Once again the future of David De Gea remaining as Manchester United’s number one is under discussion. Several senior people inside the club think his £375k a week salary should be reduced but his contract extended. It is certainly an unusual situation. United could have already triggered the one-year extension highlighted in his current contract and used him as number two next season and released him the following summer but they are aware that if they qualify for the Champions League next season his salary will automatically continue on £375k as per his current contract. Erik Ten Hag keeps giving us the same defence of De Gea every time we ask about his future. He says his keeper is top of the clean-sheet table in the Premier League and has not had a disastrous season and there have been some notable performances against West Ham in the league and cup and his amazing save against Crystal Palace which was a finger-tip effort save from striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta.
Battle for survival
This weekend throws up some intriguing matches at the bottom of the Premier table. Clubs fighting to avoid relegation battle formidable opponents at home. Sam Allardyce and Steve Cooper still believe they can haul Leeds and Forest out of the relegation zone and this week, since Monday, Allardyce has arrived at Leeds’ training ground every morning at 7am and worked until 8.30pm…he was first to arrive and last to leave. Early morning breakfast has been cut short and Big Sam has worked his players hard with practice matches, extensive runs and short passing one on one. Analysing videos of recent matches has played a big part as Allardyce picks on player strengths and weaknesses. Leeds host Newcastle with Southampton, facing almost certain relegation, taking on Fulham at St Mary’s Stadium. Everton’s game against Manchester City will be crucial for the Toffees after their amazing 5-1 thrashing of Brighton at the Amex Stadium and Leicester entertain Liverpool at Filbert Street. These are all matches which the relegation sides must win but Newcastle will be looking to distance themselves from Manchester United and hang onto their top four place by beating Leeds at Elland Road and Eddie Howe has prepared his team with each player given a specific task which pinpoints Leeds’ recent player performances. Nottingham Forest, fresh from their 4-3 win over Southampton must travel to Stamford Bridge and try to beat Frank Lampard’s Chelsea.
Emery aims Villa at Europe
This weekend Aston Villa take on Tottenham who are three points ahead of them in the table. Emery’s explained to us that his focus is on winning a place in the Europa Conference competition next season. Brighton are just one point above them but have two games in hand and a difficult match away at Arsenal on Sunday. It could all come down to a showdown when the two clubs play each other on 28th May. Villa’s climb up the table has been halted by successive 1-0 defeats and Emery thinks his best chance is to beat Tottenham who visit this weekend. Emery said this week, “I am now thinking for the next match at home with our supporters and still keeping our chances to get a European Conference League place lies with beating sixth-placed Spurs. They are in the European positions and we have to try and get the last opportunity. We deserve to get it. I am now thinking for the next match at home with our supporters and I am going to prepare something special to beat Spurs.” Villa have Diego Carlos, Boubacar Kamara, Philippe Coutinho and Matty Cash all available again for the match.
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Arteta confident of keeping Saliba
Mikel Arteta says he is working hard behind the scenes to keep William Saliba at Arsenal.
The 22-year-old centre-back is a very important part of the coach’s plans for next season and is waiting for the “right moment” to reward him with a new improved contract. His importance is emphasized by the Gunner’s performances which have suffered since he was injured in the match against Sporting in the Europa League in March. Saliba will enter the final year of his contract very shortly and the Gunners are aware that if they do not tie him to a new deal he could leave on a free transfer in 2024. Edu, the sporting director, is key to negotiations. Arteta said, “Edu and the board are on top of every negotiation regarding new contracts and now we are doing everything we possibly can and the communications and relationship with William are excellent.
Alexander-Arnold succeeding in midfield
In case you hadn’t noticed, Liverpool are up to fifth in the table and only one point behind
Manchester United who have a game in hand. Jurgen Klopp’s push for a Champions League place has to be taken seriously and Erik Ten Hag is nervously looking over his shoulder. On a day when the Liverpool crowd booed the Coronation British national anthem, Mo Salah scored yet another goal which takes his season tally to 30 and Jurgen was busy telling us how well Trent Alexander-Arnold has converted from wing back to playing a starring role in midfield. The 24-year-old was commanding against Brentford and since the start of April no player has enjoyed more assists as he moves forward threatening in attack and his through ball to Darwin Nunez would have pleased Christian Eriksen, Martin Odegaard and other notable midfield specialists. Klopp wouldn’t commit himself to Trent remaining in the centre but I think he will be looking for a new defensive back instead of midfielder this summer.
Klopp paid tribute to his goalkeeper Allison, for my money the best goal stopper in the world, as he joined the 100 club after keeping his 100th clean sheet since joining the Reds in 2016.
Kompany sticks with Burnley
Following Burnley’s domination of the Championship, which has seen them promoted to the Premier League next season, ex-Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany could probably have chosen to join either Tottenham or Chelsea as coach. He has however remained faithful to the north eastern club and will be on the touchline again next season. Burnley offered him a new five-year contract and he had no hesitation in signing on the dotted line.
Next season will present more difficulties than the Championship as he takes on the big boys of Premier League football but his style of attacking football will be exciting. He said, “Burnley and Turf Moor felt right from the start – so it feels right to sign for the next five years. Together with the fans we have made Turf Moor a fortress again and continue to look forward to the future.”
Gundogan heading for Spain
Manchester City’s hierarchy are in disagreement with Pep Guardiola regarding Ilkay Gundogan. The German has been one of Manchester City’s most consistent performers this season and scored two more excellent goals last weekend against Leeds. Gundogan’s
contract ends in the summer and at 33 years-of-age, the management of the club think the club should be investing in younger players instead of keeping on those stars who are the wrong side of 30. If Pep does not succeed it is likely Ilkay will go to Barcelona. He has tremendous versatility which he displayed when Guardiola gave Rodri a rest and he played a deeper role but still managed to score twice. As Pep pointed out, Ilkay was chosen as the club captain which shows the respect he has and influence in the dressing room.
