Aston Villa have joined the race to sign an overseas defender who could replace Clement Lenglet in January, according to a fresh report.

Lenglet expected to leave Villa

Over the summer, Lenglet put pen to paper on a season-long loan from Barcelona, but with no option or obligation to buy included within the agreement, and there’s even a chance that he could be returning to his parent club early.

The Midlands outfit are set to hold talks with the centre-back’s representatives in order to discuss terminating his deal, and with AC Milan interested in securing his services should that happen, there’s a strong possibility that he will be heading for the exit door.

With NSWE, Monchi and Unai Emery possibly having to enter the market to search for his successor, Torino’s Alessandro Buongiorno has been identified as a target having worked his way up through his club’s academy to become a regular feature of their first-team (Transfermarkt – Buongiorno statistics).

The Italy international has firmly established himself as Ivan Juric’s overall best-performing player this season with a match rating of 7.15 (WhoScored – Torino statistics), and the 24-year-old’s impressive form has seemingly caught the eye of the hierarchy in the Midlands.

Villa interested in Buongiorno

According to Italian outlet Roma Metropolitan Magazine (via CaughtOffside), Aston Villa are in the running to sign Buongiorno ahead of January.

Premier League rivals West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in the defender, but he won’t come cheap. Torino reportedly value their colossus at over €30m (£25m), though it remains to be seen whether this is a price that any of his admirers would be willing to pay.

Buongiorno is a "dominant" young defender

Standing at 6 foot 2, Buongiorno provides a real physical presence at the heart of a backline with his height which he’s proven so far this season, as he’s currently averaging 3.8 clearances, 2.9 aerial wins and 2.5 tackles per game in the Serie A (WhoScored – Buongiorno statistics).

The Turin native is also capable of making a positive impact at the opposite end of the pitch having clocked up 16 involvements, eight goals and the same number of assists, since the start of his career, with his ability to get involved both defensively and offensively making him a well-rounded player.

Emery’s left-footed target is even a versatile operator having previously been deployed as a left-back and slightly higher up on the left side of the midfield alongside his usual role, so the fact that he is able to provide cover in other areas outside of his own will be another attractive attribute to the manager.

As dubbed by journalist Josh Bunting, Buongiorno is a “dominant” centre-back when it comes to winning his individual battles, and while he could be a fantastic recruit for Aston Villa, it sounds like they are set to face plenty of stiff competition to get him to sign on the dotted line in January.

Tottenham are now real favourites to sign a "very versatile" young attacker after making him a contract offer, and they're attempting to seal his signing ahead of January.

Postecoglou eyeing young stars for Spurs

According to Sky Sports, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and club chiefs are keen to bring in fresh faces of a certain age range – and ones who could fit into the Australian's long-term project.

Indeed, it is believed Tottenham are prioritising the signing of younger players in January as they chase a new centre-back, midfielder and forward for Postecoglou.

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There’s been contact ahead of January.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 21, 2023

This fits in with their links to Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who is 23 years old, while other rumoured Spurs centre-back transfer targets like Genoa star Radu Dragusin (21) and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite (21) are also on the younger side.

Meanwhile, further forward, Juventus starlet Samuel Iling-Junior, 20, and Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, 23, are also being chased by Tottenham as we approach January.

The Lilywhites appear to be building something special for the future, with these reports indicating they have full faith in Postecoglou to take them forward.

Tottenham's head coach, speaking to the English press recently, has also confirmed that Spurs are actively pursuing new signings as they plot early window moves.

"I wrote my letter to Santa! Like my kids now, I've just got to see whether I've been naughty or nice and see what I get, mate," Postecoglou jokingly told Standard Sport.

"It is challenging, [but] the reason [we want to do business early] is obviously where we're at injury-wise and the players we're going to miss. We've got some significant games in January and signing somebody late in the month could mean they haven't been able to make an impact in those games.

"We're pushing hard, but you need all parties to agree. Other clubs, particularly if it's players they want [to keep], will be wanting to hold on to them for as long as possible for their own reasons through January.

"It is a challenge, I get that, but everyone at the club is working hard to get the best outcomes for us and we’ll see how it goes.”

Postecoglou's aim to sign young stars, and in quick fashion, is now backed by Belgian football specialist and reporter Kevin Sauvage.

Spurs favourites to sign Idumbo after contract offer

According to the journalist, writing for DH Sports, Tottenham are the "most concrete path" for Ajax starlet Stanis Idumbo.

The 18-year-old attacker has been offered a four-year deal in north London already, and they "would like to secure his services" pretty quickly.

It's added that this wouldn't be an academy signing, and he would be integrated right into Postecoglou's first team. If Idumbo fails to make a significant impact, he'd then be loaned out in the summer to further his development.

A decision from the teenager is expected "in the coming days", with Monaco also named as suitors.

Malmo video scout Elijah Michiels, taking to X, claimed he is a "very versatile" player – which could be useful for Postecoglou.

The diagnosis, carried out a couple of days ago at a Dhaka hospital, revealed that the tumour is in its early stages

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-2019Bangladesh cricketer Mosharraf Hossain has been diagnosed with brain tumour. Mosharraf is currently trying to complete visa formalities for Singapore where he wants to get the tumorous lump removed. The diagnosis, carried out a couple of days ago at a Dhaka hospital, revealed that the tumour is in its early stages.”It needs an operation,” Mosharraf told the Dhaka-based newspaper . “I want to get the operation done abroad. The visa is under process, and is likely to take a couple of days more. I will leave as soon as I get the visa. What is giving me relief is that the tumour is at an early stage. My family had completely broken down but now I think they are feeling a little better.”Mosharraf is yet to inform the BCB officially although senior cricketers including Shakib Al Hasan and board officials such as Akram Khan have already contacted him.”I haven’t informed the BCB [yet],” Mosharraf said. “I came to know myself only earlier this week. Everyone is telling me not to worry. Mental support is giving me a lot of confidence, and it is also making me quite emotional.”By Mosharraf’s estimation, the initial cost of the first operation is likely to be at least Tk 40 lakh (USD 50,000 approximately) which will increase further if any follow-up is needed.Mosharraf, who has played five ODIs for Bangladesh, made a brief comeback in 2016, eight years after his debut. A domestic stalwart, he has taken 392 first-class wickets and scored over 3,000 runs from 112 games.

Manchester United are expected to bring in new players this month and are now reportedly in the hunt for a midfielder who has earned some fairly lofty comparisons, according to a new report.

Manchester United's January plans

In what will be a major relief to most supporters, the transfer window is now firmly underway and Manchester United will have the opportunity to tool up with new additions as they aim to improve on their indifferent Premier League campaign so far under Erik ten Hag.

Back in December, the Dutchman indicated that his squad would be stronger after the window once several players return from injury and arrivals come through the door, as he stated: "The current squad I am happy, as we get our players back, we have a good squad. A lot of the way it went in the first season, the reasons behind because many players were not available. I am sure when all players on board it looks different, Casemiro, [Lisandro] Martinez, [Mason] Mount, we will be much stronger after the window."

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Midfield has been earmarked as an area that the Red Devils could look to strengthen and it is believed that a potential deal for Atalanta's Ederson could now ramp up over the next few days, as per latest reports. Contact has already been made with the Brazilian's entourage to discuss the conditions of a deal and he is seen as a 'promising name' within the walls of Old Trafford as the Red Devils aim to add to their options in the engine room.

Now, a lesser-known player has appeared as a target for Manchester United as they begin to ramp up their transfer activity under Ten Hag's leadership.

Manchester United want Oscar Zambrano

According to Ecuadorian outlet El Futbolero, Manchester United are keen on LDU Quito star Oscar Zambrano, who has been heralded inside Old Trafford as someone with similarities to Chelsea Moises Caicedo.

Oscar Zambrano key statistics in 2023 – LigaPro Serie A (Sofascore)

Accurate passes per game

37.2 (91%)

Accurate passes per game in own half

14.8 (94%)

Tackles per game

1.2

Balls recovered per game

4.3

Average match rating

6.93/10

Luton Town and Brighton & Hove Albion are also believed to be interested in the 19-year-old gem; however, the Red Devils do not want to repeat their previous mistake of failing to sign up his Ecuadorian counterpart Caidedo after they failed to bring the enforcer to Old Trafford earlier in his career.

Rob Edwards' Hatters looked to previously be leading the chase for his signature and had even brought in a top agency to try and seal a deal; however, the Red Devils will now provide some stiff competition in the hunt for the ex-Ajax trialist.

United have lacked drive in midfield this term and Zambrano could offer some dynamism in the middle of the park should he end up moving to Old Trafford.

Manchester United have received a double injury boost as Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez are back in training ahead of facing Arsenal.

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• Martinez missed most of season with injury
• Rashford been out with knock recently
• Both back in training ahead of Arsenal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils host Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday, looking to disrupt the visitors' title chances. Ahead of the Old Trafford clash, Erik ten Hag's men could be bolstered by the return of forward Rashford and defender Martinez – who have both been pictured in training.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Martinez was one of United's best players last season but this term he has missed much of the campaign with foot, knee, and calf injuries. While Rashford hasn't hit the heights he reached last season, the 26-year-old has been out with a knock since the FA Cup win over Coventry City last month. With the Red Devils having a litany of injury issues in 2023/24, having these two back fit will be a positive for United.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  United have reportedly had more than a dozen defensive combinations this season due to injuries, with Martinez, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans all having spells on the sidelines.

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  Ten Hag's United, who sit eighth in the Premier League after their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Crystal Palace on Monday, host Arsenal on Sunday, followed by Europe-chasing Newcastle United four days later.

The January transfer window is just around the corner and Leeds United may dip into the market to bolster their playing squad next month.

Daniel Farke is reportedly looking to add to his forward options as the Whites continue to battle for an instant return to the Premier League by winning promotion out of the Championship.

It was recently reported that the Whites and Italian side Salernitana are both interested in a possible swoop to sign Haugesund forward Sory Ibrahim Diarra.

The Yorkshire-based outfit could land an upgrade on Patrick Bamford and an exciting partner for Georgino Rutter if they are able to win the race for his signature ahead of the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.

Bamford's season in numbers

So far this season, the former England international has made 12 appearances as a substitute and is yet to contribute with a goal or an assist.

He has racked up 1.53 xG (Expected Goals) but has failed to find the back of the net on any occasion. The 30-year-old has not provided any threat at the top end of the pitch.

This has come off the back of his return of four goals from 8.61 xG across 28 Premier League appearances for Leeds during the 2022/23 campaign.

These statistics show that the English attacker has significantly underperformed in front of goal since the start of last season, which is why Farke may look to replace him in January.

The statistics that show why Leeds should sign Diarra

The 23-year-old ace, Diarra, could come in as an upgrade on Bamford if he is able to translate his form over the last few years over to English football.

Throughout 2023, the 6 foot 1 marksman has produced eight goals and three 'big chances' created for his team in 25 Eliteserien appearances. He has also managed one goal and two assists in three cup matches for the Norwegian side this year.

Diarra arrived in Norway from Romanian side Petrolul, where the talented youngster racked up 16 goals and five assists in 29 matches. This included 15 goals and five assists in 22 outings during the 2021/22 campaign.

These statistics show that the Haugesund marksman has been in fine form in front of goal in recent seasons, whereas Bamford has consistently underperformed in the final third for the Whites.

Diarra could thrive alongside Rutter at the top end of the pitch at Elland Road as the French whiz is a sublime creator who could provide the forward with the chances he needs to score.

The 21-year-old magician has created a staggering 16 'big chances' and assisted eight goals in 19 Championship starts for Leeds so far this season.

He ranks within the top 1% of forwards in the division for assists (0.44), Expected Assisted Goals (0.41), and shot-creating actions (4.30) per 90 this season.

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These statistics show that the ex-Hoffenheim gem is one of the best, if not the best, creative talents in the Championship due to his ability to consistently unlock opposition defenders with his incisive play.

Therefore, Rutter could be the perfect player to help Diarra hit the ground running as he has the quality to put chances on a plate for the Mali-born finisher to carry his impressive goalscoring form over to England to become Farke's much-needed Bamford upgrade.

Tottenham Hotspur will only play once in the Premier League until the end of January, with the FA Cup third round taking control of English domestic football this weekend.

Granted, that league fixture comes at Old Trafford to face Manchester United, and while the Red Devils have endured a poor campaign thus far, Ange Postecoglou's side will need their wits about them to continue the recent purple patch.

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Having enjoyed a stunning start to the season and taking top spot in the early title race, injuries and absences to key players laid waste to the resurgence and a five-match winless run indeed threatened the very fight for Champions League football – with last year's eighth-place finish keeping the football on the domestic front this term.

While the London club have impressed of late and will further emboldened by the imminent returns of multiple absent stars, it's clear that a defender is needed, with Postecoglou even admitting that signing a centre-half is his "priority" this month.

Spurs transfer targets – January

Spurs technical director Johan Lange has scoured the market for possible additions for the backline over the past several months, with OGC Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo of much attention before transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed discussions had collapsed as Spurs desire a swift solution.

Genoa's Radu Dragusin was the new contender for a starring role in the rearguard, and while it has been understood that a deal has inched closer to completion over the past several days, Serie A champions Napoli have rocked the boat with their newly-kindled interest for the £25m-valued defender.

Should Spurs fail to sign the Romanian, advancing their intrigue in Ko Itakura might offer the perfect solution, with Spurs – alongside Liverpool – known to be suitors for the Borussia Monchengladbach star, who is enticed by the thought of moving to the Premier League – according to Caught Offside.

Ko Itakura's style of play

Itakura, aged 26, has been a mainstay in Gladbach's defence since signing from Premier League giants Manchester City for €5m (£4m) in 2022, having spent multiple years out on loan and never broke into the first-team for Pep Guardiola's side.

During his time on City's books – during a loan spell in the Netherlands with Groningen – he was hailed as "one of the very best central defenders in the Eredivisie" by pundit Hans Kraay, who also noted his "incredibly fast" pace.

But since finding a permanent home in the German Bundesliga, the £31k-per-week ace has proven himself to be one of the division's most reliable and dynamic defenders, completing 91% of his passes, winning 62% of his duels and averaging 3.8 clearances per game in the league last season, as per Sofascore.

This season, the 22-cap international sustained an ankle injury in October after scoring twice from seven outings, and while he has yet to feature since, he was named in Japan's squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, hinting that a return to fitness is just around the corner.

To showcase his expansive skill set, the Japan international ranks among the top 12% of central defenders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 15% for goals scored and the top 7% for blocks per 90, as per FBref.

Such a style would only be welcomed under Postecoglou's guidance, with the Australian displaying a certain proclivity for fluidity in expression in his team.

In 2022, Itakura received praise for his dominant performance for Japan against Brazil's Neymar Jr. in a friendly overture to the World Cup, and while the now Al-Hilal forward scored the only goal in the game from the penalty spot, he was subdued against the lively Itakura, whose manager said: "His contribution was a big part of the reason why the team was able to fight without collapsing.”

He's also established and is at ease on both sides of the central defence, meaning that he could confidently stand in for the left-footed Micky van de Ven when called upon.

Why Spurs should sign Ko Itakura

Waxing lyrical over the 6 foot 1 defender's protean approach to his play, Gladach sporting director Roland Virkus said: "Ko covers an unbelievable amount of ground and is a tactically disciplined player who can operate in different positions in defence, including as a No.6."

Given his goalscoring instinct, ball-playing ability and robustness, Itakura could be the perfect alternative to the titan that is Cristian Romero, who is one of English football's finest defenders but has been available too infrequently of late, with injuries and suspensions hindering his campaign.

Cristian Romero: Key Characteristics

Strengths

Weaknesses

Passing

Discipline

Tackling

Dribbling

*Sourced via WhoScored

In the Premier League this season, Romero has scored three goals from 15 appearances, completing 92% of his passes, averaging 5.9 ball recoveries and 3.4 clearances per game and succeeding with a noteworthy 70% of his duels.

Moreover, he ranks among the top 13% of positional peers for goals, the top 5% for tackles, the top 14% for blocks and the top 17% for pass completion and passes attempted per 90.

Speaking of Spurs' revival this season, The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare attributed much of the newfound solidity to the Argentine's leadership, saying: "He makes them (the rest of the back 5 who had never or barely played in the PL) feel like they belong and that they can flourish. He's an outstanding defender, someone you want in your team. Ridiculous bravery."

Much like the Lilywhites centrepiece, Itakura has established himself as a key cog in the Gladbach machine and was hailed a "leading figure" by erstwhile boss Daniel Farke last season.

With Eric Dier attracting attention from Bayern Munich, signing a centre-back makes perfect sense for Tottenham, and Itakura would be the astute addition to really make a difference for this ambitious set of players.

يلتقي منتخب البحرين، اليوم الخميس، بنظيره أستراليا، في مواجهة قوية ضمن التصفيات الآسيوية المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم 2026 المقامة في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والمكسيك وكندا.

ويحل منتخب البحرين، ضيفًا على منتخب استراليا على ملعب استاد روبينا، ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من مرحلة المجموعات من التصفيات الآسيوية المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم.

طالع..مواعيد مباريات منتخب العراق في تصفيات آسيا لـ كأس العالم 2026

ويأمل منتخب البحرين، في تحقيق المفاجأة والفوز على المنتخب الأسترالي بمباراة اليوم من أجل حصد ثلاث نقاط هامة في مشوار التأهل إلى بطولة كأس العالم 2026.

ومن المقرر أن يتأهل أصحاب المركز الأول والثاني إلى كأس العالم مباشرة، من المجموعات الثلاث، بينما يتأهل أصحاب المركزين الثالث والرابع للمرحلة الرابعة.

ويتم تقسيم الفرق المتأهلة للمرة الأخيرة في التصفيات الآسيوية إلى مجموعتين يصعد منهما المتصدر فقط إلى مونديال 2026، فيما تقام مباراة أخيرة بين وصيف مجموعتي الدور الرابع، يتأهل الفائز منها إلى الملحق العالمي. موعد مباراة أستراليا والبحرين في تصفيات كأس العالم

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباراة أستراليا والبحرين، في تمام الواحدة والنصف ظهرًا بتوقيت مصر والمملكة السعودية والبحرين. القناة الناقلة لمباراة أستراليا والبحرين اليوم

ومن المنتظر أن تذاع مباراة أستراليا والبحرين عبر قناة بي إن سبورتس 2 الناقل الحصري لمباريات تصفيات كأس آسيا. معلق مباراة أستراليا والبحرين اليوم

وأسندت شبكة قنوات بي إن سبورتس مهمة نقل أحداث وفعاليات المباراة للمعلق علي محمد علي.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا   

Liverpool have been dealt a big injury blow in the lead-up to their crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal this weekend, with a Reds "superstar" set to miss out.

Liverpool injury news

Jurgen Klopp's side were hugely below-par in their 0-0 draw at home to Manchester United on Sunday, as they missed the opportunity to return to the top of the table. It was a flat showing throughout by Liverpool, and they know that they will need to be far better when current leaders Arsenal head to Anfield on Saturday evening.

Worryingly, the Reds' injury problems are beginning to grow, as so often seems to have been the case in recent years, with a number of key men currently absent. Andy Robertson is a long-term absentee, Joel Matip is out for the season and Diogo Jota has also been unavailable of late, while Alexis Mac Allister has been on the sidelines recently, too. Ryan Gravenberch picked up a hamstring problem against United, and it remains to be seen how long he will be out for.

Alexis Mac Allister to miss Liverpool vs Arsenal clash

According to a new update from DaveOCKOP, Alexis Mac Allister is expected to be ruled out of Liverpool's meeting with Arsenal, as he continues to struggle with an injury. He may not even return until the New Year.

"Due to the noises coming out of the club, many thought he’d back soon after but we have another exclusive with some disappointing update on the player’s fitness. We can reveal that Mac Allister’s condition has improved in recent days, however the midfielder will not be available to play in the pivotal fixture vs Arsenal this Saturday.

"Furthermore, we can tell you that Mac Allister is likely to be unavailable for selection until the new year. The tie against Burnley on December 26th is likely to come too early for him."

This is a huge blow for Liverpool ahead of arguably the biggest Premier League game of the season so far this weekend, with Mac Allister already making such a difference to the Reds' midfield since arriving from Brighton in the summer transfer window.

Granted, the Argentine took a little time to adjust to the No.6 role that Klopp has largely given him, but he has steadily improved and was really looking the part by the time he got injured, scoring a stunning goal at home to Fulham.

Appearances

14

Goals

1

Assists

1

Tackles per game

2.2

Pass completion rate

88.1%

Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole clearly thinks highly of the Argentina international, speaking of his admiration for him after his World Cup-winning performances:

"I fell in love with him watching him play for Argentina in the World Cup. I knew he was a good player. We haven't seen him in any European competitions. When I watched him play for Argentina just take the game by the scruff of the neck, he became a superstar for me. I think that was when Klopp went 'right, you'll do'".

While Wataru Endo is an able deputy in defensive midfield, and assuming the Japanese starts against Arsenal, it could be a massive test of his credentials.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been put up as an example to follow for Manchester United players by Ben Foster as the squad is marred with several injuries.

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Ten Hag struggling with injuriesSeveral key players remain sidelinedFoster suggests Utd players lack Ronaldo's work ethicWHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo, renowned for his relentless work ethic, exemplifies longevity and peak performance, even as he approaches 40. Foster attributed Ronaldo's remarkable fitness to his meticulous approach to training, which prioritises physical conditioning and injury prevention. And as United grapple with a wave of injuries, Foster has set Ronaldo's discipline and commitment to fitness as a model to follow for the current crop of players at Carrington.

AdvertisementGetty/InstagramWHAT FOSTER SAID

Speaking to , former Red Devils and Wrexham keeper Foster said of Ronaldo's approach behind the scenes: "He invests in himself as his own business and makes sure he has got everything boxed off. So it’s all looked after. So he very rarely will pick up an injury, because of that exact fact."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Club legend Wayne Rooney has accused United players of playing up their injuries and not putting in the hard yards in rehabilitation to expedite their return. Foster echoed the thoughts of the former striker and said: "I agree with Wayne Rooney, there are too many players happy to be injured."

However, he contends that the focus should be on preventing injuries in the first place through proactive measures, rather than solely on players' rehabilitation efforts.

"A lot of people see players getting injured and they go ‘oh, he’s so unlucky’," he added.

“And having been in football for 20-odd years, I think some of them are very unlucky. Some injuries, for sure. Yeah, they were unavoidable. But the vast majority can be prevented. The vast majority can be prevented by doing extra gym work, warm down, cool down prehab rehab, all that kind of stuff, preventative work in the gym to strengthen areas, and around areas so that you don’t get any, or a recurrence of an injury.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

United have several first-team members unavailable due to injury including the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw. Erik ten Hag has often cited the number of injuries affecting his team selection as his defence when questioned on United's poor performance. Moreover, he has even insisted that the ownership has "common sense" to retain him amid talk of an imminent sacking.