Tag Futebol

Tottenham Hotspur made it two Premier League wins from two under Thomas Frank this afternoon, with a tremendous victory over Manchester City at the Etihad.

The Lilywhites claimed a superb 2-0 win away from home, making it five goals scored and back-to-back clean sheets during the early stages of the Dane’s tenure.

Such a performance repeated the feat from the 2024/25 campaign, winning against Pep Guardiola’s side away from home for the second successive season.

The result is one thing, but Frank will be delighted with his players – evidently executed the game plan perfectly with their counter-attacking and pressing play forcing the Citizens into various mistakes.

Numerous players stood out during the triumph, with the new boss seemingly making an immediate impact in the role and finding a settled side in North London.

How Spurs’ 2-0 win over Man City unfolded

Brennan Johnson opened the scoring for Spurs at the Etihad, making it two goals in as many Premier League outings after finding the net against Burnley seven days ago.

The goal epitomised the direct nature of the Lilywhites against Guardiola’s men, with a ball down the channel leading to a squared pass across the box – before the Welshman put Frank’s men ahead.

Such a goal was originally flagged as offside, but after a VAR check, the visitors burst into a one-goal lead in the 35th minute – just as the side did at the Etihad last season.

However, there was no doubt about the second effort, with Pape Sarr closing down an under-hit pass from James Trafford – forcing the opposition into a mistake, before Joao Palhinha pounced on the loose ball to fire the side into a two-goal lead.

The Portuguese international was making his first league start for the Lilywhites and has certainly staked his claim for a regular place in the side after such a showing.

He’s not alone in that department though, with one other starter deserving of an extended run in the starting eleven after his own performance against the Citizens.

The 9/10 Spurs star who now looks undroppable

It may be early days in the new manager’s spell at Spurs, but he’s already demonstrated he’s able to get the best out of the current crop of players – as seen by the 100% win record in England’s top-flight.

The Dane’s men restricted the hosts to minimal chances in dangerous areas, something that’s no mean feat – after they scored four times at Wolves on the opening day.

Defensively, the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven managed to impress, preventing the potent Erling Haaland from pulling off a single effort on target.

However, the solidity at the back allowed for turnovers and counter-attacks to be created, which saw Richarlison impress once more at the top end of the pitch.

The Brazilian started in the number nine role, but ran the opposition ragged, often running the channels – which saw him register the assist for Johnson’s opener.

Along with his assist, his underlying stats also highlight the quality he provided, despite being unable to add to his two-goal haul from last weekend.

He made just 29 touches during his 78-minute outing, but many of which were as a result of the Brazilian providing the out ball to play off in their direct play.

Minutes played

78

Touches

29

Touches in opposition box

8

Shots taken

3

Fouls won

2

Duels won

6

Assists registered

1

Tackles won

100%

The 28-year-old also registered three efforts on goal, notching eight touches in the opposition box – the most of any player on the pitch between both teams.

Richarlison’s excellent showing saw him also win two fouls, whilst coming out on top in six of the duels he entered – topping off his workmanlike performance at the Etihad.

As a result of his showing, he was handed a 9/10 match rating by Football Insider’s Ben Palmer – putting the icing on the cake on what was a superb outing for the former Everton star.

After such a performance, Frank simply can’t drop the Brazilian, with his arrival evidently handing the forward a new lease of life in his own career in North London.

If he can continue his impressive start to 2025/26, he can certainly nail down the number nine position as his own – potentially playing a huge part in any success this campaign.

Forget Eze: Spurs preparing move for "unstoppable" star who's like Rodrygo

Tottenham Hotspur have moved on to other targets after missing out on Eberechi Eze’s signature.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 23, 2025

India will play their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in the UAE. The decision, though widely expected, was finalised after Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, met with Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak in Pakistan. Sheikh Nahyan is a senior UAE minister and also the head of the Emirates Cricket Board.”The PCB has picked the UAE as a neutral venue for the Champions Trophy,” PCB spokesperson Amir Mir said.The Pakistan vs India league match will be played on February 23, a Sunday. Apart from Pakistan, the other two teams in India’s group are Bangladesh and New Zealand. India will face Bangladesh on February 20, and New Zealand on March 2. All these games are likely to be held in Dubai.

Champions Trophy 2025 groups

Group A – Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand
Group B – Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa

Pakistan, the defending champions, will kick off the tournament on February 19, against New Zealand in Karachi. Pakistan’s last league match, against Bangladesh, will be played in Rawalpindi on February 27.The second group has Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa. The matches for both groups – apart from the India games – will be played across Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.The two semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 (without a reserve day) and March 5 (with a reserve day). The final on March 9 also has a reserve day. The first semi-final, if India make it to that stage, will be played in the UAE. If India don’t qualify, the game will be held in Pakistan. The final is slotted for Lahore, with the provision of holding it in the UAE if India make it that far.The hybrid model was finalised after the parties involved agreed that, in return, Pakistan’s matches at ICC events hosted by India till 2027 will also be at a neutral venue. In all instances, knockout games such as the semi-final and the final will also be held at neutral venues.The agreement begins with the Champions Trophy, and will apply to the 2025 women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. It will also apply to the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, the first tournament of the next events cycle that has now been awarded to Pakistan.

Leeds United are in the market to sign a new number to bolster their squad before the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the start of September.

Football Insider reported in May that the Championship champions were not planning for Joel Piroe to be their main number nine in the Premier League, despite the fact that he won the Golden Boot last season.

The Dutch marksman scored 19 goals in the second tier to beat the likes of Borja Sainz and Josh Sargent to the Golden Boot, but he may not be the go-to option for Daniel Farke once the window is over.

Leeds have been linked with an interest in Everton’s Beto and Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz as Premier League proven centre-forward options, whilst they have also been linked with Roma striker Artem Dovbyk.

This shows that the Whites are looking to bring in a high-calibre number nine to take Piroe’s place as a starter in the team for the upcoming top-flight season.

The West Yorkshire outfit will be hoping to find a striker who can score goals on a regular basis in the Premier League for many years to come, which means that they are looking for their best centre-forward since Chris Wood.

The strikers Leeds have had since Chris Wood left

The New Zealand international, as shown in the graphic below, scored 44 goals in 88 games for the Whites before his move to Burnley in the summer of 2017.

Since moving on from Elland Road, Wood has established himself as a reliable goalscorer in the top-flight. To date, the 33-year-old star has racked up 89 goals in 263 Premier League appearances for Burnley, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest combined.

In the time since the Forest star left the club, Leeds have had Kemar Roofe, Patrick Bamford, and Joel Piroe as their main starting number nine options, whilst Rodrigo is a debatable one as a versatile star who played in midfield, as a second striker, and as a striker at times.

Leeds United’s top scorers since Chris Wood left

Season

Top league scorer

League

Goals

24/25

Joel Piroe

Championship

19

23/24

Crysencio Summerville

Championship

20

22/23

Rodrigo

Premier League

13

21/22

Raphinha

Premier League

11

20/21

Patrick Bamford

Premier League

17

19/20

Patrick Bamford

Championship

16

18/19

Kemar Roofe

Championship

15

17/18

Kemar Roofe

Championship

11

Stats via WhoScored

As you can see in the table above, Bamford is the only one of those players to have cracked over 13 top-flight goals in a single season, with his 17-goal haul.

However, the former England international has failed to consistently deliver in the top-flight, with just 24 goals in 102 Premier League games overall in his career.

The Whites, though, have now been offered the chance to bring in a centre-forward who would be better than all of the strikers they have had since Wood left.

Leeds offered chance to sign prolific striker

According to The Boot Room, Leeds United are one of the teams to have been offered an opportunity to sign Al Hilal number nine Aleksandar Mitrovic before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Whites could see an offer accepted by the Saudi Pro League outfit because the striker may be on the move this summer, due to his side’s interest in bringing in another option in his position.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

This update reveals that Al Hilal are one of a number of Pro League teams in the running to sign Liverpool marksman Darwin Nunez this summer, and his potential arrival has left Mitrovic’s future up in the air.

The Boot Room states that the Serbia international’s representatives have offered him to Leeds, Sunderland, and Fulham, among others, ahead of a possible return to England, a country the player is said to love.

It has previously been reported this summer that Al Hilal would want a fee in the region of £26m for Mitrovic, which provides an insight into the kind of money Leeds will have to spend to get a deal over the line.

Why Leeds should sign Aleksandar Mitrovic

The Whites should push to bring the Serbian forward to Elland Road in the coming weeks, now that they have been offered a chance to sign him, because he could be the club’s best striker since Chris Wood.

As aforementioned, the New Zealand international is the only striker Leeds have had in the past eight years or so who has been able to establish himself as a regular goalscorer at the top level.

Mitrovic would come in as a player who has already proven himself at the top level, with three Premier League seasons with nine or more goals under his belt. The 30-year-old star has also scored a staggering 62 goals in 100 caps for Serbia at international level.

No past or present Leeds striker has scored nine or more goals in multiple seasons in the top-flight other than Wood since 2016, which speaks to the kind of quality that Mitrovic would bring to Elland Road.

Mitrovic (Saudi Pro League)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

28

23

xG

26.60

17.41

Goals

28

19

xG on target

26.26

22.12

xA

2.48

1.33

Assists

5

2

Stats via FotMob

His form in the Saudi Pro League, as you can see in the table above, has also been sensational. The former Fulham star has scored a mind-blowing 47 goals in 51 appearances in the league for Al Hilal.

Mitrovic, who was described as an “absolute monster” by Saudi Arabian news journalist Matt Monaghan, has proven, in Saudi Arabia and in England, that he is a reliable and consistent goalscorer at the top level.

The 30-year-old marksman, who holds the record for the most goals in a Championship season with 43, would be the club’s best number nine since Wood, as he would be the only other forward to have shown consistent quality as a goalscorer in top-flight football.

Therefore, the Whites should be doing everything that they can to win the race for Mitrovic’s signature this summer, as he may be the prolific number nine they need to fire them to safety in the Premier League next season.

Related The new Rutter: Leeds submit bid to sign "fascinating" £22.5m star

Leeds United have reportedly submitted a bid to sign a star who could be their new Georginio Rutter.

Posts ByDan Emery Aug 4, 2025

Liverpool are renowned for their savvy operating in the transfer market, having spent wisely across the past decade to reap illustrious rewards.

While the Reds are preparing to fork out a bank-breaking deal for 22-year-old Florian Wirtz, understood to be worth at least £116m, the playmaker is regarded as one of the most influential rising talents in the world, having already conquered his German homeland.

The Bayer Leverkusen star hasn’t finalised his move to Anfield yet, but there’s no question he will be playing in a Liverpool shirt next season, according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, Liverpool don’t always spend record-smashing fees on talented forwards. Indeed, Cody Gakpo has proved himself a worthy Premier League winner, going from strength to strength after his smart £35m signing in January 2023.

With Bayern Munich ceding defeat in the race for Wirtz, they have turned their attention to alternative targets – including Gakpo.

Surely, Liverpool can’t let their 25-year-old star leave.

Cody Gakpo's Liverpool future

Gakpo still has three years on his Liverpool contract, and after kicking on in Arne Slot’s system last term, will be confident that he can hit another level over the coming year.

Bayern seem to share the sentiment, but after receiving information that Liverpool have set an asking price of €100m (£84m), will likely shelve their curiosity.

This is good. Liverpool should not entertain the notion of selling their Dutch forward after his “monster” campaign, as has been said by journalist Declan Carr.

24/25

49

18

7

23/24

53

16

7

22/23

26

7

3

On the surface level, Gakpo hasn’t really made significant gains in regard to his output, but there’s no question he’s sharper, slicker and more effective in his nailed-down berth on the left wing.

Gakpo has the minerals to play well at centre-forward, but Liverpool are gearing up to sign a similar profile better suited to number nine.

Slot knows what he likes in a forward, and if he can sign a Gakpo-esque star with more of a centre-forward’s flair, the Merseysiders would move a confident step closer toward defending their crown.

Liverpool still in race for new forward

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are still in the running for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, though Chelsea have also retained their interest as Manchester United enter the race.

The sticking point? Frankfurt want €100m (£85m) for their striker, and their director, Markus Krösche, has actually declared, “If the price isn’t right, then he will stay with us.”

With the plan confirmed for Darwin Nunez’s summer sale, Liverpool need to sign a striker, and if a deal can be engineered for Ekitike, they might just hit the jackpot.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Liverpool

Ekitike, a product of Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, only scored four goals across 33 matches for PSG’s senior team before making the move to Germany, signing for Frankfurt for a €35m (£30m) fee.

But his present transfer price tells you everything you need to know about his journey over the past year and a half, having finished the 2022/23 campaign (as a loanee) with a strong burst of prolific form before notching 22 goals and 12 assists across the past season.

But how does he compare to Gakpo? And why, more importantly, does that matter? Well, both forwards are rangy and loose-limbed, with a confident, striding gait that owes to their underlying power and confidence on the ball.

Gakpo’s physicality as a 6 foot 4 sensation has seen him rise to become one of the foremost forwards in the Premier League, and it’s an attribute that the 6 foot 3 Ekitike must harness too.

Of course, the underlying data also suggests how Ekitike, growing into his skin as a high-level goalscorer, also boasts a wealth of creative qualities.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 19% for ball recoveries per 90, the latter of which underscores his energy and movement.

With dynamic and fluid players such as Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Ousmane Dembele, PSG superstar, among Ekitike’s most statistically similar players, as per FBref, the France talent’s likeness to Gakpo is clear, for both players can operate between focal and wide attacking roles.

To be sure, Ekitike is not the finished product and needs to make further steps in his development if he is to justify such a price tag as £85m – or thereabouts.

But he’s immensely skilled, balanced and vibrant in his football. As per Sofascore, he made 12 big chances in the Bundesliga last season, also showing his combative side with an average of 4.2 duels won per match.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has also dubbed him “one of the best strikers out there”, which makes a telling comment on his current level and, indeed, how much better he could yet become.

Moreover, Ekitike has played the lion’s share of his career as a central striker, but across the four matches fielded on the left flank, he has scored one goal and provided two assists for his teammates. Thus, he’s blessed with a positional dynamism that furthers the argument of him being Slot’s new version of Gakpo.

In a mirror image, however, the Frenchman’s prowess lies as the focal frontman, with his qualities at variance with Gakpo’s in the best way, a way that could raise Liverpool’s level and propel them toward more silverware, more success.

Isak upgrade: Liverpool hold talks to sign the "best CF on the market"

Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez gamble hasn’t paid off – now a replacement could be on the cards…

5 ByRobbie Walls Jun 12, 2025

Liverpool did a great job of fending off competition from rivals to win the Premier League title last term and could now look to repeat the trick on the transfer market.

Liverpool chase more arrivals after Florian Wirtz confirmation

Arne Slot has brought success since arriving at Anfield and looks to have made ann early play in the transfer market as his side aim to stay at the top of the English pyramid.

Jeremie Frimpong has already arrived and Florian Wirtz is set to soon officially become a Liverpool player once the formalities from his move are ticked off, so who could be next on the summer conveyor belt?

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez could be next in line at Anfield, claiming his trademark ‘Here We Go’ statement is imminent regarding the Hungary international.

He stated: “I maintain my position, Milos Kerkez will be a Liverpool player. In this case, there are some small details to clarify with Bournemouth, but I maintain my position. I see Milos Kerkez going to Liverpool this summer.

“Then they still have to close these details. This is why, in this case, there is still no here we go, but it’s coming. I have told you several times, here we go soon. Here we go, it’s coming.”

Huijsen 2.0: Liverpool holding final talks to sign "revelation" after Wirtz

Liverpool’s hectic start to the summer transfer window only looks set to continue – and we aren’t even halfway through June

1 ByRobbie Walls Jun 12, 2025

Not resting on their laurels, Liverpool appear to have several priority positions ready to strengthen and money is expected to be spent in the pursuit of further silverware.

Achieving a steady stream of success both domestically and in Europe will be difficult, but the Reds now have a top defender lined up to further their chances of staying at the summit.

Liverpool ready to beat competition to sign Goncalo Inacio

According to A Bola, Liverpool are ready to move for Sporting Clube de Portugal defender Goncalo Inacio, even if Manchester United ad Newcastle United will provide stiff competition for his signature.

Labelled “complete” by scout Jacek Kulig, it is mooted that he will cost in excess of £51 million. However, the reigning Portuguese champions may be willing to sell the Portugal international for less despite his recent part in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph.

Five similar players to Goncalo Inacio (FBRef)

Olivier Boscagli

PSV Eindhoven

Leo Ortiz

Flamengo

Ryan Flamingo

PSV Eindhoven

Nehuen Perez

Porto

David Hancko

Feyenoord

Enjoying a superb campaign, Inacio registered an impressive six goals and three assists in 42 appearances across all competitions last term featuring for the most part in central defence.

Ibrahima Konate has yet to sign a new deal at Liverpool and could be available to sign a pre-contract elsewhere in January, paving the way for the Reds to court potential replacements.

Liverpool have shown already this window that they have an elite talent radar, and Inacio arriving at the club would certainly fit the bill as another striking addition.

Manchester United now expect to complete the transfer of an “unplayable” striker target who Chelsea have already made a bid for, according to a new report.

Man Utd chasing reinforcements ahead of busy summer

This summer is expected to be a busy time for the Red Devils – several contracts are up and plenty more players are expected to depart, as Ruben Amorim tries to put a squad together that suits his system and his system only.

Man Utd preparing £40m bid to sign full-back who is also wanted by Arsenal

Man Utd face a battle with Arsenal to sign an experienced defender.

By
Brett Worthington

Apr 28, 2025

Christian Eriksen looks set to leave United, and there are still doubts over whether Casemiro will remain beyond the summer. Both players leaving would open the door for a new midfielder at least, and United have their eyes on one or two players they would like to sign. Over the weekend, the Red Devils were linked with a move for Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, who would be able to leave the Italian side for £34 million.

Lobotka is not the only Napoli midfielder United could sign, as they have been offered the chance to sign Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who is set to become a free agent in the summer. United are not alone in the race, as Manchester City have also been offered the chance to sign the player via his entourage.

Meanwhile, the Premier League side are also keeping a close eye on Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A. The Brazilian could also be available for a relatively low fee.

Man Utd expect Gyokeres to pick them over Chelsea

Signing a new midfielder may have to wait until United have addressed their forward options, as Amorim is desperate to sign a new striker to end the misery in front of goal. According to Football Insider, Man United are now confident they are going to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP this summer.

The report states that United have been working hard in the background to reach an agreement, and they are now in a good position to complete the transfer of Gyokeres. The Sweden international is considered a top target at Old Trafford and has been since Amorim was appointed head coach.

United will hope securing Champions League football by winning the Europa League will give them the advantage they need, as Chelsea have made a bid worth £64 million for Gyokeres already, and they are yet to know if they will be playing in Europe’s biggest competition. It is believed Amorim’s relationship with the forward has swung it in United’s favour, and they are now confident it’s a “done deal”.

Viktor Gyokeres’ Sporting CP stats
Apps	98
Goals	95
Assists	27

Gyokeres, who has been dubbed “unplayable” by former teammate Maxime Biamou, has scored a staggering 38 goals in 30 Liga Portugal games this season, as well as a further six in the Champions League. United may hold another advantage in the race for Gyokeres, as the Swedish striker has the same agent as current United defender Victor Lindelof.

Everton beat Fulham at Craven Cottage at the weekend to consolidate their position in mid-table. When David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche in January, the fear of relegation was a palpable thing indeed.

Trailing 1-0 when the fourth official displayed four minutes of stoppage time before the interval, Vitalii Mykolenko struck from outside the box and saw a wicked deflection get the better of Bernd Leno. Michael Keane and Beto struck in the second half to seal a fantastic win on the road.

Keane and Abdoulaye Doucoure (who assisted Mykolenko) are both out of contract next month but produced excellent performances to perhaps suggest they deserve a place at Bramley Moore next season.

However, not everyone facing an exit will have impressed the gaffer.

Everton's worst performers vs Fulham

Moyes knew when taking on the Everton job that he would face a deluge of contractual issues. The arrival of Angus Kinnear, Kevin Thelwell’s replacement in the directors box, makes that task less daunting, but it’s a big one nonetheless.

Keane and Doucoure might be getting on, taking a considerable portion of the wage bill besides, but they are still capable of adding depth and experience to a Blues side fighting for higher ground. However, Ashley Young, 39, is a spring chicken no more and proved that much on Saturday.

The right-back languished against the fleet feet of Alex Iwobi and Ryan Sessegnon, still showing off some creativity but being branded with a 5/10 match rating by The Liverpool ECHO, who echoed that sentiment.

Jack Harrison might be a decade younger, but he’s no less expendable. The loanee is about to complete his second year on Merseyside but has ebbed back on multiple occasions this season, with just one goal and one assist across 36 matches in 2024/25.

He too received a 5/10 score from the ECHO, struggling against a Fulham side that limited him to an houer on the field, hooked so that Moyes’ side could achieve more fluency and security in their game.

At least these players earned starting roles. There’s another whose afternoon was spent on the bench. Armando Broja has been unfortunate with injuries this year, but there’s no way Everton should be looking to turn his loan move into a permanent deal this summer.

Moyes must instantly ditch Armando Broja

Everton have been a day late and a dollar short too many times in the transfer market in recent years, with Broja’s signing reminiscent of the frustrating deals that never live up to the hype.

Admittedly, injuries have formed the crux of the 23-year-old’s struggles at Goodison Park this season, for he has only started four times in the Premier League and has failed to score across any competition.

Having been an unused substitute across the past two fixtures now that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is fit again, it’s clear Moyes does not value the Chelsea man all that highly.

Armando Broja’s Premier League Career

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

Everton – 24/25

10

0

0

Fulham – 23/24

8

0

1

Chelsea – 23/24

13

1

1

Chelsea – 22/23

12

1

1

Southampton – 21/22

32

6

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

Broja left Stamford Bridge for Merseyside last summer on a one-year loan deal, with the option to make the move permanent for a £30m figure.

Given that the Albania international has scored just two Premier League goals across the past three seasons, Moyes would be unwise to authorise the transfer, especially when considering he hasn’t even hit the target across his 13 appearances as a Toffee, as per Sofascore, only yet to miss a big chance because he hasn’t been presented with one.

He might have been hailed as an “animal” by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell during his time with Southampton, that was a long time ago and he needs to do much more to restore that predatory instinct.

Ultimately, for £30m, Chelsea would be laughing after a third successive Premier League campaign with little success for the centre-forward.

Broja has the talent to make it work at the highest level, but Everton should turn their heads elsewhere.

Related Forget Beto: Everton starlet showed why he could be a future £100m star

Everton confidently beat Fulham 3-1 on the road courtesy of this top performer in attack.

Posts ByKelan Sarson May 11, 2025

If Bruno Fernandes doesn’t produce, just who else will step up for Manchester United?

That was again the burning question on Tuesday evening, as a typically blunt Red Devils side were edged out 1-0 by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, with Anthony Elanga’s early strike proving the difference between the two teams in the end.

In a way, the visitors were almost doomed to fail from the outset as Ruben Amorim opted not to select Rasmus Hojlund through the middle, with the resurgent Dane starting on the bench despite having found his groove again with goals against Leicester City and Portugal in recent weeks for club and country.

His replacement, Joshua Zirkzee, was unsurprisingly rather ineffective in that number nine berth having failed to win a single duel nor even attempted a shot, with late substitute Harry Maguire twice coming closest to drawing his side level after being thrown on at the death.

And so, the Old Trafford side remain on a negative goal difference heading into Sunday’s Manchester Derby, with work no doubt being done behind the scenes on acquiring suitable attacking reinforcements this summer.

On a more positive note, however, there was reason for optimism regarding the visitors’ display up until the final third, with a handful of individuals catching the eye.

Man Utd's key performers vs Forest

Starting with Fernandes, it wasn’t a vintage display from the man who’d scored five goals across his last three games heading into Tuesday’s clash, although much of what was good about United still came courtesy of the Portuguese’s right foot.

Having been deployed further forward in a number ten berth, the skipper notably combined with Alejandro Garnacho early on before producing a save from the sprawling Matz Sels, while the roles were memorably reversed in the second-half, as Fernandes picked out his young teammate with a delightful lofted ball over the top.

In all, the former Sporting CP playmaker registered six key passes – two more than any other player on the pitch – having also chalked up the most touches on the night, with 111 in total, to further rubberstamp his influence.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, the returning Leny Yoro was also a standout following his recall to the starting lineup, with the teenage Frenchman denying ex-United star, Elanga late on with an expertly timed sliding challenge just outside the area.

That key intervention evoked memories of the 19-year-old’s mirror tackle on Darwin Nunez at Anfield back in January, having showcased his innate recovery pace in both cases to make such a crucial challenge.

The former Lille starlet should well be a mainstay in the back three moving forward – fitness permitting – with the same now also true of Diogo Dalot.

The Man Utd star who's becoming as undroppable as Fernandes

Since his arrival in Manchester back in November, two of Amorim’s six most used players have been Fernandes and the aforementioned Dalot, a fact that has only served to highlight the duo’s quality and availability amid an injury-hit season.

Bruno Fernandes

28

12

9

Diogo Dalot

28

2

2

Noussair Mazraoui

28

0

1

Rasmus Hojlund

28

6

3

Alejandro Garnacho

28

2

4

Joshua Zirkzee

28

5

1

Andre Onana

25

0

0

Matthijs de Ligt

25

1

0

Manuel Ugarte

23

1

1

Leny Yoro

22

0

0

In a way, the lack of alternatives at wing-back or full-back has ensured that Dalot, in particular, has almost been an undroppable figure regardless of his form, although on current evidence, he is now actually deserving of his secure role in the side.

Formerly the club’s Players’ Player of the Year for 2023/24, the Portuguese defender had endured a difficult start to the new campaign, with notable errors including his foul on Tyler Dibling away to Southampton, or his inability to track Brennan Johnson in the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

More recently, under Amorim, the 26-year-old had looked distinctly uncomfortable when operating in an unorthodox left wing-back role, while having also come under fire for failing to pick out a surging Hojlund in the 1-1 draw away to Real Sociedad, with club legend Paul Scholes branding that decision “criminal”.

Such moments have raised question marks over his suitability in this 3-4-3 set-up, although in recent weeks, the former Porto man has quietly stepped up to the mark, having first teed up Fernandes in the FA Cup clash with Fulham last month.

That has since been followed by a further assist for his compatriot against Leicester, while Dalot also got on the scoresheet himself in the second leg against Sociedad, having rifled home in superb fashion from inside the area.

While no goal involvements followed on Tuesday night, Dalot was a real outlet down the right flank, having successfully completed 80% of his attempted dribbles and racked up three key passes from his 98 touches.

Diogo Dalot

The long-serving defender – who won six duels in total – also struck the woodwork with a looping header, having looked like one of the few in blue who could threaten the hosts in the final third.

With the £85k-per-week ace now being afforded a consistent run in the side on his favoured right flank, it looks as if he is beginning to grow into this wing-back berth, with Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst suggesting that Amorim has ‘gravitated’ towards both Dalot and Fernandes since taking the job.

Performance in Numbers

Dalot’s former Porto youth coach, Antonio Folha, has also outlined just why the defender is so important under the new coaching regime, having told the MEN that:

As has been clear to see amid Dalot’s regular game time of late, he remains a key figure in this struggling United side. If he can maintain his recent revival, however, he could also be a central part of what will hopefully be a more successful team in the years to come.

Man Utd may have found the next Pogba who "belongs to a different era"

Man Utd could have the new Paul Pogba in their ranks at Old Trafford

ByRobbie Walls Apr 1, 2025

Arsenal are now ready to pay the £51m release clause for a “world-class” player, who is also of interest to Real Madrid, according to a report.

Gunners title hopes bleak despite Fulham victory

Fulham secured a surprise 3-2 victory against Liverpool yesterday afternoon, which means the Gunners remain 11 points behind the Reds in the Premier League table, but with just seven games left to play, their title hopes are looking very bleak.

Mikel Arteta still has an opportunity to make the 2024-25 campaign a memorable one, however, with his side still fighting in the Champions League, although their route to Munich will not be easy, as they are set to take on Real Madrid in the quarter-final.

The north Londoners will have to take on the reigning champions without an out-and-out striker, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus still sidelined, which will make the daunting task even more difficult.

Related £77m striker now gives Arsenal move green light after talks with Berta

A “lethal” striker has now said yes to signing for the Gunners, with Andrea Berta playing a key role in convincing him.

Posts 3 ByDominic Lund Apr 6, 2025

Squad depth has been an issue for Arteta this season, and the manager is keen to bolster his options in the summer transfer window, with a new central midfielder of interest.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now ready to meet the €60m (£51m) release clause in Martin Zubimendi’s Real Sociedad contract, having wanted to sign the midfielder for quite some time.

The Gunners are looking to finalise the deal for Zubimendi, who is Arteta’s primary target in central midfield, but Real Madrid also retain an interest, and the Spanish side could provide competition for his signature, alongside Atlético Madrid and Manchester City.

An agreement has already been reached on personal terms, indicating the Spaniard is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, but his head could still be turned by one of the rival suitors.

Gunners must win race for "world-class" Zubimendi

The 26-year-old has been one of Sociedad’s best performers in La Liga this season, averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.89, the second-highest figure in the squad, and he has received high praise from members of the media.

Ben Mattinson lauded the Spain international for a “top performance” against Real Madrid last week, claiming he could relieve the burden of creating chances that is currently on Martin Odegaard, while he has also proven himself to be solid defensively.

Journalist Alexandra Jonson believes there is “no doubt” the Sociedad star is “world-class”, indicating he could take Arsenal’s midfield to the next level, with Arteta in need of at least one new player, given that Jorginho is in talks over a move elsewhere.

As such, it is promising news that Arsenal are now ready to pay the £51m release clause, and they will be hoping his head isn’t turned by the prospect of remaining in Spain with Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid.

Ashwin, Jadeja and a group of quality fast bowlers have made India near-unbeatable in home Tests, but it won’t last forever

Sidharth Monga19-Jan-2024Alastair Cook and Haseeb Hameed cussedly saw off 50 of the 150 overs England needed to bat out to save the Visakhapatnam Test of 2016-17. England went into the final day needing to bat out 90 overs with eight wickets in hand. An hour of intense interrogation of technique and luck later, England were two wickets poorer and still looking at having to bat out another 90 overs, or possibly more, because India had bowled 21 overs in that one hour. And there wasn’t a cloud in sight.Just imagine how dispiriting it can be to take a brief break after 21 overs of breathless concentration and application, of trying to keep out two of the greatest spinners of all time, and finding out you have actually not moved anywhere in terms of bringing down your target. That’s Test cricket in India. Or, to be more precise, just one hour of Test cricket in India.Related

The stakes in play for India, England and Test cricket

How Rajat Patidar earned his selection to India's Test squad

India's wicked keepers debate: Rahul vs Bharat vs Jurel

Kuldeep, Axar in India squad for first two England Tests

Jurel wants to use India experience to develop 'mental fortitude'

To travel to India and win a Test series is possibly the toughest challenge in competitive sport. In cricket it definitely is. It’s easier to win an ODI World Cup. There have been three of them since the last time a visiting team won a Test series in India. It’s easier to win a World Test Championship: the two WTC champions have not even come close to winning in India in their championship cycles.It has been more than 11 years since India lost a Test series at home, a period during which Australia have lost three at home, England two, New Zealand two and South Africa four. India’s domination has gone deeper than just winning series. There have been zero drawn series over this period, and only one has gone into its final Test still alive: against Australia in 2016-17, at the deep end of a long, exhausting season for India. In more than 11 years, India have lost just three home Tests, achieving a win-loss ratio of 12, nearly twice that of the next-best home team in this period, Australia.ESPNcricinfo LtdThis dominance is primarily down to two all-timers. It seems like an age ago when we questioned the future of India’s spin bowling in the aftermath of India’s last series defeat at home, against England in 2012-13. R Ashwin kept getting cut frequently, averaging 53 in that series. Ravindra Jadeja had just made his debut as a batting allrounder at No. 6. These were spinners who had already made themselves names in the IPL. We worried who would carry India’s proud spin legacy forward.More than a decade later, we are looking at two of Indian cricket’s greatest match-winners, who have shown the craft, the fitness, the longevity and the hunger for excellence to make India the most formidable force at home in the whole of Test history. Captains have changed – three full-time ones – and coaches – four of them – have come and gone, but these two have remained the constants.They have played 49 Tests together, taking exactly 500 wickets between them in those Tests at an average of a little over 20 and an economy rate of well under three. Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh took 501 together.Forty of the 49 Ashwin-Jadeja Tests have come at home. In these matches a wicket has cost India nearly 19 runs less than it has the opposition. That’s only a little over half the story. The real cheat code is for bowlers of this ability to have averaged nearly 40 and 22 with the bat in these Tests, on consistently testing, result-oriented surfaces.ESPNcricinfo LtdOppositions have sometimes managed to compete to the extent of having India four or five down at a similar score to theirs, but that’s when the worms almost always start diverging. India’s spinners maintain the intensity for longer with the ball, and they make more runs with the bat.There have been duos more prolific (Vaas and Murali with 895 wickets together), more versatile (McGrath and Warne with 1001), more storied (Wasim and Waqar with 559), more intimidating (Ambrose and Walsh with 762), or more enduring (Broad and Anderson with 1039), but none of them have featured two allrounders helping free up an extra bowling position. Ashwin and Jadeja have been so good it should be illegal.It can be argued that these two have been so good that at least three of the countries they travel to have started preparing pitches that eliminate their whole discipline of bowling. In the recently concluded series in South Africa, the hosts didn’t bowl a single delivery of spin. New Zealand has historically been a tough place for spinners, and England is moving more and more towards pitches that hardly need spinners, especially when India are visiting.Because India have a good fast-bowling attack to go with these two great spinners, the pitches in India don’t eliminate the fast bowlers as drastically. Nearly a third of the 852 wickets India have taken at home during this dominant period belong to fast bowlers. No other venue offers so much to its team’s weaker suit.ESPNcricinfo LtdWeaker they might be compared to the spinners, but India’s fast bowlers have been far superior to the visiting pacers in these conditions. If India’s spinners have been roughly 20 runs per wicket better than those of the visitors, the fast bowlers are not far behind with a difference of 17 runs per wicket. This is what happened when, for once, Australia’s Nathan Lyon and Steve O’Keefe matched India’s spinners in 2016-17. The fast bowlers proved to be the difference.Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav have been phenomenal at home. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma have been more than serviceable when they’ve featured. Jasprit Bumrah has hardly played at home, which might be a relief to oppositions because he averages less than 16 here. Mohammed Siraj has the attributes that should make him a dangerous bowler at home.ESPNcricinfo LtdWe must celebrate and cherish this dominance because not long from now a team will come to India with two exceptional spinners and a sturdy pace attack, and will catch the hosts in transition and put an end to the greatest series-winning streak at home.There are already signs that the dominance is waning. India last clean-swept a series of more than two Tests back in 2019. They have lost two Tests over their last four home series, after going 12 series with just one Test defeat. They registered their narrowest win since 2013 – even if it was by six wickets – last year. In the last home series, the unimaginable happened when they won a toss on a square turner and still lost the Test.The bowlers England bring to India this season don’t have the pedigree that Australia’s did in 2022-23, but their new style of batting might pose a challenge to a great duo that is showing signs of wear and tear. Bangladesh and New Zealand will visit later in the year. India cannot take this year for granted, but we will have seen some enthralling cricket if they have stretched their series-winning streak at home to 19 by the end of it.