Man City SLIP! Ekitike ABOVE Isak? & Man Utd Win AGAIN!

11:58Kae Kurd:I think they've lost a lot of leaders in that dressing room as well. Players like Kevin De Bruyne, Gundogan, And these guys were proper leaders. And I think it's going to take some time. It's a bit of a transition period. I remember at United when you started to come to the team, Wayne. We were sort of transitioning out from Van Nistelrooy and the likes to you guys. And there was a period where we weren't winning leagues and stuff. Could you sense the transition when you were there? And how was that when you were in the dressing room? Because I feel like that's sort of what's happening at City right now.

12:31Wayne Rooney:Yeah, we knew. obviously there's parts of the talks you'd have before you join the club and what the next few years look like and are we going to be challenging for the league or are we looking at younger players like obviously myself coming in Ronaldo coming in the year before me and we have Fletch coming through as well at the time and so yeah we knew that was the case and to be honest I was lurking on Van Nist I wanted the attention so I was waiting for them to go anyway I was waiting for him to go anyway to get another 10 share but yeah no you can feel it and Rude can feel that as well I think you could see that in Rude's you know he was the main man and then all of a sudden you've got myself and Cristiano coming through and almost pushing him out so I think we could all feel something was was happening and changing and for the better

13:26Kelly Somers:There's definitely transition happening they've bought a whole new team in the last calendar year. But I think when you've got a transition, you need your foundations to be solid. And the injuries in defence have just killed them. You know, they lost Diaz and Guardiola at New Year. Since then, one win in six. They've lost two second-half goals against United, two second-half goals against Spurs, late goal against Chelsea. And they haven't been able to fall back on anything. While Haaland's not been firing well, They've been trying to blend in new players. Gay had a good game today, but it wasn't enough.

14:03Kelly Somers:You're looking at the rest of the defence. It's Kusunov and it's Nunes or it's O 'Reilly went back there. That's kind of a young, naive defence. And Rodri's not at his best. So I think at this time that they've been trying to blend a new team, they just haven't had the solidity as well.

14:19Wayne Rooney:You know, sometimes as well, I think you go back to... You look at all successful... I know obviously now it's changed because there's way more foreign players. Look at all the successful teams. They've always had the core of British or English players in that team. And City have obviously stones being injured, Raheem Sterling leaving as well. And you go through all the teams, even looking at Arsenal now, you've got Declan Rice and Saka. They've always had that foundation of the team as being British. And I think City, they've obviously brought Guy in, but I think they've maybe gone away from that.

14:58Wayne Rooney:bit and maybe need to get back to that a little bit.

15:03Jonathan Northcroft:How much do you think the rumours of Guardiola's future could be affecting them as well? Wayne, you've been in dressing rooms when I'm sure you've had managers are going or whatever. Do you think that could be affecting the players?

15:15Wayne Rooney:It depends on, you know, we don't know whether he's staying or going. I think that's been rumoured for a few years now and only Pep or his owners would know know that and yeah I think it would affect them if they knew I think same as that's what I was saying about Glasner I don't think when the club are going through a tough period like they are I don't think that was wise to come out and let the players know that so yeah I think it'd be tough if he was but yeah I think the players are professional they're successful players they've won a lot of trophies so I think they just did a bad run of form at the wrong time.

15:55Jonathan Northcroft:Jonathan what are you hearing about Guardiola's future and what's going on there

15:59Kelly Somers:No one's entirely sure but the prevailing I suppose the prevailing wisdom is he's probably going to go, I don't think he knows himself but if you talk to people in the game, agents players, other managers there's a sort of expectancy that this could be it for him, I think tomorrow is the 10 year anniversary of when his appointment was announced, to do 10 years seems a kind of neat and tidy thing. I just wonder if the season ends badly, that that might actually persuade him to stay and see out his contract, which has got one more year. Because he is a winner, and I couldn't see him wanting to go out on a low.

16:43Kelly Somers:And when he was worried about his future, or thinking of his future last year, one of the things that made him sign a new contract was a desire to go out on a high. So I think he'll want to do that.

16:52Wayne Rooney:I think you've got to give him a lot of credit as well, because... Obviously, he's been very successful, but to come to England and spend 10 years at one club, when arguably he could have went anywhere in the world, really, if he wanted to, to any club. So to stay at one club for 10 years, I think you've got to give him a massive amount of respect for them.

17:13Jonathan Northcroft:And it's the cycles that come within that, isn't it? Like he's not just been successful for a couple of years. He's rebuilt teams during that period as well, which is probably almost harder, no?

17:22Kae Kurd:It's nice when you've got a blank check in it. I was in the know, that's where we were going there.

17:27Jonathan Northcroft:I was trying to be like, no, but it's sustained success.

17:32Wayne Rooney:Yeah, but what he has done, he's created a legacy at Man City and he's created a culture and environment at the football club right throughout the academy, which since, obviously, he's been in, you've seen the academy teams, how they play. He's put a foundation down for that club and... Yeah, his legacy will live on forever, for sure.

17:58Jonathan Northcroft:Would you say, Jonathan, he's had the biggest influence on English football in perhaps the post-war era? How would you kind of mark what he's done? No. But I'm more meant in terms of style and in that sense.

18:12Wayne Rooney:Yeah, he has definitely for that. When you see a National League team's playing out from the back end, which that's definitely come from, and you're seeing all young coaches now trying to play in a similar way to us. So he's definitely influenced English football tactically.

18:27Kelly Somers:My daughter's under 11 team were trying to play out from the back today for the first time. It didn't really work. But no, no, no. They got to the goalkeeper pass to the defender and then they were stuck. But it was the thought that counts. But that wouldn't have happened without Pep, would it?

18:41Kae Kurd:I think to his credit, he did adapt as well when he came into the Premier League. You know, I remember the first year where he didn't understand things. Please begin this to the stage. Sorry. I remember in his first year where he didn't understand what second balls were.

18:56Jonathan Northcroft:I really want them to have to leave that in the edit. So I'm going to say at this point that K's got a gig later and that was some security warning, was it? I'm guessing.

19:02Kae Kurd:Yeah. It's just a stage warning. But yeah, he didn't know what things like second balls were because he'd never heard of them and stuff. And it was like him having to adapt to that. And then, you know, the style of play that he was implementing. But I think the shouts of like best manager ever in the Premier League, I think it's a bit exaggerated. I think when you look at what Sir Alex Ferguson done as well with sides like St. Mirren and Aberdeen, it's very, very different to what Pep Guardiola has had to work with in his career.

19:32Jonathan Northcroft:Are you bringing up the money again?

19:33Kae Kurd:Well, you can't hide from it. Everywhere he's gone, he has been backed. And to be honest with you, if you're a manager, if you're a successful manager, I can't fault him. I'd go to the clubs that have the best resources available as well because it allows me to showcase my ability. So, I mean, it's no... I'd do the same thing in this situation. Like, I'd do that on Football Manager.

19:57Jonathan Northcroft:Okay, then moving on. We've already spoken about teams in transition and the fact that Pep has taken Manchester City through transition and is potentially taking them through another at the moment. Liverpool have certainly been in one this season, but they were brilliant, weren't they, against Newcastle. They won 4-1 at Anfield on Saturday night. Wayne, firstly, just what do you make of Hugo Eketike from one centre forward to another and the partnership that's blossoming between him and Florian Verts?

20:23Wayne Rooney:Yeah, they look good, don't they? And I'd be more worried if I was Isak sat there watching because obviously they paid a lot of money for him and these two seem to be having a real good understanding of each other's game and they look a real threat. I thought Eketike's second goal in particular was brilliant. Remind me of Romario. the little topo goal but yeah no it's instinctive and he's he's been probably for me him and Jacques at Sullen probably been two best signings in the league I think I really enjoy watching Akatsika Warning

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22:42Jonathan Northcroft:15 goals and four assists since his debut only Erling Haaland has been involved in more goals for a Premier League side it does feel like, Kay if Liverpool are going to get some consistency they're going to be central to it and they could be central for the next few years

22:58Kae Kurd:Yeah, it is worrying I mean, when I see how good Eke Tike is it's just I remember in the summer there were shouts about like, who's better, Sesko or Eketike? And you're looking at it now, I don't even think it's a comparison to be made at the moment. The way Eketike's been moving in the league, it's just, it is frightening. And I am jealous that they've got him. And I'm even worried for the World Cup, because if you could get Eketike and Mbappe working together in some sort of system, that is going to be a lethal combination. And honestly, it is scary. But yeah, you don't see a lot of forwards that are really lighting up world football right now.

23:38Kae Kurd:And I think Eketike is probably one star to watch. And for me, I just can't, for the life of me, understand why Arsenal weren't in for him. I think when I look at him and Alexander Isak, they were ready-made for them. And for them to go to Victor Jokeres instead, it's...

23:58Wayne Rooney:Yeah, I think with that though, I think when you see what Jokic has done, I know it was obviously in a different country, but he was scoring more goals than anyone. He was absolutely on fire. So I still think, I've backed Jokic this season, give me a bit of stick, but I still think he's making a difference to Arsenal. I really do. I think he's occupying defenders and that's helping him. so I know he hasn't got the goals or assists which you'd want from your centre forward but I still think he's been he is having an impact

24:32Jonathan Northcroft:Would you take him over Eketike then?

24:35Wayne Rooney:No No Eketike is just he's the type of player I like to watch he's not a number 9 he's not a number 10 he drifts out wide he gets on the ball brings players into the game and he can score goals so he's got a bit of everything really so it's them type of players who really I enjoy watching more.

24:55Kae Kurd:They play with a bit of fluidity, isn't it? He's arrogant as well

24:59Wayne Rooney:and the confidence and I think if you look at Sesko, for instance, at Man Utd at the minute, he looks like he needs a bit of guidance and a bit of help when he's on the pitch. I know he's obviously scored the winning goal today, thankfully, but he looks like he needs a bit of help and guidance where Eke TK, you look like he can just put on the pitch and he's got that swagger about him which I think you need to be at that top level.

25:23Kae Kurd:Yeah, you don't want a humble striker. You want a striker that's sort of a bit of an idiot. Do you know what I mean? Like a bit of a bell at times. I'm glad you stopped yourself midway through, a bit of an idiot. No, but you do know what I mean. You want someone that looks like he just goes, oh, give me the ball. Let me do something.

25:40Wayne Rooney:If you go to the Premier League, look at some of the best ones. You know, you look at Cantona, Bergkamp, add an edge to him. Ducaneo even you know normally all them like iconic players add something a bit a bit different

26:00Kelly Somers:I could take it as a funny one I think because he had that brief spell at Paris Saint-Germain and it didn't work out for him that's the reason that maybe there weren't more top clubs in for him that they thought well maybe he can't do it at the very highest level and actually when you look at it he was just there at the wrong time. He'd suit PSG beautifully now. He was just a couple of years too early. Liverpool haven't got everything right this season, but you have to say that is a sensational signing. They are transitioning in front of our eyes to a team that was built around Salah to a different model.

26:33Wayne Rooney:It's the midfield and the midfield's a big problem for them, I think. And the defence as well.

26:39Kelly Somers:The midfield's caught them by surprise, I think, with McAllister going off form and maybe even Gravenberg to an extent but at the top of the pitch I think they see their future as being a number 9 and a number 10 after 10 years of having Salah and Mane or another player that scores from wide I think they're going back to that number 9 and number 10 and not everything's gone right but in Verts and Eketiki they've probably got them

27:05Kae Kurd:So is it a Salah era over?

27:07Wayne Rooney:It will be at the end of the season you'd imagine I think he's an incredible player in what he's done for the Premier League and for Liverpool one of the best to ever play in the Premier League I think but I just think unfortunately his legs have gone a little bit I watched him in the African Cup of Nations as well and he's not moving as well as he or as quick as he used to and which it's no fault of his own that happens to players and yeah I think you've probably seen the end of him from the summer on I'd say

27:41Jonathan Northcroft:I'm foreseeing a repeat of the Virgil van Dijk post-match incident with Salah coming over when you're next live on TV Wayne after he scored a goal in the Champions League and you'll be going alright Mike yeah

27:51Wayne Rooney:no but I think it's there for everyone to see and it was the same with Virgil Rundijk after the start of the season which it's really that's form's carried on throughout the season really he's not really had a great season so yeah that's what I feel anyway it's going to be

28:10Jonathan Northcroft:a kind of tricky thing for Slott to deal with isn't it Jonathan how he kind of handles this summer with having all these superstars I don't know if I've been lucky enough actually to sit down and do football interviews with Verts and with Eketike this season and the one thing that really struck me with Eketike was you mentioned that PSG spell he's kind of got a bit of that big player kind of ego about him and although it didn't go very well at PSG he really spoke about like all the players that he was there with and how he learned and I think that's kind of added a bit of fuel to his fire so I think he's got an ego in a good way and all of a sudden Slott's got to kind of manage all of those.

28:44Kelly Somers:He's got quite a lot to manage isn't he because you think of the Salah situation I agree with Wayne, I could see this being his last season but he's got to manage the Isak situation when Isak's back well as Ekotika is doing you can't have£125 million sitting on the bench so he's probably got to find a way to get him in and play them both together and then as I said earlier there's something about him that the fans aren't vying at the moment slot. I don't get it personally, but he's got to reconnect there as well. It's a tricky time for him. It is an awkward time for him. Maybe it's just a delayed reaction to Klopp going as well.

29:26Wayne Rooney:I think, John Aron, I've said this before, I think the Dutch are really honest in how they speak. I've worked with three Dutch managers and I think when he's speaking in the media as well, Van Gaal you'll know he's too honest at times and I think where Slot when he's saying after the game about low blocks and trying to break them down I think what he's trying to do is just explain I don't think he's making excuses he's trying to explain why the fans are difficult and I think the fans are jumping on him I think he's making excuses so I just think with Dutch managers they do try and explain everything and sometimes it doesn't get taken in that way I think the Liverpool fans are thinking and he's always making excuses when he's up in games.

30:09Kae Kurd:I was going to say, it might not even be his problem to figure out in the summer. I think if they don't finish in the top four, I think he's gone. Yeah, I think he's gone. I think Zabby Alonso's waiting in the wings. It looks ready-made.

30:22Wayne Rooney:Stevie, Stevie, Stevie's back doing the TV as well.

30:26Kae Kurd:Yeah, no, I think Zabby Alonso being a free agent, I think the...

30:33Wayne Rooney:I'm not sure if Alonso for Liverpool, you know. You're not? No. Why do you not? Because 70 % win rate at Real Madrid. Yeah, but I don't know. I just... Premier League's different to go to Real Madrid. I just don't know. I'm just not sure on him.

30:51Kelly Somers:I would say, I mean, for me, Slott's done more in his career. He's won the Premier League. He's won the Dutch League. But Alonso's got the emotional appeal and it is a factor that's not helping him. I've spoken to fans about Djabi being free and it's that dream return. but I think if they're being logical, they'd look at Arnest Lawton and think he's already won us a league. And he did the hardest thing, which was replacing Klopp in that first season. So just stick with it.

31:17Jonathan Northcroft:Yeah, and he's having the opportunity now to build his first Liverpool team, isn't he really? Because they didn't make any signings last year. So I guess the end of this season, Wayne, is going to be really important, isn't it? Because we're starting to see that transition.

31:29Wayne Rooney:I think everyone's praised Liverpool in the recruitment and how they've ran the club over the last 10 years and some of the signs they've brought in and then turned them over or they've been great players for them but they seem to have changed this year and Arnie Slotz had to deal, as we said before had to deal with a lot of players coming in for big money and just almost whether they were his signings or it was the club policy they've brought the players in he's had to deal with a lot of big players and big play tags coming in and that's not easy as well

32:04Jonathan Northcroft:very good point um interesting that you really try i feel like you might be alonso's agent k i feel like you've mentioned him a couple of times on this podcast i i just think what the the

32:15Kae Kurd:sentiment uh around liverpool fans is they're not really having slot and i just think when the fans aren't having you it's just it it is very hard for you to to be able to keep your job i don't know Jonathan might know better than I would do, but I just...

32:28Jonathan Northcroft:It felt a bit different yesterday watching the game, though. I don't know, just watching it on TV. It felt like Anfield. Maybe it was the emotion with Canate and everything as well, but it felt like the team... It felt a bit more like Liverpool were before. I wasn't at the game, I was just watching on TV, and I wonder if he brings that back, the Liverpool fans will get back on board. I don't know, Jonathan, what you think.

32:47Kelly Somers:I think it's just such a weird time, as we've said earlier, with the fans generally. The thing that struck me with the Liverpool thing It's not just supporters. It's actually, if I speak to Liverpool fan media, Liverpool journalists, some pretty clued up people have turned against Slott as well. That's hard. But for me, they've got a very clever ownership and clever sporting director there who does shut out the noise. I think he'll get a bit more time. And I think a bit of success would actually dampen it down. so if there's a Champions League win if I don't know if I win the title this year but a bit of success would help I find it odd but it is where we are

33:36Jonathan Northcroft:Have you interviewed Slott Jonathan? Because he's someone that I would love to interview I've never actually interviewed him and I'm kind of quite fascinated by him

33:44Kelly Somers:I've been asking Kelly but no, no he hasn't done any newspaper one-on-ones yet I've enjoyed the interactions in press conferences though. He is honest, as Wayne said. He's got a bit of a sense of humour. I mean, you know, his jokes are a bit heavy and he kind of laughs at them himself. But you can see there's a character there. I think he talks really well. I think, I know he's frustrated at how he's been treated this season. And he's clearly too polite to say that. But you see it coming out a little bit in interviews. He's bound to be, and he's bound to have an ego on him as well that he keeps well hidden it must be pretty bruising to win and then not be loved as much as you should be

34:29Wayne Rooney:The problem I think he's had is winning the Premier League in his first season

34:33Jonathan Northcroft:If he'd done it the other way round it feels like it might be a different situation

34:36Wayne Rooney:Yeah exactly I think winning it and then with the players who've come in I was part of that I thought Liverpool run away with the league this year and I think that's probably what all the fans thought. So because that hasn't happened, I think that's probably annoyed the fans a little bit more as well.

35:00Kelly Somers:They miss Klopp. No, they miss Klopp. I mean, you can't blame them for missing Klopp as well, by the way. That's the elephant in the room, isn't it? No matter what Arnie Sloat does or says, he's not going to be Jurgen Klopp and he can't get around that.

35:12Jonathan Northcroft:Yeah, but no one else is going to be Jurgen Klopp at some point. They've got to love another manager, haven't they? maybe some of the fans do as well it's hard because none of us of course are Liverpool fans before we move on from Liverpool I did just want another word on Florian Verts because it feels like we have just praised Hugo Eketike to the hill but we have to also kind of recognise Florian Verts' part in this Liverpool kind of revival way because he had a tough start and many many people were questioning him as I mentioned I went and interviewed him last week and what a lovely humble just gently spoken but really eloquent young man he was and you can tell he's shy, but he's kind of coming out of himself and you can see it on the pitch now, can't you?

35:53Wayne Rooney:Yeah, and I think the start of the season as well, he did have good moments even when he weren't playing that well. You know, he was creating chances and he had opportunities to score, but you didn't take them. So he did have good moments in that as well. But yeah, I think he's coming into his own. His movement is really good. even his little, what goes here, his cutback, Eketike's first one. You know, that's a vision which is, not many players have that vision to see that. And he normally snatches a shot. So, yeah, I think he's a creative player. And I think, as you said before, that relationship with Eketike will only grow.

36:35Wayne Rooney:But he's got something a little bit different, and I really like him.

36:42Jonathan Northcroft:What do you think Alexander Easek is thinking hearing all of these conversations watching all of these games Wayne because there was pressure on him with a big price tag when he comes back it's going to be even more

36:53Wayne Rooney:Yeah I think it's his own fault you know he he didn't train with Newcastle there's no harm in asking in leaving Newcastle for Liverpool I think logically probably 9 out of 10 Newcastle players would do that now but I think the way he went about it and not saying him with the team he left himself short without a pre-season and then he picked up his first injury I know the second one is is a tackle but he's never been he hasn't been match fit since he's been at Liverpool I don't think

37:30Jonathan Northcroft:That must be hard for him mustn't it mentally as well Yeah well

37:33Wayne Rooney:we always talk about the mental side of the game and there's big pressure playing at big clubs he knows that Newcastle's a big new Newcastle you know their fan base I can imagine that being a tough team to play for with you know how passionate the Newcastle fans are so he'll have known and expected that but he's a little rookie he just hasn't got up and going yet

37:59Jonathan Northcroft:What squad they'll have next season if he's fit? Yeah

38:02Kae Kurd:that's the problem

38:04Jonathan Northcroft:Okay well I've made you all wait but we are going to talk about Man United another win Wayne, you were there today. We liked your photo on Instagram of one of your boys with Bruno Fernandes after the game. Imagine he was very happy and you are as well. What did you notice from being at the game?

38:22Wayne Rooney:Yeah, I think what I thought really, what we've seen the last couple of games, my eyes have dug in and, you know, been hard to play against resilient. A lot more running than we've seen of them under the previous manager and looked like the other plan. And I think the same... I thought Ahmed was brilliant again today. I think he's the biggest threat for United today. And Dalo as well. I think Dalo's had a lot of stick, but I thought he was good today. But I think the main changes for Man United is having Harry Maguire and Martinez and Casemiro and Colby. Colby Maynou in front of them. obviously we can talk about Bruno, he's Man Utd's best player.

39:11But I think having that box of them four

39:16Wayne Rooney:has been crucial for Man Utd. And the biggest compliment I can give to him is when Fulham equalised, I felt like Man Utd were going to go and get the winner. And again, Bruno, a bit of magic from him and a great finish from Cesc. So yeah, enjoyed it. Another good win. Marching up the table.

39:33Kae Kurd:I thought exactly the same thing. When they equalised, I was like, we're going to win this. And it showed. I think there's, what Michael Carrick's done is, he's not only got a belief in a team, I think he's got a belief in a fan base now. I think there's a confidence. Everybody's got their heads up.

39:47Wayne Rooney:There's a connection. There's a connection to the fans, isn't there? And I think that's been missing as well. And even, no, sat there, obviously, I was in the director's box and looking down at Michael, there's a calmness. You look at Rupert Amron.

40:03Jonathan Northcroft:You didn't wear your pyjamas, did you? No.

40:06Wayne Rooney:No, not today. But there's a real calmness when you look down there and that definitely goes through to the players. And then when you see Ruben Lambrin marching up and down and, you know, as a player, you just want to play. You've had your instructions, you've tactically worked on whatever you're working on. For the game, you don't need the manager kicking every ball and being there. Some players maybe do, I don't know, I didn't. But there felt like a real calmness there today.

40:33Jonathan Northcroft:it does feel like a big change doesn't it Jonathan as a fellow neutral Man United fans are becoming I don't want to say unbearable but these two are a little bit listen if we win every game to the

40:44Kelly Somers:end of the season 21's coming oh my word um it's a massive change though I was at this the derby and it was Old Trafford I've been reporting on United for 20 odd years and and it did remind me of old times it was it was it United looked like United Old Trafford felt like Old Trafford again I think Canik's already equaled the best winning run that Amirim ever put together, it's taken him four games to do it, I think what Wayne says is spot on about Michael, he's calm, I think when he's there it's not about him whereas with Ruben Amirim I always felt it was a little bit the Ruben Amirim show and everyone was trying to fit into his vision of football and he wasn't necessarily trying to fit into the club he was at, so there's a naturalness there, obviously it's early days with Carrick but the team looks like a United team again.

41:36Jonathan Northcroft:Wayne, did you get a chance to see him after the game or anything and have you been able to see him socially since he's taken over or has he been just ridiculously busy?

41:44Wayne Rooney:No, yeah he's obviously been busy but no, I didn't see him after the game but yeah, no, I think there's a feeling again, I know it's three games but there's this feeling you feel

42:05Wayne Rooney:I don't know it's just feels like a family again though yeah it does Wayne you also said

42:10Jonathan Northcroft:when you logged on before we started recording you said even when Fulham scored you always felt like Manchester United were going to score again and that probably is a feeling you didn't always get under Amrum

42:19Wayne Rooney:yeah it did and yeah I don't know why I had a feeling that they'd go and score and win the game but yeah I didn't get that with Ruben but yeah no I think they've tried Tanag they've tried Amron I think Michael's doing a really good job and whatever anyone else says if he continues with this form until the end of the season then they have to give him the job it's not will he they have to

42:47Jonathan Northcroft:I was seeing people say if they don't then they get the wrong manager again and then go back to Carrick again

42:53Wayne Rooney:yeah I don't think he'd be there waiting again

42:55Jonathan Northcroft:if he ends a season like he started this one. Sorry, Jonathan, I cut over you.

43:00Kelly Somers:No, no, I was actually just good at that. I wonder what Wayne and Kay thinks possible for United this season.

43:06Jonathan Northcroft:We heard, Kay thinks they're going to win the league.

43:09Kae Kurd:No, I don't think I mean, look, that was tongue-in-cheek. Look, I think top four, maybe even top three is a realistic ambition and I think that can happen and I think having one game a week really helps us at the moment as well. I think while you've got a new manager he's able to implement his style Steve Holland's able to get some time with him on a pitch as well and it's paying dividends and I think yeah top four if we get top four Champions League and Casemiro bows out with all smiles it'll be great I think there's

43:44Wayne Rooney:there's downsides to having one game a week as well which in terms of for the start the 11th great but there's not many games to give players an opportunity to play so I think we're probably going to see a consistent start at 11. So that's the job. Now, Michael, that's his biggest job now is keeping them players. We've seen Kuni come off the bench and score against Arsenal. He starts the game today and scores, obviously. Sesko's on the bench. But players find it hard to sit on the bench for more than two or three games. And then that's the issue Michael's going to have. And that's the biggest challenge, I think, from now to the end of the season.

44:22Kae Kurd:But it is great when we win because you've got a week to milk it.

44:25Wayne Rooney:Yeah, exactly. And then when your soap comes down, it scores the winner. Yeah. So it's always a great feeling.

44:34Jonathan Northcroft:Okay, that's where we'll leave it then. Jonathan, thank you so much for being with us today. I imagine it's been a busy weekend for you. So yeah, we really appreciate your time on this Sunday night. Thank you.

44:43Kelly Somers:Thanks very much.

44:45Jonathan Northcroft:Okay, enjoy the gig tonight. Don't want to make you late. Wayne, we'll catch up again next week. A reminder, we'll be back again on Friday. You can watch the Wayne Rooney Show on the BBC Sport YouTube and iPlayer. and you can listen on BBC Sounds.

45:23We'll be right back.

45:26Kae Kurd:She's convincingly in Super Bowl 59. Five lives for NFL. Listen on BBC Sounds.

45:37Kae Kurd:We focus on the part of the internet that most people don't know about. It's called the dark web. Undercover in the furthest corners of the dark web, US special agents are on a mission to locate and rescue children from abuse.

45:53Jonathan Northcroft:Move in now. Police!

45:54Kae Kurd:From the BBC World Service, World of Secrets, the darkest web follows their shocking investigations. Listen on bbc.com or wherever you get your BBC podcasts.