Category Uncategorized

Given his success with Sporting CP, which has seen him win 71% of his matches in charge, Ruben Amorim will arrive at Old Trafford with high expectations of being an immediate success with Manchester United.

The 39-year-old has won two league titles during his tenure in Portugal, joining the Red Devils next week as he looks to make his mark following the upcoming international break.

However, he will have a huge task to turn around the early season slump that sees United currently occupy 13th place in the Premier League, 13 points off leaders Liverpool – a huge gap given the near £200m spent by Erik ten Hag during the summer.

It will take a quick transition for the first-team squad if they are to immediately adapt to the new manager’s 3-4-3 system, which is reliant on frequent overlaps from the wing-backs along with rapid transitions into forward areas.

Amorim will be hoping that his ideology will allow players who have been underperforming to flourish, whilst also allowing some to reach the next level, as demonstrated from his time in Portugal.

Viktor Gyokeres’ stats at Sporting

Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres has caught the eye over the last two months for his goalscoring exploits under Amorim in Liga Portugal, playing a pivotal role in the club’s recent success.

The Swedish international arrived in a £20m deal from Championship side Coventry City during the summer of 2023 after their failure to gain promotion to the Premier League – a bargain fee given his recent form for the club.

During his first campaign in Portugal, Gyokeres registered 43 goals and 14 assists in just 50 appearances as he helped Amorim’s side claim the league title ahead of Porto and Benfica.

However, in the opening months of the 2024/25 season, he’s taken his performances to the next level, already notching 23 goals and four assists in his opening 17 outings – including a hat-trick in the Champions League victory over Manchester City earlier this week.

As a result, there’s no surprise to see such interest in his signature, with many United fans undoubtedly wanting the 26-year-old to follow Amorim’s footsteps and make the move to the Theatre of Dreams in the near future.

Any transfer for Gyokeres would set the Red Devils back around €100m (£83m) given that’s the price tag of his current release clause, but it’s unknown if the club would be willing to match such a figure, potentially allowing one player to star instead.

The player who could be Amorim’s new Gyokeres

Big-money striker Rasmus Hojlund is yet to hit the ground running at Old Trafford this campaign, scoring just two times in all competitions – an average of one goal every five games.

His last outing against Chelsea was no different, failing to find the back of the net once more, failing to even register a shot, before being replaced by Joshua Zirkzee – who has scored just once for his new club – in the closing stages.

Games played

6

Minutes played

343

Goals scored

1

Shots taken

4

Duels won

38%

Aerial duels won

26%

Dribbles completed

40%

The Red Devils have only registered nine league goals in ten matches this season, showcasing their lack of threat, which could hand academy star Chido Obi-Martin an opportunity in the first-team under Amorim before too long.

The 16-year-old joined the Red Devils from Premier League rivals Arsenal during the off-season, originally linking up with the U18 side, but he’s already taking the level by storm despite his tender age.

After notably netting 32 goals in 21 games at U18 level for the Gunners, Obi-Martin registered a hat-trick on his academy debut for his new employers against Nottingham Forest a week ago, before contributing with an assist in the 8-0 rout of Leeds United last weekend.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Despite being 16, the striker stands at 6 foot 2, having that big presence that Amorim desires in his centre-forwards as seen with Gyokeres at Sporting.

He has the pace to beat the defenders, along with the strength to hold them up, before having a cool head to slot home – leading to former Arsenal academy coach Jack Wilshere dubbing the youngster as “exceptional”.

Given his age, it may take a little bit of time before the new boss utilises the talent within his first team at Old Trafford, but he’s proven he knows where the back of the net is.

The lack of goals will be a concern for the 39-year-old, with Obi-Martin certainly one to watch during Amorim’s tenure in the North West.

Amorim must immediately axe Man Utd flop who earns far more than Mainoo

Manchester United’s deal to sign him has been a complete disaster.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 6, 2024

Too early to decide on Iyer’s place in the next Test, says India coach

Sidharth Monga30-Nov-20215:16

Rahul Dravid: India timed declaration ‘really well’ on ‘really flat’ Kanpur pitch

India’s captain for the Kanpur Test must still have been processing the tight result with India falling one wicket short of what would have been an incredible win on a slow, low surface when his coach Rahul Dravid was being asked about his lack of runs. Ajinkya Rahane now averages 24.39 over his last 16 Tests, including one century in the Boxing Day Test nearly a year ago. With scores of 35 and 4 in this Test, his career average has now dipped below 40. At home he averages 35.73.Watch live cricket on ESPN+ in the US

Sign up for ESPN+ and catch all the action from India vs New Zealand live in the US. Click here to watch English highlights from the first Test, and here for the Hindi highlights

Dravid was asked if he was worried about Rahane’s lack of runs. “I don’t get worried, you don’t get worried,” Dravid said. “Of course you would like more runs from Ajinkya. I am sure he would like a few more runs. He is a quality player. He has done well for India in the past. He is one of those guys who has that quality. He has the experience. Hopefully it’s just a matter of an innings, a matter of a game where he can turn it around. Certainly he would like to score more runs. He knows that. And we know that.”The lack of runs became stark when full-time captain Virat Kohli rested and his replacement Shreyas Iyer responded by becoming the first India player to score a century and a half-century on Test debut. Usually you see the replacement player make way for the one returning, but when there are others struggling in the side, the question is asked: how can you drop a debutant centurion when others are not scoring runs? Dravid was asked, too, if Iyer would be retained in the side.Related

Kohli backs Rahane, but hints at 'discussions' ahead of South Africa tour

Kohli: Training during the break was 'to stay in the rhythm of playing red-ball cricket'

Stats: Ashwin's new record, a rare draw, and NZ's unbeaten streak

Monga: Flamboyant Iyer shows necessary restraint

Rathour: 'Pujara, Rahane will play important knocks for us in future'

“We haven’t decided the playing XI for Mumbai,” Dravid said. “It will be too early to talk about it. We have only been thinking about this Test till now. When we get to Bombay, we will look at the conditions, the pitch. We will look at the guys’ fitness. Virat Kohli will also join us so there will be consultation with him. Then we will decide who will be in the playing XI.”Apart from Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara has been short of runs too, having last scored a century in January 2019. Even Kohli has gone two years without a century, but he has played fewer Tests than the duo, missing three Tests in Australia and one now. An interesting first selection awaits the Kohli-Dravid captain-coach team.

A return to Rangers for Steven Gerrard could “absolutely” happen, says Ally McCoist, with the Liverpool legend not ready to give up on management.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

18-month spell in Middle East is overAlso struggled during stint at VillaSavoured title success while at IbroxFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

The former England captain finds himself back out of work after seeing an 18-month stint at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq brought to a close. Gerrard won just 23 of his 59 games as boss in the Middle East, having previously lasted just 40 matches in charge of Aston Villa.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

He did, however, deliver Scottish Premiership title glory during three years at Rangers and is still held in high regard by those at Ibrox. Another change in the dugout there could see Gerrard come back into the equation.

WHAT ALLY MCCOIST SAID

Gers legend McCoist, speaking in association with , told GOAL when asked if he could see Gerrard taking in a second stint on the blue half of Glasgow: “Absolutely I could, yeah. I have got to say, Philippe Clement, in recent weeks, the results have taken a serious upturn – which is great. I think they have only been beaten once in 10 or 11, and that was down at Old Trafford. There had to be an improvement in results and performances, and there has been.

“I don’t see any changes at the top of Rangers in the immediate future. But because of Steven’s success in winning the league at the club, it would be a possibility. He is obviously very well thought of after winning not just a title, but a very important title.”

Getty ImagesENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Gerrard was being billed as a Liverpool manager of the future as his stock soared at Rangers, but is now battling to salvage his reputation. Asked if he has been left surprised by those struggles, McCoist added: “I am, to be honest. Obviously things didn’t really work out at Villa. Overall, Unai Emery has done a remarkable job. I am a little bit surprised. He’ll keep going, Steven, he’ll go somewhere else. I don’t see him, because of this disappointment, saying ‘that’s it, I’ve had enough’. I think he’ll take time to take stock, have a look at where he is, spend a bit of time with his family, and then find something else. I don’t think there will be a shortage of clubs willing to take him on and I think he will get back into it.

“I am little bit surprised. I don’t know enough about the Saudi league. I love my football and follow who is doing well, but I don’t watch enough of it. I’d be lying if I said I have a great degree of knowledge about the Saudi league, but I think it’s safe to say he would have hoped to do better with the team than they have achieved. I still think he’ll go back in somewhere.”

Bangladesh will continue to keep the faith with Liton Das, as they push for him to get back into form during the T20 World Cup. After registering 16 and 1 in the warm-up matches, Liton scored 5 against Scotland and 6 against Oman in their first games in the tournament.Liton’s low scores hurt Bangladesh’s starts in the powerplay. Soumya Sarkar failed in the first game, and with Liton getting out cheaply twice, they have had to resort to batting out the powerplay to avoid further damage.”I think at the moment he wants to get a start,” said Ashwell Prince, the team’s batting coach. “He batted really nicely in the warm-up match two weeks ago against Oman A. He hasn’t had a big score since then. I think when you are labelled as the best batsman in your generation, sometimes it can be a burden on your shoulders.”He is a fantastically talented player. I think everyone is waiting for him to burst out and be the player that we know he can be. All the coaches are trying to assist him as much as possible. We believe in him. We trust him. Hopefully, there will be a bigger stage in a week’s time to express himself.”Bangladesh’s shock loss to Scotland in the first game prompted an unprecedented batting order reshuffle. Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim were sent to No. 7 and 8 respectively, while Mahedi Hasan, Nurul Hasan and Afif Hossain were given promotions. Though such changes happen often in franchise cricket, Bangladesh have usually been fairly rigid in their batting positions.Prince said that the batters must be ready for flexibility, and they are often aided by data analysis so they have the information about a particular type of bowler. “If you want to be a big player who goes up against all the other big players in the world, you have to adapt to any situation. Every player should be prepared to be in a flexible batting line-up. We have had these discussions in team meetings.”These days there are so many stats, but the players have to make their own decisions in the middle. The coach is entitled to have a flexible line-up. The players are open about it.”One of Bangladesh’s early success stories in the tournament has been Mahedi Hasan. He has taken four wickets in two matches, and looked in good form in his short innings against Scotland. He got out to a good return catch by Fayyaz Butt against Oman, but Prince believes Mahedi can translate his bowling form into his batting.”We had two pressure matches against Scotland and Oman. If you watched his body language on the field, he is very calm and confident in his ability. It also translates into his batting.”Obviously the coach made a decision to put him at No. 3. It didn’t pay off yesterday, but not all decisions in a cricket match pay off.”

Kieron Pollard turned what had looked an uncertain run chase into a canter for Trinbago Knight Riders after the defending champions had been set up for their opening victory in this year’s tournament by Isuru Udana’s career-best five-wicket haul.It was a good game for left-arm seamers with Mohammad Amir responding with three wickets in his opening spell, but from 38 for 4 in the eighth over Knight Riders were taken to victory by an unbroken stand of 87 in nine overs between Pollard and Denesh Ramdin. The target was hauled into view with a barrage of sixes – the last of them taking Pollard to a 29-ball fifty.Barbados Royals had made a reasonable start in the powerplay but things then started to go wrong in the space of consecutive overs from Udana. His first wicket was fortuitous as Johnson Charles was given caught behind pulling only for replays to show it came off the shoulder. Then in four balls of his next over, Udana had Jason Holder and Glenn Phillips caught in the deep to leave Royals 42 for 3.There was something of a recovery from Shai Hope and Azam Khan before Hope was brilliantly caught by Darren Bravo running in from long-on against the excellent Akeal Hosein. Udana completed the first five-wicket haul of his T20 career when he returned for his last over and had Khan slicing to short third man and his fellow Sri Lankan Thisara Perera held in the deep.Pollard was also rewarded for aggressive captaincy when Kyle Mayers edged Sunil Narine to slip in the 16th over. In the end Royals were unable to bat out their 20 overs with their last six wickets falling for 19.They hit back strongly in the Powerplay through Amir who removed Narine first ball, miscuing to mid-off, extracted Lendl Simmons’ middle and leg stumps then had Colin Munro taken at slip when he was cramped by a shorter delivery.There was some awkward bounce to contend with while the ball was new with Holder and Oshane Thomas causing a number of uneasy moments. The pressure that was built in the first half of the chase resulted in Tim Seifert’s wicket when he top edged to deep square.At that stage Royals were firmly in the contest, but with such a small target – and Pollard’s ability to change gear – the required rate was never a problem. Royals were also hampered by a loose first over from Hayden Walsh with Holder then not confident to give the legspinner another bowl.Ramdin, who had taken a thudding blow on the arm guard from Thomas, was content to play second fiddle once Pollard was settled. Amir was brought back for his last over in the 13th to try and conjure a wicket but was seen off and from there Knight Riders did not look back.

Legspinner hopes performances against Pakistan prove he can play alongside Adil Rashid at T20 World Cup

Matt Roller19-Jul-2021Matt Parkinson has admitted he was “gutted” to be left out of England’s white-ball squads at the start of the summer and that he hopes his performances throughout Pakistan’s tour can prove he can play in the same team as Adil Rashid at the T20 World Cup in October.Parkinson was overlooked for the T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka last month, with Liam Dawson preferred as England’s third spin option. Eoin Morgan, their limited-overs captain, explained at the time that Dawson’s versatility and his ability to bowl in the powerplay had been key factors in him earning selection, but Parkinson admitted that he was so disappointed about his omission that he had not asked for any feedback.”Obviously I was gutted,” he said on Monday. “I didn’t ask for any feedback – I was sort of hoping it was about letting me play a bit in the Blast, and not come and carry drinks. That was how I tried to look at it. Sometimes if you look at things too closely, you can get down very easily, and I think I probably used it as momentum to performance for Lancashire.”It’s funny how cricket works. A month ago, I probably would never have thought I’d have played for England this summer, so to have played for the past two weeks have been great – if you’d told me two weeks ago I’d have played five internationals for England this summer and taken some wickets I’d have probably laughed at you. I think the reason I’ve done well is because I tried to use it as a bonus. I didn’t really have this on my radar.”Matt Parkinson was overlooked for Sri Lanka’s tour last month•Getty ImagesParkinson’s success in Sunday’s 45-run win – he took 1 for 25 in four overs and conceded a single boundary while defending a score of 200 – formed part of an unprecedented, spin-heavy England strategy, which saw him, Rashid and Moeen Ali bowl 11 overs between them to strangle Pakistan’s run chase. It was the first time that Parkinson had played in the same England team as another frontline legspinner, and he said he hoped that his success in tandem with Rashid demonstrated their complementary skillsets.”I’m used to playing with spinners at Lancs – it’s a philosophy we use there,” he said. “We bowl spin through the middle and to do that with England yesterday was awesome. A lot gets highlighted about how slowly I bowl – [Rashid] bowls faster than me, he uses his googly more than me. I think we are different and I think that’s why yesterday worked so well: from each end it was different and they couldn’t just line up one of us.”Moving forward, I would love to play with Rash. I don’t think it’s always feasible, but I’d like to think the performances I’ve put in this week will only aid us going forward. The best thing about yesterday was the pressure we had on them: all three spinners didn’t really bowl a bad ball, and I think it was 11 overs, 5 for 80-odd [87] and that only got ruined at the end by some slogging.Related

Eoin Morgan: England 'continually monitoring different guys' for spots in T20 World Cup squad

'Sack it, I'm going to try and rip it' – Matt Parkinson on his ball-of-the-century contender

Matt Parkinson: 'I don't just want to be in England squads on potential'

Ben's Babes – the last-minute call-ups in England's emergency ODI squad

England spinners get to grips with parched Headingley pitch in T20 World Cup dry run

“To have that bowling at the other end is great, and probably pushes me on as well. I think, ‘Rash has bowled a great over, and I need to bowl well here as well’. Hopefully I’ve performed well enough for England to consider playing two legspinners again. I know Rash is number one and an absolute gun bowler – probably the best spinner in the world – but I’d like to think this week has helped me push my case forward.”After a bright start in Friday’s first T20I at Trent Bridge, Parkinson conceded 36 runs in his final two overs to end with 0 for 47 as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan targeted the short midwicket boundary. He stuck to his strengths at Headingley, tossing the ball up and focusing on flight and drift rather than the speed gun, which has been a concern for him in the past (he is among the slowest bowlers recorded in international cricket).”Trent Bridge is a tough place to bowl – you need wickets early really to stem the flow,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I relaxed a bit but I thought I could search for a wicket, got full and that’s when I got banged into the stands. That was a good learner and I used it at Headingley.”In the past I’ve probably thought about [speed] too much. In South Africa [in early 2020] there was a lot written about it and I probably let that affect me – looking up at the board a lot, trying to see if I could push 47mph/76kph.”I’ve just embraced it really – we had a chat [earlier in the] summer about it and I said I’d like to be the only bowler that does it this way. It’d be pretty cool not to have to conform to what other spinners do – to be niche. It might be difficult and on some grounds you’re going to struggle but I’d like to think when there’s a little bit there that I can stick to that.”

Cristiano Ronaldo jokingly reacted to a Lionel Messi taunt as he took part in a penalty challenge with MrBeast.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Ronaldo reacts to Messi tauntTook penalty challenge with MrBeastAl-Nassr star currently enjoying winter breakFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo, who opened his YouTube channel earlier this year, has collaborated with the most subscribed YouTuber in the world, MrBeast. The collaboration has seen several videos released on the platform and on Monday, a fresh clip was posted on the Al-Nassr star's channel where he takes part in a penalty challenge with the American YouTuber. MrBeast was also joined by three of his friends as the four men stood in front of the goal. The video was named "How Many goalkeepers Does It Take to Stop Ronaldo?"

AdvertisementWHAT HAS BEEN SAID

In the video, MrBeast can be heard shouting, "Nolan says he doesn't like you, he thinks you're not the GOAT," while pointing at one of his friends. He then continued, "Nolan's the guy on the end over there, he thinks Messi's better! He calls it soccer and he said Messi's the GOAT."

In response, the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star said: " Who said Messi's better than me?" before bursting into laughter.

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 39-year-old has achieved immense success on the internet and racked up over 10 million followers within 24 hours of launching his YouTube channel back in August, thereby setting a world record. His first-ever podcast was with former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand. The YouTube channel currently has 72.1 million followers.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

The Al-Nassr captain is enjoying a well-earned break and will be back in action for the Saudi Pro League giants on January 9 as they take on Al-Akhdoud in a league clash.

Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has urged the Red Devils to sign England centre-back Marc Guehi.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Silvestre wants United to sign Guehi
• Amorim looking to add new players
• Red Devils lost last two games

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United are looking to make changes to their squad in the next couple of transfer windows with new head coach Amorim heading up the rebuild. The club have been linked with moves for Sporting CP's star striker Viktor Gyokeres and winger Geovany Quenda, and according to former France international Silvestre, centre-back Guehi too would be a perfect fit.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Guehi, who is currently rated at £70 million (€84.8m/$89m) by Crystal Palace, was came close to joining Newcastle in the summer, although the deal never materialised. Silvestre feels that the England international's strength and passing range would perfectly suit the Red Devils.

• WHAT SILVESTRE SAID

  Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League betting, the 47-year-old said: "Marc Guehi should definitely be on Manchester United’s list as a long-term option in defence. He almost went to Newcastle and is shining at Crystal Palace after proving himself to be one of the best defenders for one of the best nations in the world with England.

  "What he is doing at Palace is proving he can be tested and perform week in and week out. I have been really impressed with his performances and I think he’d fit in really well with Ruben Amorim’s style of play. He is not shy of playing vertical passes and is always alert, he is strong, wins his duels and is good one on one, he’d fit in well at United."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  After two straight defeats in the Premier League, Amorim's men will aim to bounce back this Thursday when they take on Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. They then make the short trip to rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

Glasgow Rangers have just over a week left to complete their remaining business before the summer transfer window officially slams shut next Friday.

The Light Blues have added Jefte, Hamza Igamane, Connor Barron, Mohammed Diomande, Oscar Cortes, Vaclav Cerny, Robin Propper, Clinton Nsiala, and Liam Kelly to their squad so far.

There could be further additions to come before the deadline passes, though, after the Gers failed to qualify for the Champions League and failed to win on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership season.

It appears as though Philippe Clement's side still needs more quality to come into the group and they are now reportedly eyeing up a new winger to bring it.

Rangers eyeing swoop for Serie A whiz

According to a reporter in Italy, the Scottish giants have enquired about a deal to sign Fiorentina winger Josip Brekalo before the end of the window.

The journalist claims that the Light Blues have 'asked' for information about the Croatia international, as they look to bolster their options out wide.

Rangers are seemingly eyeing a swoop for the 26-year-old star and this latest update reveals that the player could move on from Fiorentina in the coming days, which suggests that they have a chance to secure his services.

The £34k-per-week wizard has the potential to be an excellent partner for current Gers striker Cyriel Dessers in the final third this season if they can get a deal over the line this month.

Why Brekalo would be a dream for Dessers

The Croatian ace spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Hajduk Split in his home country and caught the eye with his impressive attacking displays.

After a return of one goal and zero assists in 11 outings in the Serie A in the first half of the season, Brekalo registered a sensational eight assists in 12 HNL starts for Hajduk Split.

The Fiorentina loanee, who was once hailed for his "lovely" technique by journalist Josh Bunting, completed 1.9 dribbles and made 2.6 key passes per game in the HNL, to go along with two goals.

James Tavernier

3.0

Borna Barisic

1.7

Todd Cantwell

1.7

Ridvan Yilmaz

1.5

John Lundstram

1.5

As you can see in the table above, no Rangers midfielder managed more than Todd Cantwell's 1.7 key passes per game in the Scottish Premiership last term, and three of those players – Cantwell, Borna Barisic, and John Lundstram – are not currently in the first-team squad.

This suggests that Brekalo could come in and be a huge creative presence for the Gers if he can translate his form in the HNL over to the Premiership.

Dessers, therefore, would love the winger as his statistics suggest that the Croatian wizard would create chances for the striker on a regular basis.

The Nigerian marksman scored 16 goals in the Premiership last season and has started the current campaign with three goals in five appearances in all competitions.

Rangers could forget about Hagi in swoop for "terrific" £3k-p/w gem

The Light Blues are in a difficult position with the Romania international this summer.

ByDan Emery Aug 20, 2024

Brekalo arriving at Ibrox (Hampden for now) would provide the centre-forward with another source of creativity to derive goals from in the coming months, which is why they could be an exciting pairing for the Light Blues.

GOAL explores the pros and cons of a hypothetical MLS transfer for former Manchester United, Juventus star Paul Pogba.

Juventus recently terminated Paul Pogba's contract following his 18-month suspension for a doping violation, reduced from an initial four years. The decision frees the 31-year-old to return to competitive soccer in March, raising questions on what is the future for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner and former recipient of the 2013 Golden Boy award. The main one is where. Where does he go from here? The answer, potentially, is Major League Soccer.

Why not follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi, Olivier Giroud, Marco Reus and ex-France stars Thierry Henry, Blaise Matuidi and Hugo Lloris?
One of the biggest superstars in the world at one point, Pogba is one of the most talented midfielders of the current generation. He has had a few roadblocks, including injuries and form issues on top of his doping suspension, but he's looking to come back out on top now.

Could MLS be the place where he revitalizes his career? GOAL explores the pros and cons of a hypothetical move stateside.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Pro: Career revival

  After nearly 18 months away from the game, come March, the Frenchman – wherever he lands – will need a rebrand. There will be critics who will focus on his doping allegations and there will be coaches and sporting directors who will doubt his ability to return at a high level.

  He needs to lean into that and use it as motivation. Whoever takes a chance on him is giving him the opportunity to re-launch his career, and he needs to grab that bull by the horns and ride it until he has nothing left. Aged 31, he still has nearly a decade left in his boots if he chooses so, and at his peak, he was a top five midfielder in the world. It's hard to imagine he will ever reach that level again, but there is still magic left in his boots, he just needs to find it.

  MLS presents him that opportunity. Messi is still thriving on the international stage with Argentina, despite crafting his trade stateside. Footballers like Thiago Almada, Diego Gomez, Mateusz Bogusz, Joseph Paintsil and Denis Bouanga are all regulars with their national teams – whom compete against the world's best – while in MLS, too.

  The league presents him with the opportunity to compete outside of Europe, while completely rebranding himself at the same time. There is less media and fan pressure in soccer in North America as opposed to what he would face in the old continent.

  It's a move that makes plenty of sense for both the league and the Frenchman – it now just comes down to how on if the two parties are actually interested in each other.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Con: Expensive

  Paul is a player who has had success at the highest levels of both the domestic and international game, he's not going to come cheap.

  His last contracted salary with Juventus was reportedly an $11m per-year deal that had him inked through 2026. In the wake of his suspension, though, it was reduced to $44k per-month until the recent termination of his deal. For context, in 2024, only two players in MLS – Messi and Lorenzo Insigne – had higher year-round compensation deals than him, though the Italian winger is rumored to be departing Toronto FC this offseason.

  If he were to be signed on a similar deal, he would immediately be one of the highest-paid players in the league, and those figured typically tend to be handed toward goal-scorers or creators in the final-third rather than a box-to-box midfielder. However, the direct comparison would be Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami, who is on a Designated Player contract at $8.74m per-year. That figure seems to be a more ballpark area to work around for a potentially interested MLS side.

  That's a lot of compensation to throw at a player who has not seen the pitch in 18 months.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Pro: Name recognition

  For nearly seven seasons, Pogba was arguably the world's best central midfielder. He was one of the most recognizable players on any day, due to his natural flare in the middle of the park, or his trademark outside-the-boot shot that wowed spectators. From his days in Italy to his time in England to his international performances with , he was an absolute star who people all over the world admired.

  Even in 2024 – nearly five years after his last truly stupendous season – that still means something.

  If an MLS team were to take a gamble on him, they would be bringing the name-factor and star-power of a World Champion, Champions League finalist, Europa League Winner and more to the pitch. He's a name who sells, whether that's kits, marketing deals, partnerships or tickets, he has the name to draw an audience – and that alone may be worth the gamble for some teams.

  European midfielders like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Rafa Marquez and Andrea Pirlo all made the move to MLS in their 30s – could Pogba be the next?

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Con: Is MLS the right place for a comeback?

  With opportunity comes responsibility, though, and Pogba has to ultimately prioritize his legendary career with whatever step he takes next. If he struggles or fails, the backlash will not be kind – regardless of if that is fair or not. He has a lot riding on this choice, with FIFA handing him a second chance in his career two and a half years earlier than expected.

  If a move to MLS came about though, he wouldn't be the only party at risk. With the amount his contract would command, and the sheer amount of marketing that would go into making him the face of a franchise, the hypothetical team would be putting a lot of trust in him as well. Frankly, neither party would benefit from any negative aspects of a move to MLS.

  Pogba needs wherever he ends up to be a league and a club that trusts him and gives him time, while on the opposite side of the table, there needs to be patience with him in that aspect as well. Regardless of location though, he is putting him self at risk by thrusting himself into the limelight. As likely the highest earner of an MLS team he would join, the spotlight would be heavily on him.