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Late Willian penalty earns Fulham victory in five-goal thriller against Wolves
Late Willian penalty earns Fulham victory in five-goal thriller against Wolves
Willian completed his brace with a dramatic stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot as Fulham held off Wolves to claim all three points in a thrilling 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage. The experienced 35-year-old scored two penalties, while Alex Iwobi’s early strike was cancelled out by Matheus Cunha and Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan also netted from the spot.The winger’s double took his tally to three for the season as the Cottagers claimed their first victory in four games.A golden chance was presented to the hosts after 40 seconds. The creative Andreas Pereira whipped a dangerous ball into the box and Fulham striker Raul Jimenez swung his boot but failed to convert his second in as many games. But Pereira’s efforts were rewarded in the seventh minute when he set up the opening goal of the game. The Brazilian was everywhere. He drifted onto the left before he beat his marker and delivered another perfect drilled low pass, this time to the alert Iwobi who gave Fulham a deserved 1-0 lead. The Cottagers looked to strike again through Jimenez, who failed to tap home before Wolves keeper Jose Sa denied Tom Cairney’s powerful effort moments later. Wolves grew into the game and were unfortunate not to score a goal of their own.Mario Lemina started positively against his old side and drove forward before unleashing Korean striker Hwang, who was denied by the crossbar. And Wolves got the goal they needed in the 22nd minute through Cunha after a magical moment of individual play in the build-up. It started through tricky Frenchman Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who toyed with Antonee Robinson on the left flank, before he jinked outside and delivered a delightful cross to the head of Cunha in front of the empty net. The minutes before the goal suggested it was coming and Marco Silva’s side yet again paid the price for not taking their chances.Individual mistakes were a big theme of the first half and goalkeeper Bernd Leno was called into action after a defensive error in the 36th minute where Timothy Castagne dealt with a cross which would have seen Cunha claim his second at the back post. Cunha started Wolves’ first big chance in the second half when he slipped strike partner Hwang wide but his cross to Matt Doherty was kept out of danger by Castagne, who replicated his earlier heroics.But typical of the end-to-end game, Fulham won a penalty after Cairney beat Nelson Semedo to the ball and was brought down in the box. A VAR check ruled the incident to have happened inside the area and Willian stuttered in his run-up and sent Sa the wrong way, stroking his effort into the bottom right corner to restore Fulham’s lead. A deft flick on from Jimenez set Iwobi through but the Nigeria international was denied his brace by Sa who tipped his effort over before the Wolves keeper stopped another effort not long after to keep his side in the contest with 20 to go. And Wolves converted a penalty of their own in the 75th minute through Hwang. Fulham skipper Tim Ream bundled Hwang to the ground and the striker stepped up and blasted his effort down the middle to make it 2-2 in front of Wolves’ travelling supporters. In dramatic fashion Fulham won another penalty in added time after Joao Gomes was deemed to have brought down Harry Wilson in the box. The clinical Willian calmly stepped up and buried his effort past Sa to give the hosts an important 3-2 win. Read More RB Leipzig hoping to restore some pride at Man City after 7-0 loss – Marco Rose Forest investigating allegations of homophobic abuse from fans at Brighton game Former England rugby captain Sarah Hunter enjoying ‘not feeling beaten up’ Player behaviour towards referees tops agenda at meeting of game’s lawmakers Bruno Fernandes talks up Alejandro Garnacho after stunning goal at Everton Son Heung-min hurt by defeats but ‘very pleased’ with way Tottenham are playing
2023-11-28 06:53
Mike Phelan warns Man Utd not to get distracted by fierce Galatasaray atmosphere
Mike Phelan warns Man Utd not to get distracted by fierce Galatasaray atmosphere
Mike Phelan has warned Manchester United not to get distracted by Galatasaray’s fierce atmosphere or any pre-match hostility 30 years on from his ‘Welcome to Hell’ experience. Three losses in four Group A matches means defeat in Istanbul on Wednesday night will end the Red Devils’ hopes of making the Champions League knockout phase with a game to spare. Galatasaray won last month’s reverse fixture 3-2 at Old Trafford and are sure to make life tough for Erik ten Hag’s visitors at what is set to be a rocking Rams Park. The encounter brings back memories of United’s famous visit to the Turkish giants’ hostile old ground in November 1993, when Phelan started a wild second round second-leg clash. “We arrived and they allowed everybody into the airport,” the former midfielder said. “There was a fair few there. “I think they blocked it off with some glass, Perspex, something like that. “There was a lot of police there, but they were just all shouting, jeering and holding these placards that we’re going to die over there. “An unusual welcome, put it that way. But there was a lot of intimidation really in the atmosphere at the airport. When we got to the hotel, exactly the same.” Gary Pallister was part of the travelling party and remembers the ‘Welcome to Hell’ placards, as well as the intimidation extending to their plush hotel. “I was walking past this bellboy, he’s pushing one of the trolley things that you hang your suit on and carries suitcases,” Pallister said. “As I’m walking past him, I just went ‘afternoon’ or whatever and he just went like that (makes a slit throat gesture) and I just carried on walking. “I was like ‘wow, this is a bit different’. But I mean that’s what we faced most of the trip I would suggest.” The air of intimidation continued throughout a trip that ended in United’s Champions League exit, with a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford followed by a 0-0 at the rickety Ali Sami Yen Stadium. Eric Cantona was sent off towards the conclusion of a game that ended with the forward and Bryan Robson furious at having been attacked as they left the field. United have made two less chaotic Champions League visits to Galatasaray since then and Phelan says cool heads are required in what is a huge game for both teams. “Just play the game,” Phelan said. “The best place to be is on the pitch. “Off the pitch is where frustrations are but on the pitch you are in control. I think you've got to control the game because you can't control the atmosphere Mike Phelan “On the pitch it is up to what you do, not necessarily what Galatasaray do. It’s what you do. “What is your game plan? Can you execute your game plan? Have you got the confidence to go there to get the result that you need? “Can your big players turn up? Because you need your big players. In big games and occasions, you need your big players. “I think you’ve got to control the game because you can’t control the atmosphere. “You might be able to, in a little way, if your retention of the ball is good and you’re not making mistakes, then you control the game, control the ball, and that can silence the crowd – don’t encourage the crowd.” Victory on Wednesday would be United’s most important Champions League away win since their stunning 3-1 last 16 second-leg triumph at Paris St Germain in 2019. Phelan was assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back then and says they just need to keep the mentality that “it’s a game of football”. “Galatasaray are in a fantastic position, being at home and knowing they can go through with a win, so their team talk will be slightly different to United’s,” he said. “But United know the task ahead – they have to win two games. But you can only play one at a time, so win the first one, then take up the challenge of playing Bayern.” Read More Late Willian penalty earns Fulham victory in five-goal thriller against Wolves RB Leipzig hoping to restore some pride at Man City after 7-0 loss – Marco Rose Forest investigating allegations of homophobic abuse from fans at Brighton game Former England rugby captain Sarah Hunter enjoying ‘not feeling beaten up’ Player behaviour towards referees tops agenda at meeting of game’s lawmakers Bruno Fernandes talks up Alejandro Garnacho after stunning goal at Everton
2023-11-28 06:47
RB Leipzig hoping to restore some pride at Man City after 7-0 loss – Marco Rose
RB Leipzig hoping to restore some pride at Man City after 7-0 loss – Marco Rose
RB Leipzig are hoping to restore some pride as they return to the scene of last season’s thrashing by Manchester City, coach Marco Rose has said. The German side were crushed 7-0 by the eventual Champions League winners when they visited the Etihad Stadium in the last-16 stage of the competition in March. The two sides meet again at the same venue for a group match on Tuesday, with both having already secured their places in the knockout stages. Rose said at a press conference: “Last year with the 7-0 thrashing, it put us down, it knocked us down. We haven’t spoken about it but it was not a good feeling after the game. “But we became cup champions in Germany after the game and we qualified for the Champions League, so it didn’t destroy us as a team. “Tomorrow we want to do better for sure. We want to compete with one of the best teams in the world. We want to show that we can make it better, that we are better. “It’s difficult. We will have to suffer tomorrow. I didn’t see a team here that had much possession. Even Liverpool I think had just 40 per cent ball possession. “So we know what we’ll get but we are here to try again.” Erling Haaland scored five goals for City in that last meeting and Rose knows all about the threat the Norwegian poses having managed him at his former club Borussia Dortmund. He said: “I hope the relationship is as good as it always was but obviously he has to do his job tomorrow. We have to try and suppress him if we can. “We’ll enjoy watching him play but hopefully we’ll be able to stifle him.” Leipzig go into what is their penultimate game in Group G trailing City by three points. Top spot is still to be finalised but the Germans need to win to have any hope of overhauling the English outfit. Read More Forest investigating allegations of homophobic abuse from fans at Brighton game Former England rugby captain Sarah Hunter enjoying ‘not feeling beaten up’ Player behaviour towards referees tops agenda at meeting of game’s lawmakers
2023-11-28 04:27
Forest investigating allegations of homophobic abuse from fans at Brighton game
Forest investigating allegations of homophobic abuse from fans at Brighton game
Nottingham Forest are working with the police to identify fans who are believed to have directed homophobic abuse at Brighton players and supporters on Saturday. The behaviour under investigation took place during a 3-2 victory for 10-man Brighton, who had Lewis Dunk sent off late in the second half at the City Ground. Forest condemned the alleged conduct and assured there would be consequences for those involved. A statement on the club’s official account on X, formerly Twitter, read: “Following Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion, we have been made aware of some homophobic language aimed towards Brighton players and supporters from a minority of our fans. “Homophobia, like all other forms of discrimination, has no place in football or society, and anyone engaging in discriminatory behaviour is committing a criminal offence. We are actively working with Nottinghamshire Police to identify the individuals involved, and they will be dealt with appropriately. “We would like to thank all our supporters who reported incidents. Nottingham Forest is committed to creating an inclusive environment which embraces and celebrates our differences. We want everyone who attends our stadium to have a positive experience.” Read More Former England rugby captain Sarah Hunter enjoying ‘not feeling beaten up’ Player behaviour towards referees tops agenda at meeting of game’s lawmakers Bruno Fernandes talks up Alejandro Garnacho after stunning goal at Everton
2023-11-28 04:25
Newcastle must show ‘top team attitudes’ to beat PSG, says Nick Pope
Newcastle must show ‘top team attitudes’ to beat PSG, says Nick Pope
Nick Pope has told Newcastle they have to believe they can win every game if they are to be thought of as a top team. The Magpies head into Tuesday night’s crunch Champions League clash with Paris St Germain knowing their first campaign in two decades could be over if they lose. Memories of October’s 4-1 demolition of the French champions at St James’ Park, which took Eddie Howe’s men to the top of Group F after two rounds of fixtures, have faded after back-to-back defeats by Borussia Dortmund left them at the foot of the table. However, asked what they need at the Parc des Princes, Pope said: “A win would be nice. That’s not going to do any harm in any group at any stage. “It obviously keeps it in our hands as well, which is something that would be nice going into the Milan at home game. But the full focus has got to be on tomorrow night and taking it one game at a time. “Every game we go into, we’ve got to look to win, whether that’s League Cup, Champions League, league. “I believe we’re a top team and top team behaviours and top team attitudes, that’s what it is. Whoever the opponent may be, however good they are, we have to have the belief and the attitude that we want to win the game.” Newcastle managed to keep PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe and his team-mates quiet on Tyneside, but the France international has been in lethal form since, scoring 14 goals in his last 11 games for club and country. Another clean sheet in Paris would do Pope’s chances of winning back a place in the England set-up no harm and, although he insists he has no problem with manager Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave him out of recent squads, he knows what he needs to do to stand a chance of returning. He said: “You can always do more. There’s more clean sheets to be had, more saves, better performances. I’ve got to look inwardly at that. Gareth’s decision to leave me out, I’ve got to make it that he can’t leave me out.” Pope may not be the only Magpie whose form Southgate is monitoring, with Anthony Gordon staking his claim for an elevation from the under-21 ranks with a series of high-octane performances amid a crippling injury crisis. Howe was without 13 senior players for Saturday’s 4-1 league win over Chelsea, in which the former Everton man scored the final goal, and will have to play a key role in the French capital if his side is to prosper. The Magpies head coach, who may have to include 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley in his starting line-up once again after a hugely impressive display against the Blues, knows just how high the stakes are, but is not cowed by the pressure. Howe, who put his players through their paces at the Parc des Princes on Monday evening having trained back in Newcastle for the previous two away games, said: “It’s difficult to predict football matches and what the results may be and the permutations of others’ games. We try not to lose energy doing that. “From our side, we prepare to try to win this game, that’s all we can do and then worry about Milan afterwards. “We’re certainly not in a strong position, we’re not in the position that we wanted to be, but we are where we are and we have to just focus on this game, and I think it’s imperative we don’t lose.” Howe confirmed midfielder Joe Willock is to see a specialist on Tuesday over his Achilles injury. Read More Rumours: Sancho and Antony head up Man Utd’s 15-player sale list Newcastle face ‘defining’ clash as Howe demands team ‘play on the edge’ Gvardiol’s reminder of how far he’s come - and what he needs to succeed at City Newcastle face ‘defining’ clash as Howe demands team ‘play on the edge’ Gvardiol’s reminder of how far he’s come - and what he needs to succeed at City Player behaviour towards referees tops agenda at meeting of game’s lawmakers
2023-11-28 03:55
Who is playing Thursday Night Football in Week 13?
Who is playing Thursday Night Football in Week 13?
After a Black Friday special last week, Thursday Night Football is back in its traditional time period with a matchup of NFC playoff contenders.
2023-11-28 03:15
Mike Elko tells Duke players he's leaving for Texas A&M in the worst way possible
Mike Elko tells Duke players he's leaving for Texas A&M in the worst way possible
Former Duke coach Mike Elko told Blue Devils players he was leaving for Texas A&M in the worst way possible.
2023-11-28 01:49
Monday Night Football Sleeper Fantasy Picks: $100 Bonus + Cash Prizes for Vikings vs. Bears
Monday Night Football Sleeper Fantasy Picks: $100 Bonus + Cash Prizes for Vikings vs. Bears
Pick your favorite players, with a $100 bonus to get you started at Sleeper Picks. Read more to find out who are our best picks for Monday Night Football.
2023-11-28 01:24
Player behaviour towards referees tops agenda at meeting of game’s lawmakers
Player behaviour towards referees tops agenda at meeting of game’s lawmakers
Trials designed to stop players surrounding referees during flashpoint moments could get the green light at a meeting of football’s lawmaking body in London on Tuesday. Tackling poor participant behaviour is a top priority for the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and the PA news agency understands it is set to be the dominant topic at the organisation’s annual business meeting at a Heathrow hotel. Players surrounding referees and assistants after controversial incidents has become a common sight in the modern game, but the IFAB is determined to limit contact in such situations to a respectful dialogue between the referee and the team captain. Precisely how that is achieved is still to be worked out, with the IFAB understood to be keen to run some initial tests in the amateur game to work out the practicalities and iron out the unintended consequences of any new restrictions. One consideration is the creation of a ‘no go zone’ around an official which only a captain can enter, but testing will be required to see how effective and practical this is in reality. Approval of trials in top-level competitions could be granted on Tuesday to follow those initial tests, with lawmakers keen to move quickly on this issue. Sin-bins for bad behaviour, which have been utilised in grassroots youth football, could also be extended into the adult amateur game, while measures to combat mass confrontations between teams, such as cooling down periods, will also be discussed. Guidance could also be issued around stricter application of the existing laws of the game which tackle time-wasting, such as better enforcement of the six-second rule for goalkeepers to release the ball and treatment and assessment of ‘tactical injuries’ designed to break the momentum of the game. In March, the IFAB issued guidance to all competitions on more accurately calculating time lost to stoppages, following on from a concerted effort to do so at last year’s men’s World Cup finals in Qatar. A discussion will also be held on updating the handball law for next season. The law could be changed so that an unintentional handball which denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity is only sanctioned with a yellow card rather than a red, and that an unintentional handball which stops a promising attack receives no card at all. The IFAB board is also set to receive a short update on the ongoing permanent concussion substitute trial. World players’ union FIFPRO and the World Leagues Forum have previously called for a trial of temporary concussion substitutes, but there is not even the possibility of such a trial taking place until the ongoing testing of permanent concussion substitutes is complete and data from the trial has been fully analysed. The IFAB announced last month that a group had been established to carry out a review of VAR protocols, and there is also expected to be some time given over to hearing an update on the group’s progress. Read More Bruno Fernandes talks up Alejandro Garnacho after stunning goal at Everton Son Heung-min hurt by defeats but ‘very pleased’ with way Tottenham are playing David Seaman pays tribute to ‘great guy’ Terry Venables Football rumours: Victor Osimhen keen on making Chelsea move On this day in 2007: Christine Ohuruogu wins appeal against Olympic ban The sporting weekend in pictures
2023-11-28 00:28
Pep Guardiola describes ‘incredible’ impact of Terry Venables at Barcelona
Pep Guardiola describes ‘incredible’ impact of Terry Venables at Barcelona
Pep Guardiola has hailed Terry Venables as an inspirational and visionary leader following the former England manager’s death at the age of 80. Guardiola, the Manchester City boss, remembers well the impact Venables had at his boyhood club Barcelona in the 1980s. Guardiola was both a ballboy and a youth player at the Nou Camp when Venables coached the Spanish giants, guiding them to the domestic title in 1985 and the European Cup final the following year. A photograph has emerged on social media of a young Guardiola looking on from pitchside as Venables celebrated one particular triumph. “As a Barcelona fan, he gave us La Liga after 11 or 12 years,” said Guardiola, who went on to captain and manage Barcelona himself. “His impact there was incredible. “In that era I was 13 or 14 years old. It was the first time I saw us win La Liga. For many years it was not possible because of other teams. “He introduced something that had never been (done there) before, especially a certain type of pressing and the set-pieces. He introduced many, many things. “A true gentleman for the people. Unfortunately, he could not win the Champions League in that time, with the final against Steaua Bucharest, but it’s a big loss for English football. “I was a ballboy so I wasn’t in contact with him, I just gave the ball to his players, but I remember talking to friends of mine, who did play with him, and their words for him were not just as a manager but as a person – so funny, appearing on programmes, singing Frank Sinatra. “He was a proper, proper man. I am so sorry for his family.” Former England goalkeeper David Seaman has also paid tribute to Venables. Seaman was England’s number one when they reached the semi-finals of Euro 96. The 60-year-old told Good Morning Britain: “First of all it was a really sad day yesterday and when I started seeing the clips and all the tributes coming in, all I could remember was the smile on his face. He always had a smile on his face even when he was angry, if I’m honest. “He was just a great guy, he was brilliant at man-to-man management. “He was just brilliant and with Euro 96 everything just got better and better and I’ll never forget the day before Euro 96 and he came up to me when he just got the job, looked me straight in the eyes and said, ‘You’re my England number one’ and the confidence I gained from that was just brilliant and something I’ll never forget.” Gareth Southgate missed the all-important penalty in the Euro 96 semi-final shoot-out loss to Germany. He was just a great guy, he was brilliant at man to man management David Seaman Seaman recalled memories during his time under Venables and drew comparisons with the current England boss, insisting Southgate has learned a lot from ‘El Tel’. He continued: “You didn’t feel that disappointed because he actually told us that we had achieved something special here. “I know we had gone out in the semi-final but he wanted us to know we had really achieved something. We got England to the semi-final at Wembley and the most important thing he’d done was that the England fans started loving the England team again because of the way we played. He was just a really nice guy. “Gareth will have learned a lot from Terry because Gareth very rarely loses it and that’s what Terry was like. He was always calm and confident and that’s what he’s learned from him that you don’t have to be really loud on the sidelines. You’d just watch and learn. “The way Terry treated Gareth, it just shows you the class of the manager and he was just a really special guy.” Read More They were there like animals – Pep Guardiola wants City team and fans together Bruno Fernandes talks up Alejandro Garnacho after stunning goal at Everton Son Heung-min hurt by defeats but ‘very pleased’ with way Tottenham are playing David Seaman pays tribute to ‘great guy’ Terry Venables Football rumours: Victor Osimhen keen on making Chelsea move On this day in 2007: Christine Ohuruogu wins appeal against Olympic ban
2023-11-27 23:23
They were there like animals – Pep Guardiola wants City team and fans together
They were there like animals – Pep Guardiola wants City team and fans together
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes it is crucial the team and the fans continue to feed off each other’s energy. Guardiola feels that after his players provided the initial spark last season, it was the power of supporters that propelled City towards their treble success. “The stadium is all the time full and we have to play as best as possible and create as much as possible to energise and make our people with us,” said Guardiola at a press conference. “I have the feeling the team is playing really good and these guys – what they have done for many, many years, we love doing it together. “The games last season – semi-finals, quarter-finals, important games like against Arsenal when we played for the Premier League, they were there like animals and we need that. “In my humble opinion, to be successful we need our fans, all the time, being here. Thank you for coming, because without that it is impossible. Together we are stronger. “It is much better for ourselves to feel that they are there. We play better but we have to do the first steps, the first gesture. We have to do it.” City host German side RB Leipzig on Tuesday needing just a draw to wrap up top spot in Champions League Group G. The games last season – semi-finals, quarter-finals, important games like against Arsenal when we played for the Premier League, they were there like animals and we need that Pep Guardiola The holders have won the first four matches of their title defence and have already secured a place in the knockout stages, as have Leipzig – a side they thrashed 7-0 at home last season. Guardiola said: “Of course the first step is done for both sides – so congratulations to Leipzig – to qualify for the next round in February. “But it is important to finish first for prestige, for everything. We believe that when we play the last 16, having the second leg at home is not decisive but is a little bit of an advantage and we have to take it.” Midfielder Jack Grealish is unlikely to return after illness while Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes are nursing knocks. Guardiola said: “I’m not much optimistic about good news about some people coming back but we will see. I think it will be the same people who played against Liverpool.” Defender John Stones was an unused substitute at the weekend but while Guardiola said he was “really, really close” he was “not ready for playing”. Kevin De Bruyne, who has been out since undergoing hamstring surgery in August, said over the weekend he hopes to return to action early in the new year. Guardiola said: “If he said January, it will be January. I would have loved to have him all season but now he has had a tough injury and surgery. He has to recover well. “He’s said end of December, new year, so it will be a happy new year for everyone.” Read More Bruno Fernandes talks up Alejandro Garnacho after stunning goal at Everton Son Heung-min hurt by defeats but ‘very pleased’ with way Tottenham are playing David Seaman pays tribute to ‘great guy’ Terry Venables Football rumours: Victor Osimhen keen on making Chelsea move On this day in 2007: Christine Ohuruogu wins appeal against Olympic ban The sporting weekend in pictures
2023-11-27 22:59
The next Rooney or Ronaldo? What Garnacho needs to achieve Man Utd greatness after Everton goal
The next Rooney or Ronaldo? What Garnacho needs to achieve Man Utd greatness after Everton goal
Erik ten Hag tried to talk about the build-up. There was the switch of play from Victor Lindelof to Marcus Rashford, the underlapping run of Diogo Dalot, the deep cross. And yet, whatever the involvement of others beforehand, strikes of extraordinary, spectacular individual virtuosity don’t tend to be remembered as team goals. “The finish was incredible, fantastic,” Ten Hag said after the 3-0 victory at Everton. “Maybe already the goal of the season.” Perhaps Alejandro Garnacho was still dumbstruck himself, the best part of two hours later, when he described it as “one of the best I have scored”. Maybe it was a teenager trying to express himself in a different language in front of the television cameras. Or maybe he genuinely has scored others of a similar calibre at lower level. If so, the search should be for any footage. But it was astonishing. Facing away from the Everton goal, some 15 yards out, Garnacho connected with such power and precision that there was a temptation to anoint it Manchester United’s finest overhead kick. That mantle may have rested with Wayne Rooney’s 2011 effort against Manchester City, not least because it was a winner in a Manchester derby. The more pedantic could point out the current Birmingham manager actually shinned it. Other comparisons could involve goals United greats scored in other shirts: Mark Hughes’ bicycle kick for Wales against Spain, Cristiano Ronaldo’s overhead kick for Real Madrid against Juventus. And overhead kicks are sufficiently difficult that they can denote a rare talent. They are not solely the domain of the greats, but some of the best have been scored by Gareth Bale, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marco van Basten, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. Admittedly, others came courtesy of Emre Can, Trevor Sinclair, Rory Delap, Christian Benteke and Andy Carroll, who are rarely placed in the same bracket. Nor, at the moment, is Garnacho. But the ability that has been most evident as a high-speed dribbler gives the impression he could end up among the elite. Bruno Fernandes, the captain who was an almost paternalistic presence by his side in a post-match interview, drew an important distinction. “I have big expectations for him,” said the Portuguese. “He is not a great player yet but he has a great future ahead and we expect a lot from him. I am always going to be behind him asking for more but an amazing goal.” The lineage can prompt the question of how good Garnacho could be. United’s teenage wingers over the years have included Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, George Best and Bobby Charlton. There are cautionary tales, too, such as Adnan Januzaj, the revelation of Giggs’ final season but who, at 28, has only played 69 minutes for Sevilla this season. Then there is Garnacho: often an impact substitute, usually strangely ineffectual when he starts, a third-minute goal had a surprise in the timing as well as the execution. Many a young winger is embroiled in a search for consistency and productivity. He is not alone, but he arrived at Goodison Park with one goal in 21 games and departed having scored what the battle-hardened home captain James Tarkowski called one of the best goals he had ever seen and which Sean Dyche, a manager with a similar aversion to getting carried away, branded “an absolute worldie”. Ten Hag has overseen the emergence of young talent at Ajax. He has taken a hardline approach with Garnacho at times, dropping him on the pre-season tour in 2022 for being late. He sees what the Argentinian could achieve, contrasts it with what he has done so far and opted not to liken United’s latest prodigy to Rooney or Ronaldo. “Don’t compare, I don’t think it is right,” he said. “They all have their own identity but for Garnacho to go that way he has a lot to come, he has to work very hard. You have to do it on a consistent basis and so far he has not. But he definitely has high potential to do some amazing things. It's not the first time we saw this, we have already often seen glimpses but if you want to be a player like Rooney or Ronaldo you have to score 20 [or] 25 goals in the Premier League each season. That's not easy to get, you have to work hard, you have to go in areas where it hurts. So [there is] a lot to come. But potential, he has.” Potential can be exciting, tantalising, a promise that produces brilliance or something that goes unfulfilled. Over the last 18 months, it has been clear that Garnacho possesses plenty, but his goal at Everton was still stunning. It was a great goal. The challenge for him is to turn into a great. Read More Ten Hag makes Garnacho claim after stunning bicycle kick goal against Everton Alejandro Garnacho’s astonishing moment of magic inspires Manchester United’s result of the season Gary Neville hails ‘magical’ Alejandro Garnacho bicycle kick for Manchester United against Everton Roy Keane derides ‘absolute rubbish’ from Erik ten Hag after Man United win Bruno Fernandes talks up Alejandro Garnacho after stunning goal at Everton Ten Hag makes Garnacho claim after stunning bicycle kick goal against Everton
2023-11-27 21:18
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