MY ACCOUNT
British rapper and Manchester United fan Avelino sat down for a chat with LiveScore ahead of the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
As well as running the rule over the Wembley showdown with Newcastle, he gave his thoughts on Erik ten Hag and the direction the Dutch coach is taking the club in their new era.
Read on as he reveals all about his passion for the Red Devils.
A huge game on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final, what is your prediction?
I think it will be a 2-0 win for Manchester United. I am not just saying that as a diehard fan, I think Newcastle have been brilliant this season, but I do not think United should have too many problems against them in the final.
There will be a tough midfield battle between Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes. Do you think that is where the game will be won or lost?
It could be. I feel like United might be more clinical on the day, that is what I am expecting.
Guimaraes is a quality footballer but Casemiro, in my opinion, is the best in the world in that No6 role, I do not think you get a better player in European football.
It should be an interesting tactical battle between Eddie Howe and Ten Hag, who do you think is the better coach?
Ten Hag. He has accomplished more in football and is more proven, but I really respect Eddie Howe.
I think everyone knew when he was at Bournemouth that he is a quality coach. I remember being interested in clips of his training sessions which doesn’t really happen with any other football managers, so I really rate him.
I think Ten Hag has a bit more experience and has done more in the game though.
At the end of the season, who do you think finishes higher out of the two clubs?
United definitely. We’ll finish second or third I think, I am expecting us to finish second behind Manchester City.
I could be wrong but I think Liverpool will finish fourth ahead of Newcastle.
How do you rate Ten Hag’s time at the club so far?
Honestly, it’s been unbelievable. It’s one thing a new gaffer coming in and winning a few games and getting that buzz and momentum around the place, but this seems a lot more real.
It does not feel like he has just got some good results together, you can see that certain players are actually improving.
You are looking at [Marcus] Rashford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the team seems to have a cohesive idea of how they want to approach the football match and even when it is not going well then he will make changes.
We’ve always had big names in the past but he has added steel in players like Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez, the foundation of the team makes me feel safe.
When I see the line-up and those players are starting I don’t ever expect to lose which has been missing for a long while.
I do not think anyone would have expected it after the first two games of the season and I am not just saying this, but I had full faith in Ten Hag.
Long term, he is the greatest football manager who has ever lived in the history of our beautiful game!
What are your thoughts on Rashford’s form?
We already know that he is an example to so many people off the field but the way he is playing shows that he is one of the greatest examples to any young person who knows they are good at something but it might not be going their way.
He has just got his head down and worked at his craft and you are seeing the results. I don’t think it happens without his attitude.
If you could pick three players for United to sign this summer, who would you choose?
Frenkie de Jong is the top of my shopping list, he is No1.
Victor Osimhen, he is unplayable, he is a nightmare to play against even though it might not be easy on the eye, I would still go for him though.
You can use his talents in different ways. He is lightning quick so he can run in behind and be a nuisance, he is physical and can hold the ball up and he is very unpredictable.
Jurrien Timber from Ajax would be the other one because he is a quality centre-half and he can play in a lot of different positions.
What about Harry Kane, would you take him?
Harry Kane is undoubtedly a very good player, my only reservation with him is when it comes down to it and you have to be that man to say ‘don’t worry lads, we’re in a final, I’ve got this’, I don’t know if he has the mental capacity and courage and character to take that responsibility.
There is no debate that he is one of the best finishers and strikers we have seen, but in that Champions League final, in that Euros final against Italy, in the World Cup against Croatia, in the league run-in with Leicester, he didn’t have the courage to step up.
Wout Weghorst has come in this winter. Do you think that is a short-term fix?
I wouldn’t have him permanently. Given the circumstances, I don’t think we would have signed him, but that is not to take away from the fact that I think he is a good player, I believe he has come in to do a job and he is working hard.
He brings something to the team, and it was even interesting to see him in the second half against Leeds where he was playing behind Rashford and doing some good work.
I don’t know if I would take him permanently because I feel we should be looking at other strikers and we want to strengthen that area. A dream scenario would be getting a striker that can create as well so we can be flexible with where they are playing.
I like when the team can move around and be unpredictable like in recent games where Weghorst can move between the No9 and No10 roles and Rashford can go central.
Would you extend David de Gea’s contract after impressing this season?
Secretly, he is a Manchester United legend, you have to be honest.
There have been moments here and there but I would say yes because I would love for him to win things.
I don’t see a keeper that is available that I would go for. Maybe if I could see one then I would think differently.
Avelino’s debut album God Save The Streets is out April 14. Pre-order here.
