Whilst England are lucky to have the likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Phil Foden to choose from at the heart of their midfield these days, it wasn’t so long ago that Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes were all available in the engine room.
The current generation is special, but England’s last ‘golden generation’ still arguably had the most talent at their disposal in pursuit of a first honour since the 1966 World Cup.
It wasn’t just in midfield that the Three Lions were spoilt for talent. It’s a squad which also featured Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. And the list could go on.
Many have had their say as to why England were dumped out of the 2002 World Cup and then on penalties against Portugal at Euro 2004, including Lampard. The former England and Chelsea midfielder told reporters: “I think at times, we [the Golden Generation] were too rigid. I talk from my own personal experience of playing at World Cups against teams that were not at our level.
“I’m not talking about France and Italy, more teams like Ecuador, who were keeping the ball in midfield because they were outnumbering us in the centre of the park. The things that maybe me and Stevie [Steven Gerrard] were used to doing where we had numbers, now we are just trying to cover space and you get a bit mentally done with it in the game wondering why this is happening.”
England: 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying info, format, fixtures & more
England are set to get their World Cup campaign up and running under Thomas Tuchel.
ByRoss Kilvington Mar 20, 2025
Outnumbered or not, there’s no denying the quality that England particularly had in the middle of the park. But finding the right balance between Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes often proved to be The Three Lions’ biggest problem, and that sparked a midfield debate which has rumbled on for decades since.
Rooney named Gerrard as his greatest ever England teammate
Having played with all three at international level and Scholes with Manchester United too, Rooney should be an expert in the age-old England midfield debate, and he delivered his official verdict to The Overlap in 2024.
Whilst praising all three, Rooney went on to reiterate that Scholes could not achieve what Gerrard did in a Liverpool side which often struggled to compete with the very top honours: “All were world-class players. Stevie could come to Manchester United and be a top player and do what Scholes could do. But I don’t think Scholes could do what Stevie did at Liverpool.”
Premier League
Gerrard
Lampard
Scholes
Appearances
504
611
499
Goals
121
177
107
Assists
97
116
61
League titles
0
3
11
The numbers certainly don’t help to end the debate after Rooney’s verdict, but what they do highlight is England’s clear failure with all three at their disposal in a golden generation.
Manchester United have opened talks over the signing of a “fantastic” player, who is now a prime target, and they are making significant moves to get a deal done, according to a report.
Man Utd's summer rebuild now underway
The Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur once again underlined the need for Ruben Amorim to have a mass clear-out this summer, and the manager’s rebuild has now commenced, with Matheus Cunha becoming the first player to sign on the dotted line.
However, in order to re-shape his squad more significantly, Amorim may have to sanction some departures, and the manager was seen visibly laughing when questioned about Alejandro Garnacho’s future, amid widespread links to other clubs.
Andre Onana is another player who could be in the firing line, having failed to adapt to life in the Premier League, with Lyon’s Nemanja Matic famously dubbing him “one of the worst keepers in Manchester United history” back in April.
As such, United have been looking at replacements for Onana, and they are now stepping up their pursuit of AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, opening talks over a deal for the 25-year-old in the past week.
£60m star "wants to join Man Utd" instead of Arsenal as INEOS set to open talks
The Red Devils are looking to seal a deal for an “incredible” player…
1 ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the Red Devils are now making significant moves to sign Svilar, who could be a low-cost replacement for Onana, with Roma likely to hold out for a fee of around £21m – £25m.
AS Roma'sMileSvilar
The Serbian would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and AS Monaco all monitoring the goalkeeper’s situation in Italy.
"Fantastic" Svilar now prime target for Man Utd
The Belgium-born shot-stopper is said to have been identified as a prime target for Man United this summer, and it is clear to see why, having averaged a very impressive save percentage and clean sheet percentage over the past year, when compared to other goalkeepers.
Mile Svilar Statistics
Average per 90
Save percentage
77.9% (94th percentile)
Goals against
0.96 (92nd percentile)
Clean sheet percentage
38% (86th percentile)
Not only that, but former manager Claudio Ranieri lauded the Serbia international for his performances during the 2024-25 campaign, saying: “Mile is having a fantastic season.
“When a goalkeeper is not very busy and is suddenly called into action, showing readiness at all times like Mile does, then it means that he is truly a great goalkeeper.”
It is clear that Onana will need to be replaced this summer, having performed very poorly over the past year, and Svilar could be a savvy signing at just £21m, freeing up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.
Liverpool are now leading the race to complete the signing of a “great” player in the summer transfer window, according to a new update from Fabrizio Romano.
Liverpool eyeing signings on either flank
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have been a legendary full-back pairing for the Reds over the past seven or eight years, but there is a changing of the guard at Anfield this summer.
Sadly, Alexander-Arnold has opted to leave Liverpool in order to almost certainly join Real Madrid, which unsurprisingly hasn’t gone down well with many supporters, while Robertson isn’t the force he once was at left-back – no surprise, considering he is now 31 and has years of relentless running behind him.
Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Jeremie Frimpong is set to arrive from Bayer Leverkusen, potentially coming in as a right-back, but he is also more than capable of taking up a more attacking right-sided role. It remains to be seen how Arne Slot will use him, and if Conor Bradley will be first-choice right-back moving forward.
Meanwhile, Milos Kerkez has emerged as the strongest option at left-back, following an excellent season with Bournemouth, although Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato have also been mentioned as options. Manchester City have reportedly been looking to hijack a move for Kerkez, though, being seen as “genuine rivals” for his signature.
Liverpool in pole position to sign Kerkez after talks
Taking to X on Sunday, Romano said that Liverpool are in pole position to sign Kerkez from Bournemouth this summer, with talks continuing to head in the right direction:
Kerkez really does feel like the natural fit to come in and be Liverpool’s new first-choice left-back, ticking so many boxes, in terms of what Slot will be looking for.
The 21-year-old Hungary international is strong at both ends of the pitch, bagging seven goal contributions (two goals and five assists) in the Premier League this season, as well as averaging 2.6 clearances and 1.4 tackles per game.
Milos Kerkez’s 2024/25 Premier League stats before the final day
Total
Appearances
37
Starts
37
Minutes played
3,251
Goals
2
Assists
5
Clearances per game
2.6
Tackles per game
1.4
Interceptions per game
1.2
Key passes per game
0.9
In fact, Kerkez’s performances haven’t been lost on Slot, who has said he has enjoyed a “great season”, while football talent scout Jacek Kulig called him “amazing” after Bournemouth beat Manchester City earlier in the season.
At this point, it could be a surprise if the Cherries star didn’t join Liverpool, in a summer transfer window that is already threatening to be legendary.
Liverpool are brewing their own version of Wirtz in "fearless" academy star
Liverpool could do with an academy sensation breaking into Arne Slot’s senior squad.
ByAngus Sinclair May 24, 2025
If the Reds manage to sign Kerkez, Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and a top-quality striker, it will be significant business that may only make them far stronger heading into next season.
Liverpool fans have been left annoyed over the last week, after boyhood supporter Trent Alexander-Arnold announced he would be departing the club after a 20-year spell.
The right-back’s contract is set to expire at the end of June, but he will not sign a new deal, making him a free agent with the side unable to receive a fee for the academy graduate.
He’s racked up over 350 appearances for the Reds, but now looks set to make a move to join Real Madrid ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, subsequently strengthening one of their European rivals.
After Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk extended their own deals at Anfield, hope was held that the England international would follow suit, but ultimately it wasn’t meant to be.
Such a decision has given boss Arne Slot a huge job to fill the void of the 26-year-old, potentially dipping into the transfer market over the coming months.
Liverpool’s hunt for a right-back
Over the last couple of days, Liverpool have made an enquiry to sign Monaco star Vanderson to try and soften the blow of Trent’s pending departure this summer.
The Brazilian is said to be available for a fee in the region of £25m this summer, with the Ligue 1 outfit wanting to keep hold of one of their key performers.
However, the biggest target to date has been Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, with interest in the Dutchman ramping up over the last couple of days.
It was reported that the 24-year-old has a £35m release clause within his deal at the Bundesliga giants, with his tally of four goals and five assists evidently catching the eye of boss Slot.
Despite the interest, there’s also another option that the manager could consider next season to soften the blow of the outgoing first-team regular.
The Liverpool star who could replace Trent next season
Conor Bradley will likely be the main player within the current first-team ranks to fill the gap next campaign, with the Northern Ireland international a player with huge potential at Anfield.
Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley
The 21-year-old has already made 26 appearances this season, even pocketing Kylian Mbappé in the Champions League, proving he has the quality to step up to the plate.
Curtis Jones is one player who’s also operated in such a position in the absence of the aforementioned duo, which could lead to another Red following suit upon the return from his loan.
Stefan Bajcetic, who’s primarily a midfielder, looked to be the club’s next big star a couple of years ago, but his progression had stagnated before his current stint at Las Palmas.
The 20-year-old was sent to the LaLiga outfit last summer to gain valuable first-team minutes and continue his progression – something which he’s achieved in recent months.
Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic.
The Spaniard, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by former boss Jurgen Klopp, has made 13 appearances in the league to date, producing numerous impressive figures to date.
He’s managed to complete 75% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst completing 63% of the dribbles he’s made – handing Slot the marauding presence they will miss with Trent’s departure.
Stefan Bajcetic’s stats on loan at Las Palmas (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
13
Minutes played
924
Pass accuracy
75%
Dribbles completed
63%
Tackles won
1.4
Duels won
6.4
Interceptions made
1.5
Stats via FotMob
Bajcetic has also starred without the ball, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and coming out on top in 6.4 duels – offering an added defensive presence to the backline.
His tally of 1.5 interceptions and 5.8 recoveries made also reaffirms the talents he possesses, saving the club millions if he can adapt to featuring out of position.
It would be an interesting decision for Slot to utilise the youngster next season, but he needs to give every player the opportunity to stake their claim for a place within his side next campaign.
Frimpong and Bradley will certainly be the supporters’ main options in such a role, but Bajcetic has the tools to offer key depth and options to the manager in such a department throughout 2025/26.
Dream Frimpong alternative: Liverpool make enquiry for "world-class" star
Liverpool could forget about Jeremie Frimpong with a move for another defensive star.
Crystal Palace have now joined Manchester United in the race to sign a “magnificent” £19 million playmaker who could replace Eberechi Eze, according to a recent report.
Eze edges closer to Crystal Palace exit after FA Cup triumph
It was a weekend to remember for the Eagles as they secured their first major trophy in their history by winning the FA Cup and, in the process, also secured Europa League football for next season.
This achievement will likely see Palace spend some money this summer, as Oliver Glasner looks to build a squad which is capable of competing in Europe and domestically.
Viana now moving to sign £59m Crystal Palace star who destroyed Man City
He’s been in sensational form as of late.
ByTom Cunningham May 18, 2025
Despite securing European football, it appears it hasn’t done much in terms of them retaining the services of Eberechi Eze for next season. The Englishman, who got the only goal of the game over the weekend, has been a standout performer this season and is now wanted by several clubs from the Premier League.
Not long after beating Man City in the final, it was reported that incoming City sporting director Hugo Viana has made a move to sign Eze for the Blues. Eze is thought to have a release clause worth around £68-70 million, and the Etihad hierarchy are ready to activate it.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
But City are not the only team ready to activate Eze’s release clause, as a report from Spain has stated that Chelsea are also lining up an offer for the exciting attacking midfielder. The fact that Eze has a release clause means the likelihood is that Palace will lose their talisman this summer unless he downright demands to stay, and therefore, a replacement may well be needed.
Crystal Palace in race to sign Rayan Cherki
The Eagles appear to already have a player in mind when it comes to replacing Eze, as according to a report from Spain, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Rayan Cherki from Lyon, who are desperate to sell their midfielder.
Rayan Cherki
The report states that Lyon’s financial situation means they are having to consider letting players leave the club this summer. It goes on to add that the French side are looking to improve their accounts quickly and therefore are willing to sell Cherki for around 22 million euros, which is roughly £19 million, and they hope an offer will arrive soon.
Rayan Cherki’s 24/25 league stats compared to Eze
Cherki
Eze
Apps
30
32
Starts
22
30
Goals
8
7
xG
5.0
10.2
Assists
11
8
Progressive carries
106
67
Palace are not the only team chasing the 21-year-old, as Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the Frenchman, as well as Manchester United, who have been contacted with the chance to sign Cherki.
The right-winger, who can also play in a more central position, has been dubbed “magnificent” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig, and he could be seen as a player who could fit perfectly into Eze’s playmaker role.
Fabrizio Romano has even reported that Lyon have confirmed Cherki will be leaving the club this summer, and were Palace to sign him and lose Eze, it would represent a good bit of business for the South Londoners from a financial perspective, as much as it would hurt to see their cup final hero walk out the door.
Newcastle United are now racing their Premier League rivals for the signature of a “powerful” striker who’s been likened to Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero, according to a report.
Newcastle eyeing striker amid Isak uncertainty
Newcastle should be in a strong position to retain the services of Alexander Isak beyond the end of the season, with the striker contracted until the summer of 2028, but a number of top clubs have now expressed an interest in the Sweden international.
Premier League champions Liverpool are keen on the 25-year-old, alongside Arsenal, with one report even suggesting the forward has expressed a desire to move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer transfer window.
As such, it could make sense for the Magpies to bring in a new striker capable of replacing Isak on a long-term basis, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo recently emerging as an ideal target, while they are also interested in signing Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.
Would cost £0: Newcastle join race for defender who's among "world's best"
The Magpies have set their sights on a centre-back, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.
ByDominic Lund May 7, 2025
Having proven themselves in the Premier League, Mbeumo and Delap could be exciting options for Eddie Howe’s side, but there has also been a suggestion they could be willing to take a risk on a lesser-known forward.
According to a report from Fotomac (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are now in a race to sign Besiktas striker Semih Kilicsoy, alongside Aston Villa, who submitted a €15m (£13m) offer last summer, and soon-to-be Premier League rivals Leeds United.
Semih Kilicsoy for Besiktas.
Besiktas may have turned down Villa’s approach last year, but the Turkish club could now be willing to sanction a departure this summer, although they would be looking to receive a percentage of a future sale.
It is unclear what sort of fee Besiktas would be looking to receive for Kilicsoy, but £13m was deemed too low last summer, so it may take a bigger offer to tempt them into a sale.
"Powerful" Kilicsoy likened to Aguero
Football scout Ben Mattinson is a big fan of the 19-year-old, having lauded him as a “very powerful” striker in the past, while also lauding him for his shooting ability.
The teenager has also been tipped for future success by Brad Friedel, who said: “I don’t want to put pressure on him [but] he has a structure like Sergio Aguero. I think he will be very good in the future.”
Kilicsoy’s return of three goals and four assists in the Turkish Super Lig this season isn’t exactly eye-catching, with the starlet often being limited to appearances as a substitute, but he clearly has the potential to develop into a top striker.
Everton are planning to buy this summer, but David Moyes is already presented with something of a dilemma. Not only are 15 of his club’s senior stars out of contract in the coming months, but one of his Toffees linchpins is attracting interest from some high-profile suitors.
Jarrad Branthwaite is one of Everton’s most important players, but the 22-year-old is also an attractive option and may well be sold to deepen the transfer purse this summer.
David Moyes
Multiple additions are needed, after all.
The latest on Jarrad Branthwaite's Everton future
Branthwaite is a monstrous defender, still so young yet rocketing up to the top level on English shores.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
He’s kept eight clean sheets in the Premier League this term, winning 72% of his ground battles and averaging an incredible 6.6 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.
His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.
Caught Offside reported last month that Manchester United are looking to reignite their interest in the Three Lions defender and will test Everton’s resolve with a £50m offer. Chelsea are also keen.
He’s important, but Everton seem to be resigned to losing him at some stage, for the right price, of course.
Moyes and his team will hope to retain his services, but he’s not the only one, with a much older Toffees teammate actually proving himself to be indispensable in the fold, with a fresh contract being prepared.
Everton veteran is more important than Branthwaite
While Idrissa Gana Gueye is 35 years old, his tough-tackling, combative style in the middle of the park has been instrumental for Everton across two tenures this season.
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye
Illustrating his influence, Gueye is part of the bloated ranks currently awaiting the end of their contract this summer, but Football Insider have recently reported that TFG have opened talks with the star over a new deal.
Gueye’s age has not detracted from the level of his performance, with such commanding displays vital for the success of Moyes’ system. The level of his displays does suggest that he’s becoming increasingly important, maybe even more so than Branthwaite.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Described as Everton’s “heartbeat” by Sky Sports reporter Ben Grounds, Gueye might be getting on a bit but his performances have been nothing short of exemplary this season.
It’s not as if his athleticism has deserted him, having covered much ground and flown in with so many tackles for his team this season. More tackles, in fact, than any other player in the Premier League, just rubberstamping his importance to the cause.
Premier League 24/25 – Top Tacklers
Rank
Player
Club
Tackles
1.
Idrissa Gueye
Everton
123
2.
Daniel Munoz
Palace
109
3.
Noussair Mazraoui
Man Utd
102
4.
Moises Caicedo
Chelsea
100
5.
Joao Gomes
Wolves
99
Stats via Premier League
With so much change mooted to be afoot this summer, it makes a whole lot of sense to renew the £120k-per-week veteran’s deal, having benefited greatly from his presence.
Gueye, indeed, has started every one of Everton’s Premier League matches since Moyes returned to the helm, providing monstrous support for Branthwaite and co while contributing offensively too, completing a dribble and a key pass every two matches, as per Sofascore.
The Senegalese midfielder has racked up three assists this season.
It’s clear that Gueye – who was described as a “monster” by former teammate Presnel Kimpembe – has more left in the tank, and it’s a good thing that efforts are being made to extend his deal for another year.
He earns a pretty penny but his value is too great to part with at this critical juncture.
He could finally replace Onana: Everton lead the race for £10m "machine"
David Moyes is hoping to make a host of impactful signings at Everton this summer.
Aston Villa kept their Champions League ambitions intact with an impressive 4-1 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday evening in the Premier League.
The two clubs are both vying for a top-five finish and with it a spot in Europe’s top table next term. Unai Emery’s side defeated PSG in midweek, but this performance will also bolster their confidence ahead of the final few games of the campaign.
Ollie Watkins opened the scoring in the first minute before Fabian Schar equalised for Newcastle.
The second half was all Villa, however, as Ian Maatsen, an own goal by Dan Burn and an effort from Amadou Onana sealed all three points.
The majority of the starting XI performed wonderfully well, but it was Watkins and Morgan Rogers who powered the club to yet another league win.
How Watkins and Rogers performed against Newcastle
Watkins set Villa on their way to all three points after slotting home a deflected opener against the Magpies.
The Englishman also grabbed an assist, registered five total shots and made two key passes before he was subbed off in the 82nd minute.
He is returning to the form of last season and Rogers is someone who is helping him flourish. The attacking midfielder has enjoyed a fine season, having scored 14 goals and recorded 12 assists in all competitions.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle – Key Statistics
Metric
Highest-Ranked
Accurate passes
Youri Tielemans (71)
Key passes
Marco Asensio (5)
Ground duels won
Youri Tielemans (8)
Tackles
Ian Maatsen (6)
Shots on target
Morgan Rogers (3)
Via Sofascore
Against the Toon, Rogers grabbed another assist, completed 90% of his passes, made two key passes and succeeded with all three of his dribble attempts.
Aston Villa
When the pair are playing at this high standard, nothing can stop Villa, that’s for sure. There is one player in the squad who has been the fulcrum which makes everything tick – Youri Tielemans.
The 9/10 star who's becoming Aston Villa’s best player
The Belgian international has been the standout performer for the club this season, showcasing his talents at the highest level.
Five goal contributions in 12 Champions League games proves that the midfielder has been sublime in the competition. Add in another eight goal involvements in the Premier League and Emery has a player who could be in high demand this summer.
Content creator Mark Goldbridge described Tielemans as “Villa’s player of the season this year” following his display on Saturday evening, and it is easy to see why.
Youri Tielemans
Operating in a deep-lying midfield role, the former Leicester City star completed 88% of his passes, took 98 touches, won 11 of his 16 total duels contested and even made three key passes throughout the match – including the assist for Watkins’ opener.
Alongside Boubacar Kamara, Tielemans dominated proceedings and his performance was key in Rogers and Watkins delivering in the final third yet again. Indeed, journalist John Townley awarded the 27-year-old a match rating of 9/10 for his stunning display.
Emery has started the midfielder in every single Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League match this season, highlighting his importance to the club.
Should Villa qualify for Europe’s premier club competition next season while also winning the FA Cup, they will have Tielemans to thank.
Aston Villa in talks to sign "talented ball carrier" likened to Grealish
The word ‘legend’ is thrown around all too readily in the beautiful game, but that is a tag that should be bestowed upon a key figure of Manchester United’s modern era – Wayne Rooney.
Plucked from Everton as a bulldozing teenager, the England and United great went on to achieve remarkable success during a glittering 13-year stay at Old Trafford, claiming a whole gamut of silverware, alongside his record total of 253 goals in all competitions.
Right from the outset, following his debut hat-trick against Fenerbahce, ‘Wazza’ simply looked born to pull on that famous red jersey, having also put the ‘devil’ in Red Devils with his relentless, full-blooded approach.
Yes, there were low moments – including his public desire to leave in both 2010 and 2013 – but the highs were so much more memorable, be it that overhead kick in the Manchester Derby, or his long-range stunner away at West Ham United.
Part of the famed forward line, alongside Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo, that claimed Champions League glory in 2008, Rooney was simply a menace in his pomp, with the great Sir Alex Ferguson previously suggesting that he could have played “in any era”.
Wayne Rooney's Manchester United record (timeless)
Not only that, but the ex-Everton man was also seemingly the man for any position, be it as a number ten, a centre-forward, a winger or – as was the case in his latter days – as a central midfielder.
Why Wayne Rooney moved into midfield
It’s fair to say that much of Rooney’s best work for United came at the top end of the pitch, with the versatile speedster memorably scoring 34 goals in all competitions during the 2009/10 campaign, while operating as a centre-forward.
As he himself later admitted, however, he “hated” playing as the lone number nine as he “wanted to get involved” in the game, having notably moved into a number ten berth following Robin van Persie’s arrival in 2012.
That duo notably combined on the day that clinched what remains United’s most recent league title, with Rooney picking out the Dutchman with a delightful lofted pass over the top. Van Persie, of course, did the rest.
Such a moment perhaps hinted at a future for the Englishman in a deeper role later in his career, with Louis van Gaal subsequently opting to deploy his skipper as a central midfielder during his time in charge.
Speaking in April 2016, Rooney then admitted that he was looking to emulate teammate Paul Scholes in that role:
Most memorably, Rooney started in a deep-lying berth in the 2016 FA Cup final, with the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel writing at the time that the 30-year-old ‘ran the show’ in that eventual 2-1 victory.
To have moved from operating in the final third to then pulling the strings in the centre of the park seemed like a natural progression for the now-retired star, with that scenario perhaps now repeating itself with regard to Bruno Fernandes.
Man Utd's "legend" could now be emulating Rooney
After the highs of that Wembley triumph at the end of Van Gaal’s tenure, Rooney – who played as a midfielder in England’s unsuccessful Euro 2016 campaign – saw his change in role prove short-lived amid Jose Mourinho’s arrival, with the Portuguese coach stating that his captain “will never be a number six” in his team.
Just a year later, ‘Wazza’ was on his way back to Everton after enduring a bit-part role in claiming Europa League and Carabao Cup success in 2016/17, before ultimately retiring in 2021 after spells with DC United and Derby County.
There is perhaps the view that it was a mistake for Rooney to have tried to change his game in the latter stages of his career, with analyst Michael Cox writing in 2017 that he ‘had not taken to that role because he does not have the mobility to play there’.
Fernandes’ stats vs Forest
Stat
Record
Touches
110
Pass accuracy
79%
Key passes
6
Shots on target
2
Shots off target
0
Big chances created
0
Successful dribbles
2/5
Duels won
7/17
Long balls completed
7/12
Possession lost
31x
Dribbled past
3x
Stats via Sofascore
Perhaps there may be a fear of Fernandes enduring similar difficulties, with the £300k-per-week talisman also not exactly the most defensively-minded figure to call upon. Indeed, against Nottingham Forest in midweek, he was dribbled past on three occasions and lost the ball 31 times.
Despite those concerns, the decision to move the 30-year-old into a deeper role – amid his previous work as a number ten – does look as if it could prove far more successful than Rooney’s own late career venture.
Bruno Fernandes
That was again evident against Forest as the Portuguese playmaker initially struggled when operating behind Joshua Zirkzee, before gaining greater control after a half-time reshuffle saw him slot in alongside Casemiro, as he went on to rack up six key passes in total.
The reported Real Madrid target has been in fine form as part of the midfield duo after netting against the likes of Arsenal, Leicester City and Real Sociedad, with Amorim describing him as the “perfect captain” amid criticism from treble-winning hero, Roy Keane.
Also described as a “legend” in his own right by his manager, Fernandes has previously hinted that he envisages his future as a number six, again mirroring Rooney in having plotted out the latter stages of his career.
The only concern will be whether the former Sporting CP man – like Rooney – has the physical capabilities to make himself a long-term fit in this role moving forward, with The Athletic’s Carl Anka previously noting that the ‘central midfielders in Amorim’s 3-4-3 are chosen for their athleticism and tackling qualities first and foremost’.
Bruno Fernandes celebrates for Manchester United
The plan is working at the moment, to an extent, considering Fernandes’ individual brilliance, but it does beg the question as to whether he can maintain this momentum in the centre of the park.
With the midfield maestro perhaps approaching legendary status himself, he must ensure that his United career does not peter out in the same way that Rooney’s did before him.
Best signing since Bruno: Man Utd prepare bid for "frightening" £60m star
Man Utd are already stepping up their summer transfer plans, according to the latest reports
Manchester United have reportedly submitted an offer to Barcelona for one of their remarkable defenders, according to a new transfer update.
Man Utd looking to save season in Europa League as Ratcliffe eyes signings
The Red Devils are on course to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League, with Ruben Amorim’s side losing 1-0 to Nottingham Forest last time out.
Also unable to defend their FA Cup crown, United’s only chance of silverware is in the Europa League, where they will take on Lyon in the quarter-finals over the next two weeks.
Man Utd now progressing in talks to sign £67m top target to replace Onana
A move appears to be advancing.
ByCharlie Smith Apr 2, 2025
Should they defeat the Ligue 1 side, Man Utd will then take on Rangers on Athletic Club in the semi-finals, and if they make it to Bilbao, Tottenham Frankfurt, Bodo/Glimt or Lazio would await.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS look set to shake things up at Old Trafford over the summer, with at least 10 Man Utd players on more than £1.8m a week on course to be moved on over the coming months.
That will allow room for new signings, and by the looks of things, attack is an area where Amorim wants to improve.
Man Utd’s next 5 fixtures
Date
Man Utd vs Man City
April 6
Lyon vs Man Utd
April 10
Newcastle vs Man Utd
April 13
Man Utd vs Lyon
April 17
Man Utd vs Wolves
April 20
The club have been linked with numerous players ahead of the 2025.26 season, with contact made for Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki. Hugo Ekitike and Lorenzo Lucca have been identified as striker targets, and now, a new defender is of interest to the Red Devils.
Man Utd make £40m+ offer to sign Barcelona star Balde
According to a report from Spain, Man Utd have made an offer of €50m (£41.7m) to sign Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde.
The report says that Balde’s progress under Hansi Flick has been ‘remarkable’, and that has caught the eye of the Red Devils, who only recently signed Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.
Man Utd’s bid hasn’t been enough to tempt Barcelona, who have already rejected the proposal presented by INEOS and have made Balde not for sale.
The 21-year-old, who has the same agency as Leny Yoro, is a product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and has been a regular this season under Flick.
Aledandro Balde for Barcelona.
Balde was also previously hailed by former boss Xavi Hernandez, who was amazed by the full-back when he was a teenager.
“I have seen that they did a lot of individual marking and Balde can generate superiorities inside and out. It never ceases to amaze me that an 18-year-old boy is at this level. He has a lot of confidence and personality, he has a great physical condition and he’s going to give us a lot.”
It’ll be interesting to see where United turn to now in regards to looking at new full-backs to rival Diogo Dalot and Dorgu, as it seems a move for Balde is off the cards.