Today, we ran the latest edition of our subscriber-exclusive Ask Ornstein Q&A.
Once a week for an hour, The Athletic’s subscribers can ask me for my views on anything from the football world. I have pulled together some of my favourite questions and my answers below.
Got a question? Join us again next Thursday.
Prime S. asked: “Hi David, what’s the Marcus Rashford situation looking like? Are there any chances of him patching up with Ruben Amorim or the Manchester United hierarchy, or is his future likely away from Old Trafford?”
David Ornstein: At the time of his exit, I would have said there was little chance of Rashford playing for Manchester United again — based on the conversations we were having then. We’ve no reason to think that has changed, other than his strong performances at Aston Villa.
But those performances won’t have come as a surprise to Ruben Amorim, who will know how good Rashford is and, for whatever reasons, he didn’t see the England forward as part of his plans. The Wayne Rooney comments, suggesting Rashford still wants to play for Manchester United, were interesting… but no player will want to play where they are not wanted, and thus far that has appeared to be the case.
Manchester United will obviously be pleased that he is doing well, but personally I think the club have identified Rashford as a player who they can raise (and save) significant funds by selling. Perhaps a parting of the ways will be best for all, then, although that’s easier said than done and will depend on the market.
Big decisions are ahead for everyone concerned.
Aaron A. asked: “Hello David, I hope you are doing well. Are Arsenal likely to pursue other midfielders after losing out on Sverre Halseth Nypan to Villa? Are Thomas Partey and Jorginho going to be replaced with just Martin Zubimendi or is another midfielder on the cards? Thanks and keep up the good work!”
Ornstein: Nypan wasn’t being targeted because Arsenal absolutely needed him as an immediate midfield option, Aaron — he was more a market opportunity for a young talent, the likes of which you could say they need to be better at recruiting.
So if he goes to Villa — which is the direction of travel — or elsewhere it doesn’t mean Arsenal will automatically seek an alternative. That said, the potential exits of two such experienced and high-quality players presumably will give Arsenal food for thought in that area.
If the expected arrival of Zubimendi happens, they would have him, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino — plus others who can operate in that area in required. That’s a strong unit but perhaps leaves them a bit short for the rigours of trying to compete for domestic and European honours.
It wouldn’t surprise me if further reinforcements are sought, but I don’t have any particular info on that as things stand.
Nypan (right) looks like he will be joining Villa (Ole Martin Wold/NTB/AFP via Getty Images)
Anonymous U. asked: “Is Florian Wirtz open to a move to City? Is the €150million report that City are willing to pay for him accurate? Also, is Morgan Gibbs-White an alternative to Wirtz or are they looking at him as an addition? Also, in general, are there any names in other positions they’re looking at?”
Ornstein: I have no idea if Wirtz is open to joining City… it probably appeals to most players but that doesn’t mean it will materialise, with Bayern Munich reportedly in pursuit as well Bayer Leverkusen trying to retain him. Will a club like Real Madrid come knocking, too?
I’m not sure about the figures you mention but City are in a healthy financial position to invest again this summer, and Wirtz is among those they’re considering to help fill Kevin De Bruyne’s void. As is Gibbs-White but we don’t know if City will end up pushing ahead for either player, and I definitely wouldn’t expect them to sign both.
Benjamin D. asked: “Following Andrea Berta’s appointment as Arsenal’s sporting director, has the interest in Benjamin Sesko cooled? Additionally, is there any appetite at Arsenal to bring in a world-class winger this summer?”
Ornstein: Just because Mikel Arteta really likes Isak and it emerged that Berta is a big fan of Viktor Gyokeres, there’s no reason to think Sesko is not still in the mix. Given all the work they’ve done on him, I’m sure he will be, and rightly so — he’s a top talent.
These situations can fluctuate; there are many factors and moving parts. Multiple names will be in the frame… we also hear there’s admiration for Hugo Ekitike, for example, and that’s natural; who wouldn’t like him? It doesn’t mean there is a clear direction of travel yet.
We’ll try to keep you across the situation as it evolves.
Vincent H. asked: “Hi David, any truth in the rumours of Manchester United being willing to let Rasmus Hojlund go in summer, and if so, is there any indication of who the No 1 target will be for a new striker?”
Ornstein: I don’t think a firm decision has been made yet, Vincent. Certainly, I don’t know of any significant work being done to move him on, but obviously that can change in the coming weeks — so it’s probably too early to say with any certainty.
Selling Hojlund now would almost certainly represent an accounting loss (plus I presume Manchester United still have instalments to pay on the original transfer), so how possible even is it to sell him within their PSR parameters? Another option is to keep hold of Hojlund, work to get him firing and sell somebody else, such as Joshua Zirkee… although he has done much better as the season has gone on.
In terms of the No 1 target for a new striker, I’m not sure at present, and perhaps Manchester United aren’t, either. We know Benjamin Sesko was favoured a year ago, and he is joined by the likes of Liam Delap on their radar this time round.
The issue is that the leading clubs seeking a striker tend to be looking at the same pool of players, and that pool is not deep, so even if Manchester United have a leading candidate, it doesn’t mean they will get him.
Hojlund was an expensive signing and has not scored regularly (George Wood/Getty Images)
Parva S. asked: “Hi David, if Ange Postecoglou is let go, then who is the frontrunner for the Spurs job?”
Ornstein: It doesn’t feel a fair discussion on match day, Parva, but we can all see Postecoglou is under massive pressure and a change this summer looks highly possible.
Spurs have been so focused on their European campaign that we’re assured no potential replacements have been spoken to and there definitely doesn’t seem to be a process underway. It means that while there will naturally some names favoured among the club hierarchy, there probably isn’t a clear favourite at this point.
Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, Thomas Frank and Oliver Glasner have all been mentioned in reports and no doubt there will be more, should a vacancy of this level arise.
The spectre of Pochettino looms large but I’d be shocked if he doesn’t lead the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup, plus there is a hefty buyout clause in his contract, which will probably see any suitors put off.
Adam M. asked: “There has been a lot of news around Manchester United targeting another midfielder this summer, any names?
Ornstein: I don’t have any concrete names yet, Adam. Manchester United will, of course, have drawn up lists for all the positions they want to strengthen. What they are able to do, however, will depend on many factors, not least finances, and they don’t have much clarity as things stand.
So there are sure to be different targets based on various scenarios. Ugarte was top of their list for a No 6 last summer and they got him. The impending departure of Eriksen frees up squad and salary space, while United may hope the same becomes true of Casemiro. That will give them room to manoeuvre in such a key position for Ruben Amorim.
It will also be interesting to see what happens with Kobbie Mainoo.
Sultan Q. asked: “Hi David, Could you please give us some names on Chelsea’s shortlist of right-footed wingers? Are Rafael Leao and Nico Williams genuine options? What is the likelihood of Chelsea going back for Victor Osimhen?”
Ornstein: Leao has been tracked by most of the top clubs, but for various reasons, a move away from Milan has never occurred. I’m not aware of Chelsea being active on this at the moment. They have long been in the mix for Williams, while Jamie Gittens is also among multiple options the Stamford Bridge hierarchy like and are considering.
I’m not sure Osimhen’s salary would work for Chelsea and other potential suitors, with quite a few people you speak to in the Premier League predicting he will end up in Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea have long been in the mix for Williams (Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Ben M. asked: “Who do you think is going to be the No 1 transfer target at Manchester United this season? And do you think we will see them get anyone surprisingly big, like a ‘Robin van Persie from Arsenal to United’ big?”
Ornstein: Definitely a striker, in my opinion, but I doubt it would be of the age Van Persie was when he joined… although if they could get a player of such calibre for that sort of price again, I’m sure conversations would be had!
Marc B. asked: “Any possibilities of seeing Kevin De Bruyne in a Liverpool shirt next season, David?”
Ornstein: Is this a joke, Marc? As much as I love De Bruyne and feel he is still good enough to shine in the Premier League, I don’t see him moving to Anfield!
(Top photo: Getty Images)