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Manchester City are a side famed for their immense strength in depth and financial power, but Pep Guardiola has been without a full-fit, natural left-back for almost the entirety of two seasons.

The 2017 summer transfer window was a watershed moment for the club. After finishing in 4th place in the league which, according to a multitude of keyboard warrior experts, confirmed Fraudiola was indeed a chequebook manager after all, City went into the transfer market with a coherent plan: to sign quality at full-back.

Out went Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and club legend Pablo Zabaleta; in came Kyle Walker, Danilo and Benjamin Mendy.

The latter was one of the stars of Monaco’s route to the 2016/17 Champions League semi-final, which included a last-16 victory over City, alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Fabinho and Thomas Lemar.

And the scene was set for Mendy to blossom into a perfect long-term option at left-back following an incredibly bright opening to his time in Manchester. A cruciate ligament rupture, however, has sent his development on a downward spiral which has sent his reputation tumbling with it.

The notorious social media sensation has had his moments in the limelight. City fans have embraced his exuberance and playful attitude and, to a certain degree, his uncensored media antics have been a breath of fresh air within a footballing world which strangles the vast majority of players from expressing true personality in the public eye.

But a distinct shift in opinion is taking place as frustration begins to build regarding Mendy’s lack of professionalism. Back in September 2018, the France international was disciplined after arriving late for treatment the day after he attended Anthony Joshua’s world championship victory over Alexander Povetkin in London.

Forgiveness was offered as he started five Premier League games shortly after his late-show, including high-magnitude fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester United, but another injury setback and yet another moment of off-field controversy has induced a fresh set of questions regarding his long-term future.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Mendy was spotted at a nightclub in the early hours on Saturday morning last weekend, just a few hours before he was due to attend a training session – a damning revelation which doesn’t bode well for his future.

And this is what Guardiola had to say about the situation: “I would prefer him to go home earlier but I don’t control the players in that situation. They are old enough to know what they have to do. I’m not his father.”

The man who talks so much about sharks may be swimming into the gaping jaws of a great white this summer after his latest display of disrespect towards club and manager.

Guardiola was ruthless in his decision to offload Clichy, Sagna, Zabelta, Jesus Navas, Samir Nasri, Nolito, Kelechi Iheanacho, Fernando and Aleksander Kolarov all in the same summer, so there is no reason why Mendy should be acting so utterly impervious.

Let’s not forget that, on the rare occasions the 24-year-old has been fit enough for selection, he regularly rattles the ball into the penalty area with as much ferocity as his legs can physically provide, as if he is a retired banker playing squash. This is football: the aim of the game isn’t to kick it really really hard, Benjamin, some finesse and intelligence is required to pick the lock.

With the latest display of disrespect lingering in Guardiola’s mind, there is almost no doubt that his attention will be turning towards the summer market. A replacement is needed; City cannot go another season without a reliable and exemplary professional to call upon.

The tangible effects of Kyle Walker’s impact in City’s first season were there for all to see, even if his second campaign has been comparably underwhelming. A player who contributes to the homegrown quota, has experience in the Premier League and possesses both the engine and technique to influence the game at both ends of the pitch, Walker has provided the blueprint for future acquisitions.

A desire to follow that blueprint will lead Guardiola in one clear direction: straight to the King Power Stadium to Ben Chilwell.

Chilwell is reportedly a leading target for the Citizens following his brilliant rise to prominence. The early stages of his career hinted that he would grow into a decent footballer at this level, but he is already exceeding expectations with the consistency of his performances for both Leicester and England.

The 6-cap international only turned 22 shortly before the turn of the year and that will naturally intensify interest from Guardiola and the rest of the decision makers at the Etihad Stadium.

Considering he could form solid understandings at international level with both Raheem Sterling and John Stones, his age, the fact he would contribute to the homegrown quota, and the quality he has already showcased in the Premier League, it’s fair to say it would be a stroke of genius if City can secure his signature.

Mendy may well have put the final nail in his coffin by underlining his lack of commitment to his career last weekend, thus forcing Guardiola’s hand with Chilwell’s development providing plenty of food for thought.

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Manchester United fans have taken to Twitter to discuss Barcelona’s injury problems ahead of the Champions League quarter-final tie between the two teams.

The Red Devils welcome the Spanish champions to Old Trafford on the 10th April, before heading to the Camp Nou just six days later with a place in the semi-finals at stake as well as the fate of your William Hill bonus code for the tie.

Watch the video below to find out what Jesse Lingard is like off the pitch in the latest Match Of The Bae with Emma Conybeare…

Interestingly, however, Ernesto Valverde’s side could be without Luis Suarez for the first leg, after the Uruguay international sprained his ankle – they will definitely be without Ousmane Dembele, who tore his hamstring in the last 16 against Lyon.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men fought back from a 2-0 deficit to beat Paris Saint-Germain and make the quarter-finals, which they are set to be the underdogs in against Barcelona.

With the latest fitness update, however, United have been handed a lifeline.

The Red Devils’ fans on Twitter are obviously happy to hear the news, and have taken to Twitter to react with jubilation…

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Tottenham are reportedly planning a mass overhaul at the right-back position, and it could just be one of the smartest bits of business the club has managed in years.

What’s the story?

Well, according to The Sun, Everton are eyeing a move for Trippier with Mauricio Pochettino intent on replacing the Englishman this summer.

The report claims that the Spurs boss is not keen on Serge Aurier either, so there could be a total overhaul on the right side of the Lilywhites’ defence.

Tottenham are “extremely interested” in Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Max Aarons continues the report, so with two players potentially leaving, why not sign both?

Perfect for Pochettino

Daniel Levy has infuriated Spurs fans in recent transfer windows, not offering up a single penny for Pochettino to spend on his squad.

The manager has clearly felt the effects of the club’s poor transfer dealings too, as his trademark flying full backs have not been the same since Kyle Walker left the club and Danny Rose faded into obscurity.

There can be no complaints if Levy pulls off this double move though, assuming that if both Trippier and Aurier leave then two new signings will be required.

Wan-Bissaka in particular would be a stunning capture from the club, as the 21 year-old has started 27 league games this season while averaging an incredible four tackles per game.

Aarons on the other hand would offer more on the attacking end, grabbing three goals and five assists so far this campaign for Norwich, playing a crucial role in their surge for promotion.

By signing both players and shipping out the underwhelming Aurier and Trippier, Pochettino would have two young, hungry full-backs with all the athletic requirements to bomb up and down the wing week in week out, just like he did when Walker and Rose were at their best.

It would also give the boss loads of options with how he wants to set his teams up, due to the different strengths and capabilities that both players boast.

After starving him of any signings for consecutive transfer windows, Levy owes Pochettino what would be a masterful double swoop, and the boss would finally have the strength at right-back that he has been crying out for since Walker left.

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Former Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers striker Alan Shearer, writing in his BBC Sport column, believes Tottenham Hotspur have the ability to stay the course in the Premier League title race, and believes they deserve more respect than they are perhaps getting.

Spurs beat Leicester City 3-1 on Sunday to stay five points behind both Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table.

What he said

Shearer, who won the title with Blackburn in the 1994-95 season, has given his thoughts on the weekend fixtures, with Spurs, City and Liverpool all winning.

City, of course, ran up the most eye-catching score, thumping Chelsea 6-0 at the Etihad Stadium, while the Reds beat AFC Bournemouth 3-0 on Saturday.

Shearer, though, insists that Mauricio Pochettino’s men are candidates alongside the Reds and the Blues.

He wrote: “It is a little disrespectful that not many people are talking about Tottenham as potential Premier League winners because they are in the title race – and they have shown they are not going away.

“It was typical really that, on a day where Manchester City were sensational and made the headlines with the way they demolished Chelsea to go back above Liverpool at the top of the table, Spurs ground out another unspectacular victory.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

“Mauricio Pochettino’s side have done something similar in each of their past four league games, but it is actually very impressive that they keep getting results when none of those performances have been particularly great.”

Shearer believes that Spurs will have to improve when they face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, but he maintains that they have the mentality needed to keep going in the title race.

He added: “Yes, in an ideal world Tottenham would be doing what City did on Sunday, and tearing teams apart, but they are at a stage of their season when their squad is stretched and getting results is the only thing that matters.

“We know they can play much better than they have done recently, but the fact they are still winning at all with two of their best players in Harry Kane and Dele Alli injured, shows the character of Pochettino and his team.

“City and Liverpool might be playing the better football but Spurs have got a great attitude, which is more evidence of how good their manager is.”

Spot on from Shearer

Shearer is absolutely right to mark Spurs out as genuine contenders.

They are five points back but look well-placed to capitalise on any slips from either City or Liverpool.

Of course, Shearer is correct in his assertion that the Reds and the Blues are playing the better football, but that matters little when the results are coming in.

If Spurs win every game 1-0 between now and the end of the season, they will likely win the league.

Few fans would criticise that approach – at the end of the day you get the same number of points for squeaking past Leicester as you do for battering Chelsea.

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He missed their best chance to score in the Mestalla but tonight Kris Ajer came of age as a

Celtic player.

After 62 minutes he rose perfectly to meet a Ryan Christie free kick from the right but got too much on his header when simply glancing it would have opened the tie right up.

Eight minutes later Kevin Gameiro scored the only goal of the game but when the final whistle blew there wasn’t a failure in the Celtic side.

The travelling support witnessed tame performances away to RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig in the group phase but against overwhelming odds, increased by the 37th minute sending off of Jeremy Toljan, the Bhoys stood up to be counted.

The 6 foot 5 youngster started off on the right of a back three and played the role with great discipline. When Toljan walked he had to go out to right-back and barely gave the Spanish side a look in.

The 20-year-old was disciplined and determined as Valencia tried to flood the flanks to find a way to goal. Ajer was well backed by his defensive team-mates as Celtic stood their ground until they were cut open for Gameiro’s goal.

His header just past the hour mark will obviously be remembered but in one of the toughest venues in the Europa League Brendan Rodgers got a glimpse of a future central defence without Filip Benkovic and Dedryck Boyata.

Here’s what Celtic fans have been saying on Twitter…

Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Debate show (March 10, 10pm), Danny Murphy has taken aim at Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho following a disappointing run of form.

What did he say?

Well, the main discussion between the former Liverpool man, Curtis Davies and host Geoff Shreeves was the Portuguese boss’ post-match dig at Tanguy Ndombele following the Burnley clash at the weekend.

However, while the former Manchester United and Chelsea boss may have singled the Frenchman out for criticism and said he expected more from the club-record buy, Murphy believes that the 57-year-old needs to take a look in the mirror.

Having questioned the decision to play a youngster in Japhet Tanganga in a range of different defensive roles, the ex-Premier League star went on to say: “He’s got to take some responsibility himself because some of the selections I’ve seen, the first half against Burnley. Even though he was talking about lack of effort with players, the tactics were wrong. That’s on him.”

Is Murphy right?

He probably is, yes.

We have seen the Portuguese use this tactic before when perhaps his team isn’t performing that well – think Luke Shaw when he was manager at Old Trafford – and it appears to be the same situation here again.

No clues whatsoever: Which seasons do these iconic Spurs images belong to?

Perhaps he feels that the tough-love approach is what is needed to get Ndombele up to the level needed to be a Spurs star in this team, and perhaps it is the kick up the behind the 23-year-old needs, but he does need to accept that he himself has got things wrong, too.

Both in the first half at Burnley – where he started five centre-backs – and against Leipzig, the north London outfit looked disorganised and some players unsure of their specific roles, and that simply isn’t good enough.

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Mourinho has come across as almost giving up on the season without the injured Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, last week suggesting the board needed to pick between either the Burnley or Leipzig clash as being a prioirty.

He needs to snap out of that and alter his view in the coming weeks and months if Tottenham are to salvage the 2019/20 campaign and try and qualify for the Champions League again.

In other Tottenham news, one journalist destroyed Serge Aurier for his performance in the defeat in Germany…

Rangers are six points behind rivals Celtic in the race for the Scottish Premiership despite defeating Aberdeen last week.

The Gers closed the gap over Christmas but Brendan Rodgers’ side have been in top gear during 2019. Catching their rivals will be extremely tough but there is plenty of football still to be played which will give Steven Gerrard’s side plenty of hope. The former Liverpool captain will be hoping to take advantage of Celtic’s participation in the Europa League during the run in.

Regardless of whether they lift the title or not, no one can deny that Gerrard has made a decent start to life in management at Ibrox. The majority of his signings have proven to be inspired additions, none more so than Liverpool’s Ryan Kent.

Valued at just £1.58m by Transfermarkt, the 22-year-old was sent to Scotland by Jurgen Klopp to link up with the Anfield legend after spending half of last season with Freiburg in the Bundesliga. Despite struggling in Germany, the youngster has finally found his feet in the SPFL. Kent has impressed greatly, netting five goals and registering three assists in just 16 league appearances.

When the transfer window reopens in the summer, Gerrard should be doing all he can to make his stay at Ibrox permanent. It’s unlikely that Kent will replace Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane or Roberto Firmino in the Liverpool starting eleven with Xherdan Shaqiri providing cover on the bench. The Englishman needs regular football to aid his development meaning the Reds shouldn’t stand in his way of departing Merseyside.

Kent is still developing and improving – Rangers fans may have only seen a glimpse of what the winger is truly capable of.

Rangers fans, thoughts?

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Old Trafford or out, Manchester United must decide whether the club will back or sack Jose Mourinho.

The Red Devils head into the international break in a dismal eighth place – already an appalling 12 points behind Pep Guardiola’s league-leading Manchester City.

Derby defeat last Sunday to their bitter rivals could act as the final nail in Mourinho’s northwest coffin, but that could prove costly with suggestions the board will be forced to shell out £12million for early termination.

The former Chelsea coach has already made more than £30m throughout his career from being sacked at the London club alone, most recently when Roman Abramovich could take no more and signed off £8.3m in 2015.

At least for the meantime, Mourinho’s job at Old Trafford appears safe. A recent report in The Sun suggests that Champions League football next season is critical and is where the line will be drawn.

That, however, does not make overnight solutions to crucial issues the 55-year-old is claimed to have with United’s set-up behind the scenes. The Sun believes Mourinho deems the recruitment and scouting networks to be light years behind their rivals, and recent travel arrangements have caused mounting anger.

If Manchester United are to keep the faith in Mourinho being the man to guide a resurgence against City’s stranglehold on the Premier League, or at least secure Champions League football, the board must back their man and derby defeat will only strengthen his case for immediate changes.

It was widely reported in the summer that the former midfielder was unhappy with who he was able to bring to the club, signing Fred, Diogo Dalot and Lee Grant in a £74million splurge but missing out on a key central defender.

A focus on Toby Alderweireld, Harry Maguire, Jerome Boateng and Yerry Mina all came to the same conclusion and the season kicked off with Old Trafford outcast Eric Bailly lining up alongside Victor Lindelof.

ESPN now understands attentions are turning to Serie A and both Milan clubs, with Mourinho demanding United show he has a Red Devils future by signing Milan Skriniar from Inter Milan and Alessio Romagnoli from AC Milan, who both would harness hefty transfer fees.

At the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Manchester United set out almost as if they had no intentions of trying to win. Sitting behind the ball in a classic Mourinho way of parking the bus, often hoping for a corner or free-kick to present an opening to score.

The only issue with that was United could not do enough to stop City from creating chances themselves, all too happy to sit back and pass the ball around knowing they would not be rushed in a gegenpressing fashion. When a United player tried to shut someone down they simply cut a lonely figure.

A rare Red Devils attack more often than not showed the same thing. A lonely figure longing for someone to come short and offer support rather than dawdle into the box in case a cross would come in as the wide man found himself swamped by Guardiola’s recruits.

Either the players were not listening to the message coming from their boss or Mourinho has lost faith in his players. Regardless, something must change for results to turn around. And again, Mourinho can stake his claim to a January sales extravaganza if he is the man to steady the ship heading into another iceberg.

Without Paul Pogba, one of the few men capable of sparking life into a game singlehandedly, Marouane Fellaini was called on to offer support to Nemanja Matic in sitting in front of the back four. Shifting side to side in strictly defined roles, the duo did their best to block out more of the pitch but as the 3-1 scoreline suggests, their efforts proved futile and in truth the result could have easily been wider.

A lack of alternatives when a key star is injured just goes to show Mourinho will need to strengthen not only the defence but also those charged with controlling the space across the pitch. The manager had one bullet in his chamber and clearly no plan ‘B’ when David Silva’s 12th minute opener showed it would be a long afternoon.

So what will it be, United? Keep the man in charge discontent with what resources he has or seek a fresh solution to return the most decorated club in England to the forefront of the Premier League.

Changes behind the scenes to scouting and recruitment will help to appease Mourinho should that be the route best seen as a return to Sir Alex Ferguson’s glory days, but it will also poise the club ready for the next man up and whatever the future has in store.

Either way, that future will need to hold changes whether it is manager or players, a costly situation United find the club in as Manchester rivals City flourish under the one who got away.

Manchester United fans will be furious after the Red Devils were beaten by Brighton at the weekend.

Three first-half goals from the Seagulls meant Romelu Lukaku’s strike and a late Paul Pogba penalty were little more than a consolation. Jose Mourinho was desperate to bolster his defence in the summer transfer window to have any hopes of catching Manchester City in the title race. He was proved right against Chris Hughton’s men with a number of individual mistakes costing them dearly.

The January transfer window is the perfect opportunity to right the wrongs of the summer. A new centre-back should again be a priority, but a new left-back should also be considered. While Luke Shaw has made a decent start after being given a chance in the first-team, United should be looking to upgrade. Reports suggest United will make a move for Juventus defender, Alex Sandro after Paris St Germain dropped their interest in the Brazilian. Instead, they should target his national counterpart – Alex Telles.

Valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the Brazilian enjoyed a sensational season in Liga NOS as Porto were crowned champions to deny Benfica their fifth consecutive league trophy. Telles was a crucial player, scoring three and notching an incredible 13 assists from left-back in 30 appearances. He made an excellent start to the new season, scoring and assisting in the 3-2 win over Belenenses.

Telles would be the perfect alternative for Sandro at a fraction of the price. With blistering pace and excellent dribbling skills, the 25-year-old would give Mourinho a massive threat on the left flank as the former Inter Milan defender can also be used as a winger. The addition of Telles would definitely mean even more goals for Lukaku as the defender averaged 3.2 key passes and 3.8 crosses per game last season (WhoScored).

If Mourinho is in the market for a left-back, Telles should be the man he signs.

Manchester United fans, thoughts?

Chelsea came from behind to pick up a vitally important English Premier League victory on Saturday, eventually overcoming Watford 4-2 in a pulsating match at Stamford Bridge.

After losing their last two league fixtures, today’s match was heading in a similarly disastrous direction for manager Antonio Conte, who saw his side go a goal behind after Abdoulate Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra put the visitors in front, cancelling out an early Pedro opener.

The Italian manager made an important change on the hour mark with Michy Batshuayi coming on for the ineffective Alvaro Morata to bang in a late double, with Cesar Azpilicueta scoring the vital third in between.

It was a win full of spirit that could turn around the recent poor form of the current champions and see them push on in the race for the title.

While fans were obviously pleased with the win, they weren’t pleased with striker Morata, who laboured to do anything in the match at all before he was hauled off for super sub Batshuayi.

The summer signing has scored seven goals since joining the club but has now gone three matches without netting.

Fans are now looking for more from him, believing he wasn’t standing up to the physical challenge of Watford well enough.

They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance…

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