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Manchester United face Sunderland at Old Trafford this afternoon, looking to finally kickstart their Premier League campaign after a dismal start to life in 2025/26.

The Red Devils have lost 50% of their league games to date, subsequently ramping up the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim after he was backed in the transfer market.

The 40-year-old’s side will be looking to right the wrongs of last weekend, where they fell to a 3-1 defeat against Brentford – in what was an all-round afternoon to forget.

This afternoon’s clash will be the first against the Black Cats since April 2017, with Regis Le Bris’ side in fine form and currently sitting in 5th place after just one defeat in the first six outings.

However, if Amorim is to secure a needed three points against the newly promoted outfit, he will need to drop one player who has fallen way below the levels the supporters expect of him.

Why Dorgu needs to be dropped against Sunderland

Back in January, United forked out £30m for the signature of wing-back Patrick Dorgu, with the youngster becoming the manager’s first major addition of his tenure.

The Dane has started five of the Red Devils’ league outings in 2025/26, with the only game he missed coming against Burnley – a game the side managed to claim victory in.

However, when he has featured as of late, the 20-year-old has struggled to make a positive impact, with his showing against the Bees last weekend highlighting his struggles.

He featured for 85 minutes before being replaced, but his withdrawal was certainly warranted, after committing three fouls and picking up his second booking of the campaign.

The youngster also only managed to complete 33% of his dribbles whilst being unable to find a teammate with any of his crosses – highlighting his inability to create carnage when in transition.

As a result, the manager desperately needs to give him a break and give one other player at the club the opportunity to showcase his talents within the first-team setup.

The United star who could replace Dorgu against Sunderland

The wing-back areas have been a huge concern for United ever since Amorim entered the door, with his 3-4-2-1 system, one that requires high energy in such a department.

Luke Shaw’s injury issues have seen him drop into a more left-sided centre-back role, further reducing the options available to the manager in wide areas.

On the opposite side, Amad Diallo has often filled such a void, with Diogo Dalot also making numerous appearances – but neither seem fully suited to such a position.

However, the left-hand side has been the biggest concern to many, which could see summer addition Diego Leon given his first real opportunity to thrive at Old Trafford.

The hierarchy paid up to £7m for the full-back from Paraguayan Primera División side Club Cerro Porteño, with real hope that the youngster can be one for the future.

At just 18, Leon has bags of time to make his mark for the Red Devils, but the lack of quality in such areas could catapult him into the limelight a lot sooner than anyone expected.

The youngster, who’s been labelled a “steam train” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has already racked up 35 senior appearances despite his tender age, already impressing in the professional game.

Diego Leon – stats before joining United

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

35

Goals scored

4

Pass accuracy

80%

Crosses completed

0.8

Dribbles completed

1.1

Tackles won

1.7

Interceptions made

1.1

Duels won

5.4

Stats via FotMob

Leon ranked in the 70th percentile for crosses completed last campaign, whilst also completing 1.1 dribbles per 90 – showcasing his ability to impress with the ball at his feet.

However, without it, he was just as impressive, winning 1.7 tackles per 90 and making 1.1 interceptions – arguably making him the perfect all-round option for the Red Devils.

Whilst he’s yet to make a single senior appearance for Amorim’s side, this afternoon’s clash could be the perfect chance for the youngster to kickstart his career in English football.

It could be a risk given his tender age, but given the lack of quality in such an area of the pitch, it’s a decision that the manager could look to make to help save his job at Old Trafford.

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Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing one former player to depart Old Trafford.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Oct 3, 2025

Crystal Palace are in the market for late signings and are now in surprise talks over a deal to bring a rival star to Selhurst Park, according to reports.

Crystal Palace set to welcome Christantus Uche

The Eagles have been involved in some high-stakes negotiations today and they could be set to welcome a number of arrivals before the close of play.

Eberechi Eze is gone and Crystal Palace may now have found his replacement in the form of Christantus Uche, who will arrive from Getafe after Wolverhampton Wanderers saw their move break down for the Nigeria international.

Bobby Manzi confirmed the latest on his situation this morning via X, stating: “Christantus Uche closing in on a move to Crystal Palace. Versatile forward capable of playing as a striker, left-sided attacker and advanced midfielder. Boosts forward ranks with Odsonne Edouard set to leave. Uche has started all three games for Getafe this season, picking up a goal and an assist.”

Putting that aside, Crystal Palace are set to complete a shock loan move for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Igor Julio in the form of a straight loan, in a surprise development given both sides are fierce rivals.

That may be a pivotal step in Marc Guehi’s situation, which is subject to change at any moment, but it appears that Oliver Glasner wants backline cover regardless of circumstance.

Time is running out and supporters are waiting on baited breath for announcements, which could help to shape the campaign Crystal Palace can have moving forward after their FA Community Shield victory.

Managers are always hungry for more options to fit their tactical mode of operation, and Glasner appears to have made a late play to bring a winger to Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace in talks over loan move for Manor Solomon

According to Mailsport, Crystal Palace are in discussions over a loan swoop for Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon that could include a buy option.

Speaking about the deal, reporter Matt Barlow stated: “Crystal Palace are among those interested in Manor Solomon. They had an approach flatly rejected over the weekend.

Crystal Palace make late approach to sign 19-cap defender alongside Canvot

The Eagles are ready to try and land his signature.

BySean Markus Clifford Aug 30, 2025

“Maybe Daniel Levy was not keen to deal with Palace after the embarrassment he suffered when the Eberechi Eze deal was hijacked by rivals Arsenal. And Thomas Frank does not want to lose firepower unless it can be replaced. But Palace have returned today and there are discussions about a possible loan with an option.”

Labelled “brilliant” by Adam Pope, the former Fulham man was a smash-hit on loan at Leeds United last term, registering ten goals and 13 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions as they claimed promotion.

Nevertheless, there may be a late opening for him to leave North London, and a move across the city could be on the cards if all parties can come to an agreement before this evening’s cut-off point.

Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the first few IPL 2025 matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) as he continues to recover from the back injury that has kept him out of action since January. It has been learnt that Bumrah is expected to join the squad by early April – MI have three games scheduled in March – subject to clearance from the medical team at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.Bumrah has been recuperating from the stress-related injury in his lower back, which he suffered on the second day of the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney on January 4. Bumrah was subsequently ruled out of the Champions Trophy, which India won earlier this month. This is the first time Bumrah has gone down with a back injury since undergoing surgery in March 2023.While announcing the squad for Champions Trophy in January, Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, had said that Bumrah had been asked by the BCCI medical team to offload for at least five weeks (from the SCG Test). Since the Champions Trophy only started on February 19, Bumrah had been included in India’s provisional squad. He travelled to Bengaluru for fresh scans in early February, but continued to feel discomfort and was not named in the final squad.It could not be confirmed exactly how many matches Bumrah would miss and if there was a definite date of return.Will Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t played since the Sydney Test in early January•Getty Images

MI’s first two IPL 2025 fixtures are away: after starting their campaign in Chennai against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23, they play Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29. MI’s first home match is two days later, when they host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 31. They then play two matches in first week of April: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on April 4 and at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 7.His unique action has made Bumrah susceptible to back issues, forcing the BCCI medical team, the selectors, and the team think tank to balance his workload and ensure that he is given optimal rest between series/tournaments.Recently, former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond, who has worked with Bumrah in the past at MI in his capacity as the team’s bowling coach, had warned that if Bumrah suffers another back injury in the spot where he had had the surgery, it could be a “career ender”.Bond, who had suffered chronic back issues during his playing career, said that the “danger” zone for fast bowlers was when they transitioned too quickly from T20 to Test cricket, and that was his primary concern for Bumrah, too, seeing that India are scheduled to travel to England in June to play a five-Test series barely a month after the IPL ends on May 25.

Visiting captain finishes off the game himself as South Africa go down heavily in second Youth Test

ECB Reporters Network06-Feb-2025England U19s 353 (Sawant 130, Fonseka 52, Rossouw 5-74) and 25 for 0 beat South Africa U19s 224 (James 84, Hansen 63, Jack 3-42) and 153 (Rowles 71, Vaughan 6-19) by 10 wicketsYoung Lions captain Archie Vaughan put the finishing touches on a comfortable 10-wicket win over South Africa Men U19s in the second Youth Test at Cape Town.Vaughan helped tidy up the home tail on the fourth morning to return 6 for 19 before he and Ben Dawkins knocked off a victory target of 25 in just 3.1 overs.The tourists needed two wickets to end the Young Proteas’ second innings when play resumed and Vaughan, who did the damage on the third evening with five wickets, immediately made an impact bowling Sandiswa Yeni for a duck.Eddie Jack wrapped up the innings when Nqobani Mokoena hit out to Alexander Wade in the deep as the hosts were bowled out for 153.The England Men U19 openers made light work of the chase, with Vaughan lap-sweeping Mokoena for six before Dawkins crunched Nathan Rossouw to the rope to win the game.England Men U19s won the series 1-0, after falling one wicket short of victory in the first Youth Test last week. South Africa Men U19s had won the preceding Youth ODI series 2-1.

West Ham United fans gathered in large numbers outside the London Stadium ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace to demand the departure of the board. The Hammers have endured a torrid start to the 2025-26 season, with the fans having lost their patience with the current ownership. There have been calls to boycott the next home game, too.

• West Ham owners urged to step down

  Thousands of disgruntled West Ham supporters staged a protest outside the London Stadium, demanding the departure of owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady. Chants of “Sack the board” and “BS (Brady and Sullivan) out!” echoed as fans gathered near the directors' entrance ahead of the club’s latest Premier League fixture on Saturday.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Fans threaten to boycott home games

  Protest organisers have pledged to march before every home match this season and are calling for a boycott of the upcoming clash against Brentford on October 20. The unrest follows a letter of no confidence sent to the board earlier this month, to which the club responded with a 1,376-word statement detailing recent investments in the squad and infrastructure.

  Despite West Ham's poor home form – winless at the London Stadium since February – protest leaders insist the demonstrations are not purely results-driven. Instead, they point to longstanding frustrations over the club’s management and the controversial 2016 relocation from Upton Park to London Stadium. Protesters even carried banners which read, "Long Live The Boleyn," a reference to their former home ground for 112 years.

• Frustration boiling over among players and Potter

  The season began with an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to newly-promoted Sunderland, followed by a 5-1 shellacking against head coach Graham Potter's former employers, Chelsea, at home. In the post-match press conference, Potter's emotions seemed to have gotten the better of him, with the West Ham boss interrupting one of the journalists by telling him "there's a lot of other people here that might want to ask a question."

  Even the players have struggled to maintain their composure. In August, Jarrod Bowen had to be restrained by team-mates Tomas Soucek and Alphonse Areola, as well as stewards, as he attempted to confront a West Ham supporter following a 3-2 loss to Wolves in the Carabao Cup.

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  Will West Ham sack Potter anytime soon?

  Following Saturday's 2-1 home loss to Palace, English media are reporting that the club is seriously considering sacking Potter. The ex-Brighton and Chelsea head coach infamously holds the record of earning the lowest points from his first 10 home games among any West Ham manager in history. Reports suggest that 42-year-old Gary O'Neil is being eyed as Potter's replacement, with the London-based outfit reeling at 18th position after four losses from their first five Premier League games.

It’s hard to think of a summer which has felt more positive for Chelsea.

Not only are Enzo Maresca’s side Conference League champions, but they are also World Champions after they demolished Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain over a week ago.

Add to that the fact they’ve already completed the seriously exciting signings of Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, and it feels like they could achieve something seriously special in the Premier League next season.

Moreover, the Blues have been heavily linked with the exciting Xavi Simons, although if reports are to be believed, they could now be targeting someone who’d be an even better signing.

Chelsea target Simons upgrade

Even though Chelsea have already been incredibly busy in the transfer window this summer, the club continue to be linked with potentially game-changing acquisitions, such as Simons.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The RB Leipzig gem enjoyed another stellar campaign in Germany last season, but has made it clear he now wants to leave for a fresh challenge, and alongside teams like Arsenal, the Blues have been one of the teams most liked for a move for him.

Based on reports from earlier this week, it looks like the West Londoners would have to pay as much as £95m for the 22-year-old’s services, and while that isn’t a crazy amount, it now looks like they’re eyeing up another young star, someone who’d be an even better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which has confirmed that Chelsea are still very interested in Morgan Rogers.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Pensioners are now preparing an offer for the Aston Villa star that would see them offer Benoît Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo, plus a small fee, to try and secure the Englishman’s services.

It might sound like overkill to offer three players plus money, but that might be what is required, considering other reports from this summer claim the Claret and Blue value their young star at up to £100m.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but Rogers would certainly be worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Simons.

Why Rogers would be a better signing than Simons

While both players are incredibly talented and look like they’re set for brilliant careers at the very highest level, there are a number of reasons why Rogers would be a better signing for Chelsea than Simons, and the first is due to his experience.

While the Dutchman has played plenty of top-flight football across his career to date, he’s never played in the Premier League, and that is a significant disadvantage, as it would likely take him some time to adapt, whereas the Villa ace could potentially slot right into Maresca’s side with no problem at all.

Moreover, while the Bundesliga is a great competition in its own right, it is only the fourth-toughest league in world football, whereas the Premier League takes the top spot, and quite comfortably so.

In fact, when we compare their output from the one competition they both played in last season, the Champions League, the difference in their effectiveness is really quite stark.

For example, in 12 appearances in Europe’s top competition, totalling 1025 minutes, the Claret and Blue’s game-changing “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob, scored four goals and provided three assists.

Appearances

12

5

Minutes

1025′

337′

Goals

4

0

Assists

3

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0

Minutes per Goal Involvement

146.42′

N/A

In other words, the England star managed to average a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 146.42 minutes, which is all the more impressive given that it was his first time playing in it.

In contrast, the former PSV Eindhoven gem made five appearances, totalling 337 minutes and failed to score a single goal or provide a single assist.

Ultimately, Chelsea would do well to sign either Simons or Rogers this summer, but given his experience in the Premier League and his proven ability in Europe, the latter would be the better signing.

Their new Hazard: Chelsea set to hold talks to sign £95m "superstar"

Chelsea could be set to hold talks to sign a Dutch superstar

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 21, 2025

With Anthony Elanga already on the way, Newcastle United are now reportedly “keen” to beat Chelsea in the race to sign a talented striker who would be an instant upgrade on Callum Wilson.

Newcastle still in the market for a striker

After confirming Wilson’s decision to leave the club at the end of his contract, Newcastle are still on the hunt for another striker to provide competition for Alexander Isak and William Osula.

The veteran forward confirmed the news of his departure, taking to social media to say: “To all you Magpies, it’s time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years at the Toon.

“Thank you for everything. We stood strong together through the highs and some lows to help the club experience new heights. I am so proud to have worn the iconic number 9 shirt and to have added a little more history to it.

“Scoring at the Gallowgate end really is as special as they say. All good things come to an end, but there’s no doubt Newcastle United will always have a place in mine and my families hearts.”

As one striker leaves, however, another could be on his way this summer. Those at St James’ Park have instantly turned towards Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, according to reports, and there’s no doubt that he would round off an excellent list of attacking options at Eddie Howe’s disposal.

As impressive as Wissa is, though, he’s not the only name on the Magpies’ radar, and they may well turn towards an even better alternative ahead of next season.

Newcastle now "keen" to sign Ekitike – Romano

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are now “keen” to sign Hugo Ekitike ahead of Chelsea this summer.

The talented Frenchman has attracted plenty of interest in recent months, including from Saudi Arabia and Liverpool, but those at St James’ Park will be hoping to make their biggest statement yet by winning the race for his signature.

The deal won’t come cheap given that previous reports have claimed that Frankfurt will demand as much as €100m (£85m) to sell their star striker this summer, but Ekitike could prove to be worth that hefty fee.

Better than Elanga: Newcastle ready to accelerate move for £40m "menace"

Newcastle are looking to add further depth out wide

6

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 10, 2025

The former Paris Saint-Germain forward was described as “strong” by analyst Ben Mattinson last season as he rounded off a fantastic season with 22 goals in all competitions. And now, it should come as no surprise that a hectic race is forming for his signature.

Left-armer wants to partner Shoaib Bashir and says he is “getting back to my best” after injuries

ESPNcricinfo staff and ECB Reporters Network01-Sep-2024Jack Leach said he is “as determined as I ever have been to play for England” after his 12-wicket haul secured Somerset’s win over Durham, and is targeting a place on October’s Test tour to Pakistan.Leach was England’s first-choice spinner for the first year of Ben Stokes’ tenure as captain, but has only played two Tests in the last 18 months due to back and knee injuries. Shoaib Bashir, his Somerset team-mate, has jumped ahead of him in the pecking order and has taken three five-wicket hauls in his first eight Tests.But Leach believes he can win his place back ahead of England’s three-match series in Pakistan in October. Leach took 15 wickets during England’s 3-0 win in Pakistan in December 2022, and cited his match-winning haul in the County Championship this week as proof that he is “getting back to my best”.”I totally understand the reason why Bash has been selected,” Leach said. “I rate him really highly and think he is already a very good bowler with a lot of promise for the future. We have worked together a lot and I am very proud of him and want to see him flourish. But there is a tour to Pakistan coming up and if England need me, I am more than happy to go.”I would imagine they will take more than one spinner and I feel I am getting back to my best after almost a year with niggles that have taken some overcoming. You don’t always realise how hard it is to come back from injuries.”Long spells like I have had against Durham certainly help in that respect. It would be nice if both Shoaib and myself could make the Pakistan tour and there is no reason why that can’t happen. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I am as determined as I ever have been to play for England.”Leach took 12 wickets in Somerset’s win over Durham•Harry Trump/Getty ImagesSomerset’s 293-run win helped them close the gap on Championship leaders Surrey, with the two sides facing one another at Taunton from September 9.”In the meantime, I want to do all I can to help Somerset win the Championship,” Leach said. “We are all excited at the prospect of facing Surrey at Taunton next as one of three hugely important games.”We are still right in the fight for the title, which is where we wanted to be at this stage of the season. I think the pitch against Durham suits our style of cricket. You had to be patient as a bowler, but if you kept putting the ball in the right place you were rewarded.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers have money to play with this summer and could now turn their attention to an exciting winger to add flair acrosss their forward line, according to reports.

Wolverhampton Wanderers kickstart summer transfer window

Matheus Cunha’s departure to Manchester United may have left a sour taste in the mouth for supporters of the Old Gold, but there was always an element of inevitability regarding his eventual fate.

Nonetheless, the picture appears to be bright in the West Midlands under Vitor Pereira, who will be given time and financial backing to shape his squad over the coming months.

Evaluating the immediate priority at Molineux, adding one or two quality attacking options in the face of Cunha no longer being in the building will become a popular topic among fans and pundits alike.

Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic has been targeted by the Old Gold to help provide some added prowess in the final third, and Alex Neil’s ringing endorsement that the 20-year-old is one of Europe’s top ten talents will likely create plenty of intrigue.

Further back, Nelson Semedo is mulling over a new deal at Wolves as his contract nears expiration, illustrating the importance of bringing a right-sided defender to the club should the Portugal international move on to tackle a fresh challenge.

Wolves could sign instant Cunha replacement in "special" £25m talent

Wolves will be hoping to sign a replacement for Matheus Cunha this summer

By
Ross Kilvington

May 31, 2025

Sunderland’s Trai Hume may be the man the Old Gold are looking for to strike an adequate balance. Meanwhile, Rayan Ait-Nouri’s impending transfer to Manchester City leaves food for thought at left-back.

Transition may not be a bad thing for Wolves in light of big-money departures. Either way, they are now reportedly plotting a swoop for an exciting young winger.

Wolverhampton Wanderers plotting swoop for Roger Fernandes

According to Molineux News in conversation with Graeme Bailey, Wolves are keeping tabs on Braga winger Roger Fernandes and he expects the Old Gold to ‘explore’ the Primeira Liga for additions during the window.

Reports earlier this year claimed Manchester United, Manchester City, Brighton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also keen on Fernandes amid his rise to prominence in Portugal, which has led to a £25m price tag.

Referencing the situation, Bailey said: “I think the Portuguese league will be somewhere that they explore; it wouldn’t surprise me if they do look towards that league again. I’ve heard Roger Fernandes’ name linked to Wolves in recent weeks as well, wouldn’t surprise me if he was on the agenda.”

Likened to former Manchester United star Antonio Valencia by Foot The Ball, Fernandes has registered five goals and seven assists in 48 appearances for Braga this term and is capable of featuring on either flank.

Completing an average of 1.4 dribbles per league match, the Portugal youth international could go some way to filling the creative void left by Cunha, even if he is only one part of the solution.

Tottenham Hotspur have now held advanced talks to appoint a “phenomenal” manager as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou, according to journalist Tancredi Palmeri.

Sack looming for Postecoglou despite Europa League victory

It appears as though the Europa League triumph in Bilbao will not be enough to prevent Daniel Levy from pulling the trigger on Postecoglou, with Football Insider recently revealing thaty the decision has been made to sack the manager.

That news comes after journalist Miguel Delaney revealed the 59-year-old has very little chance of remaining in his post, saying: “As of Friday morning, Tottenham Hotspur still hadn’t made an official decision on Ange Postecoglou but the chances of staying had apparently gone down from last week’s ‘five percent’.

“His departure is still expected, whenever that may be.”

Sacking the manager who led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years will no doubt cause unrest within some pockets of the fanbase, but making the decision early will, at the very least, give any new manager an entire summer to instill a new philosophy.

According to Palmeri, who recently spoke to talkSPORT, Daniel Levy now has a top-level manager in mind as a replacement for Ange, namely Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi.

When asked about Inzaghi’s future at the San Siro, the journalist said: “The situation is that Al Hilal offered him £25million per-season for two seasons.

“I can tell you that he had advanced contacts with both Newcastle and Tottenham but at the same time, the priority for him is to stay at Inter.”

"Phenomenal" Inzaghi could be ideal Ange replacement

Tottenham’s 17th-place finish cannot be ignored, despite the Europa League triumph in Bilbao, with Ange’s side losing 22 Premier League games across the campaign, becoming the first side to lose as many without being relegated.

There is no doubting the Inter Milan manager’s talent, having led his side to the Champions League final this season, albeit coming up short in a 5-0 thrashing against Paris Saint-Germain in Munich.

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ByDominic Lund Jun 2, 2025

The Italian has been lauded as “phenomenal” by former Inter striker Felipe Caicedo, and he retains a stellar record across spells with Inter and Lazio, winning three Italian Cups, five Super Cups and one Serie A title in the process.

Inzaghi’s record

Matches

Points per match

Inter Milan

217

2.14

Lazio

244

1.79

It would be a shame to see Ange leave, given that he was responsible for ending Tottenham’s trophy drought, but Inzaghi, who rakes in £5.6m-a-year (£108k-a-week), could be an excellent replacement for the Australian.