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Africa/Editor's Pick/Popular/Premier League

January 5, 2021

What the numbers say. Rashford – Mane comparison

Rashford - Mane comparison for Premier League and in other leagues

The Journey So Far

Rashford celebrating a past goal with Pogba and Wan Bissaka vs Wolves. Comparisons have been recently made between Rashford and Mane. — Rashford celebrating a past goal with Pogba and Wan Bissaka vs Wolves. Photo Credits: Manchester United Twitter

Marcus Rashford and Sadio Mane are two fine EPL footballers to do some comparison on. Both of them have played most of their games as left wingers. Rashford is 23 years old while Mane is 28 years old. Rashford has risen through the Man United youth ranks to where he is today. Mane on the other hand has had to switch clubs overtime. He started his professional career at Metz before joining Salzburg. He was spotted by Southampton scouts thereby making a move to the saints. After two seasons, Liverpool signed him up in 2016. Since then, the left winger has been delivering fine performances for the club. The two players have been a subject of debates in recent times. Football fans have been trying to find who is the better player. Here is how they compare.

Statistics Comparison

Sadio Mane is the better of the two when it comes to premier league goals. He has scored more goals having played more games too. His career has flourished more as a Liverpool player. He has 89 EPL goals in 205 appearances for the club. Rashford has scored 46 EPL goals in 117 appearances since Sadio Mane joined Liverpool. Mane has 17 champions league goals in 40 appearances for the club. Rashford on the other hand has scored 11 champions league goals in 24 appearances for the club. Mane has a slightly better minutes per goal ratio than Rashford. This can be attributed to Mane having had more experience in the two competitions than Marcus Rashford.

Squawka comparison of Rashford and Mane in UEFA 20/21. Photo credits: Squawka

Rashford - Mane comparison for Premier League 19/20 season. — Rashford – Mane comparison for Premier League 19/20 season. Photo credits: Squawka

Recent Performances

Marcus Rashford has been a better player in recent times. Since the start of the 2019/20 season, he has proven to be a little bit better than Mane. He has a better consistency than Mane. Rashford seldom goes 4 games without a goal. Mane on the other hand has recently gone 8 games without recording a goal. Rashford finished the 2020 charts as the best left winger. This season, Rashford has already recorded 7 EPL goals and 4 assists in 16 games. Mane has recorded 6 goals and 2 assists in 15 games. In the champions league, Rashford has 6 goals in 6 appearances while Mane has 1 goal and 2 assists in 6 appearances. This means that Rashford is coming good and will eventually push Mane behind him in the left winger charts.

Rashford Mane comparison in Premier League 20/21 season. Photo credits: Squawka

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Outside Football

Both players are decent outside the football pitch. Marcus Rashford has been running a campaign to feed vulnerable children in the United Kingdom. Sadio Mane has been building social amenities to improve the lives of fellow countrymen.

Sadio Mane vs WestBrom in a past match featuring for Liverpool, Premier League 20/21. Photo Credits: Liverpool Twitter

The Senegalese winger and English striker both have a good record on and off the pitch. Both are instrunmental to their teams. You now know what the numbers say about the comparison of Sadio Mane and Rashford.

Main Stories/Premier League

December 27, 2020

A new man at the wheel for Manchester United 20/21 Premier League title race?

by Lawrence Juma

Alex Ferguson as Manchester United coach, lifting the Premier League title. Photo Credits : Alex Ferguson(@alex.ferguson.official) Instagram

Post – Fergie Drought

According to the Premier League Statistics, Manchester United have not won the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2013. It has been a season of two halves last time around for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The signing of Bruno Fernandes was an extraordinary move for Manchester United. More so with regards to their title contention. The main idea behind signing Bruno Fernandes was to revitalize the Red Devils club. Eventually, United recovered from the poor start, especially this season and recorded four wins across November and December.

The 2021-21 season is United’s 29^th season in the Premier League. Moreover, Ole Gunnar’s team has successfully achieved the 46^th consecutive season in the English Premier League’s top flight. Bear in mind that the red devils are currently participating in the UEFA Europa League, Premier League, and the EFL Cup. In addition to that, they will participate in the FA Cup. Currently, the team stands at number three in the Premier League, four points behind the leaders Liverpool. On top of that, Manchester United has gathered 26 points in 13 Premier League matches this season. The Red devils and their noisy neighbors, Manchester City, have a game at hand.

The Bruno Effect

Bruno Fernandes has currently been voted as United fans’ superstar player for the year 2020. Most betting platforms have carried out polling activities, which has showcased that Bruno Fernandes is the calendar year’s best player at Manchester United. When Men Sport ran a poll asking its United fans, Readers, to vote for their outstanding player, many votes cast made him the overwhelming choice.

Bruno Fernandes celebrating a past goal for Manchester United in the Premier League.

Bruno Fernandes was born in Portugal. The Portuguese midfielder was signed for forty-seven million Sterling Pounds (£47m) plus bonuses totaling to twenty-one million Sterling Pounds(£21m). Before joining the Manchester club, the Portuguese magnifico had a remarkable season at Sporting Lisbon. He has being a significant impact on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. Besides that, he propelled Man U to a third position in the Premier League. The main objective is to secure a top four spot. This assures them of a Champions League spot next season.

Most people know him for hop, skip, shoot. Well, you cannot help but notice the three Premier League Player of the Month Awards he has bagged this year. A great fete indeed. Another great Portuguese signing in a Manchester United jersey.

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Whether United wins the league or not, it’s just but a matter of time. But the numbers are currently favorable this far. Numbers do not lie, class is permanent and bottling happens.

Manchester United Coming Fixtures

December 2020.

Saturday 26^th December – EPL
Tuesday 29^th December – EPL
Friday 1^st January – EPL
Saturday 9^th January – The FA Cup – Sunday
Wednesday 17^th January – EPL
Wednesday 20^th January – EPL

Manchester United vs Leicester, Premier League Prediction

by marina

Scott Mc'Tominay celebrating his goal for Manchester United vs Leeds United in the Premier League. Photo credits: Manchester United Instagram

A Club on Form

Manchester United are flying high in the premier league right now. The lethal red devils are winning games convincingly week in week out. Despite starting the premier league season on a low note, United have gained momentum in recent weeks. They have won six of their last 7 games in the EPL. The most recent win came against Leeds United. 6 goals were scored by Man United while conceding 2 in the process. The win has pushed them up to position 3 in the table standings and a point above their next opponents Leicester City. A win against Leicester City is therefore an important test to Manchester United’s premier league title chase.

Cavani celebrating his goal vs Everton in carabao cup. Photo Credits : Manchester United

Leicester City’s Form

The Foxes have a somehow poor home form. In 7 home games this season, they have gannered 9 points only out of a possible 21. This means that they have lost 12 points at home this season. This gives Manchester United an upper hand in the much-anticipated clash. This is because Manchester United have a perfect away record this season winning 6 out of 6 games this season. They are therefore poised to be a major threat to Brendan Rodgers’s side.

Jamie Vardy and Tielemans celebrating goal in one of their past matches. Source Credits : Jamie Vardy

Head to Head Record

Surprising enough, Leicester City have not beaten Manchester United in the premier league since 2014. Their last victory was a 5-3 thumping of Ole Gunnar’s boys in September of that year. Their only other premier league win is a 1-0 win at Old Trafford that happened in 1998.The last 5 meetings at the king power have seen Man U win 4 matches while drawing once. Leicester City will therefore have to be on top form to dispatch off Manchester United.

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Injuries, Suspensions and Key Players

The Red devils are still missing the services of long-term absentees Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones. Scott McTominay and Aaron Wan Bissaka are also major doubts for the clash. Leicester City are also missing the services of defenders Caglar Soyuncu and Ricardo Pereira. No player is suspended for the match. Leicester City’s main man is Jamie Vardy who has scored 11 goals and assisted 4 more. On the other hand, Bruno Fernandes is United’s key man for the game. With 9 goals and 5 assists to his name, he is expected to cause more problems to Leicester City.

Verdict

Both clubs are having a great season. However, Manchester United have a better consistency. Most factors favour Manchester United including the head to head record. They could squeeze a win here.

England/Main Stories

December 18, 2020

Manchester United Fans Show Disgust At Romero Treatment

by marina

Sergio Romero in action for Manchester United

Manchester United fans have shown their displeasure at the treatment of one time second choice goalkeeper Sergio Romero. The fans are displeased with the way their club has handled the Romero situation. This was vivid in the fans social media posts.

Why Romero Lost It

Last season, Romero played the role of the second goalkeeper and was entrusted with the cup games. However, during the latter stages of the competition, Ole decided to use first choice goalkeeper David De Gea. This meant that Sergio Romero was to enjoy the matches from the bench. Manchester United got eliminated from the competition at the semi finals stage. This was disappointing to the fans since they preferred Romero to De Gea. Romero reportedly showed his displeasure at being denied the chance to perform his role in the team.

Sergio Romero lifting the Europa trophy after winning it back in 16/17 season. Photo Credits: Manchester United

The Transfer Request

The Argentine submitted a transfer request with some decent premier league sides in need of his services. However, Manchester United did not accept any offer and decided to keep him. At the time, Ole had already frozen him out of the team and made Dean Henderson the second choice goalkeeper. Moreover, Romero was axed from the season squad. His wife was frustrated by this mistreatment. She took to social media expressing how Romero had been treated with disrespect and wanted to leave Manchester United. The season started with the Argentine still frozen out of the squad. Since he has not been registered for the season matches, he has had to settle for mild trainings to keep his form as he anticipates a January move.

Sergio Romero heading to training. Photo Credits: Manchester United.

The Fan’s Verdict

The fans have given their opinion about the issue, with most advocating for a move for the goalkeeper. Most fans feel the goalkeeper should be allowed to leave for a club of his choice having given a hundred percent effort whenever he played for Manchester United. United fans consider him one of their best goalkeepers of modern times due to his impressive statistics in the cup games.

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At one time, he was nicknamed ‘Mr Cleansheets’ and even earned the title of ‘the best back up goalkeeper in the world’. This was due to his regular performances that saw him keep clean sheets day in day out. The goalkeeper is famously remembered for the incredible role he played in the 2016/17 Europa league season. United won the trophy with Romero between the posts. Both the goalkeeper and the fans will be expecting the goalkeeper to part ways with the club in January. This is in a bid to save the already soiled relationship between the two.

Calvert-Lewin the goal Machine, Pogba laser and Torres’ debut goal

by marina

It was an exciting football night in EFL as Calvert-Lewin bagged a hat-trick, Pogba pulled a master class, and Manchester City got a victory vs Burnley.

Ancelloti’s squad

Following the new additions of players, Everton seem a formidable opponent to all Premier League teams. Everton has won all six games they have played, both in EPL and EFL. Of the six games that Everton has played, the Calvert-Lewin has started in five. He has scored in four of the games, eight goals. The English striker now averages 1.6 goals per game. He bagged a hat-trick helping his side beat Westham 4:1. Allan and Richarlison were subbed out following injuries they got. The severity of the injuries is yet to be clarified. Everton will now proceed to the quarter final round of EFL.

Everton has won all six games they have played, both in EPL and EFL. Ancellotti's new signings have been pivotal to Everton's success. — Carlo Ancelloti. Photo Credit opta

Manchester City vs Burnley

Manchester City was away to Burnley. However, they managed to win the game 0:3. Since 2016, Manchester City is yet to lose to Burnley in all competitions. During this time, they have drawn only once and won the rest of the matches. Pep Guardiola made three changes to the team that lost to Leicester. Sterling started upfront again since the Cityzen’s are without their natural strikers, Aguero and Jesus. Ferran Torres made his debut for the Cityzens.

Torres celebrating debut goal with teammate Rodri. Manchester City won the match 3:0 to progress to the quarter finals of EFL, Carabao cup — Torres celebrating debut goal with teammate Rodri. Photo Credit: Manchester City

Moreover, he netted the winning goal for Manchester City. Raheem Sterling made a through ball that found Torres. The 20-year-old Spanish winger found the top corner of the goal. Pep Guardiola fielded Sterling as a striker, and he scored a brace. Moreover, he made an assist. Indeed, a superb performance from him.

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The lost rematch vs Manchester United

On Saturday, Manchester United won against Brighton. Brighton had An excellent performance in this game but were not able to outscore the Red devils. Like Arsenal or Liverpool, United were to play the same team in the EFL as they did in the weekend.

Pogba celebrating freekick goal vs Brighton in Carabao. Manchester Unite won 3:0 — Pogba celebrating freekick goal vs Brighton in Carabao. Photo Credit: Manchester United

Van De Beek started for United. Moreover, Diogo Dalot made an appearance for United at the fullbacks position. Precisely, his first appearance for United this season. Scott McTominay found the back of the net in the first half, following a freekick by Juan Mata. Later on, Juan Mata found the back of the net from open play. A splendid connection with the new signing from Ajax, Van de Beek. In the 80^th minute, Pogba scored. Indeed, it was a magnificent shot past the Brighton wall. Jason Steele, Brighton’s keeper, did not move a muscle as he watched the ball get into the net. Above all, Dean Henderson’s performance was a 10 over 10. The English keeper made two superb saves. It was a well-deserved win for United.

Manchester United, Everton, Manchester City, and Newcastle have all proceeded to the quarter-finals of the Carabao cup.

Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden issue apology

by marina

The incident

Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden have issued an apology following the incidents that occurred in their hotel in Iceland. The two broke quarantine rules during their stay at the team hotel in Iceland. Icelandic media report that the two, following a win against the Iceland national team, were seen in the company of two girls. This is in breach of COVID-19 safety guidelines. Moreover, both later invited girls back to the Three Lion’s hotel in Reykjavik.

The consequences

The England manager Gareth Southgate termed the incident as “very serious.” In response, both Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden have been sent back to England. The England Manager expressed his disappointment in the two ahead of the game against Denmark. This is what he said, “Both of them have responsibilities and have apologised. However, it is clear that they have breached the Corona Virus safety guidelines”. Despite being their first call-ups for the two young stars,they will miss the next game against Denmark. Phil Foden, made his debut during this game against Iceland. On the other hand, Mason Greenwood came in from the bench for his first match for the Three Lions.

Manchester United and Manchester City issued a statement pg slot condemning the actions of the two and stated that they would liaise with the FA for appropriate measures to be taken. Moreover, Iceland police have said they will make an inquiry that would further lead to more actions taken against the two. The Iceland Police press officer Gunner Sveinbjornsson stated, “The matter has been brought to our attention and we will look into it.” He went on to say, “The breaches of the guidelines are punishable by a fine of some sorts.”

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The two were sent back to England separately. They will now have to follow the guidelines before being able to return to competitive football at their respective clubs.

Apology

Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden out of guilt issued an apology for the incident. Mason Greenwood said, “I apologise for the embarrassment I have caused. It was irresponsible of me to break the COVID-19 safety protocol, which was in place to protect the players, staff, and the public. I apologise to the manager Gareth Southgate and I have learned my lesson.”

Phil Foden also issued an apology over the incident. The two now await the start of the new premier league season, which will begin on the 11^th of September 2020. However Manchester United and City will begin their matches in game week 2.

Alexis Sanchez remarks on Manchester United: bitterness or facts?

by marina

Alexis Sanchez slams Manchester United in his thank you message

Background

In the aftermath of what I can call a remarkable season at Arsenal, Alexis Sanchez joined Manchester United. A move that caused a lot of uproar from Arsenal fans. Distasteful indeed to them.

Would You Take Alexis Sanchez Back At Arsenal?https://t.co/Q4LVHRp7oe #AFC #AFTV pic.twitter.com/OphEiWUQBS
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) October 14, 2018

However, it seemed inevitable for the management. Since Alexis Sanchez had refused to renew his contract at Arsenal following continuous plight from the fans, (AFTV), and the team, the board decided to cash in on him to avoid loosing him on a free transfer.

What Alexis Sanchez has to say on his stay at Manchester United — Alexis Sanchez while at Manchester United. Photo Credits Alexis Sanchez, Instagram

Present

3 years have gone by, and the 31 year old Chilean International has joined Inter Milan on a free transfer from Manchester United. Alexis Sanchez recently created a buzz on the internet following his remarks on Manchester United, which he made on a video he shared online.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEsLFWBFifK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The environment at Manchester United

According to the shared post, Alexis Sanchez slammed Manchester United saying “he wanted to leave the club after only one training session following his move from Arsenal in 2018.” The coach at the time at Manchester United was the 3 time premier league winning coach, Jose Mourinho. Is it the coach or the team that should be blamed?

Well, Alexis Sanchez moreover directed his blame also to media personalities and some of Manchester United former players, such as Gary Neville and Paul Scholes. It is worth noting that some of these former players in their football analysis have sparked a lot of controversies, for example in the Paul Pogba issue as well as before Lukaku’s move to Inter Milan. It’s agreeable that there is a lot of pressure surrounding a player playing for Manchester United, Lingard is a case scenario. Moreover, Fred at one point admitted the existence of this pressure . I suppose you old enough to remember Wayne Rooney’s punch throwing celebration while at Manchester. The pressure is there!

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The conditions may not have been favorable for Alexis Sanchez under Mourinho, or it was a new normal, this is not well known to us. But it is certain his performance was affected there. Alexis Sanchez scored 5 goals in 45 matches for Manchester United,a poor performance with regards to his run at Arsenal. Poor performance can result in bitterness, also, poor environment can result to poor performance.

In this case, I suppose, both factors came into play leading to his “thank you message” to Manchester. Well, most people rate him highly, hope he rediscovers himself at Inter Milan. Looking forward to seen him create great football moments at Inter Milan.

Europe

August 25, 2020

Manchester United get knocked out by their Spanish kryptonite, Sevilla

by Peter Ongalo

The kryptonite

It was a “hello darkness my old friend “moment yesternight for Manchester United as they got knocked out of the Europa League by Sevilla. In 2018, Sevilla knocked out Manchester United from the UEFA Champions League. A 78th minute winner from Wissam Ben Yedder did it for Sevilla. History repeated itself yesterday in the Europa League following a 2-1 victory for the Spaniards .

Sevilla has proved a hard nut to crack for Manchester United. For instance, in a 2013 friendly match at Old Trafford, they lost 1-3 to the Spanish side. Sevilla have a 75% win rate vs Manchester United. 3 out of their 4 games against Manchester United. Los Palanganas are now headed to the finals of the Europa League to contest for their 6th title. The Spanish side is the most decorated club in the Europa League having won this trophy three times consecutively from 2014 to 2016, under Unai Emery.

Also Read:

All eyes on the European tournaments as major league seasons come to an end

The knockout

The game started off with an early penalty to United. Bruno Fernandes scored the penalty, his 8th goal in the competition. The Red devils have now been awarded 22 penalties in all competitions. The most that any team from Europe’s top five leagues has had in a single campaign since Barcelona in 2015-16(24). However, this penalty was not enough for the night since Sevilla equalised at the 26th minute, a Suso goal assisted by Sergio Reguilon.

Luke De jong later scored at the 78th minute, assisted by Jesus Navas, to wrap it up for the day. This goal was clearly a mistake by Victor Lindelof. It’s arguable that Lindelof should have marked Luke De Jong. After the full time whistle was blown, Lindelof seemed to be in an angry exchange of words with Bruno Fernandes over the goal.

Semi-final limit

For the first time in 31 years, Manchester United have gone three consecutive years without a trophy: trophyless. They are the first ever English top flight team to fall at the semi-final stage of three different competitions within the same campaign. Ole’s boys got knocked out of the EFL Carabao League cup by Manchester City, got knocked out of the Emirates FA cup by Chelsea and now Sevilla all at the Semi-final stage.

The silver lining

Hoping this isn’t a curse, Manchester United will bounce back .They had a good run in this campaign but nothing to show for it except for the 3rd position EPL and a qualification for the UEFA Champions League. The club will focus on signing new players and training in preparation for the next season, 12th September.

Photo Credit: Getty images

Europe

August 25, 2020

How much is Man Utd willing to pay for Jadon Sancho?

by Quincy Charles

Manchester United have been on the wingerâ€™s radar for quite some time this season and are ready to do everything possible to sign the young star in this coming transfer window.

Jadon Sancho has attracted interests from other big clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool. The advantage Man Utd have over other clubs is that he is willing to join them.

Manchester Utd are not only willing to sacrifice some players but also take a huge loan to fund Sanchoâ€™s move to Old Trafford.

With the Coronavirus pandemic, transfer fees for players are expected to reduce worldwide.

Borussia Dortmund are currently under no pressure to sell their valued winger, and if his transfer fee is to reduce, they will not lower it below Â£100 million. Their current value for the player is Â£115 million.

Man Utd are ready to sell Alexis Sanchez, Phil Jones, Andreas Parreira and Chris Smalling in order reach the amount required to sign Sancho. Sanchez and Smalling are on loan in Inter Milan and Roma respectively, and Inter is ready to sign Sanchez permanently.

Sancho still has two years left on his deal with Dortmund and the club is ready to make the most out of his transfer to whichever club is willing to sign him.

Utdâ€™s vice chief executive Ed Woodward is known for making last-minute deals in securing bargains when signing new players. Garry Neville believes it will not be an easy task luring Dortmund into selling Sancho cheaply.

According to the former United defender, Ole Gunnar will have to pay more if he plans on landing Sancho at Old Trafford this summer.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

England

August 25, 2020

The battle for top 4 stiffens after Chelsea and Leicester tragic losses yesterday

by Peter Ongalo

Premier League Champions, Liverpool are leading on the league table with 86 points followed by Manchester City who are at 63 points. Below them are 4 clubs who are battling it out for the third and fourth position. Fighting to win a spot at the UEFA Champions League are Leicester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Wolverhampton respectively. These clubs had a good run in the league and are separated by not more than 3 points. The foxes at 55 points and a goal difference of 29 had a chance of extending the one point gap between them and Chelsea yesterday but lost 2-1 to Everton at Goodison Park. Chelsea on the other hand also lost 3-2 to West Ham and gave up their chance of being third on the league table. Leicester will be hoping to redeem themselves as they host Crystal Palace on Saturday. Chelsea will also be playing against Watford on Saturday hoping make up for lost points.

With only two points behind the South West London club, Manchester United hopes to catch up to them by winning their game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday. This is not a tough fixture for the club based on their current form and their winning streak plus their home advantage. It would not be very costly for them to loose this game. Wolves who are only behind Manchester United because of a lower goal difference are also putting effort to secure a spot at the top four. The West midlands club havenâ€™t lost a game after the restart and have been pretty impressive in the way the gain points. They will be hosting a rejuvenated Arsenal on Saturday hoping to get points to fit for the UCL qualification. It is a pretty tough fixture for them, but taming the wolves has been easy this season.

For the Red devils and Wolves, there is another alternative for qualifying to the Champions League, which is by winning the UEFA Europa League, a competition set to return on 5th August.

PhotoCredit: Premier League App