All posts by h79snht.top

Under Sir Alex Ferguson it was the Theatre of Dreams. Under David Moyes it was the Theatre of Nightmares. And for the last three years, it’s been the theatre of the kind of mundane mid-slumber musings like trying to pay for a coffee but being unable to find your wallet that make you wake up and realise you’re an incredibly boring person whose imagination died the moment you left university to undertake a nine-to-five living at the local branch of Lloyds.

I digress.

Last night summed up Jose Mourinho’s first season at Old Trafford. An unspectacular performance lined with plenty of hustle-and-bustle but lacking cutting edge quality as the away side stuck every man behind the ball and Manchester United relentlessly struggled to break them down. The consequence of Everton’s rearguard display was the Red Devils’ ninth home draw of the season; marooning them to an incredibly underwhelming tenth place in the Premier League’s home table and further chipping away at their increasingly decreasing chances of qualifying for the Champions League via a top four finish.

The ‘boring, boring’ boo-boys who grew steadily louder throughout Louis van Gaal’s two terms as Manchester United manager are yet to truly emerge with the same force and conviction. But the murmurings of discontent are still bubbling under the surface, and pundits have been quick to criticise the culmination of disappointing home performances this season, contrasting so sharply with United’s prestigious history of demolishing sides at Old Trafford with ferocious attacking play. It used to be a case of teams simply turning up in Manchester, closing their eyes and hoping it would all be over quickly.

But United’s critics are forgetting the golden rule when it comes to Jose Mourinho; it’s all about the second season. During his second term at FC Porto, Mourinho guided the Portuguese giants to a shock Champions League title; his second campaign at Real Madrid brought the only La Liga title of his Bernabeu tenure; year two at Inter Milan led to a Champions League-included treble; and the second seasons of both of his Chelsea tenures produced Premier League titles.

It’s too simplistic to say history will repeat itself simply because it has done before; if football was that predictable, the bookies would be out of pocket and it wouldn’t be the most popular and most romanticised sport in the world. But there is a clear pattern throughout Mourinho’s career, even if the trophies have begun to dry up a little, and for all of United’s tribulations this season – especially at home – there are signs the Portuguese has his new club on the same path.

When Mourinho returned to Chelsea in summer 2013, his main goal in the transfer market was to transform the spine of a team that protruded style over substance. From back to front, by the time Chelsea lifted the Premier League title two years later, Thibaut Courtois, Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa had all been brought into the starting XI – and all five were crucial as the Blues lifted their fourth Premier League honour.

We’ve already seen evidence of the same process at Manchester United, with centre-back Eric Bailly, midfielder Paul Pogba and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic arriving last summer to completely change the spine Mourinho inherited from Van Gaal. It’s not transformed United’s results just yet, but the process may not be complete; Matic moved back to Stamford Bridge in the January window of his first season back, whilst Fabregas, Courtois and Costa came in during Mourinho’s second summer.

That suggests further spine additions will be made in the coming window, to help evolve United into a true Mourinho side. Another centre-back, a long-term successor to Michael Carrick and a No.10 are likely to be on the agenda.

But perhaps more important than who comes in is the players Mourinho will get rid of to try and shape the culture in the dressing room and the philosophy of his team. Flashy players and those with questionable work ethics like David Luiz, Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne and Andre Schurrle were all moved on before Chelsea clinched the title in 2015. United’s current squad is unrivalled in its vastness throughout the Premier League, so who Mourinho chooses to keep and expel this summer could have a massive impact on not only United’s quality next season, but the mentality throughout the squad as well.

Of course, Mourinho’s transition season at Chelsea went far better than his first term at United has gone thus far. Whilst the Blues finished four points off the top, killed Liverpool’s title bid and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, the Red Devils are on course to finish outside of the top four, although they have made considerable progress in the cup competitions, and are two points behind where they were after 29 games during Van Gaal’s debut season.

But Mourinho’s return campaign at Chelsea also drew criticisms of dissonant football in comparison to Liverpool and Manchester City, who both scored over 100 goals. More crucially, the Premier League has changed drastically since that point. Mourinho described his Blues side as the small horse in a three-horse title race in February 2014; this season started with six evenly-matched, equally uncertain juggernauts all eyeing the English crown, not to mention Leicester City representing potential dark horses.

So does that mean Manchester United’s second season will unquestionably breed a Premier League title? Of course not; there will be six sides competing yet again next season and only one can win it. That doesn’t necessarily mean those who miss out are worse teams with worse managers, just that the thin margins of the beautiful game didn’t swing their way.

But it does suggest United will be much closer to becoming a genuine Mourinho side, United will be much closer to the division’s summit than they are this season, and they’ll be a much more enjoyable team to watch. This year may not be a stellar campaign in the context of the club’s illustrious history, but its clear Mourinho is already laying out the foundations for United to return to the big time with a bang.

According to the Daily Mail, Premier League top-four hopefuls Liverpool are closing on an £8m deal for Hull City defender Andrew Robertson.

What’s the story?

Just like Phil Jones should have never been taking corners at Manchester United, James Milner is not a long-term solution to the left-back role at Liverpool.

The experienced campaigner has been fairly solid on the left side of Liverpool’s back four this season, but it is understood that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is desperate to bring a new left-sided full-back to Anfield at the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

Alberto Moreno is still present at Anfield, but the Spain international could be moved on in this summer’s transfer window after struggling to find his best form in the Premier League.

A number of defenders have been linked with Liverpool over the last few months, but according to the Daily Mail, the Reds are closing on an £8m deal for Hull’s Robertson.

Is Robertson ready for Liverpool?

Robertson, 23, joined Hull from Dundee United in the summer of 2014. Previously linked with a move to Manchester United, the Scotland international has scored once and provided two assists in 29 Premier League appearances for the Tigers during the 2016-17 campaign.

The full-back actually represented Celtic during his youth career, but was released from the Scottish giants after being deemed ‘too small’ to make it at the top level.

Such accusations were also aimed at a certain Paul Scholes during his younger days with Manchester United, but the Englishman formed a fairly decent career at Old Trafford.

An international footballer of 14 caps, Robertson has been excellent on the left side of the Hull back four this season. Going forward, the Scot has always been impressive, but it is defensively where he has improved and indeed matured throughout the season.

Boasting 59 Premier League appearances, Robertson knows what it takes to perform in England’s top flight, and if Liverpool manage to secure his services for as little as £8m, it might well turn out to be one of the signings of this summer’s transfer window.

Real Madrid are shopping for a goalkeeper, and two of the Premier League’s best appear to have entered their thinking this season – Chelsea No.1 Thibaut Courtois and Manchester United counterpart David De Gea.

Both can lay a pretty strong claim to being just behind Bayern Munich’s immense Manuel Neuer in world-football’s glovesman pecking order and both have been in consistently strong form yet again this season – sitting joint-second in the Premier League’s clean sheets chart behind Tottenham Hotspur’s Hugo Lloris.

The latest reports from The Daily Mail suggest Real Madrid have opted for De Gea, reviving their interest in the Spain international from two years ago when his move to the Bernabeu was infamously scuppered by a faulty tax machine.

But their apparent interest in both does throw up a rather interesting debate of who is actually the better goalkeeper. We’ve provided the vitals on both goalies above, so who gets your vote? Let us know by taking part in the poll below…

West Ham’s Premier League clash with Stoke City was a rather forgettable affair. Although both sides produced an impressive 31 efforts at goal, none of them proved accurate or deadly enough to break the deadlock in what turned out to be a scoreless draw at the Bet365 Stadium.

A point apiece does suit both parties, however, as they look to end the season in a respectable mid-table position rather than just above the relegation battle.

And there were some positives for the Hammers to take, not least including their second clean sheet in consecutive games – something defenders James Collins and Jose Fonte played a huge role in.

Manuel Lanzini also stood out in midfield, although he couldn’t provide the cutting edge to get his team over the line, weighing in with two created chances and a whopping six successful dribbles.

So, Hammers fans, who deserves the Man of the Match award from the trip to the Potteries – one of the players mentioned above or someone else? Let us know by voting below…

As reported by ESPN, Liverpool are interested in signing Ryan Bertrand this summer in an effort to solve their woes on the left hand side of defence.

What’s the story?

Jurgen Klopp has had to rely on James Milner at left-back for the majority of the season, a situation not ideal for a team that has the potential to challenge for the English Premier League title. They need players natural to every position who play at an elite level to compete.

Step forward Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand, who ESPN say Liverpool are very interested in when the transfer window opens.

The outlet reckons Saints will find it hard to turn down a big offer and with the Reds duking it out with Manchester City, the 27 year old will likely command a big fee.

Is he the answer for Klopp?

Good enough?

Bertrand has been a stand out on the South coast for three seasons now and has made 33 appearances in all competitions for Claud Puel’s side this season. Southampton have a decent defensive record this season, especially in the first half of the campaign and Bertrand has helped Saints keep four clean sheets against Liverpool alone. Perhaps that’s why there’s interest.

Also an England international with 12 caps, he’s reaching the pinnacle of his career ability wise and at 27 has plenty of seasons left to devote to the Liverpool cause.

A move to a big side would represent the next stage of his career and if he can put in similar performances at Anfield as he does at St Mary’s, it would be a perfect move for both player and club.

Pepe Reina’s agent has rubbished talk of a move to Newcastle United by insisting that the goalkeeper will remain at Napoli until 2018,Âreports the Chronicle.

What’s the word?

Earlier this week, Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri tweeted that the Spanish shot-stopper had agreed personal terms with the newly-promoted Premier League club.

Rafael Benitez is shaping his squad for the new season after guiding the club to promotion at the first time of asking, and it appeared as though he was going after one of his former players.

Reina worked with his countryman across a five-year spell at Liverpool, and since leaving Anfield in 2014, the keeper has played for Bayern Munich and Napoli.

According to the player’s agent Manuel Garcia Quilon, Newcastle will not be completing a deal this summer.

TheÂChronicleÂquotes Quilon as saying:

“Pepe will stay at Napoli until the end of his contract.ÂCertain issues have nothing to do with what happens on the pitch and do not interest us.ÂHe is staying at Napoli until 2018.â€

Is it dead in the water?

We all know that transfers in the world of football can change on a daily basis, so until the deadline passes, never say never.

However, on this occasion, the Magpies should put their focus into other targets.

It does not appear that Reina is in desperate need to leave Napoli and it is uncertain whether he would be persuaded to join a club that could be battling relegation in the Premier League.

Also, Newcastle have a group of goalkeepers capable of coping with the demands of the top flight.

Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot and Tim Krul are all contenders for the number one spot, while Matz Sels is also at the club, but is expected to leave on loan this summer.

If Reina is unwilling to budge, then it is best for Benitez to take his focus elsewhere.

According to reports in The Sun, Liverpool have been offered the chance to sign Borussia Dortmund starlet Emre Mor on loan this summer.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Bundesliga outfit are said to be ready to let the 19-year-old leave the club on a temporary basis with a view to a permanent move following his first year in Germany in which he often found himself on the substitutes’ bench under former Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is thought to be a big fan of the winger and was closely watching the Turkey international before he made the move to Dortmund from Danish side Nordsjaelland last summer.

How did he do this season?

The 19-year-old arrived at the Bundesliga giants with huge hope that he could have a major impact for the club, but he made just 19 appearances in all competitions – scoring one goal and providing a further three assists – as he struggled to break into the starting line-up.

How much potential does he have?

While he understandably may have struggled to find that consistency so far, the youngster has shown glimpses of just how good he can be and he was a surprise inclusion in Turkey’s Euro 2016 squad.

Able to play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, there is no doubt that there is plenty more to come from the forward in the coming years.

What could he bring to Liverpool?

Klopp is looking to boost his side’s attacking options ahead of a possible Champions League group stages campaign – if they come through their qualifier – and he is looking for an unpredictable player than can make a huge impact to cover for the likes of Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho.

Known for his trickery and his dribbling ability, Mor would certainly bring that to the Reds.

Would he be a starter?

Unless he joined and made a huge impact during pre-season, then he probably wouldn’t be.

However, there is no doubt that he would be a useful and dangerous player to call upon from the substitutes’ bench and could even help break down some of the defences of the sides in the bottom half of the Premier League – something Liverpool struggled with on multiple occasions this term.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, while Klopp would be keen to sign the youngster and the fact that he clearly has a huge amount of potential, Reds fans would need to be patient and not expect big things instantly.

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Everton have won the race to sign in demand KAS Eupen forward Henry Onyekuru.

A number of Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Swansea City and West Ham United – were interested in bringing the 20-year-old to England following an outstanding season for the Belgian outfit.

The Nigeria international scored 24 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions to attract the interest of teams and become one of the most coveted young players in Europe, but the Toffees look to have sealed a deal for the attacker according to the Daily Mail.

If he does sign, he will join Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen on Merseyside with the duo already completing their moves to Goodison Park this summer.

However, manager Ronald Koeman won’t be finishing his business there and as well as looking to get a deal for Sandro Ramirez over the line, the Dutchman will be looking to further strengthen his squad before the start of next season.

Here are three players that must follow Onyekuru to Everton…

Michael Keane

While Everton have boosted their squad in terms of the goalkeeping, midfielder and forward positions this summer, Koeman is yet to do any work on his defence – and it is needed.

With Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka getting no younger and Ramiro Funes Mori unlikely to be a first choice on his return from a knee injury, the Dutchman will want to bring in a new centre-back and he has been heavily linked with a £25m move for Keane.

Having impressed for Burnley last term and having pushed himself into contention to be a regular spot in the England squad – and perhaps even the team – he could prove to be a shrewd acquisition for the backline.

Gylfi Sigurdsson

While Everton have boosted their squad with the addition of attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen from Ajax already this summer, Koeman may feels that he needs a player in the position who is proven in the Premier League – especially if contract rebel Ross Barkley leaves this summer.

Having scored nine goals and provided a further 13 assists for a struggling Swansea side last season, Sigurdsson could be the answer.

However, the 27-year-old could come at a huge price with Premier League rivals Leicester City quoted £40m if they want to sign the Iceland international, according to the Leicester Mercury, but he has the quality to be worth the risk.

Moussa Dembele

Whether Romelu Lukaku leaves or not this summer, Everton need a new striker after Arouna Kone was released following the expiration of his contract and Enner Valencia returned to West Ham United following the completion of his season-long loan spell.

The Toffees will certainly have been keeping a close eye on the performances of Dembele following his move to Celtic last summer, and he will have done enough to convince Premier League sides that he is ready to make the step up.

The 20-year-old scored 32 goals and provided a further nine assists in 49 appearances in all competitions, and he looks to have the potential to replace Lukaku now, and in the future.

Do you agree, Toffees fans? Let us know below.

According to reports in The Sun, Arsenal have opened talks with midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as they look to keep him at the club with an offer of wages worth more than £100,000-a-week.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Sun says the 23-year-old was said to be considering leaving the Gunners this summer after finding himself in and out of the team last season, and he has so far failed to extend his contract that expires next summer.

That has seen the England international attract interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City according to Sky Sports.

However, The Sun reports Arsenal have now opened talks with Oxlade-Chamberlain about increasing his current £70,000-a-week deal, and the raise is set to take him above the £100,000-a-week mark.

How did Oxlade-Chamberlain do last season?

One of the 23-year-old’s main frustrations will be the fact that he is seemingly yet to find his best position in an Arsenal shirt, despite joining from Southampton six years ago.

The Three Lions star played in eight different positions in 45 appearances in all competitions for the north London outfit last term, scoring six goals and providing a further 11 assists.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was one of the players that took most advantage of Wenger changing to a 3-4-2-1 system as he excelled in a right wing-back role, and perhaps he has finally found his best position if does stay with the Gunners.

Will he sign a new deal?

Arsene Wenger may certainly have to convince him to do so and not make a fresh start elsewhere, but he may also have to guarantee him first team football with the 2018 World Cup is Russia less than a year away.

Oxlade-Chamberlain certainly won’t want to find himself in and out of the side again next season with England boss Gareth Southgate watching on, and it could be a key decision to his future.

If he doesn’t sign, will they sell him?

They probably would, yes.

With just a year remaining on his contract Arsenal would rather cash in on him this summer rather than losing him for nothing next year, and it is money that would allow Wenger to further strengthen his squad.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, while Arsenal will want to tie Oxlade-Chamberlain down to a new deal the delay over discussions may suggest that the 23-year-old doesn’t feel the same way unless circumstances are to definitely change next season.

It’s no secret that signing a new striker will be high on West Ham’s agenda this summer, following injury-plagued 2016/17 campaigns from their two leading front-men Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho.

And according to last week’s reports from London Evening Standard, there are a fair few options on the east London club’s radar already, not least including Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud and Burnley star Andre Gray.

Of course, the two are completely different strikers. Giroud measures in at 6 foot 4 and used his towering frame to net twelve Premier League goals last season, whereas Gray is much more of a poacher – one who netted nine times during his debut campaign in the top flight.

With that in mind, we asked West Ham fans last week who they’d rather see their club sign this summer – the Burnley front-man or the 64-cap France international. And according to our poll, the vast majority of West Ham supporters – a staggering 80% – would prefer a swoop for Giroud.

WATCH THE LATEST 442OONS VIDEO BELOW…