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Arsenal just can’t catch a break this season.

Mikel Arteta has already lost Kai Havertz, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Piero Hincapie and others to injury since the start of the campaign.

The latest name on that list now is Noni Madueke, who looks set to miss up to eight weeks of action due to a knee injury.

So, with a League Cup clash against Port Vale tonight, the manager needs to decide who’s going to replace him, and we don’t think it should be Saka.

Arsenal's recent League Cup form

It would be fair to say that, since taking over at Arsenal, Arteta has not had a great time in the League Cup.

Chalkboard

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

In his first stab at the competition, the side fell to a humbling 4-1 home defeat at the hands of eventual winner Manchester City.

Things actually improved the following season, as the club advanced to the semi-finals.

However, a nil-nil draw away to Liverpool in the first leg, followed by a 2-0 defeat in the home leg, saw the Gunners dumped out of the competition.

Even though the club mounted their first title challenge the following season, they did terribly in the cup, losing 3-1 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

It was another disappointing effort in the 23/24 campaign as the North Londoners lost a Fourth Round tie against West Ham United by the same scoreline.

Interestingly, even though Arteta’s side made it to the semi-finals last season, the terrible manner in which Newcastle United knocked them out almost made it the worst exit of the lot.

In all, Arsenal have massively underperformed in the League Cup for a long time and need to win it this year.

With that said, Arteta should be bold when replacing Madueke in the lineup tonight.

The Arsenal star Arteta should start over Saka

Firstly, it is clear that Saka is the best player at Arsenal and should therefore play as many games as possible.

However, therein lies one of the primary reasons he shouldn’t start tonight: he already plays too many games.

Moreover, he only just returned from his second hamstring injury in as many seasons on Sunday, and therefore cannot be risked ahead of another hugely important game against Newcastle at the weekend.

Finally, even with Madueke out injured, Arteta has another option he can pick instead of the talismanic winger: Max Dowman.

Yes, it would be an incredibly bold move from the manager, but given the need to keep Saka fit, the level of opposition and the teenager’s incredible talent, it’s one he should make.

After all, this isn’t just your run-of-the-mill academy player we are talking about here; this is someone that respected talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed is the “most exciting prospect” he has seen “since Lamine Yamal.”

Appearances

23

Minutes

1945′

Goals

19

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

1.04

Minutes per Goal Involvement

81.04′

Moreover, in just 23 appearances across several youth teams last season, totalling 1945 minutes, he scored 19 goals and provided five assists, averaging 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes.

Finally, we’ve already seen what he’s capable of against Premier League teams.

For example, in pre-season, he looked incredible against Newcastle, and then in the league proper, on debut, he earned a penalty against Leeds United.

As respected analyst Ben Mattinson puts it, the 15-year-old is an “insane” talent, and even if Madueke were fit, there would be a genuine argument for starting him tonight.

Ultimately, some may say it’s too early, but Dowman looks like a future superstar and deserves to start against Port Vale.

Weekly wages: Arsenal FC 2025/26 highest-paid players

Who is top of the Arsenal payroll?

ByCharlie Smith Sep 23, 2025

Liverpool have reportedly held positive talks with Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck as they accelerate their search for a new centre-back following Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending ACL injury. However, Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the Germany international, meaning the Reds could face stiff competition in the upcoming January transfer window.

Liverpool open talks for Schlotterbeck

Liverpool’s recruitment team have opened early discussions with representatives of Schlotterbeck, according to . The 25-year-old has become a leading target for Arne Slot, who wants additional defensive depth after Leoni’s serious knee injury ruled him out for the campaign. Early discussions have been described as "positive", suggesting genuine interest from the Merseyside club.

Schlotterbeck, who joined Dortmund from Freiburg in 2023 for around €30 million (£26m/$35m), has since established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s standout defenders. His consistent form has caught the attention of several European giants, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, both of whom are reportedly tracking his progress closely. When questioned about Bayern's interest in him on international duty this week, Schlotterbeck remained tight-lipped and said: "I can’t really say anything about that.”

Liverpool’s early approach is seen as an attempt to move ahead of their rivals before the January market opens. For the Reds, timing is critical. The club missed out on signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace late in the summer window, and with the England international now attracting attention from other elite clubs, that failure is proving increasingly costly. As a result, Liverpool’s recruitment team are ensuring alternative options like Schlotterbeck and Dayot Upamecano remain firmly under consideration.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSlot's Liverpool one injury away from defensive crisis

Liverpool’s defensive situation has shifted dramatically since the summer. What looked like a well-balanced squad after the high-profile arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak now appears one injury short of a crisis following Leoni’s setback. Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes have been assessing options since, keen to maintain squad depth across all competitions.

Guehi’s situation has complicated matters further. His current deal at Crystal Palace expires next summer, and while Liverpool were optimistic of signing him on a free, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have seemingly already opened talks with his representatives. That competition has forced the Reds to accelerate plans for an alternative left-footed defender to complement Virgil van Dijk and potentially replace Ibrahima Konate amid uncertainty over his future.

In that context, Schlotterbeck fits Liverpool’s recruitment profile perfectly. He’s left-footed, composed in possession, and experienced at both club and international level, earning over 20 caps for Germany since his debut in 2024. At 25, he offers both immediate quality and long-term potential – precisely the kind of signing the club’s data-driven approach tends to favour.

Dortmund not keen on losing Schlotterbeck

Schlotterbeck has become a vital figure at Borussia Dortmund since joining from Freiburg, making over 100 appearances and emerging as a leader at the back for the club. His reading of the game, aerial dominance and comfort in possession make him one of Europe’s most well-rounded defenders. Those qualities explain why Dortmund are eager to tie him down to a new contract, reportedly worth up to €9 million per season, including bonuses.

claim talks between Dortmund and the player’s representatives have begun, though nothing is yet agreed. Schlotterbeck’s current deal runs until June 2027, but the club are wary of growing foreign interest. Liverpool’s conversations with intermediaries have been described as "constructive", suggesting their intent extends beyond mere scouting.

Schlotterbeck’s ball-playing ability aligns with Slot’s high-pressing, progressive style, offering a natural fit for a side that often controls possession deep into opposition territory.

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Getty ImagesLiverpool still have multiple names on shortlist

Liverpool are expected to finalise their shortlist of defensive targets in the coming weeks, with Schlotterbeck among the top candidates. The Reds are also continuing to monitor Guehi’s situation at Crystal Palace, but with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid circling, their chances of landing him could be under threat. As such, attention could quickly shift toward a formal approach for the Dortmund star.

The January transfer window promises to be a busy one for the Merseyside club. Leoni’s absence has accelerated the need for defensive reinforcements, and Slot will want any new arrival to be integrated well before the Champions League knockout rounds begin. Whether it’s Schlotterbeck, Guehi, or another emerging name, Liverpool appear determined not to be caught short again in a crucial position.

Prolific county seamer could be in contention for Zimbabwe Test next month as selectors expand pace stocks

Vithushan Ehantharajah17-Apr-20251:05

Should we expect to see Sam Cook in England’s Test squad?

Sam Cook’s wait for a Test debut could be coming to an end. The seamer has been rested for Essex’s upcoming County Championship clash at home to Worcestershire, with a view to playing in England’s opening Test this summer against Zimbabwe next month.Cook boasts 318 first-class wickets at an average of 19.77, and has long been on England’s radar without ever earning a cap. That now looks set to change with Essex collaborating with England to manage the 27-year old’s workloads ahead of the one-off fixture with Zimbabwe, which begins on May 22 at Trent Bridge.It was at the same venue last week that Cook took five wickets in a draw with Nottinghamshire, including 4 for 44 in the first innings, with men’s managing director Rob Key in attendance. Though it may seem overly cautious to rest Cook after just two rounds of the Essex’s Division One campaign, he has already bowled 75 overs across four innings, taking his seven wickets at 28.42. His domestic tally for the club is now 301 dismissals at 18.30.The right-armer came close to debuting last summer, only for a hamstring injury to rule him out of contention for the three-match Test series against West Indies. Now, injuries to others provide a clearer route into the squad, both for Zimbabwe and the five-Test series against India, although he could yet be vying for a spot with the 22-year-old fast bowler Sonny Baker, who was handed a development contract in February, and has been rested by the ECB for Hampshire’s home match against Somerset this week.Mark Wood and Olly Stone are ruled out until the end of July, while there remains uncertainty over Brydon Carse’s recovery from a toe issue. Chris Woakes is also dealing with an ankle issue. Dillon Pennington, the Nottinghamshire seamer who featured in England’s Test squads last summer, is also out of action for the time being with a side strain.Surrey’s Gus Atkinson is in line for his first appearance of the season this week, with Josh Tongue returning for Nottinghamshire after resting for the second round. The squad for the opening Test will be selected in the next two weeks, and no players will be called back early from the IPL.Despite Cook’s injury at the end of last May against Kent, he finished the 2024 season with 43 wickets at 17.30. And he restated his case over the winter on an England Lions tour of Australia, taking 13 wickets including 3 for 58 in the unofficial Test against Australia A.Sam Cook has been an outstanding performer for Essex since 2017, but hasn’t yet broken into the England Test team•Getty ImagesHis presence alone on that trip impressed selectors, having spurned Lions commitments the previous winter to focus on honing his white-ball skills at the Abu Dhabi T10 and SA20. This time, his priorities flipped.”I give him a lot of credit – he gave up going to franchise cricket to prove his point in the Lions,” England selector Luke Wright said on the latest Sky Cricket podcast. “It’s great when we get the players that want to do that, because we get a lot of guys that turn us down for franchise cricket. So, when you get players like him who get away from just the money side of it and prove their point, that’s exactly what you want as a selector.”Despite not being on the ECB’s central contract list, Cook has had regular conversations with the management, particularly as to where he sits in their bowling stocks. The recent onus on bolstering the battery of quicks has seen Atkinson, Josh Hull and Carse handed debuts since the start of last summer, while Baker’s development contract was earned through his exploits on that same Lions tour.However, the desire for a balanced attack means Cook’s skills have him in a separate queue, vying with Woakes and Matthew Potts for the “mid-to-low” 80mph seamer slot, following James Anderson’s retirement.Ahead of the Ashes, Cook’s recent work in Australia highlighted his red-ball skills, transferring them from the regular Dukes ball to the newly designed Kookaburra with a more prominent wide seam. He showcased as much last season when taking 23 wickets with the latter across four rounds of the County Championship.”We have never not thought about Sam Cook,” Wright said. “Over the last couple of years, I’ve spoken to Sam Cook a lot. Each time we picked someone else out of County Cricket, you know, we picked the phone up to Sam Cook to sort of explain why.”It was explaining to Cooky that you’re competing with the likes of Woakes or Potts and those guys you want in a varied attack. They’re certainly those guys that are bowling with high skill, not necessarily 85-plus, but they’ve still got a definite part to play in a bowling attack. And people like Sam, Woakesy are going to be massive going into Australia.”Though Essex will miss Cook, even with Sri Lankan quick Kasun Rajitha recruited for their next five matches, they should benefit in the long term from England’s vested interest in their premier seamer. Cook’s contract with the club is set to expire at the end of the summer, and concrete international recognition will likely prevent him joining the litany of bowlers who have recently moved to Test match venues in a bid to further their England causes.

Cesc Fabregas showed just how much his side’s stunning win over Juventus meant to him as cameras captured the Como boss delivering a passionate post-match speech to his players on the pitch. The Arsenal and Chelsea icon, who has guided the Serie A underdogs to sixth place, was visibly emotional as he told his players that he is “f*cking proud” of them.

Como pull off major upset against Juventus

Como claimed one of their most memorable victories in decades, defeating Italian heavyweights Juventus 2-0 in front of a jubilant Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia crowd. Marc-Oliver Kempf’s early volley and Nico Paz’s dazzling solo strike secured a result that lifted Fabregas’s side above Juve in the Serie A table. The triumph marked Como’s first league win over the Bianconeri in 73 years, underlining the club’s remarkable resurgence.

After the game, Fabregas huddled together with his players and staff on the field and gave a rousing team talk to reiterate how “proud” he was of his side as they look to challenge for European football in what is only their second season in the top flight.

AdvertisementWatch Fabregas' passionate speechComo's meteoric rise and Fabregas' role in it

The result was another milestone in a dream 2025-26 campaign for Como, who continue to defy expectations in their second season back in Serie A. Under Fabregas’s full-time management, the team has developed a reputation for attacking football, dictated by a lot of flair but also stability in the ranks. Central to their success has been 21-year-old Nico Paz, who now has four goals and four assists in seven games -meaning he has contributed to eight of Como’s nine league strikes so far this season.

Speaking about Paz after the win over Juventus, Fabregas told the media: “I thank [Arsene Wenger] because at 16 he believed in me, just as I believe in Nico Paz, who is a champion. I’m very confident about his future because I can recognise when a player has the mindset to become a top player. If he continues like this, he can go wherever he wants.”

Fabregas’s tactical philosophy, honed under Wenger, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, has given Como a distinctive identity built on possession play and relentless intensity. His leadership has also proved crucial off the field, attracting promising young players and reenergising a fanbase that has endured decades of hardship. From once languishing in Serie D to defeating one of Italy’s most decorated clubs, Como’s journey has been a testament to ambition and belief.

The club’s transformation is also tied to their ownership by Indonesia’s Djarum Group, which stabilised finances and invested smartly in infrastructure and scouting. Fabregas’s arrival accelerated that vision – his global experience, coaching nous, and charisma uniting the project. The win against Juventus was not just three points; it was a symbolic statement that Como’s rise is no fluke, and that the club now belongs among Italy’s elite.

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Getty ImagesComo look to continue on upward trajectory

Como will look to build on their historic victory when they take on Parma at Ennio Tardini Stadium, as Fabregas’s men aim to continue their strong domestic form. The Lariani sit sixth in the Serie A table, level on points with fifth-placed Bologna but ahead of Juventus on goal difference. Fabregas, however, is likely to keep his players grounded, insisting that consistency and humility must remain central to their progress.

With Paz in sublime form and the squad visibly buying into their coach’s philosophy, the club’s top-half aspirations appear increasingly realistic. For Fabregas, each passing week further cements his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young managers.

“That yorker he bowled to Washington Sundar, you just don’t bowl a better ball than that”

ESPNcricinfo staff31-May-20252:13

Moody: Ridiculous how far ahead of the rest Bumrah is

“He’s like an antidote, a vaccine that can cure any illness, which a bowling side can have.”That’s Varun Aaron describing Jasprit Bumrah after the Mumbai Indians (MI) seamer produced figures of 1 for 27 in his team’s win against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2025 Eliminator. Bumrah conceded only 6.75 per over in a game where the run rate across 40 overs was 11.20.”If you want wickets, he comes and gets you wickets. If you want to stop runs, he stops runs for you. Man, what a bowler,” Aaron said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out. “And the belief he has in his ability. You have an international coach [Mahela Jayawardene] who is obviously panicking because his bowlers have suddenly started to go to the cleaners, and he just turns around and is like ‘just calm down, I’ll do the job for you’. Comes in, runs in, gets hit for a six and then gets .”Related

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The ball Aaron was talking about was the yorker Bumrah produced in the 14th over of the chase to flatten Washington Sundar’s leg stump and leave him face-down on the floor. At the time, Washington was well-set on a 23-ball 48 and, in B Sai Sudharsan’s company, on course to chase 229 down. But the dismissal, in a four-run over, made GT’s chances of a win plummet from 41.82% to 23.31% on ESPNcricinfo’s Forecaster. Apart from being a contender for ball of the tournament, it was a moment from which GT never really recovered.”For him to bowl from that angle is really difficult,” Aaron said. “It’s easier for him to go wide to a left-hand batter but for him to actually target that leg stump of Washington Sundar… Washy was setting up for something wide or something in his arc, but that was just impossible to negotiate.”4:00

How should a batter face Bumrah?

Bumrah’s latest spell left him at the top of the charts for best economy and best average in IPL 2025 (min. five overs). Despite playing four games fewer than the rest of his MI team-mates, he is No. 6 on the wicket-takers’ chart too.While Hardik Pandya called him a “luxury” at the post-match chat on Friday evening, Tom Moody opted for “pure class”.”The challenge every opposition has to Mumbai Indians, and Jasprit Bumrah more importantly, is that the 24 balls he bowls are such a threat,” Moody said. “It’s not impossible but it’s so difficult to get big overs against him. So you’re really playing 20 overs versus 16 to a certain extent. And he is so far ahead of the rest, it’s ridiculous.”The thing with Bumrah is that he’s got that genuine wicket-taking ability just through his pure class. That yorker he bowled to Washington Sundar, you just don’t bowl a better ball than that. That is the absolute perfect leg-stump yorker that’s gone between his legs. At pace. To a batter that’s in. Set.”You see that quite often with a new batter because they still haven’t picked up the pace of the game. This is a batter that’s in and he’s going at 200 strike rate. It just totally blew him away.”

Nuno Espírito Santo’s transfer plans for January could be intriguing, as West Ham chairman David Sullivan has now been told the club could sign an experienced playmaker for well under £10 million.

West Ham's transfer plans for January after Nuno appointment

On the field, Nuno is faced with the almighty task of thwarting Arsenal’s set-piece threat and coming away from the Emirates Stadium unscathed this Saturday, after drawing 1-1 at Everton in his opening game as Graham Potter’s immediate replacement.

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12 Graham Potter

26.1%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

Away from the pitch, Sullivan, Karren Brady and the Hammers board are reportedly devising plans to reinforce the Portuguese’s ranks after backing him with a three-year contract — a decision driven by Brady — who pushed for Nuno’s appointment (Alex Crook).

Already, we’ve seen credible reports that Nuno is making his intentions with certain squad members crystal clear, with James Ward-Prowse poised to leave in January after being axed from Monday’s matchday squad by West Ham’s new manager.

The 30-year-old has been informed that he has no long-term future at West Ham under Nuno, despite being a regular for Potter, and he could even be replaced by another midfielder in the winter.

Roma star Lorenzo Pellegrini, who can play in Ward-Prowse’s position or further forward in the number 10 role, was heavily linked with a summer exit that failed to materialise, with Gian Piero Gasperini openly stating that he’s free to leave the Stadio Olimpico.

The Italy international, who captained Roma last season and the season before that, has bagged 14 goals and nine assists in all competitions since the beginning of 2023/2024.

With Pellegrini’s deal due to expire at the end of this campaign, and with Gasperini confirming that Roma don’t want to extend the 29-year-old’s deal, he could be available for a good price in January.

West Ham ready to bid for Lorenzo Pellegrini in January

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport and Forza Roma, West Ham are ready to make an offer for Pellegrini in January after expressing interest in the summer window, and they’ve been informed £7 million could be enough to take him to the Premier League.

Even though he is approaching 30, the 36-cap international could be a great option to provide an extra injection of creativity for Nuno, and for a very reasonable cost.

According to WhoScored, Pellegrini is still showing he has hit in his locker, having stood out as Roma’s second-best performer by average match rating.

He’s also earned praise from Gasperini for his passion and creativity so far this season, despite being set to leave in 2026.

All is not well at Manchester United, with Saturday afternoon’s defeat at the Gtech against Brentford keeping Ruben Amorim on nine lowly Premier League wins across 33 matches in the competition.

It’s not good enough, and the ice has worn thin indeed. For INEOS to sack their prized appointment would be an ignominious thing, a real loss of face, but we are approaching the latest critical juncture, and it’s a big one.

Amorim’s candid nature and self-criticism have been both refreshing and blunt, too blunt, across the span of his tenure, but he is capable of picking apart the faults within his Red Devils project. The question is, how much longer can this continue?

Man United host high-flying Sunderland this weekend. The newly-promoted outfit simply have to be put to the sword, else Amorim will join a long list of post-Fergie managers whose tenures became untenable, and they were dismissed.

Already, rumours have cranked up, with the recently sacked West Ham United manager Graham Potter emerging as a candidate. That said, he’s not the only one on their radar.

Man Utd considering recently sacked manager

Potter lasted less than a year in the West Ham hot seat. The Londoners have been in disarray since they parted with David Moyes after the 2023/24 campaign, but there’s no denying the English tactician left plenty to be desired.

Clashes with first-team Irons, including a scepticism over captain Jarrod Bowen’s ability to lead the team, made the 50-year-old’s prospects of turning things around difficult.

Potter is, however, an experienced Premier League manager, something Amorim is not. Described as “a genius” by journalist Sam Morton, the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea boss is known for his intricate passing patterns and build-up play, but this didn’t materialise in the desired shape at the London Stadium.

West Ham

24 (01/25 – 09/25)

0.92

Chelsea

31 (09/22 – 04/23)

1.42

Brighton

134 (05/19 – 09/22)

1.28

Swansea

51 (07/18 – 05/19)

1.45

Potter would hope, however, that an ostensibly higher level of technical skill would do the trick at Old Trafford, but there are bound to be reservations over a manager who has failed to hit the mark with each of his past two outfits in the top flight.

Spanish sources suggest INEOS and Jason Wilcox are mulling over making their move if Amorim is sacked, and while it would be a contentious appointment, there’s an even more concerning alternative who has been added to the shortlist.

Man Utd's Potter alternative could be worse than Amorim

Even the most ardent defenders of Amorim’s tactics and expertise as an elite coach would concede that it has been a tumultuous relationship.

And now, the Portuguese boss is running out of time, surely just one or perhaps two bad results away from dismissal, should form not change.

And if push comes to shove, it’s not just Potter on Man United’s radar, with talkSPORT revealing that a three-man shortlist has been compiled, and former Three Lions manager Sir Gareth Southgate is in the running.

It’s actually understood that the Premier League side have been in direct contact with the 55-year-old in recent weeks, even with the hierarchy hesitant to bite the bullet and sack Amorim.

Southgate transformed the feeling around the England Men’s team across his eight-year stint, reaching a World Cup semi-final and falling short in successive Euro finals. Across 102 matches in charge, he achieved an average of 2.08 points per game.

However, there have long been questions over Southgate’s command of the technical side of managing, with former French World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit even labelling the one-time right-back as “boring”.

Given that Man United are engulfed in Groundhog Day, walking in the same old familiar territory in the early phase of a season that saw Erik ten Hag dismissed last year (bearing an identical Premier League record after six matches), there can be no more mistakes.

At the 2024 European Championship, England showed off their mentality by reaching the final against the odds, but they flattered to deceive on the tactical front, with critics even struggling to understand what Southgate’s plan was.

This sounds an alarming echo to Amorim’s own situation at Manchester United, and given that Southgate, who parted ways with Middlesbrough in 2009, has been outside of club management for so long, there is very little to suggest that he would turn the ship around and keep it afloat against the club’s big-hitting rivals in the Premier League.

Typically fielding a more conventional 4-3-3 formation than Amorim’s controversial set-up, Southgate would at least provide some semblance of typicality on that front, and that might do the players good. But would it be enough for it to be a successful appointment, and that after having spent £12m to relieve Amorim of his duties?

Southgate has his perks, for sure. He knows the English game like the back of his thumb, and his man-management skills and ability to cultivate a positive working environment are two facets that would potentially smooth out big wrinkles in the United fabric.

But we cannot ignore the concerns over the depth of his tactical understanding, nor can Southgate’s near two-decade absence from Premier League management be overlooked.

If Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co do decide to part ways with Amorim in the coming weeks or months, it is imperative that they welcome the right successor to the Theatre of Dreams.

The likelihood of Southgate being the one for the job in the long run feels somewhat slim.

Ten Hag sold Man Utd talent for just £10m, now he's outperforming Bruno

Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing one player to depart Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 29, 2025

Wayne Rooney admitted that he initially had doubts about Manchester United's summer capture of Bryan Mbeumo but has since been proven wrong. Mbeumo scored his second Premier League goal for United on Sunday as the Red Devils edged out rivals Liverpool in a nail-biting clash at Anfield. This was the first time United registered back-to-back wins in the league since Ruben Amorim took charge of the club.

Mbeumo proving doubters wrong

After a dream season at Brentford in the 2024-25 campaign that saw Mbeumo scoring 20 Premier League goals in 38 appearances, United approached the Bees to sign their star winger in the last transfer window. The Red Devils saw their first two bids turned down for Mbeumo but they eventually agreed on a deal to sign the Cameroon international for a deal worth a whopping £71 million ($95.5m).

Mbeumo had been Brentford's standout performer for the past few seasons, which convinced Ruben Amorim and United hierarchy to pursue a big-money move.

Despite his quality performances at Brentford, many had doubted his ability to adjust at big club like United, including Old Trafford legend Rooney. Mbeumo, however, has made a bright start and has featured in the club's starting lineup in all of their eight league matches this season. The 26-year-old scored his maiden goal against Burnley last month, before breaking the deadlock against Liverpool with a crucial early goal at Anfield on Sunday. He had also provided an assist in the 2-0 win over Sunderland. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRooney admits doubting Mbeumo

After the clash at Anfield, United legend Rooney admitted that he was 'a bit sceptical' of Mbeumo's abilities but he claimed he has now been proven wrong.

Speaking on , the 39-year-old said: "For me he has been Manchester United's standout player this season and he hasn't got his rewards for his hard work and the sacrifices he's made for the team throughout the season. I thought it was a great goal [against Liverpool], and I'll be honest, I was a bit sceptical when Manchester United signed him, I didn't know if he had the ability to come and play for Manchester United, but he's proved me wrong.

"I think he's been a great addition to the team and by far United's best player of the season. That's such a huge win for the manager. I've been one of them, I've questioned decisions, tactics, players' desire over this season and last season and that win is massive, to win at Anfield – that's not easy to do."

Rooney lavished praise on Maguire

While Mbeumo's early strike handed United the much needed lead at Anfield, it was Harry Maguire whose clinical header earned the club the all-imprortant win and the crucial three points, the Red Devils desperately needed.

Rooney heaped praise on the English defender for his mental strength: "I think with Harry, I would really struggle to have dealt with what he's been through. You know, he was a meme for years. I think I've seen him in parliament, over in Africa somewhere where he's getting brought up in that and they're laughing at him. So for him to have dealt with so much of what he's dealt with, he's incredibly strong-minded.

"Then, getting the armband taken off him and people laughing at him and you're like, this guy has been in World Cup teams of the tournament and been incredible for England, been really good for Man Utd and it's completely unfair, and it was bullying. He was getting bullied from all over the place and for him to have dealt with that and got through it and stuck with it, you'd have to say 'you know what, that's a strong human being'. And for him to get through that and his family to get through that and come out the other side and show his ability, quality and strength, I couldn't be happier for him."

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Getty Images SportUnited aim for consistency

With two back-to-back wins in the league, Amorim now wants his team to remain consistent. Reflecting on the game, Amorim told reporters: "It is really important. I don't have many wins in Manchester. It is really important back to back, every detail of this game, the spirit when we suffer a bad moment or control, all the small things was perfect. Let's try to do that next week. It is really important for our fans, they struggle against Grimsby and Brentford and today they saw a different team."

The Red Devils next face Brighton on October 25 in the Premier League at Old Trafford. 

Hosts overcome second-innings wobble to move into strong position after two days at Hove

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay10-May-2025Fynn Hudson-Prentice picked up a career-best five for 40 with his medium pace as Sussex took control of their Rothesay County Championship match against Worcestershire on the second afternoon.After bowling Worcestershire out for 180, Sussex then stretched their overall lead to 170 by reaching 66 for three in their second innings by stumps, with Tom Alsop and James Coles confidently seeing out the day on 24 and 27 not out respectively.There was a scare for Sussex at the start of their second innings when they lost left-handed openers Tom Haines and Daniel Hughes, both for nought and without a run on the board.Haines was bowled through an attempted drive by Tom Taylor, coming from around the wicket, and Hughes lost his off stump shouldering arms to one from Ben Allison – again bowled from an around the wicket angle, but which also nipped further in off the seam.And Sussex were 18 for three when Taylor, following up his first innings five for 56, pinned Tom Clark leg-before for 10 with one that kept a little low. Alsop and Coles, however, calmed Sussex nerves in an unbroken stand of 48.Hudson-Prentice first dismissed opener Jake Libby for 13 as Worcestershire struggled to make much headway against Sussex’s seam attack before lunch, and then took three wickets in three overs during a mid-afternoon spell that contributed significantly to Division One’s bottom team slumping to 111 for eight in reply to the home side’s first innings 284.Worcestershire’s ninth wicket pair of Brett D’Oliveira and Taylor then added a defiant 51, playing some excellent shots amid a largely defensive rearguard action, but D’Oliveira edged the second ball after tea to a diving Coles at second slip to go for 30.That was a second wicket for Clark, who finished with two for 29 and bowled his own medium pacers with good control in support of Hudson-Prentice, Ollie Robinson (two for 31) and Ari Karvelas.Karvelas claimed only one scalp, Gareth Roderick edging to first slip on 21 mid-way through the morning session, but he also bowled a challenging line and length throughout an excellent afternoon spell on a well-grassed pitch that was always giving the seamers encouragement.Robinson had quickly removed nightwatchman Ben Gibbon, caught behind for four, after Worcestershire resumed on seven without loss and they would have been more than three down at lunch if Kashif Ali had not been dropped at first slip from the second ball he faced.Kashif, however, edged a push-drive at Robinson to keeper John Simpson on 13 soon after lunch, beginning a slide in which five wickets fell for 37 runs in 15 overs.Henry Nicholls, who battled two hours for his 32, was the first victim in Hudson-Prentice’s mid-afternoon treble, undone by movement off the seam as he played defensively forward, and Ethan Brookes departed for 20 four overs later, again edging a Hudson-Prentice leg-cutter to Simpson.Three balls later Matthew Waite was also back in the pavilion, pushing half-forward at Hudson-Prentice and nicking yet another catch to Simpson.Like Waite, the left-handed Fateh Singh fell for nought as James Hayes – the 23-year old seamer on loan from Nottinghamshire – flew to his right at mid wicket to pull off a superb catch goalkeeper-style as Singh clipped Clark firmly off his pads.The D’Oliveira-Taylor partnership at least gave Worcestershire some hope of staying in the contest but, after D’Oliveira’s dismissal, only another 18 runs were added before Hudson-Prentice ended Taylor’s brave 32 courtesy of Simpson’s sixth catch of the innings.

The home defeat by Aston Villa and a dire performance away at Monaco means the clash with Everton has taken on significant importance for Tottenham. And the Spurs boss Thomas Frank has identified the player who is most likely to pull the strings for the hosts as the visitors look for their first win at Everton since back in 2018.

Mersey showdown awaits Spurs

In-form Everton, unbeaten at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, host Spurs who are looking to regain momentum this Sunday. The Toffees, bolstered by the return of loan star Jack Grealish, pose a significant threat, especially given Spurs' current injury concerns and inconsistent form. Frank is feeling the heat after a Champions League draw against Monaco and a home league defeat by Aston Villa, despite having the league's best away record. The north Londoners have injuries to key players like captain Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie along with long-term absentees James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportReborn midfielder tipped to shine

Spurs' Danish boss is wary of Jack Grealish, who is excelling on a season-long loan at Everton after falling out of favour at Manchester City. He’s scored one goal and registered four assists in his first seven league matches, going some way to replicating the form he showed at Aston Villa. His impressive start earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award for August.

High praise from Spurs boss Frank

Frank said: "He (Grealish) is their main creator, no doubt about that. He’s so dangerous, he can create something out of nothing in every game. So, of course, we need to be aware of him. Beto has been good up front and (Illiman) Ndiaye has been very good. I think (Kiernan) Dewsbury-Hall has been good after maybe not being on top at Chelsea. And then a good colleague and friend of mine, David Moyes, is in charge and his team as a whole is very, very competitive. He’s a manager that I admire and a person I respect massively in the game."

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Getty Images SportInjury woes continue for Spurs

On the mounting injury list, Frank said: "Cuti just walked out on the grass running, some of the performance guys, so positive, progressing, no time frame, but I don't expect it to be a longer one. Destiny is not on the grass yet, but still progressing, so again, not a longer one. With Dominic, it's positive, he's taking steps in the right direction every day, was on the grass again today on his own, but has now a sustainable amount of pitch sessions in him on his own, so it's progressing forward.

"Every head coach, manager wants all the players fit, and we get that, then we complain about the squad being too big, and then you need to disappoint players, but anyway, I rather want that, of course. It is what it is, you're right, I very, very rarely say anything about injuries, because it is what it is, I need to deal with it, and it's my job to put the best possible available team on the pitch and get it hopefully clicking. Of course there's some of these, especially Kulusevski and Maddison, proven players that prove in this club for goals and assists and creating things, so they would have been lovely to be able to use, but I think we have some very talented players who are growing.

"Wilson, Xavi, I think Mo has been very good for us as well and I think Richie had a good start to the season, he tried to get up to pace, but the reality is that we are working very hard on getting the flow with the front four, and hopefully it will be better bit by bit. I think it's fair to say, I can't remember the amount of games we played, but there have definitely been some good games and good spells where we have been looking very good, so we'll keep working on it."