Cavani is a keen admirer of 'mischievous' Pellistri: 'I really love how he plays'

 Cavani already a keen admirer of 'mischievous' Pellistri: 'I really love how he plays'

Edinson Cavani is excited by the prospect of linking up with fellow Uruguayan Facundo Pellistri at Manchester United as he is already a big fan of the teenager's "mischievous" style of play.

Like Cavani, 18-year-old Pellistri signed for United on transfer deadline day, though his signing came as more of a surprise than the former Paris Saint-German star, who became the source of speculation a few days earlier.

Pellistri had been linked with some major European clubs, including United's local rivals Manchester City, but the Red Devils seemingly worked efficiently to bring the forward in with few media reports catching wind before deadline day.

It remains to be seen how much of a role Pellistri plays during his first season at Old Trafford, given he only broke into the Penarol senior side last year.

As such, the majority of United fans have only just begun to learn about Pellistri since his signing was confirmed on Monday.

But Cavani has seen plenty of him and is already sold on the attacker's abilities, commenting that his style of play resembles that of a playground footballer with a hint of added mischief.

"Pellistri is a young lad and I really love the way he plays the game," Cavani told United's official website.

"He's the typical South American footballer who has that mischievous nature to his game, and the way he lives his football is a bit like, as we say in Uruguay, being on 'el campito', as we call it, a makeshift pitch where you have a kickabout for fun with your mates or whoever.

"He's a youngster who has a lot to learn but who has a lot to offer too. He's already shown what he can do at Penarol in the games where he's featured.

"I've liked him from the moment he made his first-team debut at Penarol, I liked him a lot. He's coming here to the club, without a doubt determined to learn and mature as a player, but also to make a good contribution here himself.

"Learning his trade here is also going to be a great experience for him. So, it's going to be good meeting up with him and travelling together on this journey in this new chapter for us both."

Koeman understands Messi's anger over Suarez exit but insists striker left of own volition

Ronald Koeman felt Lionel Messi's angry response to Luis Suarez's Barcelona exit made "sense", but insists the Uruguay striker left of his own accord.

The turbulence at Barca became arguably the biggest saga of the pre-season anywhere in European football, with Messi attempting to force an exit after Suarez had been put up for sale, and Koeman replacing Quique Setien in the wake of their 8-2 Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich.

While Messi ultimately accepted that leaving was an impossibility despite being convinced a get-out clause in his contract was still valid, Suarez was sold to Atletico Madrid for just €6million.

Suarez's exit coincided with his close friend Messi posting an emotional farewell message on his official Instagram account in which he publicly slammed Barca's treatment of the former Liverpool striker.

And although Koeman said the outburst was understandable, he was keen to stress that no one forced Suarez out.

"If you have someone in the locker room whom you and your wife and children also hang out with outside football, then such a reaction makes sense," Koeman told NOS.

"I said that to Messi too: I understand that you are disappointed and think it is a terrible shame that he is leaving, but these are choices of the club.

"In the case of Suarez, it had become very difficult for him to play, and I made that known to him honestly.

"He found that difficult, but I never had any trouble with him at all. He just trained, trained well.

"In the end he made the choice to leave. And I did also say that, if you don't leave, for whatever reason, then you're just one of the group, then you prove me wrong.

"He could have stayed, yes."

Explaining the club's decision to plan for life without Suarez, Koeman put it down to a desire to start a new era and give young players more of an opportunity.

"I'm good with Luis, but the club felt that we had to rejuvenate," he added. "You can see that now in the team.

"Ansu Fati plays, he is 17 years old. We have Pedri, 17 years old, who gets his chances. Ronald Araujo is 21. [Francisco] Trincao comes in a lot and is 20 years old, and we have taken Sergino Dest, who is 19. Those are all players for the future."

As for Messi, Koeman is adamant the six-time Ballon d'Or winner's behaviour has been befitting that of his role as captain since opting to remain at the club.

"After signing here as the coach, I immediately contacted Leo," Koeman continued. "I went to his home and talked to him about his future.

"He was clear about his dissatisfaction. In the end it worked out well and from the moment he indicated [that he is staying], he has done everything I expect from him."

Government slams 'backroom deals' of 'Project Big Picture'

The United Kingdom government has strongly criticised plans reportedly driven by Manchester United and Liverpool to overhaul the Premier League and English club football.

A report on Sunday by The Telegraph detailed a set of proposals called "Project Big Picture", which would cut the number of teams in the Premier League from 20 to 18 and abolish the competition's one-club, one-vote principle - handing greater power to the nine longest-serving teams in the division.

That number includes all of the so-called "big six", who would have effective veto power on a range of issues, including potential new owners taking control of a rival club.

The plans also focus upon supporting the wider league system amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with a £250million rescue package to be allocated to the English Football League (EFL) and a £100m gift to the Football Association.

EFL chairman Rick Parry - the former Liverpool chief executive and a key figure in the Premier League's breakaway from the Football League in 1992 - has publicly backed the plans, which would see 25 per cent of the Premier League's annual revenue diverted to the EFL and lead to the EFL Cup and Community Shield being scrapped.

However, the Department for Media, Culture and Sport joined the Premier League itself in condemning the mooted changes, decrying Liverpool and United's alleged involvement in "backroom deals".

"We are surprised and disappointed that, at a time of crisis when we have urged the top tiers of professional football to come together and finalise a deal to help lower league clubs, there appear to be backroom deals being cooked up that would create a closed shop at the very top of the game," a statement read.

"Sustainability, integrity and fair competition are absolutely paramount and anything that may undermine them is deeply troubling.

"Fans must be [at the] front of all our minds and this shows why our fan-led review of football governance will be so critical."

The Premier League, which has come in for criticism over recent days after the announcement of a pay-per-view television model to run while fans are not allowed into stadiums, urged its members to contribute to ongoing restructuring talks "through the proper channels".

"English football is the world's most watched, and has a vibrant, dynamic and competitive league structure that drives interest around the globe," its statement read.

"To maintain this position, it is important that we all work together.

"In the Premier League's view, a number of the individual proposals in the plan published today could have a damaging impact on the whole game and we are disappointed to see that Rick Parry, Chair of the EFL, has given his on-the-record support.

"The Premier League has been working in good faith with its clubs and the EFL to seek a resolution to the requirement for COVID-19 rescue funding."

In a statement published on the EFL's official website, Parry confirmed talks around Project Big Picture had been ongoing for some time but insisted the financial pressures of the COVID-19 crisis had sharpened the need for transformative action.

"Now is the time to address both the long-term health of the game and the most challenging short-term crisis it has ever faced," Parry said.

"Project Big Picture provides a new beginning which will revitalise the football pyramid at all levels. This new beginning will reinvigorate clubs in the lower leagues and the communities in which they are based.

"The whole of English football has been negatively impacted by this pandemic and the English football pyramid as a whole is only as healthy as those at its base.

"Through this proposed restructuring we aim to strengthen those who need it most at a time when they need it most. This is about building on what is good and making the most of what works well in order to benefit the game as a whole, while simultaneously tackling those issues which trouble all of us.

"This is a blueprint for the future of English football and for everyone who cherishes it."

Rumour Has It: Man Utd and Man City chasing Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino could find himself back in management sooner rather than later.

Pochettino was sacked by Tottenham in November, having led Spurs to the 2018-19 Champions League final.

Now, Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly considering moves for Pochettino.

TOP STORY – POCH A MAN IN DEMAND IN MANCHESTER

Manchester United and neighbours Manchester City are both eyeing Mauricio Pochettino, according to the Mirror.

Pochettino has been out of work since his Tottenham sacking last year, and the former Spurs boss has emerged as the favourite to replace struggling United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

United vice-chairman Ed Woodward is reportedly ready to sack Solskjaer if results do not improve, while City are considering Pochettino, with Pep Guardiola yet to sign a contract extension.

ROUND-UP

- Sport claims Barcelona are already planning for the next transfer window. The LaLiga powerhouse are keen to sign two players, with City defender Eric Garcia and Lyon captain Memphis Depay at the top of the list. Barca are also looking to offload Ousmane Dembele who failed to join United on deadline day.

- Liverpool are in talks to sign Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland, claims the Mirror. It comes after Adrian struggles to deputise in the absence of injured number one Alisson.

- Tuttosport reports Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing Bayern Munich star David Alaba. The two clubs are eyeing Alaba on a free transfer, with the Austria international's contract expiring at season's end. Alaba has also been linked to the likes of City and Real Madrid.

- West Ham are trying to sign Brentford star Said Benrahma in a £17million deal, according to the Telegraph.