da betway： Given the circumstances, QPR are having a pretty impressive season with a number of players standing out for the Londoners.
da prosport bet： Mark Warburton stepped into the hotseat back in May and had to set about overturning the fortunes of a side who were in misery under Steve McClaren. The R’s won just one of McClaren’s last 15 Championship games and ended the campaign in 19th place.
Additionally, the former Brentford coach had to deal with the departure of Luke Freeman to Sheffield United, while also making 14 new signings in his first transfer window as R’s boss – quite the overhaul.
Despite that, Warburton has worked wonders with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Jordan Hugill, Nahki Wells and Ryan Manning, all of whom have stepped up to the plate to guide QPR into 5th – just three points off the top.
However, the latter of those names in Manning has been linked with a move away. Southampton are reportedly interested in a January move for the left-back at a cut-price fee, with his contract set to expire next summer, while Newcastle are also keeping tabs on the situation.
So, how big a blow for QPR would a winter exit for the Irishman be? Football FanCast’s writers have their say…
Billy Meyers
“I think it would be a monumental blow for QPR to lose Manning at any time, let alone January. The 23-year-old has provided one goal and three assists in the Championship, playing every possible minute of the campaign under Warburton.
“Aside from what he offers the R’s, what is just as concerning as the Premier League interest in Manning is the lack of options at left-back behind him – it is no wonder he has played every minute of the season.
“QPR are in the playoff places as things stand, and are well in the midst of a promotion charge if their early season form is anything to go by. Losing such a key player in Manning midway through what is looking like an exciting season would be a cruel blow, due to what he offers the side and the distinct lack of a ready-made replacement.”
Charles Jones
“Manning would be a huge miss for QPR if he was poached by a Premier League side in January. Contributing to four goals in 13 games from left-back is fantastic, but the fact that he’s played every single minute in the league tells you all you need to know about how important he is.
“Warburton clearly has him earmarked as his first-choice in that position, and with QPR flying high at the moment you wouldn’t want to change anything about that team at the moment. Whether he goes or not remains to be seen, but it could change the course of the R’s season if he went.”
VJ “Make no mistake about it, for a team looking on course for a promotion battle this season, QPR losing Manning in January would be a devastating blow. The 23-year-old has been a key cog in the machine for the Hoops, providing one goals and three assists this season – a particularly impressive number considering he is a left-back. “As per Whoscored, his average match rating of 7.21 is the second-highest of any QPR player this season, and is a testament to just how much of a consistent performer he has been for Warburton’s side. Naturally, his displays have attracted interest from the top-flight of English football, but losing him midway through the season could threaten to derail the Championship outfit’s promotion push.” Kealan Hughes “Manning has played well this season but he isn’t irreplaceable, as Warburton has already proved he is able to overcome an important player leaving after Freeman joined Sheffield United in the summer.“Whilst the left-back has shown effective balance to his play with 2.3 tackles per game, as well as contributing a goal and three assists, he doesn’t exactly fit QPR’s passing style, with the R’s averaging 54% possession in the Championship so far.“That is highlighted by his personal pass accuracy of 70.6%, which means that his possible departure could allow Warburton to bring in a better ball player, particularly as the club is likely to fetch a decent fee for the 23-year-old even despite his contract situation, such is his great form this campaign.”