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Europe’s top five league stat leaders: Salah, Yamal lead key metrics ahead of Mbappe, Haaland

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Europe’s top five league stat leaders: Salah, Yamal lead key metrics ahead of Mbappe, Haaland

Here are the best players in Europe’s top five leagues this season. From top scorers to most clean sheets, we have statistic leaders for 10 metrics.

Stats come via the brilliant FBRef.

Stat leaders in Europe’s top five leagues

Top scorers
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 25
Harry Kane (Bayern) – 21
Mateo Retegui (Atalanta) – 21
Erling Haaland (Man City) – 20
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) – 20
Alexander Isak (Newcastle) – 19
Omar Marmoush (Frankfurt/Man City) – 18
Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest) – 18
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) – 17
Ousmane Dembele (PSG) – 17

RIDICULOUS STATS OF…
👉 Erling Haaland: More Champions League knockout goals than Drogba and Rooney
👉 Mo Salah: GOAT Premier League winger and Ballon d’Or favourite is Liverpool’s third-top scorer ever
👉 Kylian Mbappe: Only seven players have more Champions League goals

Top assisters
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 17
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – 11
Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford) – 10
Antonee Robinson (Fulham) – 10
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – 10
Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) – 10
Omar Marmoush (Frankfurt/Man City) – 9
Son Heung-min (Spurs) – 9
Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest) – 8
Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club) – 8
Nuno Tavares (Lazio) – 8
Jacob Murphy (Newcastle) – 8

👉 READ MORE: Who are the top scorers of 2025? Dembele remains ahead of Mbappe and Haaland

Most key passes
Raphinha (Barcelona) – 73
Alex Baena (Villarreal) – 71
Junya Ito (Reims) – 67
Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – 67
Dejan Kulusevski (Spurs) – 63
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 62
Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd) – 59
Joshua Kimmich (Bayern) – 58
Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen) – 57
Aaron Martin (Genoa) – 51
Kevin Stoger (Borussia Monchengladbach) – 51

Most tackles
Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton) – 98
Daniel Munoz – (Crystal Palace) – 92
Morten Frendrup (Genoa) – 87
Omar El Hilali (Espanyol) – 86
Tom Bischof (Hoffenheim) – 80
Noussair Mazraoui (Man Utd) – 80
Victor Kristiansen (Leicester) – 79
Moises Caicedo (Chelsea) – 78
João Gomes (Wolves) -77

Most interceptions
Diego Coppola (Hellas Verona) – 53
Carmona (Sevilla) – 49
Jan Bednarek (Southampton) – 49
Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) – 49
Patrick Mainka (Heidenheim) – 49
Antonee Robinson (Fulham) – 47
Lukas Kübler (Freiburg) – 45
Ardian Ismajli (Empoli) – 45
Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) – 44
Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace) – 44
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham) – 44

Most take-ons won
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – 89
Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund) – 73
Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) – 72
Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla) – 71
Jeremy Doku (Man City) – 66
Mohammed Kudus (West Ham) – 65
Jamal Musiala (Bayern) – 58
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) – 58
Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) – 58
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) – 56
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) – 56

👉 READ MORE: Who will win the 2025 Ballon d’Or? Salah the favourite ahead of Mbappe

Aerial duels won
Milan Duric (Monza/Parma) – 147
Philipp Hofmann (Bochum) – 113
Lucas Torro (Osasuna) – 112
Vedat Muriqi (Mallorca) – 101
Ante Budimir (Osasuna) – 100
Tim Kleindienst (Borussia Monchengladbach) – 99
Dan Burn (Newcastle) – 94
Antonio Raillo (Mallorca) – 89
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – 88
Diego Coppola (Hellas Verona) – 87
Morten Thorsby (Genoa) – 87

Most fouls drawn
Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle) – 89
Omar Marmoush (Frankfurt/Man City) – 66
Dan Ndoye (Bologna) – 66
Patrick Dorgu (Lecce/Man Utd) – 65
Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio) – 63
Manu Kone (Roma) – 60
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) – 58
Matheus Cunha (Wolves) – 58
Gaetano Oristanio (Venezia) – 56
Dilane Bakwa (Strasbourg) – 55
Gabriel Strefezza (Como) – 55

Most clean sheets
Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad) – 12
Yann Sommer (Inter) – 11
Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest) – 11
Manuel Neuer (Bayern) – 11
Peter Gulacsi (Leipzig) – 11
Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid) – 11
Michele Di Gregorio (Juventus) – 10
David Raya (Arsenal) – 10
Mike Maignan (Milan) – 10

Most saves made
Mark Flekken (Brentford) – 112
Yahia Fofana (Angers) – 94
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (Torino) – 93
Gautier Larsonneur (St-Etienne) – 92
Lucas Perri (Lyon) – 89
Joan Garcia (Espanyol) – 89
Sergio Herrera (Osasuna) – 87
Marcin Bulka (Nice) – 85
Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton) – 84
Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest) – 84

👉 READ NOW: Highest paid footballers in the world: No Messi as Haaland joins top 10 after new City deal

“The players are frustrated”: Dressing room reaction emerges after Amorim’s latest outburst – report

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“The players are frustrated”: Dressing room reaction emerges after Amorim’s latest outburst – report

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim might not have enjoyed the best of results on the pitch but he has been dynamite off the pitch.

His press conferences usually generate plenty of headlines as seen from his bonkers quote on Marcus Rashford’s attitude and what he felt about the current United squad.

The latest addition to the list is him blaming the first-team for the latest round of job cuts conducted by INEOS as they look to bring the club back to a firm financial footing.

“We have to address all the problems in the club but one important piece is how we got into this situation. It has to do a lot with the lack of success of the football team. We are the engine of the club,” he had said.

Players unhappy with Amorim’s comments

United have underperformed ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired and that is the truth but The Sun have claimed that the current crop of players are not too pleased with the head coach blaming them for the club’s current financial crisis.

They feel Amorim knew about the risks when taking over and he should not be pinning the blame on the players, especially when results have been poor and they are still trying to adapt to what the coach wants.

However, due to the bond between players and coach not being as strong, not many have spoken up regarding their feelings with Amorim.

One thing that the report also mentions is unlike in the past, when players have not thought twice before downing tools, they have not yet done the same with the coach.

A source said, “If you went into Carrington you would think the players and Amorim are getting on great. But the truth is the players are frustrated for being blamed for the financial problems of the club.

Haven’t challenged the coach as yet

“However they haven’t challenged the manager as they haven’t yet formed a bond with him. He is clear in what he wants from them on the pitch, and they are trying to implement it.

“But while some of them are fully behind his tactics, they feel that they cannot speak up as Amorim is steadfast in what he wants.

“They are doing what they are told, whether they think its right or not…the players feel like they can’t show any displeasure or it will become a problem.”

INEOS should not have placed Amorim in this position in the first place and they should have fielded questions from the press regarding their decisions with regards to the club’s finances. Also, given the reputation of the publication, this report can be taken with a pinch of salt.

But unfortunately, Amorim is having to front up for the co-owners and he has handled it as well as he could have especially when controversies keep erupting at the club every week.

Feature image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images

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Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

United willing to sell 25-yo star for €50m, he has been sensational this month – report

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United willing to sell 25-yo star for €50m, he has been sensational this month – report

Manchester United have reportedly slapped a huge price tag on Antony, who is enjoying a good run of form at Real Betis.

Ruben Amorim inherited a United side with a toothless attack and yet he further weakened his options going forward by allowing Antony to leave during the winter window.

This underlined the Brazilian’s difficult situation at Old Trafford. Signed from Ajax for around £85 million, Antony quickly lost his confidence and with it, his place in the team.

First Erik ten Hag pushed him out of his starting lineup and then Amorim showed little interest in helping the 25-year-old rediscover his form. Eventually, United loaned him out to Betis for the remainder of the season.

In Seville, he has taken little time to establish himself as a key part of Manuel Pellegrini’s setup.

The right-winger has already managed to score three goals and register two assists for Los Verdiblancos, who are now considering the possibility of keeping him at Benito Villamarín permanently.

According to Fichajes, Betis are “exploring options” to sign Antony from United as the initial loan deal did not include any buy option clause.

However, the “operation seems practically impossible” due to the Premier League side’s financial demands.

United are believed to be willing to sell Antony for a fee in the region of €50m, a figure understood to be out of the Spanish side’s reach.

Further, Antony’s wages are also expected to be a problem for Betis as he earns around €14m per year.

As such, at this point, Betis can only afford to negotiate a new loan deal. But that is not going to be straightforward as the Brazil international is starting to raise eyebrows across Europe with his performances in LaLiga.

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Juventus are interested in Antony. 

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Vishal has covered football for over five years. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person. Big fan of ball-playing center-backs!

Man Utd star reveals he feels ‘safer’ away from Old Trafford but admits it’s ‘too early to talk about my future’

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Man Utd star reveals he feels ‘safer’ away from Old Trafford but admits it’s ‘too early to talk about my future’

Man Utd winger Antony says he feels “more secure” since leaving Old Trafford with the Brazilian loving life at Real Betis.

Antony, who signed from Ajax for £85m in 2022, played 407 minutes in all competitions this season over 14 appearances, three of which were in the starting XI.

His time in the team slightly improved following the arrival of Amorim as manager but the new Man Utd head coach didn’t stand in the way of his exit from Old Trafford.

Antony eventually sealed a loan move away from Man Utd in January with the Red Devils allowing him to complete a temporary move to Spanish side Real Betis.

The Brazilian was MVP on his debut for Betis in the 2-2 draw with Athletic Bilbao and was once again picked out as the top performer in his new club’s 3-2 defeat to Celta Vigo shortly after.

Antony has contributed two goals and two assists in four La Liga matches since joining Real Betis and the Man Utd loanee insists he now feels “more secure” and “safer” than at Old Trafford.

Antony told Kooora: “The most important thing to regain my confidence was to reconnect with myself. I found myself here and that’s why I’m very happy at Betis. Every day I feel more secure.

MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Man Utd stars ‘angry’ at Amorim with ‘frustrated’ squad ‘blamed’ for redundancies amid internal ‘fear’
👉 Marcus Rashford makes Villa transfer ‘decision’ as two Euro giants ‘enter race’ with three reasons given
👉 Amorim ‘private talks’ with ‘sulking’ Man Utd star revealed after ‘attitude’ causes ‘problems in the dressing room’

“Pellegrini is very important to me. Before signing with Betis, I spoke to him, and he gave me a lot of confidence. His experience and history give me energy every day to do well.

“When I made the decision to come here, it was to find myself again, as I mentioned before. There is always pressure, but the greatest pressure I felt was when I was living in the poor neighbourhoods of Brazil, thinking about my family and everything.”

There looks little way back for Antony at Old Trafford with Man Utd set to target new forward in the summer after he and Marcus Rashford left the club on loan.

Antony added: “I’m very happy here, but I don’t know what will happen in the future.

“I always say that I enjoy every day with the club, the city and everything that surrounds me, and I give my best for the team. It’s still too early to talk about my future.

“I know how much money they paid for me. I worked and continue to work hard to perform at the highest level, but I don’t focus on transfer prices, neither mine nor any other player’s.”

Official: United learn new dates and times for four key PL fixtures as business end of the season approaches

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Official: United learn new dates and times for four key PL fixtures as business end of the season approaches

Manchester United have had four of their April fixtures handed new dates and kick-off times, following the announcement of the Premier League’s latest TV selections.

United are set to play five Premier League matches in April but the Old Trafford meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers remains unchanged.

Ruben Amorim and his players are still scheduled to welcome Wolves on Saturday 19 April, with the match kicking off at 15:00 BST.

United’s trip to the City Ground to face Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest side remains on April 1 but the meeting has been put back by 15 minutes to 20:00 BST instead of the original time of 19:45 BST.

The reverse fixture ended in a 3-2 loss for United, with goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes not enough to overturn strikes from Nikola Milenkovic, Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood.

It was in the immediate aftermath of that loss that Dan Ashworth was shockingly dismissed from his role as United’s sporting director.

Five days after going away to Forest, United will host Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Theatre of Dreams.

The contest was originally scheduled to kick off at 15:00 BST on Saturday, April 5. However, it has now been moved to a 16:30 BST kick-off slot on Sunday, April 6.

The match will be part of Sky Sports’ Super Sunday coverage and will follow the earlier clash between Fulham and Liverpool. The reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium in December kicked off at the same time.

United will have the chance to complete a league double over the reigning Champions, having beaten them 2-1 in December.

On the other side of the derby day clash with City, United’s trip to St James’ Park to battle Newcastle on Sunday, April 13 will also be part of Sky Sports’ Super Sunday coverage, with the game being given a 16:30 BST kick-off time slot.

It was originally planned to happen the day earlier, at 15:00 BST.

United then close April with a trip to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth on Sunday, April 27. Proceedings will kick off at 14:00 BST and will be broadcast on Sky Sports.

Four of our April games have been moved, including the Manchester derby 👀#MUFC || #PL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 28, 2025

It’s important to note that Bournemouth vs. United will be re-arranged if either of the two sides advances to the FA Cup semi-finals.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

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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!

Video: new United signing scores outrageous goal in Copa Libertadores, Amorim will be licking his lips

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Video: new United signing scores outrageous goal in Copa Libertadores, Amorim will be licking his lips

Manchester United fans have already seen one of their January signings in action with Patrick Dorgu impressing in his first three games for the club.

Wednesday’s red card will be a learning curve for the Dane and he will bounce back with support from his coach and teammates.

Another January signing Ayden Heaven is yet to feature for the first team but has represented the reserves. But it is the third signing who has been the most impressive.

The Red Devils signed Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno in a £3.3 million deal with the Paraguayan set to remain in Paraguay for now before eventually linking up with the Red Devils in July.

Leon shining

And he has been on fire in recent weeks, netting for the Paraguay U20s and now for his club in his first Copa Libertadores game this term.

He scored his team’s opener in the 3-1 win over Monagas SC and the goal was a thing of beauty and it highlighted how much of an attacking threat he can be. Leon had missed his side’s comfortable 4-0 first-leg over their Venezuelan opponents.

The left-back bombed forward and was found with a brilliant through ball. He had time on his hands and made perfect use of it, striking a low hard finish into the bottom corner.

🎥 – Summer signing Diego León SCORES for Cerro Porteño in the Libertadores

[@futteboleiros] pic.twitter.com/rGNJrmD419

— 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 (@UtdEra_) February 27, 2025

While he has mainly played as a full-back, the goal and his performance highlighted why the 20-time English league champions thought the 17-year-old would be the perfect fit in Amorim’s system.

Looks a Perfect fit

The Paraguay U20 international had three shots and completed two key passes as well. He was defensively resolute as well, completing two clearances as well as the same number of tackles.

Which is why he was handed a match rating of 7.8 on Sofascore, the second highest among all his teammates.

United officials will be more than pleased with his form and will hope he can carry on in the same vein before finally arriving at the Theatre of Dreams.

Leon was already given a tour of the Carrington training ground and Old Trafford in January after he signed his contract and completed his medical.

He was also pictured with United stars Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho in the training ground canteen.

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Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

United turn to tech in desperate bid to solve the key issue crippling Amorim’s masterplan – report

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United turn to tech in desperate bid to solve the key issue crippling Amorim’s masterplan – report

Manchester United are reportedly turning to tech to get on top of injuries, with Ruben Amorim currently missing nine first-team players.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United want to create an algorithm to help predict injuries for new signings.

The newspaper reports that the club have “approached the University of Manchester to see if any students or staff have the skill set to develop an algorithm as part of their data overhaul.”

The Red Devils have long been perceived as behind the curve when it comes to data, with even co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe claiming that “we’re still in the last century on data analysis here.”

It’s therefore unsurprising to see the club looking to take strides in that area, although the MEN offer a cautionary tale about a previous effort made to predict injuries at Carrington.

In 2012, Sir Alex Ferguson gushed that their new medical centre was “a big signing for us and probably the most important step forward we have taken in a long, long time.”

Two years later the Toshiba Medical Centre opened and predicted lasting fitness and good health for centre-backs Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans – not one of them made more than 30 appearances that campaign.

It’s a problem which has not gone away, and two weeks ago United faced Tottenham Hotspur with 12 players on the sidelines as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat.

Last season Erik ten Hag had to contend with 66 separate cases of injury or illness, making his difficult job even tougher.

Mason Mount was handed to the Dutchman as a marquee signing, with United forking out a huge £60m for a player who would be a free agent 12 months down the line, but spent much of the season out injured.

He has barely featured in this campaign, and is almost as big a symbol of United’s injury troubles as Luke Shaw, who has played only 278 of a possible 595 matches since joining in September 2014.

The report cites a club source explaining that United have used “extensive data science to manage players’ workloads to try and reduce and avoid injuries” but there is clearly a need for more, with Amorim short of senior options amidst a terrible run of form.

Should they pull of the creation of an algorithm to go even some of the way to anticipating the fitness of players under consideration for transfer, it will be a significant boost to a club that currently seems to be going backwards in almost every area.

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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.

Man Utd: Amorim reveals unique punishment for ‘sulking’ star; disagrees with X-rated Keane outburst

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Man Utd: Amorim reveals unique punishment for ‘sulking’ star; disagrees with X-rated Keane outburst

Ruben Amorim has revealed how Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho was punished after he headed straight down the tunnel against Ipswich Town.

Man Utd returned to winning ways on Wednesday night to beat relegation candidates Ipswich Town, battling back from behind to win 3-2 with ten men.

The Red Devils are still languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table and their win against Ipswich did not come without difficulty.

Garnacho was sacrificed for Noussair Mazraoui after Patrick Dorgu was sent off and the winger immediately walked down the tunnel after exiting the pitch.

It’s since been revealed that Amorim has had ‘private talks’ with United’s ‘sulking’ star, who has been ordered to “pay for dinner for all the team” after an “investigation”.

“He came to me, to my office,” Amorim said.

READ: Man Utd car crash season explained by two atrocious transfer ‘green lights’ ahead of Palmer signing

“I did some investigation. He [Garnacho] went to dressing room, watched the game, then went home. It is not an issue but I told him that at Manchester United everything is an issue. At this club, perception is important, perception is important.

“He will pay for dinner for all the team. That is it.”

Earlier this week, club legend Keane caused a stir as he went on a quite extraordinary rant about United captain Fernandes. 

“I see fans at matches and they’re singing for Bruno. I see these boys, I think you’re f***ing imposters!” Keane said on the Stick To Football Podcast.

After Ian Wright attempted to defend Fernandes, Keane continued: “Ah Wrighty, I’ve had enough of that rubbish!

You watch United every week, we focus more on United. Sit and watch a game with him! People pretend to be closing people down. Talent is not enough! You keep going back to talent – Bruno’s a talented player, but it’s not enough!”

MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
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👉 Rashford ‘stuns’ Aston Villa stars as Emery’s ‘response’ to Amorim’s ‘brutal castigation’ surfaces
👉 Man Utd ‘ready to hijack’ Newcastle deal as Romano reveals Amorim stance on Onana

“Who were you in the dressing room with, Tony Adams! Tony Adams was this, Tony Adams was that, because he was a fighter!

“You’ve got young players who have to look at somebody and go ‘I like what he does’. They all can’t put the ball in the top of the net from 25 yards, I get that, but you want someone who’s going ‘Lads, are you with me? Are you with me?’”

In response, Amorim has explained why he disagrees with Keane, with Fernandes “playing well in a difficult context”.

“I heard about that. I have a different opinion,” Amorim responded.

“Bruno is really important for us and the club. He is playing well in a difficult context. He wants always the responsibility.

“I know sometimes as a captain he does things with his arms but most of all it is a lot of frustration for this year and the last year. He wants to win and sometimes it is hard to deal with that frustration.

“Everyone has an opinion. Roy Keane has big standards from his time at the club and it is normal to have an opinion. I have an opposite opinion and I think my opinion is more important than Roy Keane’s because I am the coach.”

Euro giants plotting shock move for United star who has become huge financial burden at club – report

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Euro giants plotting shock move for United star who has become huge financial burden at club – report

AC Milan are showing an interest in signing Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, as per reports.

United have been trying to get rid of Casemiro since last summer but the club’s highest-paid player is yet to find a new destination.

The ex-Real Madrid man arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 amid much fanfare to fix the Red Devils’ midfield issues.

The five-time Champions League winner enjoyed a positive start but a sharp physical decline in his second season underlined why Los Blancos were happy to part ways with their star defensive midfielder.

Fast forward to now, Casemiro has become a sort of burden at Old Trafford, owing to his poor performances and astronomical wages, believed to be around £350,000-per-week.

Despite facing an injury crisis, Ruben Amorim is doing his best to not start the 33-year-old midfielder and has instead placed his trust in Bruno Fernandes to play a deeper role alongside Manuel Ugarte.

AC Milan could sign Manchester United midfielder Casemiro

According to a report in Spain, Milan could ease United’s concerns and hand Casemiro an opportunity to move to newer pastures.

As per Fichajes, Milan have set their sights on the veteran midfielder ahead of the summer.

The Rossoneri believe his leadership qualities could be key for Sérgio Conceição’s side and the Brazil international’s presence would make them more coherent, tactically.

It is added that United are open to selling Casemiro if they receive a convincing offer and Milan could take advantage of the situation.

However, his ridiculous contract that still has more than 12 months left to run could create “obstacles in the operation.”

Recently, The Peoples Person covered a report claiming Casemiro is not ready to “give up a penny” to join a new club. A nightmare situation for Ineos who are desperate to trim the side’s wage bill.

Featured image Eddie Keogh via Getty Images

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Vishal has covered football for over five years. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person. Big fan of ball-playing center-backs!

Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd need greater than most in ranking PL teams by how much they need FA Cup glory

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Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd need greater than most in ranking PL teams by how much they need FA Cup glory

Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been dumped out, opening the FA Cup up for the remaining 11 Premier League teams to battle for the famous old gong.

But for which of those clubs does it Mean More? We’ve ranked them by how much they should give a damn.

11) Ipswich Town
Monday’s trip to Nottingham Forest may well be a welcome break from what has been a horror run in the Premier League for Kieran McKenna’s side, which has seen them pick up just one point in their last seven games, in which they’ve shipped 22 goals. But retaining top-flight status has to be the priority.

10) Nottingham Forest
A trip to Wembley would be lovely. A trip to the Bernabeu would be better.

9) Wolves
Vitor Pereira’s side will in all likelihood have enough to stay in the Premier League given their five-point buffer and superior footballers, so there’s no need to field a weakened side against Bournemouth on Saturday ahead of the visit of Everton the week after, but the FA Cup will feel more like a free hit and a way to keep things ticking over rather than an opportunity that can’t be spurned.

8) Bournemouth
We’re not even sure the Vitality Stadium will meet the UEFA guidelines to host Champions League nights, but that raises the delightful prospect of them having to play those games at St Mary’s if Andoni Iraola does the unthinkable and leads them into the qualification spots.

That looked far more likely before consecutive defeats to Brighton and Wolves, which has likely further focused their attention on that keenly fought race rather than the FA Cup.

7) Brighton
Three hugely impressive wins on the bounce for Fabian Hurzeler’s side after their fallow period reached its zenith with that embarrassing 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest means Brighton are now very much in the Champions League mix. A tangible reward for their incredible progression over the last few years now isn’t as important as it felt a couple of weeks ago.

6) Manchester City
Probably going to win it because Pep Guardiola doesn’t really do potless seasons, with his only blank drawn in his first with City back in 2016/17. It would also be fun to see them lift the trophy before Richard Masters rips it from their grasp as the FFP hammer renders this glory and all others null and void.

Champions League football is a far greater need but we’re finding it hard to imagine them failing to qualify.

5) Aston Villa
They’re a very strange team at the moment, with their last seven Premier League games featuring just one win over Chelsea, very respectable draws against Arsenal and Liverpool, and crushing defeats to Wolves and Crystal Palace.

There was also a sense of panic to their January business – decent though it seems – as Unai Emery struggles to get his team fighting on multiple fronts.

They will be very keen to get back into the Champions League, but are currently in the actual Champions League – facing Club Brugge in the last 16 – which must be the priority despite the obsession with qualifying often weirdly outstripping performances when competing in it.

FA Cup glory will be a distant third in the pecking order.

4) Newcastle United
Eddie Howe’s got more plates to spin than most with the Carabao Cup final to come and the need for Champions League football increasing with every goal Alexander Isak scores under the watchful eyes of European giants offering that enticing option next season.

But it’s been 70 years and with the best team in Europe standing in their way of Carabao Cup glory and given the sides who have already been knocked out, the FA Cup may weirdly be their best bet to end the drought.

READ MORE: Newcastle second-worst Champions League contender as clear qualification favourite emerges

3) Manchester United
FA Cup glory saved Erik ten Hag and further f***ed Manchester United in the long run, but we can’t see Ruben Amorim going all the way this season being anything but a positive.

Winning the Europa League will be higher up their list of priorities, with the Champions League football that brings offering more PSR wiggle room to fix his broken squad than another season of Europa League football would, but the FA Cup – which grants entry into that lesser competition – should now be seen as more important than the Premier League, where a lower mid-table finish is the best they can hope for with relegation disappointingly now very unlikely.

2) Fulham
No domestic cup final since 1975. No domestic cup win ever.

They’re also remarkably in the hunt for Champions League football, but do they really think that’s going to happen? Our guess is Fulham fans will be very, very disappointed if Marco Silva doesn’t go all out to win the FA Cup.

1) Crystal Palace
Palace have never won a domestic trophy in their 120-year history and they’re the only team in the Not Going To Be Relegated Aren’t Qualifying For Europe sweet spot. It’s time to exorcise the Wembley dancing demons.

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