Young’s scintillating display creates doubts over United’s need to sign Rose in January

Reports of Danny Rose being ‘infuriated’ by Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to leave him out of the matchday squad that lost 2-0 to Arsenal on Saturday will only intensify speculation of Manchester United moving for Tottenham’s allegedly livid left-back in January.

But Jose Mourinho – and perhaps more significantly, Ed Woodward – will question the need to thrash out a mid-season deal with arguably the Premier League’s most prickly and toughest negotiator in Daniel Levy when his No.3 incumbent is having such a significant impact on his side’s successes.

Indeed, Paul Pogba grabbed the headlines for a controlling central midfield display as a Manchester United side clearly placing greater emphasis on attack than in recent weeks carved open Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle outfit on Saturday, notching up a 4-1 Old Trafford win as the visitors’ resilience inevitably waned.

Scratch a little deeper than the narrative of United’s club-record signing producing a positive performance though, and the real star of the show was a player some were surprised to see survive the summer transfer window and certainly doesn’t have a global legion of followers on social media like his French team-mate – Ashley Young.

The veteran wide man may have reached the tail-end of his career at the age of 32 and missed out on many of his best years to injury, but the transition into a full-back has given him a new lease of life, to the extent that Gareth Southgate handed Young his first England appearance in four years earlier this month.

Saturday’s performance was just one of many impressive displays Young has put in this season, but makes a strong case for being the best of the bunch.

The assist for Chris Smalling’s header epitomised perfectly what he offers this side; the former Aston Villa man is still one of the best crossers in the league on his right foot, and those wicked balls cutting inside from deep are a potent weapon for the tallest team in the Premier League after West Brom.

Young’s attacking contributions didn’t stop there; he produced two more successful crosses into the box and two more created chances, while completing one dribble and having the most touches of any United player – you’ll struggle to a find greater offensive impact from a full-back in the Premier League last weekend.

One area where Young would naturally struggle compared to Rose, in theory, is defensively, purely due to their polarising experience as part of the backline. Once again though, although Newcastle aren’t the most threatening of teams, the converted winger certainly didn’t let himself down on Saturday – in fact, he ranked first out of both teams for tackles and interceptions.

Of course, Rose is the more proven left-back and the more sensible option long-term. But the Tottenham man comes with his weaknesses too, particularly injuries, and any January deal between divisional rivals is always somewhat problematic.

Young has proved, at the very least, that he can hold down the role until the end of the season – which should spare funds for United to spend big on a more offensive target in January, someone who can truly help them gain ground on runaway pace setters Manchester City.

Tottenham Hotspur fans confident of ending Manchester City’s unbeaten run

Tottenham Hotspur seem to have overcome their recent rough patch of four Premier League games without a win.

In their last two top-flight outings, the North London outfit have earned victories over Stoke City and Brighton at Wembley.

Seven goals were scored by Spurs across those two fixtures, which gives them a decent run of form heading into Saturday’s clash against Manchester City.

Not only will Tottenham have to take on Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium, they will have to play a team that have not suffered one defeat in the league this season so far.

In fact, the blue half of Manchester recently smashed the Premier League record of consecutive wins by claiming their 15th on the trot in the form of a 4-0 triumph over Swansea City.

Despite City’s impressive form, many Tottenham fans are confident that Mauricio Pochettino’s men will be the ones to throw a spanner in the works.

League leaders City have an 18-point advantage over Spurs in the table.

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Manchester City fans unhappy Aguero is not starting against Manchester United

Manchester City have a team full of world-class talent, but one big name in Pep Guardiola’s side has been overlooked for this afternoon’s showdown against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Sergio Aguero has had to settle for a spot on the bench, with Gabriel Jesus being preferred up top.

The Argentine has started just 10 of City’s 15 Premier League games this season, but has still managed to score nine goals and create three assists.

Five of the striker’s goals have come in his last nine appearances in all competitions, while Jesus has netted just twice in that time.

For a game of this magnitude, some fans are questioning why Aguero would not be starting up front for Guardiola.

City are favourites heading into the contest having gone unbeaten all season in the top flight so far.

The club currently have an eight-point lead at the summit of the table and if they stretch it to 11 with a win over United, then it is difficult to see past them as title winners.

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Revealed: 77% of West Ham fans want Quintero to replace Lanzini

West Ham fans were delighted when they were linked with a move for World Cup star Juan Quintero, and they’ve voted overwhelmingly to sign the Colombian.

According to reports, Tottenham, West Ham and Real Madrid are all chasing Quintero, who had a real coming of age showing in Russia this summer.

The 25 year-old is an incredible talent, but attitude problems have spoiled his career at Porto.

The Portuguese champions shipping him off to River Plate on loan, who are expected to make his move there permanent this summer. The Argentinian giants could then consider cashing on the playmaker, with plenty of team sniffing around the reported €22m (£19.5m) release clause.

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The Hammers of course need a replacement for Manuel Lanzini, who is set to be out until at least the new year with a knee injury sustained with Argentina.

Pellegrini has the nous and experience to get the best out of the controversial Quintero, who at his best can be an absolute star.

The 19-cap Colombian picked up a goal and assist in Russia this summer, and a whopping 77 per cent of fans have back a move.

You can find the full poll results down below…

Leeds must sign Erling Haland on loan if Man United win race for teenage striker

According to reports in The Mirror, Manchester United have been joined by Serie A champions Juventus in the race to sign Molde striker Erling Haland, and should the Red Devils win the race to sign the exciting teenager their arch-rivals Leeds United should be watching developments closely.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Mirror report that Jose Mourinho’s men have been scouting the 17-year-old, son of former Manchester City and Leeds midfielder Alf-Inge Haland, and he scored twice in front of their scouts last weekend.

However, Italian media outlet Il Tiempo, via The Mirror, report that Juve are willing to launch a €5m (£4.4m) offer for the striker, with The Mirror adding that it is unclear whether United will step up their interest or allow him to join the Italian giants.

Should Haland arrive at Old Trafford, he would be competing with the likes of Marcus Rashford and James Wilson to be Romelu Lukaku’s back-up option.

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Why should Leeds be monitoring the situation?

Well, the Whites have already lost Pierre-Michel Lasogga to Hamburg following a loan spell and sent both Pawel Cibicki and Jay-Roy Grot out on a temporary basis following tough debut campaigns at Elland Road, which has left them in desperate need of adding firepower to their squad.

The Yorkshire outfit, whose fans are fearing the worst about a potential major exit deal, continue to be frustrated in their attempts to land Derby County striker Matej Vydra, and a loan move for Haland could be best for all parties should he end up sealing a move to Old Trafford.

The 6ft 3in tall centre-forward has 12 goals in 34 first-team appearances for Molde despite his tender years, and he looks as though he would be an exciting addition to the Leeds frontline in their bid to win promotion back to the Premier League during the 2018/19 campaign.

The fact that he was reportedly born in Leeds and his dad used to play for him should only help him if he did move to Elland Road.

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West Ham fans think they’re signing Bernard after agent’s update

West Ham fans have been reacting to a rather strange social media post from the agent of Brazil international Bernard, who showed off a picture of the London Stadium on his Instagram story.

It’s been a pretty mad week or so for West Ham fans, as not too long ago fans were anxious over filling the Manuel Lanzini void, being short at the back and having little to no technical ability in the middle of the park.

Fast forward a few days, and the Hammers have added an experienced international winger in Andriy Yarmolenko, signed the supremely gifted Jack Wilshere on a free transfer, and are expected to add Felipe Anderson to this weekend’s signing of Fabian Balbuena.

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That might not be all though, as the heavily linked Bernard is still a free agent, and his agent stunned fans on Friday by posting a picture from inside the London Stadium.

Bernard is available on a free transfer after opting not to renew his contract with Shakhtar Donetsk, and fans were desperate to sign him when his wage demands of £50,000 a week were revealed.

Football London writer Sam Inkersole has suggested the player’s agent may be in London as part of the deal for Lazio’s Anderson, but he is not Anderson’s agent, so it is all rather bizarre.

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Fans are starting to get carried away on Twitter, and you can find some of the best reactions down below…

West Ham fans discuss a shock swoop for Karius

West Ham fans have been discussing making a shock swoop for Liverpool laughing stock Loris Karius, but fans are split on making the move.

West Ham secured one of the bargains of the summer when they signed Lukasz Fabianski from Swansea, but the goalkeeper situation isn’t exactly perfect.

While Adrian is a fan favourite for his passion and love for the club, the Spaniard isn’t really up to standard, proven by the fact that he couldn’t even consistently dislodge Joe Hart from the team last season.

Fabianski is a fantastic goalkeeper, but the Hammers are one injury or suspension away from being right back where they were last season, so some fans have been eyeing up a potential new number two.

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Karius has been linked with a move away from Liverpool, as the German is disappointed by the Reds’ record signing of Alisson Becker.

The Telegraph says the goalkeeper could lead a mass summer fire sale at Anfield, and some West Ham fans are eyeing a swoop.

The 25 year-old has become the laughing stock of the football world after his Champions League final blunders and subsequent pre-season mishaps, but he actually had some pretty impressive performances before the match in Kiev, recording the most Champions League clean sheets of any keeper last season.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where some fans think it would be a shrewd move, others think it’s downright insane, and one has got a different idea altogether…

Portsmouth fans delighted with Walkes arrival

Portsmouth revealed on Wednesday that they had secured a permanent deal for Tottenham Hotspur defender Anton Walkes.

The 21-year-old ended the 2017-18 campaign on loan at League One outfit Portsmouth following a spell with Atlanta United in the MLS.

Walkes has made a first-team appearance for Tottenham, but that came in a EFL Cup match back in September 2016.

The Englishman, who is capable of operating in both defence and midfield, was highly-rated during his time in the youth system at Tottenham.

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However, the 6ft 1in ace has now joined Portsmouth on a permanent deal.

The signing is a real coup for Pompey, and their club’s supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

Kenny Jackett has now made six signings in this summer’s transfer window, and the club will be expected to challenge for League One promotion next term.

A selection of the Twitter reaction from the club’s fans can be seen below:

West Brom fans are buzzing that the club could get Gayle in return for Rondon

The Daily Mail have reported that West Brom striker Salomon Rondon is set to complete a loan move to Newcastle, with Dwight Gayle heading the other way and swapping St James’ Park for the Hawthorns.

As Newcastle’s Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is close to agreeing a £22m move to Fulham, according to Sky Sports, this would allow Rafa Benitez to make his move for the Baggies’ Venezuelan target man.

Rondon has been a great servant to West Brom since his £12m move from Zenit St Petersburg in the summer of 2015, playing 120 times for the club and scoring 28 goals despite being involved in relegation battles and playing under defensive managers.

However, although West Brom fans will be sad to be without the 28-year-old for their return to the Championship, signing Dwight Gayle in return would represent an excellent piece of business for boss Darren Moore.

The 27-year-old Englishman has scored a combined 36 goals in 61 games during the two Championship seasons he has completed in his career for Peterborough and Newcastle respectively. As a proven goalscorer, his arrival would certainly soften the blow of losing Rondon for the West Brom fans.

A potential partnership up front of Gayle and Jay Rodriguez would also surely help the Baggies fight for promotion back to the Premier League. Check out some of their best reactions to the rumoured deal below.

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Revealed: 82% of Rangers fans think Gerrard must upgrade on Morelos

Rangers fans have been discussing the form of Alfredo Morelos, and a whopping 82 per cent of fans think they still need a marquee striker signing to cap off the summer.

Steven Gerrard has had a very busy summer transforming his Rangers squad, but it seems they are still one signing short of truly being league contenders.

Celtic have romped their way to the league in the last couple years scoring tons of goals along the way, and it just feels like the Gers will need a 20-goal a season striker if they are going to compete.

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Morelos grabbed his first goal of the season in the first leg of the Europa League clash against Osijek, but the 22 year-old Colombian needs some support.

He grabbed 14 league goals in his first season with the Gers, so if Gerrard can grab a stiker who adds 20 of their own, the recipe is there for a very fruitful season.

Fans have been voting whether they still need to sign a marquee striker, and it seems the overwhelming majority agree Morelos and loan signing Umar Sadiq simply aren’t enough.

You can find the full poll results down below…

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