury, young talents Alzarri Joseph and Chemar Holder – described by coach Phil Simmons as a potential “great of West Indies cricket” – are also in the squad to face England.Gabriel could still come into contention if he can prove his fitness, while alongside him in West Indies’ 11-man back-up group are the likes of Oshane Thomas, Anderson Phillip and Keon Harding. Even without Jofra Archer, who played for West Indies U19s but will line-up for England, such strength in depth suggests the Caribbean is once again “blessed” with pace options.ALSO READ: Simmons: WI will be ready and looking to defend our trophy”The fast bowling is very key to us,” Estwick said. “Shannon, Jason, Alzarri, Kemar. The four big fast bowlers, they’re here but what we’ve [also] got on this tour is a group of youngsters coming through: Chemar Holder, Oshane Thomas, Anderson Phillip. We’re beginning to get blessed with fast bowlers again in the West Indies, so that’s an exciting time for us. So we’re looking forward to this series and looking forward to seeing how the fast bowlers go.”Roach’s importance becomes clear when you look at the performances of West Indies’ quicks since he returned to the Test set-up in 2017, on their last tour of England. In that period, only a handful of fast bowlers have taken their wickets at a better strike rate than Roach’s 45.6. Not far behind are Holder (45.9) and Gabriel (47.6), while England’s most penetrative seamer over the same timeframe is 37-year-old James Anderson, who strikes every 53.4 balls.Estwick has worked regularly with Roach, Gabriel and Holder since he was first appointed bowling coach in 2016, and said that they now had the necessary combination of fitness and experience to challenge batting line-ups around the world.”So there’s six or seven around the age of 20, 22-23, so that’s really exciting. Once we can put programmes in place and get them up to a certain standard and get them fit, we should have that pyramid we’re looking for, and once Shannon and Roachy move on, we’ve got people to fill their boots.”West Indies have been training at Old Trafford since landing in England last week and Estwick suggested the bowlers were currently operating at around 80%, with players on both sides striving to get match fit after a long break due to Covid-19 lockdowns. Gabriel has not played at all since September but Estwick said he had regained some of his confidence after ankle surgery and would be trusted to tell the management if he felt he could make it through a Test match.After memorable encounters in 2017 and 2018-19, this series will mark the third time teams led by Holder and Joe Root have contested the Wisden Trophy. West Indies’ Headingley win three years ago was their first in Tests in England since 2000, and Estwick held out the hope they could go one further over the coming weeks.”We got beaten badly at Edgbaston and regrouped and had a famous win at Headingley. What that tells us is that we can compete,” he said. “If you look over the two series, for me you would say the series is three-all right now. England won two Test matches over here in 2017, and we won one; we won two in the Caribbean, and they won one. So the series for us is all square, so we need now to win this series just to get ahead. We won on home soil, they won on home soil, so it’s all up for grabs. We’ve got to make sure we find the extra motivation, and if we can we can spring a surprise.”

West Bromwich Albion will enter into the Championship playoffs revitalised now, having managed to put their bad run of form aside on the final day to convincingly beat Preston North End 3-0.

Before this resounding victory over Ryan Lowe's Lilywhites, Carlos Corberan's wobbling Baggies had lost their last three second-tier matches to nearly jeopardise their spot in the upcoming playoffs.

Thankfully, heroes such as Alex Mowatt and Kyle Bartley stepped up to the mark at the Hawthorns to secure a vital three points that then solidified fifth spot in the division for the West Midlands side.

As much as Bartley continues to shine as an authoritative figure at the back for his promotion-chasing side, there are other members of Corberan's camp who must be fearing for their futures including this forgotten face who even earns more than the dependable centre-back.

Jayson Molumby's time at West Brom

Once described as being an "animal" in one of the central midfield spots at the Hawthorns by Corberan, Jayson Molumby's career at West Brom is now in danger of fizzling out.

An ever-present member of the Baggies first-team last season showing lots of promise, with four goals and four assists picked up from 43 games, it's been a different story for the Irishman this campaign with one serious injury stopping his season early.

Only making one appearance in 2024 to date after a foot injury sustained against Swansea City left the 24-year-old needing surgery, the former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder will be watching on from the stands for the playoffs questioning his long-term place at West Brom after such a long absence.

Alex Mowatt and Okay Yokuslu's tight-knit relationship developing in the holding midfield positions since the Irishman's injury setback will also make it even more difficult for Molumby to push back into the main team fold, on top of his excessive wage being higher than other notable first-team faces such as Bartley.

Molumby's wage at West Brom

Despite only featuring once this year and being a regular fixture in the Hawthorns treatment room, Molumby's £17.3k-per-week wage means he's a current higher earner than Bartley who has amassed 39 appearances this campaign and even wore the captain's armband against Preston whilst scoring.

Bartley earns around £4k-per-week less with his lesser pay packet coming in at £13.4k-per-week in contrast, even with the experienced former Arsenal man being a crucial cog now for Corberan when push comes to shove in the drama of the playoffs.

1. Adam Reach

£40k-per-week

2. Daryl Dike

£32.3k-per-week

3. Jed Wallace

£25k-per-week

4. Okay Yokuslu

£25k-per-week

5. Alex Mowatt

£22.8k-per-week

Molumby is about £5k-per-week off entering into the exclusive list of West Brom's top five highest earners, however, with Corberan and Co having to engage in conversations with the likes of Daryl Dike in a similar fashion to Molumby soon who has his own injury demons and is burning a significant hole in the club's pocket at a staggering £32.3k-per-week.

It's been a humbling campaign for Molumby to say the least who was struggling for minutes even before disaster struck on the road versus the Swans, with last season even seeing him pick up the accolade of Supporters' Player of the Season from Baggies fans.

Now, the forgotten 24-year-old is staring an exit from the Hawthorns in the face very soon instead of battling it out in the playoffs.

GOAL U.S. writers discuss and debate the drama around the USMNT roster, and Ballon d'Or picks

And just like that, club soccer pauses for the first time this season.

It seemed as if the European campaign was just kicking into stride, but attention now turns to the international game. And for the USMNT there's plenty of intrigue. Mauricio Pochettino is expected to become the next manager of the USMNT, though nothing has been officially announced. We do know that he will not oversee the side a pair of upcoming friendlies.

That job will go to experienced youth coach Mikey Varas, who, with input from Poch's camp, has picked an interesting roster. Some regulars have been omitted, while he could also hand out a couple of debuts to promising prospects. It's difficult to know what to make of friendlies overseen by an interim coach, but there will certainly be a sense of intrigue.

Meanwhile, the Ballon d'Or nominations have been revealed, with Rodri, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr set to battle it out for the top award in men's global soccer. So, even with the club game on hold, there's plenty to keep this mad world ticking over. GOAL US writers break it all down in this week's edition of… The Rondo.

Getty ImagesWhat's the biggest takeaway from the USMNT squad?

Tom Hindle: That Weston McKennie misses out. Yes, there's is talk about a player needing rest, and the fact that interim USMNT head coach Mikey Varas wants to rotate the squad. But McKennie hasn't really seen the pitch yet this season at Juventus, and could really do with getting some minutes under his belt. You'd figure, at the very least, that he would end up on the training squad. But apparently it's time for someone else to get a look. And with McKennie potentially facing a bench role for Juve, that might not be the right move.

Ryan Tolmich: For the first time in a long time, the midfield picture is wide open. McKennie and Tyler Adams have been ever-present essentially since making their debuts, a few injuries aside. Neither are in this camp. Yunus Musah, the third piece of MMA, is on the squad, but there's room for other players to step up and really push for a role. Can Johnny Cardoso, Aidan Morris or Luca de la Torre make a case to be a No. 6/8? Can Brenden Aaronson bring good form to the USMNT? Can Gio Reyna or Malik Tillman be the answer at the No. 10? There's a lot to figure out in the upcoming friendlies against Canada and New Zealand.

Jacob Schneider: There are still so many unknowns. We still do not know who the starting striker will be in a competitive match. And on that note, we still have not seen a healthy Josh Sargent play with what is the senior team since the 2022 World Cup. We don't know how Malik Tillman fits, or where Reyna plays either, to be frank. There is a lot of talent, it just feels as though there are far more questions than answers. 2026 isn't that far away.

AdvertisementGettyDoes it matter if Pochettino is not yet officially in charge?

TH: Not really, at least, not according to this roster. The USMNT have played around with the squad here, with only about half of these guys likely to feature in Poch's presumptive first choice starting XI. If the assumption was that they were always likely to rotate, then pushing back the Argentine's arrival isn't the end of the world. There is a LONG way to go until 2026.

RT: It definitely matters. Time is not on the USMNT's side at this point as there are less than two years until the World Cup. Pochettino will only get so many camps with this group and, given where we are in the cycle, every one counts. One fewer camp is one fewer chance to sculpt this team in his image and, with the clock ticking, everything just becomes a bit more urgent.

JS: Absolutely. You only get so many matches, so many opportunities to plant your ideology, your philosophy, your personality. Poch is not going to see these players every day, so it's rather crucial he gets the chance to hop in from the start. If officially hired, his first full camp could potentially be in October.

GettyShould Reyna be in this USMNT squad?

TH: Yes? No? Maybe? It's honestly hard to judge what, exactly, Reyna's role should be for the USMNT at the moment. It seems, once again, that his opportunities at Dortmund are going to be incredibly limited. By that logic, all minutes are good minutes. But if he isn't playing at club level, then there's an argument to be made that showings for country might not necessarily help him. On talent, he deserves it – for now. But if he isn't playing, it's fair to wonder if he should be a surefire starter.

RT: Yes, but obviously not due to his club form. Reyna has largely been good with the national team, which is enough reason to keep him involved. Regardless of what has happened behind the scenes on the club level, his potential is still sky-high and he still tends to show up when actually on the field. Much like when Christian Pulisic was struggling at Chelsea, Reyna is worth keeping around, even if it's just to build him back up for when he returns to Dortmund.

JS: Probably not? More than anything, it's crucial to get him minutes with BVB and learn the path under Nuri Sahin. Understandably, minutes will come with the USMNT, but a spell with his manager while a lot of the senior stars are away with their countries may have been more to the benefit of him than playing in these friendlies.

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Getty ImagesWho's your favorite to win the Ballon d'Or?

TH: Vini, Vini, and more Vini. Jude Bellingham probably has a decent shout here, but Vinicius provided a more impressive body of work over the course of the season, and showed up when it really mattered. Yes, Bellingham had more goal contributions, but Vinicius scored or assisted at every stage of the Champions League knockouts, and bagged a hat-trick in the Super Cup against Barcelona. Throw in the usual gamut of tricks, flicks, and stepovers, and there wasn't a better player in the game this year.

RT: To be honest, this really isn't the best year for this, is it? No one has made a truly definitive case as Champions League, Copa America and Euro glory was spread across a bunch of different players. We'll use this year to recognize a player that would normally go under the radar, though, by giving it to Rodri, who shined at the Euros and was a huge part of yet another dominant Manchester City campaign. He's the best No. 6 in the world and, for once, the Ballon d'Or is in a spot where it can recognize a player in that position.

JS: There are two ways to look at it. Who will be selected, and who rightfully deserves it? The gut says that Vini will walk away with the trophy, but the heart says it belongs to Rodri. He is nothing short of sensational every time he sets foot on the pitch, and is arguably the best midfielder in the world. Also, Cole Palmer. He is the way.

Even after securing their Premier League safety, Everton's troubles away from the pitch remain, with 777 Partners yet to get their takeover approved and the Toffees in need of other options.

Everton takeover news

It's been a season full of drama off the pitch for Everton, which saw them accumulate point deductions of eight points to leave Sean Dyche's side fighting for survival. In the end, the former Burnley boss secured his side's top flight status against all odds and it's worth pointing out that without the troubles off the pitch, the Toffees would be on course for a comfortable mid-table finish in the Premier League.

Agent confirms Everton interest in £5,000-a-week gem from Red Bull pathway

The Toffees have reportedly reignited their interest…

ByTom Cunningham May 9, 2024

By this point in the season too, those at Goodison Park would have hoped to have seen 777 at the helm after Farhad Moshiri initially agreed a deal all the way back in September, but concerns over the Miami-based firm's finances have delayed a deal, which is now reportedly virtually collapsed.

What's more, reports suggest that Everton are facing the prospect of administration in what could end up becoming an unexpected positive for a prospective new owner. This is because if any buyer purchases the club from administrators then Everton's debts would be settled by insolvency experts, and those buyers would end up spending less and taking on less debt.

The question then comes as to just who will step up in place of 777. According to the Daily Mail, MSP Sports Capital and Merseyside based duo Andy Bell and Goerge Downing are the two potential buyers who could finally bail Everton out.

Everton, of course, already borrowed money from MSP Sports Capital to fund their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium and could now take their investment to a whole new level. Bell and Downing, meanwhile, are reportedly ready to take a stake in the club by waiving the millions that is owed to them in loans.

Everton's need resolution to takeover nightmare

One way or another, Everton need to see their takeover nightmare reach its conclusion with 777 Partners so that they can move on and put another plan together with either MSP or Bell and Downing. The 777 saga has dragged on long enough.

Out of the two fresh options, it is MSP, with former agent and baseball franchise owner Jeff Moorad at the head of the table, who have the most impressive credentials. Moorad currently has a stake in McLaren's F1 team, Danish club Brondby, German club Augsburg amd Portuguese side Estoril. Simply put, he has been there and done it.

Be it MSP or Bell and Downing, there's no doubt about the sheer size of the task at hand at Goodison Park. But in among the chaos, Dyche's work to keep the Toffees afloat in the Premier League should go a long way.

In desperate need of a fresh start off the pitch, Everton's new owners – whoever they may be – must invest in Dyche's squad to finally hand the manager the chance to progress things in Merseyside. He has more than proven that he is the man to take Everton forward.