Once a week for an hour, The Athletic’s subscribers can ask me for my views on anything from the world of football.
I have pulled together some of my favourite questions and my answers to them from the latest Q&A below. Thanks to all who took part today.
Want to ask me a question? I’ll be back next week for another session.
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Th W asked: Hi David, any Manchester United director roles updates? Are Manchester United and Newcastle still negotiating Dan Ashworth’s compensation fees? Are United working on a move for Julian Ward/Jason Wilcox as part of the new setup?
Ornstein: I’m not aware of any breakthrough yet in talks with Newcastle over Ashworth. Unless that happens (and you have to think it will at some point), I think he is on a five-year contract with a nine-month notice period (I’d need to double-check that to be certain).
Newcastle wanted/want £20million and Manchester United don’t intend to pay anywhere near that. United will look at what Newcastle paid Brighton, consider how long he has been at Newcastle and be reluctant to pay much more. They seem happy to bide their time if needed.
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Should that continue to be the case, Newcastle will need to consider whether they want to continue paying Ashworth his full salary to sit at home doing nothing for them. United are also waiting for Omar Berrada to start as CEO this summer, but they could recruit somebody else in the meantime.
It has been well documented that there is some admiration for Julian Ward — and he would be available to start immediately — but indications are that he will not be joining. Jason Wilcox is a target I revealed some time ago and I imagine that deal with Southampton would be more straightforward than Ashworth’s with Newcastle, but again United will need it to be right for them (especially with profit and sustainability regulations a lingering concern) before proceeding.
They will have other options, too. Many meetings and conversations are taking place, with many candidates for many positions. Some patience will be required to see exactly what the new setup looks like and even then it is sure to evolve as INEOS find its feet and Berrada begins his post.
Gert W asked: With the success of Wataru Endo, weren’t there any other clubs interested or were the stats team at Liverpool just ahead of the rest?
Ornstein: The nature of scouting departments these days means he will have been on the radar of many, Gert, but perhaps he was not the right age or tactical/technical profile to be high up on the recruitment lists at some other clubs. Or perhaps he was and for whatever reason (his preference, financials, talks, speed of process etc) it didn’t develop elsewhere.
It’s also possible that Liverpool’s data model saw things their rivals didn’t or, at least, that he was better suited to what they were looking for. Then comes the human connections, the skilful negotiations and more factors that made this a shrewd, discreet move which is starting to look like brilliant value for money.
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Josh H asked: Hi David, was there any genuine interest from United for Gareth Southgate? Or was it just the rumour mill working overtime during an international break?
Ornstein: INEOS’ decision-makers definitely like and have links to Southgate — that’s no secret and there’s nothing wrong with it. They probably like a lot of coaches and managers, players and staff.
Sir Dave Brailsford knows Southgate well and they’ve spent time together over the years. Ashworth, of course, worked with Southgate at the FA — but that does not automatically mean he is the top choice if a change is to be made or that he is going to be appointed there at all.
Southgate himself kind of quashed the possibility of it happening this summer and showed great respect to Erik ten Hag. Rightly so, because Ten Hag is in position and we have nothing concrete to suggest he will be leaving.
The new hierarchy at Old Trafford will be assessing everything, including Ten Hag, and Ten Hag will also be assessing them and his future. That is only natural as he approaches the final year of his contract (which includes an option to extend by a further 12 months). It appears no firm decisions have been made yet and, with so much still to play for, that feels sensible.
Dylan B asked: Is there a preferred striker Arsenal want to sign in the summer?
Ornstein: As with most clubs and positions on the pitch, there will be varying preferences internally and Arsenal will need to come to a firm consensus before proceeding. I’m not aware of this happening yet, but that’s fairly normal at this stage.
Declan Rice was an exception as he was the unanimous top choice and main target. There will be so many factors and variables involved in the decision. As previously reported and widely documented, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are admired. As is Evan Ferguson, but the price Brighton would want and the season he has had perhaps makes him less likely at the moment.
I don’t see it being a Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney. There will be other options, too. I’ve seen Alexander Isak linked and Arsenal went for him in the past, but I don’t have any information on that at this point.
Don’t forget Arsenal have other positions to consider as well; a midfielder, backup to the wide attackers, possibly left-back, a replacement goalkeeper if Aaron Ramsdale leaves.
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Much will be determined by finances and, therefore, what they manage to raise through departures is sure to have a significant impact on what they’re able to spend. I’m not saying it’s a ‘sell before buy’ scenario, but, like many clubs, there will need to be some balancing of books.
Steven S asked: Hi, David, hope you’re having a great day. Let me ask you a question straight away, there is a story in the German media that Xabi Alonso has ruled out Liverpool. Do you know if there is any truth to this story?
Ornstein: I don’t know of any definitive decision being made yet, but clearly Liverpool will have known from the start that Alonso staying at Bayer Leverkusen or moving to Bayern Munich are also strong options available to him.
So there is no guarantee he will come to Liverpool and I’m sure the club will be calm with that possibility. That’s why they are conducting a proper process and I’m sure whatever happens — and regardless of whether or not it is Alonso — they will make a really strong appointment.
Benjamin B asked: The new invasiveness of PSR (profit and sustainability regulations) seems to have been one of this season’s defining stories. We’re now told that clubs are currently in discussions to amend these regulations, with many vocally unhappy with the rules in their current form — do you have any inklings as to which direction these discussions will go in?
Ornstein: It has become a bit of a mess, Benjamin, but don’t forget this was voted in by the clubs originally. The changes we expect to be introduced would see the Premier League fall more in line with UEFA’s new cost control mechanism rather than a tweak of the existing system.
The clubs can talk about all of these things, which I’m sure will happen at the summer AGM, and make changes if they can agree on them or at least reach the required two-thirds majority in a vote. It’s complicated at present by the Premier League having a different format to UEFA. Then comes the EFL, which, as we’ve seen with Leicester, adds further complexity.
We all agree with the basic principle of sustainability, but the regulations that have been drawn up, the way they are being applied, the constant alterations, the confusion, the suspicion, the legal battles — and plenty more besides — are overshadowing the football itself and that is a real shame.
Kristian M asked: Are Arsenal interested in Amadou Onana?
Ornstein: I’m sure there is some appreciation for Onana at Arsenal and elsewhere, but I’m not sure he fits their profile or price bracket.
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In the No 6 role, we know Arteta likes Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi (and there will be others). If it’s a No 8 they go for, there will be multiple options as well. I don’t really see this one happening.
Thomas G asked: What is your take on the Ange Postecoglou era at Tottenham Hotspur? My early optimism is slowly dissipating as I see similar patterns emerge. Am I just being a bit Spursy about it all?
Ornstein: Postecoglou is a breath of fresh air and that is a view educated by seeing what he is doing/trying to do and — more importantly — listening to those at and around Spurs who are experiencing his work first-hand.
Whatever we think about previous Tottenham managers and the hierarchy, it does sound like a happier place with a better atmosphere than in recent years. It may have been an inconsistent campaign and that was always a possibility when Postecoglou came in, but we’ve all seen in flashes the quality and potential they possess. They remain very much in contention to qualify for next season’s Champions League, which would be an excellent achievement.
Injuries have hit them hard, but they have continued to play in the style the manager demands and that appears to have gone down well with the players and fans. Those in positions of power at Tottenham are pleased with his work and it is no coincidence that he is being linked to some of the vacancies elsewhere. He is regarded in the industry as an impressive guy who continues to build an impressive career, with a lot of the qualities that clubs are looking for in their prospective hires.
That’s not to suggest he could be leaving — it looks like Postecoglou is there to stay and Spurs would hope for the long-term. Remember also, the club are undergoing significant change behind the scenes, with a new technical director and plenty of movement in the recruitment department, so time and patience will be required. I have no reason to think Postecoglou won’t get it.
Tom H asked: Hi David, who do you think will be the breakout star of the European Championship this summer?
Ornstein: Great question and one I need to research to reply properly to you in a subsequent week, Tom. For now, I’ll say… Kobbie Mainoo.
(Top photo: Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images)
