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The mood and atmosphere at Manchester United have massively shifted since the turn of the year, with Erik ten Hag's side finally starting to pick up a run of results.

Their last defeat was seven games ago, and at the weekend, the Red Devils picked up another three points with a win 2-1 over Luton Town.

Rasmus Hojlund scored both goals within the first ten minutes, and his overall performance was impressive yet again, with Garth Crooks of the BBC saying United "have a new hero."

It's no coincidence that the upturn in results has occurred since Hojlund started firing, and the number 11 has already become a fan favourite.

Rasmus Hojlund's season in numbers

Hojlund's initial struggles in the Premier League and the concerns that were attached to the fact he failed to score in his first 14 league appearances can finally be put to bed.

The 21-year-old only needed to score his first goal to start flying, but the signs of him being an elite striker were already on show in the Champions League as he scored five in the group stage. The Dane was also getting into dangerous positions in the top flight, but his finishing wasn't always reliable, as shown by the fact he's missed 12 big chances this season.

Nonetheless, Hojlund has now become the youngest-ever player to score in six Premier League games in a row, with his tally reaching seven in the league along with two assists. This makes him the top goal contributer for Ten Hag's side in the league.

However, a potential problem that the former Ajax boss could face lies in the absence of the youngster through injury or if his form starts to drop, with Anthony Martial – who is out of contract this summer – being the only like-for-like swap. Luckily, the Dutchman could just have the perfect long-term rival for Hojlund, who is waiting for an opportunity to shine.

Joe Hugill could be up next at Man United

Joe Hugill is a striker who has been on the radar for a while now after he moved from Sunderland to Man United in 2020. The 6 foot 2 gem has torn defences apart in the academy, with his unique blend of height and pace making him a sought-after profile.

However, MUTV pundit Luke Chadwick was impressed with the slightly less aesthetic side of his game, claiming that the 20-year-old is more of an "old school" centre forward, which makes him the perfect backup for Hojlund, who has also been described that by journalist Vayam Rohit Lahoti.

The striker's numbers really do speak for themselves, and during his time in the academy, he has become known for being a clinical finisher while also having great technical ability, which has caused some to compare him to Harry Kane, who is widely regarded as the "world's best striker" – as per pundit Andros Townsend – and previously rose up through the youth ranks at rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Burton Albion

4

1

1

Altrincham

7

1

0

Man United U18's

24

18

4

Man United U23's

57

31

3

Total

92

51

8

In January, the towering number nine joined struggling League One outfit Burton Albion on loan to gain experience in the men's game, and in two starts, he has scored and picked up an assist.

With Hojlund guaranteed to be the future star to lead the line at Old Trafford, Hugill may have to wait a little longer for his chance in the first team, but he would definitely be an incredible rival for the Dane to have.

Rather than splashing the cash on a replacement for Martial this summer, Ten Hag could instead look to the academy again, having already put his faith in the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.

Gloucestershire achieved their first mission by taking the game into the final day after Sussex threatened to complete a notable success inside three days. Once the floodlights were switched on at around 5.30 it was only a matter of time before umpires Steve O’Shaughnessy and Ben Debenham halted proceedings because of bad light.Thoughts of an extra half hour ended at that point, but Ryan Higgins and Jack Taylor will resume their seventh-wicket stand in the morning with thought of survival first, second and third, target-setting a very distant fourth. Without playing exceptional or exciting cricket, Sussex have taken a grip and tightened it; they can expect to finish this round of games at least one place up, in fifth.After play began an hour behind schedule, they struck 57 more runs in 50 minutes to establish a lead of 170 on first innings. An emerging consensus suggests that while survival on the increasingly slow pitch should be relatively straightforward, playing strokes is problematic. That explains why so many Gloucestershire batmen trudged off in self-reproach through the afternoon.At least in Higgins they have the best No.7 in the country with four 2019 Championship hundreds to his name. “I think we are in a deep hole, but I am going to fight tomorrow with ‘Jacko’ to try to get us out of it,” he said. “We have been behind the eight-ball from the first day, but we have got draws out of nowhere here before.”Of all the county grounds, Bristol most needs the sun to show off its best. The flats at the Ashley Down Road end are cream and chrome with off-white blinds, the bucket seats are rows of grey, as are the floodlight pylons, and the austere building behind them to the right is a mix of grey, brown and fawn stone, like the gravel at the bottom of a fish tank. Thank goodness for the oak trees.As the clouds lifted after lunch it did look more of a picture – albeit not from the Fauvist school – and with any swing telegraphed from the hand, conditions were as good as they have been for batting. James Bracey and Chris Dent repelled the new ball so that Gloucester needed nothing more than patience, concentration and a modicum of good fortune for the afternoon ahead.Instead of frustrating the bowlers they offered too much charity. David Wiese was the first to prosper when Bracey tried to force a ball he could have left and edged behind. He was still chastising himself the other side of the rope. Gareth Roderick was more culpable still in Wiese’s next over with an elegant waft off his legs that was Gower-like in all but its destination, straight to deep square leg.Dent seemed the man for the situation. Compact and well-organised, he averages over fifty for the season and a number of team mates recently took to Twitter to offer him as an England candidate. Prising him from the crease can be as hard as persuading Ken Dodd to leave the stage. He impressed here in his ability to punish the bad ball, completing 1,000 runs for the fourth season on 41.But Miles Hammond top-edged a pull against the slow left-arm of Delray Rawlins and Dent followed three overs later tickling an innocuous ball from George Garton that he followed down the leg side. His 72 is the highest individual score for either side so far. Once again, a batsman wandered off in self-disgust while the converging Sussex players looked as surprised as they were gleeful.Ben Brown was happy to employ some funky fielding positions to account for the low, slow surface. The captain could take much credit when Tom Smith duly clipped Ollie Robinson to short midwicket. Robinson struck again with an lbw decision against Ben Charlesworth, the youngster having been missed twice already off Luke Wells, but Higgins remained dutifully robust.Not for the first time, the depth of the Sussex batting held them in proper stead. Garton, at ten, wants to be considered an all-rounder while last man Robinson has a hundred to his name. “A number of times this season the bottom five have taken the game away from the opposition,” Wiese said. “If you had offered us the close-of-play position at the start of the morning, we’d have taken it.”Sussex might have been surprised that David Payne did not enter the Gloucester attack until nine overs were bowled. Smith, the spinner, rushed through at the Ashley Down Road end and fielders chased boundaries over the rope as though speeding up an over rate of -4 was a priority. Yet Shannon Gabriel ambled through in tandem, continuing to no-ball and struggle for length.He appeared thoroughly disconsolate as he took his sweater and walked off after four overs costing 27 runs, suffering trouble with his left leg. Payne struck in his first over when Will Beer stood on his wicket, but Gloucester needed excellent catches from Charlesworth and Jack Taylor to end the innings and deny Sussex full bonus points. They had little else to cheer.

Real Madrid captain Nacho has reportedly snubbed an opportunity to move to MLS in favour of a reunion with Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad.

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Nacho set to leave Real MadridNot keen on heading to the United StatesWill sign a contract with Saudi side Al-IttihadWHAT HAPPENED?

According tothe veteran defender, whose contract with Real Madrid expires later this month, is in advanced talks to join the Saudi Pro League side.

Nacho, a stalwart at Real Madrid since joining the club’s youth system at the age of 10, has spent his entire career with the Spanish giants. Over the years, he has become a crucial figure in the squad, earning respect for his versatility and leadership. However, his tenure at Santiago Bernabeu seems to be drawing to a close as he eyes a new challenge in Saudi Arabia.

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Despite being informed about his impending departure, Real Madrid had offered Nacho a new contract, hoping to retain his services. However, the prospect of joining Benzema at Al-Ittihad and embarking on a new adventure seems to have swayed the seasoned defender. Several other clubs, including Villarreal, Inter, and various MLS teams, had shown interest in Nacho, but he remained firm that if he left Real Madrid, he would not join any other European outfit.

DID YOU KNOW?

Since making his senior debut under Jose Mourinho in 2011, Nacho has played 363 games, scored 16 goals, and provided 10 assists. His trophy cabinet is equally impressive, boasting 26 major titles, including six Champions League trophies and four La Liga championships. This achievement places him ahead of other club legends like Marcelo and Benzema, who have 25 titles each with Madrid.

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Angel Martinez/Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

As Nacho prepares to bid farewell to the club that has been his home for over two decades, Real Madrid will need to address the gap left in their defensive lineup. The potential signing of Leny Yoro is seen as a strategic move to bolster their defence and ensure continued success on both domestic and European fronts.

Mohamed Salah has sparked petulance claims on World Cup qualifying duty with Egypt, with it suggested that the Liverpool star refused to be subbed.

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Reds forward in international actionAdded another goal to his tallyTactical plan changed in stoppage-timeWHAT HAPPENED?

The 31-year-old forward, who is captain of his country, was on target in a 1-1 draw with Guinea-Bissau – taking his haul of international goals to 57. His latest effort helped the Pharaohs to preserve their unbeaten record in qualification and remain at the top of Group A.

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Salah’s important contribution to the Egyptian cause came in the 70th minute, and they were eager to make changes when hanging on to a point in stoppage-time. Mostafa Fathi and Nasser Maher were readied on the sidelines, but only the latter made it onto the field – with the former returning to the bench.

WHAT EGYPTIAN FA SAID

Responding to accusations of Salah refusing to be replaced, the Egyptian FA has said in a statement relayed by : “There is absolutely no truth to the rumours that Mohamed Salah refused to leave the pitch. Salah was not going to be substituted off in the first place. Hossam Hassan was content with only bringing on Nasser Maher.”

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR SALAH?

Salah will be due back at Liverpool this summer, as talk of a transfer to the Saudi Pro League begins to fade, but the Reds may be set for another battle with Egypt as they have stated an intention to select a talismanic figure as an overage player in their squad for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris – which would force him miss part of pre-season under new Anfield boss Arne Slot.

West Bromwich Albion will be delighted that they have been able to tie young asset Tom Fellows to a new deal, the 20-year-old extending his contract until 2027 now after worries had grown that he could be off this transfer window.

Fellows will be in line to start tomorrow against Wolverhampton Wanderers as a result in what promises to be a fiercely contested Black Country Derby in the FA Cup, but question marks remain over another midfielder in the Baggies ranks and his future away from this positive development.

If fixed first-teamer Okay Yokuslu does end up departing for pastures new this month, as per reports, Carlos Corberan could well have a perfect replacement up his sleeve in the form of this 19-year-old sensation.

West Brom linked with Birmingham midfielder

According to Turkish outlet Beyaz Gazette, Yokuslu is being lined up for a return to his native Turkey as Trabzonspor are reportedly interested in landing the 29-year-old dynamo.

West Brom losing their dependable number 35 would be a harsh blow right after the ecstatic news of Fellows extending his stay, Yokuslu a regular under Corberan this season with 28 appearances tallied up.

Yet, the Baggies could instantly soften this blow by signing Birmingham City starlet Jordan James as his immediate replacement – Corriere Della Sera first reported on West Brom's interest, via Sports Witness, with Atalanta emerging as a surprise party also sniffing around for the breakthrough 19-year-old prospect alongside Newcastle United, Brentford and Brighton.

Scoring six times this season from central midfield, James would offer West Brom a far more offensive-minded option in the centre of the park compared to Yokuslu.

Over time, this deal could see West Brom even land an upgrade on the 29-year-old with James having so much more room to grow and develop as a player at the Hawthorns alongside an equally exciting Fellows.

How James fits into the West Brom team

Excelling playing as an attacking midfielder this season under Wayne Rooney before the unpopular Blues boss was relieved of his duties, James has also shone playing as a defensive option too.

The young Welshman showcased his aerial expertise – where Yokuslu shines – against Swansea City last time out at St Andrew's, winning 100% of his clashes in the air in a bright 25-minute cameo which also saw him find the back of the net.

Last match away at Stoke City, gifted a start by his new boss in Tony Mowbray in a holding role, James was equally resilient and dogged – winning seven ground duels versus the Potters to help Birmingham pick up a slim 2-1 away win.

Yet, James is not a one-trick pony and has the flair of an attacking midfielder in his arsenal too with two successful dribble attempts also managed on his team's travels to Stoke.

At just 17 years of age, former Blues boss Lee Bowyer described the homegrown talent as "tremendous" with the now 19-year-old just getting better as he matures and refines his craft.

This could well be why West Brom are so keen on adding the dynamic teenager to their ranks this month, James able to come in and competently replace Yokuslu but also able to offer far more than the Turkish number 35 as an attack-oriented presence alongside an equally creative figure in Alex Mowatt.

James would further give the Baggies a source of goals away from overly relying on Brandon Thomas-Asante, with midfield stars John Swift and Jed Wallace seeing their goal output dry up recently.

Coming in as the club's fourth highest earner at £25k-per-week, offloading Yokuslu could see the Championship promotion candidates free up some money to go in for James who is on £1.1k-per-week currently at St. Andrew's.

Tempted no doubt by a heftier pay packet, and the possibility of playing Premier League football next season, James could well be up for making the short trip over from Birmingham to the Hawthorns in a move that could allow Corberan to forget about any need to worry about Okay's future.

Before the January transfer window began, Manchester United urged supporters to keep a lid on their expectations. After Jim Ratcliffe acquired 25% of the club from the Glazers, there may have been hopes that he'd emphatically announce his arrival, but instead United appear hamstrung by Financial Fair Play requirements.

This may be a result of their heavy spending in recent summer transfer windows. In the last two years, United have ranked third in the Premier League for net outlay – £125m in 2023 and £196m the year before – after high-profile deals for the likes of Antony, Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Lisandro Martinez.

All of this means Erik ten Hag doesn't have much to work with this winter, but by adopting a frugal approach now, United will give themselves more breathing room in the summer, and they're already planning one big-money deal.

United laying groundwork for Vermeeren deal

According to Football Insider, Man Utd are planning a "mega-money" move for Arthur Vermeeren of Royal Antwerp in the off-season. Vermeeren is attracting interest from a "host of elite European clubs", but United appear desperate to win the race. They're said to be "all over" the teenage talent, already in regular contact with his entourage over a summer transfer.

Antwerp are asking for £25m up front for the midfielder, but they're hoping they can double their potential windfall with a comprehensive package of performance-related add-ons.

Vermeeren can do everything for United

Vermeeren made his full league debut for Antwerp in November 2022, and his manager Mark van Bommel quickly observed that he was a "special" player, starting him in every single top-flight match from that point on as Antwerp won the title.

Despite his youth, he's already established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet this season, with 31 appearances under his belt already. He's made the XI for all 20 of his side's Pro League games, and played every minute of their Champions League group-stage campaign, scoring in a win over Barcelona on the final matchday after five straight defeats.

It was only a matter of time before 2022/23 Belgian Young Footballer of the Year made a full debut for his country, and it came in October at the age of 18 years, eight months and six days. That made one of his nation's 10 youngest debutants this century (and their fourth-youngest midfielder in that period).

A look at the data reveals that Vermeeren already possesses a near-complete midfield skillset. Relative to other players in his position in comparable leagues over the last year, he ranks in the 70th percentile for pass completion (84.3%) and is particularly strong (92nd percentile) for long passes (78.3%).

But he doesn't just play safe balls in his own territory – he looks to thread passes through gaps in the opposition defensive structure. He sits fifth in his league this season for progressive passes (142) and occupies the top 25 percentiles for passes into the box per 90 minutes (1.13), and live-ball passes leading to a shot attempt (2.28).

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His technical gifts are also clear in his dribbling numbers. He was the third-best in the league for successful take-on percentage (76.2) in his debut season, and he's a standout for progressive carrying distance (97.3 yards per 90, 79th percentile) and carries into the final third (1.62, 77th percentile) as well.

Crucially, there's a bite and a discipline to his game too. Despite his late breakthrough in 2022/23, he finished in the top 10 for tackles won (46), and his average of 1.15 blocked passes per 90 (75th percentile) shows that he can be effective for a high-pressing team. If United can sign Vermeeren, they'll be getting a youngster who's capable of doing it all in the middle of the park.

حسم التعادل الإيجابي مواجهة تشيلسي وكريستال بالاس بهدف لكل فريق، في إطار منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وواجه تشيلسي نظيره كريستال بالاس ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على ملعب “ستامفورد بريدج”.

اقرأ ايضاً.. تشكيل مانشستر يونايتد أمام ليفربول في الدوري الإنجليزي.. 3 تغييرات وزيركزي يقود الهجوم

أحرز نيكولاس جاكسون الهدف الأول لفريق تشيلسي عند الدقيقة 25، بعدما تلقى تمريرة حاسمة من كول بالمر.

وبحلول الدقيقة 53، نجح إيبيريشي إيزي في تسجيل هدف التعادل بطريقة رائعة ومن تسديدة خارج منطقة الجزاء.

وغادر مالو جوستو المباراة مصاباً عند الدقيقة 74 وحل مودريك بدلاً منه.

وحاول لاعبو تشيلسي في الدقائق الأخيرة تسجيل الهدف الثاني، لكن جميع محاولات أصحاب الأرض انتهت بالفشل.

وبهذه النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد تشيلسي إلى النقطة 4 في المركز الحادي عشر بترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي، بينما حصد رصيد كريستال بالاس أول نقطة له هذا الموسم ويتواجد بالمركز السادس عشر. اهداف مباراة تشيلسي وكريستال بالاس 1 1 الدوري الانجليزي

Labour party leader Sir Keir Starmer jokingly revealed how he tricked Declan Rice to signing for Arsenal when he was still at West Ham.

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• Rice joined the Gunners last summer
• Starmer played his role in the transfer
• Politician is a huge Arsenal supporter

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal emerged victorious in the battle against Manchester City to secure the services of the talented England midfielder, sealing the deal for a reported fee of around £105 million ($137 million). Rice's transfer marked a significant milestone for Arsenal, making him the club's most expensive signing of all time, following his nine-year tenure at West Ham. And now, Starmer has claimed that apart from Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta, he also played a crucial role with his son at the London Stadium.

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT STARMER SAID

  Speaking to , Starmer said: "So, when we played away at West Ham last year and Declan was still a West Ham player I took my son. Mark Noble, Mr West Ham [now the club’s sporting director], took us down to meet Declan. And so my boy had his programme open ready for signing and obviously we put the contract [for Arsenal] in underneath! Declan signed it and thought he was signing the programme, but actually he was signing for Arsenal!"

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With Arsenal setting their sights on clinching their first Premier League title in two decades, they face stiff competition from City. Currently leading by a narrow margin, the Gunners are aware of the challenges posed by their rivals, who have a game in hand that could potentially tilt the scales in their favour. But despite being a staunch Arsenal fan, Starmer is still not convinced that the Gunners can reclaim the English crown.

  “It depends on City,” Starmer admitted. “It’s the best title race for ages, this year, and I have been going every game home and away. City are good though. Look at [Kevin] De Bruyne. Look at [Erling] Haaland. These are great players.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  As Arsenal prepare for crucial encounters against Bournemouth and Everton, their ultimate challenge looms large with a pivotal fixture against Manchester United awaiting them in their penultimate game on May 12th. The outcome of this showdown could potentially determine Arsenal's fate in their quest for Premier League glory, with a defeat all but handing the title to City. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola will lead his troops against Wolves on Saturday. That will be followed by matches against Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham respectively.

Leeds United will be hoping that the most recent international break hasn't spoiled their momentum ahead of tonight's Yorkshire derby clash against Rotherham United.

The Whites make the short trip to South Yorkshire in impressive form, winning six of their last seven matches while the hosts are winless in five and were thrashed 4-0 by Watford last time out.

If Daniel Farke's side needed any further incentive to pile more misery onto their county rivals, an opportunity to go five points behind the automatic promotion places with victory is the prize awaiting them.

In his recent press conference, the German tactician provided a disappointing update as striker Georginio Rutter is flagged as a "major doubt" while it's unlikely that Farke will risk left-back Sam Byram, who has just recovered from his injury.

The Englishman has played a starring role down the left flank this term and will be a huge miss if he is left out.

Sam Byram's season in numbers

When an academy graduate returns to the club where they began their career, there's no guarantee it works out, however, Byram has been a revelation since returning to West Yorkshire and has made that left-back spot his own.

Hailed for his importance to the side and possessing "quality" in abundance by Farke, the 30-year-old has started in 13 of their 16 Championship matches and has impressed with his energetic, tenacious and tough-tackling ability.

Byram's aggressive attacking displays and incredible defensive work have stood out this term, striking up a strong partnership with the Dutch dynamo Crysencio Summerville, while providing exceptional support down the left flank.

In a supremely attacking Leeds side, orchestrated by the German's tactical expertise, Byram is thriving in a similar role that Stuart Dallas played in their 2019/20 promotion campaign.

A driving force at both ends of the field, as delineated by the table above, the former Norwich City man is a threat in the final third and is difficult to beat down the left flank.

If he is forced into sitting out for this clash, it's likely that Junior Firpo will come in for his first start of the season.

Junior Firpo's Leeds career in numbers

Firpo arrived from Barcelona as a highly-rated full-back, who was known for his electricity and explosiveness, but the Spaniard is yet to provide the spark that he promised to deliver down the left flank.

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He struggled in the early stages of his career to translate his sensational form from Barca to Elland Road as highlighted by some of his performances last term, one of which was against Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez.

Described by journalist Dean Jones as having "some difficulties" adapting to the Premier League following that battle with Mahrez, Firpo was unable to match the physicality required in the top division, although he did impress towards the end of that relegation campaign.

The £60k per-week star was dubbed as "immense" for his form by Connor McGilligan on the One Leeds Fan Channel after ranking in the top 8% against his positional peers in the top flight for interceptions and top 9% for tackles, as per FBref.

After spending the majority of this campaign recovering from a long-term injury to his knee, Firpo could finally get his chance to show Byram the level of talent he's competing against for a spot in the team tonight.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have begun to find their footing under the guidance of Gary O’Neil, after what was a dreary summer for the Old Gold.

From financial fair play (FFP) woes to the departure of Julen Lopetegui just five days prior to the 2023/24 Premier League season opener, it was a testing time for those at Molineux.

Ten games into the season and O’Neil is finally getting the best out of his side, who sit 12th in the league table having netted 13 goals, just 18 shy of their total tally of last term to highlight their progression under the new manager.

Unfortunately, it’s not all been plain sailing for the Midlands club, who were humbled last time out as star man Pedro Neto was forced to withdraw with a hamstring injury, a sight no one wanted to see.

Pedro Neto injury news

The Portuguese winger pulled up during Wolves’ 2-2 draw with Newcastle United at Molineux unchallenged and was stretchered off in what was an anxiety-ridden sight for those associated with the club to witness.

After struggling to fully emerge at Wolves over the years due to injury woes, Neto has finally hit top form this term, highlighted by his eight goal contributions in ten league appearances so far.

The 23-year-old currently tops the Premier League assists chart with seven, as his creative eye on the right flank continues to cause havoc, with him averaging a stellar 2.5 key passes per game.

Speaking after the Newcastle draw in which the winger was hurt, O’Neil provided a hopeful first-look evaluation of the Portugal international, saying that he was “moving around” after the game.

The manager spoke from the experience of Joe Hodge who also injured his hamstring this term, saying that as the midfielder was not out for long, he was “hopeful” that Neto will follow a similar fate.

With Hwang Hee-chan on the left, Matheus Cunha in the centre and Neto on the right, O’Neil has unlocked a new level of direct threat going forward, however the Englishman must now look for other options to fill the forward’s absence.

The stats that show Jean-Ricner Bellegarde could replace Pedro Neto

One player that the boss shed light on returning was deadline day signing Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, saying that he will “find a way” to cope without Neto.

While fielding the typically central player on the flank is a less conventional rotation to make, the numbers suggest that the Frenchman could thrive in the role played by the injured number seven.

Prior to his move to Wolves, the 25-year-old had started the Ligue 1 campaign impeccably with Strasbourg, scoring two and assisting two in only three appearances for his former side.

Lauded as “incredibly direct” by football data expert Thom Harris after his debut against Liverpool, Bellegarde showcased just how frightening his talents can be when on the ball, suggesting he could replicate Neto’s dynamism in the wide channels.

Harris also noted the midfielder as being “versatile”, which would add even more of a claim to his potential of being utilised as a wide forward, with his statistics in France earlier in the season reinforcing his threat.

As per Sofascore, the £12.8m signing averaged an impressive 2.7 successful dribbles per game prior to his Ligue 1 exit, a higher average than that of Kylian Mbappe in the French top-tier, who averages 2.2 per game so far.

O’Neil could utilise the power and direct danger that Bellegarde causes when on the ball to fill the void left by Neto, in a move that could keep momentum going in the squad without their lead forward involved.