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EPL: Ten Hag to offload 10 Man Utd players next year

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Manchester United is expected to undergo a significant overhaul with the potential departure of at least 10 players across the upcoming two transfer windows in 2024. The summer already witnessed the exits of David de Gea, Fred, Dean Henderson, and Anthony Elanga from Old Trafford, but further changes are anticipated in the coming year.

Erik ten Hag, the manager, is reportedly planning to reshape the squad over the next 12 months, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. Among the players in question, Jonny Evans is set to be out of contract in June, and at 36 years old in January, he is not expected to receive a new deal.

Raphael Varane may also leave the club after falling in the pecking order this season, with Ten Hag favoring Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire over the Frenchman in recent matches. Lindelof’s contract is up in 2024, but there is an option to extend it by an additional 12 months, while Maguire is contracted until 2025.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is entering the final six months of his contract, and negotiations are ongoing regarding a possible extension. The midfield is expected to see more turnover than witnessed in the summer, with Fred being the sole senior midfielder to depart. There is speculation about the potential departure of experienced players such as Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.

Anthony Martial, currently in his ninth season at the club, has six months left on his existing deal. Although he was on loan last year, a permanent departure may not materialize next year.

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In addition, back-up goalkeeper Tom Heaton and midfielder Hannibal Mejbri are set to be out of contract in 2024. While there is an option to trigger a 12-month extension for Hannibal, no such clause exists in Heaton’s contract.

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EPL: Arsenal’s co-chairman, Kroenke makes promise to Arteta ahead of title decider

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Arsenal’s co-chairman, Josh Kroenke, has promised that the team will continue to grow stronger, regardless of whether they win the Premier League title on Sunday.

The Gunners are two points behind Manchester City heading into the final fixtures. Mikel Arteta’s squad can only clinch the championship if they defeat Everton and City drop points against West Ham.

In his programme notes for Sunday’s season finale, Kroenke wrote: “While we are undoubtedly proud of the progress we have made, I want to be clear that no one at the club will stand still.

“Regardless of today’s outcome, we are all working behind the scenes to push us forward – always forward.

“There is so much that we want to achieve, both domestically and in Europe, and we are focused on creating exciting new stories and chapters that build on the history of Arsenal Football Club.”

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EPL final day: Arsenal’s need for miracle, stain of Man City’s 115 charges

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And then there were two.

In April, it seemed that Manchester City, Arsenal, or Liverpool could claim the title. However, Jurgen Klopp’s team fell out of contention due to a series of poor results, ensuring the German coach leaves with just one Premier League title after nine years.

It’s a testament to the Reds that they were even in the title conversation, as many expected only City and Arsenal to compete closely this season.

Arsenal, in particular, have performed exceptionally well.

“I think they’ve been excellent,” Clinton McDubus, a top football analyst and podcaster, told DAILY POST. “Many doubted if they could maintain their level from the 22/23 season, but they’ve shown that this team is here to stay and contend year after year. They didn’t collapse in the final stretch like last year and have bounced back from various setbacks. It’s been a very impressive season, perhaps even more so than last year. It looks like they’ve reached a new level.”

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Currently, Mikel Arteta is poised to finish as runner-up to his former boss and mentor, Pep Guardiola, for the second consecutive year. However, many believe Arsenal will win the title within a year or two.

“No. The only certainty is the level they’ve demonstrated so far. They’re genuinely a good side, so expectations will definitely rise, and they will start the season as serious contenders, with all the associated pressure. Anything less will bring scrutiny or be seen as a step back. Manchester City will still be the favorites and the team to beat. Those are the only guarantees. Football is cruel like that. Each season is unique, and past performance doesn’t guarantee moving from 2nd to 1st the next year. That’s football for you. Arsenal will be an interesting team to watch next season, especially if they narrowly miss out on the title again,” McDubus explained.

City’s journey hasn’t been straightforward.

“A comedown was inevitable after a treble and losing Ilkay Gundogan. Without Kevin de Bruyne for much of the season, this has been a very functional Manchester City. There’s been less subtlety and more reliance on physical and athletic dominance to win matches. But winning is a self-sustaining habit, and no team has won as much as Manchester City in the last 5-7 years. They’ve found a way to succeed, even if this isn’t a vintage version of themselves.”

A potential blemish on City’s title win is the 115 charges looming over them.

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“It’s impossible to ignore those charges when evaluating City, although they pertain to the entire project rather than this specific season,” Chukwu added. “The allegations relate to the expenses incurred to establish their dominance. By not cooperating, City are essentially delaying justice as long as possible while continuing to build their legacy. By the time justice arrives, it may not matter as much in the public consciousness. It’s a calculated, albeit unethical, gamble.”

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Finidi not on one-year contract – NFF boss, Gusau

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President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has refuted reports that Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, signed a one-year contract. Finidi, who was recently unveiled by the NFF, was rumored to have agreed to a one-year deal with an option for an additional year.

Gusau clarified that Finidi’s contract extends at least until the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He emphasized that the coach will remain with the team until then and expressed confusion about the source of the one-year contract information.

Speaking on Soccer Africa, a popular TV show in South Africa, Gusau outlined the targets set for Finidi. The contract includes goals such as qualifying for next year’s Nations Cup, reaching at least the semi-finals of the Nations Cup, and qualifying for the World Cup with a target of reaching the quarter-finals. Gusau affirmed the commitment to achieving these objectives through hard work and determination.

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