Manchester City loanee João Cancelo is reportedly already “frustrated” at Bundesliga side Bayern Munich as he has once again found himself on the bench.
Cancelo shocked many with his surprise move to the German giants back in the January transfer window after apparently falling out with manager Pep Guardiola, and is now said to be unhappy once again following decisions from his new coach.
Despite making a positive impact in his opening two games, the Portuguese star has only featured in four of the seven fixtures Bayern have played since he signed and was most recently an unused substitute against relegation fodder Stuttgart. He also played just 12 minutes in the previous game.
While many argue that he cannot expect to play every game right away, the 28-year-old was considered one of the best in the Premier League before being loaned out and, to make matters worse, it is now said that manager Julian Nagelsmann is set to bench him for the Champions League tie against PSG.
News #Cancelo: At this stage he will sit on the bench against #PSG. Stanisic is likely to start. The coaches sees João as a typical right back but Bayern is playing with a back 3 since weeks. Right now no chance against Davies/Coman. Player is quiet but frustrated. @SkySportDE 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/RnQV6Okdlr
According to Sky Sports Germany‘s Florian Plettenberg, Cancelo will start on the bench for the crucial second leg against Ligue 1 champions in the Round of 16 and although he has remained relatively quiet on the situation, he is said to be “frustrated” with his current treatment.
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The right-back-come-floating midfielder was previously hailed as one of the most versatile and dynamic players in the Manchester City squad, which you’d think would only make him more desirable to the like of Bayern and other suitors.
However, it is now thought that Cancelo is considered a straight-forward full-back by Nagelsmann and somewhat of an ‘awkward fit’ in their current 3-5-2 system, currently preferring the more defensively-minded Josip Stanisic at right centre-back and Kingsley Coman at right wing-back.
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Nevertheless, it took him just 17 minutes and 14 minutes to grab an assist in his first two games, respectively, so he clearly has plenty to offer and would be considered a huge coup for most clubs.
Contrary to the rumblings, Nagelsmann has insisted that “João’s handling the situation well. I don’t have the impression that he’s breaking off. Stanišić is a bit more defensive, that’s the reason”.
While there has been no hint from either the player or his former manager at this point, given that Cancelo is only on loan, a hypothetical return to the Etihad is not out of the realms of possibility.
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On the other hand, it goes without saying that there would have to be some serious mending of fences in order to resolve the rift between himself and Guardiola.
What do you reckon, Blues — would you have him back in a heartbeat or was Pep’s decision the right one?
Antony‘s case is still ongoing, with a total of three women coming out to accuse him of domestic abuse — chiefly, his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who was first to raise concerns surrounding his alleged behaviour — but his cooperation through the investigation has led them to revise their position.
Issuing an update on Friday morning confirming that the forward with be brought back into the fold until the situation is resolved.
A club statement reads as follows: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.
“As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed. This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
“As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
Erik ten Hag‘s side plays their second game against Crystal Palace in less than a week after beating them 3-0 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and while it is not thought Antony will be brought straight back into the team, he will be available for selection moving forward.
United currently sit ninth in the Premier League with three wins and three losses to their name.
Man United to play Newcastle in Carabao Cup fourth round after Magpies knock out Man City
Danny Jones
Last season’s Carabao Cup winners, Man United, now know their opponents for the next round after Newcastle United beat Man City 1-0 on Wednesday night, meaning both 2022/23 finalists will once again be meeting each other.
Either way, Alexander Isak’s single goal in the game at St James’ Park was enough to see the Magpies make it past the treble-winners despite a dominant first-half display from the away side.
City had been on top throughout and had plenty chances of their own.
After receiving a yellow card during the game, the night ended with Guardiola fuming at referee Chris Kavanagh and exchanging more than a few words after the full-time whistle.
Clearing the moment up with reporters after the game, Pep said: “I don’t know how many fouls they did, how many fouls we had and the number of yellow cards, but it is what it is — sometimes the emotions are there. Respect for the referees and their job, a well-deserved yellow card.”
Nevertheless, the result has led to a repeat of last year’s culminating cup tie which, despite coming much earlier in the competition this time around, will see United facing off against a high-flying Newcastle team who just put eight goals past Sheffield United on this past Sunday.
The Magpies’ manager, Eddie Howe, has already said he and his side are aiming to “go one better” than they did last year and with the form they’re displaying at the moment — especially with United’s stuttering start — they stand a pretty good chance.
🗣 "We want to try and go one further if we can but there's a long way to go."
Elsewhere amongst the Premier League sides remaining in the competition, West Ham will host Arsenal, Bournemouth will play Liverpool at home and Sean Dyche’s Everton will play his old club Burnley.
Further down the footballing pyramid, Fulham visit Championship side Ipswich, Chelsea will host Blackburn and at least two other EFL sides will make it to the quarter-finals, with Mansfield at home to Port Vale and Exeter playing Middlesbrough.
All fourth-round ties are set to take place in the week commencing 30 October.
You can watch the highlights of Newcastle United vs Manchester City down below.
Danny Jones -
7th March 2023 
