The new Premier League season is only six games old, although Saturday’s defeat to Brentford felt like a seismic one for Manchester United and for manager Ruben Amorim, with that 3-1 loss the latest indication that the Portuguese is heading for an early exit from Old Trafford.

Let’s face it, we’ve seen this one before, with repeated United managers having all been sent packing before Christmas, be it Erik ten Hag in October 2024 or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November 2021.

There was very much a Ten Hag feel regarding the weekend debacle, with the trip to west London evoking memories of the Dutchman’s final outing in charge, which came away to West Ham United just over a year ago.

That 2-1 defeat was notable for a glaring Diogo Dalot miss, alongside a contentious late penalty for the hosts. This time around, Amorim saw the previously reliable Bruno Fernandes fail to convert his spot-kick attempt, while Nathan Collins controversially escaped a red card for his foul on Bryan Mbeumo. When your luck’s in…

While the word on the street is that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS hierarchy remain behind the ex-Sporting CP boss, a succession plan appears to already be being drawn up…

How United could look with a 4-3-3 after Amorim

When asked about changing his philosophy last month, Amorim responded that the Red Devils will instead have to “change the man” if there is to be a move away from his 3-4-3 system.

Steadfast in his stubborn desire to retain that approach, the 40-year-old is almost forcing Ratcliffe and co into making a decision, rather than attempting to save himself by shaking things up tactically.

Yes, Amorim can’t be solely responsible for the individual failings of the likes of Altay Bayindir, although his specialised system doesn’t appear to be getting the best out of anyone at the club right now.

Should a new appointment be made any time soon, there is a squad – hopefully – who can be revived in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, with such a tweak likely to enhance the midfield unit once again, in particular.

Indeed, a new coach could deploy Kobbie Mainoo in a deep-lying role, having memorably starred on his Premier League debut in that berth against Everton in November 2023, with the Englishman partnered by Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount in more advanced midfield positions

In attack, the new-look trio of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and the aforementioned Mbeumo would all be comfortable making the change, while Amorim’s potential successor would surely see the wisdom in ousting the hapless Bayindir for new man Senne Lammens – or even the veteran Tom Heaton.

With ample depth at right-back and centre-back, a new manager could finally settle on a first-choice pairing, rather than the constant chaos of Amorim’s selection, while the problems on the left flank could be solved by the returning Lisandro Martinez in a new-look left-back berth.

Predicted Man Utd XI – 4-3-3
Position	Player
GK	Senne Lammens
RB	Noussair Mazraoui
CB	Matthijs de Ligt
CB	Leny Yoro
LB	Lisandro Martinez
CDM	Kobbie Mainoo
CM	Bruno Fernandes
CM	Mason Mount
RW	Bryan Mbeumo
LW	Matheus Cunha
ST	Benjamin Sesko

While such a transition might not guarantee an improvement, there is seemingly nothing to lose by moving away from a 3-4-3, be it for Amorim or for his potential replacement.

Man Utd targeting the next Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

The last time a Portuguese manager – Jose Mourinho – was in situ in the Old Trafford dugout, the serial-winning coach was relieved of his duties in December 2018, before being replaced by treble-winning hero, Solskjaer.

The Norwegian marksman departed Molde to join United on an initial interim basis, although after winning 14 of his first 17 games in charge, while reviving the mood in Manchester, the ‘Baby-faced assassin’ was rewarded with a permanent position in March 2019.

While the merits of that decision can be debated, it’s hard to ignore that Solskjaer steered United to notable third and second-place finishes in his two full seasons in charge, having perhaps been closer than any post-Sir Alex Ferguson manager to bring the club ‘back’ to the top table.

According to journalist Samuel Luckhurst, there is believed to be an appetite among Ratcliffe and co to make a similar short-term appointment again, should Amorim be replaced, with fan favourite Michael Carrick believed to be in the running.

While Luckhurst reports that the Premier League trio of Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Fabian Hurzeler are also in the frame, Carrick is among those who could take charge on a caretaker basis, having previously led United for three games following Solskjaer’s exit.

That brief stint saw the Red Devils pick up a point away at Stamford Bridge, either side of wins against Villarreal and Arsenal, with there perhaps a tinge of regret at not handing the Englishman the reins for a longer period, rather than turning to the much-maligned Ralf Rangnick.

In the years since, Carrick – who worked as part of the coaching set-up under both Mourinho and Solskjaer – has enjoyed a promising albeit far from perfect stint at Middlesbrough, overseeing a fourth-place finish in 2022/23, followed by eighth and tenth-place finishes in the subsequent two campaigns.

Dismissed in the summer, the 44-year-old has since had to witness Boro storm to the Championship summit, although his stock doesn’t appear to have taken too great of a hit, having been hailed as an “insanely talented coach” by his former player, Lukas Engel.

Also tipped by Solskjaer in the past to be a future Man United manager, Carrick would certainly be a popular appointment among the Old Trafford faithful, having enjoyed 12 glorious years on the pitch, winning five league titles and making 464 appearances in all competitions.

Like the Norwegian before him, Carrick could be the ideal short-term solution to try and revive United’s fortunes, having experienced a winning team himself during his days under Ferguson.

Some may bristle at a perceived ‘jobs for the boys’ policy, but after trying so many different things on the manager front, why not go back to something that worked – at least initially – with another Solskjaer-style appointment.

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1

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 30, 2025

The hindsight patrol are now in full force with regard to Manchester United, with every departing star now looking like a ‘world-beater’ away from Old Trafford.

Every goal, every assist, every Man of the Match award is held up as a reason to mock the Red Devils, ignoring the fact that almost all of those who were sent packing had been given ample time to impress back at Old Trafford.

Take Rasmus Hojlund, for instance, a player of undoubted potential, yet one who scored just 26 times in 95 games for United in all competitions, a grim record for any striker worth their salt.

His current exploits for both Napoli and Denmark may suggest that Ruben Amorim and co were wrong to show him the exit door this summer, although the 22-year-old had ended 2024/25 with just four Premier League goals to his name.

With Omar Berrada seemingly keen to implement a two-season rule – giving new signings just two campaigns to make an impact – Hojlund was rightly shown the door this summer, with not even his recent hot streak able to change that.

Why Man Utd were right to offload Hojlund

In a dismal decade at Old Trafford, there have been few ‘wow’ moments, but Hojlund’s debut cameo may rank among them.

Somewhat forgettable now, although the sight of the £64m man terrorising the Arsenal backline in September 2023 was something to behold, having run William Saliba and Gabriel ragged in that second half.

Close to earning a penalty for his side, having also played his part in Alejandro Garnacho’s eventually disallowed ‘winner’, the new man was electric.

The sight of Casemiro grabbing him by the jersey – akin to Hojlund grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck – echoed the sentiment.

His subsequent Champions League form was also captivating, namely his brace against Galatasaray, tearing away from inside his own half before dinking the ball over the onrushing ‘keeper for his second of the night. A ‘star’ was born.

Frustratingly for all concerned, such form could not be maintained, with his December to February run in the Premier League – in which he scored in six successive games – the notable high point of his two-year stint in Manchester.

With just ten goals in all competitions last term, despite having been the only senior striking option at one stage, Hojlund had left United with no choice but to seek a centre-forward upgrade.

Having taken until Boxing Day himself to get off the mark in the league in 2023/24, the Dane has since seen Benjamin Sesko score twice in just his first seven Premier League outings, with the Slovenian superstar already beginning to find his feet.

Four goals for Napoli, alongside four goals for his country, have marked a fine start to 2025/26 for Hojlund, yet barring something drastic, the ex-Atalanta won’t be returning to the Theatre of Dreams, with the Scudetto winners holding a £38m obligation to buy as part of their loan swoop.

For all his potential, such a move simply hasn’t worked out, left now looking to be a player whose best work will come in Serie A, or at international level – sound familiar?

Man Utd have already sold another Hojlund

Two years was enough for the die to be cast on young Hojlund, with concerns mounting over the lack of faith his teammates had in him, while his errant hold-up play was also a pertinent issue, considering he won just 25% of his duels last term, as per Sofascore.

Two years was also what was afforded to a figure of the past in Romelu Lukaku, with the Belgian signed from Everton on a £75m deal in 2017, only to depart for Inter for a similar fee just two seasons later.

Of course, unlike his new Napoli teammate, Lukaku had proven himself in the Premier League before signing for United, scoring 104 goals in all competitions for West Brom and the Toffees combined, having initially been on the books at Chelsea.

While on reflection, his United record of 42 goals in 96 games looks favourable, particularly in contrast to Hojlund, Lukaku just never seemed like the right fit at Old Trafford, criticised for his “woeful and costly finishing” in 2018/19 by journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

Like his fellow left-footer, the Belgian at his best appeared to relish the chance to burst in behind a defence, having not exactly been adept at linking the play or acting as a target man.

A preoccupation with trying to improve on those latter traits led to criticism that the striker had bulked up too much, with his professionalism called into question by the likes of Gary Neville.

Swiftly cast aside by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Serie A, Lukaku’s 2019 exit to San Siro sparked an immediate change of fortunes, having scored 64 goals across the next two seasons in all competitions for the Nerazzurri.

Premier League

62

14

Champions League

6

5

Europa League

15

6

FA Cup

8

1

League Cup

4

0

Community Shield

0

0

Total

95

26

Premier League

66

28

Champions League

17

7

Europa League

n/a

n/a

FA Cup

9

6

League Cup

3

0

UEFA Super Cup

1

1

Total

96

42

A title winner in 2020/21, he was rewarded with a seismic £97.5m return to Chelsea and to Premier League football that summer, albeit with things soon turning sour as he scored just eight league goals in that second spell.

Like Hojlund – who joined United after scoring ten times in his solitary season in Bergamo – Lukaku simply looks much more at home in Italian football, notably scoring 21 goals in just 47 games on loan at Roma, alongside contributing 25 goals and assists in his first 38 games in Naples.

While considered something of a “flat-track bully” on English shores, the 32-year-old is regarded as “one of the best strikers in the world” in Italy, as noted by Luca Toni, emphasising just how he has flourished since leaving United.

Hojlund looks set to follow in his footsteps, almost quite literally, considering he was snapped up by Conte’s side this summer to cover for the injured Lukaku, emphasising how he is viewed as an able deputy to the experienced marksman.

That likeness between the pair can also be seen in the fact that Lukaku is deemed to be the most statistically similar striker to Hojlund in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref, while the latter man is also beginning to emulate his new club colleague by shining at international level.

Lukaku, remarkably, has scored 89 goals in 124 caps for Belgium, and while Hojlund has a way to go to reach such heights, his four-goal haul across his last three World Cup qualifying games has ensured that his record now sits at 12 in 30 for Denmark.

As he is proving, and likely will continue to go on to prove, Hojlund is an elite striker. That said, much like few of a United persuasion have regretted Lukaku’s exit in recent times, there should be an acceptance that Old Trafford was just not the right environment for him to succeed.

Like Lukaku, he looks like being a machine in Italy and on the international stage – but, despite his early promise, he certainly wasn’t one for United.

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It wasn't a perfect performance, but it was a perfect response as Hayes challenged her team to bounce back vs Portugal

In the moments following Thursday's loss to Portugal – just their third of the Emma Hayes era –  the U.S. women's national team coach and her players made it clear: that performance was unacceptable. In the moments following Sunday's rematch, Hayes and the USWNT were able to strike a different tone, and deservedly so.

In Sunday's revenge game – a real test for a USWNT that, before this week, had been unbeaten in 11 matches all-time against Portgual, never conceding a goal – Hayes turned the keys over to the team's youngest stars. And they rewarded her instantly.

Hayes' starting XI had an average age of just under 21 – with six starters 20 years or younger. Despite that, the USWNT looked as composed as could be on Sunday afternoon in East Hartford, Connecticut. Save for one early mishap, the U.S. seized control, exacting revenge on Portugal in a 3-1 win.

It wasn't a perfect performance but it was a perfect response. Hayes challenged her team to bounce back and they did just that.

"I think we have to keep developing the group the way we are," Hayes told TNT post-match. "The last game was a blip and that, for me, is not something I expect to be happening on a regular basis."

It started similarly enough. After Rose Lavelle scored just 33 seconds into Thursday's game, Olivia Moultrie nearly matched the feat, netting the first of her two goals just 44 second in. Again, the U.S. conceded shortly after, giving Portugal a way back into the game on their only shot on goal for the game. This time, though, the U.S. didn't wilt – they pushed.

Moultrie added a second in the 10th minute and Sam Coffey put the game to bed in the game's final moments with an exclamation point on a fairly complete U.S. effort.

"I think we did a better job of being compact, not chasing the ball in the wrong moments," Hayes said. "That's probably the biggest thing, without being too technical. If you want to control games and get players in the right positions higher up, then you have to build up very well, successfully, build up control in the right areas, make the opponent work. That's something we didn't do the other night. We did do it tonight.

"So I think we got those two pieces right. I thought positionally, attacking-wise, we were much, much better in all phases of the field."

There's still one more game this window, on Wednesday against New Zealand in Kansas City. Hayes has already learned plenty about her team this week, though, as this group continues to build towards the bigger moments ahead.

GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.

Getty ImagesWINNER: Olivia Moultrie

It's easy to forget, at times, that Moultrie is still just 20. It seems like she's been around for years. Yet she's still the fourth-youngest person on this USWNT roster, one that still only has a few caps to her name. She also now has two USWNT braces on her resume.

Moultrie made her mark almost immediately as she followed Lavelle's lead from Thursday by scoring within the first minute of the match. That quickly went out the window with a Portugal equalizer. No worries, though, because Moultrie popped up once again in the 10th minute to restore the USWNT's lead. 

"Honestly, my reaction to both goals was pure adrenaline," Moultrie said. "I don't even know what I was thinking. I couldn't even think about a celebration."

Moultrie was rightfully excited. This was another statement performance from a player who has made a habit of this recently. She's now scored three braces within the last three weeks. Her first USWNT goals, meanwhile, came in a brace last February, too.

Now, six years after she was first introduced as American soccer's next rising star, Moultrie is growing into a role as a USWNT regular. Based on Sunday, she may also be a USWNT game-changer, too.

"I was talking to Emma about it, and just feeling the trust in both club and country and allowing all the work I’ve put in to just showcase itself," Moultrie said. "People are like, 'Have you changed anything recently?' Am I’m like, 'No, not really.' I’m just trying to stay consistent with what I’ve been told by my coaches and staff, and do the work, do the film, talk to my teammates.

"And honestly, just try to do the right thing and stay patient, especially in my positioning, which has been a big thing with me and Emma."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLOSER: The centerback position

Things happen, particularly in international soccer. You can't keep clean sheets every game, particularly against good teams. These last two games, though, have been headlined by some pretty frustrating goals conceded by the USWNT.

There's an obvious missing piece behind that, it's worth mentioning. If the currently injured Naomi Girma were in the XI, things would surely be different. She is that level of player and that vital of a defensive leader. It's worth wondering what these games would have looked like if she were in the starting XI. Several players have been fighting to be her partner when she does return. So far, though, there hasn't been a standout.

Emily Sonnett is the incumbent but, for the second consecutive game, she was beaten to a header. Tara McKeown, Emily Sams and Jordyn Bugg, meanwhile, are all relatively new. It was Bugg who got the nod on Sunday and, while she was very good on the ball, she didn't go so far as to really dominate in a way that would vault her into contention.

Getty ImagesWINNER: Lily Yohannes

You know those highlights of charity games featuring everyday players taking on ex-pros? It's always easy to spot the ex-pro. They're bigger, stronger and smarter than everyone else on the field. They run the game despite never needing to go past a slight jog. It's all so easy.

That was what Yohannes looked like on Sunday. She was in a different class than everyone else on the field, and it was so easy to see. Yohannes set the tempo throughout the game, demanding the ball and making the right decisions Portugal, no matter what they did, could not get anywhere near her. It was so calm and, seemingly, so effortless.

But don't forget, that's not easy. Credit to those around her, too. Teammates constantly made themselves available, while Claire Hutton, her teenage partner in midfield, seemed like the perfect foil for Yoahnnes in the center of the park.

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

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Getty ImagesLOSER: Alyssa Thompson

Thompson didn't play poorly in either game. Her performances, though, have left something be desired, particularly for those waiting to see her take a huge leap into this team's starting XI. The Chelsea winger's performance in the first Portugal match was largely defined by poor decision-making, as she was never able to play the final ball needed to create a goal.

On Sunday, she had even fewer decisions to make as Thompson didn't seem as involved. That happens, of course, but it's frustrating that, in roughly 160 minutes, Thompson wasn't able to really make Portugal sweat. She will do that to other teams, though.

Her speed remains elite, which you can't teach. You can, however, teach a player to be more composed in the final-third. That will come in time, and you've already seen her take some leaps in that regard. Thompson is so talented, which is why it's fair to expect her to be the star of the show in these types of games.

As Nuno Espirito Santo looks to solve their goalscoring problem, one striker has reportedly “definitely” emerged as a January transfer target for West Ham United.

West Ham's striker problem

It’s a problem that Michail Antonio covered for a number of years and one that Jarrod Bowen is desperately attempting to do without his former teammate, but one that is simply not going away. West Ham simply lack goals. Take away their captain’s output and the Hammers have scored just three goals in seven Premier League games, despite welcoming new striker Callum Wilson in the summer.

On Nuno’s list of priorities, a new striker must sit at the absolute top. Neither Niclas Fullkrug or Wilson are likely to take the role as talisman in years to come, given that they’re both in their 30s, and that should ring alarm bells about the summer transfer window that West Ham just endured.

As much as Graham Potter struggled, it’s clear that the Hammers should have signed a striker at the peak of their powers when they had the chance in the summer.

2025/26 PL goals

Goals

Bowen

3

Fullkrug

0

Wilson

1

Just who arrives is the question. The likes of Joshua Zirkzee have already been linked with shock moves to the London Stadium in 2026 and there’s no doubt that he could return to his best away from Manchester United. Like Wilson and Fullkrug, however, Zirkzee has not shown the type of form in front of goal that the Hammers need.

Nuno was bought in to solve West Ham’s current problems, but he must be backed with an attacking addition when the winter window swings open. To do that, the Hammers could use the upcoming World Cup and one player’s desire to make Thomas Tuchel’s England squad to their full advantage.

West Ham "definitely" targeting Toney

According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, West Ham are “definitely” targeting Ivan Toney, who could leave Al-Ahli on loan in the hope of winning a World Cup place in January.

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A loan deal would certainly suit West Ham too. It would likely mean a discount on the forward’s hefty £22m-a-year wages in Saudi Arabia and there’s no doubt that the 29-year-old is still capable of finding the back of the net in the Premier League.

After scoring eight goals in 10 games in all competitions this season, Toney would be an excellent addition for West Ham as they look to finally solve their striker problem. Whether the forward is granted a January exit remains to be seen, however.

Bukayo Saka’s second-half penalty to seal three points against West Ham United in the Premier League saw him become a centurion. The winger has 100 direct goal involvements across 200 fixtures in England’s top flight.

One of the poster boys of English football, Arsenal’s talisman has suffered an injury-disrupted start to the campaign, but three goals across all competitions and a sumptuous strike for England on Thursday evening underscore his world-class credentials.

That left-footed strike is something we’ve seen before.

He’s the cream of the crop, but it has been a plentiful harvest for Hale End over the past few years, with more than a few elite prospects underlaying Mikel Arteta’s ever-improving senior set-up.

Having finished runners-up in the Premier League for three successive seasons, Arsenal know that they need to reward the brilliant fanbase with silverware this season. It has been five years, after all. But for all the exciting big-money signings, those Hale Enders continue to shine brightly.

Arsenal's most exciting Hale Enders

Saka is hardly the only homegrown star plying their trade at the Emirates right now. An initialo £60m fee was spent to bring the 27-year-old Eberechi Eze back home this summer after so many years away, and the former Crystal Palace man looks to have been an astute signing for a side challenging for the biggest prizes.

It’s not always Arsenal let homegrown talents slip through their fingers, though, with Ethan Nwaneri still going from strength to strength as he looks to nail down a place in Arteta’s wider and grander plans.

And how could we forget Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has played the left-back berth with such consummate ease since breaking into the first team last season.

The 19-year-old has already chalked up 46 senior showings for the Gunners, and he has made his first three caps for the Three Lions.

Powerful and talented on the ball, Lewis-Skelly’s versatility and confidence have already seen him rise to the fore and become a Premier League star. Youth coach Jack Wilshere has long marvelled at how he is “unplayable” when fit and firing on all cylinders, but the translation to life on the senior stage has probably surpassed even the retired Gunner’s expectations.

However, ‘MLS’ is naturally a central midfielder, and there’s no guarantee he will not find his way back into the engine room permanently in the coming years.

With this in mind, Arsenal may rue Edu’s decision to cash in on another academy graduate who has earned praise for his quality.

Edu cashed in on "England's future left-back"

Edu left Arsenal 11 months ago, and Andrea Berta’s start to life in his stead as the Emirates technical director has suggested that the right move was made.

It’s futile keeping track of all the up-and-coming hopefuls, but one who might come back to bite Edu and Arsenal is Lino Sousa, who flourished through his academy years in north London but was sold to Aston Villa for a small fee in January 2024.

Now 20 years old, the England U19 international, who is also eligible for Portugal, is a natural talent when out wide but showed an aptitude in learning to invert, something Lewis-Skelly has done with aplomb over the past months.

Yet to feature for Unai Emery’s Villans, Sousa has been steadily cutting his teeth, spending the latter half of the 2023/24 campaign out on loan in the Championship with Plymouth Argyle before heading out again to Bristol Rovers last term, where his success in the duel caught the eye.

Matches (starts)

8 (3)

25 (14)

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

2

Touches*

25.4

37.6

Pass completion

79%

76%

Key passes*

0.4

0.4

Dribbles*

0.8

0.4

Ball recoveries*

0.5

2.4

Tackles + interceptions*

0.6

1.8

Clearances*

1.0

2.0

Ground duels (won)*

1.5 (63%)

2.9 (69%)

There’s certainly work still to be done, but the nuts and bolts of the talent’s skillset are there. Though he took a step down the ladder last season, the full-back demonstrated a raised level of confidence and quality regardless.

There’s no doubting Sousa’s potential. Still, there is an anticipation that he will pull it all together and make headway on the professional stage. Indeed, analyst Ben Mattinson has even gone as far as to suggest the teenager could be “England’s future left-back”.

Athletic, pacy and blessed with a mean crossing ability, Sousa has the talent to rise to the top, and it’s worth issuing a reminder that development in football is often a non-linear thing. Lewis-Skelly’s today might be Sousa’s tomorrow.

But Arteta lives in the now, even though the sharp-witted Spaniard keeps a side-eye on the future.

Whether the Londoners come to regret their decision to part ways with Sousa remains to be seen. He featured 53 times for the club’s respective development sides, after all, and notched eight goal contributions.

Aged 17, he was promoted to the Europa League matchday squad as Arsenal took on Swiss side FC Zurich in 2022, but the meteoric rise over the past three terms emphasises the ruthlessness needed and shown. Arsenal have eclipsed expectations, and with that comes some sacrifices.

Ultimately, Edu had his shortcomings, and Sousa was perhaps a victim of the realities of breaking onto the senior stage when informed he would be leaving his boyhood club, having failed to make a single appearance for the men’s team.

But given that Lewis-Skelly has been in such fine fettle and plays at the highest level, it’s not something Arteta and co are likely to lose much sleep over.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 11, 2025

This season feels like it’s do-or-die for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

The North Londoners have been a real force in the Premier League over the last few seasons, but after three second-placed finishes in a row, they need to get over the line.

Unfortunately, that is a lot easier said than done, as while Manchester City are no longer as much of a threat, Liverpool look incredible, and with Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak, arguably have the two best attackers in the league.

However, it is not all doom and gloom, because as long as he stays fit, Arsenal have a player in their ranks who could get to the level of those two.

Salah & Isak's 24/25

Unfortunately for Arteta and Co, the Egyptian superstar had what most would consider to be the greatest campaign of his career in 24/25.

For example, in 52 appearances, totalling 4501 minutes, the Red game-changing superstar amassed an out-of-this-world tally of 34 goals and 23 assists.

In other words, the 33-year-old winger was able to maintain an average of 1.09 goal involvements every game, or one every 78.96 minutes, which was a massive reason the Merseysiders won the league.

Another way to look at it is that, should the former AS Roma ace have another year like it this season, the Gunners may as well give up now.

While it sounds absurd to say, Isak’s campaign, while spectacular, wasn’t quite on the same level.

For example, before he burned his bridges with the Newcastle United supporters, the Swedish international managed to score 27 goals and provide six assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3324 minutes.

That comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 100.72 minutes.

In short, Liverpool have two world-class attackers in Isak and Salah, but Arsenal have a star of their own who could emulate their importance this season.

The Arsenal star who could emulate Salah & Isak

The good news for Arteta is that he already has a number of players who could be described as some of the best in the world, such as William Saliba, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Magalhães.

Chalkboard

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

However, when it comes to the attack, it could be said that there is just one player from his squad who currently falls into that category: Bukayo Saka.

Yes, the player in question is none other than the Hale End superstar, and while he hasn’t quite hit the levels of a Salah yet, he’s getting closer and closer, and there is an argument that he is on Isak’s level already.

For example, in the 23/24 season, the Englishman managed to rack up a brilliant haul of 20 goals and 17 assists, in 47 appearances, totalling 3865 minutes.

That comes out to an unreal average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 104.45 minutes.

Then, despite missing almost four months of action last season and struggling to regain full fitness towards the end, he still scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2,619 minutes.

In other words, the Gunners’ “legend in the making,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, averaged a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes.

Appearances

267

Minutes

20271′

Goals

71

Assists

72

Goal Involvements per Match

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvements

141.75′

To do that in a normal season would be incredible, but to manage those numbers in a campaign in which you’re injured for large parts and are without a striker in others is undoubtedly world-class.

Finally, while he is no longer ‘young’ in a footballing sense, he is still two years out from when we’d expect him to hit his peak, per research from The Athletic.

Therefore, as long as he can remain fit, we see no reason why he cannot once again surpass Isak from an output perspective and match Salah in terms of overall impact.

Ultimately, Saka isn’t the finished article just yet, but it feels like a matter of when, not if, he leads Arsenal to glory.

Agents tell Arsenal they can sign £36m France star who loves Saliba like a "brother"

He’s very close to the Gunners’ star centre-back who’s set to sign a new deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 26, 2025

Real Madrid are winning on the pitch, but tension is brewing behind the scenes. According to The Athletic, several senior players are struggling with Xabi Alonso’s rigid approach and distant style, with some insiders claiming he "thinks he’s Pep Guardiola". Frustration is growing over the manager’s strict rules and intense methods, despite two big wins recently over Barcelona and Juventus.

• Alonso shakes things up

  Alonso arrived in June and made one thing clear: nothing at the Santiago Bernabeu would be the same as under Carlo Ancelotti. Old habits? Gone. It’s more than just extra gym sessions. Only essential staff are allowed on the training ground. Dressing room access before matches or at half-time is limited. Line-ups are no longer leaked. Even players’ entourages now face restrictions. The idea is focus and privacy. You can tell some players aren’t used to that. And yet, on the pitch, results are positive. But football isn’t just about results. It’s about personalities, habits, and comfort levels. That part is clear. Some players are adjusting. Others, less so. 

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  'He think's he's Pep Guardiola'

  Frustration is continuing to build behind the scenes. Some players feel their freedom on the pitch is curtailed. Some think Alonso is distant. An inside source close to the Madrid dressing room has opened up on the struggles Alonso is currently facing. Speaking to the Athletic, the source said: "Some of them have won so much without doing these things that when these have been imposed on them, they have complained. He thinks he’s Pep Guardiola, but for now he’s just Xabi." 

  That line reportedly keeps coming up in conversations around the squad. Not entirely flattering. Part admiration, part scepticism. Vinicius Junior’s storm-off after being substituted against Barcelona highlighted the tension, but it appears the problems may be deeper than that.

  Some feel Alonso is "unapproachable". Comparisons to Ancelotti’s open, warm style only make the gap feel bigger. Specialists in training, stricter rules, restricted access, changes all designed to improve focus. And yet, it changes the atmosphere. The squad is responding with improved levels on the pitch, but they are not all happy about it.

• Early successes, but growing pains

  Still, the approach is working, at least in part. Madrid top La Liga. Champions League form is solid. Young players are getting chances: Arda Guler, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Franco Mastantuono. Rotations keep the squad involved. Alonso’s staff – assistant Sebastian Parrilla, physical trainer Ismael Camenforte, analysts Alberto Encinas and Benat Labaien – are implementing a plan that clearly takes time and patience.

  "They are aware that they are immersed in a process that requires patience for the team to function as they have planned," the source continued. Some players are adapting well. Others are grumbling. Alonso seems willing to stick to his principles of discipline. The tension is a side effect, not a dealbreaker, at least for now.

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  Looking ahead at the Bernabeu

  Real Madrid are always under scrutiny. Every move is magnified by the media and Alonso’s balance of authority will be crucial to deciding his future. Senior players’ dissatisfaction is something to watch, and certainly something to manage, if the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man wants to keep his job. Los Blancos will look to keep building momentum despite the unrest behind the scenes when they host Valencia in La Liga on Saturday.

يستعد فريق مانشستر سيتي، بقيادة المدرب بيب جوارديولا، لخوض مباراة مساء يوم الأربعاء في إطار منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، وذلك ضد نظيره فريق بوروسيا دورتموند.

ويستضيف ملعب “سيجنال إيدونا بارك” مباراة فريقي مانشستر سيتي وبوروسيا دورتموند، في الجولة الرابعة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري لموسم 2025/26.

ويمتلك مانشستر سيتي 7 نقاط، بعدما فاز في مباراتين وتعادل في واحدة، مثلما هو الحال مع بوروسيا دورتموند.

ويسعى مانشستر سيتي إلى تحقيق نتيجة إيجابية في مباراة اليوم للحصول على دفعة قوية قبل مباراته النارية المرتقبة ضد ليفربول، يوم الأحد المقبل، في الجولة الحادية عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي. موعد مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبوروسيا دورتموند اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 11 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة مانشستر سيتي وبوروسيا دورتموند اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 3. معلق مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبوروسيا دورتموند اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا

سيعلق حفيظ دراجي على أحداث مباراة الليلة.

ويمكنك متابعة مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من خلال مركز المباريات من هنا.

“I remember watching him, an absolute legend of the game, and I played against him a lot as well. So to have this trophy is a huge honour for me, and I couldn’t be more proud”

Andrew Miller09-Jun-20252:06

Anderson calls Anderson-Tendulkar trophy rebrand a ‘huge honour’

James Anderson said he “could not be more proud” to be permanently associated with the Test rivalry between England and India, after the ECB and BCCI chose to put his name to the new series trophy, alongside that of his former rival and fellow record-breaker Sachin Tendulkar.The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy will replace the long-standing Pataudi Trophy ahead of this summer’s five-match Test series, which gets underway at Headingley on June 20. The two men are expected to attend an official unveiling during the World Test Championship final at Lord’s this week.”It’s a huge honour,” Anderson told ESPNcricinfo during a DP World event at Lord’s. “I still can’t quite believe it. Sachin is someone I looked up to when I was growing up, though I don’t want to do him a disservice with his age.Related

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“I remember watching him, an absolute legend of the game, and I played against him a lot as well. So to have this trophy is a huge honour for me, and I couldn’t be more proud.”No players in Test history have taken the field more times than Tendulkar (200 caps) and Anderson (188), with Tendulkar’s haul of 15,921 runs also a record. Anderson, meanwhile, is the format’s most prolific fast bowler, with the last of his 704 wickets coming against West Indies at Lord’s last July.The pair’s longevity meant their combined careers spanned 35 years, from Tendulkar’s Test debut as a 16-year-old in 1989, to Anderson’s farewell on the eve of his 42nd birthday last year. Their paths crossed on the Test field on 14 occasions between 2006 and 2012, with Anderson dismissing Tendulkar nine times.James Anderson picked up his 700th Test wicket against India in Dharamsala•Getty Images

“Time flies,” Anderson added. “I’m playing with guys at Lancashire at the moment, and I had 50 Test wickets before they were born. It’s a bit strange how things work out.”In the course of his 21-year Test career, Anderson claimed more wickets against India than any other Test nation, with a total of 149 at 25.47 in 39 appearances. His highlights included a key role in a famous win in Mumbai in 2005-06, as well as back-to-back series wins at home and away in 2011 and 2012-13, the first of which lifted England to No.1 in the ICC Test rankings.However, he also played in five series losses against India, four of them away from home including his final overseas campaign in 2024, in which he claimed his 700th Test wicket in Dharamsala.”There are some great memories, I always loved playing against India,” Anderson said. “I’d say, after the Ashes, it was the series that England look forward to the most. I obviously had some tough times in India, it’s a really hard place to go, but we won there which was a really special moment, and some of the battles we had in England were great. They had some amazing players.”Looking ahead to the first edition of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, he anticipated another tough contest, to rival the last India tour of England three years ago, which finished 2-2 after the final Test was postponed by 12 months due to Covid.”This series is going to be exactly the same as you’d expect,” Anderson said. “I know India are going through a little bit of change with a new captain [Shubman Gill], and losing [Virat] Kohli and [Rohit] Sharma, but I still think they’ve got a strong squad with some really exciting players. England obviously are trying to play a certain way. It lends itself to a really exciting series.”The Pataudi Trophy, for which the teams had competed in England since 2007, was named after the former India captains Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. The equivalent for India home series has been the Anthony de Mello Trophy, named after one of the founding figures of BCCI, who was also the board’s inaugural secretary and president between 1946-47 to 1950-51.The trend follows the unveiling of the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy in November 2024 for the winner of Test series between England and New Zealand. India and Australia have competed for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Tests since 1996.James Anderson was speaking at a DP World Beyond Boundaries Initiative, a mission to make the game of cricket more accessible across the globe

MatériaMais Notícias

Ao vencer a Copa do Brasil 2023, o São Paulo saiu da fila de espera e voltou a vencer um título nacional após 15 anos. Antes, a última conquista do Tricolor Paulista havia sido o Brasileirão de 2008, considerando apenas competições oficiais do país. O Lance! listou os maiores jejuns de títulos nacionais entre os times já campeões no Brasil.

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Foram levados em consideração apenas campeonatos da elite do futebol brasileiro, como o Brasileirão Série A, a Copa do Brasil, a Supercopa do Brasil e a extinta Copa dos Campeões. Campeonatos de acesso como Série B, C ou D, campeonatos regionais, como Copa Verde e Copa do Nordeste, e campeonatos estaduais não foram levados em consideração, assim como torneios internacionais.

Confira a lista dos maiores jejuns de títulos nacionais entre os clubes já campeões

1) Guarani – 45 anos

O Guarani foi campeão brasileiro em 1978 e, desde então, não conquistou outros títulos de relevância nacional. Assim, o bugre é o clube já campeão com o maior jejum de conquistas.

2) Bahia – 35 anos

Primeiro time da Serie A na lista, o Bahia conquistou o Brasileirão de 1988, há 35 anos, tendo o segundo maior jejum de títulos nacionais.

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3) Coritiba – 38 anos

O Coritiba foi campeão brasileiro em 1985, até hoje o único título da elite nacional do clube. Em 2011 e 2012, foi vice-campeão da Copa do Brasil, batendo na trave dois anos consecutivos.

4) Criciúma – 32 anos

Campeão da Copa do Brasil em 1991, o Criciúma possui apenas um título nacional, conquistado há 32 anos.

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5) Internacional – 31 anos

O Internacional não vence um título nacional desde 1992, quando conquistou a Copa do Brasil. Foi vice-campeão brasileiro em 2005, 2006, 2009, 2020 e 2022 e da Copa do Brasil em 2009 e 2019.

6) Botafogo – 28 anos

O Botafogo conquistou um título nacional pela última vez em 1995, quando venceu o Campeonato Brasileiro. Em 2023, tem a chance de quebrar a escrita, já que lidera o Brasileirão com boa vantagem.

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7) Juventude – 24 anos

O Juventude foi campeão da Copa do Brasil em 1999, derrotando o Botafogo na final. Este é o único título nacional do clube gaúcho.

8) Paysandu – 21 anos

Único clube do norte a conquistar um título nacional, o Paysandu foi campeão da extinta Copa dos Campeões, em 2002.

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9) Santo André – 19 anos

O Santo André conquistou a Copa do Brasil em 2004, vencendo o Flamengo no Maracanã na final.

10) Paulista – 18 anos

O Paulista de Jundiaí foi campeão da Copa do Brasil em 2005, derrotando o Fluminense na decisão.

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11) Sport – 15 anos

O Sport não vence um título nacional de elite desde 2008, quando conquistou a Copa do Brasil sobre o Corinthians.

12) Santos – 13 anos

O último título nacional do Santos veio em 2010, com a conquista da Copa do Brasil.

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13) Vasco – 12 anos

O Vasco da Gama não conquista um título da elite do futebol nacional desde a Copa do Brasil de 2011.

14) Fluminense – 11 anos

O Fluminense está há 11 anos sem conquistar um título nacional, desde que venceu o Brasileirão de 2012.

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15) Grêmio – 7 anos

O Grêmio não vence uma competição nacional desde 2016, quando conquistou o pentacampeonato da Copa do Brasil.

16) Corinthians – 6 anos

O último título nacional do Corinthians foi o Campeonato Brasileiro de 2017. Desde então, foi vice-campeão da Copa do Brasil em 2018 e 2022.

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17) Cruzeiro – 5 anos

O Cruzeiro não vence um título da elite do futebol nacional desde 2018, quando levou o título da Copa do Brasil.

18) Athletico-PR – 4 anos

Sensação do futebol brasileiro nos últimos anos, o Athletico Paranaense conquistou seu título nacional mais recente em 2019, com o título da Copa do Brasil.

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19) Atlético-MG – 1 ano

O Atlético-MG teve seu último título nacional no início de 2022, com a conquista da Supercopa do Brasil sobre o Flamengo.

20) Flamengo – 1 ano

O Flamengo foi campeão da Copa do Brasil em 2022, seu último título de importância nacional. Em 2023, foi vice-campeão da Supercopa e da própria Copa do Brasil.

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21) Palmeiras – 9 meses

O Palmeiras conquistou seu último título nacional ainda em 2023, com a conquista da Supercopa do Brasil sobre o Flamengo.

22) São Paulo – recém campeão

O São Paulo é o mais recente campeão nacional, já que conquistou o título da Copa do Brasil em setembro de 2023.