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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may be about to drop Harry Maguire for Monday night’s Premier League game against Liverpool, according to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic.

The lowdown

The Red Devils host their arch-rivals in their third game of the season and will go in search of their first points of the new campaign after defeats against Brighton and Brentford.

The £190,000-per-week Maguire has started both of those matches in a back four alongside summer signing Lisandro Martinez.

That has seen Raphael Varane, who joined from Real Madrid last summer in a £42m deal, beginning from the substitutes’ bench on both occasions, being introduced at half-time against the Bees nine days ago.

However, one report has perhaps hinted at a possible changed in Erik ten Hag’s back four tonight.

The latest

Whitwell writes for The Athletic that Varane has been training alongside Martinez in team shape sessions ahead of the match against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

That seems to indicate that Ten Hag is very much ‘weighing up a change’ for the visit of Liverpool.

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The verdict

This would be a brave call from Ten Hag. After all, Maguire is the club captain and actually has the best WhoScored rating of any United player so far this term, and this is surely one of the team’s biggest games of the season.

In the eyes of some journalists, though, this may be seen as the right call.

For instance, Josh Bunting has said that it ‘baffles’ him that Varane, who he dubbed ‘the best defender Manchester United have by a long way’ and a better ‘leader’ than Maguire, has been benched recently, believing that the Frenchman ‘should be starting all day long’.

Meanwhile, Samuel Luckhurst noted that, ‘to most outside MUFC’, ‘Martinez and Maguire did not look remotely like the winnings of a long-term partnership’.

Judging by Whitwell’s report from Carrington, that partnership could be parked tonight, with Varane seemingly set for a recall at Maguire’s expense.

Wolverhampton Wanderers would be making a ‘statement signing’ if they were to land Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic, says journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Kalajdzic agrees personal terms

Premier League rivals Arsenal are believed to be targeting a move for Pedro Neto, so Bruno Lage has entered the market for attacking reinforcements in case of an imminent departure.

The 25-year-old Kalajdzic has been the subject of attention from the likes of Manchester United, Brighton and Everton, though it’s the Molineux side who are the first to have taken action.

Recent reports have claimed that the Austrian is in negotiations to join Bruno Lage’s side, with a deal now believed to be close having agreed personal terms.

The Latest: O’Rourke excited by Wolves negotiations

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke believes that it would be a massive coup for Wolves if they managed to fend off their competitors and sign Kalajdzic.

“It looks like it would be a big signing for Wolves if they were to land him. Kalajdzic has had some top clubs looking at him.

“He’s got a good goalscoring record for Stuttgart and also for Austria, so if Wolves were able to beat some of those other sides to his signature before the window closes, I think it’d be a real statement signing from Wolves.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Speculation of a move to Wolves has been increased after Kalajdzic was left out of Stuttgart’s match-day squad earlier this week, and he would be an outstanding signing if he is indeed on his way to Molineux.

The 6 foot 7 giant has made 33 goal contributions in just 51 appearances in the Bundesliga, via Transfermarkt, and provides a strong aerial threat, averaging three aerial duels won per game so far this season.

Kalajdzic is likely to be available for just under £17m given his contract expires next summer, so Wolves should take this chance to snap him up whilst they still can for an absolute bargain of a fee.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga before the transfer window shuts later this month.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, Steve Cooper’s side are keen on bringing the 23-year-old defender to the City Ground and are exploring the possibility of a permanent deal.

Bournemouth, AC Milan and Napoli are also credited with an interest in the Englishman, who has been available for transfer by the north London side this summer, after struggling for game time since Antonio Conte’s arrival.

They suggest that any permanent deal for the versatile defender would set Forest back around £16.8m, which would see Forest add to their impressive spending spree so far this summer, which has seen them bring in 16 new players after promotion to the Premier League.

Cooper needs him

While Tanganga has struggled for regular game time at Spurs, making just 43 senior appearances in his career thus far, he has shown in cameos as a centre-back and a right-back that he could be a quality addition to Cooper’s squad.

The Forest boss has already worked with Tanganga at England U17 level so knows the qualities that he can bring, while the recent injury suffered by Moussa Niakhate suggests that the Forest boss needs another defensive option in his ranks

Although he has seen his game time limited under Conte, previous impressive performances against Liverpool on his senior debut and against Manchester City last season emphasise Tanganga’s quality.

Gary Neville was full of praise for the young defender after he helped Spurs to a 1-0 win against Pep Guardiola’s side last season, as he shut out some of the Premier League’s best offensive players.

He said: “He handled Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish in that channel, with Sanchez and Højbjerg, brilliantly. I couldn’t have done that on my own 20 years ago – and I was a good full-back, played for Manchester United, played for England. But what that kid did out there today was really special from a one-on-one defending point of view.”

Tanganga’s versatility, age and homegrown status all suggest that he could be a quality addition at the City Ground, and given his ability as a right-back, he could present a much more physical and defensive option than the attack-minded Neco Williams, which could well be needed for Forest’s more difficult fixtures.

Therefore, Cooper should definitely look at bringing in the Spurs man this summer. He has already proven he can dominate the Premier League’s best and for a team lacking players with top-flight experience, he could be vital to their cause. It’s a deal the Garibaldi simply have to complete before 1st September.

Wolves winger Pedro Neto could jump at the chance to move from Molineux to Arsenal before the transfer window ends, according to journalist Josh Holland.

The Lowdown: Neto linked with Arsenal

The Portuguese forward is one of the Old Gold’s most prized assets, considering the attacking quality that he possesses and the fact that he is still only 22 years of age.

Neto has been linked with a move to Arsenal in recent days, with Mikel Arteta seeing him as someone who can add more quality to an already talented young squad in north London.

Wolves have three days to cling onto the player, with the transfer window ending at 11pm on Thursday night.

The Latest: Holland talks up possible Neves exit

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Holland claimed that Neto would want to join Arsenal if the chance arises in the coming days.

The Midlands-based journalist stated:

“I don’t think Wolves would allow Neto, such a big player, to go this late in the transfer window.

“Whether Neto would go to Arsenal, I think Arsenal are one of the most promising projects in the Premier League at the moment.

“So, if the move was right for Neto, I think he would want to go. But he’s not guaranteed minutes. At Wolves, he’s their star winger, whereas at Arsenal, they obviously have got Saka, Martinelli and Smith Rowe.”

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The Verdict: Potential huge blow

Neto and Ruben Neves, who is also linked with a move elsewhere in the Premier League, are two of Wolves’ most gifted and trusted players, featuring for all but 37 minutes combined in the top flight so far this term, so losing either of them this week would be an enormous blow.

At 22, the former has so many years ahead of him, and in a Wolves squad too often lacking genuine quality and end product in the final third (just 38 league goals last season), he has it in abundance.

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A return of 11 goals and 12 assists in 97 appearances for the club may not look earth-shattering, but it is good for an emerging talent, especially one playing in a far from prolific team.

It may be hard for Neto to say no to Arsenal if they come calling, though, with the Gunners top of the Premier League at the moment, so it would be difficult to begrudge him a move to the Emirates Stadium if his heart were set on going.

Members of the media have criticised midfielder Mohamed Elyounoussi for his display in Southampton’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on Friday.

The Lowdown: Saints slump…

The Saints slumped to a defeat away to Steven Gerrard’s side last night with exciting youngster Jacob Ramsey grabbing the only goal of the game just before half time.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side were arguably second best for most of the contest and allowed Villa to set their tempo with the home side eventually seeing out a scrappy Premier League victory.

Southampton registered just one shot on target all game and have been criticised for their ‘timid’ approach to proceedings.

The Latest: Media slam Elyounoussi display…

Taking to social media after this contest, journalists Jacob Tanswell (The Athletic) and Joe Prince-Wright (NBC Sports) drew attention to Elyounoussi’s poor display in particular.

The Norwegian was hauled off with just over ten minutes remaining, replaced by summer signing Samuel Edozie, and verdicts from these press members indicate he was poor on the night.

They explained:

Tanswell (via Twitter): “Nice positive play from Juan Larios to drive forward and hold off the much larger threat of Jacob Ramsey, but Elyounoussi is slow to anticipate the pass. He, along with others, needs to do more. Plenty of time to change things, though.”

Prince-Wright (via Twitter): “3 of #SaintsFC’s more experienced players, James Ward-Prowse, Che Adams and Mohamed Elyounoussi, have all really struggled tonight.”

The Verdict: Off night…

The 28-year-old certainly had an evening to forget going by his numbers courtesy of SofaScore.

Indeed, Elyounoussi finished the match as Southampton’s worst-performing player with a 5.7/10 match rating – taking fewer touches than goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu whilst having little influence.

He also failed to complete a single dribble and lost possession 15 times in total.

If Hasenhuttl is to make something of this campaign, players like Elyounoussi will need to improve before this year’s winter World Cup in Qatar.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is being monitored by Manchester United ahead of a potential move, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: New contract

Martinez has been a regular since joining from Arsenal back in 2020, making 83 appearances in all competitions.

The 30-year-old has become a key player in the Midlands which resulted in Martinez signing a new contract through to 2027 earlier this year.

He has played every minute of action under Steven Gerrard this season, and his impressive form for Villa appears to have caught the eye of Old Trafford officials.

The Latest: United interest

According to FI, United are keeping close tabs on Martinez ahead of a potential move due to doubts over David de Gea’s long-term future at the club.

The report adds that Villa value the Argentine in the region of £45m and is regarded as one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers by United’s recruitment team.

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The Verdict: A worry

Martinez has been Villa’s best performing player so far this season, as per WhoScored, so learning of Manchester United’s interest is certainly a worry.

Of course, Villa will be under no pressure to sell the ‘keeper over the next 12 months due to his contract situation, however, if De Gea leaves the Red Devils, Martinez could be tempted to become the new number one under Erik ten Hag.

United may even be able to offer Champions League football next season, and if they can, Martinez could even look to push through a Villa Park exit, making this link one to watch.

Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial could return for the derby clash against Manchester City, according to reliable journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

The Lowdown: Huge game v Man City

The Premier League returns this weekend and Erik ten Hag’s side have the biggest test possible as they head to the Etihad Stadium to face their local rivals and reigning champions on Sunday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola’s men are again the team to beat this season and United will know they will need to be at their very best to get a positive result against their rivals, who won 4-1 in this fixture last term.

There have been fitness doubts over both Rashford and Martial ahead of the match, but a positive update has now emerged.

The Latest: United duo could feature

Taking to Twitter, Luckhurst shared comments from Ten Hag that the United pair could be in contention to feature prominently on Sunday.

The Manchester Evening News journalist tweeted:

“Ten Hag says Rashford and Martial could be back for #mufc.”

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The Verdict: They can hurt City again

This is an undoubted boost for United, particularly when it comes to Rashford, with the Englishman finding his groove again this season and scoring three times in six league outings.

His pace on the counterattack is something that Ten Hag will surely want to use in a forward line which could also include Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes.

Having come off the bench to grab the assist for Rashford’s goal against Liverpool in August, Martial could be a good impact substitute.

Also, the fact that both he and the England international have caused City problems in the past could act as a mental advantage for United, who come into the game having won their last four in the Premier League.

West Bromwich Albion could be set to make an exciting young appointment to fill their current managerial vacancy.

What’s the latest?

According to The Daily Mail, the Baggies have Rob Edwards as part of a shortlisted that contains plenty of impressive names.

Steve Bruce was sacked just yesterday morning following a string of poor results that had his side sat in the Championship relegation zone.

Among the other names listed in the report are Carlos Corberan and Chris Wilder. Ron Gourlay will have a task on his hands picking wisely from this list.

His man management could be integral

Edwards might be the most progressive name of those noted, and despite his short and ultimately unsuccessful spell for Watford, he earned huge praise for his performances with Forest Green Rovers.

The 39-year-old was handed just 11 games at Vicarage Road, and as is always the way with the Hornets, you are never far from the sack.

At the Green Army, he managed to take a side that had finished in sixth the season prior to promotion into League One, the first time in the club’s history.

His managerial displays led to him receiving the Manager of the Year award for the division.

He has been lauded for his man-management skills during his short time as a head coach and has an ability to build incredible team spirit and a winning atmosphere aided by the confidence he has in his squad.

One of his former players Jamille Matt even noted: “Man management-wise, he’s the best I’ve worked under.”

With a side in such miserable form, likely heavily oppressed during the Bruce regime, a coach like Edwards could completely revitalise a club that had ambitions of a Premier League return this season.

His Watford sacking will likely not count against him due to the trigger-happy nature of their ownership, but he will be keen to jump straight back into management to maintain the momentum of his Forest Green success.

A move to the Hawthorns could be the perfect match, for a side desperate for an upturn in mood and a manager that specialises in such. He would enter with little pressure following his predecessor’s underperformance and could make something really special happen there.

Leeds United enjoyed a particularly busy transfer window this summer, with Victor Orta bringing no less than nine fresh faces to Elland Road prior to September’s transfer deadline – including the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra and Marc Roca.

And, while the club’s big-money signings of Aaronson and Sinisterra have impressed since making their respective moves to Leeds this summer, it has arguably been the rather under-the-radar £10m signing of Roca who has brought the most to Jesse Marsch’s side so far this season.

Despite having started just ten of his 24 appearances for Bayern Munich after joining the Bundesliga side from Espanyol back in the summer of 2020, the former Spain U21 international has shown no signs of rust for the Whites this term, having already become a key player for Marsch.

Indeed, the £10.8m-rated talent has already proven well worth his minimal outlay over his nine Premier League appearances – all of which have come as starts – over which the midfielder has scored one goal, as well as made an average of 0.9 key passes, taken one shot – 0.4 of which have been on target – and completed 0.8 dribbles per game.

The 25-year-old has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 2.2 tackles, one interception and 0.7 clearances per fixture, in addition to boasting an average pass completion rate of 81%, playing 2.4 long balls and winning 4.6 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per game.

These returns have seen the player who David Cartlidge dubbed “ridiculously talented” average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 6.99, not only ranking him as the best performer of the Whites’ summer signings but also as the club’s third-best performer overall in the top flight so far in 2022/23.

These returns have seen the £40k-per-week Spaniard earn a significant amount of praise, particularly from Mundo Deportivo journalist Javier Alfaro, who stated of the playmaker in a post on Twitter prior to the Arsenal match: “Marc Roca’s growth this year has been exponential in every way. Leeds benchmark in just a few months. He deserves it.”

As such, while it is true that both Aaronson and Sinisterra are extremely exciting additions – registering four goal involvements between them – Orta’s signing of Roca has undoubtedly proven to be the director of football’s best of the summer, with the 25-year-old very much looking to have been an absolute steal for just £10m.

Manchester United followed up their drab 1-0 victory over Omonia Nicosia with another stuttering performance yesterday, this time against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Erik ten Hag’s men started off brightly enough, with Fred missing the target early on, but Newcastle were always ready to counterpunch during the contest.

The teams went in at the interval level, with Joelinton unlucky with a header that struck the bar before he then hit the post in the same sequence of play. The second half saw two Cristiano Ronaldo goals disallowed and the forward looked a shadow of his former self, being substituted for Marcus Rashford with under 20 minutes remaining.

The home side had the majority of the possession around the hour mark, 61.6%, but their lack of ruthlessness meant the match finished all square and this was probably the fairest outcome.

It was yet another poor match for Ronaldo, following on from Thursday, where he made just 18 passes and took 31 touches and it’s clear his influence is waning with each passing game under Ten Hag.

Yesterday, the Portuguese forward was even worse, receiving a SofaScore rating of just 6.6/10, the second lowest in the United starting XI (Fred 6.4) and he took just 22 touches during the whole match, 16 fewer than David De Gea (38).

The mercurial 37-year-old, despite having two goals chalked off, barely made a pass in his 72 minutes on the pitch, providing just 11 in all, with none of them key passes, with the player beginning to have less and less of an impact in this side.

Indeed, MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst gave him a dismal player rating of 4 at full-time, suggesting that he had spent the game coming too deep in order to influence proceedings. Meanwhile, the Athletic described him as “profligate” yesterday, not a word you’d usually associate with such a decorated and accomplished individual.

That influence was slight, however, as the forward won just one duel and lost possession eight times with his usual excellent timing uncharacteristically off. As a result, Ten Hag might think need to think twice about having the player in from the start against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening.

It looks increasingly likely that this will be his final season in the Premier League, but with performances like these, the Dutchman will rue not bringing in an out-and-out goal scorer during the summer transfer window.