Farke must now drop Longstaff to finally unleash Leeds "tiger" instead

Leeds United are back in action in the Premier League this afternoon as they travel to the Midlands to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers away from Elland Road.

The Whites are still looking for their first open play goal of the top-flight season. They are also looking for their first win in all competitions since they beat Everton 1-0 on the opening day.

Leeds are aiming to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage last time out in the Premier League, and it will be interesting to see what, if any, changes Daniel Farke makes to the side.

One of the players who should be ruthlessly ditched from the starting line-up after the loss to the Cottagers is central midfielder Sean Longstaff.

Why Leeds should drop Sean Longstaff

The summer signing from Newcastle United played the full 90 minutes against Fulham, but failed to offer much defensively or in possession aside from one shot that hit the woodwork.

Longstaff only completed two progressive passes in 90 minutes on the pitch in the middle of the park, per FBref, whilst also failing to create any chances for his teammates, which shows that he rarely looked to play forward with purpose.

The English midfielder also lost six of his ten ground duels and two of his three aerial contests, per Sofascore. Fulham’s players found it too easy to get the better of him in physical battles, and did not have to worry about what he did on the ball.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

This is why Farke should ruthlessly ditch him from the line-up for this clash with Wolves, because Ao Tanaka should be unleashed in his place to provide more quality in possession.

Why Ao Tanaka should start over Sean Longstaff for Leeds

The Japan international was an unused substitute against Fulham after returning from a knee injury, and the head coach should now bring him back into the starting XI.

Tanaka was pivotal to the way that Leeds dominated the Championship last season, with the technical security and quality that he offered in the middle of the park for Leeds.

The 27-year-old star, who was described as a “tiger” by Farke, also contributed out of possession thanks to his ability to win the ball back for his side through tackles and interceptions.

Passes attempted

72.43

Top 7%

Pass accuracy

89.2%

Top 2%

Progressive passes

7.03

Top 7%

Tackles

2.53

Top 25%

Interceptions

1.47

Top 9%

Blocks

1.25

Top 37%

As you can see in the table above, Tanaka ranked highly among his fellow midfielders in the second tier in key passing and defensive metrics, which shows that he can offer balance in midfield by contributing on and off the ball.

The Japanese star also showed that he can translate that sort of control in possession over to Premier League level with a pass completion rate of 91% and six progressive passes against Everton on the opening day per FBref.

Tanaka could offer far more progression in possession than Longstaff, who has made four progressive passes in over 300 minutes of action this season, per FBref, which could help Leeds to get up the pitch and create more in the final third.

Leeds have failed to score a goal in the two games that Longstaff has started, against Newcastle United and Fulham, and Farke needs to find a way to improve how his side operates on the ball in creative areas.

It's not Darlow: Leeds star is in danger of becoming their new Meslier

This Leeds United star is in danger of becoming the next Illan Meslier at Elland Road.

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This is why bringing Tanaka back into the XI for the English midfielder could be a good move by the German coach, because he appears far more likely to provide the attacking players with the progressive passes that they need to be effective in the final third.

علاء ميهوب: الشناوي ليس وحده من أخطأ في هدف بتروجيت

تحدث علاء ميهوب، نجم الأهلي السابق، عن الشوط الأول من مواجهة الأحمر أمام بتروجيت الجارية الآن، ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري.

وانتهى الشوط الأول، بين الأهلي وبتروجيت بتأخر الأحمر بهدف نظيف ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية عشر من مسابقة الدوري المصري.

وقال علاء ميهوب، عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “الهدف جاء نتيجة وقفة دفاعية خاطئة، المفترض أن اللاعب الذي يراقب حامد حمدان لا يقف أمامه، لكن طاهر كان يقف أمامه”.

طالع.. فيديو | بخطأ من الشناوي.. حامد حمدان يسجل هدف بتروجيت الأول أمام الأهلي

وأكمل: “بالإضافة إلى أن الشناوي اتخذ قرار الخروج متأخرًا، بتوقيت خاطئ، وهذا هو السبب في الهدف”.

وأتم: “الفريق عندما يدخل مرماه هدفًا من كرة ثابتة، يكون ذلك بسبب الوقوف الدفاعي بشكل خاطئ”.

Santos terá mês decisivo na luta contra o rebaixamento

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos terá um mês decisivo para poder se livrar da zona de rebaixamento. Com apenas quatro compromissos marcados para o mês de setembro, o time do litoral paulista encara somente desafios contra adversários que lutam contra a parte inferior da tabela.

Neste próximo domingo (3), o time terá seu primeiro compromisso, que será contra o América-MG. Na ocasião, o Peixe, segundo pior visitante da competição, tentará ganhar pontos, no estádio Independência, contra o Coelho, segundo pior mandante e lanterna do Brasileirão.

+ Já atualizou sua camisa de 2023? Confira os novos uniformes do Peixe!

Após isso, no dia 14 (quinta-feira), em plena Vila Belmiro, o Alvinegro Praiano recebe o Cruzeiro, que está em queda livre na tabela do campeonato nacional e não vence há sete jogos. Por conta disso, os clubes estão bem próximos na tabela e será mais um duelo direto para o Santos buscar a vitória.

Na sequência, acontecerá um dos confrontos mais importantes para o Peixe no ano. Fora de casa, no dia 18 (segunda-feira), a equipe encontrará o Bahia, que, no momento, trava uma luta ponto a ponto e é o primeiro time fora da zona de rebaixamento.

Por fim, no dia 30 (sábado), o time terá contra o Vasco mais um decisivo confronto. Em casa, o Santos encerrará os jogos do mês de setembro justamente com o clube que, atualmente, está logo abaixo dele na tabela de classificação.

Em um cenário hipotético, caso o Peixe vença as quatro partidas, o clube saltará para 33 pontos e terá meio caminho andado até os místicos 45 pontos, sem contar que irá atrapalhar rivais que estão diretamente na briga contra o rebaixamento.

Mustafizur Rahman out of Pakistan T20Is with thumb injury

Mustafizur was hit on his left hand while attempting a caught and bowled during the IPL game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals

Mohammad Isam25-May-2025Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series in Pakistan because of a thumb injury that he suffered during IPL 2025. Khaled Ahmed has been named his replacement.Mustafizur was hit on his left hand while playing for Delhi Capitals against Punjab Kings on May 24 while attempting a caught and bowled off Josh Inglis. According to the Bangladesh physio Delowar Hossain, the injury could take up to three weeks to heal.”Mustafizur suffered a clip fracture on his left thumb while playing his last match of the Indian Premier League yesterday,” Hossain said. “This injury requires a period of rest and rehabilitation. As per our current assessment, he will be unavailable for selection for the next two to three weeks. We will conduct a follow-up evaluation after two weeks to monitor his recovery progress.”Related

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Mustafizur is the third player to become unavailable for the series that begins on May 28 in Lahore. Nahid Rana had withdrawn for personal reasons, while Soumya Sarkar injured his back and was replaced by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.Mustafizur’s replacement Khaled has had a productive 2024-25 season, taking 77 wickets at 21.74 in all formats of competitive cricket. He took 20 wickets at an average of 21.55 in the recent BPL season.Bangladesh play Pakistan in three T20Is in Lahore on May 28, 30 and June 1, having just lost a T20I series 2-1 to UAE in Sharjah.

17-year-old is one of Man Utd's "biggest talents" & he could rival Mbeumo

Manchester United recruited a new-look front three for Ruben Amorim over the summer. With Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho both leaving the club, the Red Devils needed depth in forward areas.

To add that strength up top, Sir Jim Ratcliffe spent more than £200m constructing the new forward line. Matheus Cunha joined for £62.5m from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Their new number nine was Benjamin Sesko. He signed late in the window from RB Leipzig, costing United £74m. He scored in back-to-back games heading into the recent international break.

Bryan Mbeumo was the other signing from Brentford, costing £71m including add-ons. It has been a strong start to the campaign for the Cameroonian star, too.

How Mbeumo’s start compares to other Big 6 wingers

Naturally, there was going to be a lot of pressure on United’s new number 19. He had an exceptional season for Bournemouth last season, with 28 goals and assists in 38 Premier League matches.

However, the 26-year-old has started the season well. He’s already scored twice for United and has an assist in eight games.

His first Premier League strike came against Burnley, and he set up Mason Mount against Sunderland.

But, how do those stats stack up to some of the other right-sided attackers in the Big 6? Well, Mohamed Salah’s start to the season has been somewhat underwhelming, although he has two goals and two assists in the Premier League so far. Those are the same numbers Phil Foden has across all competitions.

Arsenal’s main right-sided option, Bukayo Saka, has scored three goals in all competitions, and Tottenham Hotspur’s Mohammed Kudus has set up five goals. As for Chelsea, Estevao has been their chief destroyer on the right, with a goal and assist, including that late winner against Liverpool.

Overall, Mbeumo’s numbers stack up well to some of his rivals. What is scary for their opponents is that United have a homegrown version of the Cameroon star brewing at Carrington.

United’s homegrown Mbeumo

Although Mbeumo is only 26 years of age and not even in his peak years, it is always nice for United fans to know that they have an extremely talented right-sided attacker in their academy.

The Cameroonian international will be perfect for him to learn from.

Indeed, Red Devils fans can surely get excited about 17-year-old winger Bendito Mantato. The England under-18 international has shone for their academy over the past couple of years, so much so that Amorim invited him to join first-team training this week.

The forward is a versatile player who can play on both flanks and even at left-back. However, when operating as a right-winger under Darren Fletcher in the under-18s squad, he’s scored and assisted in just two games.

Indeed, those numbers are impressive, but his overall stats for the under-18s at Carrington show he’s posed a threat to opposition defenders for a few seasons. He’s scored 14 goals and assisted three times in just 23 games in the Under-18s Premier League.

2022/23

4

0

2023/24

7

6 goals & 2 assists

2024/25

11

7 goals

2025/26

1

1 goal & 1 assist

The 17-year-old is a player who possesses a good instinct in the penalty box, a great threat for a winger to have. This strike against Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup last season demonstrates just that.

It is also similar to Mbeumo’s goal against Burnley this season, highlighting the similarities between the pair.

Mantato is certainly an exciting prospect, with Academy Scoop, a Red Devils academy page over on X, calling him “one of the biggest talents at the club.” That is certainly high praise, given the quality in the academy ranks at Carrington.

It will be fascinating to see how Mantato’s development goes and how similar to Mbeumo he is when he does eventually break into first-team football.

Not Sesko: Carrington's "machine" is destined to be Man Utd's next No.9

Manchester United have their next number nine brewing at Old Trafford…

ByRobbie Walls Oct 16, 2025

£202k-per-week striker could now replace Kolo Muani after Tottenham approach

Tottenham are making plans to sign a new striker in 2026 amid concerns surrounding Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, with the Lewis family’s recent £100 million cash injection potentially about to be reinvested into the transfer market.

Tottenham dealt Solanke and Richarlison worries as new striker targeted

Solanke is expected back soon after undergoing minor surgery on an ankle problem, but the England international’s goalscoring proficiency has been marred by fitness issues since his club-record £65 million move from Bournemouth last year.

Tottenham’s most expensive signings of all time

Rank

Player

Fee

Signed from

Year

1

Dominic Solanke

£65m

Bournemouth

2024

2

Tanguy Ndombele

£62.8m

Lyon

2019

3

Richarlison

£60m

Everton

2022

4

Xavi Simons

£52m

RB Leipzig

2025

5

Brennan Johnson

£47.5m

Nottingham Forest

2023

See the rest here…

The striker missed over 12 games last season with a combination of thigh, knee and ankle issues, with Solanke already sitting out eight matches this term and hasn’t managed to play more than 20 minutes in a single one of his appearances under Thomas Frank.

Understandably, some supporters have grown slightly frustrated by Solanke’s lack of availability, even if he finished 24/25 as their second-top scorer in all competitions behind Brennan Johnson with 16 goals.

Richarlison, meanwhile, got off to a flying start this season with a brace against Burnley on the opening Premier League weekend, including a sensational bicycle kick and early goal of the season contender, but the Brazilian has largely failed to convince on-lookers since then.

Taking this into account, Spurs CEO Vinai Venkatesham and the new-look Lilywhites board have already been linked with a few intriguing centre-forward targets.

Frank has reportedly reached out to Ivan Toney over a potential loan move to Tottenham in January, coming after the Englishman dazzled under him at Brentford with 20 Premier League goals in 2022/2023.

As Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic’s contract ticks down towards expiry next summer, Spurs have also been touted with a swoop for the Serbian.

Vlahovic could replace Kolo Muani after Tottenham approach made

Reports suggest that Vlahovic’s camp have spoken to Tottenham as they reach out to various suitors, and Italian news outlet Sport Quotidiano now have an update on the 25-year-old’s situation.

They claim that Tottenham have “tested the waters” for Vlahovic, suggesting an approach has been made, and the ex-Fiorentina star could even replace summer signing Randal Kolo Muani, who’s only on a dry loan from PSG and yet to establish himself due to injury.

Quotidiano adds that Vlahovic, who they claim earns around £202,000-per-week, is “increasingly likely” to depart Turin with no fresh terms in sight.

The international hitman is poised to become one of next year’s most in-demand free agents at the very least, if Juve don’t opt to sell him for a cheap fee in the winter.

Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic in action with Manchester City's Ruben Dias andRicoLewis

The number nine boasts a fairly impressive track record, consistently finding the back of the net in Serie A with Fiorentina and Juventus — scoring at least 14 goals in every season since his breakthrough campaign at La Viola in 2020/2021.

Tottenham have struggled at times to convert chances, lacking a reliable, clinical finisher to lead the line amid Solanke and Richarlison’s problems.

Vlahovic’s attacking record in one of Europe’s toughest leagues speaks volumes, and his physical presence adds another dimension too.

Signing him for free or at a cut-price in January would be an arguable coup when factoring in the long-standing interest in him from Premier League clubs, but his wages could be a sticking point, as Vlahovic’s current terms would make him Tottenham’s highest-paid player.

Amorim must boldly bench Amad & start "underrated" Man Utd star instead

Manchester United will travel to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, chasing their first win away to the Reds since 2015/16.

If Ruben Amorim’s side are victorious, it will also be the first time they’ve won back-to-back Premier League games under the Portuguese manager.

Last season’s result at Anfield was one of their best there in years. United came away with a 2-2 draw, thanks to goals from Lisandro Martinez and Amad, who scored an 80th-minute equaliser. That was the first time the Red Devils had scored at Anfield since 2018/19.

Amorim spoke about Martinez’s availability in his pre-match press conference, along with other team news.

Man Utd’s team news for Liverpool trip

The number of injuries in the United squad is decreasing as the season progresses, which is important for Amorim. Martinez has been sidelined since February, although the trip to Anfield has seemingly come too soon for the 2022 World Cup winner.

The United boss confirmed that the 27-year-old is not too far off a return to full training, having been back on grass for a few weeks.

Martinez is “almost returning to the training with the team,” said Amorim.

Noussair Mazraoui is another player who United have been without for a few weeks. Amorim clarified that he is unsure of his availability for the trip to Anfield, with the Red Devils gaffer saying, “I don’t know” when quizzed on whether he will feature against United.

Although he wasn’t mentioned in the press conference, Ayden Heaven did pick up a knock on England under-20s duty. However, an article from The Manchester Evening News said United have ‘played down’ any potential issue with the talented centre-back.

As for the other players involved with their national teams this week, Amorim confirmed “they are ready” to play on Sunday. He certainly has a few different options when it comes to the makeup of his starting lineup, with a few selection headaches at wing-back.

Amorim’s secret weapon at wing-back

It has not been easy for Amoirm to land on the right formula at wing-back throughout his stint as United boss.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Patrick Dorgu has tended to be the option on the left flank.

On the right, Mazraoui has played that role well, but it is not a guarantee that he will be involved against the Reds.

That leaves two options for Amorim to go with. Amad is one of those, although he may well choose to go with the more defensive option of Diogo Dalot.

The Portuguese right-back has shown great versatility under his countryman, but right wing-back is surely where he slots in best.

The 26-year-old, who was born in Braga, has played on both flanks for United this season. However, across his six appearances, he’s played four times on the right-hand side, starting there against Arsenal on the first day of the season.

It is for his more defensive approach that he could be a better option than Amad from the start. Dalot would be coming directly up against Cody Gakpo, who is in stellar form this season.

The Dutchman has two goals and two assists in seven Premier League games so far.

United’s number two is a right-back by trade, and certainly offers a lot from a defensive point of view. Compared to Amad this season, he’s won more tackles in the defensive third per game, with 1.08 as opposed to the Ivorian’s 0.2.

Interceptions

0.81

0.4

% of dribblers tackled

100%

42.9%

Defensive third tackles won

1.08

0.2

Key passes

1.62

1.6

Crosses completed

1.08

0.2

Yet, as the numbers in the table show, Dalot does offer a threat going forward, meaning it is not just a defensive-minded selection from the Red Devils boss.

However, he certainly has the defensive nous to lock down Gakpo, one of Liverpool’s biggest attacking threats.

As Statman Dave has said, the United defender is an “underrated” member of the squad.

His ability from a defensive point of view could be key against a threat like Gakpo, as United go on the hunt for a rare win at Anfield.

Man Utd's "£100m + footballer" is becoming the new Hojlund & it's not Sesko

Manchester United simply must manage one player to prevent a Rasmus Hojlund repeat.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 17, 2025

Aiden Markram's long walk off field the calm before a South Africa storm

Aiden Markram’s long walk back to the pavilion at the end of his epic, trophy-seizing century, ought by rights to have been one of the proudest, most self-reflective moments of his life.With a mere six runs still needed for World Test Championship glory, here was his chance to soak in the moment, and stride off the hallowed turf of Lord’s with a salute to all corners. Surely, with 136 fourth-innings runs to his name, Markram knew in his heart of hearts (if not quite in his frontal cortex) that he was the man who had just exorcised some 30 years of South Africa big-stage failure.That wasn’t quite how the man himself allowed the moment to unfold, however.”I wish I could have,” he said. “But that’s me being me when I get out. I’m always angry.”At least looking at the building in front was pretty special. And then, naturally, the walk up [the stairs] was incredibly special. So at least there’s one or two memories from that.”Related

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Markram’s reaction was perhaps the final vestige of South Africa’s suspension of belief. Despite all of the well-worn caveats that the nation has learned to factor into impending glory, the thronging support in the stands had long since abandoned their reticence. Perhaps the biggest clue that the game was up, however, came from the reaction of Australia’s own fielders.Travis Head’s sharp take at midwicket created barely a flicker of recognition. For most people in the crowd, the first inkling that Markram was out came as he clasped his own helmet in agony and turned on his heel. But soon afterwards it was clear, as one by one, the Australians trooped up to shake his hand. It was wonderfully magnanimous in the moment, but their body language wasn’t just beaten, but broken.”I noticed it for sure,” Markram said. “Obviously, it was a great touch from their side. There’s quite a bit of banter had on the field. But all is well that ends well, I guess. It’s always nice to be appreciated from that position.”Perhaps he’s still in a trance, still locked into the duty of delivering an innings that, by every conceivable measure – grandness of occasion, fourth innings, and against a relentless attack of unprecedented quality and longevity – earns it the right to be considered the greatest Test innings ever produced by a South African.”Nothing’s hit me just yet, so maybe that’s a good thing, but something needs to hit me soon, to get out all the emotions, because it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster.”It was Aiden Markram’s third fourth-innings hundred•ICC/Getty Images

But there was a moment, as Markram marched through to his century late on the third evening, when the mask cracked and the enormity of his performance seemed ready to engulf him. With a stiff upper lip that would doubtless have earned the approval of the many English public-school boys in the stands, he quickly gulped down his emotions – though not without ducking a request for a close-of-play word to the cameras – and reset himself to perform his duty.”Yeah, it was weird last night. I was pretty emotional,” he said. “From about quarter past five, the game had slowed down. I had a bit of time to look around and see all the fans, the family, all the mates that were there … I was looking at the changing room. I was like, ‘Yes, we are now getting close’, and it caught me off guard. Then the hundred happened, and a couple of tears leaked out that I was trying to fight.”Markram reached the close on 102 not out and, with just 69 runs still to get on the final day, he went on to sleep “horribly”.”I tried to take a sleeping tablet, it didn’t work,” he said. “The mind just couldn’t switch off. But fortunately, today wasn’t ever going to be a full day, so I knew it would be fine.”Markram went the full journey in the course of this contest. Way back on that frenzied opening day, he epitomised South Africa’s hunger with his highly-strung display in the slips – first, by being the distraction as he dived across David Bedingham from second slip, then by clinging on as Wiaan Mulder repeated the dose from third, as Kagiso Rabada cranked open the contest with two Australian wickets in four balls.Later that day, his lesser-heralded offspin extracted a well-set Steven Smith for 66, and on the stroke of lunch on Friday, he finally ended Australia’s dogged tenth-wicket stand as Josh Hazlewood holed out to cover.In between whiles, however, he had also fallen for a sixth-ball duck in South Africa’s ropey start to their batting display. And, having made 4 from five balls as captain in Barbados last June, as South Africa’s last appearance in an ICC final fell agonisingly short of glory, he admitted that the urge to stay in the moment was his single biggest driver, when his chance came again to steer his country’s fortunes.Aiden Markram got a well-deserved drink from a friend in the stands•PA Images via Getty Images

“I thought a lot about the T20 World Cup last night and how hopeless I felt sitting on the side after getting out,” he said. “I was like, I don’t want to sit there again. So, this gave me a bit of motivation to make sure I stayed at the crease, if I could. But never once thought about the achievements and what would come with it. It was always about just trying to get the job done and trying to win.”That mindset meant that, throughout his game-breaking 147-run stand with Temba Bavuma, there was never any question about backing up his captain’s desire to soldier on, even after his left hamstring gave way just six runs into his critical knock of 66 that spanned three-and-a-quarter hours.”To see his hammy go was obviously a bit worrying,” Markram said. “We got to tea, and he said he felt he could still keep going, but he wanted to know from my side if the twos becoming ones would affect me.”I said, ‘there’s no chance’. It’s about the partnership, staying out there for longer, getting the ball even softer, even older, and that’s exactly what he did. He still managed to run twos and threes, so I think there was a lot of adrenaline there, but he showed a lot of leadership and character. Maybe not the big, big numbers, but the ones that really make a difference, and that was tremendous for us.”Besides being his most important innings, this was also Markram’s third century in five Tests against Australia, a team against whom he is clearly primed to raise his game. “Australians and South Africans are pretty similar,” he said. “They play the game hard, they play the game to compete, they play the game to really win, and it brings out the best in us. It’s just a battle between two teams that really don’t have any interest in losing.”And now, South Africa are the World Test Champions – an accolade earned in spite of the many well-documented brickbats they faced in the build-up, both in terms of their unusual route to this final, as well as the baggage that such a contest brings with it. “It’s as big and as tough as it gets,” Markram said. “All the questions that have been asked in the past have fortunately now been answered.”And now, at the very last, perhaps he’ll get his chance to savour the moment, now that he has lived it to the fullest. The first inkling of this occurred in the moments before the presentation, amid the melee on the outfield, and the tears and euphoria of his team-mates.Markram was beckoned by a familiar face in the stands, and after some initial hesitation, he trotted over to let his personal party begin.”Yeah, that was cool,” he said. “That was one of my mates from school. He wanted me to come over. And I was like, ‘man, I can’t, it’s too busy. It’s chaos’. And then he was like, ‘Oh, here’s a beer’ … and I was like, okay! I’ve had my first one for today, and I’m pretty sure there’ll be a few more.”

£120,000-a-week star has played his last game for Man Utd after Amorim axe

Manchester United had to make some difficult decisions during the summer window and could now be set to part ways with another star on a permanent basis in the near future.

Manchester United seek to build on Premier League momentum

Admittedly, the Red Devils are going to need more consistency to trouble sides near the top of the Premier League table, but a deserved victory over Chelsea has given Ruben Amorim space to breathe.

Now, back-to-back fixtures against Brentford and Sunderland offer an opportunity for the Portuguese boss to generate some much-needed momentum at Old Trafford, especially after he held face-to-face talks about Manchester United’s trajectory with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Bruno Fernandes has been a leading light for the Red Devils, and there is an argument to say his side needs to find a level of self-sufficiency without relying on their awe-inspiring captain every week, though seeing off Enzo Maresca’s outfit has shown they can win when the pressure is on.

Amorim also needs to be applauded for his ruthless approach in the transfer market. Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho were among summer departures, indicating that the man in charge isn’t afraid to wield the axe when fresh ideas are needed across the squad.

Of course, some of their dealings during the window were enforced. Garnacho has experienced a taste of why the grass isn’t always greener. Still the main aim at Manchester United is building a squad capable of challenging for silverware.

Premier League manager admits star is unsettled due to Man Utd approach

The Red Devils are known to be big admirers.

BySean Markus Clifford Sep 22, 2025

Financially, that may prove tricky as the club tries to navigate PSR legislation. Sales will be necessary, and another high-profile departure could now be on the cards at Old Trafford.

Romano: Andre Onana's time is up at Old Trafford

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has delivered some telling insight on Andre Onana’s career at Manchester United after he was loaned to Trabzonspor.

Addressing his future, the renowned transfer specialist has confirmed that the Cameroon star now appears to be permanently out of the picture at Old Trafford, and there is no way back after Senne Lammens arrived from Royal Antwerp.

He stated: “My understanding is that both sides – Man Utd and Andre Onana himself – see this Man Utd chapter as almost closed. So it’s very difficult to imagine Onana staying at Man Utd beyond (next summer).

“Man Utd believe that Senne Lammens is going to be the goalkeeper for present and future, so unless something extraordinary happens, (Onana’s agreement) is a straight loan, and he might go somewhere else in the future, but it’s over between Man Utd and Onana, probably.”

Enjoying a solid start to life at Trabzonspor, the 29-year-old has featured against Fenerbahce and Gaziantep, even claiming an assist against the latter in a 1-1 draw.

Retaining a save percentage of 80% in the Super Lig, per Fotmob, it remains to be seen whether the Turkish outfit will look to deal him in permanently or whether alternative suitors will look to land the £120,000 per week earner.

Injured Bavuma out of Zimbabwe Tests, Maharaj named captain

Bavuma sustained the injury in the WTC final during his match-winning 66

Firdose Moonda20-Jun-20257:27

Bavuma: We’ve wiped all doubts with the way that we’ve played

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the two-Test series against Zimbabwe, which starts next Saturday. Keshav Maharaj will captain the team in Bavuma’s absence.Bavuma has not recovered from the hamstring strain he suffered during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia last week and will undergo further scans to determine the extent of the injury.The squad features five uncapped players as South Africa rest several all-format players including Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is only available for the second Test.Related

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Bavuma, who led South Africa to the WTC title, sustained the injury on the third day of the match. He was on six runs at the time and pulled up while completing a single. He received treatment on field and batted through to tea, where he was advised not to continue batting.After the game, Bavuma revealed that he went against medical advice because he did not want to give himself the option of not being in the middle at a crucial time in the game. In consultation with Markram, who agreed to downscale the tempo of his running between the wickets.Bavuma resumed his innings and saw South Africa through to the close of play. He finished on 66 as South Africa won by five wickets.South Africa’s next assignments after Zimbabwe, which Bavuma could be part of, are ODIs against Australia in August and England in September. Their next WTC campaign begins against Pakistan in October before a series in India in November. South Africa will not play any home Tests until October 2026, when they will host Australia. Bavuma has indicated he would like to continue playing until the 2027 home ODI World Cup, fitness permitting.This is the third hamstring injury Bavuma has suffered in less than two years. He was injured during the 2023 ODI World Cup and played the semi-final and then again during the Boxing Day Test against India that year. He has also had a series of elbow injuries and plays with a heavily strapped left elbow.South Africa squad: David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj (capt), Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi (second Test only), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf

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