Manchester United staff were reportedly "relieved" that the club did not sell Alejandro Garnacho as his exit might have "caused uproar" among fans.

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United approached by Chelsea & Napoli for GarnachoHowever, the club decided against letting him goWould have generated 'pure profit' in accounting booksFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Napoli made an official bid for the 20-year-old winger, while Chelsea also inquired about a potential move. However, United opted to retain the promising star. Some staff members feared that a potential sale would have triggered an angry reaction from fans, with one source admitting that there was no way to justify Garnacho's departure "as a positive" move.

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Selling a homegrown academy product would have counted as pure profit in the club’s financial records, making it beneficial under the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Despite this, United decided against cashing in on Garnacho, recognising his long-term potential and growing importance to Ruben Amorim's pursuit of excellence.

WHAT AMORIM SAID

Earlier in the season, Garnacho, along with Marcus Rashford, was dropped from the squad for the Manchester derby in December. However, since then, he has regained his place in the starting XI, proving his value with a string of impressive performances.

Speaking about his importance, Amorim stated: "I want players like Kobbie [Mainoo] and Garnacho. The focus is that we have to improve our academy. And you have to bring more [through]. That is something that all the clubs in England have to take advantage of. The players that come from their academies. To play, to feel the shirt, but also to sell them. So our focus is to bring more [through]."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Despite United not actively seeking to sell Garnacho, reports suggest that the club would have considered offers in the region of £50 million ($62 million). With eight goals and six assists this season, he has played a crucial role for the Red Devils. His impact off the bench was evident in the Europa League clash against FCSB when he set up Mainoo to score and he had previously assisted Amad Diallo against Liverpool in the Premier League.

Big Picture

This group is accepted as the toughest to emerge from but a victory for either Australia or Sri Lanka to make it two from two would leave them strongly placed for a semi-final slot.Both sides chased successfully in their opening games, but Sri Lanka’s was more convincing than Australia’s albeit on a surface that was easier for strokeplay in Sharjah. The two teams last met in 2019 when Australia won 3-0 in home conditions.Having come through the qualifying stage unbeaten, Sri Lanka are building some nice momentum having been an unfancied side before the tournament. The way Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa resurrected the innings against Bangladesh will have been a huge fillip.

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For Australia, there was a bit of a sigh of relief to get over the line against South Africa, a match that shaped as vital for their hopes of progressing. They were excellent with the ball and in the field – led by Josh Hazlewood’s superb opening spell and the bonus of Glenn Maxwell’s four overs – but if they are to go deep in the competition, they will need David Warner and Aaron Finch to fire.

Form guide

Australia WLWLL
Sri Lanka WWWWL

In the spotlight

Before the tournament, Marcus Stoinis spoke to ESPNcricinfo about wanting to make himself into the best finisher in the world. One innings does not mean he has cracked the role, but it was significant that he was able to see Australia across the line when the pressure was on having fallen short previously. It would be a major box ticked if Stoinis can make a long-term success of it.Lahiru Kumara was certainly fired up against Bangladesh and his actions after dismissing Liton Das, where he squared up to the batter and had to be separated by team-mates and umpires, cost him 25% of his match. He has pace and could trouble Australia’s top order that has some uncertainty about it. He needs to be careful to keep his cool, though.If fit, Maheesh Theekshana is likely to return for Sri Lanka•ICC via Getty

Team news

While Justin Langer has said Australia will be flexible with their selections, it would appear unlikely they will change unless there are specific match-ups they want for the Sri Lankans. Mitchell Marsh and Stoinis were not needed with the ball against South Africa, so they provide extra options if Maxwell (or anyone else) can’t get through four overs.Australia (probable) 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch (capt), 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodSri Lanka may also be unchanged although they could recall spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who missed the Bangladesh game with a side strain. If so he would likely replace Binura Fernando.Sri Lanka (probable) 1 Kusal Perera (wk), 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Charith Asalanka, 4 Avishka Fernando, 5 Wanindu Hasaranga, 6 Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 7 Dasun Shanka (capt), 8 Chamika Karunaratne, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Lahiru Kumara, 11 Binura Fernando/Maheesh Theekshana

Pitch and conditions

After the match where West Indies were skittled for 55, Pakistan and South Africa have both chased middling targets comfortably in Dubai, which suggest batting second is the way to go. Dew could be a factor although not as much as in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.

Stats and trivia

• Going by the match-up data, Maxwell taking the new ball will be a good tactic again: in 13 balls against Kusal Perera in T20Is, he has dismissed him twice.
• This is a contest between the two teams (who are in the Super 12s) with the lowest win percentage in 2021 – Australia is at 31.2% and Sri Lanka 43.7%.
• In his search for runs, Warner won’t mind seeing Sri Lanka against whom he averages 55.90 in T20Is.

Quotes

“The other day I saw their bowlers swing the ball early, then they bashed a length as well with the guys who have a bit of pace. So for it’s about identifying that the wicket suited that and Dubai might be a bit different, bigger boundaries, so they might go shorter.”

Chelsea are under the impression that a “fantastic” player, via his representatives, is attempting to leave Stamford Bridge behind their back – prompting frustration among the club’s hierarchy.

Players who could look to leave Chelsea in 2025

Blues boss Enzo Maresca hasn’t been afraid to swing the axe since taking over from Mauricio Pochettino in the summer, with Chelsea offloading a host of players on either loan, permanent or Bosman deals.

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ByEmilio Galantini Oct 22, 2024

Ian Maatsen, Conor Gallagher, Lewis Hall, Romelu Lukaku, Omari Hutchinson, Angelo Gabriel, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr, Tino Anjorin, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja, Djordje Petrovic, Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Datro Fofana, Aflie Gilchrist and Basir Humphreys all sealed move elsewhere, trimming Maresca’s bloated squad and freeing up space for new arrivals.

However, there are a few other squad members who could be set for the exit door sooner rather than later. Chelsea are prepared to loan Mykhailo Mudryk out in January, as the £89 million winger is currently struggling to battle his way into Maresca’s first-team plans.

Newcastle (home)

October 27

Man United (away)

November 3

Arsenal (home)

November 10

Leicester City (home)

November 23

Aston Villa (home)

December 1

It is also believed that £100,000-per-week midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is eager to leave Chelsea in pursuit of more game time. AC Milan are rumoured to be interested in the 20-year-old, but fellow elite European side Barcelona have made contact with Chukwuemeka’s agents ahead of January as well.

The most likely of the bunch appears to be Ben Chilwell. The left-back has played just 45 minutes in all competitions this season, which came in a 5-1 win over Barrow in the EFL Cup, and he’s failed to make a single Premier League matchday squad this term.

Reports claim that Man United are eyeing a move for Chilwell ahead of January, and depending on whether Erik ten Hag is still in the job by that time, Old Trafford could be an ideal escape route for the England international.

Chelsea now think Josh Acheampong is trying to leave behind their back

Another player who could depart is highly-rated youngster Josh Acheampong.

The full-back’s deal expires in 2026, and The Athletic shared some very interesting news this week that Acheampong has been frozen out of Chelsea’s Under-21s squad until he signs a new contract.

The 18-year-old is regarded as one of Chelsea’s next rising stars, so much so that Acheampong is attracting interest from the likes of Real Madrid and PSG, as major European clubs look to exploit this situation.

According to The Boot Room, Chelsea have told the teenager to sign an extension or leave. Chelsea also feel Acheampong is attempting to leave the quit “behind their back”, as they theorise his representatives are offering him out to a host of clubs under their noses.

There is a reason for this, though, as it is believed Acheampong is frustrated by his lack of first-team minutes, especially during Reece James’ absence from the team, which would’ve been a prime opportunity for Maresca to utilise him.

In any case, Chelsea do appear desperate to keep him, going off this contractual stand-off. Maresca has called Acheampong’s work “fantastic” behind the scenes, so the Italian is clearly taking note of him, but this doesn’t appear enough for him to commit.

Newcastle United claimed a point against Manchester City over the weekend and the result should certainly give Eddie Howe a boost heading into the next few matches.

The Magpies take on AFC Wimbledon in the third round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening after the game was postponed last week due to a waterlogged pitch.

The game gives Howe an ideal chance to rotate his squad, giving a chance to a few young players in the starting XI, especially considering the City game was on Saturday afternoon.

Alexander Isak looks like he could still be missing for the game, however.

Alexander Isak's latest injury blow

The striker missed the Man City game due to a broken toe suffered against Wolverhampton Wanderers a few weeks ago. He played through the pain barrier against Fulham last weekend, but it looks like a couple of weeks’ rest could be the perfect remedy.

Now he is ruled out of the clash against AFC Wimbledon, while the Swede may also be out for the weekend tie against Everton, the last game before the international break.

The striker has scored once so far this season and against Man City over the weekend, Howe unleashed Anthony Gordon as a centre-forward to compensate for his injury.

Anthony Gordon’s game in numbers vs Man City

Due to Isak missing from the starting XI, Gordon was tasked with leading the line in Howe’s starting XI against City.

The tactical tweak certainly worked a treat as the Englishman delivered a solid performance, despite operating in a slightly uncomfortable position throughout the 90 minutes.

Anthony Gordon’s stats vs Man City
Goals	1
Key passes	2
Dribble attempts (successful)	1 (1)
Total duels (won)	11 (4)
Possession lost	9
Touches	34
Via Sofascore

Indeed, alongside his goal, Gordon also won the penalty, made two key passes and succeeded with 100% of his dribble attempts, while the player still managed to drift out wide on occasions, delivering four crosses, of which two were accurate.

He has certainly earned a rest, as Howe could call upon one of his summer signings to replace Gordon in the starting XI for the clash against AFC Wimbledon…

Gordon & Isak's replacement for the EFL Cup

Youngster William Osula joined the Magpies in the summer for a fee in the region of £15m as Howe aimed to add some depth to his attacking department.

For Sheffield United last term, the Dane scored three goals in 24 appearances. While hardly the most prolific of tallies, his potential is clearly promising, hence why Howe secured his signature in the transfer window.

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The 21-year-old usually operates as a striker, but he can also play out wide when required, which might prove to be a useful option for the Toon as the season progresses and injuries begin to pile up.

Despite starting just nine league games last term, Osula still created a big chance and averaged a shot per game, showing flashes of his talents, although the Blades eventually suffered relegation.

It was obvious that his talents would go to waste in the Championship, leading to Howe signing him before the start of the season.

His signing was praised by Scoutedftbl on X, who said: “Newcastle spending £15m on William Osula is a prime example of clubs valuing profile and potential more than anything: he’s not done much in senior football, but he’s big, fast, direct, and 21 years old. Coaches like that, and sporting directors love it.”

All he needs now is a chance to demonstrate his abilities. A clash against the League Two side on Tuesday evening represents an ideal opportunity for the youngster, not only to replace Gordon, but as a potential replacement for Isak over the next few matches.

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By
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Sep 29, 2024

Coventry City fans will have been feeling a little restless regarding their side’s slow start out of the blocks this season, with the Sky Blues currently occupying a lowly 17th position in the Championship standings.

Still, nobody would have expected the news of Mark Robins’ dismissal to filter through anytime soon, considering the recent rise of Coventry all the way up to the second tier has been mostly the 54-year-old’s own doing.

Robins took over when Coventry were submerged in an almighty mess, with the West Midlands side loitering all the way down in League Two when he joined.

Fast forward to now, and the Sky Blues are a well-established outfit in the Championship and even narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League in 2023, with an FA Cup semi final greeting Robins’ men this year too.

The unforgiving Coventry board have decided to act, however, with new manager targets now firmly on their mind to try and appease the disgruntled natives.

Here are three managers the Sky Blues could now target in the wake of Robins’ exit, with one name even currently managing in the same league as the underperformers…

1 Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard could well feel he’s overdue a return to management, with Coventry giving him a potential avenue back in.

The former Everton boss’ reputation as a boss did take a battering at the Toffees – with only 12 wins tallied up from the 46 games he took charge of at Goodison Park – but he is still held in high regard by Derby County fans.

The divisive 46-year-old steered the Rams to 26 wins from 57 total clashes when at the club, with 103 goals scored along the way, which resulted in Derby reaching the Championship playoff final back in 2019.

That final was ultimately lost, but Lampard could repair his damaged reputation by taking on the vacancy at the Sky Blues, especially if he kickstarts a charge up the division.

He’s got an eye for talent too, with the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Harry Wilson starring under his tutelage at Derby. He reportedly wanted to sign former Sky Blues star Viktor Gyokeres when he was at Everton too.

2 Lee Carsley

Still in interim charge of England until Thomas Tuchel is officially handed the reins, Lee Carsley will have his post-Three Lions future firmly on his mind with a position in the U21s there for him.

His next step could see him return back to the CBS Arena away from staying put with England however, having lined up for Coventry as a player on two separate spells, alongside beginning his coaching journey in the West Midlands.

He has experienced a topsy-turvy time in charge of the Three Lions senior team, but he could be a great fit here as Coventry navigate a reality without Robins at the helm, giving the unsettled fanbase a figure they know well.

Carsley has also succeeded as a manager away from the senior gig with England, having masterminded 23 wins from 29 games in the U21 fold.

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3 Des Buckingham

Last, but by no means least, Oxford United manager Des Buckingham could well replace Robins.

Perhaps not as well known as Lampard or Carsley to outsiders looking in, the current U’s boss has been a revelation at the Kassam Stadium, ever since he joined in November of last year to justify his inclusion here.

Buckingham would steer his boyhood club to an unbelievable promotion up to the Championship barely a year into his job post, toppling Bolton Wanderers 2-0 in an entertaining playoff final, when the Trotters were expected to rise up to the second tier.

This season, he has shown off his managerial credentials in the Championship too, with Oxford above the managerless Sky Blues currently by two points, as Buckingham continues to impress under pressure.

This could be seen as a potential downgrade on the end of the up-and-coming 39-year-old, but with Coventry arguably in a false position and with players such as Ben Sheaf at his potential disposal, this might well be an attractive – if slightly left-field – move for him to make.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

Everton’s lack of goals this season in the Premier League is proving to be a major concern. Sean Dyche’s side have scored only ten times, which is the fourth-lowest total in the top flight.

Southampton (seven), Crystal Palace (eight) and Manchester United (nine) are the only teams with fewer goals than the Toffees. Combine this with the fact they have conceded 17 times, and it is clear they have to improve at both ends of the pitch.

Does this look likely, however? Perhaps not. Some of Dyche’s options are not pulling their weight in the final third…

Everton need more from their centre-forwards

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has arguably been the biggest disappointment this season, scoring only two goals from ten Premier League appearances.

Given he is a regular in the starting XI, more is needed from the Englishman if he looks to drag the Toffees away from the bottom end of the league table.

Beto, too, has scored once this term in the league, although he did have an effort disallowed against Southampton on the weekend and looks to finally be finding himself in Merseyside after a tricky first year at the club.

Dwight McNeil

4

Iliman Ndiaye

3

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

2

Beto

2

Michael Keane

2

Abdoulaye Doucoure

1

Three goals from two players expected to contribute more will be worrying for Dyche, but it won’t be the first time the club have players who were expected to bring more to the table before enduring underwhelming spells at the club.

Nikola Vlasic is a name that springs to mind…

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Nikola Vlasic’s Everton statistics

The Croatian joined the Goodison Park side in the summer of 2017 for a fee in the region of £8m.

Despite lofty expectations, the forward managed to play only 19 first-team games for the Toffees, scoring just twice in the process in what was a hugely disappointing spell on Merseyside.

He ended up joining CSKA Moscow on loan for the 2018/19 campaign, before moving to Russia on a permanent deal worth £14m in 2019, meaning the club had at least made a profit on the Croatian.

Fast-forward five years, it is clear that they sold him at precisely the right time, considering how low his market value is at present…

Nikola Vlasic’s market value

According to Transfermarkt, the 27-year-old is currently valued at just £8.3m and his valuation has been in rapid decline since 2021, when he was valued at a high £26m during his spell with the Moscow side.

At the time of writing, he is even worth less than 50% of the current Everton first-team squad, yet more evidence of his declining value.

The former Everton dud is playing for Torino in Serie A, scoring once in six appearances this term.

Since he joined the Italian side in 2022, Vlasic has scored only nine times in 78 games, hardly the form of a player at the peak of his powers.

His spell in England didn’t work out, with both Everton and West Ham United, but it is evident the Toffees hit the jackpot on him in 2019 when they made a £6m profit on the forward.

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ByJoe Nuttall Nov 3, 2024

Manchester United loanee Antony has aimed a subtle dig at Red Devils fans as he praised Real Betis supporters after Los Verdiblancos' latest win.

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• Antony in fine form at Real Betis
• Scores in 3-0 win over Gent
• Aims veiled dig at Man Utd fans over support

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Antony joined La Liga side Real Betis this winter having fallen out of favour at Manchester United following Ruben Amorim's appointment as successor to Erik ten Hag. The Brazilian only made nine appearances under the Portuguese coach, as a wing-back in most instances, before joining Los Verdiblancos on a six-month loan.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Antony has started three games for Manuel Pellegrini's side and has scored twice and provided an assist. The 24-year-old scored during Real Betis' 3-0 win against Gent in the first leg of the Conference League play-off round, and then aimed a sly dig at United fans by claiming that Los Verdiblancos' followers 'never stop supporting' the side.

• Getty
  

  WHAT ANTONY SAID

  Speaking to the media, Antony said: "In my heart, I knew that I would be very happy at Betis, I was sure about that. This win goes for the fans, they never stop supporting us."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY?

  Having started and starred in all three of his games under Pellegrini, one would expect Antony to be a starter yet again when Real Betis take on Real Sociedad on Sunday.

تلقى نادي ريال مدريد الإسباني، ضربة جديدة بإصابة أحد لاعبي الفريق الاول لكرة القدم، لتزداد قائمة المصابين في صفوف الملكي قبل مواجهة ليجانيس.

ريال مدريد يواجه ليجانيس يوم 29 مارس الجاري، بعد نهاية فترة التوقف الدولي، مع زيادة عدد المصابين، خاصة في خط الدفاع.

يغيب إيدير ميليتاو عن النادي الملكي بسبب إصابة بقطع في الرباط الصليبي، ولحق به فيرلاند ميندي بعد مواجهة أتلتيكو مدريد الماضية.

طالع أيضًا | مبابي يوضح أسباب بدايته السيئة مع ريال مدريد.. ويصرح: خلافاتي مع ديشامب لا تعني عدم احترامي له

الآن، ريال مدريد سيكون بدون ظهير أيسر، بعدما أكدت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، أن فران جارسيا انضم لقائمة المصابين، بعدما شعر بآلام في الفخذ خلال الدقائق الأخيرة من مواجهة فياريال السبت الماضي.

اللاعب الإسباني في انتظار فحوصات طبية أخرى، حيث شعر بانزعاج عضلي عانى منه خلال مواجهة فياريال، وأكمل الدقائق الأخيرة متحاملًا على نفسه.

Leeds United could reportedly sign a Red Bull forward who may end up possibly replacing Patrick Bamford at Elland Road.

Bamford looking to quit Leeds in 2025

It has been a frustrating period for Bamford under Daniel Farke, with the striker falling behind both Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe in the attacking pecking order during the 2024/25 season. During Farke’s first season in charge, Bamford suffered with a few injury problems but scored eight goals for Leeds as they reached the playoff final at Wembley.

His purple patch in front of goal came under Marcleo Bielsa where he scored 16 goals in the Championship title winning season and then 17 in the Premier League in 2020/21.

However, Bamford is now looking to quit Leeds in 2025, according to new reports, after growing frustrated with his playing time under Farke.

Appearances

191

Goals

60

Assists

22

The centre-forward, who is Leeds’ highest earner on £70,000-a-week, has around 18 months left to run on his Elland Road contract, and the 49ers Enterprises may have already identified a potential replacement for the 31-year-old.

Leeds linked with Red Bull forward

According to The Daily Mail, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds is a landing spot for RB Salzburg forward Adam Daghim. Leeds now have a connection to the club through their links with Red Bull, however, Premier League sides Brentford and Leicester City are also linked with the 19-year-old.

The Whites appear to be a potential destination for Daghim, who was even linked with both Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund last month.

Pep Lijnders, who currently manages RB Salzburg, was full of praise for Daghim recently, saying via Football Transfers: “Adam has great potential. I don’t like to single out individual players but he has ability, he is quick, he is very committed and has a big heart. He works for the team.”

A Denmark youth international, Daghim can play as a right winger, left winger or as a centre-forward and is valued at €5m by Transfermarkt. The 6 foot 1 forward has just 18 months remaining on his Salzburg contract and has scored two senior goals in 16 appearances for his current employers.

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Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig also likes what he sees in Daghim, listing his pace and acceleration, off-the-ball movement, pressing, technique and dribbling as his main strengths.

“It’s his trademark move. When Daghim sees an open space he can run into and his teammate with a ball, he instantly demands a pass. It often ends with a dangerous cross.

“Daghim has a great instinct and understanding of what’s happening on the pitch. He’s either ready to run to receive a long ball or close enough to speed up the action.

“With his impressive pace and acceleration, it should be obvious that the Dane fits perfectly in the long-ball and counter-attack-based philosophy of Liefering. It’s also one of the reasons he’s the main goalscorer of the team.”

A move to Yorkshire could be one to watch in 2025 for Daghim, as will be Bamford’s future at Elland Road.

Wayne Rooney is being backed to enjoy a “surreal” link-up with Steven Gerrard at Rangers, as both England legends find themselves out of work.

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Rooney back in punditry after Plymouth exitGerrard walked away from Saudi Pro League postReunion at Ibrox speculated on for ex-England captainsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester United great Rooney is taking on punditry duty again after seeing a 25-game stint in charge of Plymouth brought to a close. He failed to rebuild his reputation in managerial circles there after previously lasting just 83 days alongside NFL icon Tom Brady at Birmingham.

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Gerrard has also been struggling to earn favour in the coaching game, with the ex-Liverpool captain flopping at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq on the back of guiding Rangers to a memorable Scottish Premiership title triumph. There has been talk of him returning to Glasgow.

Getty ImagesWHAT RANGERS TITLE WINNER SAID

Derek Ferguson, who won two titles with the Gers in his playing days, believes Rooney may be tempted to join Gerrard in Scotland. He has told : “I quite like the fact that Rooney has put himself out there in terms of managerial jobs, albeit it’s not worked for him. Imagine Gerrard coming back to the club as manager and Rooney as his assistant. Something crazy like that, you know?

“The likes of Gerrard and Rooney, they’re football men. The one thing they have instantly is respect with the players. Players will listen to guys like that, who have been there and done it. So who knows? It would be surreal, but nothing surprises you in football. I quite like the sound of that.”

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WHAT NEXT?

Gerrard took in 193 games as Rangers boss, winning 125 of those, after agreeing to cut his managerial teeth at Ibrox. He left for a Premier League post at Aston Villa in November 2021 and is now enjoying a break from all football-related activity as he mulls over what to do next.