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It’s never easy being manager of Tottenham Hotspur, is it? Just ask Ange Postecoglou.

The Aussie won an elusive European trophy for Spurs but after a dismal domestic campaign where the Lilywhites finished 17th, he was given his marching orders.

League proceedings threatened to get better during the early stages of Thomas Frank’s reign. Spurs were more organised and looked compact at the back.

How quickly things change. Last weekend, Frank’s side ended a run of five straight games in all competitions without winning by defeating Brentford. They won again in the Champions League in midweek but were brought back down to earth when they visited Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Spurs were pulled this way and that by Postecoglou’s former employers. With Sean Dyche now at the helm, he more than got the better of Frank who saw his side slip to a dire 3-0 loss.

What went wrong for Spurs at Forest

During the first few weeks of the new regime at Spurs, they looked far better at the back but that solidity appears to have alluded them in recent weeks. They have kept just two Premier League clean sheets in their last eight games to really hammer home the pressure on Frank.

At the City Ground, things didn’t get much better and they had Guglielmo Vicario to blame.

The Italian has made a number of crucial interventions in Spurs colours this season but arguably turned in one of his worst performances for the club in Nottingham at the weekend.

For the opener, Vicario played a very sketchy ball into the path of Archie Gray who was under pressure. He was ultimately caught in possession and Forest ended up finding the net.

Then, for the second, Hudson Odoi appeared to aim a cross into the area but it ended up goalbound and soared over Vicario whose positioning was all wrong.

While the goalkeeper did not help matters, even when Spurs had the ball in the final third they did not do an awful lot with it.

Striker Richarlison managed just two shots, none of which were on target. He also completed a dismal two passes during the game.

As for Mohammed Kudus, he could only carve out one key pass and didn’t manage a shot on target either.

Truth be told, Frank looks out of his depth. His tactics are limited and it may well be time for a change in the dugout.

The man to replace Thomas Frank at Spurs

The Dane may well have only been in charge since the summer but it’s time for a replacement. Frank did a wonderful job at Brentford but for a club that wants to be challenging for honours, they need someone progressive, someone with a better style of football.

Manager Focus

Enter Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola. Daniel Levy allegedly interviewed the Spaniard at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, as per TalkSPORT, who confirmed a few weeks ago that he has his sights set on a move up the Premier League, although with the caveat that he wants to see out the season.

Well, if Spurs play their cards right, that time could be now. Hailed as “the best coach in the Premier League” by European football expert James Horncastle for his exploits on the South Coast, the Cherries manager looks ready to be an elite name in the sport.

Since taking over at Bournemouth, he has turned them into a top-half club. They finished ninth in the table last season, just nine points off a European spot.

It was a brilliant accomplishment for such a small club, but like Iraola, they are growing in stature with the Basque-born coach in charge.

Frank has been accused of playing rather boring football since moving to Spurs. It’s the opposite of Postecoglou’s reign. That’s a positive for sure, yet there also has to be a level of ambition to their play. That’s where Iraola could come in.

Bournemouth writer, Sam Davis, once noted that ‘we were told that we would see “rock and roll” football and “organised chaos” when the new boss joined the ranks at Vitality Stadium – they weren’t kidding!’

On that evidence, he could well be the perfect hybrid between Ange and Frank. Structure and organisation to the defence but crucially, a desire and ambition to attack and play free-flowing football.

Spurs must look away from Frank and roll their dice on Iraola; it could be a match made in heaven.

Spurs' new Eriksen & Son: Frank has unearthed a "game-changing" new duo

Tottenham are entering a new era with new up-and-coming superstars.

ByAngus Sinclair 2 days ago

Newcastle United have not been at the races this season. Wheeling off quickly at times – mostly at St. James’ Park – but suffering from dismal away form that is pulling Eddie Howe’s squad away from their potential.

We all know this, and Howe most of all. However, identifying solutions and then finding the right answers can be two wholly different things in football.

But the English tactician has done so countless times across his four years on Tyneside, adapting and overcoming obstacles that fall into his path.

Take, for example, the fumbled signing of Chris Wood from Burnley in 2022. One of the first to establish this new PIF era, the Kiwi striker flattered to deceive.

Remembering Chris Wood's time at Newcastle

Wood is one of the most consistent Premier League strikers of his time. Something of a journeyman, he has nonetheless enjoyed success throughout his career, truly coming into his own over the past several years with Nottingham Forest.

However, a brief stint at Newcastle stands as a blot on the copybook. Howe purchased the New Zealand star from Burnley for £25m in January 2022, right at the start of this new era.

Sometimes, it’s just not your day. And Wood simply didn’t click in black and white. The veteran goalscorer only scored five times across 39 appearances before leaving for Forest on loan and then making the move permanent.

Pundit Tam McManus said that he looked “a bit lost” at St. James’ Park, and the one bit of solace from the misfire of a signing was that Newcastle were otherwise going from strength to strength, and they signed Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad after realising Wood wasn’t going to make the grade.

Of course, no one would deny that Wood is a top-class Premier League striker. He was one of the most prolific in the division last season, after all.

But this only emphasises the blunder on Newcastle’s part, one they would not wish to repeat.

For the most part, they haven’t. Newcastle’s success under Howe’s wing has been a product of care and accuracy in the market. But they don’t always get it right, having signed the new Wood this summer.

Newcastle's biggest disaster since Chris Wood

Maybe there’s just something that isn’t working for ex-Forest stars moving to Newcastle.

Anthony Elanga has not been a success since joining the club from the City Ground for £55m this summer, yet to score or assist across 16 appearances.

Renowned for his “special ability” on the ball, as said by Nuno Espirito Santo, the Swedish winger simply hasn’t succeeded in translating his physical strengths over to St. James’ Park.

It’s not just his output causing concern. As per Sofascore, Elanga has succeeded with only 17% of his attempted dribbles in the Premier League this season. For a player whose standout skill is his fleet-footedness on the ball, this isn’t good enough.

Elanga, 23, must be afforded more time, but given the desperate need for an efficient right winger in recent years at the club, his woes have been a concern, salvaged only by the ever-industrious Jacob Murphy’s consistency.

He’s still relatively young, and he has proven himself capable in the Premier League across the past two terms with the Tricky Trees.

But the early readings are not all that promising, with analyst Raj Chohan picking up on the winger’s poor form and claiming that the deal was a “massive overpay” on PIF’s part.

While he is young and with much potential still untapped – unlike Wood – Newcastle expected bang for their buck when filling a hole on the right wing.

If Elanga doesn’t improve quickly, the Toon are going to need to dig back into their pockets.

Bigger liability than Pope: Howe must finally bin Newcastle "legend"

Newcastle need to make some changes going forward.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 28, 2025

In the wake of a second World Series title in the last five years, the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to have locked down their manager for the foreseeable future.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is nearing an extension, according to a Thursday evening report from Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.

Roberts, 52, is in his ninth season as Los Angeles's manager. Under his guidance, the Dodgers have won two World Series titles—in 2020 and '24—and four pennants.

The skipper has received National League Manager of the Year votes in every year of his tenure, winning the award in 2016.

Roberts has arguably eclipsed his profile as an outfielder, constructed during a career that lasted from 1999 to 2008. He is best known in that role for his stolen base in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS against the New York Yankees, which kick-started the Boston Red Sox's improbable run to their first World Series title in 86 years.

Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague on Tuesday made it four wins from four in the Champions League for the high-flying Gunners so far in 2025-26. Bukayo Saka, captain for the night, got the ball rolling from the penalty spot, before Mikel Merino took over as the Spain international, playing in place of Viktor Gyokeres, scored twice in a clinical performance in the Czech capital.

Gabriel Magalhaes has made his name in recent seasons as a force with his head at attacking set-pieces, but the centre-back almost gave Arsenal a very early lead in spectacular fashion – his left-footed drive after the ball was only partially cleared by Slavia just narrowly missed the target.

Slavia pressure in response didn't test David Raya as shots were either blocked or flew off target, before the Gunners regained a creative foothold and Saka had a pair of efforts saved by goalkeeper Jakub Markovic midway through the first half. Leandro Trossard was also denied in a spell of pressure that would have pleased Arteta on the touchline.

Arsenal were also peppering the Slavia box with corners, which directly led to making the breakthrough. A delivery from Saka was met at the near post by Gabriel and deflected behind, which prompted a VAR intervention after striking Lukas Provod’s arm before it went out of play. The referee pointed to the spot after consulting the pitchside monitor and Saka showed no mercy as he smashed the subsequent spot-kick into the net.

Slavia, disappointing since the very early stages, unsuccessfully appealed for a penalty of their own a couple of times, but Arsenal were firmly in control by the time the half-time whistle came. The second goal came, meanwhile, straight after the restart and was as simple as you like as Trossard supplied the cross from the left and Merino, somehow completely unmarked in the middle, turned the ball in six yards out.

Merino's second of the night, and Arsenal's third, was another simple one. Declan Rice's floated ball into the box looked like it should have been Markovic's to claim, only for the goalkeeper not to make it before Merino got his head there instead, flicking into the empty net.

The Gunners survived a late penalty decision when substitute Ben White seemed to upend Provod, but appeared harsh on second look and VAR intervened to determine it was not a foul.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Fortuna Arena…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (6/10):

Slavia didn't manage a shot on target until deep into stoppage time, so his goal was pretty much unchallenged. Commanded his area well.

Jurrien Timber (6/10):

Saw surprisingly little of the ball in possession, with only 35 touches until being withdrawn after 73 minutes.

William Saliba (6/10):

One his easier nights after Slavia's early impetus seemed to fade after the opening 15 minutes.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

Typically made himself an attacking threat as much as he was a defensive force and was directly involved in winning the penalty that broke the deadlock.

Piero Hincapie (6/10):

Made his full Champions League debut for the Gunners. Departed the pitch shortly after being left in a heap, but it appeared to be a planned substitution anyway.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Ethan Nwaneri (6/10):

Made tidy use of the ball in midfield but struggled to impose himself physically.

Christian Norgaard (5/10):

Gave the ball away more easily than Arteta would have liked. Only won three of nine duels on the ground and in the air.

Declan Rice (8/10):

Completed more passes than anyone else and the pitch, and by extension created the most chances. Comes away with an assist for the ball into the box that gave Merino the second of his brace.

Getty Images SportAttack

Bukayo Saka (8/10):

Continues rising to the occasion and is now the first-ever Arsenal player to score in four successive Champions League away games.

Mikel Merino (9/10):

Back in the No.9 role after Gyokeres was ruled out due to the injury and repaid that faith from his manager. Probably couldn't believe how much space he was given when doubling Arsenal's lead, but crucially made sure to make the opportunity count. His second showed just as much striker's instinct. The ball didn't really stick when it was fired into him, but with two goals what does it matter?

Leandro Trossard (7/10):

Assist for Merino's goal aside, the Belgian was consistently involved in promising Arsenal attacks, including a previous attempted cross towards the stand-in striker that was only just cut out before it reached its mark.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Eberechi Eze (5/10):

Hardly involved off the bench.

Max Dowman (6/10):

This monumental season keeps getting better for the 15-year-old, who is now the youngest player in Champions League history.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):

On at left-back as Arteta looked to freshen things up for the final stages.

Ben White (5/10):

Both full-backs were replaced simultaneously, with White going to the right. VAR saved him from conceding a penalty.

Andre Harriman-Annous (6/10):

Another Champions League debut, but at 17 a relative veteran compared to Dowman.

Mikel Arteta (9/10):

Gyokeres made it seven injured players, plus Zubimendi's suspension, so the boss really had to rely on his squad's depth for this one. Made other changes too, opting to rest Calafiori and Eze from the start. Everything worked as hoped and he could then rotate again at 3-0 up.

MatériaMais Notícias

A Seleção Brasileira teve uma atuação lamentável e injustificável diante do Uruguai, na derrota por 2 a 0, em Montevídeu. Com apenas duas finalizações durante o jogo, sendo ambas no segundo tempo, não é exagero dizer que foi um dos piores desempenho da equipe nos últimos anos e olha que a gente se acostumou a ver partidas desprezíveis da Amarelinha. A verdade é que as convicções sem flexibilidade estão acabando aos poucos com um dos maiores patrimônios do futebol mundial.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Fernando Diniz foi o escolhido para “tocar” a Seleção enquanto a CBF acredita que Carlo Ancelotti assumirá o cargo no meio de 2024. Nem precisamos chover no molhado sobre um estilo não ter nada a ver com o outro e entrar novamente no assunto. A questão aqui é quando se escolhe Diniz para essa função, é sabido que se trata de um técnico de convicções, que não se alteram seja com um time Série B seja com o Brasil.

+ Você quer trabalhar no seu clube do coração? Matricule-se no curso Gestor de Futebol e entenda como!

Mas também não precisamos dizer que este momento seria mais de resultados do que de convicções, não é mesmo? Depois das lamentáveis partidas sob o comando de Ramon Menezes, seria necessário arrumar a equipe e entregar a melhor situação possível para Ancelotti ou qualquer outro que aceitar a incumbência. Não é isso que está acontecendo. Diniz não abre mão de seu estilo, independentemente do resultado.

Contra a Venezuela e contra o Uruguai, desde o primeiro minuto estava claro que o jogo não estava desenrolando. Mas tudo bem, não custa esperar o intervalo para mudar. Passou o intervalo, passou mais tempo e nada… Foram 33 minutos até fazer algo diferente contra a Vinotinto, e 27 minutos até fazer algo diferente contra a Celeste. E não deu certo, talvez até por decisões erradas e a insistência em suas convicções, como um meio-campo que não combate e não arma.

+ Diniz sente falta de agressividade na Seleção, mas assume culpa: ‘Responsabilidade é minha’

Apesar de todos nós sabermos como Diniz é em seus trabalhos, precisamos ser justos, porque quatro jogos são insuficientes para fazer um relatório completo de sua trajetória na Seleção. Até porque, teve treinador que passou mais de seis anos e preferiu “morrer” com seus próprios erros e convicções do que mudar. Sim, Tite insistiu em nomes e posturas que ajudaram a levar o Brasil a duas eliminações evitáveis em Copas.

Isso sem contar as convicções das segundas passagens de Dunga (e de quem o escolheu), ou as de Felipão (e de quem o escolheu). Há uma sucessão de teimosias e insistências que não conseguem entender o momento da Seleção, que há anos é de jogar com o que tem e procurar ao máximo reunir os melhores jogadores, sendo que há apenas um protagonista para dezenas de coadjuvantes.

+ Casemiro lamenta lesão de Neymar e analisa derrota da Seleção: ‘Momento não é bom’

Aliás, nós também precisamos nos desfazer da nossa convicção de que o futebol brasileiro é um celeiro de craques e que podemos ganhar quando quisermos, que nem precisamos de um treinador. Além daquela ignorância peculiar de quem parou no tempo sobre “Seleção Brasileira tem que ter técnico brasileiro”. É verdade, tem dado muito certo nesses últimos 20 e poucos anos sem ganhar Copa. Eles, lá fora, estão errados. Nós e nossas convicções estamos certos.

Quanto mais convictos somos, mais “matamos” a Seleção Brasileira.

The Champions League is officially underway for another season, with Paris Saint-Germain looking to defend their crown and contenders emerging to steal ahead of Luis Enrique’s side. Matchday one already gave us plenty to break down, including another late show at Anfield and Bayern Munich’s comfortable victory against Chelsea.

But let’s start with the holders. Just like they were in last season’s 5-0 dismantling of Inter Milan in the final, PSG were in a ruthless mood as they played host to Serie A side Atalanta. Within three minutes, it was unlikely goalscorer Marquinhos who broke the deadlock, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes and Goncalo Ramos sparked a 4-0 rout.

It’s difficult not to see a world in which the French giants go all the way for a second year running, but Liverpool may have something to say about that.

It took the Reds just six minutes to race into a 2-0 lead against Atletico Madrid, courtesy of Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. Everything, in that moment, seemed to click just as Alexander Isak made his debut for the club.

Yet, in a familiar story, Arne Slot’s side soon found themselves level and forced to seal victory in the dying embers. This time, it was Virgil van Dijk who stepped up late on, but there’s no doubt that a similar collapse against a side of PSG’s calibre may not end so kindly for those at Anfield.

There were also notable wins for Barcelona at Newcastle United, Bayern Munich against Chelsea and Manchester City against Napoli – three clubs that will also be vying to dethrone PSG. As strong as all of those are, however, none of those entered David Beckham’s thoughts when he was asked to predict this season’s winners.

David Beckham snubs PSG in Champions League prediction

Speaking on CBS’ Champions League show, Beckham revealed that he believes that Real Madrid will win the Champions League ahead of PSG. The former Galactico has backed his old club to secure the historic trophy for a 16th time and for the first time under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Whilst PSG were getting their campaign underway in dominant fashion, Real Madrid were forced to defeat Marseille with 10-men courtesy of a late Kylian Mbappe penalty. Coming from behind after Timothy Weah’s opener, the Spanish giants were rescued by their French star from the spot twice in the same game.

That said, Beckham’s prediction is far from absurd. There’s a reason why Madrid have won the Champions League 15 times. This is their stomping ground. There isn’t many tougher games in football than a European night at the Santiago Bernabeu and Alonso will be looking to prove that this season.

With PSG, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barcelona and others all looking strong, we’re in for quite the spectacle no matter who lifts the trophy in Budapest come May.

When it comes to the best academies in world football, Arsenal’s Hale End has to rank right up there.

The North Londoners have a proud history of producing some genuine world-beaters like Tony Adams, Ashley Cole and David Rocastle.

This incredible conveyor belt of talent has continued into the present with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly all first-team regulars.

Unfortunately, with so many incredible players coming through the system, Arsenal are bound to let some slip through the gaps, which is what happened with Harry Kane.

Worse yet, another star who left the club under Mikel Arteta has recently been compared to the England captain.

Youngsters Arsenal let slip through the gaps

Before getting to Kane, it’s worth looking at a couple of the other youngsters Arsenal let slip through their fingers, like Michael Olise.

Yes, while it’s not as widely known, before he spent time in the academies of Chelsea, Manchester City and Reading, the French superstar spent time with the Gunners.

The only saving grace here is that his potential return to Stamford Bridge a couple of years ago fell apart, as his incredible output of 24 goals and 25 assists for Bayern Munich could have seen the Blues become a genuine title rival.

Sticking with Bayern players, and another youngster the Gunners should have kept hold of was Serge Gnabry.

Now, the German did make it out of Hale End, and even played some games under Arsène Wenger, but following a poor loan move to West Bromwich Albion, the North Londoners sold him to Werder Bremen for around £5m.

This was a huge mistake, as just a year later the Bavarian behemoths came in for him and, following another year out on loan, he would go on to become a serious star for them, racking up 159 goal involvements in 291 games.

Finally, the most infamous example of Arsenal releasing a player too young is the now legendary Kane, who was let go at just 12 years old due to concerns that he simply wasn’t good enough.

Since then, the England captain has made the Gunners regret that decision time after time, with an outrageous tally of 402 goals and 108 assists in 616 games.

Moreover, his record against the North Londoners is outrageous, with him scoring 15 goals and providing two assists in just 21 appearances.

In short, Arsenal got it wrong when it came to Kane, and now, a player who left under Arteta has since been compared to him.

The former Arsenal star compared to Kane

When thinking of former Arsenal players who could have been compared to Kane, your mind might immediately go to someone who was prolific for the club, like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

However, instead of the Gabonese phenom, the player in question is his former striker partner, Alexandre Lacazette.

Yes, while it might be somewhat surprising, the 34-year-old is the forward who has been compared to the Bayern ace, and it stems from FBref.

They compare players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then create a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and in this instance, have concluded that the Englishman was the fifth most similar forward to the Frenchman over the last 365 days – before his move to NEOM SC in the Saudi Pro League.

We can gain a better understanding of just how this conclusion was reached by examining some of the underlying numbers in which the pair ranked closely.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.51

0.50

Progressive Carries

1.05

1.09

Goals per Shot

0.19

0.16

Expected Assists

0.21

0.21

Live Passes

22.4

23.4

Blocks

0.57

0.60

Carries

18.3

19.4

These include metrics such as, but not limited to, progressive carries, goals per shot, expected non-penalty goals, blocks, expected assists and more, all per 90.

Now, nobody would try to claim that the former Gunners ace, who left the club for nothing in 2022, is as good a player as the former Spurs star.

However, on top of the statistical similarities, he enjoyed something of a career revival upon his return to France, and before he left for Saudi Arabia.

For example, in his first season back with Lyon, the dangerous “goal machine,” as dubbed by former teammate Sokratis, scored 31 goals and provided six assists in 39 games, which he then followed up with 22 goals and five assists in 35 games the season after, before racking up 19 goals and three assists in 42 games last year.

Ultimately, it was probably right to let Lacazette leave when he did, but we can’t help but wonder if Arteta and Co wish they had kept hold of him for just a season or two longer, given his form over the last few years.

Arsenal fans gave £60m ace the Madueke treatment all summer, now he's set to star

The Arsenal star could be in for a career revival this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 19, 2025

The sight of former Manchester United players instantly hitting the ground running away from Old Trafford has become a common theme of recent years, escaping the extreme pressure that comes with the Red Devils and becoming revived in new surroundings.

Such a trend has been particularly obvious in recent weeks, with Marcus Rashford marking his return to English football with a stunning brace against Newcastle United, clinching a 2-1 win for loan side, Barcelona.

Rasmus Hojlund, meanwhile, scored on his first start for Napoli against Fiorentina, while even Andre Onana has found his groove on loan at Trabzonspor, producing a Man of the Match display on debut, before even providing an assist last time out.

Those 2025 summer departures look to be paying off at present, with that trio no doubt hoping to emulate the success of a certain Scott McTominay, following the Scotland star’s breakout 2024/25 campaign in Naples.

A man who had strayed into super-sub territory during an impactful final season in Manchester, the 28-year-old is now front and centre for the Serie A side, having ended last term as the league’s MVP.

With a return of 14 goals and seven assists in 41 games for the Italian giants, the United academy graduate has won the hearts and minds of the Napoli faithful, while his efforts have been duly recognised…

Where Scott McTominay ranked in the Ballon d'or list

Scott McTominay and the Ballon d’Or didn’t appear to go together when considering his time back at United, with the 6 foot 4 midfielder something of a marmite figure for both fans and pundits alike.

Beloved by a string of managers, but also described as “not good enough” by the likes of Roy Keane, the Lancaster-born warrior was never the main man at United, restricted to a role in the supporting cast.

Now under Antonio Conte’s tutelage, ‘McTomadonna’ has deservedly stolen the limelight over the past 12 months or so, with that impact seeing him nestled among the 30 nominees for the famed Ballon d’Or award.

As revealed on Monday evening, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele may have claimed the crown, McTominay finished in a more than respectable 18th position among that stellar list of names.

For context, the United academy graduate finished ahead of the likes of Jude Bellingham (23rd), Declan Rice (27th) and Virgil van Dijk (28th), while also ranking higher than the man who ripped Ruben Amorim’s side to shreds in the Manchester derby – Erling Haaland (26th).

At a time when Amorim and co are crying out for midfield depth, the decision to part ways with McTominay looks to be coming back to bite them.

That being said, the midfielder was at least given more than enough time to prove himself at Old Trafford – 255 games to be precise – with the same certainly not true of another academy product, Alvaro Carreras.

Why Man Utd made a bigger mistake than McTominay

Much of the focus during Amorim’s time at the helm has been on the dynamic of the midfield pairing, amid the summer pursuit of Carlos Baleba, yet the problems at wing-back have almost been overlooked.

As explored following the 2-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday, the over-reliance on Patrick Dorgu to be the main man at left wing-back is of particular concern, with the young Dane seemingly the only viable, senior option in the first-team squad right now.

Oh how Amorim likely wishes that his predecessor Erik ten Hag hadn’t turned his nose up at the aforementioned Carreras – formerly referred to as Alvaro Fernandez at United – with the 22-year-old Spaniard now blossoming away at Real Madrid.

Non-penalty goals

0.05

0.00

Assists

0.05

0.13

Pass completion

78%

84.4%

Passes attempted

42.31

65.20

Progressive passes

3.08

6.73

Progressive carries

3.59

2.47

Successful take-ons

0.56

1.40

Tackles

2.65

1.47

Interceptions

0.75

1.67

Aerial duels won

1.66

0.80

The attack-minded left-back had initially been plucked from Los Blancos back in the summer of 2020, part of a trio of Spanish-based imports including Alejandro Garnacho from Atletico Madrid and right-back Marc Jurado from Barcelona.

Unlike hero turned villain Garnacho, Carreras was never actually afforded an opportunity at senior level in a competitive game, despite having notably shone on loan at Preston North End during the 2022/23 campaign, winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst has noted with regard to Radek Vitek’s temporary move to Bristol City this summer, young players whom United loan to the Championship are typically those who are viewed as having a role to play back in the first-team later down the line.

Unfortunately for Carreras, even an extended injury crisis at left-back didn’t alter his fortunes, with 2023/24 proving particularly frustrating on his part.

With both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw missing almost the entirety of the season, United brought in Sergio Reguilon on loan initially, while also deploying the likes of Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof and even Sofyan Amrabat as makeshift options instead.

Despite being recalled from a loan spell at Granada in January 2024, with Ten Hag and co cutting short Reguilon’s own loan, Carreras was then shipped off again to Benfica, on a deal that included an option to make the move permanent.

As it proved, the Primeira Liga side saw enough in those six months to fork out the initial £5m fee, rising to £7.5m in add-ons, with the young full-back enjoying a remarkable 2024/25 season subsequently, after racking up nine goals and assists in 52 games in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Such form didn’t go unnoticed, and despite United possessing the chance to utilise their buyback clause of around £17m, the defender was ultimately snapped up by his former side, joining Madrid on a €50m (£42m) deal this summer.

United raked in £8m as a result of that switch due to a 20% sell-on clause, although with Carreras now already a firm fixture of Xabi Alonso’s side, starting all six games this season, the failure to integrate him into the first-team continues to sting.

Indeed, such is his talent, ex-Preston boss Ryan Lowe has even made the comparison between the ex-Spain U21 international and his new Madrid teammate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, having told the Athletic earlier this year:

Alexander-Arnold may not be the most popular name in Manchester – nor now in Liverpool, for that matter – but his exploits at Anfield are hard to ignore. 92 assists in 354 games for the Merseysiders, among a plethora of major honours, speaks to his unique, rare quality.

At a time then when Amorim’s system places so much reliance on the left wing-back, in particular, to provide a creative threat, having a Trent-esque figure like Carreras on board would no doubt have been perfect.

Dorgu, at just 20 himself, still has plenty of time to develop. Yet dishing out £30m on his signature in January, while selling Carreras for just an initial £5m, doesn’t reflect well on anyone back at Old Trafford.

Homegrown Mbeumo: 18-year-old Man Utd star is an "ideal Amorim wing-back"

Manchester United still have some elite youth potential waiting to break onto the scene.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 23, 2025

Delhi Capitals (DC) were down and out at 7 for 3 and then 65 for 5 in their chase of 210 against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam. But the lower order, led by Ashutosh Sharma, performed a rescue act that reduced the equation to 22 off two overs and then six off six balls. Last man Mohit Sharma survived a close lbw appeal off the first ball of the 20th over before taking a single. Ashutosh then smacked the winning six to seal DC’s one-wicket win, only the fifth in IPL history.DC vice-captain Faf du Plessis said the finish reminded him of the famous 438-run chaseSouth Africa pulled off against Australia at the Wanderers in 2006, calling that run “the most important single” of Mohit’s life.”Unbelievable, it actually reminded me a little bit of the 438 game against Australia when Makhaya [Ntini] got that important single towards the end,” du Plessis said. “That’s probably the best and most important single that Mohit Sharma has ever taken in his life – beautiful forward defence, just pushing it into the gap. What a story to get the big man back on strike to hit it for six.”Related

• 'There was no sign of panic' – Ashutosh's composure under pressure stands out

• One-wicket wonders – the five IPL games that almost went the other way

• Ashutosh stuns LSG as DC complete one-wicket heist

• Stats – DC script fifth one-wicket win in IPL

• Awe-inspiring Ashutosh brings DC back from the brink

Ashutosh walked in as DC’s Impact Player with the score 65 for 5 in the seventh over. After the 13th over of the chase, DC were 116 for 6, needing 94 runs off 42 balls with four wickets in hand. ESPNcricinfo’s win predictor gave them a 1.56% of winning.”A lot of the cricketers, if you ask them, they would complain about the [Impact Player] rule in the IPL,” du Plessis said, “but this is obviously why that rule is there – for games when you think that you’re completely dead and buried, someone comes in and plays like that. I’m definitely going to drink some more masala tea to make sure I can hit the ball like the boys do at the end.”To be honest, when I looked at the wicket and saw how much the ball was gripping and losing five wickets, I thought it was going to be an almost impossible task. But it’s even great for the old brain of mine just to make sure that you can never be out of a game completely. The extra batter really makes a big difference.”Ashutosh got together with Vipraj Nigam when DC needed 97 off 45 balls. Their 55-run stand off just 22 balls brought DC’s equation down to 42 off 24 before Nigam fell for 39 off 15. Ashutosh was unbeaten on 66 off 31.”As an overseas player, one thing that’s remarkable for me to watch is the amount of Indian players that are so powerful and they got the ability to just strike the ball so easily,” du Plessis said. “It wasn’t an easy pitch. There was a lot going on, but the two boys at the back end there, just the way they came in and just effortless hitting boundaries.”

MatériaMais Notícias

A bola parada vem sendo uma arma do Botafogo neste início de Brasileirão. Pelo menos nestas dez primeiras rodadas do campeonato, os jogadores alvinegros são os que mais marcaram gols utilizando este fundamento. A informação foi apurada pelo “ge”.

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Dos 18 gols marcados pelo Glorioso neste início de Brasileirão, oito foram feitos por bola parada. Os escanteios, faltas e pênaltis vêm sendo muito bem explorados pelo time de Luís Castro e devem continuar sendo um trunfo forte nesta fase restante da competição.

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Tiquinho Soares é o artilheiro do campeonato e já marcou quatro gols de pênaltis na competição. Marçal, que atualmente está lesionado, é responsável pelas cobranças de bola parada e também costuma ser certeiro em seus cruzamentos.

Depois do Botafogo, o Flamengo é o segundo time do campeonato com mais gols marcados por bola parada. Coincidentemente, ambas as equipes estão nas primeiras colocações do Brasileirão e são fortes candidatos ao título desta edição.