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Rio Ferdinand believes Jesse Lingard "ain't going nowhere near Arsenal" due to the on-loan West Ham midfielder's 2019 moonwalk celebration and subsequent social media post saying that the Emirates Stadium was now his “dance floor”.

Lingard's infamous celebration came in Manchester United's 3-1 FA Cup victory, and Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno admitted that Arsenal’s players used it as motivation en route to a 2-0 win over Man Utd a few months later in the Premier League.

With Lingard now in fine form while on loan with West Ham, Arsenal have been reportedly interested in hijacking a move for the midfielder, but Ferdinand doesn't believe there's any chance that he'd be welcome at the Emirates.

 What did Ferdinand have to say?

“Yeah but you know what, they [Arsenal fans] wouldn’t have him there," Ferdinand said on Vibe With FIVE.

“The way he moonwalked off that pitch once, they wouldn’t have it. The fans would rip the place apart. He disrespected the Emirates in a way that hadn’t been seen.

“Listen, West Ham will have a fight to get him, by the way, because I think other teams are going to be like: ‘Listen, we want him!’

“He’s not going to go to Arsenal over West Ham, obviously but there will be other teams. He ain’t going nowhere near Arsenal.”

Lingard's success at West Ham

Lingard made the move to West Ham in January, joining on a loan deal for the rest of the season after finding playing time scarce under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at United.

He's been a revelation since arriving in London as he's scored eight goals and provided three assists in nine appearances while firing the Hammers right into the race for a Champions League spot.

Thanks to his recent form, Lingard has become the subject of various transfer rumours, although he is set to return to Manchester United at the end of the season.

West Ham are reportedly interested in keeping hold of the England midfielder while Arsenal, Real Madrid and Inter are also among the teams linked with a move for Lingard.

Further reading

South Africa's senior women's team wrapped up their April international friendlies on a high, after a 2-0 victory over Botswana on Tuesday.

Banyana Banyana came into the tie on the heels of a 3-1 victory over Zambia courtesy of Noko Matlou's brace and Thembi Kgatlana's goal.

Banyana were hoping to extend their dominance over their opponents, having beaten the Mares in last year's Cosafa Women's Cup final, as they step up the preparations for the Africa Women's Cup of Nations qualifier. 

In a quest for a win, coach Desiree Ellis ringed changes to the squad that defeated Zambia, starting Kaylin Swart, Tiisetso Makhubela, Koketso Tlailane Noxolo Cesane in place of captain Andile Dlamini, Bongeka Gamede, Sibulele Holweni and Kgaelebane Mohlakoana.

After a cagey, scoreless, first half, the hosts made a fine restart in the second half as Thembi Kgatlana came close in the 50th minute but was halted by Botswana goalkeeper Sedilame Bosija.

A minute later, the Eibar striker found the breakthrough thanks to a superb strike to put the hosts in front, with her second goal in two matches at the Wits University Stadium.

Banyana consolidated their narrow lead when Gabriela Salgado beat her marker before firing past Bosija in the 56th minute to guarantee her side's triumph over the visitors.

The victory over Botswana saw Ellis' side extend their head-to-head advantage over their rivals, with nine wins and two draws in 11 ties.

Following the back-to-back wins this month, the manager will be hoping to have the full complement of her squad available when the team regroups in the next Fifa international break coming up in June.

On the other hand, Botswana head coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang will be proud of her young players despite the loss to Banyana as they gear up for the upcoming Awcon qualifiers.

Claude Le Roy has revealed he still has the energy to coach after quitting his job as the handler of the Togolese national team.

After five years as head coach of the Hawks, the 73-year-old decided to talk a walk after failing to qualify the West African country for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations billed for Cameroon.

As Togo’s head coach, he led the team to nine wins, 12 draws and 14 defeats in all competitions.

Although he confirmed that he has already been contacted with job offers, the Frenchman said he wants to take some time off before thinking about his next step.

"I still have the energy to coach. Since yesterday, I received phone calls so I will think about it," Le Roy told BBC Sport Africa.

"For now, I will take some time off, release my book next month. But I already have some offers on the table and really serious ones.

"It is always heartbreaking to leave a group, a staff that you value but I had to review and be loyal and I felt that after the failure in the Afcon qualifiers I needed to be honest and leave my seat for someone else for the World Cup qualifiers."

The former Cameroon, DR Congo and Ghana boss is also hopeful the systems he left behind in Togo continues to develop.

"Togolese football never was really organised now a lot of things are currently developed and going in the right way," he continued.

"I founded 'Graines du Togo' [Seeds of Togo] a project to detect young talents and we had 15,000 kids last year.

"We also started to have a meaningful league with pitches that actually look like football pitches.

"I still think my successors will deserve to be given time and understanding.

"A whole generation left with [Serge] Gakpe, [Alaixys] Romao, [Kossi] Agassa and [Emmanuel] Adebayor and don't forget this generation didn't win anything. Togo never reached the semi-finals or final of an Afcon.

"I felt we were close to something but we still lost some games because we didn't have enough experience. 

"My job is about results and when you don't have results, you should be able to say "Thank you very much" especially since they put in place the best conditions possible."

Monaco and Ajax are leading the chase to sign Recife's 18-year-old attacking midfielder Gustavo, who is already playing senior football in Brazil.

Recife are ready to accept €2 million for their talented youngster, who could be set for a move in May. Portuguese league leaders Sporting CP and several MLS clubs are also monitoring his situation.

However, Monaco and Ajax are said to be engaged in an active dialogue about securing Gustavo's signature and are appealing options due to their reputation for developing young talent.

Who is Gustavo?

The youngster was born in the city of Presidente Dutra in 2003 to a bricklayer father, Creone Gomes de Oliveira, who inspired him to become a footballer.

At 14, Gustavo was said to have been rejected by local giants Palmeiras but has gone on to have a glittering youth career. He is being represented by former Brazil international striker Bebeto along with his business partner Antonio Goveia.

His current contract at Recife expires in December 2025.

Monaco or Ajax?

Monaco's appeal includes being part of a club that has networks around Europe to loan players, along with a sister club in Belgium, Cercle Brugge. 

Even in the Ligue 1 team's senior side, they look to keep the squad's average age down to develop players before selling them on to bigger clubs in the future.

Similarly, Ajax have a reputation for developing young talent and can boast of having their reserve team, Jong Ajax, playing in the division below the Eredivisie.

They are reportedly looking at a host of talent from Brazil ahead of the upcoming transfer window, with Red Bull Bragantino midfielder Claudinho mentioned as a target for the Amsterdam club in February.

After the suspension of Andre Onana, Santos goalkeeper Joao Paulo was also linked. However, interest in both Brazilian players has been played down by Ajax's director of football affairs Marc Overmars.

Ajax are preparing for a KNVB Cup final match against Vitesse this week and remain in the Europa League. They are also likely to win the Dutch title once again, holding an 11-point lead atop the table at present.

Meanwhile, Monaco remain in the title race in France and will, at least, be jostling for European spots come the end of the season. They also have a cup quarter-final clash coming up against Lyon.

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has predicted Orlando Pirates' starting line-up ahead of their Gauteng Derby clash on Thursday.

Masandawana will welcome the Buccaneers at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals, with the two teams keen to join Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, Chippa United and Pretoria Callies in the semi-finals.

Having been part of the Pirates technical team between 2017 and 2019, Mokwena explained what he expects from the Buccaneers, who are under the guidance of German coach Josef Zinnbauer. 

“I can give you the Pirates line-up. We all know more or less who will play except for the conundrum from the good performance in their 3-0 win over Ahli Benghazi of Libya where Tshegofatsho Mabasa and Kabelo Dlamini played‚” Mokwena told the media. 

“That is possibly their biggest conundrum‚ but you know there are possibilities of Siphesihle Ndlovu or Ntsikelelo Nyauza playing at right-back. With Nyauza‚ it is more of a back three than it is a back four because with Ndlovu there is a lot more adventure and forays offensively.

“It will possibly be Happy Jele‚ Thulani Hlastshwayo‚ Paseka Mako and if Nyauza is not playing centre half‚ he is playing right back. In the midfield, there is Thabang Monare and Ben Motshwari at central midfield‚ Fortune Makaringe as their number ten and there is also Vincent Pule in that space.

“Then there the remaining positions for the likes of Gabadinho Mhango‚ Deon Hotto‚ Kabelo Dlamini or even Linda Mntambo. So‚ we know more or less the Pirates line-up and fortunately, we are also clued up on some of their schemes.

“From the point of view of the technical match-up‚ you know that there are some very good players and tactically the profile of the team is possession-orientated and transitional. It should be a good game on Thursday‚ it’s just a pity that a spectacle like that will not have fans in the stadium.”

Mokwena stated that the clash between the two giants of South African football will be the final before the final, with Sundowns determined to retain the Nedbank crown this season. 

“With due respect to all the remaining sides and the teams that participated in the competition‚ I think this is the final before the final. Two very good teams," he added. 

"Pirates are strong opponents with very good players and players that offer good weapons. When you profile opponents you do some form of individual profiling and of course, you see the characteristics of the side.

“They have very good speed and mobility‚ particularly in the attack. They can play a certain way‚ particularly in the Confederation Cup where they have been dominant on the ball both home and away‚ and I have seen a huge improvement in their possession statistics.

"For an example‚ they average about 54 percent of ball possession per game but the profile of the team is the same because they are dynamic.”

The last meeting between Sundowns and Pirates was in January 2021 and it was Masandawana who emerged 1-0 winners in a PSL game in Tshwane. 

Chelsea might still end up not winning the Champions League diadem despite their impressive form, according to seasoned and well-travelled football tactician Henry Abiodun.

Having secured a 2-0 away win over Porto in the first leg of the competition’s quarter-final, the Blues host the Portuguese in the reverse fixture on Tuesday night – and the Stamford Bridge giants are odds-on to earn a place in the semi-final.

Judging by recent form, the Londoners have lost just once in their last 18 fixtures in all competitions, and they have been tipped by several fans to conquer Europe for the second time in their history.

As excitement builds towards the climax of the Champions League, coach Abiodun, the director of coaching education at Football Coaches Association of Africa Nations (FCAAN), has given reasons why the title may elude Thomas Tuchel’s side.

“Right now, we have eight clubs that are pushing to get to the final and be crowned as champions eventually. When you look at them, they are top sides in Europe,” Abiodun told Goal.

“But again, when you look at Chelsea’s form, the new manager has been able to achieve a lot with the team in terms of bringing them together to form a bond.

"Thomas Tuchel has helped in solidifying the backline of the Blues.

“On the other end, Chelsea have struggled with their attackers. Judging from recent games, you would realise that most of their goals are scored from the midfield and by defenders.

“This means that the strikers have not been consistent enough in getting goals. That can hurt them in their quest to be crowned as European champions.

“Another thing that can hinder their ambition is that most of their players are very young and they have been together for just a very short time. Experience counts as the tournament progresses to the semi-final.

“However, if they are able to find their rhythm offensively as they have found with the three backs [defenders], they might go ahead and win it.

“With a solid defence, boasting of strong leaders in the team and getting the strikers to get in the goals, Chelsea can make it happen.

"It will be a tough one but in the game of football, impossibility is nothing.”

Should Chelsea qualify for the last four, they will square up against Real Madrid or Liverpool for a ticket to the final.

Ode Fulutudilu has revealed she feels as if she is at the "perfect place" after grabbing a treble on her Glasgow City debut in Sunday's 7-0 victory over Forfar Farmington in a Scottish top-flight encounter.

The 31-year-old had joined the Broadwood Stadium outfit in January, on a one-year deal from Finnish side Aland United, where she helped the side to a double with seven goals in 14 games last season.

Despite missing her side's 3-0 win at big rivals Celtic, the South Africa international made her long-awaited Glasgow City debut against Forfar, and she inspired her side to a convincing triumph at Station Park.

After an incredible debut hat-trick for Scott Booth's side, the former Malaga striker reflected on her exciting start to life in Scotland.

"I only arrived in January after I had finished my season in Finland," Fulutudilu told Goal.

"The season only resumed last week. I missed the first game since the Scottish league resumed as I was still finding my feet."

Against Forfar, Fulutudilu broke her duck shortly after half-time before she grabbed her brace in the 50th minute and complete her treble six minutes from full-time.

Following her fine second-half display for the champions, she went on to recount her memorable debut and her side's second win in a row.

"The first game in the league was a really good experience," she continued.

"We struggled a bit in the first half as we created so many chances but we were just not sharp enough in putting the ball away.

"So, it was a good perfect game to start with and see how deep and defensive certain teams plays."

Glasgow next welcome Motherwell to Broadwood Stadium on April 18 and Fulutudilu will be hoping to continue her fine start to life for City.

"Hopefully, I can bring and add the already winning mentality that Glasgow already has," she enthused.

"After last season I wanted to continue being in a team that competed for trophies, and Glasgow is the perfect place for me to be at.

"So far my time has been amazing. I’ve really enjoyed the country as it's beautiful and the group of girls are great to be playing with.

"I only want to be able to add to the quality that already exists in the team and play my part in continuing the success of this amazing club."

Mauricio Pochettino has worked with some top talent down the years, including Harry Kane and Neymar, but the Paris Saint-Germain boss considers Kylian Mbappe to be his easiest player to manage.

A 22-year-old World Cup winner is currently working under an Argentine tactician at Parc des Princes.

Questions are being asked of how long that relationship will continue for, as a France international forward sees a move elsewhere mooted, but Pochettino is revelling in his opportunity to aid the development of a global superstar.

What has been said?

Former Tottenham boss Pochettino has told BT Sport of coaching Mbappe: "It's so easy to work with him.

"He's only 22 but so mature and in his mind it is just about working, playing and scoring goals.

"It's also easy to communicate because his Spanish is fantastic and his English is amazing. He's very easy to work with, very humble and a lovely guy.

"It's impossible not to love him, and on the pitch he is unbelievable with his talent. In 11 or 12 years as a coach he is maybe the easiest player I have managed."

Will Pochettino be working with Mbappe in 2021-22?

PSG are doing all they can to get a prized asset tied down on fresh terms.

Mbappe's current contract in the French capital is due to expire in the summer of 2022 and no extension has been agreed despite regular rounds of talks being held.

That situation is keeping the likes of Real Madrid interested, with the Blancos making no secret of their desire to add another 'Galactico' to their books.

Mbappe would fit that mould, with a man who has already won three Ligue 1 titles and helped his country to conquer the world hitting 102 goals for PSG through just 119 appearances.

The bigger picture

Further success for PSG could help to convince Mbappe to remain in his current surroundings.

They are currently readying themselves for the second leg of a heavyweight Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich.

Pochettino's men lead that contest 3-2, with Mbappe bagging a brace at the Allianz Arena, but they will be expecting the reigning European champions to hit back when taking to French soil on Tuesday.

Further reading

Ilkay Gundogan has expressed his belief that Gabriel Jesus can become a "world-class striker" amid the ongoing rumours linking Erling Haaland with a move to Manchester City.

It has been reported that City will be on the lookout for a new striker in the summer transfer window, with club legend Sergio Aguero set to call time on his illustrious 10-year career at Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.

Gabriel Jesus is the only other natural centre-forward on Pep Guardiola's books at the moment, and has yet to prove he can be the man to fill the Argentine's boots in the long-term, but Gundogan has no doubts about his ability.

What's been said?

Speaking ahead of the second leg of City's Champions League quarter-final tie against Borussia Dortmund, Gundogan told reporters: "I feel like there are no limits for Gabi. He already did great in the years here and I don't know if it has an influence on us or him that Sergio is leaving in terms of the game that Gabi plays. I really don't know. What I know is that he brings everything to be a world-class striker.

"He has already done great in the years playing here, he is a great team-mate, he is still young with a lot of potential to improve as well but he is already playing really well and he is committed to the team and his game.

"I really believe that for him the future is very bright."

Gundogan on Haaland

Haaland is being touted as the most likely man to succeed Aguero as City's new No.9, having enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence since his switch to Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020.  

Gundogan, who spent five years at Westfalenstadion before moving to the Etihad in 2016, believes the Norwegian is destined to reach the very highest level of the game after proving himself in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.

"I think he's a great talent. He's a great player and an exciting prospect," said the German midfielder. "He scores a lot of goals, he is physically strong, he is quick and he is determined.

"This is what I see. He is able to hurt every single team he faces and his numbers are already outstanding - not just in the league but also in Europe.

"It is incredible and the fact he is so young still just shows that he will have a great future because he is already a great player. I don't know him at all but it seems to be like he is bringing the right mindset to get to the top."

The bigger picture

Gundogan's glowing assessment of Jesus' potential is backed up by the fact that the Brazilian has been a consistent source of goals for City since his arrival from Palmeiras in 2019.

Jesus has hit 81 goals in his first 186 appearances across all competitions, including 13 this term, and still has over two years left to run on his current contract.

The 24-year-old may not be quite as prolific as Haaland, but he has shown that he can perform in the Premier League, and Guardiola has already stated that he could end up sticking with his current crop of attackers for the 2021-22 campaign.

Haaland would likely cost City in excess of £100 million ($137m), and there is no guarantee he will be as effective in English football as he has been in Germany, with Jesus representing a lower-risk option for the Manchester outfit.

Further reading

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has laughed off the 'Shawberto Carlos' nickname bestowed upon him by Red Devils supporters, with the England international reluctant to place himself in a talent bracket alongside a Real Madrid and Brazil icon.

The 25-year-old's efforts in the 2020-21 campaign have seen him likened to World Cup winner Roberto Carlos by a loyal fan base at Old Trafford.

Shaw has been catching the eye, earning Player of the Month prizes and a recall to the Three Lions fold, but acknowledges that he is some way off earning a standing alongside an all-time great on the left-back roll of honour.

What has been said?

Responding to his new nickname during a Q&A on United's official website, Shaw said: “I’ll be honest, I’ve seen some things on it on social media and sometimes in my group chats my mates send me some stuff and I just laugh about it!

“I can’t be compared to him, he was unbelievable!

“I’m aware of it and it’s nice to be even mentioned alongside his name, but I just laugh about it!”

Who did Shaw look up to?

Carlos was an obvious role model for Shaw growing up, with the South American superstar raising the bar for all left-backs that have trodden a similar path.

His left foot was a dangerous weapon in the final third, with a reputation established for producing spectacular strikes from crazy angles and dead-ball situations.

Shaw is, however, prepared to admit that he looked a little closer to home for inspiration when carving out his own career.

Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Ashley Cole is another to have earned the moniker of 'best left-back on the planet', with a man who earned 107 caps for England showing a new generation what can be achieved in what has not always been the most glamorous of positions.

Shaw added on his idols: “I think, looking back at when I was growing up and my sort of era, and watching him a lot and basing my game a lot on him and what I wanted to be like as a player, then I would have to say Ashley Cole [was the best].

“I’ve always been a massive fan of him and thought, when I was growing up, he was one of the best left-backs at that time.

“For me, as an all-round full-back he was one of the best I’ve ever seen with attacking and defending, so I’d say Ashley Cole.”

Further reading

FC Goa's Juan Ferrando has highlighted the importance of being ready for touch challenges as they are set to face Al Rayyan in the 2021 AFC Champions League (ACL) Group E fixture at Fatorda on Wednesday.

The Gaurs are the first Indian team to compete in the group stage of the ACL after winning the 2019-20 Indian Super League (ISL) league stage.

What did Ferrando say?

"It's an important moment for the club and Indian football. We are working hard because we know about the opponents and the (higher) level (they are at). These games will be high intensity and it's very important to be ready," the Spanish coach said.

"For me, the most important thing is the responsibility. Of course, the squad is very young but it's the philosophy of this club to work with young players. We have to focus game-by-game. It's the time to learn but also to be competitive. We have to have a clear mentality and it's a good moment to improve the club.

"It's very difficult. We have watched some games, in our case in Group E (Persepolis FC, Al Rayyan and Al Wahda), the level is so high. The intensity in their games is totally different from the ISL but it's necessary to control minute-by-minute for 90 minutes - not only focus on set-pieces but focus on the press and the timing of it. In the end, the reading [of the game] and intensity with the ball is very important."

FC Goa drop Igor Angulo

The AFC Champions League allows for only four foreigners, including one Asian and Ferrando chose to pick his squad without Igor Angulo with Alberto Noguera.

"The decision (to leave out Angulo) was made at the last moment because we had some problems in the last line of defence. So in this case it was necessary to prepare the best squad. Of course, Igor is a very important player in our positional attack but this is the rule and in the end, we have to keep going with the players we have," he felt.

"This is the rule and we accept this. I think it's good to improve the Indian players. At FC Goa, the first rule is to improve the players. Of course, we need to put attention and it's necessary to work a lot.

First up, Al-Rayyan

"It's difficult to talk about what will happen tomorrow. We know the quality of the [Al Rayyan] squad. They are an amazing team tactically and we will be focused for 90 minutes because of the quality of the players in one moment (could make the difference)," Ferrando concluded.

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his sadness over Jean-Philippe Gbamin's recent injury problems.

The midfielder suffered a knee injury and could not feature for the Goodison Park outfit in their draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday.

The Ivory Coast international only recently returned from two career-threatening injuries which saw him sidelined for about two years.

Ancelotti has expressed his concerns with the midfielder’s recent injury and revealed he would have a scan to determine the extent of the problems.

“Listen, we are really, really sad [about JP Gbamin's knee injury] because he was training well, showing good quality and was happy,” Ancelotti told the club website.

“He's going to have a scan. I don't know how long but for sure the season for him is finished but he's a really strong guy and I hope he can recover soon and play.”

Gbamin teamed up with the Toffees in the summer of 2019 from Bundesliga side Mainz 05 and has only featured three times for the club due to injury woes.

He suffered a thigh injury after only two games with the club and was expected to be ruled of action for eight weeks.

The midfielder, however, damaged his Achilles tendon in training just as he was recovering from thigh problems.

The 25-year-old has made his much-awaited return against Watford and with his recent injury, he is out for the remainder of the season.

Gbamin played for more than 86 games across all competitions for Mainz 05 before leaving the club to join Everton and will hope to quickly bounce back from the knee injury to replicate his Mainz’s consistency for Everton.

The midfielder has made 11 appearances for Ivory Coast since switching his allegiance to the West African country from France, where he featured for their U18, U19, U20 and U21 sides.

Botswana head coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang has laid out her side's targets facing South Africa in an international friendly on Tuesday.

The Mares are regrouping for the first time in the build-up to the Africa Women's Cup of Nations qualifier after the runners-up finish at the 2020 Cosafa Women's Cup in South Africa last November.

Tuesday's game will see Botswana meet Banyana for the 11th time in all competitions since 2014, having suffered eight defeats, including a 2-1 loss to the holders in the Cosafa final last time out.

Despite eliminating Banyana from the 2020 Caf Tokyo Olympic qualifiers in August 2019, the tactician insists her side is not keen on the result against Desiree Ellis' team this time.

"We have achieved a lot and there should be continuity but now we are looking at a long term project," Nkutlwisang told Goal.

"We've included some young players as part of our long term project on integrating them to the senior women's national team and not just seeing them alone in the upcoming qualifying matches.

"Going up against South Africa, we are not after results but giving young players the chance to prove themselves. We are not under any pressure to get a victory against them.

"We're not worried about losing this friendly match to South Africa but we also have the quality in our team.

"Regardless of the outcome, it will be a learning curve for the young players in the team as we are also preparing for the Africa Women's Cup of Nations."

Despite parading the bulk of the U20 side, Nkutlwisang will be counting on the experienced trio of Bonang Othagile, Nondi Matlhasela and Masego Montsho against the Cosafa champions.

The Southern African side will hope to claim a first-ever outright triumph against Banyana at the Bidvest Stadium in Milpark, Braamfontein.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka says he would take Bruno Fernandes' "vision" if given the chance to steal a quality from talented team-mates around him at Manchester United.

The combative right-back boasts an admirable skill set of his own, with the 23-year-old famed for tackling ability that makes life uncomfortable for any opposition wingers.

He is, however, still working on adding the creativity to his arsenal that would allow him to make an impact at both ends of the field, with his Portuguese colleague continuing to raise the bar at Old Trafford on that front.

What has been said?

Asked by United's official website to pick a trait possessed by those around him that he would happily take, Wan-Bissaka said: "If I could add any attribute from any team-mate to my game, I’d have to pick Bruno’s vision.

"In training, if I’m against him, I’ll think he’s going for an obvious pass, say over my right shoulder, but then he’ll play it somewhere else in another way. He’s so unpredictable."

Wan-Bissaka's ambition

While the former Crystal Palace defender may not be the full package just yet, it did take £50 million ($69m) for him to be added to the ranks at Old Trafford.

United were buying into current ability and future potential when that big-money deal was pushed through in the summer of 2020.

Value has been found, with Wan-Bissaka positioning himself in the debate regarding a well-stocked right-back role for the England national side, but there is more to come from him.

The Red Devils are also looking to raise their game as a collective, with the Europa League quarter-finalists determined to bring a four-year wait for major silverware to a close.

Wan-Bissaka added: "I want to achieve a lot here. I think anything’s possible for this club and this team.

"The vision is just to win as many trophies as possible over the next few years. Personally, I want to keep adding more goals to my game.

"Now I’ve had that feeling, it’s something I want to feel every week. If I had to choose between a goal-saving tackle and scoring a goal, I’d go for a goal."

Wan-Bissaka has recorded two goals for United this season, with those efforts coming in comfortable wins over Newcastle and Southampton.

Further reading

Federation of Uganda Football Association President Moses Magogo has revealed goalkeeper Denis Onyango had planned to quit playing for the national team, the Cranes after they had lost to Malawi in their final match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Cranes were in need of a win against the Flames in their final Group B match to be assured of a place in the Afcon finals to be held in Cameroon but they suffered a 1-0 defeat courtesy of a Richard Mbulu strike.

The defeat ensured the Cranes will miss out on a third successive appearance in the competition and according to Magogo, it was after the defeat in Blantyre that Onyango, who finally announced his retirement on Monday, had planned to call it quits but was advised against the move.

“Denis [Onyango] wanted to announce his retirement in Malawi immediately after the game but was advised to hold on for better timing,” Magogo wrote on his Facebook page. “There was always not going to be the right timing for Denis to retire.”

The federation boss has further taken his time to pay tribute to the long-serving custodian, whose decision to quit ended a 16-year international career that saw him win 70 caps with the Cranes since 2005.

“Let us celebrate Uganda’s greatest goalkeeper ever, another icon of Ugandan football draws the curtains to such an illustrious career with the Uganda Cranes,” Magogo continued.

“Denis [Onyango] has been the best goalkeeper I have watched in the world. For those who follow, it is not the first time I am saying this.

"We have always been sure that there is Denis to carry the team when it needed the goalkeeper.

“He has been a great athlete, disciplined sportsman, and patriotic footballer.  He has taken a choice to retire and we should celebrate him for the hard decision. If you asked me, he is one of those few players that should have stayed forever but we have to accept that players come and go. It is just human.”

Magogo further confirmed the federation will organize a testimonial match for the keeper for his dedicated services to the national team.

“Fufa took a decision to organise testimonial matches for national team players who retire after eight years of service or those that have put indelible marks to the team as decided by the Fufa executive,” Magogo added. “Definitely Onyango will have the option to take the testimonial match at the right timing.

“I wish Denis the best for the rest of his athletic football career and hope the game retains him to serve it in different capacities.”

Onyango, who turns out for Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, announced his international retirement on Monday just five days after another player – midfielder Hassan Wasswa – also quit playing for the Cranes, after his 13-year international career with 75 caps.

Paradou AC midfielder Allan Okello has urged the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) to retire jersey number 18 in honour of legendary custodian Denis Onyango.

The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper announced his retirement from the national team on Monday ending his 16-year career with Uganda Cranes. The 20-year-old is still in disbelief of the decision by the 35-year-old but has since gone to wish him the best.

"Captain, leader, names can’t say it all," the former Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) FC player tweeted.

"Just waiting for the shirt number 18 to be retired. Can’t believe we are not going to see the motivator anymore. Just wishing you all the best captain."

Motherwell defender and Bevis Mugabi went on to appreciate his former national team captain for his role in helping him integrate with other players. He also lauded him for his qualities on the pitch.

"A leader of men who has guided the Uganda Cranes to new heights and laid the foundation for the new generation," the 25-year-old reacted.

"Thank you for integrating me into the squad so smoothly. Showing qualities of a real captain on and off the pitch! Thank you legend."

The federation also took to their Twitter handle to appreciate the player for his service in the national team colours.

"15 years of great service for the country. Thanks, captain for the memories," Fufa tweeted.

In his tribute, Cranes forward Emmanuel Okwi stated it was an honour to play alongside the goalkeeper in the national team.

"Thank you for always being a great friend, leader, and all-around wonderful human being," the former Simba SC forward posted.

"As a player, I know what you have done for this country. As a fan, I feel blessed to have witnessed it firsthand. It has been an absolute honour to represent the Uganda flag by your side. 

"Your achievements and sacrifice are visible for anyone with eyes. I wish you all the best in your retirement and may you continue succeeding at club level."

Hassan Wasswa, who recently retired from the national team as well did not hesitate to wish his friend a happy retirement.

"'Mr. Safe Hands,' words can't explain how much you have served the nation but there comes a time when we have to sign out. A great leader, a great motivator, a mentor, a patriot, and most of all, captain fantastic. Happy retirement Mahela my man."

Real Madrid remain confident that Kylian Mbappe can be signed at some stage in the near future, Goal has learned, but an extended stay at Paris Saint-Germain for the World Cup winner is not being ruled out.

Discussions regarding fresh terms for the 22-year-old forward at Parc des Princes remain ongoing, with PSG eager to agree a new contract with a prized asset who will hit free agency in 2022.

No compromise has been reached as yet, which is keeping an exit door ajar, and the likes of Madrid will continue to closely monitor events in the French capital until definitive decisions are made.

Could Mbappe end up in Spain?

Sources close to Mbappe have revealed that the talented youngster retains a boyhood ambition of one day turning out in Real's famous white shirt.

Such a switch may be put on hold, though, as no final call on his immediate future has been made.

It is understood that at least three offers from the reigning Ligue 1 champions have been knocked back, but negotiations remain ongoing and a deal could yet be signed.

Why hasn't Mbappe signed?

The France international is in no rush to end the uncertainty surrounding his future, with his plan being to wait until the end of the season and assess where PSG stand at that point.

Mauricio Pochettino's side remain in the hunt for Ligue 1 and Champions League glory, with major silverware always a useful bargaining tool, and are looking to tie up other deals.

Mbappe wants to know what Neymar, who is also under contract until 2022, has planned before committing to a new deal of his own, while also looking to see who PSG line up for the next transfer window.

Can Madrid put a deal in place?

There is growing confidence at Santiago Bernabeu that hard work behind the scenes with Mbappe will pay off.

Prominent members of the club's management structure, as well as first-team coach Zinedine Zidane, have worked hard to build a positive relationship with one of the most sought-after talents in world football.

Trips have been made to France, calls put in, messages sent, with the Blancos ensuring that any loose ends are being tied up.

Those in Spain acknowledge that they cannot compete financially with PSG, but they can offer an ambitious project, a prominent role in their long-term plans and added sporting prestige.

The bigger picture

Real believe they can give Mbappe everything he needs on personal and professional levels, with it up to him to decide which route he heads down at an important career crossroads.

A top-ranking official at the Bernabeu has said: "It will depend on whether he wants to be in a 'golden prison' or succeed here." 

Unfortunately for the Blancos, acquiring Mbappe will not be straightforward whatever happens.

He would need to inform PSG of his desire to move on, leaving them in need of a suitable replacement.

A fee would have to be agreed that suits all parties, as those in France cannot afford to lose a top talent for nothing next year.

It may be that Real eventually get their man, with Florentino Perez seeking another 'Galactico' following his re-election in Madrid, but there is a long way to go before that dream becomes reality.

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