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Como manager and ex-Arsenal star Cesc Fàbregas has now heaped praise on Mikel Arteta following a key Gunners tactical tweak.

The Premier League frontrunners take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light later today, pitting Arteta’s side against the surprise package of the season.

Arsenal arrive on Wearside in utterly imperious form. The north Londoners have won their last 10 matches across all competitions, with eight consecutive victories without conceding a single goal.

Arsenal’s unbeaten run in all competitions since defeat to Liverpool
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

They’re aiming to win five successive Premier League games without conceding for the first time since 1987, while their run of eight clean sheets in all competitions matches a club record set way back in 1903.

It’s been nearly 13 hours of football since anyone has scored against them, which is quite simply unbelievable, and they of course boast the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues as a result.

That being said, Regis Le Bris’ side pose a tough challenge. Sunderland enter this game having defied all pre-season expectations spectacularly. They’ve accumulated 18 points from their opening 10 fixtures – the most any promoted side has managed at this stage since Hull City’s 20 points in 2008-09.

Their remarkable home form has been key, remaining unbeaten at the Stadium of Light this campaign.

Arsenal are still favourites to win this one, though, following their imperious start to the season — which is made all the more impressive by their mountain of attacking injuries.

Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and captain Martin Odegaard are all unavailable with knee or muscular problems — even if Jesus returned to training this week — Meanwhile, striker Viktor Gyokeres has been ruled out with a potential hamstring injury until after the international break.

This leaves Arteta pretty short of forward options, with Mikel Merino likely to continue in an emergency striker role.

Merino’s second-half brace secured a 3-0 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague in midweek, adding to his very impressive tally of 11 goals in all competitions for Arsenal this calendar year.

The midfielder has been nothing short of inspirational when called upon to play an unfamiliar role by Arteta, and Fabregas is certainly impressed by the former Real Sociedad star.

Fabregas praises "great move" by Arteta to play Merino as Arsenal striker

Speaking in an interview with Calciomercato this week, Fabregas stated it was a “great move” by Arteta to play Merino as a striker once again in the absence of Gyokeres — claiming he’s done very well in the role.

Merino had never played striker before featuring there for the first time against Leicester City back in February, where he scored both goals in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory after replacing the injured Kai Havertz.

Since then, he’s excelled in the position.

The midfielder has netted an astonishing 19 goals for club and country combined in 2025, including his midweek brace against Slavia Prague that also took his Arsenal tally to three headed goals this season. His 6 foot 2 frame makes him a major aerial threat inside the area, while on the deck he’s incredibly strong, using his muscular frame to dominate physical 50-50s.

Galatasary club president Dursun Ozbek has dropped a massive hint that the Turkish giants will make a sensational move for Argentina maestro Lionel Messi. Gala have dominated Turkish football in recent seasons, winning three consecutive titles and notably tallying a record-breaking 102 points back in 2023-24. And now Ozbek believes he can convince Messi to swap Inter Miami for the Turkish capital.

• Massive move for MLS star Messi on the cards?

  Galatasaray have a proven track record in recent seasons of signing high-profile players, which has driven forward their dominance of Turkish football. Forward Mauro Icardi joined on loan before making a permanent move, famously becoming the league's top scorer during the 2023-24 campaign. The club made a record-shattering £65 million ($85.5m) permanent signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen earlier this year. Other major acquisitions included the free transfers Wilfried Zaha and Belgian playmaker Dries Mertens, alongside other key players like Lucas Torreira.

  But signing Messi would be a massive undertaking, the diminutive genius has transformed Inter Miami since his arrival in 2023, leading the club to its first trophy, the Leagues Cup. He was also instrumental in their 2024 Supporters' Shield win and in setting the league's record for most regular-season points. Messi's brilliance has elevated the entire team and significantly boosted the MLS's global profile. He continues to deliver decisive performances, as seen in the recent MLS Cup playoffs.

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• AFP
  

  'You can easily ask the Messi question'

  But Messi's elite profile in the MLS is no deterrent to Gala president Ozbek, who was asked by Turkish reporters about rumours linking them with the little magician. "Did you say Messi? Galatasaray's most successful point is the transfers it has made," Ozbek is quoted as saying by . We didn't make too many transfers, but we made the transfers we needed, we kept the team. We kept the backbone of the team that became champion three years in a row, especially the whole team. I believe we built a successful team with transfers. We raised the bar very high. We made the highest transfer in the history of Turkish football. Galatasaray's economic level is suitable for these transfers."

  He added: "We have raised the level of success to a high level, so you can easily ask the Messi question. While doing all this, we have achieved a good financial situation and we are not doing anything that will disrupt this. All the work we do, all of it has to stay within our financial capacity. That's why we have built a good team and hopefully we have goals in Europe. We will do whatever it takes to reach these goals."

• Major hurdles to sign Messi

  There are a few stumbling blocks for Ozbek to overcome in his pursuit of Messi. The talismanic Argentina superstar has just signed a new deal to keep him in Miami until 2028, when he’ll be 41 and he has recently spoken of how much he's enjoying life on the Florida coast. 

  Messi recently said: "We were so happy living in Barcelona, the family and the kids, we had everything and we all grew up there. Imagine, I came when I was 13 years old… I built my entire life there. Here in Miami it was different because it was a family decision. Since arriving in Miami, the experience has been wonderful… Living in this amazing city first, then the affection of the people! Everything."

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• AFP
  

  Slim chance of landing the GOAT

  There is a glimmer of hope for Galatasaray however, as Messi will not play in domestic competition between December and March during the MLS close-season. The Argentina star, who is hoping to lead his side out as they defend their crown at next year's World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico earns an eye-watering £15 million ($19.7m), but Gala have shown they're happy to spend big to tempt big-name stars in recent seasons.

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has named his two players of the season so far, and they’re not who you would expect.

Arsenal looking to make it 10 games unbeaten against Crystal Palace

After putting Atlético Madrid to the sword on Tuesday night, Mikel Arteta is now looking to extend Arsenal’s impressive unbeaten run in all competitions to 10 games against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Arsenal’s unbeaten run since defeat to Liverpool

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Palace, who recently saw their own 19-game unbeaten streak come to an end against Everton before the international break, will be tricky customers for an Arsenal side who need every point they can muster.

Arteta’s side are in high spirits right now and look absolutely rock solid, having conceded just three goals in the Premier League so far this season, and they have plenty of stars to thank for their imperiousness.

Gabriel and William Saliba continue to cement their places among world football’s best centre-backs, with the former majorly contributing going forward as well. His threat from set plays has been a constant thorn in the opposition’s side since the very start of last season, and Gabriel’s carried this trend into 25/26 as teams struggle to find an answer.

Bukayo Saka, now that he’s returned from a hamstring problem, is back to his imperious best and caused Atlético all sorts of problems on the right-hand side, with Paul Merson saying he had the La Liga side “on toast”.

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid – most shots

Total

Bukayo Saka

5

Gabriel Magalhaes

3

Viktor Gyokeres

3

Julian Alvarez

3

Eberechi Eze

2

via WhoScored

Before his knee injury, Noni Madueke was seriously impressing too, while goalkeeper David Raya was rewarded with new and improved terms recently amid his continued contribution to the team.

Declan Rice has also stood out as the linchpin of Arsenal’s midfield, with Martin Zubimendi doing a stellar job alongside the England international.

However, according to Parlour, two completely different names have shone above the rest.

Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori named Arsenal's players of the season so far

Speaking to EPL Index, Parlour claimed that Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are quietly outshining everyone, even with Saliba and Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal’s rise to the Premier League summit.

Timber has been a rock at the back, showcasing defensive brilliance with more tackles on average per 90 in the Premier League than any other Arsenal player, according to WhoScored.

The Dutchman is also their best-performing player by average match rating (WhoScored), so the numbers absolutely support Parlour’s theory.

Timber really needs to start getting even more credit from pundits who arguably don’t mention him enough, but Arsenal recognise his stellar contribution amid reports they’re speaking to the right-back about a new and improved deal.

Calafiori, meanwhile, has kept budding teenage star Myles Lewis-Skelly out of the team with his very impressive performances at left-back so far, with the Italian averaging more tackles on average than any other defender in the team, including both Saliba and Gabriel.

Emma Hayes' side had a bumpy start to the October camp, but finished off in style by overpowering New Zealand 6-0

Various members of the U.S. women's national team said it this week: it seemed like forever since they last saw one another. Nearly four months, to be exact. A lot had changed since that last friendly against Canada on July 2, and, in truth, the USWNT's October camp reflected the fact this team hadn't been together.

It began in frustrating fashion with a 2-1 loss to Portugal, one that served as a wake-up call for this team. Portugal played hard and pressed well, earning their first victory over the USWNT in 11 all-time matches – and handing Emma Hayes' side their third loss of 2025.

The response? A big win a few days later, albeit an imperfect one with a 2-1 scoreline. There was nothing imperfect about their final game of the camp, though, as the U.S. blew past an overmatched New Zealand side, 6-0.

Something of a mixed bag, then, by USWNT standards. There were players who clearly stepped up and made their cases. There will be others who will be looking back at the first Portugal game with some second thoughts. With World Cup qualifying closing in, Hayes continues to sort out her player pool, and the results during this camp will certainly play a part in that pursuit.

Who stood out? Whose stock rose, and whose fell? GOAL takes a look.

Getty ImagesStock up: Rose Lavelle

She's a World Cup and Olympic champion. Everyone knew who Rose Lavelle was before this camp, of course, but with her performances, Lavelle made sure they'd remember who she was after it, too.

This was peak Lavelle. She scored in twice, netting 33 seconds into the opener before dazzling with a first-time finish from outside the box finish in the closer. In between, she impacted games in the way she has for her entire USWNT career, creatively running the show in a variety of ways.

It was throwback, in a way, from the 30-year-old midfielder, but also a reminder that there's still plenty left to give, too.

“Lavelle is one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” Hayes said on Wednesday. “I mean, that goal – not many players score that.”

Even among these younger, rising stars who fighting to replicate what she did at the 2019 World Cup, Lavelle remains a standout. Creatively, there are with her talent, and this camp was a visceral reminder of that – even as the world focuses on the next generation of USWNT stars.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesStock up: Lily Yohannes

Speaking of that next generation, it's getting harder to label Lily Yohannes as "next" instead of "right now." Even at 18, Yohannes doesn't just look like a USWNT player; she looks like a USWNT starter, and it might be time to acknowledge that fact.

The midfielder has seemingly taken another leap since making the move to join OL Lyonnes, and she's running games in ways that 18-years-olds shouldn't be able to. There are times, even on this international level, in which Yohannes looks like an adult among children, which is remarkable when you consider that she's still a teenager. 

She just makes everything look so easy, from long passes to receiving the ball in tight spaces. That level of technicality isn't supposed to be easy. To the contrary, it should take years to develop and refine. And just as amazing, Yohannes is still learning. 

"She plays beyond her years," Hayes said. "She has no fear to get on the ball with pressure, solve pressure, she can switch balls out, she can thread balls in behind."

There will, inevitably, be dips in form. That's natural at her age and should be expected. The thing is that, even in those valleys, she might just be better than just about everyone else. It's why, by the time World Cup qualifying rolls around, it'll likely be impossible to keep her out of the starting XI.

Getty ImagesStock down: Lindsey Heaps

This isn't a reflection on Lindsey Heaps' game. She had a fantastic assist against New Zealand and, in general, continues to be a valuable leader in midfield, one that does a little bit of everything for a team that certainly needs that, given their inexperience.

But with Yohannes' ascension, the midfield has become crowded. With Lavelle balling out and Sam Coffey providing much-needed energy in a deeper role, could it be the captain that, at some point, makes way?

Fortunately, no one has to make that decision any time soon, and Hayes will be fine with putting it off. The U.S., in truth, doesn't need a set lineup until the World Cup kicks off in two years. And having multiple world-class midfielders available is a blessing.

Heaps is still in that category, and it cannot be understated just how important she has been in Yohannes' rise as her club and international teammate. It has to be said, though, that Heaps might just be building up her replacement, even if that is a few years down the line. Of course, that's what she'll hope for, anyway, as she looks to continue setting the tone as this team's midfield leader.

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Getty ImagesStock up: Olivia Moultrie

Expectations were always a bit heavy on Olivia Moultrie. When you're the game's youngest professional, that happens. Everyone knew Moultrie would get to a certain level, but the question was always centered around how long it would take.

Maybe it's now? Six years after turning professional, Moultrie is now a still just 20 years old. She's still, very much, an evolving player. She has developed into a goalscorer, though, one who could play her way into the mix over the next year.

“I think she's having an outstanding season,” Hayes said. “I think she's a goal threat. I played her off of the right but coming inside. I knew there would be second spaces inside the box. I think she exploited them well.”

Her goals will help. She's been scoring in bunches, both for the Portland Thorns and the USWNT, with her two goals in the win over Portugal really showcasing her game. Both finishes were wildly composed, placed shots, ones that showed maturity and poise beyond her years.

It's the type of thing you expect from a player with multiple NWSL seasons under her belt, but it's not the thing you expect from a 20-year-old. Midfield spots are going to be difficult to seize. But Moultrie, who has been in and out of the team, made her case to be involved going forward.

Eddie Howe said he doesn’t have “a rabbit I can pull out of the hat” when quizzed on Newcastle United’s early-season injury problems.

Newcastle are enduring their perennial teething problems during the first months of the campaign, but there are certainly signs of new life stretching sunward from the squad, who have been rattled and turned during the summer transfer window but are coming off the back of big performances in the Champions League and Premier League as we pause for the October international break.

Nick Woltemade, in particular, is the talk of the town after his fast start to life at number nine. Four goals from seven games and a penalty to behold during Sunday’s win over Nottingham Forest.

There’s work to be done, but the 23-year-old is showing signs of significant potential. And while Alexander Isak has left for Liverpool, this talented frontman could be a dream partner for Anthony Gordon over the coming years.

Gordon's new Isak

Gordon and Isak formed quite the partnership over the past two years at Newcastle. The England winger even described Isak as being “the best in Europe” back in January, with the striker having scored nine in seven in the Premier League.

Isak is undoubtedly an elite goalscorer, having notched 27 in all competitions last year. His pace and potency and intelligence worked wonderfully with Gordon’s own rip-roaring style, with the duo each dominating the headlines across the past two Toon terms.

For Gordon, this is a striker who might even surpass his connection with Isak – and what a duo that was. The 24-year-old even remarked after Sunday’s victory, “My style suits playing with that style of striker because I can run off them.”

Woltemade’s rise coincides with Yoane Wissa’s injury-ruined start to life on Tyneside, and now, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento face extended spells on the sidelines themselves.

There’s a blow to Newcastle’s flanks and transitional play. Still, Howe’s system has many times overcome obstacles of similar shapes and sizes, and the manager has crafted a new partnership to ease any defensive issues.

They might even be the best since Isak and Gordon were at their best.

Newcastle's new Isak & Gordon

The beauty of Howe’s Newcastle tactics is the stability of it, the way it roots players down and allows them to grow into top talents capable of challenging at the higher end of the Premier League and compete for silverware.

And that’s not restrictive to any one position or personality. Flashy forwards like Isak and Gordon can achieve big things, but so can those at the other side of the field.

Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw bear testament to that.

While the full-back injuries have pulled Dan Burn back into his wide berth, this flowering connection between two terrific centre-backs has led captain Bruno Guimaraes to hail them as “the future of this club”.

Since joining in 2022, Botman has been widely regarded as Newcastle’s most talented centre-half, but he’s been blighted by injuries.

Burn and Fabian Schar formed a strong alliance at the rear last season, but the £35m signing of Thiaw from AC Milan speaks of evolution. Hailed as a “monster in the air” by journalist Martino Puccio, the German is also confident and high-quality when on the ball, and athletic besides.

Across the past three top-flight fixtures, Botman and Thiaw have kept two clean sheets, only foiled during that exasperating defeat by Arsenal at St. James’ Park.

Indeed, Botman has now completed three successive 90s in the Premier League, a feat he achieved not once last season. As his fitness improves and his partnership with Thiaw develops, Newcastle fans truly might be in for a return to sustained iron-clad protection but with a technical flair added in.

25/26

5 (4)

340′

24/25

8 (6)

415′

23/24

17 (15)

1,378′

22/23

36 (35)

3,129′

Journalist Mark Douglas has noted that Thiaw is “a Rolls-Royce driving one of the best defences in the Premier League.” It is understood that the summer acquisition was the culmination of two years of scouting.

Newcastle, time and time again, have their wits about them in the transfer market. They know when to pounce on an earmarked target, and Howe knows how to develop them.

Newcastle have a few fitness problems at this early-season stage. But they are adapting, and they are evolving. Woltemade is he new attacking poster boy, but in Botman and Thiaw, there is a budding partnership fit to rival Isak and Gordon as the finest Tyneside has seen in modern years.

Not Woltemade: Newcastle star is "one of the signings of the summer"

Nick Woltemade may not be Newcastle’s best signing of the summer.

ByWill Miller Oct 7, 2025

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.

For better or worse, Ruben Amorim remains wedded to his 3-4-2-1 system at Manchester United, despite having seen his side plunge to new depths last season amid their dismal 15th-place Premier League finish.

The Portuguese coach won two league titles while using this approach at Sporting CP, although his failure – or rather refusal – to adapt looks like it could be his undoing at Old Trafford, with the wisdom of such a set-up yet to be realised.

On current evidence, it also looks like it could be the undoing of young Kobbie Mainoo, with Amorim almost a year into his tenure and still no closer to finding a settled role for the 20-year-old sensation in his side.

With the manager’s own future perhaps still up for debate, the club wisely opted against loaning or selling Mainoo this summer, even amid his limited role, with the midfielder a player whom United simply can’t offload any time soon.

Once a central part of Erik ten Hag’s team, as well as in England’s Euro 2024 run, the academy graduate is arguably seeing his talents wasted at present. Can Amorim get him firing again?

Mainoo's record under Ten Hag vs Amorim

Mainoo must surely take his own accountability for his dip of late, while having also been struck down by injury in 2024/25, although right from the off, he doesn’t appear to have earned Amorim’s trust.

Indeed, the 40-year-old opted to unleash an ageing midfield pairing of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen for his first game away at Ipswich Town, with Mainoo instead watching on from the bench at Portman Road.

That set the tone for what has followed, with the Stockport native going on to make 30 appearances in all competitions under the new regime, with only 14 of those having come from the start.

Of those 30 outings, Mainoo has also been subbed off on nine occasions, while he has contributed just two goals and two assists thus far – half of which came during the Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen back in January.

That performance appeared to showcase what the youngster could do in a number ten role, yet he now appears resigned to fighting it out with ever-present skipper, Bruno Fernandes, in a deep-lying midfield berth.

No longer the golden boy, Mainoo appears a far cry from the player who dazzled under Ten Hag’s watch, having scored five goals and provided one assist in 44 games during the Dutchman’s time at the helm.

38 of those displays notably came from the start, with Ten Hag reaping the rewards of his faith in the then-teenage talent – the FA Cup final winner a case in point.

Mainoo isn’t alone in having suffered under the new regime, with Amorim also failing to get a tune out of a certain Rasmus Hojlund.

How Hojlund's value has fallen since Amorim's arrival

A frantic end to the window saw United finally move on their ‘unwanted’ stars, with Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho all departing from the so-called ‘bomb squad’.

That string of departures also included Hojlund’s own loan switch to Serie A champions Napoli, with that deal expected to become a £38m permanent move if certain conditions are met this season.

In an era of Alexander Isak’s and Yoane Wissa’s, Hojlund – to his credit – appeared desperate to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford, even amid the signing of Benjamin Sesko, having reportedly been hesitant to commit to his Naples move initially.

Unfortunately for the boyhood United fan, Amorim and co had seemingly seen enough last season, with the young Dane ending 2024/25 with just ten goals to his name in all competitions – only four of which came in the Premier League.

While only Fernandes and Noussair Mazraoui have made more appearances for United since Amorim took charge back in November, with Hojlund lining up 40 times, the partnership simply hasn’t proved to be a fruitful one.

Who is to blame for those woes is up for debate, with the 22-year-old certainly showing promise under Ten Hag the year prior, having ended the season as United’s top scorer in all competitions with 18 goals. That said, he also ended the season on the bench, as the Dutchman favoured a makeshift duo of Scott McTominay and Fernandes in his place.

The hope was that having seen Viktor Gyokeres score 66 goals in just 68 games under his watch in Lisbon, Amorim’s appointment could take Hojlund to even greater heights.

Hojlund’s PL record

Stat (*per game

23/24

24/25

Games (starts)

30 (25)

32 (23)

Goals

10

4

Mins per goal

217

506

Goal conversion

26%

13%

Big chances missed

13

6

Assists

2

0

Big chances created

0

4

Key passes*

0.9

0.5

Total duels won*

38%

29%

Stats via Sofascore

As it has transpired, the ex-Atalanta sensation was largely a bystander to proceedings in attack last term, with chances at a premium. As per Sofascore, he actually only missed six ‘big chances’ in the Premier League in 2024/25.

From 18 goals in 51 games under Ten Hag, to just eight in 40 under Amorim, Hojlund proved unable to generate chances himself, nor convince his teammates to create opportunities for him. A worrying cocktail.

While he at times looked like a “Ruud Van Nistelrooy-type” striker in his debut campaign, as per Cesc Fabregas, Amorim rarely saw the best of United’s £64m signing – nor, it must be said, did he get the best out of him.

That is reflected none more so than in his declining market value. As per Transfermarkt, Hojlund was worth a peak value of €60m (£52m) back in December 2024, just a month into the Portuguese’s tenure.

Fast forward to the present day, and his worth has sunk to just €35m (£31m), marking a rapid drop off since the change in the dugout at Old Trafford.

Whether the manager, the system or Hojlund himself is to blame, a record of 26 goals in 96 games simply isn’t good enough. Let’s hope Benjamin Sesko proves to be a far more prolific leading man.

Related Man Utd's most expensive signings of all time

A number of their additions haven’t lived up to expectations.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Sep 5, 2025

After months of speculation, Jack Grealish has found himself a new club with Everton. He’ll be staying in the Premier League as he joins David Moyes’ side, who hope to build upon their strong finish to the 2024/25 campaign.

The England winger has completed a season-long loan move to the Toffees, who will have the option to make the move permanent for £50 million upon the season’s conclusion. This will be half the price that Manchester City paid Aston Villa for Grealish in 2021.

Grealish has had a mixed time in Manchester, where his team’s impressive trophy haul hasn’t been reflected in the 29-year-old’s personal goal contributions.

Grealish was one of several forward players that Everton had explored. Earlier in the window, they were heavily linked to Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling, but the two clubs’ evaluations of the player were too far apart.

Moyes isn’t currently content with his summer arrivals and is now looking to bring in yet another winger to finalise his attack.

Moyes and Everton keen on Hutchinson after Grealish

Reports from TEAMtalk have indicated that Omari Hutchinson is Moyes’ ideal new right-winger. The England U21 star could leave Ipswich Town only a year on from his permanent arrival and being hailed as a “fantastic player” by boss Kieran McKenna​​​​​​.

Ipswich are asking for £40 million, which would make Hutchinson the second most expensive player to sign for Everton ever, although he may only hold this position for 12 months if they decide to activate their option to buy Jack Grealish.

Hutchinson shares a lot of characteristics with current Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye and has been compared to the Toffees star by FBref. Both players share similar stats in terms of progressive ball carries and passes, and shots per game.

Ndiaye features in the list of the top ten most used players by Moyes since his return to Everton, so it is not surprising that he is looking to bring in another similar-profile attacker.

So far this season, Ipswich have not included Hutchinson in their match-day squads, and he was also notably absent throughout pre-season. Sometimes, when a player is on the cusp of leaving their club, they’re excluded from the squad so that the team can begin to adjust to life without them, meaning Hutchinson’s absence from Ipswich’s opening fixtures may be a sign of his impending departure.

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TEAMtalk also revealed that if Everton can’t sign Hutchinson, they have two alternative players they would consider instead. The first is Tyrique George, who Chelsea are considering loaning out for the season so that he can get first-team minutes. The second player is Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu; at this stage, it is unclear whether a move for him would be a loan or permanent transfer.

Moyes' new attack quells pre-season woes

Hutchinson might end up being the final piece in Moyes’ newly forged Everton attack. An attacking trio of Hutchinson off the right and Grealish off the left will be capped off by new striker Thierno Barry, who has joined from Villarreal for £27 million.

This new attack will rectify some of the issues that Moyes’ side faced across pre-season. Everton managed four goals, two draws and zero wins in a pre-season schedule that saw them face sides such as Blackburn Rovers and Accrington Stanley.

A large contributor to these results was an unsettled forward line that often saw players having to be shoehorned into positions they were not comfortable with, like Harrison Armstrong and James Garner being played as wingers rather than midfielders. This new attack will have the new signings to play in their preferred roles and will allow some of the current squad to play where they are most comfortable, hopefully elevating their performances.

Shubman Gill has come in for sharp scrutiny following poor returns at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia

Shashank Kishore14-Jan-2025

Shubman Gill had a poor time of it in the Test series in Australia•Cricket Australia/Getty Images

Shubman Gill has confirmed his availability for Punjab for their sixth-round Ranji Trophy fixture against Karnataka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru starting January 23. The squad hasn’t been announced yet.Gill’s possible return to the Punjab fold gives him an opportunity to work with Wasim Jaffer, the highest run-getter in Ranji history who is now the Punjab coach. It comes at a time when his poor returns outside Asia – he averages 17.64 in 18 innings since June 2021 – have come in for sharp scrutiny, especially with India slated to tour England for five Tests in the summer.His return will shore up a squad that will be without senior players Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh, who have both been picked in India’s T20I squad for the five-match series against England starting January 22 in Kolkata.Gill’s last Ranji Trophy appearance for Punjab came in 2022, when he played against Madhya Pradesh in the quarter-finals in Alur. His return coincides with the Indian team management having laid down strict protocols for national players in the wake of India’s 3-1 Test series loss in Australia.1:47

Pujara: Gill’s hard hands and lack of footwork causing trouble in Australia

Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have spoken of the need for top players to make themselves available to play for their respective state teams when free of international commitments.Gill was among those who endured a disappointing run in Australia, where he managed a highest of 31 in five innings following a return from a finger injury that kept him out of the series opener in Perth. He averaged 18.60 for the series. He was also left out of India’s XI for the Boxing Day Test, with the team management slotting in KL Rahul at No. 3 after Rohit Sharma reverted to his opening position having initially started the series, in the second Test, in the middle order.At the time, though, the team management said that Gill hadn’t been dropped and was merely “unfortunate” to miss out owing to team combination, as India went in with two spin-bowling allrounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.Punjab’s hopes of qualifying for the Ranji Trophy playoffs hangs by a thread; they are currently fifth in Group A with a solitary win in five games.

Mason Greenwood has been told how to reach the next level with Marseille as the former Manchester United forward makes a return to Champions League football. The Englishman is preparing for the biggest game of his Marseille career so far as he readies himself to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. He has reignited his career in France after leaving Old Trafford under a cloud, and Tuesday night marks his return to top-tier European football.

Stunning stats but questions remain

Greenwood’s numbers in France are already formidable. Since his move to Marseille in 2024, he has netted 24 goals in 40 appearances, with 21 of those coming in his first Ligue 1 campaign – enough to make him joint-top scorer. Yet critics argue the raw data doesn’t tell the whole story, as he is yet to consistently influence games at his will.

AdvertisementAFPCisse sounds the alarm

Speaking to , former Marseille striker Djibril Cisse issued a pointed but constructive challenge. “The margin of progression for Greenwood is to be more consistent, to be much more influential and impactful in the game,” he said. “We’ve seen his extraordinary technical quality, he provokes, he dribbles left or right, he destabilises opponents. But it needs to be repeated more often.”

Whereas, Mamadou Niang warned: "Some great players can afford not to make the run, but not at OM."

De Zerbi’s role in the reinvention

Under Roberto De Zerbi, Greenwood has been given the freedom to rediscover his attacking flair. The Italian coach has deployed him as a wide forward who can cut inside, or as a direct striker when needed, extracting the best of his finishing. But the Italian has also been firm in his demands for Greenwood to track back, press high, and contribute to the team’s structure.

The coach said on Greenwood: "He also worked on the defensive side, the pressing. He hasn't always worked in that direction, but when he wants to, he does it. You have to understand that if he wants to become a great top player, he has to run without the ball. I saw Mbappe, Dembele put pressure without the ball. Greenwood has to do it, too."

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AFPMadrid & PSG tests await Greenwood

All eyes will be on Greenwood this week as De Zerbi’s side face a brutal double-header. First comes a trip to the Bernabeu to face Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid on Tuesday, a clash where the attacker will likely be asked to show discipline against a relentless Spanish side. Just days later, Marseille return home to take on Paris Saint-Germain in a fiery Ligue 1 showdown. For Greenwood, these two matches offer the ultimate audition to silence his doubters.