Category: Sports

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Manchester United academy star Sam Mather scored his first professional goal on Saturday against Oxford City.

Currently on loan at Rochdale, Mather made his first start in senior football and repaid the manager’s faith by scoring the equalising goal in the 77th minute to earn Rochdale a point.

After falling behind 1-2, Mather’s goal saw the match finish 2-2 and save Rochdale’s blushes against rock bottom Oxford City.

Arriving late into the box, Mather ran onto the end of a cut back to side foot home from eight yards.

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Sam Mather with his first goal in professional football yesterday 👊#RAFC pic.twitter.com/x28kbwBXsg

— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) March 10, 2024

Mather had another good effort earlier in the match when he collected the ball inside the box before shimmying past two defenders and flashing a shot across the face of goal and wide.

The 19-year-old operated in an inside right midfield role before moving to his more natural left wing spot where he would score his goal.

It was an impressive performance that the youngster can be proud of as he combined well down the right wing with Cian Hayes before switching to the left.

Despite Mather’s good individual performance, Rochdale manager Jimmy McNulty wasn’t as pleased with the overall result.

After going ahead early, Rochdale conceded twice in the first half before Mather’s eventual equalising goal late on.

McNulty said, “We’re disappointed overall if I’m being honest, with the goals we conceded.

“In a game when you go ahead and you’re having chances, you feel like the second ones coming.”

McNulty was impressed with his team’s resilience to fight their way back into the match.

“We had to battle against the flow of how the day started to go and I think the one shining light is the competitiveness that remained from us to not run away from that battle when it was looking and sounding tough.”

Dropping points to bottom of the table Oxford City was a disappointing result for Rochdale, but on a personal level Mather can be happy with his full senior debut and will hope he did enough to earn a place in McNulty’s starting XI on Tuesday at home to Woking.

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has not hidden his pleasure with Jonny Evans’ individual display against Everton on Saturday.

In the absences of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez due to injuries, Evans started at the heart of United’s defence alongside Raphael Varane.

The pairing of the two has been Erik ten Hag’s most utilized centre-back partnership this term.

United beat the Toffees 2-0 courtesy of two first-half penalty kicks by Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. Both penalties were won by the electric Alejandro Garnacho.

Also important to the victory was the backline.

Sean Dyche’s men asked some questions and each time, the defenders had an answer. Evans was a key part of this.

He produced four clearances, two interceptions and also blocked four shots. One of his blocks came about towards the end of the match right before he was taken off and replaced by Willy Kambwala.

The veteran defender was given a standing ovation by the Old Trafford faithful.

Evans was handed a one-year deal in the summer to effectively play the role of a placeholder in the squad but he has been amazing this season and exceeded expectations.

There is an argument to be made that he has been United’s best centre-half. He has been consistent and whenever called upon, has done a solid job. His leadership and experience have also been an added advantage for Ten Hag and his coaching staff.

The Northern Ireland international has made 24 appearances across all competitions and helped United keep seven clean sheets.

After the win against Everton, a delighted Evans took to social media to celebrate.

He posted a lovely picture of himself with his family alongside the caption, “Early Saturdays are my favourite.”

Fernandes replied in the comments section, “Jonny ZIDANE Evans.”

We may not see Evans performing roulettes and performing incredible stunts on the pitch like Zidane but most fans will undoubtedly be happy with his output.

The Carrington academy graduate is certainly playing his part in the team.

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Real Madrid have reportedly ruled themselves out of the transfer race to land Athletic Club Bilbao star and reported Manchester United target Nico Williams.

Williams has previously been mentioned as a player United are interested in signing ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils could be on the hunt for reinforcements in the attacking department, especially in the right-wing and striker positions.

Antony has proven to be a massive disappointment and is no longer a guaranteed starter under Erik ten Hag. There are suggestions the Brazilian could be offloaded in the summer with INEOS ready to take a massive financial hit on him.

Jadon Sancho’s future is also uncertain. The Englishman is currently out on loan in Germany with Borussia Dortmund but after his bitter spat with Ten Hag that played out in public, it’s unlikely he will be at Old Trafford for very long.

Ten Hag doesn’t seem to really rate Amad Diallo considering the little playing time he affords the Ivorian.

At the moment, Alejandro Garnacho is coming up with the goods on that part of the pitch but United need a specialist and quality depth. This is where Williams comes in.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Chelsea are prepared to rival United for the 21-year-old.

Fichajes confirms Chelsea’s interest in the forward and adds that Real Madrid are unlikely to be involved in a transfer tussle for his signature.

“Real Madrid rejects the opportunity to sign Nico Williams, despite the fact that the young Athletic Club talent has the dream of wearing the white shirt. As Chelsea’s interest in the 21-year-old Spanish winger intensifies, the merengue club appears to be closing the doors on any potential signing.”

“Despite his desire to play for Real Madrid, Williams’ hopes could be dashed. Although Chelsea have shown a clear interest in signing him and are willing to make efforts to secure his incorporation, the young winger prefers the colors of the white team. However, the refusals of Florentino Pérez and the Real Madrid management team seem to rule out that possibility.”

The Spanish publication notes that the Blues are in “control of the situation” but other top English clubs will inevitably come in.

However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are believed to be “making progress in its attempts” to lure Williams to Stamford Bridge.

He has an impressive six goals and 10 assists in 27 matches across all competitions.

Williams’ main point of attraction lies in his versatility. He can play on either flank to great effect. He’s also an excellent dribbler who boasts of rapid speed. A bonus is his impeccable technical ability.