• Rodri commented: “Every one of us can do better, even myself. But we need to rest, to be honest.”
• Ten Hag astonishingly said after the draw at Brentford last week that he wasn’t bothered how many shots other teams made as long as United got a result.
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It is 431 days since Manchester City midfield genius Rodri lost a match — that is 51 wins and 14 draws.
During the 3-3 Champions League thriller with Real Madrid this week, he was not at his best, misdirected several passes and was under par. After the game, he met with Pep Guardiola on Wednesday and told the boss he was tired both physically and mentally after starting 42 of City’s 44 games.
He asked to be rested in this weekend’s game against Luton so that he can give his best in the Champions League return fixture next week.
He could be on the bench this weekend but Guardiola has not confirmed his thoughts and will decide how to handle the situation just before the match against Luton.
Rodri commented: “Every one of us can do better, even myself. But we need to rest, to be honest.”
Arteta transforms Havertz
Mikel Arteta is determined to remain unpredictable with his team selections so that opponents do not know how to prepare against them.
One man who is almost certain of remaining in his place is Kai Havertz. Arteta has discovered what makes the German tick. He is flying as a centre forward and Arteta said that although Gabriel Jesus is back and fit, Havertz remains his front-runner.
Havertz scored once and assisted once as the Gunners returned to the top of the table with a 3-0 win over Brighton. Havertz has started in the No9 role for the last eight games and Arteta has turned him into a completely different player since leaving his Chelsea failures behind him.
He has been directly involved in eight goals. Arteta has met with Jesus and asked him to play out wide on the left. Havertz has an advantage over Jesus and that is his size which the coach recognises and has used him to cause problems for defenders.
Arsenal suffered in front of goal at the beginning of the year but Havertz can both score and hold up a ball whilst bringing his fellow attackers into the box. He has certainly silenced critics who questioned the £65m () Arsenal paid Chelsea for his services.
Havertz praised Arteta saying; “The coach helped me from the moment I arrived and he showed me a different spectrum of how to play football, how to make myself better on the pitch. It has worked well in the last few weeks. I am just so happy.”
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United abandon training in real matches
Whatever happens to Erik Ten Hag at the end of the season, the signs do not look good. I spent some time watching new United shareholder Sir James Ratcliffe and INEOS Director of Sport Sir Dave Brailsford during the Liverpool game.
They were deep in conversation with veteran coach Sam Allardyce, who was talking fast and emphatically. One can only guess what advice he was giving them.
When Luis Diaz scored for Liverpool in the 30th minute, Ratcliffe’s face was downhearted, depressed and full of concern. He almost had his head in his hands. One thing is certain, Allardyce must have commented on United leaving huge areas of space in midfield and defence.
The fact that United drew was mainly due to Liverpool’s failure to score from the 17 chances they created in the first half. Bruno Fernandes scoring from 45 yards out after a dreadful back pass by 21-year-old Jarell Quansah was a pure gift which masked the way United were outplayed.
Ten Hag astonishingly said after the draw at Brentford last week that he wasn’t bothered how many shots other teams made as long as United got a result. What a strange thing for a coach to admit and not appreciated by Ratcliffe, I suspect.
Liverpool have sent in 87 shots in the three games they have played against United this season but still, Ten Hag plays with huge areas of the pitch empty.
Ten Hag’s training is interesting: players work with an inverted pressing system and operate from a full-back position, moving inside to attack.
However, this is abandoned during matches and United seem to lose focus, leaving huge spaces that are nearly impossible to defend…possibly that is what Allardyce was talking to Ratcliffe about.
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Szoboszlai names best Liverpool pal
It is easy to understand why Dominik Szoboszlai has settled into life at Liverpool when he says his best friend at the club is right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
When asked who he is close to he said; “I’m close with everyone but with Trent, we are the same age and outside of football we do almost the same things and we hang out together. On the pitch, we understand each other.”
Alexander-Arnold has heaped praise on the Hungary International in the past, saying; “I think he’s just a natural born football player. I think you just get a feeling with someone who knows and understands the game. They don’t overcomplicate it.”
Rashford and Ten Hag ease injury worries
Marcus Rashford has confirmed the injury sustained during the 2-2 draw with Liverpool is not serious.
He was withdrawn midway through the second half for Anthony. Erik Ten Hag was awaiting a full medical report Wednesday, but he commented; “I’m not sure but I don’t think it is serious.”
The 26-year-old said in response; “I will be okay”, which eased fears of missing this weekend’s match against Bournemouth and the FA Cup semifinal against Coventry at Wembley Stadium on April 24.
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Grealish's old flair is back
Pep Guardiola believes the old Jack Grealish is almost back after a superb display against Crystal Palace.
It was the third time Grealish completed consecutive back-to-back matches for Guardiola. He showed glimpses of how he used to run the Aston Villa team before being bought by City for £100m (Sh16bn). He was part of each of City’s four goals.
“I feel like I’m coming back now. I feel strong and fit,” said Grealish.
Guardiola plans to use him as much as possible in the Premier League run, the Champions League and FA Cup.
Amorim refuses to commit to Sporting Lisbon
The story is ongoing and it is hard not to comment on who will succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool next season.
The bookmakers have Ruben Amorim as a firm favourite now that Xabi Alonso has committed his future to Bayer Leverkusen. A big hint was given by Amorim when he refused to say if he was staying at Portuguese leaders Sporting Lisbon.
When asked if he would commit his future to Sporting, he said; “No, I can’t guarantee that. I don’t want to be talking too much about my future.”
An interesting point is that Amorim shares the same agent as Liverpool forward Luis Diaz. Chelsea and Barcelona, having shown interest in Amorim, now tell me they do not intend to move for him. Liverpool want a young up-and-coming manager and Amorim fits their profile.
Luton boss Edwards believes they can stay up
Luton Town boss Rob Edwards believes his team can still escape relegation after their 2-1 win against Bournemouth last weekend.
Luton are 18th with 25 points, equal with fourth from bottom Nottingham Forest and two behind Everton given their two-point deduction this week.
They are, however, behind on goal difference which could be vital at the end of the season. No one expects them to gain anything at Manchester City on Saturday.
They play Brentford, Everton and Fulham at home and Wolves and West Ham away in their last five games. Edwards thinks they can get at least eight points which could take them to safety. The odds are against them but we will see as the Hatters fight on.
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Howe sets out his demands for next year
Newcastle coach Eddie Howe is determined to make next season more successful. Sitting in eighth place, 15 points outside the top four means any chance of Champions League football next year is long gone.
Howe wants the owners to ensure they don’t lose two of his prized players Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes during the end-of-season transfer window. Isak has been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham and Brazilian midfielder Guimaraes is wanted by Paris Saint Germain.
Howe realises the Financial Fair Play restrictions make dealing in player transfers difficult. He said: “Players like them do not come around very often. They are rare. A lot depends on our ambitions and where the club is going. If a player can double his wages elsewhere you are in a difficult position.”
Howe has voiced his concerns about Newcastle’s post-season two-match exhibition against Tottenham in Australia. He doesn’t want his squad to travel “halfway around the world” as he puts it. He is worried that after a tough season, such a demanding schedule will do nothing but harm his team for next year.
Eriksen allowed to leave United
Manchester United have agreed with Christian Eriksen that he can leave at the end of the season.
He has been continually left on the bench since the emergence of 18-year-old academy player Kobbie Mainoo. Turkish giants Galatasaray have shown interest in the 128-capped Danish international.
Christian impressed during six months with Bournemouth in 2022 after recovering from his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020. United will make some money when they sell him because he arrived on a free transfer after signing a three-year deal.
Chelsea, Barca fight for Brazilian wonderkid
Chelsea are trying to bring Brazilian wonderkid Messinho to Stamford Bridge but are being challenged by Barcelona.
The Blues have been working with Palmeiras since last October in a move for the 16-year-old. He could move to Chelsea when he hits 18. Messinho has a £51m (Sh8bn) release clause in his current contract.
Barcelona have sent representatives to Brazil to beat Chelsea for his signature. However, both clubs face problems under the Financial Fair Play rules.
They face spending restrictions to remain within the £105m (Sh17bn) threshold. Both Chelsea and Barca have fallen below their usual standards this season and are anxious to strengthen.
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Young plays on…
Ashley Young has enjoyed a highly successful career but he turns 39 in July. He has been impressive during his one-year at Everton this season with 24 appearances. He wants to continue playing into his 40s! He won 39 England caps.
He has covered full-back roles and is effective in moving into attacking positions. After playing in three different positions this season, coach Sean Dyche said he has come to rely on his experience and is likely to extend his stay at the club.