Football rumours: Eddie Howe hopes to keep hold of Bruno Guimaraes
What the papers say
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe insists he wants to keep Bruno Guimaraes “as long as he can”, reports the Daily Mirror. Paris St Germain are among the clubs interested in the 26-year-old Brazil midfielder.
Luton are increasingly keen on Blackburn striker Sammie Szmodics, according to The Sun. The Premier League club face competition from Brentford for the Republic of Ireland international, 28.
Arsenal have joined the clubs showing interest in young Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye, according to the Daily Mail. Manchester United and Bayern Munich are among the clubs weighing up a summer move for the 19-year-old Senegal defender.
United and Arsenal are also on course for a battle to sign Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez. The Old Trafford club are looking to beat their Premier League rivals to the Spanish left-back, 22, according to the Daily Mirror, via TeamTalk.
Social media round-up
Players to watch
Anthony Martial: Inter Milan could target the Manchester United striker, 28, if they fail to lure Iceland forward Albert Gudmundsson, 26, from Genoa, reports Gazzetta dello Sport.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Everton will demand more than £40million for the 27-year-old England striker in the summer, according to Football Insider.
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Chelsea
Chelsea's best and worst player in draw with Sheffield United
Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Sheffield United
McBurnie scored a 90th minute equaliser for the Blades
The Blues struggled at Bramall Lane
By Jack Gallagher
3:00 AM GMT+1
Madueke scored
Madueke scored / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages
Things were looking up for Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea heading into their clash with Sheffield United on Sunday.
The Blues were coming off the back of a season-best win over Man Utd at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, secured thanks to two added time goals from Cole Palmer, and extremely confident of bagging another three points up against the 20th-placed team in the Premier League.
Heading into additional time, thanks to their 2-1 lead, Chelsea would've been even more confident of picking up a second win of the week, however in the 93rd minute Oli McBurnie capitalised on some lax defending to snatch a point from the brink of defeat for Sheffield United.
Here's Chelsea's best and worst players from the disappointing draw, according to 90min's esteemed player ratings:
Chelsea's best player vs Sheffield United
Noni Madueke: 7/10
Noni Madueke
Madueke / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages
While he's not been a consistent performer for Chelsea since joining during the 2023 winter transfer window, every once and while Noni Madueke has provided a moment of genuine quality for his new club.
He did exactly that on Sunday.
The wide forward cut in from the right flank in the second half before thundering the ball into the roof of the Sheffield United net, reminding many Chelsea fans of former favourite Arjen Robben.
Ultimately the goal wasn't enough to win the game, but it perhaps gave Blues fans a preview of what could be to come from Madueke in the future.
Chelsea's worst player vs Sheffield United
Marc Cucurella: 3/10
Marc Cucurella
Simply not good enough / George Wood/GettyImages
So how many times has Marc Cucurella been Chelsea's worst performing player in a game over the last two years?
The answer: quite a lot.
The ex-Brighton man was once again a defensive disaster at Bramall Lane on Sunday, completely falling asleep in the lead up to the Blades' first half equaliser to allow Jayden Bogle to steal in behind him and fire into the net.
Chelsea are in dire need of a better left-back this summer.
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Manchester United
Man Utd's best and worst player in draw with Liverpool
Man Utd drew 2-2 with Liverpool at Old Trafford
Fernandes and Mainoo scored for the Red Devils
Salah secured a point for Liverpool with a late penalty
By Jack Gallagher
12:00 AM GMT+1
Mainoo scored a fantastic goal
Mainoo scored a fantastic goal / James Baylis - AMA/GettyImages
Manchester United bounced back from a harrowing defeat to Chelsea on Sunday by securing an impressive draw with Liverpool.
Despite being thoroughly outplayed for the majority of the game at Old Trafford, the Red Devils were able to fight back and secured a 2-2 draw thanks to goal from Bruno Fernandes and the impressive Kobbie Mainoo.
Here's Man Utd's best and worst players in the game, according to 90min's esteemed player ratings.
Man Utd's best player vs Liverpool
Bruno Fernandes: 8/10
Bruno Fernandes
Top class / Shaun Botterill/GettyImages
Without Bruno Fernandes' moment of magic at the start of the second half, Man Utd probably would've been comfortably beaten by Liverpool on Sunday.
The Man Utd captain's first time strike from fully 40 yards out to capitalise upon a defensive error from Jarell Quansah completely changed the complexion of a game which was seemingly drifting away from his side, and gave them a platform to go on and secure a point.
Along with his brilliant goal, Fernandes also set the tone for Man Utd in the second half with sheer work rate. From being the last man in defence when Liverpool were breaking, to being the first man in an attack going in the other direction, the midfielder did absolutely everything. Top class.
Honourable mention
Kobbie Mainoo: 8/10
It's been said a million times already, but it is ridiculous that Kobbie Mainoo is this good at age 18.
The midfielder has been a revelation for Man Utd, and his goal against Liverpool this weekend was probably the best moment of what's been a remarkable debut season.
His quick turn and stunning curling finish from the edge of the box will be a goal he'll probably never forget.
Man Utd's worst player vs Liverpool
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 6/10
Harvey Elliott, Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Costly error / Michael Regan/GettyImages
While Man Utd fans will be happy with a draw, they know that their team might've actually won the game had it not been for a moment of madness from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The full-backs outrageously silly sliding tackle on Harvey Elliott in the box ultimately gifted Mohamed Salah the opportunity to draw level late in the game - an opportunity he duly took.
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Champions League
8 key battles that could decide the Champions League quarter-finals
Champions League quarter-finals will take place in April
Defending champions Man City face record winners Real Madrid
Arsenal will take on Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich
By Ewan Ross-Murray
12:00 AM GMT+1
Some huge battles will take place in the Champions League quarter-finals
Some huge battles will take place in the Champions League quarter-finals /
Some have accused the Champions League of having underwhelmed this season, but there is no chance of that being the case in this year's quarter-finals.
There are some tantalising match-ups between the remaining eight sides in the competition, including a clash between the last two champions of Europe when Real Madrid face Manchester City.
As should be the case in the latter stages of Europe's premier competition, some of the world's most talented individuals will be on display across both legs of the four quarter-finals, with managers likely devising tactical plans to deal with opposition superstars at this very moment.
Here are eight key battles that could be decisive in this season's quarter-finals.
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
William Saliba vs Harry Kane
SV Darmstadt 98 v FC Bayern München - Bundesliga
Bayern will be sweating on Kane's fitness / Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/GettyImages
Harry Kane will renew his rivalry with Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals and the former Tottenham striker will be looking to continue his impressive goalscoring record against the Gunners. The England skipper has only netted more goals against Leicester City and Everton than his old north London foes, with Kane in record-breaking form in Munich.
William Saliba and Gabriel will be tasked with denying the 30-year-old the chance to punish Arsenal once again, with the former the ideal centre-back to combat Kane across both legs. The Frenchman has been in impressive form again this season and while he undoubtedly has the pace and physicality to match the Bayern forward, his positional intelligence and defensive reading of the game will be put to the test.
Martin Odegaard vs Jamal Musiala
Martin Ødegaard
Odegaard has been incredible this season / MB Media/GettyImages
While Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard and Bayern playmaker Jamal Musiala are unlikely to go face-to-face too regularly in the quarter-finals, the duo are the chief creators for their respective sides.
The Gunners' Norwegian has been key for Mikel Arteta's men in recent months and has shone in Europe, with his excellent vision and wonderful left foot unlocking plenty of defences already this term.
Bayern's backline and holding midfielders will need to apply constant pressure to the Arsenal captain, while Declan Rice will likely be tasked with keeping Jamal Musiala quiet. The young German's dazzling dribbling skills make him the key to carving Arsenal open, with the starlet pretty much immune to Bayern's inconsistent form this season.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
Vinicius Junior vs Kyle Walker
Rodri, Kyle Walker, Vinicius Junior
The two players clashed in last season's Champions League / Clive Brunskill/GettyImages
A battle that captured the imagination during the semi-finals of last season's Champions League, two unbelievable athletes will go toe-to-toe in this year's quarter-final between Real Madrid and Man City.
Kyle Walker's speed and power made him a strong match for Vinicius Junior during both meetings last year, but the Brazilian is flying for the La Liga leaders this term.
The electric winger has often been used centrally this season and could feature as one of the front two in Carlo Ancelotti's 4-3-1-2 system, but he will have licence to drift into wide areas and use his pace and trickery to torment the Man City backline. Keeping Vinicius Junior quiet could be key for Pep Guardiola.
Antonio Rudiger vs Erling Haaland
Erling Braut Håland
Haaland will be tough for even Rudiger to stop / Visionhaus/GettyImages
While the likes of Jude Bellingham and Kevin De Bruyne will need to be monitored closely, Real Madrid simply must stop Erling Haaland in the final third. The Norwegian could prove to be the difference-maker, especially given Ancelotti doesn't have a deadly traditional number nine of his own to unleash on the European champions.
However, if there was one player you would choose to embrace the battle with the Man City forward, it may very well be Antonio Rudiger. The German relishes physical duels and will have no problem sticking tight to Haaland, especially given he also boasts fantastic speed and athleticism.
Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
Samuel Lino vs Donyell Malen
UEFA Champions League 2023/24Borussia Dortmund v PSV Eindhoven
Malen has been explosive for Dortmund this season / ANP/GettyImages
In the most low-key quarter-final - on paper at least - Atletico Madrid will face Borussia Dortmund. Diego Simeone will likely have a plan to nullify every attacking threat the Germans possess and that must include Donyell Malen given his impressive displays this season.
The Dutchman has the tendency to blow hot and cold but his relentless energy and ability to drift into dangerous areas from the right flank make him a player Atletico must keep a close eye on. Wing-back Samuel Lino, who is traditionally a winger, may have the task of keeping him quiet, although he will likely need help from his centre-backs.
Antoine Griezmann vs Mats Hummels
Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann will be integral to Atletico's plans / Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages
Atletico will be desperate to see Antoine Griezmann return from an ankle injury that recently kept him out of the France squad, with his streak of 84 consecutive appearances for his country coming to an end. The 33-year-old has set an exceptional standard this season, producing 19 goals and seven assists in a partnership with Alvaro Morata up top.
The former Barcelona man will be key to Atletico's link-up play in the final third, with his intelligence and ability to find space in enemy territory making him difficult to deal with. Mats Hummels will have to use his wealth of experience to deal with the forward and the Dortmund centre-back could thrive in a battle that will largely be played in front of him.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona
Kylian Mbappe vs Jules Kounde
Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe and Kounde are France teammates / Soccrates Images/GettyImages
Kylian Mbappe is likely lock horns with Barcelona in Clasico match-ups in the coming years, with the Catalan club facing the French dynamo for only the third time in this year's last eight. He remains the catalyst for PSG despite Luis Enrique steering away from the superstar setup in Paris, netting a staggering 38 goals in just 37 games this season.
Taking residence on the left wing, Mbappe will battle international teammate Jules Kounde, with the Barcelona defender having been utilised at right-back this year. He hasn't always convinced in a slightly unorthodox role, but his intimate knowledge of the PSG forward should serve as an advantage to the reigning La Liga champions.
Nuno Mendes vs Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal
Yamal continues to astound at Barca / Jonathan Moscrop/GettyImages
Barcelona have their own tantalising winger, albeit Lamine Yamal has some way to go to match Mbappe's levels. The 16-year-old has burst onto the scene in Catalonia this season and continues to defy logic with his sensational performances - all while not being able to legally drive himself to and from training.
It will either be Nuno Mendes or Lucas Hernandez chosen to stifle the inventive teenager, but the former may get the nod as he possesses greater pace. The Portuguese is a fantastic attacking threat and could give Kounde another headache on the left flank, but he will have to be alert to the brilliance of young Yamal.
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