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Manchester United are set to appoint Ralf Rangnick as their new interim manager after dismissing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over the weekend.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the innovative tactician is expected to take charge of the Red Devils on a six-month deal until the end of May before moving into a consultancy role for the next two years.

The news will be warmly welcomed by everyone associated with United, given his reputation and previous exploits, but the 63-year-old will also likely demand many changes.

Rangnick is commonly believed to be the founding father of modern-day tactics in his homeland, with his Gegenpressing style influencing the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann.

Such a physically demanding style requires a certain type of player, and therefore, it’s probable that considerable investments will be made in the upcoming January transfer window.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects Rangnick to lineup following a whopping £196.5 million spending spree…

Despite David de Gea’s return to form in the opening weeks of the current campaign, Rangnick’s sides require a sweeper-keeper due to their high defensive line, meaning the more proactive Dean Henderson would likely be preferred to the Spaniard.

Ahead of the 24-year-old would be a familiar back four, but with one significant change.

While Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane would almost certainly keep their places, Diogo Dalot could complete the defensive unit ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to his superior attacking prowess.

And there would likely be some major changes in the engine room, too. Rangnick prefers to play a 4-2-2-2 formation, meaning the two central midfielders are required to be extremely mobile.

Therefore, a £42.5m move for Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni could be sanctioned, allowing him to partner Donny van de Beek in the middle of the pitch.

Out wide, the stamina and creativity of Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could see them secure regular starting spots, although Jadon Sancho would also feature heavily after proving his pressing credentials at Borussia Dortmund.

And one of Sancho’s former teammates could link up with the England international at Old Trafford once again.

Erling Haaland has long been linked with the Red Devils, and Rangnick’s arrival could prompt the Glazers to meet his reported £154m price tag, with Mason Greenwood completely a fearsome forward line.

And, in other news…David Ornstein drops huge Man United manager update that’ll surely have fans buzzing

An update has emerged on both Trincao and Adama Traore’s future at Wolves.

What’s the news?

According to a number of reports in Spain, Barcelona will only sign Adama Traore permanently if Wolves sign the Portuguese winger permanently – leading to the La Liga giants’ club president Joan Laporta claiming that a deal could be completed if Trincao is used as a makeweight.

“I think a swap deal with Wolves between Francisco Trincao and Adama Traore could be a very good option,” said Laporta.

Must avoid for Wolves

Wolves’ woes in front of goal have continued on from Nuno Santo’s time in charge of the team, into the Bruno Lage era – having scored the fifth-lowest amount of goals in the Premier League this campaign.

Not helped by Raul Jimenez and Hwang Hee-chan’s total goal haul of 11 for the season so far between them, as well as £36m signing Fabio Silva failing to add any at all in the top flight – Lage will likely be looking to overhaul his attack in the summer – or at least improve it.

With Pedro Neto returning from injury, he can finally replace loanee Trincao as the starting inverted right winger in the team, after the Barcelona-owned youngster has failed to establish himself as a Premier League quality forward since joining last summer.

As a result, signing Trincao permanently next summer would not make much sense with the forward, who was dubbed “toothless” by Nathan Judah, scoring just one goal and assisting only one more in 22 appearances for the West Midlands side.

If they are to have European ambitions, the £19.8m-rated flop is not the player to take them forward and must be axed this summer. There is simply no point in bringing a player who is on £131k per week to the club to play back-up.

Instead, Lage would benefit more from spending the Adama money on other positions in the squad, and promoting one of the exciting young prospects in the academy – like left-footed Canada international Theo Corbeanu.

In other news: £1.35m-rated Wolves flop who has “developed in every way” now proving Lage very wrong

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their struggles in the January window…

What’s the talk?

Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has revealed that PIF are failing in the transfer market due to their reluctance to pay the right price.

The reporter tweeted: “Nobody thought two players would be enough in Jan 1st, with no new centre backs or midfielders among them. It’s ok to ask what’s happening and the pressure is on this week. Actually, it’s not just ok, it’s the right thing to do with seven days left.”

He then added: “You have to make bids that are too good to turn down in January, not haggle and try to get a bargain. So far they have done too much of the latter according to my sources.”

Seething

Newcastle fans will surely be seething with this error from PIF, as Eddie Howe’s team is in desperate need of reinforcements ahead of the final few months of the campaign.

The Magpies are in a terrible position in the Premier League and the current group of players have shown that they are not good enough to compete at the higher end of the table. They are currently 18th in the division and have only won two games all season, with both coming against teams in the bottom five.

Only Norwich have conceded more goals, having played a game more, and only Burnley have won fewer matches, with the Clarets having three games in hand over the Toon. This suggests that they could be bottom of two key performance-related statistics if they concede two or more goals in their next game and Sean Dyche’s side are able to pick up another win in their three matches.

Therefore, Howe’s squad needs to be strengthened further despite the additions of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood if they want to improve their chances of avoiding the drop. A year, or maybe more, of playing Championship football may not be what PIF imagined when they completed their takeover of the club, but they could be heading for that unless they change their tact in the next week, which is why fans will be frustrated as it stands.

PIF now need to start paying the fees required to land their targets or else they could end up with a lack of signings, or potentially panicking and bringing in the wrong ones close to deadline day. Time is running out and Newcastle supporters must be seething with the lack of progress behind the scenes.

AND in other news, Luke Edwards “told” frustrating Newcastle transfer update, Howe surely livid…

Leeds United are not looking to sign former midfielder Ronaldo Vieira this month, according to The Mirror’s David Anderson.

The Lowdown: Italian reports

The Whites are looking to bring in two midfielders before the end of the month, with numerous updates emerging from Italy regarding Vieira.

The 23-year-old has recently returned to Sampdoria’s matchday squad following a lengthy period out through injury, with reports towards the end of 2021 suggesting Vieira was ‘ready to return home’ with his bags packed.

A recent story went as far as to say Leeds are ready to sign Vieira over the coming weeks, however, it doesn’t seem as if that will materialise after all.

The Latest: Anderson’s post

Anderson took to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon to provide an update on the Englishman.

This is what he had to say, revealing the Whites are not making a move for Vieira.

“I know Leeds fans would rather hear who they are trying to sign, but it is my understanding that they are not attempting to re-sign old boy Ronaldo Vieira.”

The Verdict: Correct call?

Leeds currently have Kalvin Phillips and Jamie Shackleton out injured, leaving them with just two out-and-out midfielders available.

Vieira’s last competitive appearance came way back in February though, so it wouldn’t make sense to bring an injury-hit midfielder to rescue Leeds’ injury-hit squad.

There’s no denying that the Whites need additions in the middle of the pitch before the month is out, however, they need to be the correct ones in both the short and long term, so it seems to be the right move to not pursue Vieira going off his recent injury woes.

In other news: ‘This is huge’ – BBC pundit reacts to ‘massive’ Leeds news he’s heard from Elland Road. 

Many Sunderland fans were left slamming the display of Elliot Embleton in their 6-0 loss away at Bolton Wanderers in League One on Saturday afternoon.

It was a day to forget for manager Lee Johnson and his team, in what could turn out to be a very damaging defeat in the race for automatic promotion up to the Championship.

Embleton was just one of a number of poor performers for the Stadium of Light faithful, missing with both of his shots at goal, while he also failed to record a single successful dribble and lost possession of the ball eight times (SofaScore).

He also recorded fewer touches than his own goalkeeper Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, highlighting his lack of impact from an attacking point of view.

Sunderland fans slam Embleton

These Black Cats slammed his performance on Twitter, with one SAFC supporter going as far as to claim that he was a ‘passenger’ in the match, criticism which is certainly backed by the numbers:

“Gooch, Embleton awful. Offer nothing”

Credit: @LeeSafcMiller

“Elliot Embleton did absolutely nothing in that half. A passenger far too often for long spells in games.”

Credit: @Michael35507062

“Can’t believe I haven’t seen anyone talk about how bad Embleton has been recently it’s like playing with 10 men. He takes the kick off then just disappears for 10 minute intervals”

Credit: @tazzlor___

“Gooch, Embleton, Neil not good enough, I get the home grown craic but come on!!!!”

Credit: @ChristopherT198

“Embleton and Gooch very lucky to survive half-time.”

Credit: @_toosb

“Dan Neil poor, Embleton poor, Gooch dire!! And that back like is horrible. We look vulnerable every time we have an attack against us!!!”

Credit: @leech_tom

In other news, find out transfer update has Black Cats buzzing here!

West Ham boss David Moyes could form a devastating attacking duo by pairing Said Benrahma with Nottingham Forest starlet Brennan Johnson.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from The Daily Mail, the Hammers are one of a number of Premier League sides to have joined the race to sign Johnson.

It’s been suggested that if Forest receive a bid meeting their valuation, then the 20-year-old could well be sold in the upcoming January transfer window rather than in the summer too.

Imagine him and Benrahma

The forward enjoyed an impressive campaign on loan at Lincoln City in League One last season, scoring ten goals and providing a further twelve assists in the league – his displays were key as they made the play-off final, losing to Blackpool 2-1 despite him setting up a goal at Wembley.

With that canny knack of finding himself in the right place at the right time, there’s a lot to like about Johnson’s game, and he could well thrive alongside a play-maker like Benrahma in this West Ham team.

Johnson’s former manager at Forest, Sabri Lamouchi, hailed him not just as an “unbelievable player” but one with the “right mentality” too, and that will surely be music to the ears of Moyes.

His boss at Lincoln, Michael Appleton has raved about the fearlessness of the versatile attacker, saying: “Brennan has been great. He has a lot of pace and gives us directness when we look to counter. He has played in numerous positions for us. He has played as a nine, as a ten, as a central midfielder. He has never moaned and just gets on with it.”

Having two, young attacking midfielders who have both really cut their teeth in the leagues below the Premier League could see the Hammers form one of the most exciting duos in the top-flight.

Meanwhile, this man was David Moyes’ shining light vs Spurs…

Pundit Alex McLeish has urged Celtic to open talks with midfielder Tom Rogic regarding a new contract, Football Insider report.

The lowdown: Ange plays down talks

Despite the 29-year-old fast approaching the final 12 months of a deal at Celtic Park, Ange Postecoglou was calm over his compatriot’s future when speaking back in February.

The Hoops’ boss has continued to rely heavily on the Australian ace though, calling upon the ever-reliable midfielder on 44 occasions across all competitions so far.

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This importance hasn’t gone unnoticed as onlookers begin to speculate as to when Rogic’s future could be resolved.

The verdict: McLeish has his say

A reliable report from The Athletic has claimed that the man signed for £432,000 from Central Coast in 2013 (Transfermarkt) could look to move onto pastures new and head to Asia at the end of the season if Celtic win the league.

Speaking to FI, ex-Scotland boss McLeish is hoping that won’t happen, urging the club to open negotiations with a transformed Rogic in the near future.

“He’s been the bane of everybody recently, but he was invisible for a big period. It’s taken his countryman, Postecoglou, to come in and show the faith in him again.

“And he’s rewarded his gaffer with some incredible performances. I would have thought Celtic would make it a high priority to get Tom on board for a few more seasons.”

The verdict: No brainer

Despite an influx of exciting arrivals at Lennoxtown under the watch of Postecoglou, should all parties be willing to extend, a new deal for the 51-cap Australia star should be a straightforward decision for the club.

So far this season Rogic has scored six times and provided ten assists for Postecoglou’s side and seems certain to play a huge role in the Bhoys’ quest for a domestic treble.

As per Whoscored, the Aussie is one of the most creative players in the squad, with only three players (min. 700 minutes) creating more chances in Premiership action this season – he is simply too good to let walk.

In other news, three Celtic stars shone in Scottish Premiership victory. Find out who here.

Everton have reportedly entered the race to sign Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier as manager Rafa Benitez looks to bolster his depleted backline.

What’s the story?

According to 90min, the Toffees are one of several Premier League clubs who have asked to be kept informed of the 31-year-old’s situation, with Newcastle United, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace also listed as potential suitors.

Previous reports have claimed that Atleti are set to demand £25m for Trippier over the coming months, with the player keen on a move back to his homeland, although there is no guarantee the Atletico Madrid defender will move in the new year.

Forget Seamus Coleman

With current first-choice right-back Seamus Coleman set to turn 34 at the start of next season and understudy Jonjoe Kenny failing to get many minutes, Benitez may prioritise that position in the transfer market over the next couple of windows.

And Trippier could be an ideal candidate. Throughout his career, the England international has showcased his quality for both club and country, catching the eye with several impressive performances.

His national team boss Gareth Southgate has often kept faith with the experienced full-back, selecting him on either side of the defence and labelled him a ‘warrior’ earlier this year.

“He (Trippier) is a very underrated player,” said Southgate. “People are still looking at the player from a few years ago and not at the one who is at Atletico Madrid and playing like a warrior in the last few seasons. He is a big part of what we’ve done over the last few years and he gave a really good performance.”

Southgate has also lauded Trippier’s “outstanding quality” from set-pieces in the past and his underlying numbers illustrate why the Three Lions coach holds him in such high regard.

As per WhoScored, Trippier received a season rating of 7.20 for his 28 La Liga appearances last season – the second-highest in the first-team squad, and it’s easy to understand why.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star averaged 2.2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 1.2 key passes, placing him in the top two compared to his teammates for each metric as Atleti claimed the top-flight title.

Therefore, Trippier could become the ideal heir for Coleman on Merseyside, and the Everton supporters will surely be hoping Benitez can see off the extensive competition for his signature.

And, in other news…Everton could discover their new Rooney by signing “first-class” 20 y/o with “no fear”

West Ham United have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Fabio Carvalho to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that the Fulham attacking midfielder could find a move to a Premier League side too tempting to turn down this month.

The report goes on to state that all of West Ham, Liverpool and Leeds United are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 19-year-old – who has less than six months left to run on his current contract at Craven Cottage – ahead of a potential £5m swoop for the forward prior to the closure of the January market.

Lanzini’s heir

Considering just how impressive Carvalho has been for Fulham this season, it would appear a very smart move for Moyes to make an offer for the attacking midfielder this month, rather than waiting for the England youth international to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Indeed, the £3.15m-rated prodigy has been in breathtaking form over his 17 Championship outings in the current campaign, having already scored eight goals, provided two assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.1 shots, making 1.5 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £650-per-week forward who Greg Cruttwell – one of Carvalho’s first coaches at Balham FC – dubbed “unplayable” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Marco Silva’s eighth-best performer in the second tier.

Indeed, there are clear similarities between the Fulham starlet and West Ham’s own Manuel Lanzini – with both players being slight in stature, being able to operate on either wing as well as their primary position in the number 10 role, being extremely comfortable in their progression of the ball and possessing a penchant for scoring spectacular goals.

And, with the Argentina international turning 30 next season, as well as his current contract expiring in the summer of 2023, it will not be long before a replacement could be required for the Hammers’ current attacking midfield magician – with it being difficult to find a more suitable candidate than Carvalho.

As such, it is our belief that the West Ham board must do all they can to fight off the competition in order to secure a deal for the 19-year-old this month, as Carvalho is clearly a player heading for the very top of the game – something he could well achieve at the London Stadium.

In other news: Moyes can land perfect Gabigol alternative as WHU submit offer for “quality” £8.5m gem

A big Rangers transfer claim has emerged, regarding the potential sale of Romanian forward Ianis Hagi from Ibrox and his future under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

What’s the talk?

Former Premier League forward Noel Whelan has claimed that the Gers will need to buy and sell players like the winger for profit to compete with Celtic in the long-term, citing their business model with Virgil van Dijk in particular.

He told Football Insider: “Rangers have got to sell players like him in order to be self-sustainable.

“That’s been the case for Celtic too, not just Rangers. As much as they’re giants in Scotland and well-known across Europe, we’ve seen over the years that Celtic will take profits on their best players.

“Their recruitment has been so crucial for them, and that’s the same for Rangers. They buy them, nuture them, develop them – but then when the time is right, they sell them on.

“It just like what happened with Van Dijk at Celtic. Many have come through there and done a great job for them, winning titles at the club.

“It’s just the way of the world right now. Money talks if you are Rangers or Celtic, they just can’t compete with the Premier League clubs at the moment.”

Masterclass

Turkish outlet En Son Haber recently claimed that Rangers are preparing for Hagi’s exit as a number of clubs circle around the forward. In selling the attacker, they could repeat an Old Firm masterclass from Celtic – as they sold van Dijk for a gigantic profit back in 2015.

Per Transfermarkt, the Hoops signed the Dutchman from Groningen for £2.48m in 2013 before selling him to Southampton for £14.13m two years later. He is one of seven players Celtic have sold for more than £11m since 2014, whilst Rangers have not sold a player for more than £3m in that time.

The Gers reportedly paid £4m to sign Hagi from Genk in 2020 and the interest in his services now could offer them the chance to make a profit on him, much like Celtic did with van Dijk. Ross Wilson now has a major decision to make and he could repeat their masterclass in doing so.

Selling the Romanian international could allow them to kickstart a healthy business model moving forward where they are able to develop young talent before selling them on for big money and then replacing them with more prospects. The Gers could use Hagi as the poster boy for this, showing targets his potential success to convince them to make a similar switch.

This could aid the club in their attempts to sign talented youngsters in the future, as it would show that Rangers are willing to be a stepping stone in their footballing journey. Whilst it may not be music to the fans’ ears, it could be a profitable move by Wilson that helps the long-term future at Ibrox.

AND in other news, Gio can finally axe a “Rangers legend” by signing “perfect” £3.1k-p/w beast in January…