Premier League Opening Rounds: Which Players Could Shake Up Your Fantasy Team?

Man United have started this autumn’s Premier League games with a very decent start. The gift was a win against Liverpool, which reopened the season. On Monday 22.08, Man United displayed their skills in a match against Liverpool. Liverpool lost 2-1 at home to Man United. This was a shocking defeat for Liverpool, but an equally coveted win for Manchester, who started their season with two defeats. The situation has now improved somewhat.

With no fewer than 20 Premier League titles to their name, the team is fighting tooth and nail for more. Only the best is good enough for these players. In particular, the scorers Sanchon and Rashford shone in the game, and we will surely see more performances like this from them as the season progresses. In this article, we take a look at Man United’s most promising stars for this season, whose achievements are worth keeping an eye on.

If betting is something you enjoy, then you should also follow these players from this perspective. Live betting often involves, for example, betting on who will score the next goal. Now let’s speculate on the star players for the Red Devils this season.

Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw is a man who needs little introduction. But we will introduce him anyway! This former Feyenoord hero has been a godsend for the Red Devils. Shaw has been playing a bit longer for this team of champions. His Manchester United career started in 2014. Since then, this top-level top striker has played under seven different team managers. The veteran player has nothing but good things to say about his newest coach, Erik ten Hag. It also seems that ten Hag has managed to extract the best qualities from Shaw.

Luke Shaw, along with Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia, is a player to watch this season. Shaw fits in very well with the players. Similarly, this is the level where teammates compete against each other for positions. This season will ultimately reveal who is tougher, Shaw or Malacia.

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez is currently under a lot of pressure. He is expected to deliver a class act, along with Shaw, Fred Santos and Cristiano Ronaldo.  When considering this club, it is clear that Martinez will not get off easy this season. He is now expected to perform strongly, and he proved this in the game on 22 August.

Playing against Liverpool, Martinez did not face a physically strong opponent, but rather a very technically skilled attack. At the same time, Martinez was able to show what he is made of.

Bruno Fernandes

The midfield terror Fernandes has earned his place on this team; there is no other way to say it. Fernandes signed a contract with Man United until 2016, with an option for the period 2026-2027. So Fernandes is not leaving Manchester right away. At times the star has also been under pressure off the pitch, as during the early part of the year when he crashed his Porsche. All parties involved in the accident survived with minor injuries. Fernandes has repeatedly told the media that he has a very special relationship with the major Manchester club. Fernandes has admired the club and had never thought that he might play for this great club one day. But that day did indeed come, and the rest is history.

Fernandes has also won over the team’s fans with his humility and respectful attitude. Winning over the fans of a big club like Man United is no easy task, but this midfielder has managed to do so and is also close to the captain.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo is regarded as the best footballer in the world, and there is certainly a strong case for that. He has only played at Man United for a year. However, the rumour mill is already rife with talk of a transfer. Man United has not been entirely happy with Ronaldo, and there is speculation that they want to get rid of him. We’ll be watching to see how things develop, as these are unforgettable times.

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Ange Postecoglou ‘very happy’ at Celtic

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is ‘very happy’ in the Scottish Premiership despite being linked with a move to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

After an impressive debut season in Glasgow, the 57-year-old is reported to have been discussed as a suitable candidate for the managerial vacancy at Wolves, with Leicester also said to be keen on landing his services.

As a result of this interest, the Hoops are hoping to tie him down, with Football Insider suggesting that the club are preparing to offer him a new long-term contract to fend off potential suitors.

The Latest: Postecoglou ‘happy’ at Celtic

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Joseph revealed that Postecoglou remains fully focused on the task at hand at Celtic, and would only consider leaving if a major European club come calling. He said:

“I think he’s not someone who would just jump ship for the sake of it or for a few extra quid.

“I think he very much sees his path as something of a success ladder. If he feels that he’s done his job at Celtic, which I don’t think he does at all because he has been talking about this as phase two of the project, then he could go.

“But I know he’s very happy at Celtic and he says it himself, so it would take something huge – like a giant of football – to take him away from Celtic now.

“If he’s at the end of his project, we’ll see what club he goes on to. But I’m sure, at the moment, Celtic fans would love him to stay for as long as possible.”

The Verdict: Massive boost

Postecoglou not currently having any plans to leave Celtic will be a huge relief to supporters who will know just how much of an outstanding impact he’s had in the dugout.

The Greek-born coach has won 50 and drawn eight of his 72 matches in charge (titles.

Ange is capable of getting his hands on even more silverware should he continue his reign, and it would be a massive coup if the club could convince him to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Journalist drops key Steven Gerrard update

Aston Villa’s upcoming Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest feels like a “really significant” one for Steven Gerrard, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Villa sounding out Gerrard successors

There has been some doubt as to how much longer the 42-year-old will be in the job, with Football Insider recently reporting that the Midlands club are sounding out Mauricio Pochettino and Unai Emery as a possible successor to the former Liverpool captain.

Villa’s results this season leave a lot to be desired – last Sunday’s 0-0 draw away to a 10-man Leeds United for almost the entire second half was a limp performance, and it does feel as though the axe could fall on Gerrard considering the speculation over other Premier League managers’ futures and sackings elsewhere.

Next up for Villa is the trip to bottom club Forest on Monday night, which represents a crunch fixture for both teams.

The Latest: Monday night could be “significant”

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones believes that the outcome of the match at the City Ground could be a pivotal one for Gerrard in terms of his future as Villa manager.

The journalist said:

“The next game at Forest does feel like a really significant one in their season and probably for Gerrard too.

“He has got to come up with the right game-plan for that one and find a way to get around all these problems they’ve got.”

The Verdict: Must not lose

Gerrard could be feeling the heat at the moment, and Monday’s game has to be seen as a must-not-lose at the very least.

Defeat at the City Ground could well spell the end for the 42-year-old in the Midlands, especially with their opponents bottom of the table after five successive defeats, including a 4-0 hammering at fellow strugglers Leicester last time out.

That being said, Forest have shown faith in the under-fire Steve Cooper despite their own poor form, handing him a new deal this week, and a win for Villa could see them stick with Gerrard for another while longer.

West Ham: C&H drop Doherty update

West Ham United have been dealt a blow in their attempt to bring Matt Doherty to the London Stadium on transfer deadline day.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Claret & Hugh, with the West Ham insider revealing that, despite David Moyes being reported to have made contact with Tottenham Hotspur regarding the potential of a loan move for the right-back, the north London club have now informed the 59-year-old that the Republic of Ireland international will not be leaving Spurs prior to tonight’s transfer deadline.

In their post, Claret & Hugh said: “Sources have told C&H that Spurs have no intention of allowing anyone to leave at this stage unless a replacement can be found. They are not actively searching for a right-back, and do not intend to let any first-team players leave in the final hours of the window. If boss David Moyes is interested in signing a player in the position, he will have to look elsewhere before tonight’s deadline.”

Another blow for Moyes

With West Ham having already seen a move for Jan Bednarek fall through on transfer deadline day, Claret & Hugh’s update on Doherty is sure to have come as another gutting blow for David Moyes and his side.

Despite being something of a bit-part player under the management of Antonio Conte – having made just one league appearance so far this season – the right-back proved during his time with Wolves that, when played in a system which suits his style, he can be incredibly dangerous from right wing-back.

Indeed, over his 70 Premier League appearances for Wolves between 2018 and 2020, the £10.8m-rated defender proved to be a continuous threat on the right flank, scoring eight goals, registering eight assists and creating 11 big chances for his team-mates, as well as taking an average of 1.1 shots, making 0.8 key passes and completing 0.65 dribbles per game.

The £65k-per-week talent also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 1.35 interceptions, 1.65 tackles and 1.75 clearances and winning 6.6 duels (at a success rate of 57%) per game.

These returns saw the player who Luis Miguel Echegaray dubbed “one of the most dangerous defenders in the league” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.93 over his two campaigns at Molineux. Should he have achieved that rating at West Ham last season, it would have seen him rank as the Hammers’ ninth-best performer in the top flight.

As such, it is clear to see that missing out on Doherty will come as a gutting blow to Moyes, who – as C&H suggest – will now have to turn his attention elsewhere over the final hours of the summer transfer window.

Liverpool could make Leroy Sane move

Transfer insider Dean Jones has delivered his verdict on the speculation linking Liverpool with a move for Bayern Munich superstar Leroy Sane this summer. 

The verdict: Reds links

Recently, a report from Spain claimed that the Reds were preparing an offer for Sane as Jurgen Klopp attempts to further bolster the attacking ranks having lost Sadio Mane earlier in the window.

The 26-year-old former Manchester City star has directly contributed to 53 goals in 91 appearances for the Bavarian giants but has regularly been tipped to make a return to the Premier League.

Now, upon hearing about the speculation, one well-informed onlooker has shed some light on the situation surrounding Liverpool and Sane…

The latest: Sane a maybe?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – claimed that Liverpool boss Klopp could be tempted into a dramatic late move for the 45-cap Germany ace.

He said: “I think one thing to consider with Liverpool is that they’re going to miss Sadio Mane. That was one thing that was clear.

“I mean, I know Darwin Nunez offers something very different in their attack and he causes chaos, but the guile of Sadio Mane is missing, and I wonder if that’s why they’re being linked with Leroy Sane at the moment.

“They have got options, but let’s see how their next results go over the next couple of weeks because I reckon in that last week, Klopp might go for somebody else if he feels that they’re still lacking.”

The verdict: Exciting…

Albeit the injury to Diogo Jota has left the forward department somewhat light at present, the January signing of Luis Diaz has made the blow of losing Mane far more palatable for the Reds and an attacking signing can be considered far less pivotal than a midfielder given the recent Thiago injury.

However, with his capabilities of playing on either wing and abundance of attacking attributes (WhoScored), Sane would represent a sensational coup for any club across Europe and spending the reported €50million (£46.4million) price tag would be a no-brainer for the Anfield hierarchy.

Last season, the dazzling German – who was hailed as a ‘scary talent’ and a ‘mesmerising’ player by sports broadcaster Daniel Garb in 2019 – scored Bundesliga and DFB Pokal winning campaign.

All told, should this move become a possibility, Klopp, Julian Ward and FSG should do everything in their power to bring Sane to Merseyside.

West Brom must seal Cameron Archer transfer

West Bromwich Albion have seen some big names make moves away from The Hawthorns throughout this latest summer transfer window.

Players such as Andy Carroll, Sam Johnstone and Romaine Sawyers have all waved goodbye to the Midlands club since the end of last season, and another player currently at Albion who has been linked with away in recent weeks is Callum Robinson.

Earlier this month, it was reported that fellow Championship side Preston North End are interested in securing a deal for the Baggies attacker.

Should the Irishman find himself leaving The Hawthorns in the coming weeks – either on a permanent basis as Sawyers, Johnstone and Carrol have done, or on loan like Cedric Kipre with his move to Cardiff City – the Baggies could then have the chance to bring in someone who could be their ideal next version of Robinson.

Last month, it was reported that the Midlands club had identified Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer as a potential transfer target.

Having originally signed Robinson from Sheffield United on loan in January 2020 before securing him on a permanent deal the following summer, a swoop for Archer could mirror their move for the 27-year-old as a player from a fellow English club getting the chance to prove himself at The Hawthorns.

With the Villa attacker racking up 34 goals and 10 assists in 106 senior and youth club appearances throughout his career, this shows just how useful he can be in front of goal, not just in terms of finding the net himself but setting up goalscoring opportunities for his team-mates as well.

This also backs up why the 20-year-old was praised for his “clinical” goalscoring efforts on the international stage by journalist Tom Barclay and why he was labelled a “goal machine” by Villa journalist Ashley Preece.

Taking into account how Robinson also showed this sort of attacking versatility by scoring seven goals and supplying nine assists for the Baggies last season in 43 Championship appearances, it’s safe to say that Archer could be a suitable replacement and potential long-term heir for the current West Brom attacker.

If Villa would be open to allowing the £2.4k-per-week starlet to make a move away this summer, West Brom should put themselves at the front of the queue to sign him.

AND in other news: Huge behind-the-scenes transfer update revealed, it’s devastating news for West Brom

Leeds: Whelan hails Rene Maric appointment

Leeds United employee Noel Whelan has been giving his thoughts on the club’s deal for assistant coach Rene Maric, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Maric appointed

The Whites have been busy adding to their ranks both on and off the pitch this summer, with the appointment of Maric confirmed on Saturday.

The 29-year-old has previously worked alongside Marco Rose at Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund and turned down other offers to work with Jesse Marsch.

He joins Ewan Sharp and Pierre Barrieu as first-team staff additions over the summer, with Michael Skubala taking over as under-21 head coach.

The Latest: ‘Massive help’

Whelan was asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Maric’s appointment at Elland Road. He believes that the Austrian will be a ‘massive help’ to Marsch and could offer some ‘invaluable’ knowledge from his work on the continent.

The 47-year-old former Leeds striker gushed:

“It’s about intelligence and information behind the scenes, it’s not all about spending money on players.

“This is someone who has spent a lot of time around top-quality players and successful teams. He can pass all that knowledge on and help improve these players, it’s invaluable.

“It’s not all about buying the best players for the most money. It’s about the coaching, making them better on and off the ball and mentally as well.

“It’ll give them every attribute to be successful. It’s a great signing and a massive help for the manager.”

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The Verdict: Coaching coup

Maric has 246 games of experience as an assistant at three high-profile clubs despite his young age, so it looks as if Leeds have landed a coaching coup by bringing him to Yorkshire.

Victor Orta was delighted that the 29-year-old chose Leeds over the other options that he had on the table, with Marsch believing that the Austrian will be a ‘perfect fit’ at Elland Road.

Hopefully Maric – along with the likes of Sharp, Barrieu and Skubala – will add something different to the Whites and could help young talents such as Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt and Crysencio Summerville to improve even further after they all penned new deals on Tuesday.

Arsenal plotting bid for Arthur Melo

Arsenal are plotting a bid for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo.

What’s the word?

That’s according to TuttoMercatoWeb, who claim that the Brazilian could miss Juventus’ pre-season tour to sort out his future.

Barcelona and Roma are also interested in potential swap deals for the midfielder.

Dialogues between the clubs have begun, however, it is still in the early stages.

The midfielder is believed to have an asking price in the range of £34m.

Supporters will love it

Arsenal have been incredibly active already this summer, having secured two big-money deals already and Oleksandr Zinchenko looking almost tied up.

Mikel Arteta appears to be bolstering his midfield options, and he could give the Ukrainian a perfect partner to play beside with this Brazilian maestro.

Due to freak injuries, the 25-year-old missed both the start and end of what was a rather bleak season for Juventus. He managed just 20 league appearances, however still attained an average SofaScore rating of 6.83.

His career in Italy has struggled to take off since his move from Barcelona, where he enjoyed far more success. He operates in a more defensive role in the heart of midfield, yet still managed six goal contributions in his final season in Catalonia.

If he could be nursed to fitness, he fits the profile of someone who would perfectly complement the inbound Zinchenko. His eye for a pass and tendency to occupy intelligent spaces to break up the play would make him a fine metronome for Arteta’s side.

Former Arsenal player Thomas Vermaelen dubbed the midfielder “incredible”, noting that “he has all the battling skills and the technical ability to go right to the top.”

He ranks in the 93rd percentile for passes attempted and the 96th percentile for pass completion rate, outlining him as a fantastic pass-master in the middle of the park.

He also ranks in the 84th percentile for progressive carries, meaning that if he needs to he can drive with the ball as well as pass to progress play.

Supporters should start to get excited as Arteta appears to be building something really special, and with Arthur in its midfield, the sky really is the limit.

AND, in other news: “Arsenal working on..”: Ornstein drops big transfer update, supporters will be buzzing.

Leeds: Orta closing in on Kalimuendo deal

Leeds United are closing in on a deal to bring Arnaud Kalimuendo to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by French publication L’Equipe (via Leeds Live), who claim that Victor Orta is now just £4m short in negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain regarding the transfer of the centre-forward – with it being reported that the Spanish director of football had launched an initial €20m (£17m) bid for the 20-year-old last month.

Leeds Live go on to suggest that, with Raphinha now looking set to join Barcelona in a €72m (£61m) deal, Orta should have no trouble in stumping up the extra cash in order to get a deal for the France U21 international over the line – something that means Kalimuendo could now be set to become Jesse Marsch’s seventh signing of the summer window.

“New wave”

Considering just how exciting a prospect Kalimuendo undoubtedly is, the news that Leeds appear close to sealing a deal for the striker this summer is certainly fantastic news for everyone involved with the Whites – not least Marsch himself.

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Indeed, over his 34 Ligue 1 appearances while on loan at RC Lens last season, the £16.2m-rated talent was in sensational form, scoring 12 goals and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots – 0.9 of which hit the target – making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

Furthermore, according to FBref, the £6.6k-per-week hitman also ranks in the top 28% of centre-forwards in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 1% for passes completed, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 11% for progressive passes received over the last 365 days.

As such, with it being clear that the player who Jacek Kulig dubbed a “new wave” talent is exceptional in the final third, fantastic in his progression of the ball and is excellent in involving his fellow attackers in build-up play, it is unsurprising to learn that the 20-year-old is now Orta’s “top target” ahead of 2022/23 – according to James Marshment.

Indeed, if the French youth international is available for as little as £21m, and the striker continues his astonishing development after a potential move to Elland Road, Kalimuendo’s signing could easily prove to be one of the Spaniard’s best captures this summer.

AND in other news: “Sources say..”: Phil Hay reveals big Leeds transfer update, supporters surely buzzing

Everton interested in Rodrio Becao

Everton are plotting a bid for Udinese’s Brazilian centre-back Rodrigo Becao.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, who wrote on his website that negotiations between the two clubs are underway.

There is said to still be distance between the two sides, but things are progressing slowly.

It was reported back in mid-June that the Toffees were interested alongside Tottenham Hotspur, but it appears that the former has now stepped up their pursuit and could land their man. 

Previous reports suggest he could cost in the region of €20m (£17m).

He could be Mina 2.0

Everton’s Yerry Mina has impressed when he has been available, but those moments have been too inconsistent to make him a reliable force at the back for the Blues.

It could therefore make this signing all the more intelligent, as they replace one hulking defender with another.

Standing at 6 foot 2, the defender was ever-present at the back for Udinese last season. He featured in 35 league games this season, which immediately makes him more useful than Mina, who only managed a measly 13 appearances.

Throughout these outings, he boasted a sold 6.83 average SofaScore rating. He is a defender who first and foremost loves to defend and operates well in a back three due to a lack of speed.

This could therefore be a tactical signing by Frank Lampard, who often tried to make a 3-5-2 formation work at the back end of last season.

The stats also back up this love for defending, as he ranked third in tackles made in the whole of the Seria A, ranking in the 96th percentile for tackles and 93rd percentile for pressures per 90.

Brazilian journalist Bruno Queiroz only needed one word to describe the defender: “insurmountable”. Everton have lacked a character such as this, who can perform consistently and not add to their ever-growing list of hospital cases.

In signing the 26-year-old Brazilian, who is younger and clearly fit more often, the Toffees can find a potential Mina upgrade who could have the same effect when he plays, but actually be fit enough to play often.

AND, in other news: Thelwell plotting bid for “massive” £13m Everton target, just imagine him & Gallagher.

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