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Manchester United are rolling along just nicely at the moment. Fresh from winning their first trophy in six years, the Carabao Cup, Erik ten Hag’s side are still in with a chance, albeit a small one, of winning four competitions this term.

Since Christmas, the Red Devils have lost just once across all competitions and this momentum has gone a long way to claiming silverware and improving their Premier League position.

The Dutchman is slowly building a team to be reckoned with, although there is a gaping weakness, he doesn’t have an out-and-out striker who could guarantee him 30 goals a season.

Marcus Rashford has been in sensational form this term, scoring 25 goals in all competitions, yet he is usually deployed on the left wing with on-loan frontman Wout Weghorst or Anthony Martial leading the line, yet they have failed to showcase form that suggests they will be the answer for Ten Hag.

If only he could travel back 20 or so years, one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s finest signings would complete his side – Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Imagine Ruud van Nistelrooy and Marcus Rashford

The Dutch hitman was signed for a then British record fee of £19m in the summer of 2001 from PSV Eindhoven as one of the continent’s best strikers and should have completed a move to United the season before, however, injury delayed the move for 12 months.

He soon made up for that lost time, netting an incredible 80 goals in his first two seasons, leading United to the Premier League title in 2002/2003.

Overall, his spell at Old Trafford yielded 150 goals from 219 games, and his natural instincts in the penalty area made him one of the most clinical strikers of his generation. Rio Ferdinand lavished praise on his former teammate, saying he was “the most devastating finisher I have ever played with” and his record in England certainly justifies this comment.

Rashford and van Nistelrooy would form an epic partnership right now at United. The Englishman is a major threat from the wing and would certainly provide plenty of assists for the Dutchman to feed off of every game – assisting nine goals so far this season.

Just imagine the pair of them punishing opposition defences with their lethal play in the box – it could have made United almost unstoppable at their best.

Martial and Weghorst aren’t the most clinical of players, with Rashford’s hard work usually going to waste, yet with the Dutchman leading the line, once the ball breaks to him in the box, there is a good chance that it will end up in the back of the net – based on his sensational record for the club.

There is no doubt Ten Hag will be using the summer transfer window to secure a striker that can take the club to the next level, it’s just a pity a prime van Nistelrooy isn’t available, as he could propel the club to wonderful heights.

Now it is time to find the new “devastating” striker to lead the line at Old Trafford…

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has claimed that there is no chance Brendan Rodgers could be hired as the next West Ham United manager.

What’s the latest on Brendan Rodgers to West Ham?

Over the weekend, the Hammers were unable to put up much of a fight as they lost 2-0 away from home in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur.

As a result, the club end the game week stuck inside the relegation zone on 20 points. Unsurprisingly, some supporters have started to lose patience with David Moyes.

For instance, while hosting the BBC 606 radio show, Sutton spoke to a caller who insisted that Leicester City boss Rodgers was the right man to come and take over for the rest of the season.

In response, the pundit said: “That’s not realistic. Do you think Brendan Rodgers is going to leave Leicester for West Ham? Come on, get in the real world.”

What does David Moyes’ pressure mean for West Ham?

It’s not been a great season for West Ham with Moyes accepting that his position was under press even before the new year. Though, up to this point, the board have stuck with him.

With the threat of relegation looming ever closer, however, it’s not hard to see why the fans will as though it could be an appropriate time for a change in manager.

Of course, Rodgers isn’t having the best season with the Foxes either. Indeed, they were thumped 3-0 away from home at Manchester United on the weekend which leaves them 14th in the table, just four points above the Irons.

At Leicester, the 50-year-old has averaged 1.64 points per game from 198 matches, while Moyes is at 1.53 from 154 matches. So it’s easy to see why he might be seen as an upgrade but it feels like a lot would have to change quickly and dramatically for Rodgers to end up at West Ham any time soon.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has suggested that Djed Spence may not have a future at Tottenham Hotspur if Antonio Conte stays as the club’s manager.

The Lowdown: Spence joins Rennes on loan…

The summer signing from Middlesbrough played just five Premier League minutes for Spurs before recently jetting off to Rennes on loan for the rest of this season.

Spence arrived in north London with plenty of promise, even being dubbed ‘perfect’ for Conte and his system of play by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, but a lack of match action saw Tottenham send him out to Ligue 1 on a temporary basis.

Reports suggest that the 22-year-old is could still have a future in N17, but the club’s former goalkeeper turned Sky Sports pundit Robinson isn’t too sure.

The Latest: Robinson doubtful on Spence’s future…

Speaking to Football Insider, the 43-year-old claimed that Spence may not have a future at the club if Conte remains as manager.

Robinson believes that the defender’s career at N17 is ‘uncertain’ on this basis, stating: “I do not know if he has a future at Spurs. It is uncertain. He has not been near starting place. It has been a strange one.

“If Antonio Conte stays I cannot see Djed Spence staying. The manager’s contract is up at the end of the season though. Spence’s future is probably dependent on who is the manager. The current manager is clearly not a fan.”

The Verdict: Promising player…

Now that Matt Doherty has left the club permanently, we believe that there is certainly room for Spence at Tottenham over the next few seasons.

Much has been made of first-choice right-back Emerson Royal’s lack of attacking impetus at times, making us wonder if the future is Pedro Porro and Spence in rotation on that side.

Conte has previously praised the 22-year-old for his all-round application and attempts to improve his game, perhaps suggesting that the Italian does see a defender with real potential. The Englishman was also a mainstay under Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper as they secured promotion back to the top flight during his loan spell at the City Ground last season.

Hailed as ‘incredible’ by some members of the press, Spence’s promise as a future star indicates that he could slowly work his way into Conte’s plans if the 53-year-old remains at Tottenham, amid recent reports that his future in N17 is ‘on standby’.

TalkSport pundit Simon Jordan has a “sneaking suspicion” Manchester United can sign Declan Rice in the summer.

The Lowdown: Rice on the move

The West Ham United midfielder is almost assured to be on the move in the summer amid the Hammers’ dire form and The Guardian reporting last month that he wants to win trophies and play in the Champions League.

Any hopes of keeping him in east London were dealt another blow this week after The Athletic revealed Premier League leaders Arsenal are confident they can reach a deal for the ‘£80m-rated’ midfielder.

The Latest: Jordan’s feeling

Speaking on TalkSport, Jordan revealed his feeling that Arsenal’s interest won’t go untested and that Erik ten Hag could be able to add Rice if United’s season continues to strengthen.

He said: “I’ve just got a sneaking suspicion – and I don’t think he’ll end up at Arsenal. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that if Manchester United continue to progress and can knock on the door of something significant this season… he could occupy a quarterback role at Manchester United.

“I think we’re now talking about levels of between £70m and £80m, and that will make a deal happen.”

The Verdict: How would he fit?

Rice, who has been labelled a ‘monster’ during his time at West Ham, is undoubtedly a quality player who has shown through his performances in Europe – as he international level, where he now has plenty of tournament experience, that he’s ready to mix it at the top on a regular basis.

Despite the public interest from Arsenal, The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg revealed that United are also in the running for Rice and have “laid some of the groundwork for a summer move”.

However, it remains to be seen where the 24-year-old would fit into Ten Hag’s setup, with the holding midfield role currently occupied by Casemiro, whilst it seems a more attacking pairing of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes is how the Dutchman wants to operate.

Rice doesn’t possess the same attacking and creative prowess of the most expendable of the midfield pair based on minutes, with Eriksen outperforming the Englishman in every goal and shot-creation metric this season on FBref, barring fouls drawn and defensive actions leading to shots – which can be explained by his deeper role.

Given Casemiro has only just arrived and made himself at home, we feel a move now doesn’t seem it would get the best out of Rice in the current setup, with his preferred role occupied by the Brazilian.

West Ham are still thought to be interested in signing AS Roma attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Ings in

The Hammers have struggled for goals so far this season, scoring just 15 times in 19 Premier League games. David Moyes has acted in the transfer market to resolve that problem, signing Danny Ings from Aston Villa.

The club are also looking at a move for Lorient striker Terem Moffi and Athletico Paranaense forward Vitor Roque, and it looks as if Zaniolo is also still on the London Stadium radar after recent speculation.

The Latest: Zaniolo update

La Gazzetta dello Sport shared an update on Zaniolo on Friday, where West Ham were once again named. They claimed that the left-footed player wants to leave, however, the Italian’s preferred destination is Tottenham.

Borussia Dortmund have cooled their interest and West Ham ‘remain standing’ in the race, with a potential loan with an obligation to buy exit from Roma mooted.

The Verdict: One to watch?

Zaniolo would be able to play as an attacking midfielder, second striker or right winger, so would offer plenty of versatility to Moyes, should a transfer materialise.

He stands at a lofty 6 foot 3 and has been praised in recent years for his ‘physically imposing’ stature, so could adapt to the physicality of the Premier League relatively swiftly.

It may well be one to keep an eye on, and it is exciting to know that there could be more attacking arrivals on the way after Ings.

Aston Villa are thought to be progressing in talks with Real Betis over a move for Alex Moreno.

The Lowdown: Contact made

NSWE have promised Unai Emery a ‘huge’ transfer budget this year, and it seems as if Moreno is one of a number of players on the Villa Park radar.

Reports towards the end of December claimed that Villa contact has been made with the left-back’s representatives over a winter window move.

The 29-year-old appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €20m Transfermarkt valuation, but it looks as if NSWE could bring him to the Midlands for less than that figure.

The Latest: Transfer update

Sports Witness relayed an update from Spanish outlet Goal regarding Moreno on Wednesday.

They claimed that ‘talks seem to be going well’ over a transfer, with the report citing a fee of around €15m.

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The Verdict: First arrival?

It looks as if a swoop for Moreno is gathering real pace, and should he arrive at Bodymoor Heath, the player would give Emery an option in numerous areas and become the manager’s first signing.

Described as ‘quality’ by journalist Ethan Lamb, Moreno is primarily a left-back but can also turn out as a left midfielder or left winger and has contributed to 20 goals in 121 appearances for his current employers.

He has plied his entire club career in his native country, though, so it may take him a while to adjust to life outside Spain, where he could rival Lucas Digne in the long term.

Leeds United could be set to lure one player from a Premier League rival, although they face increasing pressure to do so…

What’s the latest?

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who claim that Napoli have now recorded an interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore.

The Serie A leaders are keen on securing the Spain forward on a free transfer as he enters the final six months of his £46k-per-week deal at Molineux.

Despite this interest, the Whites remain in pole position to land the man who nearly joined Tottenham Hotspur last January in a proposed £20m move.

Leeds’ own Rashford

Although a stigma surrounds Traore’s tenure in the Premier League, it cannot be denied that he instils fear into almost every full-back that he faces.

His unique blend of blistering speed partnered with a strength seldom seen in a winger makes him a physical marvel, with Jetro Willems claiming: “I have played against some very good players in my career, but no one as fast as Adama Traore. He’s unbelievable, a beast.”

Martin Keown has echoed that sentiment, stating: “He has got everything in his game. He’s electric.”

The 26-year-old’s size and speed draw comparisons with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, with FBRef including the Englishman on Traore’s ‘similar players’ metric. This juxtaposition is made even more complimentary when considering the 25-year-old’s World Cup campaign for England.

Despite averaging just 30 minutes per game, the attacker averaged a 7.10 rating throughout the tournament whilst scoring three times, including a wonderful free-kick against Wales.

Often arriving from the bench, Rashford became one of England’s most deadly assets in a run which was halted in the quarter-finals by holders and 2022 finalists France. 

Traore did not receive a call-up for the World Cup, having scored just twice this season for his club. Despite this, he still sits in the top 1% for dribbles completed among wingers in Europe’s top five leagues this year, with the suggestion from Joe Edwards being that, when in form, the winger is “almost unstoppable”.

He will never be a prolific option in front of goal, having scored only 13 times in 168 Wolves appearances, but the fear that he provokes and the danger that he causes can create space for his team-mates to exploit. With that in mind, the likes of Rodrigo at centre-forward could thrive if playing alongside him.

Therefore, it could actually be a smart move for Jesse Marsch to swoop for Traore and secure Leeds’ version of England World Cup star Rashford.

West Ham United have basked in a thrilling ride under the tutelage of David Moyes, navigating away from their languishing position at the pit of the Premier League and enjoying consecutive European campaigns, however, they now face adversity once more. 

What’s the word?

The Hammers finished seventh last season in the Premier League, but have failed to replicate past feats this time around, currently sitting in 16th place after 15 matches, just one point above the relegation zone.

And now transfer guru Dean Jones, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, has said that the Hammers are “looking at a few different options” ahead of the winter market, with Everton’s Michael Keane one potential target. 

Despite boasting the best defensive record of any side in the bottom half of the table, Moyes is seeking to inject new life into the backline, with Kurt Zouma recently having surgery on a knee injury and Craig Dawson possibly leaving in January. 

Avoid at all costs

Keane has slipped down the pecking order at Everton thanks to the summer signings of James Tarkowski and Conor Coady, who have formed a formidable partnership in front of Jordan Pickford’s goal, with the star now set to leave the Merseyside outfit. 

And with Jones stating that Moyes’ funds in this department of the field might be somewhat restricted, a move for Keane might be something that West Ham actively pursue in the coming weeks. 

Despite this, the East London outfit must avoid the 29-year-old Englishman at all costs, with his frequent lapses in concentration and “lack of leadership”, as mentioned by Paul Robinson, not tools fit to fix the current issues the Hammers are beset with. 

Playing a peripheral role for the Toffees this term, Keane, signed from Burnley in a deal rising to £30m, has hardly inspired confidence, or indeed staked a claim to recapture his starting spot in the team.

As per Sofascore, the centre-back has recorded a measly 6.3 rating in his only Premier League appearance, against Brentford, faring worse in the EFL Cup, putting in a solid showing against League One side Fleetwood Town before sitting at the epicentre of a damaging 4-1 defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth. 

In that display, Keane lost possession 14 times, winning just one of his three ground duels and making just one tackle; hardly statistics that evoke confidence for a West Ham team looking to return to the upper end of the division. 

One journalist labelled him as “pathetic” following a loss of focus that conceded defeat late on to Manchester City in the 21/22 season, where he played a regular role in a defensive line that shipped 66 goals across the league campaign. 

With Everton boss Frank Lampard eager to wipe his name from the books, it is slightly perplexing that Moyes feels making a move for the 12-cap England international is a prudent move, especially given the club’s delicate league position.

Celtic are back in action away to Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday evening, with the Old Firm outfit looking to maintain their stranglehold on their league title crown, having moved seven points clear at the summit following Saturday’s win over Dundee United.

That dramatic encounter saw the home side leave it late at Parkhead to secure all three points, ensuring that the slip-up against St Mirren back in September remains the Hoops’ only defeat on the domestic front so far this term.

Looking to bounce back from their midweek mauling at the hands of Real Madrid in the Champions League, Ange Postecoglou’s men were forced to rely on a late double from Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada to seal victory at the weekend, having been pegged back by Dylan Levitt’s strike with just minutes to play.

The goal from that man Kyogo was particularly crucial to help nudge the Bhoys ahead, with the Japanese international having served to remind both fans and pundits alike of his undoubted “quality”, in the words of journalist Sean Markus Clifford, with his impact off the bench.

The 27-year-old has endured some difficult spells so far this term in front of goal, with the European stage having perhaps proven too great a step up as the diminutive ace failed to score in any of his six group stage appearances, having again missed a key opening at the Bernabeu after firing straight at Thibaut Courtois.

Even amid those woes on the continent, the former Vissel Kobe man still remains a lethal presence domestically with his “world-class” movement – in the words of Jota – proving a nightmare for opposition defenders, having scored nine goals in just 11 top-flight games, including two in his last two league outings.

The £19k-per-week machine may well be hungry to prove a point having been left out of his nation’s World Cup squad last week, with this upcoming trip to Fir Park likely to offer the chance for the 5 foot 7 ace to further prove any doubters wrong.

The Steelmen may well be fearing coming up against Kyogo with the relentless forward boasting an impressive record against the club to date with four goals in just four meetings, including two goals in two games against Steven Hammell’s side already this season.

The hope for Postecoglou and co will be that the 16-cap sensation can terrorise Well once again tomorrow night…

A big update has emerged on Leon King and his availability for Glasgow Rangers in the coming weeks…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, the central defender will not face any retrospective action for the challenge he made in the second half against Motherwell in the Premiership last weekend.

The Gers won 2-1 away from Ibrox, thanks to goals from Malik Tillman and John Lundstram, and the youngster was shown a yellow card for clattering an opposition forward in a horribly mistimed tackle.

After the match, opposition manager Steven Hammell claimed that it was worthy of a red card and was not happy with the lack of action from the referee in the match, saying:

“I think it is a red card. Not for where it is on the pitch and where Stuart is going – that is up for debate – but I think the actual tackle in isolation is poor.

“I think he catches him high and there is a lot of force in it.

“I think Stuart is lucky not to come away with an injury on the back of it. It is a poor tackle.”

This update means that King will not be suspended for any of the Light Blues’ games against Livingston, Dundee, and Aberdeen in their next three domestic outings.

Big relief

Giovanni van Bronckhorst should be delighted by this news as it is a huge relief heading into the club’s next few matches in all competitions.

His availability is particularly important after Connor Goldson suffered a long-term injury in the recent 7-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League.

Van Bronckhorst confirmed, after the loss, that the defender is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, saying:

“Connor played all the games since I joined the club, only when we rested him. Very important player in the back with his coaching, his presence as well. We won’t have him back for the next months. I’m not exactly sure but it will be several months.”

This leaves King and Ben Davies as the manager’s only natural centre-back options, although James Sands and Lundstram – who are midfielders by trade – can also be deployed at the heart of the defence.

The Gers academy graduate has played six matches in the Premiership so far this season and has shown signs of promise, winning 56% of his individual duels and completing 87% of his attempted passes.

These statistics show that he has held his own from a physical perspective and he has remained composed on the ball, which is why – along with Goldson’s injury – van Bronckhorst will be pleased with the news that the starlet will not be facing a suspension and any time out of the side.