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Dan Ashworth: Five issues at Man United for sporting director to address if Newcastle deal happens

Ben Miller
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Dan Ashworth: Five issues at Man United for sporting director to address if Newcastle deal happens

Even if they have to abide a protracted wait for Dan Ashworth to be able to take up his new role, Manchester United seem set to appoint the Newcastle sporting director as a key figure in the transformation Sir Jim Ratcliffe hopes to oversee by taking over football operations at Old Trafford.

Ashworth’s success with the Magpies and former club Brighton was rooted in long-term strategic planning and clever transfers – neither of which United have been readily associated with during 11 years of decline since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

As Ashworth prepares to plot the revival of the biggest spenders in British football, what are some of the key issues the most sought-after of the new wave of technical executives will take on? Business Manchester takes a look at five of them.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Foden ‘closest’ player England have to a Ballon d’Or winner – Frank
Manchester City: Pep Guardiola playing it cool despite Chelsea draw
Guadiola apologises for Phillips remarks

Reckless spending

If former chief executive Richard Arnold’s off-the-cuff remarks about United’s spending continue to hold a haunting accuracy, his observation that £1 billion had been wasted on transfers has evidently not produced lessons.

Record signing Paul Pogba’s underwhelming second spell at the club came at a cost of £89m, and the enigmatic midfielder’s move to Juventus for nothing in 2022 was followed by the arrival of the second-most expensive player in the club’s history, Antony, whose £86m price tag means each of his six goal involvements in the Premier League – none of which have come this season – has cost more than £14m.

Harry Maguire is the world’s most expensive defender and has often been portrayed as a symbol of United’s frailties, turning down a move to West Ham at the start of the season, while even a shadow of Jadon Sancho’s best would be a generous description of the former England attacker’s impact since he signed in 2021 for £73m.

Everyone knows United have huge spending power, just as the takeover by Newcastle’s Saudi-backed consortium changed perceptions of their might in the market. The reality is an increased risk of repeated wastefulness, and while Ashworth is not afraid to oversee large outlays – Alexander Isak is on the way to paying Newcastle back their record £60m fee – he will need to change a club with form for frittering financial resources.

Wasted talent

An absence of realised potential is part of the insult to injury for United fans, personified by Sancho and Antony. Both players are about to turn 24, which will give optimist Ashworth belief they can blossom again.

Sancho’s return to Borussia Dortmund until the end of the season may not be the end of his United career, and Antony did not dazzle for Ajax and become a Brazil international by luck. Nor are they the only squad members who have sunk severely short of their best: see Marcus Rashford, the scorer of 30 goals in all competitions last season who has looked a long way from a line-leading striker on his way to one every six games so far in 2023/24.

Ashworth has a reputation for working at teams whose players exceed expectations, often through understated moves. Dan Burn went from Wigan Athletic loanee to Brighton regular and a Uefa Champions League goal against Paris St-Germain for Newcastle, his combined price with Magpies teammates Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier coming in at £7m less than Maguire.

Some of United’s existing players will inevitably decide how Ashworth’s impact at United is judged, making his ability to identify why the talent drain is happening and stem it vital. He’ll want to re-imagine United as a club better known for operating with canniness than clout.

Shaky foundations

From their impressively productive academy to mutually inspired loan transfers and a bold playing style, a key part of Ashworth’s blueprint at Brighton depended on managerial stability and a shared philosophy across the club.

Starting with David Moyes’ brief reign, United have had a curious, even chaotic approach to appointments since Ferguson left, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure of almost three years the longest a coach has been in charge.

There was considerable scrutiny on Erik ten Hag at the end of 2023 after a dreadful first half of the season, United looking less than ever like 20-time champions and leaving Europe at the first exit by finishing fourth in their Champions League group.

A seven-match unbeaten run since then has seemed more of a relief than a resurgence, but United remain below par and a decision – probably at the end of the campaign – will have to be made on giving Ten Hag longer than Solskjaer to implement a revised masterplan or entrusting a successor to lead the way.

United are yet to find the coach to take them back to the top, although there were flickering signs of Ten Hag’s capabilities in that respect in his first season in charge. Whether or not he remains, Ashworth knows that chopping and changing is the surest way to hopelessness.

Background uncertainty

The Theatre of Dreams has come closer to a circus during United’s malaise, with rumblings of dressing-room unrest this season persisting in an embarrassing pattern that has undermined elements of progress.

Ashworth can bring a unified intelligence and level of professionalism to United, taking the pressure off Ten Hag and using the knowledge he has from his time on training pitches and in boardrooms to lessen the noise.

When he joined Newcastle, Ashworth surveyed every aspect of the club with an emphasis on connecting people and departments. “He dilutes conflict and oils the machine to make it run seamlessly,” Tony Mowbray told The Athletic of Ashworth’s time at West Bromwich Albion while he was manager.

“Dan’s very good at bringing people together and getting the maximum out of everything and everyone.”

In a post-Ferguson era when managers are rarely all-powerful, Ten Hag is the latest United coach to have seemed isolated. Ashworth knows how to create fluency in vast institutions from his time at the FA, as does Sir Dave Brailsford, who he will work closely with under Ratcliffe’s set-up.

Losing culture

Few United fans expect a repeat of the dominance their club held between 1993 and 2013, winning the Premier League 13 times and the Champions League twice during that period.

Winning the Europa League and FA Cup once each and the Carabao Cup twice since then, though, is a reflection of how far they have fallen from regularly challenging for trophies.

Their Carabao Cup win in 2022/23 was their first silverware since 2016 and denied Ashworth’s Newcastle a first major honour since 1955, but their opponents went some way to avenging that result with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford in the competition this season.

That was one of 14 defeats United suffered in little more than three months – a dismal run which led to the mentality of the squad being heavily questioned.

England manager Gareth Southgate has praised Ashworth for helping England to become world champions at youth levels and serious contenders at a World Cup for the first time in 28 years. At a club yet to finish within single-digit reach of the champions since Ferguson’s finals season, Ashworth will be thinking about how to inspire a collective mindset shift.

Kevin De Bruyne documentary: Man City injury left hamstring ‘like wet paper towel’ but midfielder ‘enjoyed’ time off

Ben Miller
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Kevin De Bruyne documentary: Man City injury left hamstring ‘like wet paper towel’ but midfielder ‘enjoyed’ time off

Kevin De Bruyne has said his troublesome hamstring was likened to a “wet paper towel” by the surgeon who performed an operation which kept the Manchester City midfielder out of football for five months this season.

Belgium international De Bruyne was forced off after 15 minutes of City’s opening game of the campaign at Burnley, suffering from the same issue which caused his substitution in the Uefa Champions League final in June, having spent the final two months of the 2022/23 season playing with a partially torn hamstring.

“I’m a 32-year-old footballer who has been playing for 15 years, played almost 700 games, sometimes goes too hard and had a couple of hamstring injuries,” De Bruyne told a new club documentary.

“Basically, my hamstring was a wet paper towel. That’s what they called it after surgery. Because of the injuries I had, there was so much scarring.

“The whole hamstring was getting really weak. The tendon was ruptured, they needed to clean it out and it was the best decision.”

Read our other sports news stories here:
Foden ‘closest’ player England have to a Ballon d’Or winner – Frank
Manchester City: Pep Guardiola playing it cool despite Chelsea draw
Guadiola apologises for Phillips remarks

De Bruyne returned by scoring a goal and setting up another during a 21-minute substitute appearance in City’s 3-2 win at Newcastle on January 13.

He has provided assists in four of his six appearances since then, including two in their 3-1 win at Copenhagen in the Champions League round of 16.

The five-time Premier League winner found positives during his recovery. “If I wanted to plan a weekend with the family or go to Belgium or see my friends, I was able to plan that in advance,” he reflected.

“Usually it doesn’t work out, there’s no chance. In a way, it was nice to do some normal stuff and have some fun outside of football. I enjoyed it because there were things I had never done in 15 years. It was good.”

De Bruyne hair ‘not always easy’

Many fans have also admired De Bruyne’s decision to grow his hair in time for his comeback – but the former Wolfsburg, Chelsea and Genk playmaker says there had been “no plan” to create his striking new look.

“It’s not always easy when you play with it,” he said. “But I said ‘I’m not playing for a long time so we’ll just grow it a bit and see how it goes.’

“I’m happy with it. People say I look a bit younger now, so maybe I’ll have to take it.”

Revolutionising Workplace Safety: A Strategic Guide to Ensuring Employee Road Safety in 2024

News Desk
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Revolutionising Workplace Safety: A Strategic Guide to Ensuring Employee Road Safety in 2024

In the rapidly changing corporate environment of today, employees’ safety while they travel regularly is of utmost importance. As mobile workforces grow, businesses must embrace a travelsafe mentality to protect their employees when they are traveling for work.

This article explores the several hazards that come with traveling for work and offers thorough solutions to reduce them.

We will examine the various ways in which businesses can safeguard their workforce and guarantee comfort when traveling. Together, let’s take this adventure to make your team’s travels safer.

Understanding the Risks

Road Safety: A Top Priority

The statistics on road accidents are alarming, and for employees who spend a significant amount of time driving, these risks are magnified. To counteract these dangers, organizations must prioritize road safety by:

  • Ensuring Vehicle Safety: Regular maintenance checks of company vehicles are non-negotiable. This includes routine servicing, tire checks, and ensuring all safety features are functional.
  • Safe Driving Courses: Offering or even mandating defensive driving courses for employees can significantly reduce the chances of road mishaps.
  • Distracted Driving Policies: Implementing strict policies against texting, calling, or any form of distracted driving is crucial.

Health Emergencies: Preparing for the Unexpected

Travel, especially international travel, exposes employees to a range of health risks, from foodborne illnesses to exposure to different climates. Employers can prepare their staff by:

  • Providing Comprehensive Health Information: Before any trip, brief employees on the potential health risks and necessary precautions for their destination.
  • Ensuring Access to Quality Health Care: Robust travel health insurance that covers medical emergencies abroad is a must-have for traveling employees.

Security Threats: Staying Vigilant

Theft, fraud, and personal safety are legitimate concerns, especially in unfamiliar locations. To mitigate these risks, companies should:

  • Security Awareness Training: Equip employees with knowledge on how to stay safe, avoid scams, and protect sensitive information.
  • Emergency Response Protocols: Clear guidelines on what to do in various emergencies can be lifesaving.

Implementing Technology Solutions

GPS Tracking for Safety

The use of GPS tracking in company vehicles not only helps in monitoring the whereabouts of your employees but also in ensuring their safety. In case of any discrepancies in their route or if they encounter trouble, immediate help can be dispatched.

Utilizing Travel Safety Apps

There are numerous apps available that provide real-time alerts about local safety conditions, and weather updates, and even track health emergencies. Encouraging employees to use these apps keeps them informed and prepared.

Communication Tools

In times of emergency, quick communication is key. Providing employees with smartphones or devices equipped with emergency SOS features, and apps that can send instant alerts to the company can be invaluable.

Building a Safety Culture

Regular Safety Training

Regular workshops and training sessions about travel safety, first aid, emergency response, and safe driving can cultivate a culture of safety mindfulness among employees.

Promoting Open Reporting

Creating an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting safety concerns without fear of retribution is essential. This could be through anonymous reporting channels or regular safety meetings.

Leadership and Safety

Leadership should exemplify a commitment to safety. This can be through their adherence to safety policies or active participation in safety programs.

Personal Safety Measures

Strategic Planning

Encouraging employees to research their destination, understand local customs, and plan their routes meticulously can prevent many travel-related issues.

Vigilance and Awareness

Reminding employees to stay alert, especially in unfamiliar territories, is crucial. This includes being cautious about sharing personal information with strangers or being aware of their surroundings.

Adherence to Policies

Employees should be encouraged to strictly adhere to all travel and safety policies set by the company. This includes adhering to designated travel routes, check-in protocols, and emergency procedures.

Conclusion

In today’s business world, an organization’s values and culture are reflected in the well-being of its employees who travel for work, not only as a matter of compliance.

Protecting our most precious resource, our people requires putting in place extensive safety measures, embracing technology for increased security, and encouraging a culture of awareness and accountability.

By giving these factors top priority, we develop a staff that is focused, secure, and self-assured in addition to ensuring a safe travel atmosphere.

In the end, the actions we take to safeguard our workers while they are on the road say a lot about our dedication to both their general well-being and the success of our company.

Six Nations 2024: Costelow to start for Wales against Ireland

Jon Fisher
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Six Nations 2024: Costelow to start for Wales against Ireland

Fly-half Sam Costelow has been recalled in the only change to the Wales team for the Six Nations trip to Ireland on Saturday.

Coach Warren Gatland has retained faith in the bulk of the team that performed so well in narrowly going down 16-14 to England at Twickenham on February 10.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Guardiola: Akanji needs minutes to find his rhythm
Manchester City: Pep Guardiola playing it cool despite Chelsea draw
Guadiola apologises for Phillips remarks

Costelow comes in for Scarlets team-mate Ioan Lloyd, who is among the replacements.

Also on the bench is uncapped Cardiff number eight Mackenzie Martin and Harlequins prop Dillon Lewis.

Gatland’s side are searching for their first win in the 2024 Six Nations following defeats to Scotland and England while Grand Slam-chasing Ireland have eased past France and Italy and appear in ominous form.

“We are excited to go out to Dublin and test ourselves against one of the leading sides in world rugby,” said Gatland.

“It’s a challenge we are relishing. We’ve made steps in the last couple of games and now it’s about building on that, learning from those experiences and taking that into this weekend.

“It’s about continuing to work hard, looking for accuracy in our performance across 80 minutes and also keeping our discipline.”

Manchester City: Akanji needs minutes to find his rhythm, says Guardiola

Jon Fisher
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Manchester City: Akanji needs minutes to find his rhythm, says Guardiola

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is hoping Manuel Akanji can play his way back into rhythm, starting tonight against Brentford at the Etihad.

Akanji struggled against Chelsea at the weekend, particularly in the first half, prompting the ire of Guardiola on the touchline on more than one occasion.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Foden ‘closest’ player England have to a Ballon d’Or winner – Frank
Manchester City: Pep Guardiola playing it cool despite Chelsea draw
Guadiola apologises for Phillips remarks

The Switzerland international improved after the break and Guardiola explained he needs more minutes to find his best game.

He said: “Manu needs to come back to his form. The game we played previously against Everton, Manu was not in his best rhythm and we need everyone in his best rhythm.

“And Manu played really good in the moment we read the second half [vs Chelsea] what we should do, he increases his level.

“There are players who take rhythm more quickly. But Manu was injured two, three, four weeks. I rely on him a lot. Manu is an incredible player, as much you can play the more rhythm you have. That’s normal.”

Akanji’s need of minutes gives Guardiola a headache for the clash with the Bees with John Stones also available to play in the centre half/defensive midfield hybrid role.

Whoever plays will be tasked with helping City keep a clean sheet, something they have managed just once in their last five games.

Guardiola, however, does not obsess over clean sheets as he feels it can mask the main objective of winning the game.

“We love to have clean sheets, all the teams want it and we are no exception,” he added. 

“We want the clean sheets and concede few goals. But at the end, we want to win the game. Sometimes you have periods defending well but you concede goals, and sometimes you don’t concede.

“Never since I arrived, have I focused on clean sheets, they know it. I don’t go to them and say you have to get clean sheets. If I say just clean sheets, they forget to play or defend and forget what they have to do. 

“What they have to do is defend better – concede few, attack better and create more chances. This is always my target every time I prepare a game or make a meeting with them.”

Manchester City: Guardiola apologises for Phillips remarks

Jon Fisher
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Manchester City: Guardiola apologises for Phillips remarks

Pep Guardiola has apologised to Kalvin Phillips for suggesting he returned to Manchester City from the 2022 World Cup overweight.

Midfielder Phillips was a bit-part player for England in Qatar, appearing for just 40 minutes across two substitute appearances.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Foden ‘closest’ player England have to a Ballon d’Or winner – Frank
Manchester City: Pep Guardiola playing it cool despite Chelsea draw
McCullum dismisses criticism of ‘Bazball’

He didn’t feature when he got back to City and Guardiola explained at the time he was carrying weight and was not fit enough.

Phillips, who is on loan at West Ham until the end of the season, admitted earlier this month the remarks had knocked his confidence and Guardiola accepts he made a mistake in going public with his thoughts.

Speaking before tonight’s home game with Brentford, he said: “I’m sorry. I do apologise to him. I’m so sorry.

“I never before said something here [to the media] without speaking to the player.”

Phillips has struggled since leaving Leeds in 2022. He made just six starts in 18 months at the Etihad and has also found it difficult at West Ham.

He made an error that led to a Bournemouth goal on his debut and was sent off in the 2-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

SureStore Introduces Premier Self-Storage Site in Southport

News Desk
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SureStore Introduces Premier Self-Storage Site in Southport

SureStore is proud to announce the launch of its latest self-storage site in Southport, Merseyside, increasing its UK portfolio to 13 locations. This new site, falling under the prestigious umbrella of the Flexiss Group, signifies an important growth milestone, offering an extensive selection of storage solutions to both residential and commercial customers.

The Southport site by SureStore is redefining the self-storage landscape, spanning an impressive 1.4 acres with 55,000sqft of available space for lease. Featuring 500 units, this 4th Generation facility is adept at accommodating a myriad of storage needs, from business-related storage to personal use for local residents.

The creation of this modern Southport self-storage site was enabled through a partnership with investment allies Seneca, converting a site previously held by Tesco into a contemporary, eco-conscious storage solution, which is reflective of SureStore’s innovative outlook on the future of self-storage.

SureStore Southport is not just about secure storage units that range from 10sqft to upwards of 250sqft; it also brings to the table flexible trade counters, office spaces for burgeoning businesses, and last-mile logistics units. The facility is further enhanced by a van hire collaboration with Hertz and ample parking spaces, offering a full spectrum of logistics and transport solutions.

Positioned at Scarisbrick New Road, the facility’s location is ideally suited for customers from Southport’s town centre and the neighbouring locales of Banks, Rufford, Ormskirk, and Formby.

As trailblazers in the self-storage field, SureStore is enhancing the user experience through innovative technologies like the Nokē system, a leading-edge keyless entry mechanism powered by Bluetooth for seamless Smart Entry. The exclusive SureStore app also provides customers with the ability to manage their storage with ease, offering full control over their accounts, access, and user preferences, ensuring a level of convenience and adaptability that is second to none.

True to its commitment to environmental stewardship, SureStore launched its first net-zero carbon storage site in Wokingham in 2022. Continuing with these eco-friendly initiatives, the Southport facility is outfitted with solar panels to lessen its environmental impact and make use of renewable energy sources. Preparing for a sustainable future, the site also boasts the installation of EV superchargers, capable of charging vehicles to 80% in a mere 30 minutes.

The innovative SureStore Southport facility is located at 292 Scarisbrick New Road, Scarisbrick, Southport, PR8 5HW.

Manchester United: Eales confident Newcastle can still progress without Ashworth

Jon Fisher
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Manchester United: Eales confident Newcastle can still progress without Ashworth

Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales has insisted the club’s “exciting journey doesn’t stop” after confirming sporting director Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave.

Ashworth has asked to join Manchester United and the clubs will now begin the process of negotiating compensation with Newcastle reportedly seeking a fee of more than £10million.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Foden ‘closest’ player England have to a Ballon d’Or winner – Frank
Manchester City: Pep Guardiola playing it cool despite Chelsea draw
McCullum dismisses criticism of ‘Bazball’

The Magpies have been upwardly mobile since being taken over by PIF in 2021, the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund investing heavily in new players that helped the club finish fourth last season.

They haven’t hit those heights this term, and currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, but Eales is confident Ashworth’s departure will not derail their long-term ambitions.

He told the club’s official website: “We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn’t stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately.

“We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future.”

Ashworth asked to leave St James’ Park to join the Jim Ratcliffe revolution at United.

Ratcliffe, whose Ineos group has paid more than £1billion for its 25 per cent stake in the club, is expected to oversee significant change at Old Trafford, with key roles for Dave Brailsford, the man best known for helping to revive British cycling, and Ashworth.

Ashworth to United ‘a difficult one’

Speaking on Friday, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said the club had received “no contact” from United.

“It’s been in the news a lot and usually that means something is going to happen,” added Howe.

“It’s an unusual situation – usually there is transfer speculation on players. This is different. Whatever happens, we want a quick resolution.

“It’s a difficult one. You need longevity in that role to see the fruits of your labour. It’s a long-term position.

“The people that have done it best in the Premier League have always had a period of stability.

“Change takes a long time at a football club to get the processes how you want them to be. Dan’s had a short time here.”

Signings overseen by Ashworth have included Moises Caicedo, who joined Brighton for £4.5m and went on to sign for Chelsea for a British-record £115m, and £60m Newcastle record signing Alexander Isak.

McCullum: England blocking out ‘Bazball’ criticism ahead of fourth India Test

Harry Carr
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McCullum: England blocking out ‘Bazball’ criticism ahead of fourth India Test

Brendon McCullum says England will block out the criticism and stick with their aggressive approach for the fourth Test against India, despite suffering a humiliating defeat in Rajkot last time out.

England were hammered by 434 runs in the third Test despite finishing day two in a strong position, with two batting collapses coming either side of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unbeaten 214 for the hosts.

It was India’s biggest-ever Test win in terms of runs, and the heaviest inflicted upon England since Australia won by 562 runs at The Oval in 1934.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Foden ‘closest’ player England have to a Ballon d’Or winner – Frank
Manchester City: Pep Guardiola playing it cool despite Chelsea draw
Six Nations 2024: Alex Mitchell out of England vs Scotland with knee injury

With England now 2-1 down in the series and needing a response when the fourth Test begins in Ranchi on Friday, some have suggested the limitations of McCullum’s ‘Bazball’ style have been exposed.

However, he says England’s players remain committed to their approach and will continue to take the game to India next time out.

“People are entitled to their opinion, good, bad or ugly,” the former New Zealand captain said. “It’s up to us whether we want to listen to it or not.

“The dressing room is a very strong place, where confidence is high and guys are backed to go out there and allow their talent to flourish. If we allow the outside noise to seep in, that’s our problem.

“We’ll turn the page and go quids in again, trying to put India under pressure. Hopefully in seven or eight days we’ll be talking about how exciting it is to be heading into a decider.”

England were widely praised for their enterprising style when they took the opener in a dramatic finish, but McCullum says the high-risk, high-reward nature of their approach means ups and downs should be expected.

“We’ve still got some progress to make and some things to improve on, but we’re a better team now than we were 18 months ago,” he added.

“We’re obviously not totally screwed down on the method yet. There will be times when we don’t quite get it right because it’s a hard way to play.

“It’s about asking guys to take the game on and sometimes we have to deal with failure.

“The upside is hopefully continuing to put bums on seats, make Test cricket more entertaining, we’ll win more often and we’ll be a team that people really want to follow.”

McCullum was also asked whether Jonny Bairstow will keep his place in Ranchi despite struggling since Ben Foakes took the gloves.

In response to that question, McCullum said: “You know I can’t answer that, I haven’t even seen the wicket. But I’d anticipate Jonny would be playing, yes.”

Manchester City vs Brentford: Phil Foden ‘closest’ player England have to a Ballon d’Or winner – Thomas Frank

Ben Miller
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Manchester City vs Brentford: Phil Foden ‘closest’ player England have to a Ballon d’Or winner – Thomas Frank

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is England’s likeliest next Ballon d’Or winner, Brentford manager Thomas Frank has said.

In-form Foden has been directly involved in 25 goals in 37 matches in all competitions, scoring four in the Uefa Champions League and eight in the Premier League, including three away to the Beesb on February 5.

“He’s the closest England have to potentially getting a Ballon d’Or,” observed Frank, whose side were 1-0 ahead before Foden scored a 26-minute hat-trick.

“He’s at that level. He influenced the last game in so many ways, got on the end of three situations and scored three goals.

“He’s very good at dribbling and sliding people in. I don’t know him personally but it looks, from the outside, as if he has a very good mentality in terms of working hard.”

Read our other sports news stories here:
Ten Hag won’t underestimate struggling Luton
Sharma and Jadeja get India back on track after early wobbles against England 
Ten Hag warm to the idea of United appointing a sporting director

Michael Owen was the most recent English player to win the most prestigious individual prize in football when he was at Liverpool in 2001.

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham came 18th in 2023, one place above Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and six ahead of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.

Bellingham, who has been in sensational form since joining the Spanish side from Borussia Dortmund in June, won the Kopa Trophy for the best-performing player aged under 21.

Brentford vs Man City: ‘Challenge’ for visitors

Frank accepted that he has an unenviable task when Brentford, who are six points above the relegation zone and suffered a fourth defeat in five with a 4-1 loss at home to Liverpool on Saturday, visit Etihad Stadium.

While Brentford will take encouragement from their 2-1 win at City last season, when Foden scored but Ivan Toney had the final say in the 98th minute, their opponents are unbeaten in 15 matches in all competitions, although their 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea on Saturday ended their run of 11 consecutive wins.

Frank named Rodri, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva and Julian Alvarez among the players his squad needed to be wary of.

“The whole team, basically,” added the Dane. “It’s a big, big challenge but they still only have 11 players on the pitch.”

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