Adjustments From Amorim

19:05Dan Thomas:Yeah, let me just wrap up this segment and put a bow on it. Mark, I want to put to you the question that I put to Nadam on how they fared without Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United today. Well, I think before Amarim had his kind of substitution melt there in the second half, in the first half, I thought United looked quite good. I thought without Bruno Fernandes, he'd have to look to a better team. I thought it made the rest of the players do their jobs properly. I mean, the likes of Dalo and Dogu played as well as I'd seen them play all season in the first half. I think Mason Mount was fantastic in that 45 minutes.

19:37I think Cunha rose a different level today because he had to do more in the absence of Bruno Fernandes. So I think United can be better without Bruno Fernandes because it forces everybody else to do their jobs and step up a level. But there's this kind of strange... He's on a pedestal, Bruno Fernandes. I think Amriem said the other day that he's irreplaceable. Well, that's the wrong thing to say. You don't tell your players, this guy's a replaceable the day before you play a game without him. And they're going to be without him for a month. So I don't see this thing about Bruno Fernandes being, listen, he's a great player.

20:05Lots of assists, lots of goals, etc. But that's because everything is built to go through him. I think when everyone else has to play a different way and play as a team, they can be better. So, you know, if you're going to ask me, should United sell him in January or in the summer? Well, I keep him in January, but in the summer, if somebody's going to offer you 50, 60 million pounds for him, take the money and invest it in players that will make the team stronger again. And then everybody has to put the shift in rather than when Bruno plays, everybody takes it in terms to have a day off or let him do all the running.

20:34So I think they can be better than Bruno Fernandes.

20:36Dan Thomas:Agree or disagree? Sell him in the summer, Stevie?

20:41I think you sell him. If you get£60 million for him, you sell him.

20:46Frank Leboeuf:£60 million only gets you one other player, though. It's not like back in the day, you could take£60 million and buy two or three. 60 million is getting one with some money on top. But then, if you've got to look at the big picture, you're getting your money back plus some for a guy who's given you so many years of service. You're not getting any younger. You've got to move on eventually. Is he the one that sucks the air out everybody else that Augie's talking about? I mean, I'm not so sure, but that could be the case. It could be the case where you do move him on, then you replace him with a couple of other bodies and actually the pieces of the puzzle work better together without him.

21:29But that's a stretch. We're trying to come up with that. Nobody's putting any money on that that's going to happen, but that's a possibility.

21:37Dan Thomas:Well, he's 31. He's been a difference maker in so many games, Shaka. And he's rarely injured and rarely absent from this team.

21:44Frank Leboeuf:Best player in that dressing room. That's the issue here. And listen, I get the point that Manchester United needs investment in terms of player personnel. They could probably do with moving on from Bruno Fernandes, not being that heavily focused. But my point remains, 60 million in today's market gets you one other player. It's not like back in the day where it gets you two or three. It gets you one other player and a very big void to fill.

22:12Dan Thomas:Nadim, you get the final word on Bruno's future. Yeah, so I remember something that Stevie said and this was a few years ago around selling players and so on I think there was an iconic manager at Liverpool who said it's better to sell a player one year or two other than a year too late and I think as I look at Bruno Fernandes at United at this stage, for as good as he is the club needs to also start preparing for the future and it's not to say that at 31 years of age he's older he's older or anything like that but build something and he shouldn't necessarily be built around somebody who the manager is saying is a replaceable who in four or five years' time might not have the same sort of impact.

22:45So I think if Bruno Fernandes is close to the peak of his powers and is going to be interest around Europe and so on, probably best to sell him at this stage because this is the most amount of money you'll ever get for him. And maybe he wants to say maybe the club will keep him, but from a business side of things, you know, he might never get a better opportunity.

23:00Dan Thomas:Well, there'll be plenty of questions put to the boys in the latest edition of Extra Time. You can check it out over on our YouTube channel. Sadly, they won't be in their Christmas characters. but Mark, Nadam, Stevie and Shaka will be answering the questions.

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24:26Dan Thomas:Ah, we've got more games coming up tomorrow. The games that we'd usually see on Boxing Day are going to be played on the 27th. One of them is Chelsea against Aston Villa. Chelsea in insane form. as it stands right now, as you can see by the graphic here. As for Chelsea, they've won just one of their last four league matches. And so here are the predictions of the boys in how this game's going to go down. Mark Ogden and Shaka Hisloff have got Aston Villa continuing that winning run, while Nadem and Stevie think that this one is going to end in a draw. So let me start with you then, Nadem. Why are you saying a draw here?

25:04So I've gone that way just because for this run Aston Villa have been on, it's been absolutely incredible. You've seen some great goals and so on. But some of the performances in recent weeks haven't been as good as, say, they were maybe a month or so ago. And, you know, like Morgan Rodgers in that last game against United, he scores two great goals. But that's sometimes what they're sort of relying upon. So I think that dip in performance, it's gone under the radar a little bit whilst they're still getting the results. But I think that's going to start turning soon in this sort of busy part of the season.

25:31and I think for Chelsea being at home, I think they'll end up being tough to beat. And yeah, I've gone for a draw, but more than anything, I was actually leaning towards Chelsea. But for Vibes, I went for a draw.

25:40Dan Thomas:Why did you go for a draw, Stevie? Same as Nedom on Villa. And Chelsea, I mean, they've kind of been up and down really. Recently, they're due a good performance and a good result in a big game. and so that's why I've gone for the 2-2. I don't see how they stop Rodgers. You know, for me, they're Achilles heel. Chelsea is the back four and the goalkeeper and so I don't see them stopping Villa scoring. So that's why I've gone for the 2-2. I think Chelsea will play well and they'll get after it but that will also play into Villa's hands and leave some gaps for them to get at that back four. So that's why I've gone for a drop.

26:21Dan Thomas:You disagree though, Xhaka?

26:22Frank Leboeuf:I do. I just think, listen, Villa in the form that they are and I take Niamh's point about some of their performances But when you've got momentum with you, there's a self-belief that comes with that. I think Unai Emery and Villa will go to Stamford Bridge thinking that Chelsea may very well dominate possession, but we're as comfortable as ever on the counterattack, and they are. And Chelsea themselves, despite it being at Stamford Bridge, have this inconsistency about them as well. And then Maresca bears some of that blame as well. so just kind of I'm just looking at the momentum of Villa and the inconsistency of Chelsea why I think Villa get the job done

27:01Dan Thomas:Is it going to be a good game Mark? I think so I think it's going to be a really good game I'm doing the game myself so I'm looking forward to it I think the reason that Villa got the edge is that Mareska said a couple of weeks ago about how it was kind of implying that Chelsea needs some experience amongst the young players and that's exactly what Villa have got people like McGinn and Telemans and I think in a game like this where We are talking about, I suppose, the two outsiders in a title race of maybe four clubs. I just think that Villa have got that experience at Nouwen. They've got a better manager.

27:32They've got everything that Chelsea are building towards. I think that Villa have got that full package. Obviously, these runs have to come to an end at some point. Villa are on an incredible run. I just think Chelsea are a little bit flaky. I think Villa tomorrow have just got a little bit more. I think that's why they'll win the game.

27:48Dan Thomas:That is Chelsea against Aston Villa. We'll also be seeing Nottingham Forest taking on Man City. It's seven wins on the spin in all competitions for Manchester City. They continue to chase Arsenal. They're just two points behind them as it is right now. As for Forest, since Sean Dyche came in on October 26th, their Prem record is four wins, one draw and four losses. And so the predictions of the panel for this. Three of you going for a Man City 2-1 win. That's Stevie, Shaka and Nadem. Mark Ogden is going for a 2-2 draw. I'll start with you. Oggy, on why you've got a 2-2 draw here, Forrest against City.

28:26Yeah, I just think Sean Dyche has got Forrest back to what they were close to what they were under noon. You know, they turned the City ground into a bit of a fortress again. They're playing for him, they're playing the way they like to play, they're full of energy. And I think City have had a couple of difficult trips there in the last couple of years. I think as well, I think there's an extra factor here. It's two days since, tomorrow will be two days since John Robertson died, one of Forrest's all-time great players. So it'll be a very emotional occasion. The fans will be up even more than normal.

28:49So I just think it's one of those strange games where I think City will struggle. But that's primarily because Sean Dyche has got Forrest to organise again. And I think it's a tough game for City.

28:58Dan Thomas:Nadeem, what have you got to say to Oggy about that? Listen, Oggy has his opinion, usually quite dour. But I see where it's coming from. I think the emotional side of things with the past is going to be a big deal. But I think for City, the form that they've been in, I think that will carry them through in this particular game. It will be a tough game being the early kick-off and so on. but I think as well from Forest yes it might turn into what feels like a fortress but they're still very much down in and around the relegation places so as a consequence I think in some ways we're sort of overhyping how good they've actually been and I think Sean Dyche himself he doesn't necessarily have a great record against Guardiola you know in fairness most managers don't but I just fancy City to be able to get the job done but it will be a tough game of football Speaking of City getting the job done Oggie are they going to get the job done on Antoine Semenya is this going to happen?

29:43Yeah pretty much I mean, we know there's an escape clause in Semeniel's contract at£65 million. It has to be triggered by the 10th of January. So I think it will be done pretty quickly because Bournemouth will want to get the deal done to get somebody in. So City believe they've got the race won. I think Semeniel's giving them the nod. I think United are out of the running now. So unless something very dramatic happens in the next couple of weeks, I think Semeniel's on his way to City. I don't know where he fits in, but he's on his way to City.

30:10Dan Thomas:Do they need him, Aidan? Where does he fit in? I'm not really sure about this one to be honest Because I do think he's a really good player But for the way that Bournemouth play It's very different to the way that Man City play And some of those traits in terms of how good he can be 1v1, his speed, his strength, his skill, his finishing That's all really good But again it looks different when you're playing against sides Who sometimes will be, say in a low block Something that Bournemouth don't really face on a week to week basis But I think in fairness to City's recruitment overall Across the years it has been very very good So they must see some traits in him that will suit this side and maybe it's going to be out wide, you know, whereas, say, someone like Savinho this year overall and Oscar Warp haven't necessarily been at their absolute best.

30:47Maybe here's somebody who can stretch the game in a way which, say, others can't. But yeah, it's going to be interesting to see if he does come in if other people leave. And as you say, how exactly does it fit into this side, which feels like in some ways it's sort of settling down.

31:00Dan Thomas:Feels like the former City player, Adam Manua, is not quite feeling it, Stevie. No, I'm with Adam. I'm not quite sure myself. You know, I think Grealish is a good example. Grealish was a guy who took lots of touches on the ball and carried the ball forward from the halfway line and committed people. That's not how Seti played. And yes, he had a good spell, but overall, for 100 million, you'd have to say that it wasn't a success. And so I'm kind of thinking the same as Nadem in terms of Semenyo. You know, he's a guy, he's not a guy that goes at his defender, stops and then plays it backwards. I mean, if there's a team that does that, if there's a team that almost invented it, as Man City.

31:41So, again, he's going into a side that doesn't play the game that suits him best.

31:45Dan Thomas:There's some reports out there today, Mark, that the feeling was that Arsenal would have been his first choice had they been firmly in the race. Have you seen those reports? Yeah, and that's one of those, isn't it? They would say that, wouldn't it, kind of things. I mean, they're not in the running for him, so they're not going to get him, but it makes them feel good to think that they could have got him. So I don't know where that goes with that. I think it's very hard for Arsenal to say they would have won a race against Man City for a player. No, I'm not having that at all. I just think that's weird.

32:14Dan Thomas:All right, let's talk about Arsenal then because Arsenal have got their game coming up against Brighton. We've got the last three results of Arsenal here. You had the 2-1 win over Wolves at home with two own goals. There was the 1-0 win at Everton and that goal was a penalty from Jocares. And then, of course, that 1-1 result against Palace in the Cup. It went to 8-7 on penalties. An own goal there as well. Let's get the predictions. for the game against Brighton. Xhaka's gone for a draw here, even though everybody else says Arsenal are going to win, and quite comfortably. So, Xhaka, why do you think it's going to be a draw?

32:48Frank Leboeuf:I just think Arsenal have not been anyone as convincing as it could or should be. It's been seven or eight games since they've won by more than a single goal. And if even you look at that run that we just had up on our full screen, two own goals against Wolves, one of those goals coming deep into injury time. the 1-0 against Everton. Everton should have had a penalty, let's be honest. So easily could be talking about a 1-1 and a Jordi Crystal Palace. So I just wonder if Arsenal aren't able to finish teams off in the way that they need to or should be doing. Now, while it's good to see Gabriel Jesus back on and doing as he did, a lot of talk about Kai Havertz and how close he is to returning, I remain unconvinced about Giorgorez.

33:41Frank Leboeuf:So all those things kind of put together, I just feel Arsenal may dominate possession, but Brighton are a good team. And I'm not sure that they get the bet of Brighton in the way that they did Wolves for bottom-league table and the way that they struggled to and didn't against less opposition than Brighton.

34:00Dan Thomas:You think it is going to be their day, Nadem? Yeah, I do, I do, to be honest. And I think the lack of goals that have been scored in recent weeks hasn't necessarily been down to say lack of chances created maybe the finishing has been off but I think for the quality players that have in time that will balance itself out and I think against this Brighton side like Brighton we tend to remember the best version of them but so far this season we've seen a very inconsistent one at times quite a poor one relatively speaking so I think for Arsenal being at home you know I've had that little Christmas boost a couple of days off and they're ready to go again with some new faces I did some competition in training as well you've seen the likes of Havertz Gabriel Jesus back in.

34:36I think that will make a difference and I think Arteta is going to have more attacking options going forward because for the last game we had Eze on the bench for example maybe this is the Eze game and maybe this is the one where Gabriel Jesus gets off the mark again so I'm confident they'll win this game and I think they'll win it by a few.

34:51Dan Thomas:Okay, so let's get to what the Kai Havit situation, what Mikel Arteta had to say about it. He said it will be a matter of days not weeks. This is his return obviously. Let's see in the next steps how he responds to that. Kai is a player that we missed a lot. a player that brings the team into a different dimension. Oggie, what happens when he comes back with Jokeres? Well, I mean, I was at Everton last week when Jokeres scored the penalty that won the game at Everton. But, you know, he doesn't offer much, really. You look at who he's scored against this season. It's Everton, it's Burnley, it's Leeds, he's not in the front.

35:25He doesn't score against the top teams. I think he's not really been what Arsenal wanted. And I think Havertz, at least we know, he's got flair, he's got talent, he can move people around. he's not prolific Kai Havertz but he's a better player than Jokeres and I think that's the problem that Jokeres has got I don't quite know what he is he works defenders, he's a physical presence but he's not really what has made Arsenal any better so I think when Havertz is fit and ready to play he'll go ahead of Jokeres because he offers more, I think he's a better player

35:51Dan Thomas:Stevie Correct me if I'm wrong here but were we gushing over Kai Havertz before he got injured? I don't think so so all of a sudden because he's been out for so long and his manager's talking about... You've got to take them to a different dimension. If he was in Star Trek, it'd be all right. But... I mean, seriously. We're all talking about Havertz. He's not a centre-forward. They're struggling. He's got to play him centre-forward. Where does Havertz play? Does he play the number 10? Does he play off? In another dimension. In another dimension, clearly. So, unless he gets there, I don't see what all the noise is about So you think Victor's going to be fine?

36:36He doesn't make them better Giochi Rez, no question Hasn't so far done really What he was bought to do But he looked as though he was Beginning to and then he got injured So I think it's a little early to just write Giochi Rez off Yes, we all thought he would do a little bit more But yeah, to turn around and start talking about Havertz as if he's like the second coming I don't think so

36:59Dan Thomas:The theme of the show today seems to have been Stevie and Nadem agreeing on many a thing. Do you agree with Stevie here, Nadem? Do you know, just for the vibes, I'm going to go the other way. I'm going to say for Habits, yes, he wasn't necessarily doing brilliantly before he got injured. But again, for Arteta, it's a different type of option. I think at times, Jokka is, he's more of like a battering ram as such. You know, you see, say, where it's come from, sports, and say some of that time in the English Championship, and you can see the effect that it has in terms of how they play. but I think for Havertz and Gabriel Jesus and others there was a critique that they didn't score enough goals but then they're also part of Arsenal's sides which went on long runs of winning games of football there was a point, I think it was two seasons ago where they got to 50 points at the halfway mark in the season and that's because of people like Havertz and Jesus and the like so I think for him to have the options that's going to be important because not every game of football is too 90 under the season he's going to be playing against a side who play in a particular way but I think maybe, if anything, it would be a positive for Jokeres because he'll know he'll have to perform now because the manager will have two people at times on the bench who he trusts explicitly.

38:01So, yeah, it'd be nice to see him back in good health and in good health for a long period of time because, you know, Arteta very much trusts him.

38:09Dan Thomas:You get the final say on this situation, Shaq.

38:11Frank Leboeuf:I disagree with Stevie in that. I think Stevie's kind of kinder to Jocarez only because he's been there for less time and it's a smaller sample set. Had Kai Havelis put together these kinds of performances that we've seen from Jocarez, and I'm with Mark on this, I am unconvinced about Giocarez, have been all season long, and his value to Arsenal. There is a credible argument to be made that Mikel Moreno is a better servant in that position, and he's not even a striker. So, while, yes, I get the criticism of Kai Havertz dating back from his Chelsea days into Arsenal, I still feel that he has been, over the same period that Giocarez has been at Arsenal, he has been more effective in that sample size at any point of his Arsenal career.

38:59Frank Leboeuf:So him coming back, I think, is a step up from Victor Jokeres.

39:04Dan Thomas:OK, let's focus on another game that's going to be taking place and another team that have become more effective than they had been. Liverpool have beaten in six in all competitions with four wins and two draws. Up against Wolves, who are still without a win this season. And probably no surprise that everybody's gone for a Liverpool win. But now, Stevie, this is not looking good that everyone's going for quite that big Liverpool win. So don't worry, you can join tomorrow to see how it all plays out. Feel it out. Feel it out. It's a bad omen. Always a bad omen when the panel agree unanimously. Good luck, Liverpool.

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40:38Dan Thomas:Next up for you, we've got Morocco taking on Mali in Group A. We're picking up the action here. Oh, actually, first of all, Mbappe watching the game wearing a Hakimi jersey. This is Nathan Gassama who'd get called for a handball.

40:57Dan Thomas:That's it? That is it.

41:02Dan Thomas:Brahim Diaz gets past him. I don't think he hit. I think that's Inokias. I'm kind of with you here.

41:09Frank Leboeuf:Brahim Diaz.

41:09Dan Thomas:I didn't see another.

41:10Frank Leboeuf:I have to see another angle of it.

41:14Dan Thomas:59th minute Oh that's a penalty Sineyoko's fouled in the box Oh that's a penalty Yes this is a penalty too I thought the referee wasn't going to give it though No question in that He must have somebody in his ear Sineyoko steps up as well to take it Oh He went a little early didn't he

41:39Dan Thomas:1-1 Group A So that's how things are looking as it stands right now Morocco top in the group with four points after the first two games OK other players are getting a break this is Erling Haaland letting Pep Guardiola know things are going to be OK at the weigh-in All good he put as the caption on this one remember Pep said he will be controlling how many kilos they come back with so Erling Haaland is doing exactly what his coach says and staying disciplined over the festive period. Stevie's just rolled his eyes. Meanwhile, Marcus Llorente has been showing he likes the finer things in life. This is the wine he drank at dinner.

42:23Dan Thomas:A cool€6 ,000 a bottle. Too much money. That's the problem. Craig likes the old fine wine, doesn't he? Well,€6 ,000 a bottle. He wouldn't pay that, I'll tell you that. The one he likes is$125 a bottle. Yeah, some people like to be a little bit more risk-taking on their holidays. This is Dean Heysen, hanging out with a lot of wild animals, including big cats. Shaq, I'm going to guess you're not out of here, stuff like that.

42:53Frank Leboeuf:I wouldn't have thought you are.

42:59Dan Thomas:He's a little more calm for Ardegula, his teammate right now at Real Madrid. He's not fighting and playing tug-of-war with tigers. He's actually in Lapland to see the Northern Lights and the lovely reindeer. That makes a bit more sense. Cool. It is cold. It's chilly. You can buy gear to put on. An island boy.

43:22Dan Thomas:Shaq, you might like a bit of this, what we're about to show you next, though. This is Jules Kondane-Bennine playing with the kids.

43:30Frank Leboeuf:No, that, I love that. No, that is not allowed. That I love. He's having a ball. kids are having a ball. Yeah, what if somebody two-foots them? Nobody's going to two-foot them. Yeah, right. I did that in holiday one. I got my cheekbone caved down. Where'd you go? Where'd you go? I was in Mauritius. Let's see if you're right. This is Laminia Mal.

43:53Dan Thomas:Somebody headed me, sorry. See, exactly. This is... We're a game of football on the beach and I don't see anybody kicking in in the place. Nobody's going to two-foot anybody. There's nobody from Scotland playing in any of those teams. Exactly. That's the real issue. Okay, what did you like best? What stood out to you the most guys? The beach! The Cundé Aluminium Ale, I didn't think it was up for debate! Stevie, which was you chosen? Oh, Lapland. Lapland? Yeah. Easy. Alright. That's not easy. Nathan? Listen, I'm going nowhere colder in wintertime, so the beach for me, I'm with Shaka 100%. Fair enough.

44:28Dan Thomas:Mark? I couldn't get my head around the Dean Hausman thing. I mean, was he really playing with the tiger? I mean, that would have been, what a story that would have been. Real Madrid defender out for six years because he's been mauled by a time. Take a little look. Take a look back at that.

44:41Frank Leboeuf:Ah, yeah, I see. Yeah, I mean, that's daft.

44:44Dan Thomas:They've been taking a few risks this season at the back of Real Madrid.

44:48Frank Leboeuf:Oh, goodness me, K. Oh, boy. I mean, I expect a goalie to be doing stuff like that. What? What are you trying to say? Well, do you know what goalies are like? What's the dude in Tugger-Walbit there? What's that? Listen, I'm not doing that.

45:08Dan Thomas:Okay, there's something else we wanted to go back to, just because you guys were a bit upset about the Malihan ball. So we're just going to go back to it, see what the guys thought. Nadim, can you see it?

45:20I think he's very, very lucky there, to be honest. He's just trying to get up. Did they give the penalty? The boys were upset that they gave it. Yeah, I'm with them, to be fair. I'm going to support the lads in this one. I'm going to finish strong and agree with the crew.

45:35Dan Thomas:Mark? No, no, listen. You know the old saying about he could take a lace out of the ball? He was trying to take a lace out of it and he's handling it that long. That's the penalty. Oh, here we go. Pete's set us up. Pete's giving us that angle. You notice how well we've got one angle? What, Marley and producer Pete? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Exactly. Yeah, look. Marley and Pete.

46:00He's hit the ball straight at him. It's the other way around. That's not a good angle.

46:07Frank Leboeuf:I strongly suspect if you get a better angle, you'll be on a three. He's good enough for VAR. Inconclusive.

46:12Dan Thomas:He's good enough for VAR. Well, it shouldn't be good enough for VAR. Yeah, because VAR's always right, isn't he? Can't argue with that, though, Stephen. No, you can't. All right. Make sure to stay with us here across the festive period, because we've got more La Liga coming up for you in the new year. Espanol against Barca, Catalan Derby, and Real Madrid taking on Real Betis on January 3rd and January 4th, respectively. Introducing Taco Bell's new jalapeno citrus salsa with bright citrus, real red jalapenos, guajillo chiles. Usually, you add sauce to the food, but when the sauce is this good, the food is just there to get the sauce to your mouth.

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47:41Dan Thomas:And here is the holiday special, which is streaming right now. And if you want to see the boys and Alexis in their Christmas gear and jewels with his PSG hat on, of course.

47:49Frank Leboeuf:Of course.

47:50Dan Thomas:Look at that.

47:52Frank Leboeuf:treble 99 long time ago make sure to go check it out it's streaming now it's

47:57Dan Thomas:loads of fun team having a very festive edition of ESPN FC if you're nothing good to say don't see anything at all we'll end it there Mark and Nadam are coming back to answer your question with the boys we'll see you over there all right here are the questions of extra time coming up on the screen which you will be reading

48:22Frank Leboeuf:them from today so help me out boys i can't i can't know extra time hello welcome into the

48:27Dan Thomas:latest edition of extra time stevie and shaka are here we've also got nadam and mark joining us can we have the first question please who's reading it take your time where's the music Oh, there we are. My goodness. Do you expect this to be a busy January transfer window, especially for players seeking playing time leading up to next year's World Cup? That has got Mark Ogden's name written all over it. I do think it'll be busy. I think quite a few clubs have got a bit of money to spend. I think City have got money to spend. Liverpool have. I think Liverpool are quite keen to get somebody in. Like the question says, you know a lot of players want to play in a World Cup I mean Kobe Mainu obviously I think I think he might be struggling right now to get an England World Cup squad but he's not going to play if he's at Man United he's getting you know five minutes off the bench if he's lucky so I do think that a lot of players will want to move in January I think there's enough money swilling around for that to happen so yeah I think it'll be quite busy especially after the African Nations finishes in mid-January I think that's when clubs will get their players back and they'll realise who can go who you know who can stay so yeah I think it'll be a busy January busier than most January's, I think.

49:35Dan Thomas:OK. We'll have you covered for it here on ESPN FC. Next question, please. OK. James Handel says, Manchester United, a better team without Bruno.

49:46Frank Leboeuf:Oh. Well, the team we saw today? The team we saw today, please.

49:50Dan Thomas:The team we saw today, guys shaking their head here, Naidan. No. No. No. No. Absolutely not. You know, he's got five goals for them, seven assists. I think he's their top goal scorer. No. Absolutely not. I think the way that we watched him in that second half. If it was going to be like that between now and the end of the season, nah, they're finishing probably the same position they were in at the end of last year. Not for me at all. Not for you, Mark?

50:16I can see United being better without Bruno Fernandes, but I think they're better if they can get a holding midfielder that enables him to play further at the field. If you've got Bruno Fernandes playing alongside Casemiro, then you can find a way to be better without Bruno Fernandes because that's not his best position. So what they need to do is find a holding midfielder or two who can play in that position to enable Bruno Fernandes to play where he's most effective. So ideally keep him, but if they let him go, then it's not the biggest thing in the world because they can replace him. Naden's wagging the finger at himself.

50:47Yes, he is. I think that's a disagreement.

50:49Dan Thomas:Go on, Naden. No, it's just because Mark's a great journalist, so what he's trying to do there is fill the page, but the answer's no. You know, that's all we're trying to get to. The answer's no. We don't have any players you're talking about, but the answer's no. Are the answers No from the players Can I just chuck a name Let me just chuck a name At you here Felipe Coutinho When Liverpool let Coutinho Go as their best player The money they got For Coutinho this time Virgil van Dijk And Alisson Becker They were better Without Coutinho Now you've just got To give Man United The belief That they can do What Liverpool did And find two world class Players for the For the fee of one But that's what I'm saying When a top player goes You can't replace him If you've got the right People coming in 120 million for Coutinho Yeah It kind of tips the skill A little bit Little

51:31Frank Leboeuf:yeah yeah but it's no from you guys as well yeah all right next question nice stuff return of the bread is this a new thing those is just a one-off to do

51:43Dan Thomas:the one-off today thank you when does Newcastle start to question the Eddie how project Shaka they have so much talent how are they still not able to

51:51Frank Leboeuf:grind out any results it's maddening it is listen I think we're a long way away from questioning the Eddie Hall project, I think as the question is phrased. It is maddening. I think you saw some of Newcastle's issues in the game today. Once Newcastle gets punched in the chin, they don't know how to respond. Manchester United had their best part of the game once they scored. The goal came against the runner, play pretty much. And then Manchester United dominated for 10 or 15 minutes. Whenever Newcastle concede, they just seem to go back into a shell. and seem to come apart. Whereas most teams respond, Newcastle don't.

52:31Frank Leboeuf:And we were talking last week about Newcastle and the points dropped from winning positions. I think 13 was the number. If that were half, if Newcastle, and again, they should have beaten Manchester United today, in my opinion. So if you take six out of those drop points from winning positions, take another three, and this is not even looking back at all the other games where they've dropped points, all of a sudden, Newcastle in the top four. So you just feel that they are close to being a team that should be in the top four consistently. It's just hard to explain why whenever you get there, whenever they concede, they just seem to go to pieces.

53:10Frank Leboeuf:And I don't understand how that happens or how you fix it.

53:16Dan Thomas:Who's got more talent overall, Mark? Manchester United or Newcastle?

53:23Squad-wise, I think Newcastle have got more depth. I think they've got, certainly midfield-wise, they've got a much better midfield than United. I think up front they've got more options. I think Eddie Howe's defence, they haven't had a good transfer window for about three years, Newcastle, because they skipped out about two or three over the last 18 months. And this summer, while they got players in, it was all kind of destroyed by the Alexander Eastac situation. So I think if you give Eddie Howe a proper transfer window where you get players in early and you get players out when you want them to get out, then I think give him that chance.

53:51but he's basically working with a lot of the players he had when he arrived or within 12 months of arriving so I think he's a top manager, Eddie Howe and I just think he maybe needs more backing from the club and a bit more settled behind the scenes with a director of football or a sporting director and I think he'll do a better job but yeah, in terms of your question I think they've got a better squad than Man United but they are underperforming right now but they do have injuries, you know obviously they're missing quite a few so I think Eddie Howe's fine I think it'd be a surprise if he's under pressure

54:20Dan Thomas:Better late than never I've got the questions now.

54:23Frank Leboeuf:Last question.

54:24Dan Thomas:No, there's three.

54:26Frank Leboeuf:Nadam, this Wolves team is a bit like QPR in 2012.

54:30Dan Thomas:What are Wolves players feeling day to day knowing they are going down? Oh, boy. Oh, boy. I'm just going to say that in May 2012, QPR stayed up. So I don't think this is the same as the Wolves side. But what I would say to counter that is the QPR side of the next season, in the 2013 season, yes. similarities there, because we went, I think it was 15 or 16 games without a win. What I would say was that we were probably in the double figures for points because we were drawing a lot of games of football, and at times we thought, oh, we deserve more, we deserve more. This Wolves side in this moment deserves everything it's getting on a week-to-week basis.

55:06You can see that there's not connection amongst the players, amongst the staff, amongst the fans. Fans are protesting during games now. The stadium's getting half empty. It's like half empty. They played against Brentford last week, a Brentford side who hadn't won in probably five or six games. and at times they were completely outplayed. You could see that there's so many mistakes, they're so low on confidence, and a ton of players who arrived in the summer who you can see haven't settled either, and the fans don't see them, they don't appreciate them. So everything's gone wrong at this moment in time.

55:34And I think after the game, it was, it was Matt Doherty, I think it was, that made a comment about how, how do you want to be remembered at the club? Are we gonna be a coward? Are you gonna stand up? Are you gonna fight? And so on. But he can say that because he's been there for over 300 games. But somebody who literally arrived in the summer who hasn't settled, He was watching his team lose every single week. He doesn't have a connection with the city, the club, the anything. You know you start to see the game in a different way because you don't have the club's history in the same field for it.

55:59And I found that unfortunately when I was at QPR the next year when we went down. You have some players who are great professionals like say Clint Hills, Sean Derrys and a few others who came up through the Football League but they're also playing on the same pitch as someone like an Esteban Granero or Julio Cesar. And when the players see football in a different way, when you are essentially in the trenches, as you approach things in a different manner. One might want to drop off and defend and throw everything at the ball, and the other will do that, but once they get on the ball and try and win games of football as well, as soon as there's a split, you can never really get that back, and teams really do struggle because the identity, it's not set on the field or off the field, and I think that's what we're seeing with Wolves at this moment.

56:35I joined Notch County around Christmas time, and they were in a similar sort of position where everybody kind of figured they knew they were going down. It wasn't mathematically certain, but everybody kind of knew. And when I went into the dressing room every day, or on the field, in the training every day, the biggest thing in everybody's, most of the players' minds were, what's going to happen to me next year? So because of going down, so many things change at football clubs. You know, we always talk about, you know, the staff behind the scenes, they always get let go. So you've got all the staff behind the scenes worrying what they're doing next year.

57:19You've got a large portion of the playing staff in the same position because they're not sure what's happening next year. And so all week, that's what's, you know, you're trying to work and you're trying to do things in training, but everybody's concentration's on next year. And then game day was, for a little short period when you were getting ready for the game, there was a, you could see a different sort of outlook. It was, you know what, let's give it a go. Unfortunately, the problem with that is because of what had happened all during the week, whenever something, as soon as something went wrong during the game, the heads just went.

58:00So it, I mean, Wolves right now, that to me is probably what they're all thinking. Right now, they're all thinking mostly individually, what's happening to me next year? and then when they do step on the field and they give it a go, because you can see they're trying, but then when something goes wrong, they lose a goal, or even worse, somebody makes a horrendous mistake. It just sucks the life out of everybody. Yeah, for sure. Sorry, could I just carry on for a second? Because Stevie's made me reminisce a bit more. They've lost 15 games of football, I believe, so far this season. That's a lot of defeats.

58:37You don't really have a connection as much with people when you're losing every single week. And the way that football goes, in my opinion, is when you're winning, everybody's got something in common. When you're losing, people start to see it in different ways, but also, like I say, it's different with the fan base because they're not enjoying themselves. There were times when I was at QPR, for example, where the drive across to the stadium, it felt like it was getting longer and longer and longer. You get out from your car, and the feeling you have from the fans outside is one where it's not really welcome anymore.

59:05Whereas at times, the best case scenario, like one of my favorite memories is In the playoff semi-final in 2014, I got to the stadium on the team bus And we had like 2-3 thousand fans outside the stadium with flares and everything because they were there to support us But then when we were struggling in the Premier League people that were outside you knew they're only there to criticize you Then you went in the game you knew they were there to criticize you when something went wrong as Stevie said They're gonna criticize you they've got every right to do that But then the mood changes and those connections and those bonds They're not quite the same as they are when you're winning and that feeling you have where we love football we love everything about it.

59:37You know, that feels like it's a lifetime away. And you're right, Stevie's exactly right. Some people are thinking about the next season. And in some ways, you kind of have to, this is your job itself. Because some people say they want to stay and do everything. But then for others, they're realizing that if they want to be able to thrive in their careers, and not least of all this year in particular with the World Cup and so on, you've got to start making plans. And once that's the case and you've got one foot out, you'll never be able to get that foot back in.

1:00:00Dan Thomas:Tough. Yeah, it was. It's 15 losses so far and two draws for Wolves. All right, what would Stevie and Shaka be worth in today's football? Oggie. Hmm. Listen, I think... No, yeah, let's start with Stevie first. Stevie would be in the kind of... He would be a very expensive footballer because, to be fair, Stevie was ultra-consistent, could play anywhere, in the back four, won loads of trophies, ultra-consistent. So I think, Steve, you're looking at 60, 70 million for a full-back. I know it sounds a lot, but that's the sort of market you're in. I think Xhaka as well. I think Xhaka, you know, proven Premier League goalkeeper over a decade at the top.

1:00:45I think, well, what's the market rate for a goalkeeper these days? I think you're probably looking 40, 50 million for a top goalkeeper. So guys, the cheque, I'll send you my address after the show. Put it in the pot. I'll tell you what, I wouldn't mind the wages with that.

1:00:58Frank Leboeuf:I wouldn't mind at all. I'll be honest, though. I'll be honest. I was eating Christmas dinner last night and thinking, oh, God, I'm glad I'm not playing for City right now. Absolutely no. Absolutely no way I'm making the cut for Pep. Oh, boy.

1:01:13Dan Thomas:Yeah. Are you all right? Are you happy with Oggie's new one? I'm taking it.

1:01:17Frank Leboeuf:Oh, I'm... So who they are? Oggie's my new agent. He just doesn't know yet.

1:01:22Dan Thomas:There you go. Nadim, how do you... Do you put evaluations on Nadim as well? Nadim should get evaluations, shouldn't he? Oh, well, it's... All right, OK. You're on a roll. Yeah, go on. You might as well.

1:01:35Frank Leboeuf:I mean... Remember he disagreed with you earlier. Remember how happy he said... Remember how he said you were such a happy chappy. Yeah, this is it, yeah. They're very sour. No. I think I'll listen each Christmas. I'll be fair. I'll leave Nedim off the list. Thank you.

1:01:57Dan Thomas:Free transfer. Boston, thank you. How do you feel about Pep's rotation of the City squad this season? He doesn't seem to fully trust most outside of the regular starting XI. Will it cost them down the stretch if they don't rotate more?

1:02:16I think in some ways it potentially will, yes. I think the trust that he has in this core group at the moment, like it's working fine in this instance as they're all fit and they're sort of getting into a groove of things, where you do need some of those other players as well. And I think there'll be some level of disappointment in the back half of the season Because if he's doing this now What chances there's rotation when you're in the final third of the season Every game carries huge weight to it I think when, say, Roger comes back in, Kovacic and a few others find, say, extra fitness Then yes, things will be better But we're also looking to see how will he put in Amal Mouche Is an Aik Nouri going to end up playing more games of football?

1:02:48Because one thing you can't really afford to do, as I'm sure the guys will see Is almost have it where your squad's split in two The people that know they're going to be starting and playing and the ones that know that on a weekend all they do is go and watch City just from the comfort of a heated seat. So you've got to be very, very wary of that. And I think City, when they've been at the best in my time watching them, is when they make sort of two or three changes every single week. So subtle that the performance remains the same, but so good that essentially the morale remains high. Because come the end of the season, even the people we thought that were on the periphery, they still managed to play 20 to 30 games of football across all competitions.

1:03:19So, yeah, I think this is good for now, but I don't think it's a good strategy long term in my opinion. Do you know, considering all the staff that all these clubs have, particularly we're talking about City, there needs to be somebody at City going around all these guys that are not playing on a regular basis and giving them a piece of advice that I was given when I was 20 and I was travelling with the first team all the time. I wasn't playing, I was either the sub or I was sitting in the stand or whatever. And Roy Evans kept, every now and again, he kept coming to me and saying, you should remember to be ready.

1:03:53And it helped every single time. Because when you're not playing regularly and you do get a chance, if you're not ready for it, then your next chance is going to be even further away. So I hope there's somebody in that staff going around the players who are doing all the travelling and who are close to playing but don't quite get it, and making sure that they don't just mail it in and that they train properly and they eat properly and make sure that when that chance comes and you're ready, you take it and then you're off. Then it's, well, why are you dropping me? Because I've just performed. That's what Seti need.

1:04:28Be ready. Be ready.

1:04:29Dan Thomas:What are your thoughts on it, Mark, being so close in the Manchester region? I think City will be fine as long as Harland stays fit. I think he's the one player that they've got to look after him, haven't they? If they rotate him every now and again and make sure that he gets his rest when he needs it, I think City will be fine because they've got enough players in all positions to push them to show Pep will settle on his best team. and like they said, they've got people like Rodri that will come back at some point and Kovacic. I think it's all about one man, it's all about Harland. If he gets injured, he can rotate as much as he wants with all the rest of his players that Man City are not going to win the league.

1:05:03So you've got to keep Harland fit and make sure that he's available when it matters in the last two or three months of the season.

1:05:09Dan Thomas:Well, Harland's been keeping himself fit over the festive period. We've even seen the proof when he stepped on the scales. All right, thank you so much for sending in your questions. Thanks to the guys for answering them. And we will be back tomorrow looking back on all the Premier League games that were played on the 27th. Be sure to join us.

1:05:46I sold my car in Carvana last night. Well, that's cool. No, you don't understand. It went perfectly. Real offer, down to the penny. They're picking it up tomorrow.

1:05:54Frank Leboeuf:Nothing went wrong. So, what's the problem? That is the problem. Nothing in my life goes to smoothie. I'm waiting for the catch. Maybe there's no catch. That's exactly what a catch would want me to think. Wow, you need to relax. I need to knock on wood. Do we have wood? Is this table wood? I think it's laminate. Okay, yeah, that's good. That's close enough. Car selling without a catch. Sell your car today on Carvana. Pickup fees may apply.