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انتقد ديفيد سيمان، أسطورة آرسنال والمنتخب الإنجليزي، حارس مرمى فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي مانشستر يونايتد، أندريه أونانا، بعد بدايته المخيبة للآمال هذا الموسم.

أونانا جاء مكان دي خيا قادمًا من إنتر ميلان في يوليو الماضي مقابل 47 مليون جنيه إسترليني، ولكن أخطاء الكاميروني كانت سببًا في تلقي النادي الإنجليزي العديد من الأهداف ومغادرة دوري أبطال أوروبا من الدور الأول.

طالع أيضًا.. مانشستر يونايتد يحسم موقف أونانا بشأن المشاركة أمام توتنهام

وفي تصريحات خلال بودكاست، قال ديفيد سيمان: “لقد قام أونانا ببعض التصديات الجيدة والغريبة، لكنه تلقى العديد من الأهداف السهلة وحاول أن ينقذ الموقف كثيرًا وفشل في ذلك”.

وواصل: “يبدو الأمر كما لو أنه لم يتلق الكثير من التدريب منذ صغره لأنه يتصدى بشكل غريب للغاية، لأن أسلوبه في التصدي للكرة مختلف تمامًا، والطريقة التي يتصدى بها أيضًا”.

واختتم: “هناك بعض الانتقادات التي تلقاها أونانا، وهناك الكثير من الأشياء الأخرى التي تقلق أي حارس مرمى تحدث حاليًا مع أونانا”.

Arsenal's academy production is revered across England, with the quality and consistency of emerging top-quality youngsters meaning the club often save millions.

Instead of having to go and purchase a world-class winger, Bukayo Saka was forged, and in the same vein, the squad need not be padded out with an expensive supporting cast as the likes of Rob Holding, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson all serve to occupy such roles.

However, it has been a tough past year for Emile Smith-Rowe, who has seen injuries blur his place within this squad.

Upon first emerging onto the scene, it was expected that he would reach the heights of the former, upholding an attacking line dominated by top Hale End graduates. However, a string of ailments has seen him perhaps dwindle into the latter category, somewhat forgotten amidst all the success in his absence.

The 22-year-old will seek to rectify that role however in the coming months, as he finally seems to have returned to fitness outlined in his recent cameos for both club and country.

His goal against France U21s on his comeback marked a cathartic moment for the young forward, who will seek to reignite a career that has already earned praise.

How much is Emile Smith-Rowe worth now?

Having made his debut as an 18-year-old, the trickster has actually been around the first team for many years now.

However, the pinnacle of the playmaker's tenure around the senior squad was certainly last season, as he notched double figures in the league for the first time in his career. The youngster was poised to improve upon that further before injury struck, but will now likely have to wait until next season to truly star again.

Whilst establishing himself as capable of competing at the top level, Smith-Rowe earned plenty of praise from a host of big names. Journalist Mark Mann-Bryans first noted the 6-foot starlet's emergence as a "game-changer" whilst speaking to Saka, before Arsenal legend Martin Keown suggested the talent was "special", and a "better player" than current captain Martin Odegaard.

Considering the importance of the Norway international in their current title charge, a player who has been involved in 17 goals this term – this claim only marks just how important the attacking midfielder was.

To exacerbate Smith Rowe's rise to the top, CIES Football Observatory notes a startling market value of £26m. Considering he cost nothing, the club have well and truly struck gold with the attacking midfielder's development.

Having finally started to make his long-awaited comeback, his return could prove a key factor in adding that fresh dynamic to bring the title back to the Emirates.

There appears to now be a frontrunner in Tottenham Hotspur's search for a successor to Antonio Conte at N17…

What's the latest on Thomas Frank to Spurs?

According to the Daily Record, the Lilywhites have seemingly identified Brentford manager Thomas Frank as the leading candidate to take charge of the club, with Conte facing an imminent exit after just 18 months at the helm.

The report suggests that provided the experienced Italian is shown the door, chairman Daniel Levy will hand the reigns to Ryan Mason on an interim basis until the end of the season, before naming a long-term appointment at a later stage.

As the piece also adds, despite Levy having sought out high-profile, marquee figures in the recent past in the form of both Conte and Jose Mourinho, the Englishman could now look to find a "project" manager who will be given time to build, such as the Bees boss.

Should Spurs appoint Thomas Frank?

Having gone down the short-term route of snapping up quick fixes such as Mourinho and Conte – both of whom have failed to deliver silverware despite being "serial winners", according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst – it looks as if it would be a wise decision to adopt a different approach this time around.

Although some may argue the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo in 2021 was a more left-field, radical move, the Portuguese coach had been something of a last resort after a succession of managers had snubbed the chance of taking the job, with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man also going into the role off the back of a disappointing campaign at Molineux – with the Old Gold finishing 13th.

Frank, by contrast, would be heading to north London following what has been a stunning campaign thus far at Brentford, with the impressive Dane having guided his side into European contention despite only securing promotion to the top flight ahead of the 2021/22 season.

After comfortably surviving last term, the west Londoners now have more lofty ambitions on their mind after moving into eighth in the table heading into the international break, with the 49-year-old having undoubtedly done an "unbelievable" job at the club to date, as per BBC pundit Alan Shearer.

As Shearer also outlined, Frank's men simply "fear no one" despite their relatively recent return to the top tier, having earned notable scalps against both Liverpool and Manchester United this season – hitting the latter side for four back in August.

Although the former Brondby boss – who took charge of his current side in 2018 after previously working as an assistant to Dean Smith – had suggested earlier this year that his side would need a "miracle" to find themselves competing near the top end of the table, on current form a place in Europe next season is not out of the question.

That fine work has ensured that Frank is more than deserving of a big move to one of the Premier League's 'big boys', with Tottenham likely hoping he could well be able to achieve a few more 'unbelievable' things were he to make the switch.

Piers Morgan was quick to slam Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst during the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on Sunday. 

The Lowdown: Trophy drought over

The Red Devils ended their six-year wait for a trophy by lifting the Carabao Cup after a 2-0 victory at Wembley.

Erik ten Hag’s side took the lead thanks to a Casemiro header, with Marcus Rashford’s effort shortly afterwards deflecting off Sven Botman to double the advantage heading into half-time.

United put in a solid defensive display to keep out Eddie Howe’s side in the second half, picking up a first trophy of the season with the potential to win three more.

The Latest: Morgan slams Weghorst

Morgan – who conducted the notorious interview which led to Cristiano Ronaldo’s abrupt departure from United three months ago – took to Twitter during the early stages of the Wembley showpiece to share his thoughts on Weghorst.

He stated: “Manchester United fans trying to pretend they’d rather have Weghorst up front than Ronaldo is hilarious. He’s dreadful.”

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The Verdict: Eat your words, Piers…

Weghorst may have missed an early chance to give United the lead, miscuing an effort in the penalty box, but he certainly played his part in his team’s Wembley triumph.

As per Sofascore, the 30-year-old won five duels, made three tackles and had three shots on target  He also completed one key pass, putting in an effective display during his 70 minutes on the pitch before he was replaced by Scott McTominay.

He was actually United’s best-performing attacker on the day, ending with a match rating of 7.4/10, so he certainly wasn’t ‘dreadful’, as Morgan claimed, the Dutchman instead making one vocal detractor eat his words…

Nottingham Forest could make a move to bring Inter Milan midfielder Roberto Gagliardini to the Premier League this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Marinakis makes contact

The Italy international will be out of contract at the San Siro at the end of the season, and having suffered a lack of game time making just three league starts this term, he’s decided to leave upon the expiration of his deal.

Evangelos Marinakis reportedly made contact to enquire about the availability of the 28-year-old in January but, at the time, he was happy to see out the rest of the campaign.

However, Steve Cooper has now been alerted to his situation after learning that he’s on the lookout for his next destination and appears to be considering taking a second bite at the cherry.

The Latest: Forest eyeing Gagliardini

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), Forest’s ‘appreciation’ for Gagliardini still remains ‘in view of June’, when they could decide to make another approach.

The Inter star ‘doesn’t sound very excited’ about the possibility of a move to The City Ground though and is waiting for ‘offers’ from other clubs in the Serie A.

The Midlands outfit would likely be the suitor to put the ‘bigger offer’ on the table given the English top flight’s financial power, but it’s claimed they may need ‘more arguments’ should they have any chance of securing his services.

The Verdict: Absolute bargain

Gagliardini has been labelled a ‘superb’ footballer by journalist Josh Bunting and Forest will be getting an absolute bargain if they are able to land him on a free transfer in the summer.

The Nike-sponsored player currently ranks in the 99th percentile amongst midfielders for most blocks per 90 minutes and in the 98th percentile for number of touches in the attacking penalty area, highlighting his ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch (FBRef).

Standing at 6 foot 2, the Bergamo native would also be able to add a different dimension to the midfield with his height, making him an ideal experienced central addition for the Reds.

Manchester United are eyeing up Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window following his impressive 2022/23 campaign to date.

What’s the latest?

The Red Devils have been left scrambling for options at striker this season following the debacle with Cristiano Ronaldo in the early stages of the campaign.

This saw United bring in the Dutch striker Wout Weghorst over the January transfer window on a short-term loan deal until the end of the season.

However, it seems that United will be looking to bring in a longer-term option in the summer with the Nigerian striker believed to be one of the options.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has suggested Erik ten Hag is a big fan of the 24-year-old but will face competition from other European powerhouses:

“The player is in the list of many clubs. For sure, Manchester United appreciates the player. As I mentioned, he was on the list last summer. Erik ten Hag is understood to be a big fan of Osimhen’s skills.”

Long-term option

It does feel as if United have needed a focal point up top for a number of years now with the likes of Ronaldo only offering the club short-term stints in the side.

And with Ten Hag at the helm, it does seem United have the correct type of manager at the helm to bring in a striker who could play his football at Old Trafford for years to come.

There have been links to Harry Kane and the England captain could certainly provide them with a consistent output of goals in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time record goalscorer has proven to be one of the best strikers the league has ever seen and could, therefore, prove to be a sensible option for United this summer.

However, Kane will be 30 years old during the summer transfer window and perhaps this will raise some concerns that he may not provide the Red Devils the long-term option they may be looking for.

Whereas, with Osimhen – who’s been hailed as a “machine”, the 24-year-old is providing Napoli with a stunning return in Serie A with 16 goals to his name this season in 17 appearances.

This comes on the back of the Nigerian netting 14 goals last season in Serie A, showing a steady progression in the striker’s development.

Of course, Osimhen will prove to be a bigger gamble over Kane for United given he has never played in the Premier League before.

But you do have to question how many more years Kane has at the top level. Although he may still have a few more at his peak, Osimhen could certainly offer United a real focal point for years to come.

Tottenham Hotspur will continue to push for a move for Sporting CP wing-back Pedro Porro, with the hope that they can complete a deal in this window, Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

What’s the word?

Antonio Conte is in hot pursuit of a right wing-back to replace the maligned Emerson Royal in the starting XI, with his sights set on Porro.

The Spaniard reportedly has a €45m (£40m) release clause in his contract, but Spurs have yet to meet this valuation and are trying to strike a deal for a lower amount.

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano revealed the details around the negotiations for the 23-year-old and hinted that a deal could eventually be struck given the admiration for the player.

He said: “Tottenham now have a new meeting scheduled for Pedro Porro, the right back of Sporting. They also had a meeting today [Tuesday].

“The bid of around €37m has been turned down by Sporting, they want €45m, but Tottenham hope to get it done with a new meeting on Wednesday, they will try to offer some add-ons.

“So around €35m fee, add-ons, the possibility to include the player in the negotiation to change the guaranteed fee, so there will be new conversations, Tottenham are really pushing. They are in love with Pedro Porro.”

A vast attacking upgrade

Although he will be signed as a wing-back, Porro could help transform Tottenham’s attack with his creativity in the role.

He ranks highly for goals, assists, shots, shot-creating actions, dribbles and attacking penalty area touches as per FBref when compared to other fullbacks in similar European leagues, highlighting his excellent attacking output, and while the Premier League could be a significantly higher level, he could become a crucial player for Conte.

Meanwhile, Emerson ranks poorly for dribbles, assists and shot-creating actions, and the extra creativity in the side could help get the best out of the Spurs attacking trio of Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and Dejan Kulusevski.

Tottenham Hotspur suffered a north London derby home defeat for the first time in nearly nine years as league leaders Arsenal extended their footing at the top of the Premier League to eight points.

It was a total disaster for manager Antonio Conte and his side, a game in which they never looked like getting something from.

Spurs were outplayed and outfought in pretty much every department and it wasn’t helped by an early blunder from their leader and captain, Hugo Lloris.

The French veteran turned Bukayo Saka’s awkward-angled cross into his own net just 14 minutes into the encounter before Martin Odegaard doubled the advantage before the break – in the end, it was enough to seal a 2-0 victory, the clean sheet and all three points.

However, despite the catastrophic mistake, he wasn’t the only underperforming star put out there by the Italian head coach as it was yet another woeful showing from Heung-min Son in the final third.

He’s looked a shadow of himself so far this campaign as apart from one hat-trick game against Leicester City, the South Korean sensation has contributed to only three goals in just 16 other appearances, via Transfermarkt.

In fact, the £22m attacker arguably cost his manager a chance at getting something from this game as at 1-0, he fired a 1-on-1 with Aaron Ramsdale straight at him in what was one of four blocked shots, with his fifth attempt being his sole one on target.

Also per Sofascore, the 30-year-old dynamo failed to win a single one of his duels up against Gunners right-back Ben White and the rest of Mikel Arteta’s backline, despite contesting a battle four times.

Elsewhere, he also managed a meagre 43 touches of the ball, in which he managed to create one key chance, whilst he lost possession 14 times – the second-most of any Lilywhites player – and failed to provide Harry Kane with a single accurate cross from four attempts.

Alasdair Gold of football.london labelled it ‘another sub-par’ showing from Son, adding: ‘The Golden Boot winner is just not making the impact he is capable of at the moment.’

Evidently, it wasn’t Son’s or Spurs’ afternoon but that is becoming an all too frequent occurrence this campaign, perhaps Conte ought to drop him to the bench with both Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski back available post-injury.

Whilst Lloris’ clanger will be written into the headlines, it was arguably the £190k-per-week superstar’s lacklustre and awful showing that cost his side the most on Sunday.

AND in other news, Conte could kill 2 birds with 1 stone at Spurs in “outstanding” £12m Porro alternative…

Chelsea are “working on” the possible signing of RB Leipzig and Croatia centre-back Josko Gvardiol, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Gvardiol superb at World Cup

The 20-year-old went into the World Cup with a reputation as one of Europe’s best young defenders, and he didn’t disappoint in Qatar.

Gvardiol was magnificent for Croatia throughout the finals, standing out as arguably the best player in his position (he featured abundantly in team of the tournament selections) and starting all seven of his country’s matches as they finished third.

The youngster won’t be without suitors in January and next summer, and Chelsea are one of the clubs to have been linked with a move for him.

The Latest: Chelsea ‘working on’ Gvardiol swoop

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano claimed that the Blues are very much in the mix to acquire Gvardiol’s signature, having already attempted to sign him this year.

The journalist stated:

“They are working on it, Chelsea are trying to find a way. They were the first to approach Leipzig last summer because they were pushing for Gvardiol. In the final days of the window, they had a bid rejected.

“It was €80m plus add-ons making it closer to €90m to leave the player on loan at Leipzig for one season and then sign him in the summer of 2023. Leipzig said no and they extended his contract.”

The Verdict: Would be a huge signing

Whoever ends up signing Gvardiol from Leipzig will be getting a tremendous player, so the links with Chelsea are clearly exciting given his long-term potential.

The 20-year-old looks like the complete package as a centre-back, averaging 5.3 clearances per game at the World Cup along with an 89.9% pass completion rate, with Rio Ferdinand hailing the youngster’s ‘wand’ of a left foot in punditry duty for BBC at the tournament.

The likes of Thiago Silva (38) and Kalidou Koulibaly (31) are both ageing figures in Chelsea’s defence, so fresh blood may soon be required, and Gvardiola could be the star of the Blues’ back-line for years to come if they can bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Every World Cup has its breakout stars, with players suddenly having hundreds of millions of people watching them globally, turning them into superstars overnight.

In 1958, Pele introduced himself to the world, scoring six goals from the quarter-final to the final. In 2014, it was James Rodriguez for his career-defining volley against Uruguay, earning him a huge summer move to Real Madrid.

So, who are the breakout stars of the Qatar World Cup 2022 so far?

Sofyan Amrabat

Amrabat has been Morocco’s breakout star in a tournament where they have beaten FIFA world ranked 2nd, 7th and 9th  teams in Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, respectively.

Morocco’s defensive ability has been their most talked about quality, with their only goal conceded so far being an own goal. That defensive quality begins with Amrabat in midfield. His no-nonsense tackling and tireless running led to fans making memes of Amrabat holding onto and picking up Spain’s midfield three like children, which he reposted on his Instagram story.

In the 2022 January transfer window, Amrabat was close to joining Antonio Conte’s Tottenham side on an initial loan with an option to buy for £14m. Tottenham are reportedly still interested in the midfield destroyer; however, other reports suggest Liverpool are keeping tabs on the Moroccan, too.

Unfortunately for the teams interested, Amrabat’s increased reputation has increased his value too, with Fiorentina rumoured to be valuing their World Cup semi-finalist at around €40m.

Amrabat’s midfield partner, Morocco and Angers midfielder, Azzedine Ounahi, deserves a shout-out, too, his performance against Spain garnering interest from Barcelona. Ounahi is an industrious, but stylish player combining energy with inventiveness to drive Morocco forward when Amrabat inevitably wins the ball in the midfield.

Josko Gvardiol

Despite being destroyed by Lionel Messi for the third goal in Croatia’s 3-0 loss to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, Gvardiol’s stock has risen significantly during this tournament. His goal-saving tackle against Romelu Lukaku and his first-half performance against Brazil have been the 20-year-old’s highlights of his first World Cup.

After breaking into Croatia’s European Championships squad in 2021, Gvardiol’s performances at left-back secured him a move to talent factory RB Leipzig. However, it is performances at centre back in this World Cup that have led his national team manager, Zlato Dalic, to call him the “best central defender in the world” because “he is so strong, confident and elegant at the same time, and does everything with incredible ease.”

With his World Cup performances proving his world class quality, and his manager’s words of praise, Chelsea will be kicking themselves for not signing him for £75m last summer, with reports now suggesting that Manchester City are prepared to pay more than £90m for the young Croatian.

Enzo Fernandez

After losing to Saudi Arabia in Argentina’s first group game of the World Cup, Lionel Scaloni knew he had to make changes to his Argentina team if they were to get out of their group. During Argentina’s second group game against Mexico, Fernandez came off the bench at 0-0 and changed the game.

The 21-year-old midfielder’s goal secured the three points, and he has started every game since. His introduction has coincided with Lionel Messi’s upturn in form and Argentina now look like a team capable of winning the World Cup. A fate that would be inconceivable from their opening performance against Saudi Arabia.

Fernandez brings creativity and accurate, defence-splitting passing from deep in midfield. Drawing attention from markers to him allows the forwards in front of him the space to wreak havoc on opposition defences, which Messi has benefited from greatly.

With Jude Bellingham’s valuation increasing to around £130m, Liverpool have become increasingly interested in the young Argentine. However, as Liverpool already know after signing Darwin Nunez for £75m, Benfica don’t sell for cheap either, with reports suggesting that any clubs wanting to sign Fernandez would have to activate his £103m release clause.

If Benfica manage to fetch this price it will prove to be amazing business by the Portuguese giants once again ,having signed him for around £10m in the summer from River Plate.