Man Utd Could Land Thiago Silva 2.0 In £13m-rated "Rock"

Manchester United could well have identified a leading option to replace Harry Maguire this summer, amid reports that the club have held talks regarding the signing of OGC Nice star, Jean-Clair Todibo.

What's the latest on Todibo to Man United?

With West Ham United having seemingly agreed a £30m deal to help rescue Maguire from his Old Trafford nightmare, transfer insider Fabrice Hawkins has also revealed that United have been in contact with both Todibo's representatives and the Ligue 1 outfit over a prospective move.

Writing on Twitter, Hawkins stated: "Manchester United targets Jean-Clair Todibo. Discussions with Nice and the defender's entourage. The Reds devils are waiting to sell Harry Maguire to take action. West Ham have accelerated on HM and hope to complete the transfer."

Read the latest Manchester United transfer news HERE…

While the 6 foot 3 ace is valued at around €15m (£13m) by CIES Football Observatory, prior reports have indicated that the Frenchman could command a fee of closer to €30m (£26m), with four years left to run on his existing deal.

Should Man United sign Todibo?

With Maguire – who was only recently stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag – set to be on his way to the London Stadium, the Red Devils will have a real pressing need to bolster their centre-back ranks before the end of the window, particularly with Raphael Varane having proven somewhat unreliable due to his persistent injury woes.

In the form of Todibo, Ten Hag could find himself a relatively youthful and "underrated" talent – in the words of Jacek Kulig – who can represent a long-term option at the Theatre of Dreams, with the one-time Barcelona man having been as "solid as a rock" in his homeland of late, as per Kulig.

Thiago Silva Chelsea

The former France U20 international will likely be looking to emulate the impact that Thiago Silva has enjoyed in the Premier League since trading Paris Saint-Germain for Chelsea back in the summer of 2020, with Todibo himself having previously spoken of his admiration for the veteran Brazilian:

"I've been inspired a lot by Andrea Pirlo in central midfield, and also by Thiago Silva in defence."

As per the Bundesliga's official website, one of the former Schalke man's key strengths is the fact that he is 'superb on the ball', as he notably ranks in the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90 among his European peers and in the top 15% for progressive passes per 90.

That composure in possession is also seen by the fact that one-time Toulouse titan also ranks in the top 20% for pass completion and the top 13% for passes attempted, ensuring he is going someway to matching Silva's impact for the Blues, as the 38-year-old ranks in the top 8% and the top 7% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Despite his advancing years, the latter man – who won the Champions League with the west Londoners back in 2021 – remains a truly exceptional presence at the heart of the defence, with his average match rating of 7.26 during the 2022/23 campaign, as per Sofascore, ranking him second behind only Bruno Fernandes in relation to the United squad.

The likeness between Silva and Todibo can also be seen by their defensive prowess and knack for sniffing out the danger, with the younger man having averaged 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game in Ligue 1 last season, while his experienced counterpart averaged 2.8 in that regard in England's top flight.

With Silva a simply "incredible centre-back" – according to ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard – the hope will be that Todibo can reach similar heights if he is to follow in his idol's footsteps and trade France for England this summer.

Wolves "sniffing" out interesting transfer after Lopetegui exit

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been in the headlines recently for all the wrong reasons with manager Julen Lopetegui jumping ship at the eleventh hour. Dean Jones has offered a positive spin on their transfer business to GIVEMESPORT regarding who could be the Raul Jimenez upfront.

What does the future hold for Wolves' attacking line?

Michail Antonio has played a whole different number of positions for West Ham United and has been a great servant for them over the years.

This window has seen the forward at the centre of several transfer rumours, including links with an impending move to Saudi Arabia. It appears his future may well be remaining in England after all though, as Dean Jones has alluded to.

Irons fullback Aaron Cresswell has previously been a Wolves target and that deal has been far from a smooth process which may present his current teammate with some reservations about this move up north.

There are not only a lot of issues for the powers that be at Wolves to deal with but they have also been voiced in a very public manner. Lopetegui was keen to make the problems he was facing well known to all which may hinder the pursuit of Antonio and any other transfer targets.

What is Dean Jones update?

Here is what Dean Jones had to say when speaking about the future of Michail Antonio with GIVEMESPORT.

"From a Wolves point of view the signing of Antonio would probably sound like welcome news, but the player will have reservations over a move like that until fully understanding exactly what is going on behind the scenes and how they intend to come through this period.

"This is a moment when West Ham are opening up to moving on from Antonio. My information is that Wolves are sniffing this out as a good chance to get a Premier League proven player on a good deal, but they have already stumbled around with the Aaron Cresswell deal.

"So, it will be interesting to see if they push ahead with this one and have more joy. There is no doubt Wolves need to find one more player with some goal threat."

Premier League, Everton, Everton news, Everton transfers, Everton transfer news, Michail Antonio

What other business could Wolves pursue?

As previously mentioned, Julen Lopetegui was keen on bringing Aaron Cresswell up to Molineux. It remains to be seen whether this interest carries over into the tenure of new boss Gary O’Neil though, who himself played for West Ham between 2011 and 2013.

Midfield is another area of concern for Wolves, particularly after they lost Portuguese duo Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho. The latter is currently without a club whilst the former was sold to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for a mouth-watering fee just short of £50 million.

Bristol City wonderkid Alex Scott is one name who has been linked with filling this void in the middle of the park. The 19-year-old enjoyed a true breakout season last year and as well as Wolves, he has accrued interest from the likes of West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan, but he now has signed on the dotted line at Bournemouth.

Wolves want to sign £85k-p/w star as transfer window hots up

Wolverhampton Wanderers are targeting an experienced Premier League attacker to strengthen their forward line ahead of the transfer deadline, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest Wolverhampton Wanderers news?

Wolves have really struggled to add any sort of quality this window due to Financial Fair Play issues that have restricted their ability to recruit talent, with only Matt Doherty and Tom King signing on at Molineux on free transfers.

Of course, Julen Lopetegui left the Old Gold under a cloud and was subsequently replaced by former Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil, capping off a frustrating pre-season for Wolves that has tested the patience of their supporters, as per The Daily Mail.

Despite the turmoil at the West Midlands-based outfit, Wolves boss O'Neil will take a lot of encouragement from his side's Premier League opening day performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford, as per BBC Sport.

Manchester United ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a Raphael Varane header; however, Wolves carried a constant threat from counter-attacking scenarios and probably should've taken something from the encounter, all things considered.

Having a dearth of talent in the forward areas hindered Wolves on the day and it looks like Old Gold manager O'Neil will dip into the market to secure another offensive option if their financial situation allows transfer movement.

As per TEAMtalk, Wolves are keen on West Ham United striker Michail Antonio, who earns £85,000 per week at the London Stadium, with the Hammers being reportedly open to selling the Jamaica international if they can secure a suitable replacement.

Antonio is also believed to be on the radar of Sky Bet Championship side Leeds United and Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, according to FootballTransfers.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Galetti has detailed that Wolves are indeed keen to add Antonio to the fold at Molineux.

Galetti stated: “In defence, Wolves are always active with the interest in Konstantinos Mavropanos from Stuttgart to strengthen the centre back role.

"Wolves are also looking for an offensive player, either a striker or a winger. Michail Antonio’s contract with West Ham expires next year in 2024 and he is one of the names explored.

"But there is also competition from Saudi for Antonio to complicate things.”

What now for Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Wolves face Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend at Molineux and will hope to build on their promising performance against Manchester United to yield a positive result, as per Sky Sports.

Journalist Galetti told GIVEMESPORT last week that Wolves were paying attention to the situation of AC Milan star Alexis Saelemaekers, who is not in the picture at the San Siro at present.

West Ham United defender Aaron Cresswell.

The Old Gold are also keen to wrap up a deal for West Ham United full-back Aaron Cresswell and will try to get the former England international's signature over the line before the transfer window closes, according to Football Insider.

In terms of departures, Wolves winger Daniel Podence is attracting interest from Scottish giants Celtic, though any departure could reach a fee in the region of £12 million, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.

Aston Villa Preparing Bid For "Sharp" £102k-p/w Defender

Aston Villa are preparing a bid to sign Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso this summer, and a new report has revealed his club’s stance on sanctioning his sale to the Midlands.

How old is Marcos Alonso?

Alonso is 32 years of age and moved to Camp Nou last summer on a free transfer from Chelsea after six years at Stamford Bridge, as per Transfermarkt, but he didn’t make the instant impact he would have hoped having been handed just 11 La Liga starts during his debut season under Xavi, whilst being brought off the bench on 13 occasions.

The Spaniard’s contract is also set to expire in less than a year meaning that the ongoing window is his side’s perfect opportunity to cash in should they not want to risk losing him for free, and that could happen because his future is currently extremely uncertain.

The Blaugrana left-back is reportedly one of three players that hasn’t been registered to play yet this term due to financial issues behind the scenes, and whilst the same outlet claim that his manager has reassured him that he wants him to stay, the fact that he’s temporarily been pushed out of the picture points towards an exit.

Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso.

Are Aston Villa signing Marcos Alonso?

According to AS (via TEAMtalk), Aston Villa are “ready to make a firm offer” for Alonso this summer.

Barcelona are “willing to sell” the full-back before the market closes due to them being set to sign Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo, and his potential availability has “caught” the attention of NSWE, Monchi and Unai Emery in the Midlands.

Xavi is “yet to give his green light” on a departure, but he “could be tempted” if a respectable proposal was put on the table.

Has Marcos Alonso won the Premier League?

During his time at Chelsea, Alonso did indeed win the Premier League back in 2017 alongside the likes of the Champions League and Europa League, so he knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the required level and could be a fantastic experienced recruit for Aston Villa.

Barcelona’s £102k-per-week earner also posted 47 goal contributions (26 goals and 21 assists) in 179 top-flight appearances, with his precision when whipping crosses into the opposition’s box having previously seen him hailed “sharp” by journalist Josh Bunting.

Read The Latest Aston Villa Transfer News HERE…

The Madrid native, who is naturally left-footed, is even a versatile operator with his ability to be deployed slightly higher up on the left side of the midfield and even on the left of a back three alongside his usual role, so he would be a great option for the boss to have in the building should cover be needed for any unexpected injuries.

Furthermore, Alonso has an excellent record against Villa having won all four of the head to head fixtures he’s been involved in, so if he can perform that well when he’s a member of the away side, just imagine what he’d be capable of when being managed under the guidance of Emery in this new exciting chapter for the club.

Nottingham Forest Favourites To Sign £180k-p/w "Monster"

Nottingham Forest have appeared as the frontrunners to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, but they aren’t the only club interested in the Premier League.

How old is Callum Hudson-Odoi?

Hudson-Odoi is 22 years of age so should be playing football on a regular basis and entering some of the prime stages of his career, but that’s not the case because his future is extremely uncertain having been sent out on an unsuccessful loan to Bayer Leverkusen last season.

England’s former international’s contract is also set to expire in less than a year meaning that this window is Mauricio Pochettino’s ideal opportunity to cash in, something which looks likely considering he’s told chiefs that he wants to leave, whilst being yet to communicate with his manager since taking to the dugout.

The Blues’ left-winger already holds an existing connection to Steve Cooper having worked under him during his time with the Three Lions’ U17s, and The Evening Standard recently reported that the Reds had entered the running to sign him, alongside Everton and Fulham.

The Cottagers were believed to be leading the race, but with that move having since collapsed, the contest has really opened up, giving his other potential suitors a chance to swoop him, and there’s a possibility that he could be on his way to The City Ground.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Callum Hudson-Odoi?

According to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest are "emerging as favourites" to sign Hudson-Odoi, with Chelsea "open" to sanctioning his sale before the end of the window.

With Fulham and now also Everton's move for the attacker having "stalled", this leaves the "path clear" for Cooper to form a reunion with his ex-international starlet.

The Stamford Bridge academy product also had his brother, who is his agent, as an "interested observer" watching on from the stands at last week's match vs Sheffield United, further sparking speculation that he could be joining in the coming weeks.

Bayer Leverkusen's former loan forward Callum Hudson-Odoi.

How good is Callum Hudson-Odoi?

Nottingham Forest will know that Hudson-Odoi hasn’t been given a fair chance to prove what he’s capable of at Chelsea, but Cooper will know just how much potential he has to offer having previously been dubbed a “monster of a talent” by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, and he could the perfect manager to restart his career.

The Wandsworth-born talent has posted 89 goal contributions (48 goals and 41 assists) in 208 appearances since bursting onto the scene and could provide the boss with excellent versatility with his ability to operate everywhere across the frontline, alongside three roles in the midfield, as per Transfermarkt, making him a great option to have available should any unexpected injuries occur.

Pochettino’s £180k-per-week earner also knows what it takes to compete and be successful having helped to win five senior trophies for his boyhood club, including the likes of the Champions League, Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup, so he could bring a much-needed winning mentality to the Midlands to achieve a place as high as possible in the table this season.

Leeds team news: Farke must unleash "exemplary" £10k-p/w titan

Leeds United, following their disappointing EFL Cup exit in midweek, will be seeking to return to winning ways as the Championship returns…

What's the latest Leeds team news?

Daniel Farke has endured a tumultuous start to the new season, having failed to win in his opening three league matches before finally claiming all three points with last Saturday's win over Ipswich Town.

They now face another tough task against newly-promoted opposition, welcoming Sheffield Wednesday to Elland Road.

With a host of new players set to be available for this fixture, at last the German manager will boast a positive selection headache given the mass overhaul he has masterminded in the final week of the transfer window.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

One such example was the acquisition of Djed Spence, who could revolutionise the right-back spot after joining on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

However, it is another of their August additions that must be recalled for today's clash, with Joe Rodon having been sorely missed most recently against Salford City.

His inclusion, alongside his Lilywhites teammate, could help solve one of the club's big issues.

Will Joe Rodon start against Sheffield Wednesday?

Given how quick Farke was to throw him into the starting side, it is clear just how important the Wales international will be for the Yorkshire outfit this season as they seek to earn promotion.

Already his quality and impressive pedigree have begun shining through despite only having made three league appearances, with his 7.15 average rating impressive. This is a figure buoyed by his outstanding 92% pass accuracy, paired with 1.7 interceptions and 3.7 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

joe-rodon

When he is present the entire team is elevated, and the 25-year-old will hope that he can prove instrumental in plugging the gaps that have seen them ship seven goals in their opening four fixtures.

His reemergence into the starting side is made particularly important given how youngster Charlie Cresswell failed to impress in that midweek cup clash, with his 6.8 rating the joint-lowest of those who started for the travelling side.

The 21-year-old's inability to stake his claim emphasised Rodon's absence and how big of a miss he proved to be, with Rennes boss Bruno Genesio having lauded his importance and strong mentality whilst on loan: "Joe Rodon shows an exemplary mindset, although he does not play."

Spence also suffered from a lack of game time with the same club, having seen his season in France cut short due to injury.

However, to once again be reunited with his £10k-per-week defensive teammate could prove revolutionary for Leeds, who have been crying out for both a new defensive leader and some added energy in the full-back spots.

Rodon would offer the foundation for his 23-year-old right-back to recapture form from his loan with Nottingham Forest, which saw him record six goal contributions, one key pass per game, and earn praise from former Tricky Trees stalwart Brian Laws: "Full-backs do not tend to get many headlines.

"He grabs them by the handful. In every single game, he has a positive impact. He has power going forward, he has electric pace, he has an abundance of skill, he can drop his shoulder, step-over, go inside or outside — he is a major threat."

It is worth noting that he was allowed to thrive within that setup beside Joe Worrall, with Rodon boasting more than enough quality to assume this role and hand Spence his ideal start to life at Elland Road.

Spurs: Ange could sign "immense" £13m Chalobah alternative

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a largely frustrating Deadline Day, their one main acquisition aside, but there could still be late hope before their opportunity to strike ends…

Who could Tottenham Hotspur sign on Deadline Day?

With Brennan Johnson a fine signing to add to Ange Postecoglou's attacking options, it seemed like there were plenty of other chances for them to bring in more players before things got in their way.

With Conor Gallagher, the Lilywhites were always fighting a losing battle, as they sought to pry the Cobham graduate away from their rivals and his boyhood club.

Even with their late attempt to sign Trevoh Chalobah, it seemed unlikely that the Blues would sanction a temporary exit to bolster one of their sworn enemies.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

So, perhaps the north London outfit could seek to reignite a rumour from earlier in the day, when 90min noted of their continued interest in Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo.

He would boast a fine alternative to the 24-year-old, and for just €15m (£13m) mark a fine coup to close out the window. With a late move to AS Monaco also falling through, there is an ideal opportunity to swoop in themselves.

How good is Tosin Adarabioyo?

The former Manchester City man has been a solid Premier League stalwart for many years now and immediately would boast plenty more experience over Chalobah for a start.

Not to mention the difference in potential price tags, with the west London club supposedly demanding £50m for his services.

tosin

With Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, Postecoglou has an incredibly solid centre-back pairing that, fitness-willing, would seldom be separated. Realistically, the addition of another centre-back did not need to be as lucrative as Chalobah's proposed move, especially if whoever joined was resigning themselves to a backup role.

Few in the division would boast as impressive a stand-in as Tosin, who has a total of 59 Premier League appearances and has starred at times. Particularly during the 2020/21 season, where he maintained a 6.91 average rating bolstered by his 86% pass accuracy, 1.3 interceptions and 5.8 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Having been a defensive warrior wherever he has featured, one of his former bosses Tony Mowbray was particularly effusive in his praise back in 2019: "I thought Tosin today was immense," he said.

"We’ve struggled with teams who played direct football against us but I told him that he had to be the man that stood up, be tall, head the ball, and it’s underestimated how important heading the ball over the halfway line is."

To compare those aforementioned figures with Chalobah's best campaign, and there is not nearly enough of a gulf in quality to justify the proposed price tags. That arguably came in the 2021/22 term, as he instead recorded a 91% pass accuracy alongside two tackles and 2.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Tosin's quality is further emphasised when compared against other centre-backs across Europe, as he ranks in the top 16% for progressive passes per 90 and the top 1% for clearances per 90, via FBref.

He is more than capable of making the step up to the level Postecoglou seeks to take Spurs, as an alternative for Chalobah who is far better value for money.

Arsenal team news: £265k-p/w star with Bergkamp vibes could now start

Arsenal are back in Premier League action again today, but will face an almighty task in finally toppling Everton despite what the form card says…

Who could start for Arsenal vs Everton?

Goodison Park is a place many teams struggle at, with the home support often proving to be the difference when they are on form. The Gunners are one side that has struggled in particular when visiting Merseyside, having lost their last four of their last five games at the Old Lady, with their last win coming in 2017.

So, even if the Toffees are winless after four games and sit in the relegation zone, Mikel Arteta will know all too well that they are not a side to be discounted.

Arsenal's last 5 trips to Goodison

The result

4th Feb 2023

1-0 to Everton

6th Dec 2021

2-1 to Everton

19th Dec 2020

2-1 to Everton

21st Dec 2019

0-0 draw

7th April 2019

1-0 to Everton

The Spaniard has a host of decisions to make following the conclusion of the international break, which allowed much of his squad to crawl back towards full fitness. That additional injection of quality could prove pivotal in recapturing their form, as despite remaining unbeaten the performances have hardly been outstanding.

Bukayo Saka's fitness comes as an almighty relief to fans of the visiting side, with their only major absentee other than Jurrien Timber being Thomas Partey.

However, it is up front which is truly set to be bolstered, with the frightening return of Gabriel Jesus.

How many goals has Jesus scored for Arsenal?

Since joining last summer, the Brazilian marksman has seen his time at the Emirates largely marred by persisting injury woes. First having to undergo knee surgery after the World Cup, he has started this season in a similarly unreliable fashion, failing to make a league start despite scoring last time out.

gabriel-jesus

That appearance off the bench should offer confidence that the 26-year-old is now ready to start, and once again wreak havoc on Everton.

After all, the former Manchester City star has a rich history of scoring against this side, with his eight goals against them actually making the Toffees his favourite opponent to face alongside Watford.

The 5 foot 9 attacker's trickery and clinical nature aid such a notion, which was outlined last campaign when he maintained fitness.

Across just 26 league appearances he would score 11 and assist seven, however, such form had already been predicted by pundit Chris Iwelumo: "I think that is an outstanding signing. I think a team that plays an attractive brand of football, that creates lots of chances, and he's tried and tested in the Premier League. I think it's a win-win.

"What Jesus brings is the football intelligence as well, he brings other players in, he creates for others."

Gabriel Jesus' Premier League seasons

Starts

Goals

Assists

Average Sofascore Rating

2023/24* (Arsenal)

0

1

0

7.25

2022/23 (Arsenal)

24

11

6

7.07

2021/22 (Manchester City)

21

8

8

7.18

2020/21 (Manchester City)

22

9

4

7.04

2019/20 (Manchester City)

21

14

7

7.12

To support this notion further, the £265k-per-week maestro, who Ian Wright has likened to Dennis Bergkamp, also maintained 1.2 key passes per game in the league last season too, with his 1.3 tackles per game emphasising his work rate and ability to spearhead the press that could silence the home crowd, via Sofascore.

Given Arteta's side have seemingly lacked that cutting edge in the final third to cap off the endless creativity they boast, Goodison Park could play host to a masterclass today to finally end their near-six-year hoodoo.

Jesus has been a miss for the Gunners in their opening four fixtures, with their clash with Everton offering a fine opportunity to truly kickstart their season. A strong showing today could prove pivotal for their title aspirations, but history dictates they will not have it easy.

Big boost for Liverpool? Bayern Munich face struggle in Xabi Alonso race as Feyenoord's Arne Slot emerges as candidate to replace Thomas Tuchel

Bayern Munich indentify Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as a possible replacement for Thomas Tuchel as they consider Xabi Alonso deal to be complicated.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Bayern eye Slot as Tuchel's replacement
  • Alonso could head to Liverpool
  • Bayern think Alonso deal could be complicated
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to , Bayern Munich could consider appointing Feyenoord's Slot as their next manager in the summer when Tuchel leaves the club. The report further adds that the German giants, who were earlier linked with a move for Xabi Alonso, are considering their decision as they think signing the Bayer Leverkusen boss could be complicated.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Alonso, who has managed to keep Leverkusen unbeaten in the Bundesliga and at the top of the league table after 24 games, is also being chased by Premier League giants Liverpool who are in search of a manager to replace outgoing Jurgen Klopp next season. The former Spain international reportedly shares a very close bond with the Reds and thus could make a move to Merseyside ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    45-year-old Slot, who has been in charge of the Eredivisie side since 2021, guided them to the league title last season and also helped them reach the final of the inaugural edition of the Europa Conference League where they lost to Jose Mourinho's AS Roma.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN MUNICH?

    The Bavarian side has managed to win just once in their last four league appearances and they find themselves 10 points behind Leverkusen. Tuchel's side will be next seen in action on Tuesday in the Champions League as they take on Lazio in the second leg of their round of 16 clash.

Man United team news: Ten Hag must bin his ‘useless’ dud alongside Eriksen

Manchester United have been left with little time to dwell on Saturday's grim defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, with Erik ten Hag's men turning their attention toward tonight's mouthwatering Champions League tussle with Bayern Munich.

Preparations for that crunch clash at the Allianz Arena have hardly been ideal following a dismal run of three defeats from their opening five Premier League games, while the Red Devils have also been plunged into a deepening crisis amid the growing list of absentees.

What is the team news for Man United vs Bayern?

Thomas Tuchel – and £100m man Harry Kane – will likely be licking their lips after seeing the 21-man squad that Ten Hag has at his disposal for the group stage opener later today, with the Dutchman down to the bare bones all across the pitch.

In the forward ranks, both Antony and Jadon Sancho are still not deemed available for selection, while the midfield department also appears rather depleted with recent arrivals Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount still not fit to feature.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag.

It is in the backline where the Old Trafford outfit look especially light, however, with the former Ajax boss only able to select five defenders for the trip to Germany – including veteran asset Jonny Evans – with Harry Maguire proving the latest injury blow for the struggling side.

With four goalkeepers making up a rather weak travelling party, getting a result from tonight's encounter with the Bundesliga giants is already looking like something of an impossible task.

Who will start for Man United vs Bayern?

With the backline likely to pick itself, with Evans set to be the man in reserve, it is in the centre of the park where changes may lie in store, with it yet to be seen whether Ten Hag will persist with the midfield diamond that was utilised at the weekend.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst noted, that tactical change failed to pay dividends as Brighton were able to "exploit" the narrow nature of United's midfield, with the likes of Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay having simply been "bypassed".

Scott McTominay

It could be argued that despite the lack of alternatives, Ten Hag should consider ruthlessly ditching both of those men tonight, with McTominay, in particular, having 'offered little box-to-box threat from midfield or any protection' last time out, as per 90min's Jude Summerfield.

The Scotland international continues to perform for his country – with six goals from his last six appearances – although the 26-year-old could not translate that form back at club level, as he recorded just 22 touches against Roberto De Zerbi's men.

Previously branded "useless" by former Manchester Evening News writer Hesham Bilal-Hefiz, the United academy graduate did look rather lost on the right of the midfield, with it having been "inexplicable" that a specialised right-winger like Facundo Pellistri was not selected instead, according to Luckhurst.

There could be an argument for Ten Hag to make that change this time around, while as for Eriksen, the 31-year-old could be replaced by the youthful exuberance of Hannibal Mejbri, following the 20-year-old's stunning first goal for the club just a few days ago.

Aside from that consolation strike, the Tunisian starlet made his presence felt after winning four of his seven ground duels and completing 100% of his attempted passes after arriving off the bench, with Eriksen, by contrast, having 'struggled to have any influence on the game', as per Luckhurst.

It would be a bold call to make for Ten Hag to go for youth over experience against such elite opposition, although clearly, something has to give if the Red Devils are to get back to winning ways.

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