Robbie Savage: Man Utd stepped up, Dyche right for Everton, Arsenal need Rashford

January 6, 2025

Robbie Savage’s Winners & Losers: Bruno-inspired Man Utd, Everton need Dyche, advice for Arsenal

In association with Planet Sport Bet, Robbie Savage will give us his own Winners and Losers from the weekend’s Premier League action…

Robbie was impressed by the standards set by Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United, while Everton are implored to stick with Sean Dyche and Arsenal are urged to move for Marcus Rashford…

Robbie’s winners

My big winners this weekend have to be Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United.

Going to Anfield, there were pundits tipping Liverpool to win 5-0. United hadn’t scored in the previous three games, against the likes of Wolves and Bournemouth, but Ruben Amorim’s men finally stepped up.

I thought Bruno Fernandes was magnificent – he was the best player on the park and he led his team exceptionally well. There have been question marks over Bruno’s leadership but he was terrific.

For Manchester United to go there and play the way they did, we have to credit Amorim. There was huge, huge pressure going into that game, with Liverpool only losing once at home against Nottingham Forest. But United took the game to Liverpool, they created chances and they got a fantastic point.

But the standards have now been set. They have to continue that. They’ve shown they can do it – there are no excuses anymore.

Bruno Fernandes and Man Utd feature among @RobbieSavage8‘s Winners this weekend, with Arsenal urged to ‘go for it’ with Marcus Rashford… https://t.co/jSHbupBLsS @planetsportbet pic.twitter.com/odjN0qW0nv

— Football365 (@F365) January 6, 2025

Newcastle are flying, thanks largely to Alexander Isak.

There are people saying he’s the best all-round centre-forward in the Premier League right now and it’s hard to disagree with that. Erling Haaland remains the best goalscoring No.9, but for his play outside and around the box, it would be a toss up over who you would take.

Isak played a starring role in their last three wins, against Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester United. That looked a precarious run before Christmas but Newcastle have breezed through it.

Brentford won away for the first time this season in some style, smashing five past Southampton. Yes, Saints folded, but Thomas Frank continues to do an incredible job – he’s an exceptional manager.

A word for Bournemouth too. They are a point behind Manchester City with over half of the season played. Granted, City have had their problems but that cannot take away from what Andoni Iraola is achieving with Bournemouth.

Robbie’s losers

This weekend’s losers are Everton…

I believe in Sean Dyche, he’s a brilliant manager and I think he’s the right person to keep Everton in the Premier League, take them into the new stadium and build a squad to challenge the top half of the table like he did with Burnley. He was magnificent at Turf Moor. I think he can do the same with Everton if given the opportunity.

But they are struggling at the minute. One goal in the last five games is damning, but those games included a draw against Chelsea, a draw against Arsenal and a draw against Man City.

No shots in the defeat to Bournemouth is not good enough and it’s a tough, tough time for Everton. But Dyche is the perfect person in this situation to keep them up and take them into the new era.

Everton are among the Losers… but @RobbieSavage8 reckons they must stay loyal to Sean Dyche… pic.twitter.com/6qZ6JTC4aM

— Football365 (@F365) January 6, 2025

It was a rotten weekend too for Chelsea and Arsenal, both dropping points and wasting the chance to gain on Liverpool. Yes, Liverpool failed to extend the gap, but the chasers cannot miss these opportunities since they probably won’t get many.

Arsenal are struggling in attack and but I think January presents them with an opportunity. They have been linked with Isak, and he would be a fabulous addition, but without paying massive money – £150million keeps being mentioned – Newcastle are unlikely to sell.

So go take Marcus Rashford off Manchester United’s hands. He needs a new challenge; Arsenal need pace and cutting edge off the left – why not? United would probably taker a third of what Newcastle would demand for Isak.

I’m watching Southampton very closely. The caved in at home to Brentford and, right now, they have fewer points than the Derby team I played in – the Premier League’s worst ever that were relegated with 11 points. They are very welcome to that record!

Robbie Savage is a brand ambassador for Planet Sport Bet

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David Ornstein drops bombshell, claims two of United’s best youngsters no longer untouchable

January 6, 2025

Two of Manchester United’s best young talents could be available for sale if the right offer were to arrive, according to a bombshell report from a reliable journalist.

With United looking to radically revitalise their squad once the season ends, the Old Trafford club are widely believed to be willing to part ways with almost all of their current players.

However, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have always been amongst those considered untouchable regardless of interest from other clubs.

But according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein, speaking on NBC Sports via TBR Football, the promising duo may not have such certain futures after all.

Ornstein’s huge claim came after discussion over a potential departure for Marcus Rashford, an academy graduate like Mainoo and Garnacho, who would net United pure profit.

He said: “If a departure is going to happen [for Rashford], a sale in particular, maybe it’s more likely in the summer, but it would represent pure profit, something we hear about so much, because he was an academy graduate.

“In the same way that Kobbie Mainoo might be, he’s out of contract in 2027 – no news on a new deal. Alejandro Garnacho too, I don’t think anybody in that bracket is off the table.”

While Rashford’s race at Old Trafford appears to be run, both Mainoo and Garnacho are at the start of what fans hope to be illustrious careers in red.

United’s squad is undoubtedly bloated with below-par players, but neither the English teenager nor the Argentinian winger fit in that bracket and both represent true class and quality.

Their sale would doubtless cause chaos and consternation regardless of the money made and would be a huge shock from INEOS, who seem to be prioritising quality young players in a bid for long-term success.

Mainoo and Garnacho are not the only highly-prized youngsters in the squad, but Ornstein claims that others are safe, naming Leny Yoro and Amad Diallo as “untouchable”.

The journalist added: “In terms of [Ruben] Amorim, Manchester United’s hierarchy, they fully support him, they back him to lead this transformation of the club.”

The Portuguese has tinkered extensively with his teams to see which players work well in his uncompromising 3-4-3 system, and his experiments have seen both Mainoo and Garnacho benched at times.

Following United’s spirited 2-2 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, Mainoo seems to have nailed down the centre-midfield spot alongside Manuel Ugarte and would be a huge loss should he depart.

Garnacho’s position is a little less certain, last making the starting lineup in United’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in early December.

But he came off the bench to create Amad’s equaliser at Anfield yesterday, and at just 20 years old still has a lot of potential to realise.

Despite his inconsistency, the Argentinian has at times carried United and should be given time to get back to his best at Old Trafford.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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Joe Ponting

Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.

Manchester United exposed as Amorim and Neville ‘speak volumes’ while £97m pair show ‘true colours’

January 6, 2025

What do Ruben Amorim, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Gary Neville and a Liverpool fan have in common? They all ‘spoke volumes’ in the Manchester United draw.

Raging bull
There is little doubt that Liverpool and Manchester United enacting The Lawro Rule of any big game ending 2-2 was particularly unsatisfying. This fixture more than any other needs a crushing victory for the overwhelming favourites or a spirited win for the mismanaged mess of a team.

But a draw is what we were dealt with, and while some of us went about simply assessing the events at Anfield for what they were worth, others decided they would really rather just make stuff up actually thanks.

‘”MAD” RUBEN AMORIM left Anfield raging after watching Manchester United produce a brilliant display at Liverpool,’ reads the opening paragraph to Gary Stonehouse’s quotes piece in The Sun. At least Amorim did actually describe himself as “mad” at the raised performance levels, but ‘raging’ seems more than a bit strong. And, well…

“I get more mad because of the other games…we need to fight REALLY bad to get out of this situation”

Ruben Amorim says that today’s result has made him ‘really mad’ with Man United’s previous results across the Premier League 😯 pic.twitter.com/MNIvEAlVWo

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025

That right there is a man in ‘a period of extreme or violent anger’.

But the Daily Mirror website is at it too, claiming Gary Neville ‘fumed’ at Real Madrid over their £20m Trent Alexander-Arnold bid. Mediawatch doesn’t really have to explain why he quite obviously didn’t but for those in any doubt, “you’re taking the mickey a bit” apparently now qualifies as being fuming.

It is very much a losing battle in big 2025, but words should probably still actually mean something, some might say especially so in journalism.

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Pump up the volume
That stands for the worst of all headline tropes, as proudly showcased by the holy trinity of Reach titles:

‘Casemiro moment after Amad’s Man Utd equaliser at Liverpool speaks volumes’ – Daily Mirror website.

‘Casemiro actions after Amad’s Man Utd equaliser speak volumes following stinging criticism’ – Daily Express website.

‘Casemiro shows true colors in telling Man Utd moment with Amad vs. Liverpool – Liverpool.com.

Did the brief couple of seconds of Casemiro celebrating with Amad and then quickly stressing the need to concentrate really warrant three separate stories being published? Actually make that four…

‘Man Utd flop sends classy message to Amad Diallo after his Liverpool heroics’

…because the Daily Star website cannot be outdone so easily and they too noticed how Casemiro simultaneously spoke volumes and showed his true colours while classily ‘donning his hood to fend off the rain’.

But why stop there when the Manchester Evening News can lower the bar from focusing on an unused substitute to focusing on someone who didn’t even make the matchday squad?

‘Luke Shaw shows true Man United colours in four-word message after Liverpool clash’

It turns out Luke Shaw’s ‘true Man United colours’ are that he thinks Bruno Fernandes is ‘so good’.

Think before you speak
Among the other volumes being spoken at Anfield were:

‘What Ruben Amorim did after Lisandro Martinez goal speaks volumes after Man United claim’ – Manchester Evening News (he didn’t wildly celebrate taking the lead against Liverpool with more than 40 minutes remaining).

‘What Gary Neville did at Anfield before Liverpool game speaks volumes about Manchester United’ – Manchester Evening News (he jokingly shovelled snow back onto the pitch).

‘Gary Neville’s X-rated Man United celebration vs Liverpool speaks volumes amid late heartache’ – Manchester Evening News (a former Manchester United player celebrated a Manchester United goal).

‘Liverpool face unwanted distraction as X-rated Alexander-Arnold dig speaks volumes’ – Daily Mirror website (a single fan told him to “f**k off*)

‘Lisandro Martinez speaks volumes with Ruben Amorim verdict before Liverpool vs Man Utd’ – Daily Express website (he quite likes the bloke who was just appointed his new head coach).

Long gone are the days when things just happen.

Root and Sanch review
The Manchester Evening News know that a much-improved performance in a draw does not quite bring in enough clicks, so from them we get this:

‘Jadon Sancho sends clear message as Man United draw with Liverpool amid transfer agreement’

Why be happy with Manchester United taking a step in the right direction when you can instead incite fury in the fanbase at what for all intents and purposes is a former player?

And that’s precisely what they’re doing, as is made obvious by Stephen Killen writing that Sancho’s social media post came ‘with his former teammates in action’ even though a) it was an hour or so after that game finished, and b) unless there was a clause written into Sancho’s Manchester United contract specifically preventing it, he is actually allowed to post on Instragram or Twitter whenever he wants really.

All that is leaving aside quite what ‘clear message’ was being sent by Sancho posting a handshake emoji under a picture of him celebrating with Cole Palmer.

If actual children want to be ‘raging’ or ‘fuming’ with Sancho for that then let them. Manchester United-based media outlets have a responsibility not to feed into it.

United star enters club’s history books after what he did in electric 2-2 draw with Liverpool

January 6, 2025

Amad Diallo’s stunning equaliser against Liverpool on Sunday saw him achieve a remarkable feat that only two other Manchester United greats have managed in the past.

Lisandro Martinez gave United the lead shortly after the break, with an excellent finish into the roof of the net.

However, United’s advantage didn’t last too long as Cody Gakpo scored down the other end to restore parity. Liverpool would go on to flip the game on its head as Mo Salah converted from the penalty spot.

It appeared like Ruben Amorim’s men were destined for a fifth consecutive defeat across all competitions but Amad came up clutch in the 80th minute, getting on the end of a cross from Alejandro Garnacho to fire the ball into the back of the net.

United nearly won it right at the death when Harry Maguire was presented with a golden opportunity to score but the England international aimed his effort over the bar.

There were several standout performers, with Amad being one of them yet again.

During a turbulent and extremely underwhelming campaign, the Ivorian has been one of the very few positives for United.

So far this term, he has managed an impressive six goals and seven assists across all competitions. Nine of these goal contributions have come in the Premier League.

According to statisticians Squawka, after his late strike at Anfield, Amad became just the third Red in United’s history books to score away to Liverpool and Manchester City in a single campaign.

“Since the start of December, Amad Diallo has scored a 90th minute winner vs. Man City at the Etihad and an 80th minute equaliser vs. Liverpool at Anfield.”

“He’s just the third Man Utd player to score away to both Manchester City and Liverpool in the same Premier League season, after Wayne Rooney in 2004/05 and Robin van Persie in 2012/13.”

Since the start of December, Amad Diallo has scored a 90th minute winner vs. Man City at the Etihad and an 80th minute equaliser vs. Liverpool at Anfield.

He’s just the third Man Utd player to score away to both Manchester City and Liverpool in the same Premier League season,… pic.twitter.com/A9mYjQOZVp

— Squawka (@Squawka) January 5, 2025

It’s good to see Amad finally get his plaudits at United after being bizarrely overlooked by Erik ten Hag every week before the Dutchman’s dismissal.

Indeed, it’s no surprise why United are working hard to reward the 22-year-old with a new and improved deal, in an effort to secure his future at the club.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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Derick Kinoti

Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

Man Utd ‘offer’ Rashford plus £17m for ‘galactic’ star who Amorim ‘wants to lead his project’

January 6, 2025

Man Utd are willing to send Marcus Rashford to Serie A side Napoli plus cash in exchange for Victor Osimhen, according to reports.

The Red Devils have had a terrible season but they managed to secure an impressive 2-2 draw on the road at arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

Despite the draw at the Premier League leaders, Man Utd are still a lowly 13th in the table with just six wins from their 20 matches this term.

The Red Devils have been struggling for goals in the Premier League this season with only Crystal Palace, Everton, Ipswich Town and Southampton scoring fewer goals.

Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have all come in for criticism this season with the trio scoring just nine league goals between them this campaign.

England international Rashford has not played for Man Utd since their Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12 with Amorim leaving the forward out of his squad for their victory over Man City in the Manchester Derby later that week.

Rashford has since come out insisting that he is ready for a “new challenge” away from Old Trafford with rumours that he could leave in the January transfer window.

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Amorim has included Rashford in one squad since with the Man Utd forward on the bench for their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle but ended the game as an unused substitute.

Man Utd are looking to help Amorim in January by bringing in more firepower and one of the players they’ve been heavily linked with is Napoli striker Osimhen, who has been on loan at Galatasaray.

After rumours that Man Utd had made an ‘offer’ to Napoli for Osimhen, including Rashford, reports in Spain have now brought more details on the potential ‘galactic’ signing at Old Trafford.

It is understood that the Red Devils ‘would be willing to part with Rashford in an operation that could shake up the European transfer market: a swap with Napoli for Victor Osimhen’.

The report adds: ‘The initial proposal would include the English striker plus 20 million euros to convince the Italian team. However, the Neapolitan club, known for its toughness in negotiations, could demand a higher figure to let its star leave.’

Osimhen is the ‘the forward that Man Utd boss Amorim wants to lead his project’ and Napoli could offer Rashford ‘a new start in a less media-driven environment than the Premier League.’

Amorim’s relationship with United star hits ‘all-time low,’ club eyeing permanent sale – report

January 6, 2025

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a permanent sale of Joshua Zirkzee.

The 23 year old forward has been linked with a potential move to Serie A, with Juventus leading the charge to secure his signature.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Zirkzee, previously reluctant to leave United, has shown an “important opening” to a transfer.

Juventus view him as a priority to bolster their attack, citing his familiarity with Thiago Motta’s system from their time together at Bologna.

The Dutch international’s relationship with United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly at an all-time low.

This tension is said to have prompted the club to consider letting him leave.

However, while Juventus favour a loan deal with a conditional purchase obligation, United remain firm in their preference for a permanent transfer.

Zirkzee’s mixed reception among fans contrasts with his reception during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

His introduction as a late substitute was met with resounding chants from the travelling United supporters, suggesting a divided sentiment surrounding his potential departure.

Speaking on the situation, Amorim expressed a desire to retain Zirkzee but acknowledged the fluidity of the transfer market, stating, “The window is open, and we will see what happens.”

Juventus are reportedly waiting to see if United soften their stance on a permanent sale.

For Zirkzee, a move to Italy might offer the chance to rebuild his confidence and reignite his career under familiar guidance.

In case the deal goes through, Man United could be looking at viable replacements to strengthen their attack.

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Raj Dholakia

Raj is a seasoned digital writer and editor with a deep-seated passion for football. With over four years in the digital space, he has contributed to Sportlens, ManUtdNews, and is now proudly writing for The Peoples Person. His work is driven by a commitment to capture the essence of football, delivering content that speaks to the heart of fans worldwide.

Amorim “very happy” with “untouchable” United star after genius moment vs. Liverpool – Fabrizio Romano

January 6, 2025

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro is reportedly one of the very few untouchables at the club, with Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff very pleased with his progress.

Yoro joined United in the summer from Lille and had to wait for a long time to make his competitive debut for the club after suffering an injury in pre-season.

Since making his official debut in a 2-0 away defeat to Arsenal on December 4, Yoro has made three starts in all competitions under Amorim. Despite United’s struggles on the pitch, he has been one of the very few positives.

He started on the bench on Sunday as United earned a well-deserved point in their 2-2 thriller with Liverpool at Anfield. He eventually came on for Matthijs de Ligt and played a key role in helping the Red Devils avoid defeat.

Around the 89th minute, with the game delicately balanced and both sides going for the win, United were quickly hit on a break by Liverpool.

Arne Slot’s men charged forward as Darwin Nunez took control of the ball. The Uruguayan burst into the box and was possibly on the brink of firing a shot at Andre Onana but a relentless Yoro intervened, making a perfectly-timed last-ditch tackle to dispossess the Liverpool attacker.

Moments later, Yoro embarked on a forward run himself, in the hopes of fashioning a winner for the visitors.

You’re 19 years old. First game at Anfield. You’ve only just come on the pitch and it’s the 90th minute of the game with the score at 2-2. Time to put in the most perfectly executed sliding tackle from behind, in your own box, in front of the Kop.

The moment Leny Yoro arrived in… pic.twitter.com/kE0Kq8FsnQ

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 6, 2025

It appears his efforts didn’t go unnoticed if a fresh report by Romano is anything to go by. According to Romano, Amorim is a big admirer of Yoro and sees a bright future for him at Old Trafford.

The Italian journalist wrote on X, “Rúben Amorim and his staff are very happy with Leny Yoro and his development.”

“Game time being managed now after long injury but club and staff very happy with Leny.”

“He’s among few untouchable players at Man United.”

🔴⭐️ Rúben Amorim and his staff are very happy with Leny Yoro and his development.

Game time being managed now after long injury but club and staff very happy with Leny.

He’s among few untouchable players at Man United. pic.twitter.com/4euOLzOAcS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 6, 2025

United are back in action on Sunday when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates in the third round of the FA Cup.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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Derick Kinoti

Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

Man Utd: Romano claims Amorim has decided summer signing is now ‘untouchable’

January 6, 2025

Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim has decided that summer signing Leny Yoro is now one of “few untouchable players” at Old Trafford, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils drew 2-2 against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday with Lisandro Martinez’s opener cancelled out by Cody Gakpo on 59 minutes.

Arne Slot’s side took the lead when Mohamed Salah converted a penalty with 20 minutes to go after Matthijs de Ligt handled the ball in the area.

But Amad Diallo stunned the Premier League leaders with a late equaliser and Man Utd had the best chance to win it when Joshua Zirkzee squared the ball to Harry Maguire in the penalty area – but the England international could only send his shot well over the crossbar.

Summer signing Yoro started on the bench against Liverpool on Sunday but made an appearance in the final seven minutes of normal time as Amorim looked to shore up his defence.

The young Frenchman was ruled out in the early months of the campaign after picking up a bad ankle injury in their pre-season tour, shortly after completing his £52m deal from Lille.

Yoro made his debut under Amorim against Arsenal in early December and has played some part in every Premier League match since with the centre-back making eight appearances in all competitions.

And now transfer expert Romano insists he is one of “few untouchable players” at Man Utd as Amorim looks to build a successful squad at Old Trafford.

Romano wrote on X: “Ruben Amorim and his staff are very happy with Leny Yoro and his development. Game time being managed now after long injury but club and staff very happy with Leny. He’s among few untouchable players at Man United.”

Amorim was pleased with his Man Utd players and their performance at Anfield, he said after the match: “I think we faced this game, second half and first half, with a different mentality. That is the difference. We can talk about the system, the technical [side], we are short, we are tall but the mentality sometimes is everything.

“And you can feel it. At the end of the game, I looked at the pitch and the guys were really tired and, sometimes, I have to explain to my players that we have to finish games like that. So I think it was a good day in that aspect. I think we could have won.

Amorim added: “I think we controlled the game very well. Every time Liverpool had a chance, we controlled. We had the ball for some moments and that makes the difference.

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“You can see during the game it was not like we were suffering all the time because we control the ball, sometimes winning fouls, controlling the transitions. So I think it was a good game.”

On consistency, the Man Utd boss continued: “When we are focused, when we fight for the ball, when we suffer, when we finish the game we are really, really tired. I think we can be a good team.

“If you don’t do that all the time, we are going to lose games like in the last weeks. We have to start, some day, to be consistent. Not in the way we play but the way we face the competition. So let’s start today.”

Man Utd legend Scholes rejects Amorim claim about Zirkzee after Liverpool draw

January 6, 2025

Man Utd legend Paul Scholes disagrees with Ruben Amorim that Joshua Zirkzee made the right decision to pass to Harry Maguire in the closing stages of their 2-2 draw against Liverpool.

Cody Gakpo quickly cancelled out Lisandro Martinez’s opener with a lovely run and finish on 59 minutes before Mohamed Salah put Liverpool 2-1 ahead with 20 minutes to go.

But Man Utd showed excellent character to equalise through Amad Diallo and could have won it with seconds remaining if Maguire had finished a chance inside the area.

Zirkzee had the opportunity to finish past the goalkeeper but chose to square the ball to centre-back Maguire, who fired the bobbling ball well over the cross bar.

When asked whether Zirkzee should have taken a shot rather than passing to his Man Utd team-mate, Amorim replied: “For me, I think it was the perfect decision because he can shoot but he put the ball more in the centre.

“The ball was really slow for Harry to score but sometimes you cannot do it. But Josh made a good decision in my opinion.”

But Man Utd legend Scholes disagreed, he told Premier League Productions: “It could have been [a huge moment] for him.

“We were talking before about Diego Forlan, he was in a very similar position. Forlan couldn’t score a goal for United and he scores there and he’s a big hero forever.

“It was that end, that side of the pitch and it’s the only thing he’s thought about, scoring the winning goal at Anfield.

“Zirkzee had a great chance to do it. He’ll probably look back and think, ‘Well, I probably made the wrong decision’, but he’s a player lacking in confidence.

“He has been dragged off after half an hour [against Newcastle], his chin is on the floor and he comes on at Anfield in a really difficult place.

“He gets in a really good position, great run, great ball into him and you think, ‘Come on, this is it for you!’, and he didn’t quite take it.

“But I’m hoping that there’s opportunities in the future where he will probably change his mind.”

MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
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👉 Paul Scholes reveals one Man Utd star ‘surprised’ him in Liverpool draw
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On their display at Anfield, Scholes added on Man Utd’s performance: “That was a proper performance today. To go to Anfield and go toe to toe with the best team…

“They beat Manchester City who have been the best team for four or five years but that performance was nothing like this. This was better.

“I know they didn’t win the game like they did at City but I take more out of that performance than actually winning against the champions.

“I think, now, that’s the blueprint, that’s the way they go forward, that’s the standard.

“By now, the manager should know his players. He has chopped and changed so much and this has to be [close to his strongest team].

“Who else can come into it? Luke Shaw, possibly if he’s fit. Leny Yoro at centre-half, Alejandro Garnacho, possibly, but I don’t think he quite gets into it.

“If that starting XI is fit then they have to play until players perform badly and they don’t get into the team.

“That’s the standard that they’ve set and they have to reach in games to come. I can’t see any reason why they can’t do it.”

Liverpool star blasted for ‘absolutely horrible’ act vs Man Utd as ex-PL referee drops ‘reckless’ verdict

January 6, 2025

Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez has been blasted as he was “staggeringly fortunate” not to be sent off against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Arne Slot‘s side played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Man Utd at Anfield on Sunday as the visitors produced their best performance under new head coach Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils clearly benefitted from working with Amorim for a full week as they were more organised and confident in possession to ensure they were a stern test for Liverpool.

Lisandro Martinez fired Man Utd into the lead shortly after the interval, but they were ahead for less than ten minutes. Cody Gakpo netted a stunning equaliser before Mohamed Salah converted from the penalty spot to turn the game around.

However, Man Utd’s stars kept going and Amad Diallo capitalised on some poor defending to score an equaliser with ten minutes remaining.

The final stretch of the match was thrilling as the two sides exchanged chances before Harry Maguire shot over the bar in the final kick of the game after being found by Joshua Zirkzee.

READ: 16 Conclusions on Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United: Terrible TAA, frustrating Fernandes, silly Slot

Slot attempted to change the game with half an hour remaining as Nunez and Diogo Jota were brought on for Luis Diaz and Curtis Jones.

There was a flashpoint with 15 minutes remaining as Nunez needlessly flew into a challenge on Matthijs de Ligt and was booked following the incident.

Former Chelsea player Pat Nevin has hit out at Nunez, who was “staggeringly fortunate” to avoid a red card as his challenge on De Ligt was “absolutely horrible”.

Nevin said: “Definite yellow for Darwin Nunez. To be honest, I think Nunez is staggeringly fortunate there.

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“That’s absolutely horrible, straight in on the player, not looking at the ball. Matthijs de Ligt saved him by getting up so quickly.”

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett also reacted to the incident, explaining why official Michal Oliver made the “correct decision”.

“The challenge was reckless by Nunez,” Hackett told Football Insider.

“The sanction of a yellow card was the correct decision by referee Michael Oliver.

“It failed to meet the criteria for violent conduct.”

Nunez has failed to live up to expectations following his £64m move to Liverpool and a report from Football Insider claims they would sell the erratic forward for a certain fee.

‘Liverpool are open to accepting offers of £50-60million for out-of-form striker Darwin Nunez, sources have told Football Insider.

‘Newcastle’s link with a move for the Uruguayan should be taken seriously amid ongoing speculation about his future at Anfield. However, the Magpies are unlikely to enter the running for his signature and he is not one of Eddie Howe’s targets for the upcoming transfer window.

‘A fee between £50-60million would allow Liverpool to make back a large percentage of the sum they spent to bring him in two-and-a-half years ago.

‘As a result, any offers around that price tag are expected to be considered by the club who could use the funds raised to reinvest in their side.

‘Liverpool have been eyeing moves to sign a new centre-back and midfielder either in January or come the end of the season, and a big-money sale would boost their ability to spend.’

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