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West Ham United took a huge step towards Premier League safety on Sunday evening as they beat Manchester United 1-0 at the London Stadium.

What happened in West Ham vs Manchester United?

It was the visitors who started the stronger of the two sides, as both Bruno Fernandes and Antony fired narrowly wide of Lukasz Fabianski's post, with the Polish shot-stopper well-beaten.

Marcus Rashford then hit the woodwork but United's missed chances came back to haunt them not long after, with David De Gea's howler gifting Said Benrahma the opening goal just before the half-hour mark.

Both sides had chances to score in the second 45, with Rashford and Anthony Martial denied by the impressive Fabianski, while Tomas Soucek also came close as his acrobatic effort struck the post.

However, Benrahma's goal would prove enough in the end, and the Hammers move seven points clear of the bottom three with just three games remaining, suggesting that David Moyes' side can now be considered all but mathematically safe.

Who was West Ham's best player against Man United?

While Benrahma, and perhaps more likely De Gea, will steal the headlines for the goal, it was arguably Lucas Paqueta who was the strongest performer at the London Stadium.

As per Sofascore, the former AC Milan man would earn an impressive 7.5/10 rating for his performance, which ranked him as the third-best player to feature in the game, with only Fabianski (8.1) and Benrahma (7.8) rated higher.

During his time on the pitch, the Brazil international would register an impressive two shots, two dribbles and three key passes, all of which are an improvement on his seasonal average of 1.8 shots, one dribble and one key pass per game in the Premier League.

Despite his reputation as a flair player and an attacking midfielder, Paqueta has shown in recent weeks that he is more than willing to get stuck in defensively, registering another three tackles on Sunday evening, which again is an improvement on his average of 2.5 tackles per game.

However, that Brazilian flair certainly hasn't deserted him and he has begun to show his quality on a consistent basis in recent weeks, with the Athletic's Roshane Thomas suggesting that he, along with Declan Rice and Benrahma, were simply "having fun" in the win at the London Stadium.

The club-record signing was unfortunate to be denied an assist when Soucek's effort came off the post, but his all-round display was excellent again, and he deserves a lot of credit for upping his game when the Hammers needed him most. Indeed, he was arguably the club's true hero last night.

Despite rapid half-centuries from Riki Wessels and Michael Lumb, Nottinghamshire needed the help of six penalty runs before scraping over the line to defeat Lancashire by two wickets

ECB Reporters Network04-Jun-2016
ScorecardRikki Wessels helped get the innings off to a flying start•Getty ImagesDespite rapid half-centuries from Riki Wessels and Michael Lumb, Nottinghamshire needed the help of six penalty runs before scraping over the line to defeat Lancashire by two wickets in their NatWest T20 encounter at Trent Bridge.Wessels made 58 and Lumb scored 53 but the home side then collapsed in pursuit of a victory target of 185, before a dramatic intervention from the rule book. Needing 15 runs from the last over, Notts were awarded those six penalty runs as the defending champions hadn’t been in a position to begin their last over before the allotted cut-off time.A Sam Wood maximum, heaved high over the leg-side boundary, either side of a couple of scrambled singles, left Luke Fletcher to clip Arron Lilley away for the winning run, with two deliveries remaining.After Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 56 had helped Lancashire to 184 for 4, Notts had been sent on their way by their openers, with Wessels scoring his runs from 31 balls, with seven fours and three sixes, while Lumb registered his first fifty in domestic T20 cricket since July 2013.The chase got off to an explosive start, with 72 runs coming from the six Powerplay overs. The opening partnership had been extended to 100, a county T20 record against the Red Rose, by the time Lumb hit Stephen Parry to deep midwicket. Wessels was then bowled by Jordan Clark, who also removed Samit Patel for nought, before George Edwards grabbed 3 for 38, as Notts slumped from 143 for 2 to 168 for 8.Earlier, Buttler’s 27-ball 50 ensured the visitors finished their innings on a positive note. Martin Guptill and Alviro Petersen had put 40 on for the first wicket, before Harry Gurney had the New Zealand international caught in the deep for 28. Petersen followed for 21, trapped lbw by Patel, one delivery after lofting the spinner back over his head for six.Patel also removed the dangerous Liam Livingstone, who edged behind to Wessels. The wicketkeeper then handed over the gloves to Brendan Taylor, with the former Zimbabwe captain remaining behind the sticks for the second half of the innings.Karl Brown followed up his Roses’ half century on Friday evening with another handy contribution, although he should have fallen on 39 when he received a grateful gift from a close friend – Steven Mullaney, Brown’s pal from their days together in the Lancashire academy, put down the simplest of caught-and-bowled chances.Wessels, out on the ropes this time, took his second catch of the innings to remove Brown but that only enabled Buttler to take centre stage for some belligerent hitting, late in the innings. Three sixes in four balls, two of them from consecutive Gurney deliveries, helped take Buttler to his half-century and onwards to an unbroken 59-run partnership with Steven Croft.After two defeats, Notts now have their first victory in this season’s competition, while Lancashire’s record now stands at one win and three losses.

Chelsea are reportedly leading the race for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.

What’s the latest on Andre Onana to Chelsea?

According to Sempre Inter, the Blues are currently ahead of Manchester United and Barcelona in the tussle to sign the 27-year-old, but a deal is “far from being agreed.”

The outlet has claimed that the Nerazzurri have made it clear that they expect a fee of nothing less than €40m (£35m) and won't accept either Kepa Arrizabalaga or Edouard Mendy as part of the payment.

It is believed that the Red Devils are likely to be the Blues’ biggest rivals for the Cameroonian as coach Erik ten Hag managed the player at Ajax for five seasons between 2017 and 2022.

Onana only joined Inter Milan on a free transfer in 2022, but the Italian giants could be tempted to cash in on this valuable asset to balance their books.

Would Andre Onana be a good fit at Chelsea?

With rumours rapidly circulating regarding the impending arrival of Mauricio Pochettino as the new manager, the Argentine has supposedly pinpointed a new goalkeeper as one of his primary target areas.

Due to Mendy’s uncertain future and long-term injury, which has kept him out of action since the World Cup, Arrizabalaga has deputised as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper recently.

However, the Spaniard's quality has been thrown into question on numerous occasions and the Blues are in dying need of a more consistent option.

In Chelsea’s recent 2-0 Premier League defeat against Brentford, the £150k-per-week man failed to make any saves or high claims and was beaten at his near post by a thunderous Bryan Mbeumo strike to put the game out of sight.

The 13-cap international has also conceded recent long-range strikes to Oliver Skipp, Matheus Nunes, and Julio Enciso – all of which were their first top-flight goals – to plunge his future into doubt.

Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot has previously struggled to defend Arrizabalaga saying: “I don't want to say that Kepa is not a good goalkeeper, but you don't want your goalkeeper to be a liability."

Meanwhile, Onana has been in imperious form for Inter this campaign. In 35 appearances in all competitions, the shot-stopper has only conceded 30 goals and kept an impressive 16 clean sheets, as per Transfermarkt.

The former Barcelona graduate also ranks in the top 10% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for save percentage.

Onana has been branded as a “superstar” by African journalist Oma Akatugba and standing at a colossal 6 foot 3, in comparison to Kepa’s far smaller frame, he retains a far more commanding and intimidating presence.

The signing of this £65k-per-week man-mountain would be a logical move for the west London outfit and a significant upgrade on the current crop at the Bridge. Indeed, it would be a fabulous first signing for Pochettino to get over the line.

Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League this season took their biggest blow yet at the Etihad on Wednesday.Their clash with Manchester City was billed as the title decider and indeed it feels as though we now already have a winner.Mikel Arteta’s men were five points clear at the start of the night but after a devastating 4-1 defeat are now only two ahead.What makes matters worse is that Pep Guardiola’s side have two games in hand as well.In truth, the Gunners never got out of second gear as Rob Holding was predictably bullied by Erling Haaland and the creative genius of Kevin De Bruyne.Ironically, Holding was the one that would later get on the scoresheet for those in red and white, although his sweet strike from just inside the penalty area was only a mere consolation.Despite the drubbing, there was an element of VAR controversy. When isn’t there?

Did VAR get a decision wrong during Man City vs Arsenal?

The visitors had begun to build up more possession towards the end of the first half but were undone late into that period of play by a set-piece.

Thomas Partey bundled Haaland to the ground which let to the concession of a free-kick.

De Bruyne whipped in a delightful cross that was subsequently headed home by John Stones.

The linesman quickly put his flag up for offside, only for VAR to overturn the decision in favour of City.

From the first couple of stills it looked as though the centre-back was miles offside but another angle appeared to show that Ben White’s foot was keeping Stones on.

Strangely, however, they still may have made an incorrect call.

That’s according to NBC’s coverage of the game in America who cited reports that the VAR had actually made a mistake.

This isn’t the first time this has happened to Arsenal this term with Howard Webb previously having to apologise to the club for incorrectly allowing Ivan Toney’s equaliser when Brentford came to the Emirates earlier in the campaign.

In a remarkable set of events, Lee Mason didn’t draw the lines the video referral team usually operate to determine whether someone is standing in an offside position.

Although that was a lot more clear cut, this incident in Manchester happened to be less convincing.

Either way, it’s unlikely that decision cost Arsenal too greatly, with City more than having enough to fend off the Londoners.

Tottenham Hotspur's season has been a miserable one, which once again is destined to end without any silverware. This is a run that now extends back over nearly 15 years, and one which will have Daniel Levy furious.

Many seek to point their fingers at the CEO for a mentality issue that prevents the club from hunting trophies, which has likely resulted in a few more expensive blunders in recent years. This is not reserved to just players either, as the decisions to appoint Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte have both fallen flat too.

Without an identity and desperate to at the very least see some good football return to north London, this summer marks a huge potential turning point should the 61-year-old businessman get it right.

Whilst his first port of call might be to secure a manager, he will want to ensure that the playing staff retains its top-quality assets in order to maintain some appeal to convince top coaches to join.

With Harry Kane constantly linked with a move away, he is the standout name they will want to keep ahold of.

However, this is somewhat out of their control, as if a big enough bid comes in, or the legendary marksman starts to push for a move himself, the Lilywhites could be rendered powerless.

Therefore, they should perhaps focus on something they can control that would keep quality levels up, like purchasing Dejan Kulusevski permanently once his loan ends this summer.

How much will Dejan Kulusevski cost?

Although it may well seem like the Sweden international is already a permanent figure for Spurs, that is far from the case. The 22-year-old only joined on a temporary basis for a year and a half back in January of 2022, and this summer marks the ending of that agreement.

Certain clauses remain in place that offer them an option to buy, and it is one Levy certainly must utilise despite the winger's troubling form. A price of around €35m (£31m) is touted.

Just two goals and six assists across an injury-hit campaign is not an awful return for the trickster, but given his form during his first six months at the club, the bar was set so incredibly high.

It seems that, with the right conditions and when the atmosphere is good around the club, the Juventus ace can be a true star. That period saw him notch five goals and eight assists in just 18 Premier League appearances.

This showcased the levels he can so easily reach, and even in his poor form, the £110k-per-week maestro outperforms most of this low-quality squad. During his time in Turin, journalist Matteo Bonetti had branded the star a "constant danger".

Then, in their Champions League crunch match with AC Milan, fellow journalist George Sessions called upon the "deadly trio" which included Kulusevski to fire them to victory.

Whilst Kane's goals are a constant, and one of the few who maintains exceptional standards with regularity, the quality within that aforementioned front three is good enough to challenge at the top of the league.

Keeping those two forwards alongside Heung-min Son will be key not only to encouraging a top manager to sign but also giving them the best possible chance of hitting the ground running. To miss out on acquiring their ever-present wide man this summer would surely give Levy nightmares for years to come.

Manchester United have been told they will need to pay up to £25m to sign Marcel Sabitzer on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich.

What’s the latest Man United news on Sabitzer?

Erik ten Hag brought Sabitzer in on loan until the end of the season back in January after an injury blow to Christian Eriksen. Since then, the 29-year-old has gone on to feature heavily in all competitions, impressing in Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg with Sevilla.

The Austrian netted twice in the first half before the Red Devils went on to concede twice late on to leave the tie in the balance ahead of the return leg in Spain. Sabitzer was singled out for praise from Red Devils legend Peter Schmeichel as a result, with the former goalkeeper saying:

“The best player is the guy who scored two goals, Marcel Sabitzer was really good. His teammates have let him down. He showed the way, and they didn’t catch on to it.”

There has been speculation of a permanent transfer for the midfielder, with previous reports suggesting that there were set to be “decisive talks”.

The Sun shared a transfer update regarding Sabitzer in the last 48 hours. They claimed that the player wants to turn his loan into a permanent move, with Ten Hag also keen on a full-time transfer.

However, they add that Bayern are demanding an initial £20m plus a further £5m in add-ons to sanction a permanent exit, saying that the chances of a transfer rely on the German giants lowering their asking price.

Is Sabitzer worth £25m?

Sabitzer, described by Diogo Dalot as a “machine”, is under contract in Germany until 2025, so Bayern may feel no pressure to lower their asking price this summer.

The player’s Transfermarkt valuation currently stands at €20m (£17.8m) a figure which has dropped from a career-high €42m (£37.5m) back in 2021 before moving to Munich. You could argue that a switch to Bayern hasn’t worked by looking at those figures, and with the player turning 29 last month, a £25m asking price may potentially be viewed as high.

The Red Devils are after a new midfielder this summer, though, so they will have to decide whether or not they see Sabitzer as part of their long-term plans.

United already have two experienced midfielders in Casemiro and Eriksen, so the club could be better off targeting a marquee midfielder younger than Sabitzer, possibly someone like Frenkie de Jong or Jude Bellingham, players who have been linked with big-money moves.

Leeds United are reportedly plotting a summer move for Ferencvaros striker Ryan Mmaee, Football Insider reports.

What’s the latest news on Leeds and Mmaee?

Mmaee is primarily a centre-forward who can play as a second striker or as a left-winger and is a Morocco international. The 25-year-old is currently valued at a career-high €2.8m (£2.5m) by Transfermarkt and has been with the Hungarian side since 2021, where he has scored 31 goals in 68 games – 12 of which have come during the current campaign.

He is under contract until 2025 and has featured in the Europa League this season, and his displays appear to have caught the eye of those at Elland Road.

Football Insider shared a story in the last 48 hours on Leeds’ interest in Mmaee. They revealed that the Whites, and by extension future owners the 49ers Enterprises, are keeping tabs on the forward and are plotting a move for his signature, should they remain in the Premier League.

Leeds have regularly scouted Mmaee and the report says that their chances of a summer swoop have been boosted after a big win over relegation rivals Nottingham Forest in the week, as a deal is thought to hinge on whether they can retain their Premier League status.

Why are Leeds on the hunt for a new striker?

Leeds haven’t exactly lacked goals this season, scoring 38 times in 29 games, the second most of any side in the bottom half. Rodrigo has been the club’s main source of goals, netting eight more than any other player, with wide forwards Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto all chipping in.

However, Javi Gracia’s two other striker options alongside Rodrigo, Patrick Bamford and Gerginuo Rutter, have struggled in front of goal. Bamford has suffered a number of injury problems in recent years and reportedly has many proposals to leave the club this summer. Meanwhile, club record signing Rutter is still adapting to life in England and is yet to get off the mark in front of goal after joining back in January.

Therefore, should Bamford depart over the coming months, a new forward to challenge Rodrigo and Rutter could be of use at Elland Road, with Mmaee seemingly an option.

Real Madrid’s Mariano Diaz has also been name-checked as a potential target, and under likely new owners in the 49ers Enterprises, Leeds could be in for another busy summer as they are also set to trigger a £30m option to make Weston McKennie’s loan into a permanent deal after agreeing on personal terms, providing they remain in the top flight.

Manchester United are believed to be expanding their list of centre-forward targets, amid reports that Erik ten Hag's side are interested in Eintracht Frankfurt star, Randal Kolo Muani.

What's the latest on Kolo Muani to Man United?

While previous reports had suggested that United were weighing up a move for England captain Harry Kane or Napoli's Victor Osimhen, respected journalist Samuel Luckhurst has now revealed that the Red Devils are also "keeping tabs" on the France international – as well as Danish starlet, Rasmus Hojlund.

In his attached piece for Manchester Evening News, Luckhurst revealed that the striking duo could emerge as potential alternatives this summer if the Old Trafford outfit are 'priced out' of a move for Tottenham Hotspur talisman, Kane.

As the piece notes, a deal for Kolo Muani, in particular, may also appear rather expensive with the 24-year-old still having just over four years left to run on his existing deal in Germany, with recent reports suggesting that the former Nantes man could command a fee of around €100m (£88m).

Should Man United sign Kolo Muani?

There are undoubted benefits in signing the "clinical" marksman this summer – as hailed by former Eintracht and Bayern Munich boss Felix Magath – with the 6 foot 2 sensation having enjoyed a real breakout campaign in Frankfurt this season, having scored 11 goals and contributed 12 assists in just 24 Bundesliga appearances.

The seven-cap dynamo – who featured in both the semi-final and final of the World Cup in Qatar – boasts an overall tally of 30 goal involvements in just 35 games this season across all fronts in what is his debut campaign under Oliver Glasner.

Having also contributed 39 goals and assists in 87 games during his spell in Ligue 1, the Bondy native has certainly proven himself a real threat in the final third, while also offering the benefit of being able to feature on the flanks if required.

Despite that glowing report, however, Ten Hag may have concerns about splashing the cash on another costly figure from the German top-flight, with United having yet to see the benefit of their £73m investment in Jadon Sancho back in 2021.

Like Kolo Muani, the Englishman had previously sparkled during his four-year stay at Borussia Dortmund, proving himself undoubtedly one of the standout figures in the division after laying on 114 goal involvements in just 137 games for the club.

Hailed as a "perfect player" by German legend Lothar Matthaus, Sancho was expected to be able to replicate that stellar form in the Premier League, although has since gone on to flatter to deceive in a red jersey, contributing just ten goals and four assists in 63 games at the Theatre of Dreams.

Branded "so poor" by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino earlier in the campaign, the one-time Manchester City man has been unable to enjoy a consistent run of good form over the last 18 months or so, notably enduring a spell away from the first-team between October and January this season.

While there have been flashes of quality since his return to the fold – including a pivotal equaliser against Leeds United – the £350k-per-week man is still not a guaranteed starter in Ten Hag's side, with the move having yet to pan out for either the club nor the player.

There would be notable fears that snapping up Kolo Muani could see a repeat scenario occur, with making the move from Germany to England clearly not an easy transition to make, particularly when burdened by a hefty transfer fee.

Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of re-appointing fan favourite boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The Lowdown: Pochettino return on the cards?

Perhaps the most heavily linked with replacing Antonio Conte is Pochettino, who Spurs players have reportedly called for in a bid to bring him back to north London.

The Argentine was sacked by chairman Daniel Levy in 2019 after five years in charge, even despite the fact Pochettino lead them to a Champions League final that same year.

Now, looking their fourth Premier League manager since then, the Lilywhites could reportedly turn back to Pochettino amid their search.

Other candidates linked with the role, according to Sky Sports, are Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel, Marco Silva and Thomas Frank.

The likes of Oliver Glasner from abroad have also been mentioned with Gold now sharing an update on links to Pochettino.

The Latest: Gold shares Pochettino update…

The football.london correspondent, speaking in a Q&A, claims the Tottenham board is actually split over whether to bring Pochettino back.

He explained:

“From what I understand there is a split in opinion among the board over any potential return for Mauricio Pochettino. I suppose his return would be admitting a mistake for some.

“There’s also the Argentine himself to take into account and whether he believes it’s the right time to return. It’s a very different Tottenham he’d be returning to with a very different structure inside it.

On the other hand, he’s been out of work for a little while and it could be a good opportunity for him to grab control of the club and shape it how he wants this time, if handed the opportunity. Perhaps that’s what some inside may fear.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Even if Pochettino’s comeback would be like admitting to a mistake, there is the argument his dismissal could well be deemed as that.

Since the 51-year-old, Spurs have seen both Jose Mourinho – a serial winner at almost all of his clubs – and Nuno Espirito Santo fall by the wayside in their attempts to gain success in north London.

Conte has also won a trophy at nearly every single club he’s been at, and like Mourinho, Tottenham stand out as the only unsuccessful job on his CV.

Since the League Cup final in 2008, the closest any manager has come to bringing silverware back to Spurs is Pochettino.

Given his status as a free agent, the move really does seem like a no-brainer.

Newcastle United return to Premier League action away to relegation strugglers Nottingham Forest this evening, with Eddie Howe's men going into that mouthwatering meeting having got back to winning ways against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.

After a run of five league games without tasting victory, the Magpies got their top-four bid back on track with a hard-fought, 2-1 win over the Old Gold on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron proving the difference on the day.

The Tynesiders will no doubt be favourites to make it successive league wins when they take on Steve Cooper's side later today, albeit with Howe having a handful of selection headaches to contend with for the trip to the City Ground.

The club's lack of midfield depth is set to be tested with Brazilian gem Joelinton serving the second match of his two-game suspension, with there having been claims that Sean Longstaff could be among the doubts – having not been pictured in training on Wednesday.

Therefore, it could well be time for Howe to put his faith in academy graduate, Elliot Anderson, with the 20-year-old starlet likely hoping to nail down a regular role in the side after making a string of cameo appearances this season.

Will Anderson start against Forest?

The Whitley Bay-born gem has been restricted to just four starts in all competitions this season, with his solitary start in the league at home to Liverpool ultimately ending in disappointment as he was withdrawn after just 24 minutes, following Nick Pope's clumsy red card.

Undoubtedly a "huge talent" – as praised by Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton – the exciting playmaker is no doubt deserving of another opportunity to truly prove his worth in the top flight, with Newcastle likely to benefit from having his creative flair in midfield.

The Scotland U21 international – who is the subject of interest from the England camp amid talk of a change in allegiance – showcased his quality during his loan spell under Barton last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in just 21 League Two games for the club in their successful promotion charge.

While Anderson is yet to get off the mark with regard to goal involvements this season, tonight's encounter could be an opportune time to put that right, with the youngster hoping to get the better of former midfield colleague, Jonjo Shelvey.

The latter man – who ended his seven-year stay at St James' Park in January – will likely not relish coming up against such a sparkling prospect, with young Anderson even earning comparisons to the late, great Diego Maradona from the aforementioned Barton for his ball-playing prowess.

The "effortless" gem – as hailed by former Magpies manager Steve Bruce – proved during his time at the Memorial Stadium last term that he can provide the cutting edge in the final third, with Shelvey and co set to be wary of allowing the 5 foot 10 ace the freedom to perform.

It may be a bold call to unleash Anderson this evening, although the highly-rated wonderkid will likely be chomping at the bit to make his mark at senior level.