Manchester City fans have stood by Bernardo Silva after the winger refused to speak in his post-match interview with Sky Sports.
Silva was involved heavily throughout the defeat at Anfield, which now leaves the champions trailing Liverpool by nine points.
As the game got off to it’s expected frantic start, a deflection off of Silva was seen to hit the hand of Trent Alexander-Arnold inside the penalty area.
This resulted in immediate protests from himself and Sergio Aguero, but both were ignored by referee Michael Oliver and the officials. To make matters worse, Fabinho would go onto score at the other end for the home side moments later, resulting in frenzied reactions from Pep Guardiola and his men.
After the game, Silva, who signed for the club for £43m in 2017, was asked by Sky Sports about the handball, to which he replied: “If I speak, I will be in trouble. I don’t want to speak.”
Just last month the Portugal international was charged with misconduct by the FA, after a tweet he sent to Benjamin Mendy, which the FA deemed a breach of FA Rule E3.
Now, it seems Silva is reluctant to talk about the potential handball situation, to which the City fans have got behind him.
One fan said it was a “clear and obvious” penalty, whilst many other supporters have alluded to the belief that the players are scared to talk now.
Here’s what the fans have had to say after Silva’s interview…
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Anthony Scully has received his first-ever call up for Republic of Ireland U21s, continuing what has already been a superb season for him so far.
The 20-year-old has been in incredible form since being converted to a striker by Dmitri Halajko, having scored in all 8 games he has played in the position for West Ham U23s.
This has seen him get a total of 10 goals from 9 Premier League 2 appearances, while he also managed a brace to earn the young Hammers a 5-4 win over Newport County in the EFL Trophy.
FFC has already suggested that the youngster could benefit if Manuel Pellegrini opts to convert to a 4-4-2 formation, though this can be taken a step further, as it can be argued that he should be given an opportunity regardless of whether the change is made.
One player the Hammers can look at for inspiration in this sense is Scully’s compatriot, Aaron Connolly, who has excelled since being given a chance at Brighton & Hove Albion this campaign.
The teenager, who was called up to the senior national team squad, had played three Carabao Cup games before this campaign, but has really kicked on since making his Premier League debut.
Having made 4 substitute appearances, he went on to make his first start against Tottenham Hotspur, scoring twice in the 3-0 victory.
The youngster has played at least a half in each of the four ensuing games, getting an assist that helped earn a 3-2 win over Everton.
He has been an effective player for Brighton, with all of this following a season in which he scored 11 goals in 15 PL2 games.
Considering Scully has one goal less than that in 10 games, it is difficult to see what more he can do to get a chance in the first-team.
Connolly’s early signs of success highlight that trust in young goal-getters can pay off, so hopefully, Scully will get the chance to show that he can make the step up to being involved in the first-team.
Manchester United have a promising academy star on their transfer radar, with Dan Ashworth a long-term admirer of the player, according to a new report. The Red Devils will be preparing for their third match in a week as they travel to London to face Crystal Palace, and Erik ten Hag will be hoping it is three wins from three after victories over Southampton and Barnsley.
Mark Goldbridge says Man Utd "monster" must be unleashed vs Crystal Palace
Erik ten Hag has a big decision to make for United’s game against Palace.
1 ByBrett Worthington Sep 18, 2024 Man United transfer updates
The transfer window has been shut for a few weeks now and doesn’t open again until January, but United officials seem to be getting their homework done on potential new recruits. The Red Devils have already been linked with moves for AS Monaco defender Vanderson and Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon, and now they are looking at other options as well.
According to a recent report, United had scouts in Norway last Sunday to watch young midfielder Sverre Nypan. It’s been reported that United “put out feelers” for the player back in April, and they have continued to keep an eye on his development since.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag
Nypan, who has been struggling with illness recently, was watched not only by United officials on Sunday, but Bayer Leverkusen also had people in attendance to take in the 17-year-old. Nypan is said to be a United fan though, which is something that could give the Premier League side an edge were they to pursue a move for the talented star.
But Nypan isn’t the only promising talent that the Red Devils are keeping their eye on, also looking a little closer to home when it comes to landing young stars.
Man Utd and INEOS considering move for Tyler Dibling
According to Give Me Sport, Manchester United have placed Southampton player Tyler Dibling on their transfer radar. The Saints are looking to tie the player down to a new long-term contract, but United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth is hoping to lure Dibling to Old Trafford after watching him for a while.
Tyler Dibling for Southampton.
Dibling is a product of Southampton’s academy, and he has really impressed in the top flight this season, appearing in all four league games. The winger started in their last game, which was against United, and he caused havoc against defender Diogo Dalot, with the Portuguese ace fouling Dibling for the penalty.
This report states that United could be interested in trying to turn Dibling’s head, despite Southampton having hopes that he will sign a new contract. Ashworth has already tried to sign the player before, when he was at Newcastle United, and he remains a fan of his despite him rejecting a move to St. James’ Park.
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The Red Devils are looking to add more under-21 talent to their squad after adding Chido Obi Martin, Sekou Kone and James Overy this summer, and Dibling could be the latest, given Ashworth’s fondness for the winger. However, Southampton will hope the guarantee of first-team football will be enough for him to remain at St. Mary’s.
Arsenal are believed to already be in contact over a possible £63 million signing for next year, as Edu Gaspar and the club's recruitment team look to jump ahead of rival suitors.
Arsenal spend under £100 million on five summer signings
Mikel Arteta and Edu will be very happy with how the club conducted their business over the summer, with five major signings brought in for under £100 million, not to mention a few marquee sales made on top of this.
TalkSPORT pundit says £89m Chelsea star should follow Sterling to Arsenal
The ex-Man City star could make his debut against Tottenham this weekend.
ByEmilio Galantini Sep 10, 2024
David Raya signed from Brentford in a £27 million deal, which was a formality of his loan-with-obligation-to-buy move last year. After the Spaniard, Riccardo Calafiori swapped Bologna for the Premier League, with midfielder Mikel Merino also joining Arsenal later in the summer.
Arsenal managed two last-gasp deals at the eleventh hour, with both Neto and Raheem Sterling joining the north Londoners on deadline day. Sterling's capture comes as particularly interesting, and arguably their highest-profile move of the year.
Tottenham (away)
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The 29-year-old, who's scored 123 goals in the English top flight alone, provides both Premier League pedigree and trophy-winning experience – not to mention versatility.
It is believed Arteta is planning to use Sterling as a false-nine against Tottenham in the north London derby this weekend, with Arsenal looking short in midfield and Kai Havertz potentially dropping further back.
While the Gunners are suffering from a few injury worries and absentee concerns ahead of their trip to Spurs, they've arguably been unlucky in that regard so soon after the start of this new season.
Merino fractured his shoulder in his first ever Arsenal training session at London Colney, and there's been concerns surrounding Calafiori after he suffered a freak injury on international duty with Italy.
All-in-all, despite Arsenal's misfortune when it comes to their new arrivals, Edu and Arteta will still be ecstatic about the business conducted.
Arsenal already in contact over 2025 move for Benjamin Sesko
According to CaughtOffside, the Gunners are already planning for 2025, almost immediately after the closure of the last window. RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko was a widely reported transfer target for Arsenal over the summer, but the Slovenia striker decided to remain at his current club by signing a contract extension.
It is believed Arsenal have already been in contact over a 2025 move for Sesko, as Edu and co look to get ahead of rival suitors like Chelsea and Man United for his signature next summer – indicating they haven't given up hope of landing the 21-year-old.
Some reports claim that the forward's new deal includes a £63 million release clause, so a transfer is entirely possible, and CaughtOffside claim Arsenal are optimistic they can land Sesko this time round.
Aston Villa will be featuring in the Champions League for the first time in a generation this season – an unthinkable feat before the appointment of Unai Emery.
The former Arsenal boss has transformed the club in just a couple of years, giving the fan base an experience they will never forget with their European adventures in the Europa Conference League last season, and also in the Champions League this year.
However, the added fixtures will cause congestion during some parts of the campaign, increasing the risk of injury and fatigue to the club’s first team.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery during a Premier League game.
On the flip side, it may allow numerous fringe players to gain a needed run in the side, with one player hugely benefitting from the European run this season.
Jhon Duran’s stats in 2024/25
Despite not starting a single game in the Premier League this season, striker Jhon Duran has enjoyed an impressive start to the new campaign for Emery’s side.
The 20-year-old has already scored twice in just 82 minutes, outscoring number one forward Ollie Watkins, showcasing his excellent abilities in front of goal.
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran
The Colombian was strongly linked with a move to join West Ham United this summer, before landing the hammer blow as the Villans claimed a 2-1 victory over Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Villa’s decision to keep hold of Duran this summer looks to be a great call, with the talent having the ability to provide excellent cover to Watkins, whilst also pushing the England international for a starting role.
However, the same can’t be said for one player who has struggled in recent times, with the club potentially needing to offload the big-money signing at the next available opportunity.
How much Diego Carlos earns in 2024
After joining Villa in a £26m deal from Sevilla back in 2022, centre-back Diego Carlos has struggled with injuries and fitness during his time at Villa Park, with the Brazilian often spending time on the sideline.
During his two-year stint in the West Midlands, the 31-year-old has only made 43 appearances in all competitions, missing the start of the new campaign with yet another injury setback and thus failing to feature at all.
Diego Carlos for Aston Villa
However, he was subject to interest from Fulham during the transfer window, with the club needing to offload him given his injury record coupled with his high weekly wage.
The former Sevilla ace earns a whopping £100k-per-week as per Capology, a figure that is nearly three times more than teammate Duran, who only earns £30k-per-week despite his stellar start to this season.
Emi Martinez
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Boubacar Kamara
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Youri Tielemans
£150k-p/w
Ollie Watkins
£130k-p/w
Lucas Digne
£120k-p/w
Leon Bailey
£120k-p/w
John McGinn
£120k-p/w
Diego Carlos
£100k-p/w
Given his ludicrous weekly incoming, the club desperately need to cut ties with Carlos and invest in a less injury-prone talent who can lead them further up the Premier League table.
With concerns over their PSR standing, a departure could allow Emery’s side to free up funds, potentially avoiding a repeat of this summer which saw them sell star man Douglas Luiz to Juventus.
There is no denying the defender's quality, but unfortunately, if the club are to reach the next level under Emery's guidance, they have to be brutal in their decision-making, with Carlos one player who could find himself on his way out of Villa Park.
Aston Villa struck gold on free signing who's now worth more than Martinez
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, as the Gunners aim to bolster their midfield this summer.
The narrative of the Gunners’ transfer window so far has been the destination of Declan Rice, who West Ham have rejected two bids from the north Londoners for.
Mikel Arteta’s quest for reinforcements in central midfield doesn’t end with the Englishman, with Barella rumoured to also be on the radar.
Italian outlet FC Inter News reported earlier this week that Inter are expecting ‘two very important offers’ from Manchester United and Arsenal in the ‘coming days’.
The 26-year-old is contracted to I Nerazzurri until 2026, after signing an extension in 2021, with a separate report from Calcio Mercato Web claiming that a price of €50m (£44m) could see them part ways with the midfielder.
What could Nicolo Barella offer to Arsenal?
While the ongoing saga between the Gunners and Rice is twisting and turning, the prospect remains an exciting one should the 24-year-old opt to move to the north of the capital. Although on paper Barella may well seem like an alternative, the thought of the two actually potentially playing together is a mouthwatering one.
Indeed, with Granit Xhaka almost certainly departing and rumours of Thomas Partey’s potential exit, Arteta will look to recruit in central midfield this summer, leaving plenty to the imagination of just how the Gunners could line up next season.
There’s no denying that Rice and Barella are two outstanding individuals, so just imagine what they could achieve playing as a duo in the engine room at the Emirates.
Hailed as a “little warrior” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the midfielder played an integral role in Inter’s phenomenal season that saw them reach the Champions League final and secure a third-place finish in Serie A.
Equipped to do the jobs of a deep midfielder, the Italian produced in the final third as well, scoring six and assisting six in 35 league appearances, as per FBref, popping up as a complete box-to-box midfielder.
The two talents are deployed in similar positions to similar effect, however, their slight differences suggest that they could fuse to create a monstrous pivot in Arteta’s midfield.
Declan Rice
As highlighted by their numbers, both players enjoy being on the ball in transitioning play in midfield, as shown by Rice averaging 58.7 attempted passes to Barella’s 50.14 per 90, as well as recording an average of 6.60 progressive passes to the Italian’s 6.62 per 90.
Rice excels slightly more in his defensive duties, as relayed through an average of 2.17 tackles per 90 to the 26-year-old’s 1.80, recording an average of a win rate of 58% of his total duels to the Serie A ace’s 55%.
Barella’s presence in the final third could be the icing on the cake for the duo, adding an attacking outlet to the pivot to balance Rice’s slight defensive expertise, best shown by the positions he takes up in order to be on the receiving end of a progressive pass.
The Inter maestro averaged 4.97 progressive passes received per 90 over the past year, with the Englishman only recording an average of 1.03 per 90, highlighting the impact he could provide to the potential pair.
With the transfer window changing every day, only time will tell if Arteta can land his targets, however, there is little to doubt that they could unleash a searing partnership in Arsenal’s midfield.
An unknown name has thrown his name into the mix for the managerial vacancy at Sheffield Wednesday, according to reports.
What's the latest Sheffield Wednesday news?
After the shock departure of Darren Moore earlier this week, Wednesday have been busy looking for a replacement as they prepare for their first season back in the Championship.
The news came as a surprise to fans after the 49-year-old had just steered the Owls back to the second tier of English football, with the club embarking on a historic playoff run that saw them overturn the biggest deficit in League One playoff history, coming back from 4-0 down to beat Peterborough before a last-minute Josh Windass goal against Barnsley sealed their return.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore.
Out of seemingly nowhere, club chairman Dejphon Chansiri announced Moore's departure, with The Star reporting that the two parties came to a mutual agreement for the 49-year-old to leave due to their differing transfer policies.
In the aftermath, Wednesday have begun their search for his replacement, with former Owls boss Carlos Carvalhal sensationally linked with a return to the club, but The Star has now reported that former Chaves manager Vitor Campelos has now put his name forward to Chansiri to take charge at Hillsborough.
Will Vitor Campelos take charge at Sheffield Wednesday?
Campelos is far from the only name in the mix for the vacant managerial job at Wednesday, so it remains to be seen how likely it is that he'll be taking charge of the club ahead of next season.
Having spent the last two years at Chaves, the 48-year-old was a resounding success at the club, guiding them to promotion and a return to Portuguese's top flight in 2022, before leading them to a seventh-place finish in their first year back, one point short of their greatest ever league campaign.
After being linked to several Championship clubs, the Portuguese coach left Chaves earlier this month, but is keen to get straight back into management and has apparently identified the Wednesday job as one of great interest to him.
Campelos' preferred formation is a 4-4-1-1, a shape that Wednesday aren't too familiar with, so if he were to get the job, it's likely the club's tactical approach would change significantly, but as he has previously shown in Portugal, his ability to navigate a team to success after promotion to a higher division could bode well for his chances on securing the job.
Arsenal are looking to the transfer window to make needed reinforcements following their impressive title challenging season.
The Gunners lead the race for the majority of the campaign but fell at the final hurdles with squad depth being a glaring issue.
Now, Mikel Arteta is expected to have a busy summer, with a host of talent already linked with a move to the Emirates, with one saga continuing from January.
What’s the latest on Moises Caicedo to Arsenal?
As widely reported in the winter transfer window, Arsenal had several bids for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo rejected.
After signing a new contract with the Seagulls, the Ecuadorian is expected to depart this summer, with the north Londoners still very much interested if latest reports are to be believed.
London World reported last week that the Gunners ‘will make a bid’ in the region of £75m for the midfielder, a similar figure that was rejected by Brighton previously.
What could Moises Caicedo offer to Arsenal?
Having been hailed as a “machine” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 21-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders this season.
With the departure of Granit Xhaka all but confirmed, Arteta will have his eyes on recruiting for the position this summer, with £120m-rated Declan Rice named alongside Caicedo as transfer targets.
While the financial side of the two separate deals creates the assumption that only one player will be Emirates-bound, Football Insider reported last month that Arsenal could go after both talents.
The two midfield goliaths both won an average of 58% of their total duels this season as per Sofascore, with Caicedo averaging a monstrous 2.7 tackles per game in the league.
The defensive side of both the central players’ game makes them both valuable players for any side, however, their passing abilities could see them fit into Arteta’s squad with ease, particularly alongside Martin Odegaard.
martin-odegaard-arsenal
The Norweigan has flourished in the no.10 role for the Gunners, and the introduction of two established dominators in the engine room could only improve the Arsenal skippers’ game.
Caicedo averaged a passing accuracy of 89% this season, with Rice following closely behind with 88%, with both players showcasing their composure when dispatching the ball.
Having two confidently equipped midfielders behind him, Odegaard could take his expertise further up field taking into consideration the duo’s ability to win and retain play.
The 24-year-old powerhouse contributed 2.1 key passes per game for his side this season and acted as Arsenal’s best creator in an area that could be bolstered in having security as assured as two of the country’s best holding players.
In comparison to Thomas Partey, who at present will be the man to start next season behind the Norwegian, the two could provide a better outlet offensively as well as their defensive contributions.
As per Sofascore, Rice averaged one key pass per game with Caicedo achieving 1.2 in the same area, showing the upgrade they could be on the Arsenal side with Partey recording an average of 0.8 per game.
With combined fees of almost £200m, only time will tell if reports regarding the Gunners landing both midfielders is to be believed, however, Arteta could unearth a midfield trio for the ages if there is truth.
Manchester United have identified Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou as their "main target" to replace David De Gea between the sticks, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.
What's the latest Man United transfer news?
Recent reports indicating that Man United are unwilling to pay Diogo Costa's €75m (£64m) release clause, but FC Porto are unwilling to lower the price, so Erik ten Hag may be forced to move on to other goalkeeper targets.
According to talkSPORT, Everton's Jordan Pickford is at the top of the Red Devils' list, and the England goalkeeper would jump at the chance of moving to Old Trafford, as a result of his desire to play in the Champions League.
United could make a move for Pickford even if De Gea remains at the club, while they have also been linked with a move for Brentford's David Raya, who has now rejected multiple contract offers from the Bees.
While Pickford is emerging as a key target for Ten Hag, Galetti has now told GiveMeSport that bringing in the Sevilla goalkeeper will be the manager's main priority this summer.
The journalist said:“ At the moment, Manchester United remain interested in Bounou. De Gea’s situation does not leave them calm, with so many doubts about the Spanish goalkeeper who also had offers from Saudi Arabia and you’re seeing Bounou who could replace him and for this reason, he remains the main target for Man United.”
Who is Yassine Bounou?
The Morocco international, who was hailed as GOAL as an "immovable force", made a name for himself at the World Cup, with members of the media lauding him as a "hero" due to his solid performances, ranked by Sofascore as his side's fourth-best performing player in their remarkable run to the semi-final.
Hailed as "brilliant" by sports writer John McAuley, the 32-year-old has also impressed at club level, with journalist Abhishek Dey claiming he was the "best" goalkeeper in La Liga during the 2021-22 campaign.
That said, there are some indications the £15k-per-week shot-stopper, who impressed against Man United in 2020, is starting to show his age, keeping just five clean sheets in La Liga last season.
Having conceded an average of 1.71 goals per 90 over the past year, the Sevilla goalkeeper ranks in just the 16th percentile, when compared to his positional peers.
As such, Man United would be better off prioritising a move for Pickford, as the Everton goalkeeper is only 29-years-old, and he is already proven in the Premier League, having made 248 appearances in the competition.
Manchester United have suffered heartbreak at Wembley Stadium this afternoon after losing to Manchester City in the FA Cup Final and Erik ten Hag will surely be disappointed with the performance put on by his team.
The Red Devils were on course to secure the domestic double after winning the League Cup earlier this year, but it wasn't meant to be on the day with the undeniable force of their local rivals presenting itself in just seconds of the game commencing in London.
Over the monumental occasion, United struggled to dominate in any area of the pitch with just 40% possession, fewer shots on target (3 v 5), fewer accurate passes completed (267 v 450), fewer duels won (40 v 48) and fewer tackles completed (11 v 19), proving that Ten Hag's side were outplayed in both attacking and defensive play.
In the first half, nobody could have predicted that Man City would be breaking records just 12 seconds into the Wembley clash but Ilkay Gundogan's stunning volley secured the lead for the Sky Blues and became the fastest ever FA Cup goal in the history of the competition.
Following the German's strike, the spotlight was stolen by VAR and refereeing decisions with Jack Grealish penalised for a controversial handball in the box, which gave the Red Devils the golden opportunity to get back into the game with Bruno Fernandes converting a spot kick to equalise in the 33rd minute.
In the second half, Gundogan punished the Red Devils again early with another goal in the 51st minute to take the lead once again which ultimately turned out to be the match-winner, delivering the seventh FA Cup in the club's history.
Whilst Ten Hag will be proud of the achievements that his team have delivered with Champions League football and a trophy secured this season, this afternoon's outing will serve as a reminder that the rebuild is still very much in progress at the club with the need to offload some of the players clear.
How did Fred get on vs Manchester City?
The Brazilian midfielder – who was signed for £47m back in 2018 – has had a rocky tenure at Old Trafford, and if reports are to be believed he could be one of the players who will be shown the exit doors this summer.
Man United have been linked with a number of midfielders who could be set to replace Fred this summer with Declan Rice, Manuel Ugarte and Mateo Kovacic all named as potential targets for the Dutch coach this summer, and the midfielder did himself no favours to stake his claim to stay in his outing at Wembley this afternoon.
Over his 90-minute performance, the 30-year-old dud lost 81% of his duels (3/16), misplaced 100% of his crosses, lost possession of the ball ten times and was dribbled past twice, whilst he even failed in 100% of his dribble attempts too.
fred-man-united-fa-cup-final
Whilst Fred cannot be blamed for the entirety of the uninspiring display at Wembley, it is painfully obvious that Man Utd are crying out for a more energetic presence and a player who can look after the ball better going forward in the important position.
With that being said, Ten Hag must take a good look at his starting players and improve in key areas to ensure their pursuit for trophies and dominance doesn't stagnate again next season and Fred should be one of the players who shouldn't ever wear the shirt again.