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Former Manchester United ace Paul Scholes has compared midfielder Bruno Fernandes with club legends Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney, per the club’s official website.

What’s he said?

Fernandes has had an immediate impact at Old Trafford following his January move from Sporting Lisbon.

He has made five appearances in all competitions for the club following his £47m transfer, scoring two goals and registering two assists.

The Portugal international scored in the 5-0 Europa League win over Club Brugge on Thursday evening and Scholes has expressed his excitement at the talent shown by Fernandes thus far.

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He said: “He looks a special talent and looks like he can be a hero of the fans as well.

“He has got the right name for it, with the song and stuff.

“But then you think of Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney, these people who are idolised by the fans, and you hope that in the future he can become as good as them.”

Big names

These are big names to drop alongside Fernandes.

Yes, he is a remarkably talented playmaker but that much was evident from his time at Sporting alone. He scored 63 goals and registered 52 assists across 137 games.

Of course, he has already hit the net and registered assists at Old Trafford but it’s been four games.

Cantona inspired the club in the early 1990s, winning four Premier League titles, as well as two FA Cups, while Rooney won five titles, one FA Cup, the Champions League and the Europa League, along with the Club World Cup.

It feels a tad early to be dropping their names alongside Fernandes’ and it only serves to hype the player up.

One has to wonder if he is being set up to fail.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have a huge problem!

Manchester United will surely return to sign a new defender when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

Adding defensive reinforcements was a priority for former boss Jose Mourinho over the summer but the Red Devils tried and failed to appease the Portuguese. United’s woeful form ultimately cost the former Chelsea manager his job. United have been completely transformed under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, remaining unbeaten in their first eleven Premier League games under the Norwegian.

Despite their improved form, a new defender should remain top of their shortlist in the summer. Regardless of whether Solksjaer is given the job permanently or a new man is installed, signing a world-class defender would get United challenging for the title yet again.

Therefore, the Red Devils should break the bank to land Porto wonderkid – Eder Militao. Valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, the 21-year-old is a new arrival at the club having signed from Sao Paulo in the summer for just £3.6m. The Brazilian has been one of the most consistent performers in Liga NOS and has attracted interest from all across Europe.

Militao is comfortable at centre-back, right-back and even defensive midfield due to his composure on the ball. The youngster is a fantastic defender winning 1.7 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game in Portugal. As well as his defensive abilities on the ground, Militao is also a dominant force in the air, winning 3.5 aerial duels per game, meaning the physicality of the Premier League should be no issues at all (WhoScored).

The Brazil U21 international has the potential to be one of the world’s best defenders and United should do everything in their power to lure him to Old Trafford.

Manchester United fans, thoughts?

Leeds have continued their exceptional start to the Championship season as they remain in sight of the summit with the New Year approaching. 

Marcelo Bielsa has proven to be an inspired choice of manager as he has led the Peacocks into the play-off places.

It hasn’t all been down to the manager though, the players must take tremendous applause because of  how well they have done.

Leeds are really on the verge of something special this season but as they have found out the hard way before, the Championship is a very tricky division to escape from, with the possibility for anyone to beat anyone.

That means that as soon as the January transfer window opens, they should look to strengthen their squad, because of the number of games they still need to play.

When watching them this season, it’s obvious to see that another striker is necessary because too often they have been solely reliant on Kemar Roofe.

So Leeds, meet West Ham’s Xande Silva..

Silva, who is valued at £180,000 on Transfermarkt, is a player that could prove to have a big impact at Elland Road, if given the opportunity.

The 21-year-old arrived at the London Stadium relatively unknown this summer, although before a recent injury, he got off to a brilliant start for the U23’s when scoring five goals in five games.

There isn’t a desire for a starting striker as Kemar Roofe continues to deliver but Xande Silva could be brilliant cover alongside Patrick Bamford to help accelerate Leeds’ chances at promotion this season.

As well as being able to play on the wing, Xande Silva is an option Leeds must test out.

Do you agree… Let us know!

According to the Birmingham Mail, Steve Bruce has identified Southampton striker Shane Long as a potential solution to the ongoing striker crisis at Villa Park.

Jonathan Kodjia has started the club’s first three Championship matches up top, with academy graduate Rushian Hepburn-Murphy getting the nod from Steve Bruce in the Carabao Cup win over Yeovil.

But with injuries a problem for Bruce, the Birmingham Mail reports that he is desperate to sign another striker before the loan window shuts on August 31. The same publication reports that Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham is his number one target, with Shane Long also being considered.

Mark Hughes left the 31-year-old Irishman out of the Saints squad on the opening day of the season before giving him 30 minutes as a substitute against Everton.

Villa fans on Twitter were buzzing with the rumours and were urging the club and Bruce to sign him. Check out some of the best reactions from fans below.

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Chelsea play host to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and Blues fans are divided on whether their captain Gary Cahill should start the game.

The Blues have recovered well from their opening day defeat at home to Burnley by going unbeaten in their last five Premier League games, including a 4-0 win against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium last weekend.

They followed that success up with an impressive 2-1 victory against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital in the Champions League during the week, and even though Cahill performed brilliantly he continues to come under scrutiny from the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Meanwhile, City go into the weekend top of the table and having netted 21 goals in their six top flight games, although they will be missing Sergio Aguero after he broke a rib in a car accident in the Netherlands on Thursday.

Chelsea supporters were quick to have their say on whether Cahill should be included in the starting XI via social media, and while some said they ‘don’t think he should start’, others believe the side will “need” him.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

A new sporting salary survey conducted by Sporting Intelligence has revealed that Rangers have severely underperformed this season in the Scottish Premiership, not when compared to Celtic, but in relation to Aberdeen.

What’s the story?

Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic team have romped home to the Scottish Premiership title this season, winning the league with an incredible eight games to spare. However, that should perhaps come as no surprise when you consider Celtic’s wage bill.

Sporting Intelligence have analysed professional sporting leagues around the world to lift the lid on what athletes are paid and in Scottish football it highlights the financial imbalance across the league.

As you’d expect, Celtic’s average annual salary per player far outstrips the rest of the division’s, at a reported £717,860, however the same could be said for Rangers too.

Their average annual salary per player is said to be £316,888, almost double that of Aberdeen’s and many multiples more than most other sides.

Remarkable then that Derek McInnes has managed to guide his side to second place right now, a massive 10 points ahead of the Ibrox side.

Courtesy Sporting Intelligence

Where did it all go wrong?

The figures are a fairly damning indictment of Mark Warburton’s season in charge of the Light Blues, unable to produce anything like the consistent form you need to challenge for the title or even comfortably finish second.

Signings like Joey Barton, Joe Garner, Philippe Senderos and Niko Krancjar haven’t helped, none of whom delivered massively on the pitch despite significant financial outlay.

However it does highlight that new boss Pedro Caixinha should have the resources to effect significant change at Ibrox next season. If he can leverage the financial advantage the Gers have over the rest of the division outside of Celtic then he should be able to give supporters a much improved campaign next year.

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The loss of Ronald Koeman, despite his wonderful period at the club, is just a drop in the ocean for Southampton.

A club that has sadly become accustomed to losing managers, players and even club heroes as soon as they begin to build a bond will surely bounce on from this setback as they did from the losses of Pochettino, Lallana and Schneiderlin.

A magnificently run football club, Southampton are an excellent example to the rest of European football and tend to get their recruitment, of both coaching and playing staff, absolutely spot on.

The new manager is going to have some task when he arrives, mind. Ronald Koeman will likely be sniffing around to sign his former players, even before some of the clubs with the token of European football begin to lure some of Saints’ stars away.

Summer is not always a dream for Southampton, the poor folks on the south coast.

Whatever happens, they must keep these FIVE…

Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk was one of the supreme central defenders last season, as he displayed the full array of defensive skills out of possession and proved himself as a gifted ball-player when on the ball.

A certain upgrade on Dejan Lovren, Van Dijk will be a target for many clubs this summer and it’s easy to understand.

Any player who can play the simple defensive parts of the game as well as spray the ball across the pitch is going to be much-desired in modern football.

Sadio Mane

Mane scored 11 goals last season, but his continued inconsistencies in form, often associated with transfer windows it seems, are a concern.

Southampton, depending on who is named the new manager, might just be open to selling on the forward if they can generate a fee sizeable enough to sign a quality replacement.

His terrifying pace makes him a constant threat and nicely complements Pelle.

Ryan Bertrand

Bertrand is, for a lot of people, very unlucky not to be starting for England at this summer’s European Championships.

Often playing as a third centre-back this season, Bertrand is a reliable defender in the defensive third and can provide intelligent movement in the attacking third.

English players are always demanded by the top Premier League clubs and Bertrand could be subject to a few offers for that very reason.

Victor Wanyama

Wanyama is often reported to be a target for other Premier League clubs but it looks as though Tottenham are going to make serious moves for the Kenyan.

Although a move now looks very likely to go through, one would hope that it is still possible to stunt a possible transfer and retain the defensive midfielder for next season.

Often the lynch pin of the side, Wanyama completed more tackles per 90 than any other Saints player last season.

Graziano Pelle

The club’s joint-top scorer last season, Pelle is sure to attract some attention next season.

Having boosted his career in Eredivisie, Pelle is at risk of doing the same with the Italian national team as he continues to star for them at this summer’s Euros.

The limitations in his game have to be accepted, of course, but that won’t necessarily restrict the interest in the towering centre forward.

Alisha Lehmann caught up with Aston Villa team-mate Rachel Daly in Marbella while taking a break from international duties.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Lehmann reunited with Daly in Marbella
• Currently on national team duty with England and Switzerland
• Both Lehmann and Daly were on target for Switzerland and England

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Aston Villa stars are currently away on national team duty with the Women's Super League on pause due to the international break. In between their respective national team games, Lehmann and Daly caught up in Marbella.

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• WHAT ALISHA LEHMANN SAID

  The Switzerland star even shared their photograph on her Instagram story with the caption, "Nice to see you, Rachel Daly."

  Alisha Lehmann Instagram

• Getty/GOAL/IG:@alishalehmann7
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  On February 23, Switzerland took on Poland in a friendly encounter where Lehamnn was on target in her team's convincing 4-1 win. On Saturday, England registered a thumping 7-2 win over Austria with Daly scoring a late goal.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Lehmann will be next seen in action for Switzerland in a second friendly game against Poland on Tuesday. On the same day, The Lionesses take on Italy.

The U.S. was outplayed for long stretches in Wellington, but did just enough to salvage a very important point

If the United States women's national team does go on to win its World Cup group, they'll have Danielle van de Donk to thank. The Netherlands star was the player that woke up Lindsey Horan, who showed the rest of the world what happens when she plays angry.

One bad tackle, one half-hearted apology and one Horan goal later, the U.S. salvaged a point. They may or may not have deserved it, but they have it nonetheless, as they escaped with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in their second group-stage game in New Zealand. That draw was earned despite several questionable decisions from head coach Vlatko Andonovski, who used just one of his substitutions despite seeing his side frequently overrun by the Dutch.

Horan was the hero, heading home a fantastic cross from that one substitute, Rose Lavelle, in the second half after several prolonged spells of Dutch dominance. Their goal in the first half, off the foot of Jill Roord, was totally deserved and, for some time, it looked like it would be enough for them to seal a historic win over the team that took them down back in the 2019 World Cup final.

It wasn't, and the USWNT can have Horan, and Van de Donk, to thank. The USWNT's captain provided the goal needed to get something from this game, ensuring that both sides will have everything to play for in their final group-stage games.

GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Wellington Regional Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Alyssa Naeher (5/10):

  One shot on target, one goal for the Netherlands and that was that. A tough one for Naeher, who may have been screened on the play.

  Crystal Dunn (6/10):

  The sequence leading to the Netherlands goal was a big mess for Dunn, who lost her balance and never recovered. Was pretty good other than that as she made several big tackles, making that one sequence even more frustrating.

  Naomi Girma (7/10):

  It's insane how composed she is at her age. Facing one of the world's best teams, Girma was steady as can be, which is to be expected at this point, crazily enough.

  Julie Ertz (7/10):

  Several key blocks down the stretch for the veteran, who started once again in central defense. Will that be her position going forward? Who knows, but this was another good outing with her in defense.

  Emily Fox (6/10):

  Not her best game, but not her worst either. Wasn't crisp enough to make anything happen in the attacking end aside from one solid cross.

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  Midfield

  Andi Sullivan (4/10):

  Totally at fault for the first goal. Was late and then compounded her mistake by trying to make a hero tackle to leave the defense exposed. Couldn't do much of anything to stop the Netherlands as their midfield did whatever they wanted for much of the game.

  Lindsey Horan (7/10):

  Don't make her angry. Was having a pretty average game until Van de Donk took her out. That moment woke her up, and her header just a few seconds later couldn't have been bigger from the USWNT captain.

  Savannah DeMelo (6/10):

  Wasn't bad in her 45 minutes, but was definitely a victim of the physicality that went unchecked. Was fouled over and over again, leading to some scrappiness late in the first half, making her a card waiting to happen before her substitution.

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  Attack

  Trinity Rodman (6/10):

  Was the USWNT's best attacker early on, as she terrorized the Netherlands backline right up until their goal. Totally tired out by the end but was left on for some reason.

  Alex Morgan (6/10):

  Did a lot of the little things but couldn't quite find the big one. Put the ball in the back of the net to seemingly make it 2-1 but was correctly deemed offside.

  Sophia Smith (6/10):

  Invisible in the first half, but much better in the second as she created several moments of danger. Compared to her World Cup debut, this will have felt like a clunker as she never really got a chance at goal.

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  Subs & Manager

  Rose Lavelle (7/10):

  The USWNT needed a bunch of changes at the half, but Lavelle was the only one that came. As it turns out, she was the one to create the goal, assisting Horan after already turning the tide a bit after the Netherlands' very good first half.

  Vlatko Andonovski (3/10):

  Questionable line up, exposed tactics and only one sub? Hard to understand what the USWNT head coach was doing here.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em meio à paralisação por conta da pandemia do coronavírus, o Palmeiras usou suas redes sociais para homenagear um dos jogadores que mais vezes vestiu a camisa alviverde. O ex-volante Galeano completa 48 anos de idade neste sábado e recebeu os parabéns do time em que foi revelado.

Somando suas passagens, de 1989 a 1992 e entre 1996 e 2002, o ex-meio-campista acumula 477 partidas, ocupando a 12ª colocação entre os atletas com mais jogos na história do clube. O ex-jogador acumula 250 vitórias e 27 gols e cinco títulos: oCampeonato Paulista de 1996, a Copa do Brasil e a Copa Mercosul, as duas em 1998, a Libertadores de 1999 e o Torneio Rio-São Paulo e a Copa dos Campeões, ambos em 2000.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasXodó, Patrick de Paula tem credencial extra para agradar Luxa: bate faltaPalmeiras27/03/2020Fora de CampoRoberto Carlos afirma que Palmeiras de 93/94 venceria Flamengo de Jorge JesusFora de Campo27/03/2020PalmeirasPalmeiras exibe imagens de treino de jogadoras e jogadores na quarentenaPalmeiras27/03/2020

Confira a publicação na conta oficial do Palmeiras no Twitter neste sábado:

Multicampeão e autor de um gol histórico no Derby, Galeano completa 48 anos neste sábado. Feliz aniversário e saudações alviverdes, ídolo! 🎉🐷#FamíliaPalmeiras pic.twitter.com/SNR84bI6CJ

— SE Palmeiras (de 🏡) (@Palmeiras) March 28, 2020

Galeano marcou sua história no Palmeiras no final da década de 1990, sob o comando do técnico Luiz Felipe Scolari. Recebeu diversas oportunidades ao longo da conquista da Libertadores de 1999 e, na edição de 2000 do torneio continental, fez o gol da vitória por 3 a 2 sobre o Corinthians, na segunda semifinal, que proporcionou a histórica disputa de pênaltis encerrada com Marcos defendendo a cobrança de Marcelinho Carioca.

Em 2010, Galeano retornou ao Palmeiras como dirigente do departamento de futebol e acabou bastante ligado novamente a Felipão, treinador que voltaria a comandar o clube na metade daquele ano. Em 2012, o técnico foi demitido e, pouco depois, o ex-volante deixou o Verdão também.