Tuesday Fulham Stuff -18/05/21...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Monday
Bournmouth	1-0	Brentford
Barnsley	0-1	Swansea

[WhiteJC]

Report: Newcastle admire relegated defender Tosin Adarabioyo

Newcastle United reportedly like Fulham centre-half Tosin Adarabioyo.

The Athletic have claimed the Magpies are in the hunt for the 23-year-old, who is open to leaving Craven Cottage following the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Fulham struggled all season, but Adarabioyo, who joined the club last year from Manchester City, often came in for plaudits alongside Joachim Andersen.

The star had a string of good games this term, and it seems his performances have led to interest from other clubs.

As well as Newcastle, Arsenal are also said to be sniffing by The Athletic.

If Fulham do cash in on Adarabioyo, 20% of the transfer fee they receive will go to Manchester City, who astutely negotiated a clause when selling him.

Citizens manager Pep Guardiola really raved about the player in 2016, saying (MEN): "Tosin has a lot of steps to get him better. It's not done, but he has all the quality.

"He is fast, strong in the air, and has the quality to look forward behind the line for the next pass. He is a nice guy, his mind is open, he listens, he trains every day like it's the last training of his life and I like to work with these kinds of players a lot."

It is not mentioned what kind of fee Fulham would be looking for for the 6ft 5in star.

He would be a great signing

Yes he's been relegated, but Adarabioyo really did catch the eye this season.

Arguably he has proven himself a capable player in the Premier League, and he'd make a good signing for Newcastle.

The Magpies are in big need of a new central defender, and Adarabioyo would bring some much needed height to the backline.

He's still many years away from his peak too, and it would be good to have a younger central defensive option available.



https://www.geordiebootboys.com/transfers/report-newcastle-admire-relegated-defender-tosin-adarabioyo/

[WhiteJC]

Strong XI from Solskjaer? - How Man Utd could line up against Fulham

The Red Devils could secure second place in the Premier League this week if they earn a point or more against the London outfit

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could treat this midweek's Premier League match against Fulham as a dress rehearsal for his starting XI in the Europa League final.

The Red Devils don't exactly have nothing to play for in the final two matches of the season as newly crowned FA Cup champions Leicester could mathematically still usurp them into second place in the Premier League.

One point against Fulham will be enough to secure second place so Solskjaer may try and get the points required versus the Cottagers so he can rest as many key players as possible for the last game of the season against Wolves.

The Europa League final is three days later, so expect a second-string XI on the last day of the season.

Harry Maguire is still fighting to be fit for the match against Villarreal and will miss the game against Fulham, as will Anthony Martial, Phil Jones and Daniel James.

Dean Henderson should start this one in goal, probably in front of a defence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Luke Shaw.

Solskjaer has a decision to make when it comes to Paul Pogba, as although he can shine on the left of the attacking midfield three, it unbalances the rest of the team with Marcus Rashford having to go out on the right.

With Fred failing to impress against Liverpool, Pogba may be deployed in central midfield with Scott McTominay.

That will allow for a front four of Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani.

Man Utd v Fulham: Predicted XI

https://www.footballcritic.com/premier-league-manchester-united-fc-fulham-fc/preview/2148043

[WhiteJC]

What Arsenal's interest in Tosin Adarabioyo means for William Saliba

Arsenal interested in Adarabioyo

It appears that Arsenal are indeed in the market for a centre-half. The Gunners had been linked to Fulham defender Joachim Andersen of late.

However, it now seems a fellow west London teammate of the Dane, Tosin Adarabioyo, is also in the club's crosshairs.

The Athletic report that the link between Mikel Arteta and the former England youth international could be a reason for the sudden interest, in addition to a reported buyout clause.

Arsenal and Newcastle are among clubs from both England and Germany thought to be monitoring the 6ft 5in defender, who is understood to have a buy-out clause in his contract at Fulham. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta knows Tosin well from their time together at Manchester City.

Whether this buyout clause is affected by Fulham's relegation is unknown.

Sheffield United midfielder, Sander Berge, has also been linked with a move to Arsenal and it is reported that his buyout clause has lowered considerably due to the club's return to the Championship.

What this means for Saliba

Arsenal will welcome back William Saliba from his loan deal to Nice where he has been since January.

In that time he has won many plaudits for his strong performances from a number of French football experts.

However, it has not been plain sailing for the young Frenchman. He left on loan in January and engaged in a number of interviews where it was clear that he had grown frustrated with a lack of senior opportunities.

"I really didn't think, transferred to 30M, that I was going to find myself playing with the reserves," he said in just one of the conversations published.

With David Luiz leaving the club and Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis also having left since Saliba's move temporarily back to France, it was expected that he would have a simpler route into the first-team setup.

Despite interest in Adarabioyo, this does still appear to be the case according to Mark Mann-Bryans of PA Sport.

Yet, for Arsenal to invest in yet another centre-half would contradict that theory.

Although it is worth mentioning that Adarabioyo has partnered Joachim Andersen in defence on the left. Saliba has also played on the left for Nice, however, as a right-footer, it is expected his future is in his more comfortable position.

Adarabioyo is also right-footed and Arteta may be keen to have some versatile options across the board yet having Pablo Mari, Gabriel Magalhaes, Rob Holding, Calum Chambers, William Saliba, Dinos Mavropanos plus a further addition does appear excessive. It is likely one or two would have to make way.

Arsenal also have Daniel Ballard and Mark McGuinness who have enjoyed good loan spells. Much to be done in just this one area this summer.



https://www.101greatgoals.com/top-stories/what-arsenals-interest-in-tosin-adarabioyo-means-for-william-saliba/

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal show interest in Fulham 23yo with release clause
Arsenal are one of the clubs to express an interest in 23-year-old Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, according to reports.

The Athletic report that Arsenal and Newcastle United are among the clubs to express an interest in Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo. The player is open to a summer transfer after his side were relegated to the Championship.

Adarabioyo only joined Fulham last summer, for a fee of around £2m including add-ons. Before that, he was on the books at Manchester City, which is where Mikel Arteta knows him from.

The centre-back made eight appearances for the City first team, before heading out on Championship loans to Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion. Those loans impressed Fulham enough to offer him a deal with them in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old made 32 appearances this season, but having only signed a contract to 2023, he's already preparing to enter the final two years of his deal. He also has a buy-out clause in his contract, so it seems like a very achievable deal for Arsenal.

Following David Luiz's decision to leave the club this summer, Arsenal will be looking at bringing in a centre-back. Adarabioyo represents an option with both youth and Premier League experience, and he's also covered at right-back in the past.

Standing at 6'5″, Adarabioyo is very strong in the air. He also ranks highly for interceptions and clearances, whilst committing very few fouls, though he doesn't attempt a huge number of tackles.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given his football education at Manchester City, Adarabioyo's passing is very solid and another strength. He's right-footed but has mostly played as a left-centre-back this season.

Adarabioyo may have caught Arteta's eye again with his recent display against Arsenal. In the 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, he made eight clearances, two interceptions, one tackle, blocked one shot, and won all of his individual duels.



https://dailycannon.com/2021/05/arsenal-tosin-adarabioyo/

[WhiteJC]

Pre-Man Utd Press Conference

Scott Parker is keen to get some more points on the board to ensure Fulham end the season on something of a high.

Two more fixtures remain, starting with Europa League finalists Manchester United, who will be keen to secure second spot at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

"Tomorrow night we're playing the second best team in this division," Parker explained. "We need to end the season in the right way.

"It's been a big disappointment this year, not being able to stay in the league, but there's still a job to do, and that's be professional and have some pride in our performance.

"I need to make sure that the squad understand that as well, and that's the challenge for me.

"When you get to this part of the season with a week to go, two games, and your season is already defined and you know where you are, then it's those words and those characteristics which I'm conscious of, sitting here, so that's the main focus really.

"The most important thing for me is finishing this season and focusing on that. What's to be next year is a few months away.

"What's vitally important for me, and the players, and I need the players to understand that, is that you're in the biggest and best league, the spotlight is constantly on you, and you need to finish the season in the right way.

"We've got a very tough game tomorrow against the second best team in this division. If we turn up there and for one second don't have that focus in our heads then it's going to be a difficult game for us.

"It's already going to be difficult, of course it is, so that's the main focus for me certainly at this point."

Saturday's trip to Southampton saw the likes of Josh Onomah and Joe Bryan get some game time, and when asked if he has next season in mind when it comes to team selection, Parker replied: "I think there's an element of that, definitely.

"There are players that are contracted to the Club, players that will be here in a longer term capacity.

"But at the same time, us being competitive, us being very professional and making sure we can – as we have done for most of this year – show what we're about and show our quality, and try and put our stamp on the football match. That's the main aim tomorrow."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/may/Pre-Man-Utd-Press-Conference/

[WhiteJC]

Newcastle discover new release clause in relegated star's contract – The Athletic

According to The Athletic, Newcastle United are showing interest in signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo this summer.

As revealed by David Ornstein, the centre-back has a release clause in his contract that can now be activated following their relegation back to the Championship was confirmed last week.

His colleague, Peter Rutzler – The Athletic's reporter for Fulham FC – claims that ourselves and Arsenal are eyeing a move for the England youth international, with the player himself open to leaving.

Adarabioyo, 23, is a 6ft 5′ defender who has been one of the shining lights in an otherwise flat season for Fulham, seeing him strike up an at times solid partnership with Lyon loanee Joachim Andersen.

He arrived at Craven Cottage just last summer, signing from Man City for a fee that could rise to £2m with add ons – a cut-price move that's believed to have included a 20% sell-on clause for the Premier League Champions.

Although they've struggled at both ends of the pitch at times this season, I've actually been impressed by the big defender more often than not when watching Fulham, with him possessing an impressive turn of pace for his height and a sense of calm in possession – two things many of our ageing CB options lack.

Here's a snippet from The Athletic's latest column on potential summer transfers:

    Arsenal and Newcastle are among clubs to have expressed an interest in Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, Peter Rutzler reports.

    It's understood the 23-year-old is open to leaving Craven Cottage this summer after Fulham were relegated to the Championship last week. He has made 31 appearances in the Premier League so far this season, forming a key part of a new-look defence that looks set to be broken up this summer. Fulham are poised to lose their loanees after relegation, including fellow defenders Joachim Andersen and Ola Aina, who are expected to return to their parent clubs.

    Tosin signed for Fulham from Manchester City on deadline day last October, ending an 18-year association with the Premier League champions. He joined Fulham for an initial fee of £1.5 million, rising to £2 million with add ons. The cut-price deal also featured a 20 per cent sell-on clause.

    Arsenal and Newcastle are among clubs from both England and Germany thought to be monitoring the 6ft 5in defender, who is understood to have a buy-out clause in his contract at Fulham. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta knows Tosin well from their time together at Manchester City.



https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2021/05/17/newcastle-discover-relegation-release-clause-in-fulham-stars-contract-the-athletic/

[WhiteJC]

Manchester United v Fulham

Manchester United have won just one of their last four games in all competitions and have conceded 10 goals in those matches

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United could welcome back Daniel James and Anthony Martial from injury.

However, captain Harry Maguire remains on the sidelines with his ankle problem.

Fulham midfielder Mario Lemina is available again, having been ineligible to face parent club Southampton on Saturday.

Tom Cairney is still not ready to return, while Antonee Robinson has also been ruled out.

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

United have the Europa League final next week but this is their last home game of the season, with their fans back at Old Trafford, and I think they will field a strong team.

I can't see United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doing the same at Wolves on Sunday, but a win here would be a good way for them to sign off. I don't think Fulham will be able to stop them.

Prediction: 3-0

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

    Manchester United have won 18 of the past 22 top-flight meetings and are unbeaten in 12.
    The Cottagers have avoided defeat just twice in their 14 Premier League games at Old Trafford: a 3-1 win in October 2003 and a 2-2 draw in February 2014.

Manchester United

    Manchester United are looking to avoid three consecutive league defeats at Old Trafford for the first time since February 1979.
    The Red Devils have conceded 27 home goals in the Premier League in 2020-21, their most in a season since 1962-63.
    They have lost their final home league game of the season in just one of the previous 13 campaigns, when they were beaten by already relegated Cardiff City in 2018-19.
    Their Premier League matches have produced 112 goals this season, more than any other side. Fulham's fixtures have seen the fewest (76).
    Only Eric Cantona (46) and Robin van Persie (45) have been involved in more goals in their first 50 appearances for Manchester United than Bruno Fernandes, who has 26 goals and 18 assists.

Fulham

    Fulham have earned a solitary point from their past eight league matches.
    They are winless in 16 Premier League fixtures against sides starting the day in the top two of the table since beating Manchester United 3-0 at Craven Cottage in December 2009 (D2, L14).
    Away from home, Fulham have won just one of their 21 such games, which also came against the Red Devils, in October 2003.
    Fulham can become the first club to win a top flight away match against Manchester United and Liverpool in a season in which they were relegated.
    They have failed to score more than once in any of their last 13 Premier League fixtures (scoring only seven goals in that run), since a 2-0 win at Everton on 14 February.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57066741

[WhiteJC]

Fulham defender Robinson to miss United game

Fulham will face Manchester United without Antonee Robinson.

The defender has an ankle injury and may not be available for the last game of the season. against Newcastle, either.

This season's race is also run for captain Tom Cairney.

Scott Parker kept hoping the midfielder might make it back to play some part before the end, but that isn't going to happen. Cairney has been struggling with a knee injury since December.

The head coach said: "Antonee's got an ankle injury. He's struggling a little bit with it at the moment.

"This game probably comes a little bit early as well. We'll have to see where he is come Sunday's game.

"Tom Cairney's not available, won't be available now this season. His season's done in that sense. Other than that, everyone is fit and well."

The trip to Old Trafford, in front of fans for the first time in more than a year, will see Parker rest some of his loan players with one eye on the future after Fulham's relegation.

"Using players that will be here next season?" he said. "I think there's an element of that, definitely.

"But at the same time, us being competitive, us being very professional and making sure that we can, as always like we have done this year, show what we're about, show our quality and try and put our stamp on the football match."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-defender-to-miss-man-utd-game

[WhiteJC]

Parker still yet to speak to Fulham hierarchy

Scott Parker says there is still no meeting planned with the Fulham ownership to thrash out his and the club's future.

The head coach revealed last week he'd had no contact with director of football and co-owner and Tony Khan since the club's relegation had been confirmed – and he doesn't expect that to change until after the final game of the season, against Newcastle, next Sunday.

He said: "No meeting is planned. My main focus is here and right now and there is no further thinking than that at this moment in time.

"My main focus is Man U and then Newcastle. What's to be after that we will see.

"Any football club will sit down and discuss where has it gone wrong, what's gone well – but they are not things at the forefront of my mind, albeit that the season has come to a conclusion for us."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/whats-to-be-after-that-we-will-see-parker-still-yet-to-speak-to-fulham-hierarchy

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker: 'Fulham must finish the season in the right way'

Scott Parker urged his Fulham squad to end the season "the right way" as they prepare to face Manchester United.

The Cottagers' most recent stint in the Premier League has lasted just one season and snce their relegation was confirmed last Monday they have lost 3-1 at Southampton,

However, the manager said he wanted his side to show their capabilities in Tuesday's match at Old Trafford.

Parker said: "I think, for me, the most important thing is finishing this season and focusing on that really.

"What's to be next year is a few months away, and what's vitally important for me and for the players – and I need the players to understand that – (is that) you're in the biggest league and the best league and the spotlight's constantly on them. We need to finish this season the right way, really.

"So we've got a very tough game tomorrow against the second best team in this division. It's already a difficult game for us, of course it is, so that's the main focus from me certainly at this point."

    It has been) a big disappointment of course this year

Scott Parker

Parker added: "(It has been) a big disappointment of course this year, we want to stay in this league, but there's still a job to do.

"That's be professional and put some pride in our performance and I need to make sure that the squad understand that as well. That's the big challenge for me – and I don't really want to look past that."

United will finally be able to play in front of a crowd in their final Premier League home game of the season, and are preparing for 10,000 spectators.

"I think firstly all of us are ecstatic with fans entering the stadium," Parker said.

"Football stadiums have become very sterile a year ago, maybe more than that, and I think we've all missed the atmosphere and what that brings in stadiums.

"We briefly experienced it with, I think, only 2,000 in the Liverpool game and that was incredible.

"I think it's 10,000 fans tomorrow, albeit they won't be screaming for us, hopefully the following one we'll have them doing that for us."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/news/scott-parker-fulham-must-finish-the-season-in-the-right-way_447902.html?newsnow

[WhiteJC]

City to host Fulham in Premier League Under-18 National Final

City's Under-18s will play host to Fulham on Saturday, May 22 at the Academy Stadium in the National Final of the Under-18 Premier League.

Carlos Vicens' impressive City squad lifted the Under-18 Premier League North title last week with a 1-0 victory at Burnley.

Fulham meanwhile were crowned Under-18 Premier League South champions after a 3-0 win against Chelsea at the weekend.

Now the regional champions will come face-to-face to contest the showpiece National Final on Saturday.

Kick-off at the Academy Stadium is at 1pm.



https://www.mancity.com/news/eds-academy/manchester-city-under-18s-host-fulham-in-premier-league-national-final-63756855

[WhiteJC]

Three reasons Manchester United should play Hannibal against Fulham

Manchester United gave a debut to young winger Anthony Elanga against Leicester City last week.

Elanga could feature again over the last two Premier League matches of the season, and Hannibal Mejbri should be a contender to join him.

Hannibal has been excellent for United's under-23 side this season, scoring four goals and providing a team-leading seven assists from midfield.

He has been training with the first team since March and he has a chance to be involved in these final two matches.

While the final game of the season against Wolves could be the moment for Hannibal, there is a case to be made to bring him in against Fulham instead.

This could either be giving him a start just like Elanga got against Leicester, or giving him 20 minutes or so from the bench, which is perhaps more likely.

The club website confirms Hannibal is available despite his under-23s red card in the final game against Derby.

Rest starters

One argument in favour of rotating and giving the kids a chance is to preserve Manchester United's starters for the Europa League final with Villarreal.

It is a balancing act, because after two defeats last week, United want to pick up some momentum to take into the final, and so we could see Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba from the start against Fulham.

But what if one of them gets injured? Is it really worth the risk? That's where the temptation to include Hannibal comes in.

Giving the young Frenchman a chance reduces the minutes one of United's key starters will play, and keeps them fresh for next week.

Fulham have nothing to play for

This would be a good fixture for United to play Hannibal in. Fulham are already relegated, and there is nothing on the line for them other than pride.

Fulham are at the stage where they may even be throwing in a couple of youngsters themselves and experimenting, planning, for next season.

This game is a dead-rubber, and giving Hannibal a chance makes it more meaningful, and potentially memorable.

With Champions League qualification already assured, United can take the risk, and no other club will be negatively impacted by a rotated line-up.

Fulham having nothing to play for also helps Hannibal's potential chances of success if he is selected.

It's in front of fans at Old Trafford

The match with Fulham could be a special one, with fans back at Old Trafford (invited!) for the first since March 2020.

It will be a great opportunity for Hannibal to make his debut in front of supporters, even if it just for 15 minutes at the end of the match.

This should be a better, more memorable alternative to giving him his debut in front of Wolves fans at Molineux at the weekend.

For the 10,000 fans in attendance, it could turn out to be a special 'I was there' moment to say they got to see Hannibal make his professional debut, and make it worthwhile irrespective of result.



https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/three-reasons-manchester-united-should-play-hannibal-against-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker: 'Fulham must hold on to homegrown talent'

Scott Parker insisted homegrown talent has to be part of Fulham's future as they prepare to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Teenager Fabio Carvalho scored his maiden club goal on his first club start as the Cottagers lost 3-1 at Southampton on Saturday, it was a small consolation for the club whose relegation fate was sealed last week.

Fulham's academy has produced a number of quality players in recent years, although the likes of Moussa Dembele, Patrick Roberts, Harvey Elliott and Ryan Sessegnon have all made early moves elsewhere.

After the Southampton defeat Parker said Carvalho has a bright future, and on Monday spoke of the importance of bringing more players through from the academy.

Parker said: "I think the players mentioned there (above) are players that have extreme talent that we recognise and that unfortunately for some reason or another we've not managed to keep hold of.

"Throughout – certainly since I've been here – (I) have always been an advocate of young players first and foremost. Not just because it's the right thing to do, the players have to be good enough, and the young players that have quality and show that (have to) bring something to the first team.

"Fabio is a player that has done that over the last two or three months training with us, probably in the last six or seven weeks (he) has gone from just training with first team players and happy to be there a little bit to a player that has shown that he wants to get in this team and he can help us. I think you could see that in his performance against Southampton.

"(He) scored a goal which we're in need of and he's come into the team and managed to do that and his overall performance was very good.

"I think always I believe that at a football club your academy should be a large part of that and bringing these players through is paramount really so it's a good sign."

Parker added: "Young, homegrown players always need to be a part of Fulham's future and  believe this club needs to have those sorts of players around.

"Only if they're good enough and only if they have the quality. It's not a free ticket but at this club we need to use these players and, if they're good enough, we'll promote and use them."

This season's relegation was Fulham's second under Parker, he took over midway through their disappointing 2018-19 season.

The west London club were widely criticised two years ago when they finished firmly in the bottom three despite spending almost £100million on transfers, but for Parker, this season felt different.

He explained: "It definitely feels different. There is a disappointment around the club because of the consequences of what has happened.

"You're not really going to have a real guide on this probably until the start of next season because at this present moment in time, seven or eight of the players won't be here. We'll have seven or eight coming back.

"The real test will be at the start of pre-season. Let's see where everyone is, and where everyone's mindset is and how they are feeling about things. It's a bit more mixed. But all good."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/scott-parker-fulham-must-hold-on-to-homegrown-talent_447965.html?newsnow

[bobby01]

Scott Parker: 'Fulham must hold on to homegrown talent'

Scott Parker insisted homegrown talent has to be part of Fulham's future as they prepare to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Tuesday.

Teenager Fabio Carvalho scored his maiden club goal on his first club start as the Cottagers lost 3-1 at Southampton on Saturday, it was a small consolation for the club whose relegation fate was sealed last week.

Fulham's academy has produced a number of quality players in recent years, although the likes of Moussa Dembele, Patrick Roberts, Harvey Elliott and Ryan Sessegnon have all made early moves elsewhere.

After the Southampton defeat Parker said Carvalho has a bright future, and on Monday spoke of the importance of bringing more players through from the academy.

Parker said: "I think the players mentioned there (above) are players that have extreme talent that we recognise and that unfortunately for some reason or another we've not managed to keep hold of.

"Throughout – certainly since I've been here – (I) have always been an advocate of young players first and foremost. Not just because it's the right thing to do, the players have to be good enough, and the young players that have quality and show that (have to) bring something to the first team.

"Fabio is a player that has done that over the last two or three months training with us, probably in the last six or seven weeks (he) has gone from just training with first team players and happy to be there a little bit to a player that has shown that he wants to get in this team and he can help us. I think you could see that in his performance against Southampton.

"(He) scored a goal which we're in need of and he's come into the team and managed to do that and his overall performance was very good.

"I think always I believe that at a football club your academy should be a large part of that and bringing these players through is paramount really so it's a good sign."

Parker added: "Young, homegrown players always need to be a part of Fulham's future and  believe this club needs to have those sorts of players around.

"Only if they're good enough and only if they have the quality. It's not a free ticket but at this club we need to use these players and, if they're good enough, we'll promote and use them."

This season's relegation was Fulham's second under Parker, he took over midway through their disappointing 2018-19 season.

The west London club were widely criticised two years ago when they finished firmly in the bottom three despite spending almost £100million on transfers, but for Parker, this season felt different.

He explained: "It definitely feels different. There is a disappointment around the club because of the consequences of what has happened.

"You're not really going to have a real guide on this probably until the start of next season because at this present moment in time, seven or eight of the players won't be here. We'll have seven or eight coming back.

"The real test will be at the start of pre-season. Let's see where everyone is, and where everyone's mindset is and how they are feeling about things. It's a bit more mixed. But all good."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/scott-parker-fulham-must-hold-on-to-homegrown-talent_447965.html?newsnow

What absolute nonsense, let's fill the bench with 4 centre halves rather than give the youngsters a chance. Stansfield played some 18 months ago but never been seen again. No way do I believe he will give the youngsters a chance.

[WhiteJC]

Fulham defender Pep Guardiola tipped for the top could be Manchester United's transfer wildcard

Tosin Adarabioyo has been a stand-out performer for Fulham this season after his £2m move from Manchester City


Tosin Adarabioyo has been a stand-out performer for Fulham this season after a £2m move from Man City. (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

The six-mile journey between Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium takes around 20 minutes by car if you discount the prospect of any inner-city traffic.

Factor in a four-year stop at Borussia Dortmund and you might not be too far away from picking out the top target for Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window.

Jadon Sancho was first linked with a move to United when he decided to embark on a Bundesliga adventure.

His path to the top has been no less convincing than former Manchester City academy teammate Phil Foden, for example, but Sancho ultimately had to head elsewhere to become one of the hottest properties in world football.

It might not have panned out that way had he directly opted to swap blue for red in 2017.

Nevertheless, despite not playing a single senior game for City, England winger Sancho represents the quality of talent that can slip through the net at top-level clubs, even in a sport that is shaped by Premier League academies doing their best to universally hoard that potential.

Sancho is not the first, or last, player to fit into that category; he is merely the most high-profile right now.

A couple of years before him, defender Tosin Adarabioyo - now with United's midweek opponents Fulham - was a academy hopeful tipped for big things by Pep Guardiola upon the former Barcelona coach's grand arrival.

Shortly after touching down in the Premier League, the Spaniard issued a glowing assessment of Adarabioyo, then aged 18.

Guardiola said: "He has all the quality. He is fast. He is faster than the people can believe it and he's strong in the air. He has the quality to look behind the line for the next step, the next pass. He has a lot of things to improve on and I hope I can help him to develop his skills."

Five years later, the defender has moved on from City - but continues to be tipped with another big transfer.

It's incredibly difficult for a centre-back such as Adarabioyo to shine in his current environment. Fulham, despite a mid-season revival, have been on a one-way ticket to the Championship for almost the entirety of their latest stay in the Premier League.

A tough task, certainly. But with Fulham's struggles has come constant exposure and examination of his defensive credentials. In no uncertain terms, Adarabioyo has passed.

Over the course of 31 appearances in the top-flight - following a £2million summer switch from City - the defender, who was born in Manchester, has produced more clearances than any other player (178) in the division.

That impressive tally includes a record 17 in one game against Liverpool.

Adarabioyo can do more than simply head it or kick it, though. Indeed, his pass completion rate stands at 85.9 per cent; a figure that most central midfielders would be happy with, while as Guardiola suggests, he has pace to burn.

United are very much in the market for a long-term partner for £80million captain Harry Maguire.

Raphael Varane and Pau Torres are among the high-profile names to have been caught the eye, while Brighton prospect Ben White has also emerged as a possible target.

Perhaps, though, United can rekindle a path they want Sancho to take in order to find another piece of the transfer puzzle which awaits for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in just a few weeks' time.

Arsenal and Newcastle United are reported to be pricing up a summer swoop. Crucially, with relegation back to the Championship already confirmed, Adarabioyo wouldn't necessarily break the bank for United, either.



https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tosin-adarabioyo-transfer-man-united-20615474

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker sends Arsenal transfer message and speaks out on future amid Tottenham links
Fulham boss Scott Parker has sent Arsenal a transfer message and spoken out on his future, amid links to the vacant role at former club Tottenham.

Tottenham-linked Scott Parker has insisted there are no problems between him and the Fulham board over the future of the club after relegation - and has warned Arsenal off of Tosin Adarabioyo.

Parker angered owner Shahid Khan last week when he said there had been no meetings with the club over where Fulham go now and his own future after relegation from the Premier League was confirmed last week.

The Fulham boss has insisted that his focus right now is on his team's final two games of a dismal campaign, at Manchester United tonight and against Newcastle on Sunday, and trying to finish the season as well as possible.

The 40-year-old still has two years of his Fulham contract left but has been linked with Tottenham and Bournemouth, with the former in need of a long-term successor to Jose Mourinho who was sacked last month.

Addressing reports of a potential rift between himself and Khan, Parker said: "No. Not at all - there is no problem between us.

"We have not gone into any detail on where we go now. I am in dialogue with the ownership, and that dialogue has solely been on what did we need to do to be successful this year, and what to do to win matches and stay in this division.

"Obviously that flame went out on us a week ago and now what my focus is on is these next two games. And that's it.

"Make sure that we finish this season in the right way, and what comes after that, comes after that. Any football club will sit down and discuss where has it gone wrong, what's gone well - but they are not things at the forefront of my mind."

Parker added of Fulham's season: "I'm disappointed. I am a realist and I understood the challenges we were facing this year.

"We have not managed to keep ourselves in this division, so there is disappointment and frustration.

"I am a fighter. Along anyone's journey there are bumps. These are the times when you learn, and when you become better and stronger.

"There's two ways to react. One is to hide away. Another is to brace yourselves in again, put your gloves back on and come again.

"It's not in question that myself, my staff and this team will do that."

Parker also insisted that Fulham are determined to hang on to defender Adarabioyo, who has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal and Newcastle this summer.

He continued of the ex-Manchester City talent: "He doesn't need to go. Every relegated team sees other teams coming for your better players.

"But he's under contract - I can't see him going anywhere."



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1437495/Scott-Parker-Arsenal-transfer-message-Tosin-Aradabioyo-Tottenham-job-Premier-League-news

[WhiteJC]

Bournemouth considered Norwich City's Daniel Farke and Fulham's Scott Parker last summer

Bournemouth looked into appointing Norwich City's Daniel Farke and Fulham's Scott Parker last summer, as per a report by The Athletic.

Bournemouth were in the hunt for a new boss and considered the pair.

However, the Cherries ultimately ended up appointing Jason Tindall as Eddie Howe's replacement in preparation for the current season.

Tindall's time at the helm ultimately ended in the sack and Jonathan Woodgate has the job until the end of the campaign.

Bournemouth are currently 90 minutes from a date at the Championship Play-Off final at Wembley after beating Brentford in the first leg last night.

This season could have been a lot different for them though as they had other managerial targets in mind.

Farke, who is 44 years old, was a name they considered. The German boss has guided Norwich City to the Championship title for a second time this past term.

He has been with the Canaries since 2017 and will be looking forward to having another crack at the Premier League.

Parker is another manager who has been linked with Bournemouth over recent times. His Fulham side were promoted last year via the Play-Offs but that didn't stop the Cherries from considering him.

His future at Craven Cottage is currently up in the air after his side's relegation and he is a more realistic target this summer.

However, if they win promotion Woodgate is in with a very good shout of the full-time role.




https://the72.co.uk/236009/bournemouth-considered-norwich-citys-daniel-farke-and-fulhams-scott-parker-last-summer/

[WhiteJC]

'We are getting relegated': Some Arsenal fans worried after transfer news they're hearing

Arsenal fans are becoming worried over reports that Tosin Adarabioyo could be part of the rebuilding strategy at the Emirates Stadium.

The Athletic say that Adarabioyo is very much on Arsenal's radar, as they look to snap up players for Mikel Arteta's project.

Arsenal have badly disappointed this campaign, and there is a recognition that a squad rebuild may need to be done to get them challenging for Europe again, after what looks set to be a mid table finish.

However, Arsenal fans aren't exactly delighted with their recent transfer moves.

The Gunners appear to be closing in on a transfer for Ryan Bertrand (Daily Mail), and the Athletic's claim that Adarabioyo is on their wishlist isn't exciting Gunners supporters.

Bertrand and Adarabioyo are players who could fill holes in Arsenal's squad, but they aren't the type of additions that scream ambition.

Adarabioyo had just been relegated with Fulham and while he did have a solid season, the 23-year-old is far from the finished article.

Arsenal already have a number of promising youngsters at the club.

But without some ready made talent coming in to take Arsenal to the next level, it is difficult to see how they compete for the top four places again.

For the more pessimistic Arsenal fans it is worth noting that the transfer window is still young.

And while the club's initial transfer plans may not be the most exciting, they may still have higher profile targets in their mind, as the window progresses.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/05/18/we-are-getting-relegated-some-arsenal-fans-worried-after-transfer-news-theyre-hearing/

[WhiteJC]

What channel is the Man Utd v Fulham game on? Kick off time, live stream and latest team news

Manchester United will seal second place in the Premier League with a win over Fulham.

The match will be the first at Old Trafford attended by fans since the 2-0 win over Manchester City in March 2020.

10,000 supporters will be allowed back into the ground and it's likely that the recent anti-Glazer protests will continue.

We've got all the information you need about how to watch United v Fulham on TV and online.

When is Man Utd v Fulham on TV?

United v Fulham will take place on Tuesday 18th May 2021.

Every Premier League team will get to play in front of their own fans before the end of the season.
What time does Man Utd v Fulham kick-off?

Man Utd v Fulham will kick off at 6pm.

Scott Parker's side have already been relegated after a 2-0 defeat to Burnley last Monday.

What TV channel is Man Utd v Fulham on?

You can watch the buildup to the game from 5pm on Sky Sports Main Event.

Thankfully, there will no longer be any need to have the fake crowd noise piped in.
How to live stream Man Utd v Fulham online

Sky Sports customers can live stream the game via the Sky Go app on a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets.

Man Utd v Fulham team news

Defenders Harry Maguire and Phil Jones are out for this game.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told his pre-match press conference that Anthony Martial and Dan James will miss out here too.

United have no other new injury concerns, but Solskjaer has a decision to make.

He could make wholesale changes for this one and the final game of the season, to rest his players as much as possible ahead of the Europa League final.

That said, United have won just one of their last four games in all competitions and Solskjaer may think he needs to play a strong side to get some form and confidence back.

Our prediction: United v Fulham

On paper, this as easy a fixture as United could hope to have.

Fulham's end to the season has been abject. Sometimes relegated sides play better once their fate has been sealed but there were precious few signs of improvement in Saturday's 3-1 loss at Southampton.

United cannot afford to take this game lightly of course, but a strong start to the game should ensure a relatively comfortable evening's work.

It would be ideal to have second place sealed before the final game of the season, which would allow Solskjaer to make changes at Wolves with the Europa League final just days away at that point.

Our prediction: United 3-1 Fulham



https://www.unitedinfocus.com/match-coverage/what-channel-is-the-man-utd-v-fulham-game-on-kick-off-time-live-stream-and-latest-team-news/