Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has claimed Ruben Amorim “obviously doesn’t appreciate” one of his brightest players.
Amorim looking to put own stamp on Man Utd squad
Amorim has made it abundantly clear that he is not willing to change his three-at-the-back system, despite it not yielding the results he would’ve been hoping for, with Man United making a slow start to the Premier League campaign.
The summer transfer window presented the 40-year-old with his first real opportunity to put his own stamp on his squad, and he opted to strengthen in attacking areas for the most part, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha among the most high-profile signings.
However, one position in which Amorim was ultimately unable to strengthen is central midfield, which he could look to rectify in January, amid links with the likes of Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.
United’s interest in a new central midfielder comes amid Kobbie Mainoo receiving very little game time, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes predominantly being given the nod in the engine room.
Now, Sheringham has claimed that Amorim is simply not a fan of Mainoo.
Mainoo should be given chance against Brentford
It is clear the £70m-rated midfielder isn’t held in the highest of regards by the United boss, having failed to start a single Premier League game this season, but the 20-year-old should be given the opportunity to prove himself against Brentford.
It is very difficult for any player to show what they can do if they only appear as a substitute, and the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium could be the perfect chance for the Englishman to make a statement, given that Casemiro is suspended.
Man Utd targeting "incredible" 4-2-3-1 manager who's won three league titles
The Red Devils have identified an “incredible” manager as a replacement for Ruben Amorim.
4 ByDominic Lund Sep 23, 2025
However, it remains to be seen whether the midfielder is given the nod, given that he is clearly below Manuel Ugarte in the pecking order, with the Uruguayan being brought on at half-time after Casemiro saw red against Chelsea.
With a place in England’s World Cup squad next summer on the line, it is little wonder Mainoo is agitating for a move, and he is likely to grow even more frustrated if he’s once again benched against Brentford.
Tom Westley and Michael Pepper combined for a 215-run sixth-wicket partnership that frustrated Hampshire and ultimately saved Essex from suffering their third Rothesay County Championship defeat of the season.The pair came together at 131 for 5, still 26 runs short of making Hampshire bat again, and were not parted for nearly three-and-a-half hours. Slowly but surely they took the game out of the visitors’ grip that had looked strong after gaining a first-innings lead of 157. Pepper was the hare to Westley’s tortoise, but both batters clocked up contrasting centuries, Westley his 30th in red-ball cricket and Pepper his highest first-class score.When handshakes were exchanged to signal the draw at 4.50pm, the Essex captain had batted for all but 12 overs of the 119 Essex faced in their second innings. He had struggled for runs this summer but his unbeaten 322-ball 130, with 12 boundaries, showed a high level of self-discipline and application.While Westley had dug in doggedly, Pepper changed the tempo of the innings with some big-hitting before he was eventually dismissed for 140 from 154 balls, including 20 fours and a six. Pepper had also played a similar key role in partnership with Matt Critchley to help Essex secure an equally unlikely draw against Yorkshire last month.Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson added two early wickets in the morning to the pair he had in the bag overnight, but while whirling away for a marathon stint of 41 overs could not improve on figures of 4 for 82.Essex had started the day requiring 49 more runs to make Hampshire bat again – or remain all day at the crease to hang on for the draw with seven wickets in hand.Hampshire hopes were high when overnight batsman Critchley was undone by a delivery from Dawson that turned and caught him on the instep of his front leg. He had dug in for an hour and a half for his 19, and had earlier set the tone for the opening exchanges by finally claiming the first run of the day from the 29th ball.Westley was particularly watchful, adding just a single to his overnight 50 in the opening 51 minutes and 35 balls before he went on the backfoot and drive Eddie Jack for a boundary. His concentrations was such that he added just 20 runs from 65 balls in the morning session.First-innings centurion Charlie Allison was slightly more expansive with two fours in 31 balls before he pulled Dawson to short midwicket. That wicket fell at 11.59am; the next came at 4.30pm.A sweep off Dawson for four by Pepper eased the Essex total into the black. It was at that point Pepper put his foot on the gas. He took 15 from an over by James Fuller, including a big yahoo for six.Pepper then cut Jack for another boundary that brought up the fifty partnership with Westley in 11 overs, of which the wicketkeeper-batsman contributed 42. Pepper’s own half-century, reached with his eighth four, driven to long leg, took just 43 balls. The pair took another 13 overs to pass three-figures together.Westley’s strike-rate increased in the hour after lunch when he added the 30 runs he required to reach his century, realised with a lofted drive off Dawson for his 11th boundary.Pepper was not long in following suit, a thick edge off Jack racing away to the third-man boundary took him to second century of the season. It also brought up 150 runs scored between the pair in 40 overs.A contrast in the pace at which the two batters had scored was shown starkly when Pepper caught up with Westley when both had 108; Pepper had got there in 152 balls fewer.However, Pepper’s knock came to an end when he attempted to launch Tom Prest out of the ground but only found Kyle Abbott on the long-leg boundary.
Manchester United’s situation on the pitch is one that needs a rapid change in the coming weeks, especially if boss Ruben Amorim is to save his job at Old Trafford.
The 40-year-old will mark a year in charge in just over a month’s time, but it remains to be seen if he will reach such a landmark given the Red Devils’ dismal displays in recent weeks.
His men have lost three of their first six Premier League matches in 2025/26, whilst also being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby Town.
Such results see the club occupy a place just above the relegation zone, just as they did last campaign, whilst already missing out on the opportunity to win a piece of silverware this season.
As a result, pressure has rapidly been building on Amorim’s shoulders, with numerous options already being lined up by the hierarchy should they decide to make a change of manager.
The latest on Man Utd’s shortlist of Amorim replacements
After winning the FA Cup and Community Shield within the last few months, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has emerged as one of the options United could turn to if Amorim is sacked.
Such a move would be an excellent appointment, but it remains unclear at this stage whether the Austrian would be open to a switch to Old Trafford given his recent success at Selhurst Park.
However, he’s not the only manager currently in their sights, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola another option under consideration, according to TEAMtalk.
Their report claims that the Spaniard “would love” to take over at the Theatre of Dreams, with such a move reflecting his rapid rise in his managerial career.
It also states that the 43-year-old only has one year left on his contract at the Vitality, with the Cherries potentially having no choice but to allow him to depart in order to gain a compensation package.
Why United’s manager hunt could see an Amorim upgrade arrive
After joining last November, it’s safe to say no United fan would have expected the club’s form to take a further nose-dive after Amorim filled the hot-seat after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.
The Portuguese boss arrived with huge expectations after winning two Liga Portugal titles during his spell in charge of Sporting CP – even beating Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League prior to his move to England.
However, the 40-year-old has only achieved a 39% win rate in his 49 matches at the helm, with the defeat against Brentford last Saturday, the 21st of his tenure.
Such a result made it nine losses in the club’s last 15 league matches, with promoted sides such as Sunderland and Leeds United already ahead of them in the current standings.
A change is desperately needed, with a move for Iraola offering the Red Devils the fresh impetus they’ve desperately craved over the last couple of months.
AFC Bournemouth manager AndoniIraolalooks dejected after the match
Should he join the club, the first team would no doubt go back to a 4-2-3-1 system, something which Amorim has refused to do, but also offering the hierarchy an improvement on the man currently at the helm.
When comparing their respective stats in the Premier League, the difference is there for all to see, with the Spaniard a perfect option to right the wrongs of the last 12 months.
Andoni Iraola – PL stats
Statistics (per 90)
Iraola
Amorim
Games managed
94
49
Wins
38
19
Draws
22
9
Losses
34
21
Goals conceded
1.4
1.9
Points won
115
66
Points per game
1.5
1.3
Win percentage
40.4%
38.7%
Stats via Transfermarkt
Iraola, who in the words of journalist James Horncastle – via John Brewin of the Libero podcast – is the “best coach in the Premier League”, has achieved a 40% win rate at the Vitality, a rate higher than that of Amorim, winning 38 of his 94 matches in charge – subsequently doing so on a shoestring budget.
He’s also achieved a better point per game rate to date, with his side also conceding fewer goals per 90 – subsequently offering the Red Devils the needed defensive quality they’ve lacked.
The former Rayo Vallecano boss led the Cherries to a top-half finish last time around, something which Amorim was unable to do with a vastly more expensive squad at his disposal.
There’s no denying that the 40-year-old is on borrowed time, with the hierarchy desperately needing to make a decision soon to avoid another embarrassing campaign.
Should he be given his matching orders, it’s clear that Iraola would be a phenomenal option, with the Spaniard’s desire to make the move another reason why he should be the man to transform the club’s fortunes.
He's Klopp 2.0: "Incredible" boss is Man Utd's top target to replace Amorim
Manchester United now have a new option to replace Ruben Amorim as manager at Old Trafford.
With talks continuing over Steven Gerrard’s potential Rangers return, an ex-Ibrox ace is now reportedly open to joining the former Gers boss in Glasgow.
Steven Gerrard has positive talks over Rangers return
It’s a big couple of weeks for the 49ers and the Gers, who were forced to face their first major mistake recently when sacking Russell Martin. The former boss won just one game in seven attempts in the Scottish Premiership and a draw at Falkirk proved to be the final straw in a tenure that was historically disappointing.
So, it’s back to square one for those at Ibrox and this time they must get things right on the manager front. They’re not short on potential options, either, when it comes to Martin replacements.
However, whilst Sean Dyche, Danny Rohl and others have been mentioned in recent reports, it looks as though Gerrard is emerging as the favourite to make his return to Rangers.
The former manager remains the last to dethrone Celtic in the Scottish Premiership and could now return to the dugout four years on from leaving the club for Aston Villa.
Martin upgrade who's "similar to Postecoglou" in running for Rangers job
The Ibrox hierarchy are on the hunt to find an upgrade on Russell Martin at Rangers.
ByDan Emery Oct 7, 2025
According to reports, Rangers have already held positive talks with Gerrard, who has been out of a job since leaving Saudi Arabia side Al-Ettifaq in January.
Unlike other candidates, Gerrard’s appointment shouldn’t come with major risk factor. He’s been there and done it at Rangers. Even if the current job is arguably tougher than it once was, his experience with the Gers should prove to be invaluable compared to the likes of Rohl and Dyche.
What’s more, the 45-year-old has already been handed a key boost when it comes to his potential coaching staff in Scotland.
Defoe now open to joining Gerrard at Rangers
As reported by TeamTalk, Jermaine Defoe is now open to joining Gerrard at Rangers and reuniting with his former club in the process. The former striker was briefly an assistant manager after Gerrard left the Gers in 2021 and may now have the opportunity to return to the role for the first time in four years.
There’s little doubt that Defoe would say no to any potential Rangers offer, either, having told reporters:
It’s all slowly coming together for Gerrard and Rangers, who could have their replacement for Martin sealed sooner rather than later.
A former Manchester United player has accused Marcus Rashford of being 'lazy' and 'letting his team-mates at Old Trafford down', with the forward's resurgence at Barcelona dismissed. Rashford has rediscovered himself in Catalonia this season after completing a loan move from United. He had fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim and was included in the manager's 'bomb squad' during pre-season.
Rashford's resurgence at Barcelona
Things started to turn ugly between Rashford and Amorim after the striker revealed in an explosive interview in December 2024 that he wanted to move away from his boyhood club. When the transfer window reopened in January, the Red Devils shipped him off on loan to Aston Villa as he was deemed surplus to the Portuguese coach's needs. Rashford enjoyed an impressive stint under Unai Emery in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign as he started to regain his old form at Villa Park.
However, after an injury the 27-year-old returned to Old Trafford in the summer but he was informed that he still does not feature in Amorim's plans. Along with other United outcasts like Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony, Rashford was placed in the so-called 'bomb squad' – a group of players who were up for sale and therefore banned from training with the first team. This prompted Rashford to secure a loan move to Barcelona ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
The English forward has so far enjoyed an impressive spell at the Catalan club and he regularly features in Hansi Flick's starting line-up. Rashford has already recorded five goals and as many assists in 12 matches across all competitions, including his latest double in the club's 6-1 thrashing of Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
Ex-United star slams Rashford
Despite his recent resurgence with the Blaugrana, former United defender Paul Parker slammed Rashford as he accused the England international of being "lazy" and 'letting his team-mates down' during his time at Old Trafford.
Speaking to , Parker said: "He let his team-mates down. He was lazy, he didn’t do anything. He’s got a lot to prove if he comes back to England. How many players in the UK would trust him if he played for their team? We know it, the answer is no-one. They would never say it, but they would be feeling it inside. It was life and death when I played, and that should have been inbuilt in him, but it isn’t.
"He has done alright, but I don’t think he is in Barcelona’s ideal starting 11. Will he start in a Champions League final with Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski? I think the answer is no. He doesn’t start. Everything about Marcus Rashford seems to be about politics, to be honest."
'Rashford put himself in a bad position'
Parker further claimed that Rashford did not give his all to his boyhood club as he added: "Rashford put himself in a bad position where he didn’t know what to do. If you can’t give everything for your boyhood club and you are willing to let down the rest of the team, then that says a lot about you. If you can’t do it at the club you have been at since you were a kid, even saying you support that team and love the city where you have been brought up.. If you can’t deliver for them and let your teammates down on numerous occasions, then you are in a very bad position. Then he went to Aston Villa and the media claimed he did well, but did he do better than Ollie Watkins? No. Did he do any better than Jacob Ramsey? No. But he was sold that way because the narrative was to put pressure on Man Utd."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images Sport
Rashford preparing to compete in first-ever El Clasico
After a stunning performance against Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday, where he operated as a No.9 in Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres' absence, Rashford will now aim to bring out his best in the first Clasico of his career as the Catalan giants visit the Santiago Bernabeu this Sunday to face arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Being a goalkeeper may be the trickiest position on a football pitch, but in the Premier League, there’s nowhere to hide.
Whether you’re gunning for the title or hoping to stay up by the skin of your teeth, a top shot-stopper can make all the difference come the end of the season.
This year has once again highlighted the best and worst of those between the sticks, with Manchester City’s move for Gianluigi Donnarumma proving to be an eye-catching transfer.
Ranking factors
To help place every No 1 in the correct order from best to worst, we have considered the following criteria:
Current form – how well they have played over the last few months Club – whether their performances meet the required standards of their team Reliability – how trusted they can be to avoid errors Overperformance – whether they can make saves they would not be expected to
Best goalkeepers in the Premier League (ranked)
Rank
Player
Age
Club
Nation
1
Gianluigi Donnarumma
26
Man City
Italy
2
Alisson
33
Liverpool
Brazil
3
David Raya
30
Arsenal
Spain
4
Emiliano Martinez
33
Aston Villa
Argentina
5
Jordan Pickford
31
Everton
England
6
Matz Sels
33
Nottingham Forest
Belgium
7
Dean Henderson
28
Crystal Palace
England
8
Nick Pope
33
Newcastle
England
9
Robin Roefs
22
Sunderland
Netherlands
10
Bernd Leno
33
Fulham
Germany
11
Guglielmo Vicario
29
Tottenham
Italy
12
Djordje Petrovic
26
Bournemouth
Serbia
13
Senne Lammens
23
Man Utd
Belgium
14
Bart Verbruggen
23
Brighton
Netherlands
15
Caoimhin Kelleher
26
Brentford
Ireland
16
Robert Sanchez
27
Chelsea
Spain
17
Lucas Perri
27
Leeds
Brazil
18
Alphonse Areola
32
West Ham
France
19
Jose Sa
32
Wolves
Portugal
20
Martin Dubravka
36
Burnley
Slovakia
12 20-16 Martin Dubravka, Jose Sa, Alphonse Areola, Lucas Perri, Robert Sanchez
Robin Roefs cost Sunderland around £9m following their return to the Premier League, and after replacing Anthony Patterson as first choice at the Stadium of Light, made an excellent start in England.
Should he continue his form, the 22-year-old’s value will only increase, and he could have a big part to play in the Black Cats’ attempts to remain in the top flight.
Robin Roefs career history
Years
Club
2021-2025
NEC Nijmegen
2025-present
Sunderland
8 Nick Pope Newcastle
Nick Pope’s season last time out was affected by injury, but he has still proved himself as a solid goalkeeper for Newcastle United.
Now a Wembley winner following Carabao Cup success, the former Burnley shot-stopper has formed part of an impressive Toon outfit that looks primed to secure Champions League football.
While perhaps past his best, Pope remains a goalkeeper who seems at home in the Premier League, though compared to his counterparts, middle of the pack feels about right.
Nick Pope career history
Years
Club
2011
Bury Town
2011-2016
Charlton
2011
Harrow Borough (loan)
2011-2012
Welling (loan)
2013
Cambridge (loan)
2013
Aldershot (loan)
2013-2014
York (loan)
2015
Bury (loan)
2016-2022
Burnley
2022-present
Newcastle
7 Dean Henderson Crystal Palace
Dean Henderson is by no means the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, but he has finally found a home at Crystal Palace, where he is now flourishing following his exit from Manchester United.
Henderson has marshalled a relatively tight defence and helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield.
Dean Henderson career history
Years
Club
2016-2023
Man Utd
2016
Stockport (loan)
2016
Stockport (loan)
2016-2017
Grimsby (loan)
2017-2018
Shrewsbury (loan)
2018-2019
Sheff Utd (loan)
2019-2020
Sheff Utd (loan)
2022-2023
Nottingham Forest (loan)
2023-present
Crystal Palace
6 Matz Sels Nottingham Forest
Matz Sels has been a delight for Nottingham Forest, epitomising his team’s role as the division’s surprise package by becoming one of the Reds’ most important players.
He also received the Golden Glove award alongside Arsenal’s David Raya after keeping 13 clean sheets in 24/25. Simply put, Forest wouldn’t rather have anyone else in goal than the Belgian.
Matz Sels career history
Years
Club
2010-2014
Lierse
2014-2016
Gent
2016-2018
Newcastle
2017-2018
Anderlecht (loan)
2018-2024
Strasbourg
2024-present
Nottingham Forest
5 Jordan Pickford Everton
Jordan Pickford has been Everton and England’s number one for some time now, and he has continued to shine following David Moyes’ return to Merseyside.
His highlights last season included shutouts against Arsenal and Chelsea, while his status as the undisputed Three Lions No 1 has to count for something.
Jordan Pickford career history
Years
Club
2012-2017
Sunderland
2012
Darlington (loan)
2013
Alfreton (loan)
2013
Burton Albion (loan)
2014
Carlisle (loan)
2014-2015
Bradford (loan)
2015-2016
Preston (loan)
2017-present
Everton
4 Emiliano Martinez Aston Villa
A Yashin Trophy winner, it’s difficult to criticise Emiliano Martinez too much, as for all of his wind-up antics and dodgy dancing, the Argentinian has continued to be a useful blockade in front of the Aston Villa goal.
Now highly experienced following his exploits on the international stage and in the Champions League, Martinez has matured – loosely speaking – into one of the top goalkeepers in the world.
Emiliano Martinez career history
Years
Club
2012-2020
Arsenal
2012
Oxford United (loan)
2013-2014
Sheff Wed (loan)
2015
Rotherham (loan)
2015-2016
Wolves (loan)
2017-2018
Getafe (loan)
2019
Reading (loan)
2020-present
Aston Villa
3 David Raya Arsenal
David Raya has arguably been one of Arsenal’s most consistent players in recent seasons. The Spaniard totally vindicated Mikel Arteta’s decision to install him as the Gunners No 1 last season, and has continued to shine in goal at the Emirates Stadium, excelling at the top level.
He comfortably sits in the top three and has been rewarded with a new Arsenal contract in 2025.
Being a goalkeeper may be the trickiest position on a football pitch, but in the Premier League, there’s nowhere to hide.
Whether you’re gunning for the title or hoping to stay up by the skin of your teeth, a top shot-stopper can make all the difference come the end of the season.
This year has once again highlighted the best and worst of those between the sticks, with Manchester City’s move for Gianluigi Donnarumma proving to be an eye-catching transfer.
Ranking factors
To help place every No 1 in the correct order from best to worst, we have considered the following criteria:
Current form – how well they have played over the last few months Club – whether their performances meet the required standards of their team Reliability – how trusted they can be to avoid errors Overperformance – whether they can make saves they would not be expected to
Rank
Player
Age
Club
Nation
Gianluigi Donnarumma
26
Man City
Italy
Alisson
33
Liverpool
Brazil
David Raya
30
Arsenal
Spain
Emiliano Martinez
33
Aston Villa
Argentina
Jordan Pickford
31
Everton
England
Matz Sels
33
Nottingham Forest
Belgium
Dean Henderson
28
Crystal Palace
England
Nick Pope
33
Newcastle
England
Robin Roefs
22
Sunderland
Netherlands
Bernd Leno
33
Fulham
Germany
Guglielmo Vicario
29
Tottenham
Italy
Djordje Petrovic
26
Bournemouth
Serbia
Senne Lammens
23
Man Utd
Belgium
Bart Verbruggen
23
Brighton
Netherlands
Caoimhin Kelleher
26
Brentford
Ireland
Robert Sanchez
27
Chelsea
Spain
Lucas Perri
27
Leeds
Brazil
Alphonse Areola
32
West Ham
France
Jose Sa
32
Wolves
Portugal
Martin Dubravka
36
Burnley
Slovakia
12 20-16 Martin Dubravka, Jose Sa, Alphonse Areola, Lucas Perri, Robert Sanchez
Robin Roefs cost Sunderland around £9m following their return to the Premier League, and after replacing Anthony Patterson as first choice at the Stadium of Light, made an excellent start in England.
Should he continue his form, the 22-year-old’s value will only increase, and he could have a big part to play in the Black Cats’ attempts to remain in the top flight.
8 Nick Pope Newcastle
Nick Pope’s season last time out was affected by injury, but he has still proved himself as a solid goalkeeper for Newcastle United.
Now a Wembley winner following Carabao Cup success, the former Burnley shot-stopper has formed part of an impressive Toon outfit that looks primed to secure Champions League football.
While perhaps past his best, Pope remains a goalkeeper who seems at home in the Premier League, though compared to his counterparts, middle of the pack feels about right.
7 Dean Henderson Crystal Palace
Dean Henderson is by no means the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, but he has finally found a home at Crystal Palace, where he is now flourishing following his exit from Manchester United.
Henderson has marshalled a relatively tight defence and helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield.
6 Matz Sels Nottingham Forest
Matz Sels has been a delight for Nottingham Forest, epitomising his team’s role as the division’s surprise package by becoming one of the Reds’ most important players.
He also received the Golden Glove award alongside Arsenal’s David Raya after keeping 13 clean sheets in 24/25. Simply put, Forest wouldn’t rather have anyone else in goal than the Belgian.
Years
Club
2010-2014
Lierse
2014-2016
Gent
2016-2018
Newcastle
2017-2018
Anderlecht (loan)
2018-2024
Strasbourg
2024-present
Nottingham Forest
5 Jordan Pickford Everton
Jordan Pickford has been Everton and England’s number one for some time now, and he has continued to shine following David Moyes’ return to Merseyside.
His highlights last season included shutouts against Arsenal and Chelsea, while his status as the undisputed Three Lions No 1 has to count for something.
4 Emiliano Martinez Aston Villa
A Yashin Trophy winner, it’s difficult to criticise Emiliano Martinez too much, as for all of his wind-up antics and dodgy dancing, the Argentinian has continued to be a useful blockade in front of the Aston Villa goal.
Now highly experienced following his exploits on the international stage and in the Champions League, Martinez has matured – loosely speaking – into one of the top goalkeepers in the world.
3 David Raya Arsenal
David Raya has arguably been one of Arsenal’s most consistent players in recent seasons. The Spaniard totally vindicated Mikel Arteta’s decision to install him as the Gunners No 1 last season, and has continued to shine in goal at the Emirates Stadium, excelling at the top level.
He comfortably sits in the top three and has been rewarded with a new Arsenal contract in 2025.
Despite picking up an injury a few weeks ago, new Manchester United number ten Matheus Cunha has made a positive start to life at Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old has only played seven games for the club so far, missing the Manchester derby defeat away at the Etihad with the hamstring issue he had earlier in the season.
He’s yet to score or assist, but his impact in the final third has been felt. He’s created seven chances so far, and averaged 1.4 per 90 minutes. He certainly shone on debut against Arsenal.
The Brazil international has performed well for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the international break this month.
Cunha’s form for Brazil
With the form he showed for Wolverhampton Wanderers throughout his time at Molineux, it was always going to be a matter of time before Cunha became a regular in the national team.
After making his debut back in 2021, he broke into the side as a key player earlier in 2025.
The 26-year-old is currently away with Brazil on international duty. In their recent game against continued his excellent form for Selecao, where he managed to score and assist in four games this calendar year.
Well, he added to that tally, which is now three goal involvements in five games, after he assisted Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior against South Korea in a 5-0 win.
Playing as a centre-forward for Ancelotti’s team, he managed 44 touches, created three chances and won four from seven ground duels.
Cunha vs. South Korea
Stat
Number
Touches
44
Pass accuracy
83%
Passes in oppostion half
16/21
Ground duels won
4/7
Ball recoveries
3
Chances created
3
Assists
1
Stats from Sofascore
The 26-year-old has a good relationship with Los Blancos star Vinicius. The pair have played together 11 times for the national team, combining for two goals in that time.
Both of those came in the last two games they played alongside each other in that famous Yellow shirt.
With Cunha’s form threatening to explode for United, too, it will be encouraging for Ruben Amorim that he has a howgrown version of the Brazilian brewing.
United’s homegrown Cunha
United have some incredibly exciting academy players. They’ve produced some sensational talents over the years, and currently on the books, some rising stars can eventually fit that mould.
In The Pipeline
Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.
It is no secret just how talented 15-year-old forward JJ Gabriel is, with the Red Devils academy diamond tipped for a huge career ahead of him.
Yet, he is not the academy star who could be the homegrown Cunha. Instead, that is Samuel Lusale, an 18-year-old winger who moved to Old Trafford last summer from Crystal Palace. He’s already impressed for the academy sides.
In 22 games for the Red Devils under-18s side for far, Lusale has scored once and assisted seven times. This season in particular, the Slovakia under-19 international has been on fire, with four assists and one goal in five U18 Premier League games.
His run of form has been largely unstoppable. The 18-year-old, who was born in Guilford, has only failed to score or assist once, coming against Burnley. He gave Wolves a nightmare, grabbing two goal involvements in a 4-0 win.
Already, you can see how the 18-year-old is similar to Cunha, with the threat he offers in the final third. Described as a “dynamic” attacker by Academy Scoop over on X, he is a threatening ball-carrier, just like Cunha has shown for United this season.
The other similarity comes in the versatility Lusale offers. According to Transfermarkt, he is a winger by trade and has featured on both flanks for the Red Devils. He can also operate as a number ten, which really draws comparisons to Cunha.
The Brazilian is surely going to be an instant hit for United, and has shown glimpses of his best form before getting derailed by injury.
To be brewing a homemade version of Cunha in Lusale is exciting for United fans, especially if he can turn out to be as deadly as their number 10.
Worth way more than Hojlund: Man Utd have struck gold on "incredible" star
Manchester United have a top-level talent who has seen his value soar over the last few months.
Jamie Carragher insists Liverpool should not panic over Ibrahima Konate's future, saying his former club will be "absolutely fine" if the defender leaves on a free transfer next summer. The France international has less than a year remaining on his contract and it remains to be seen whether he will agree an extension ahead of the January transfer window opening.
Contract situation continues to drag on for Bayern & Real Madrid-linked Konate
Konate has established himself as a key fixture in Liverpool’s starting XI following his move from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in 2021. The 26-year-old has formed a strong partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Reds’ defence, making 147 appearances in all competitions and scoring six goals.
However, speculation remains rife regarding Konate’s future ahead of the January transfer window opening in less than two months’ time. The centre-back is into the final year on his current deal and it is up in the air as to whether he will ink fresh terms at Anfield.
German newspaper are reporting that German giants Bayern Munich are tentatively weighing up whether to rival La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid by making a move for Konate, who is eligible to arrange a free transfer in January.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportLiverpool told they will not 'fall apart' should Konate leave the club
But while rumours continue to swirl regarding Konate’s contract situation, Liverpool have been told they will not "fall apart" if they are forced into the transfer market to replace him.
Speaking to the Carragher – who made 737 appearances for Liverpool, winning 11 trophies – said: "I’d like him [Konate] to stay but if he doesn’t stay, Liverpool will sign someone else. Liverpool won’t fall apart if Konate leaves.
"He's not Virgil van Dijk. He's a good centre-back who you hope will sign, but if he doesn’t want to sign, Liverpool will be absolutely fine. He's a very good centre-back, he's a title winner at Liverpool, he's played in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. He's obviously a quality centre-back.
"It's not poor management [if he goes for free]. You can't physically make somebody sign a contract. Then it's your decision, do you keep him to the length of his contract or do you sell him?"
Reds legend Carragher wants to see more consistency from Konate
In a run which saw Liverpool lose four consecutive Premier League games against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford, Konate was one of a number of players whose performances had notably dipped.
However, the ex-Sochaux man has since played a key role in helping Arne Slot’s side get back on track with victories over Aston Villa in the league and Xabi Alonso’s Real in the Champions League, with Carragher now challenging him to keep improving over the next few weeks.
"It's still only a couple of games," said Carragher, when asked about Konate’s recent displays. "He hasn't had a great start to the season and he needs to show a bit more consistency.
“He was fantastic against Real Madrid and he needs to keep that going over the next few months, it can't just be two games on the bounce.
"There’s no secrets [to picking up your form]. It’s about working harder and you become more professional. It’s on your mind constantly that you want to get back into good form and every you think tiny detail will make a difference, whether that’s what you eat, what time you go to sleep, it’s just becoming an ultra-professional on and off the pitch."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images SportUp next for Liverpool: A trip to Man City for Pep's 1,000th game
Konate will be hoping to continue his and Liverpool’s recent revival when they travel to Manchester City in a mouth-watering league fixture on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side have been in terrific form of late, losing just one of their last 13 games in all competitions.
The match will be extra special for Guardiola as he prepares to celebrate his 1,000th game in management against a Liverpool side who have been his biggest nemesis during his trophy-laden period in English football.
Ahead of the match, City manager Guardiola admitted he misses competing against former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, saying: "In terms of Jurgen's side or Pep's side, I think we respected each other.
"I had the feeling that Jurgen gave me a lot and I miss him. He gave me a lot in sense of, to beat that guy, how much I have to think and work and do it, to make it better."
Newcastle United’s Premier League season has yet to get going so far this campaign, with positive results often followed up by a disappointing defeat.
Indeed, after getting the better of Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 in the middle of September, Eddie Howe’s Magpies then went on a stretch of form that saw defeats happen at the hands of Barcelona and Arsenal in both the Champions League and top-flight, before returning to winning ways in league action against Nottingham Forest at the start of October.
Yet, despite pushing Ange Postecoglou closer to the cliff-edge with that 2-0 victory, the Toon slipped to a third Premier League loss of the season away at Brighton and Hove Albion last time out.
It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, however, with Nick Woltemade sticking out once more as an ice-cold finisher under pressure.
It was his stylish back-heel that nearly kick-started a late comeback on the South Coast, only for Danny Welbeck to secure a brace.
The stats that make Woltemade one of the best in the Premier League
There was an unbelievable pressure on the German’s shoulders when relocating to Newcastle, with £69m splashed out on him to be one of Alexander Isak’s flashy replacements.
He hasn’t been paralysed with any fear since joining, with that delicate finish finding the back of the net against the Seagulls.
That means he has four goals from just five Premier League outings so far, which has led writer Thomas Hammond to hail him as an “incredible” talent to watch.
Despite Newcastle wobbling in form, the 6-foot-6 menace has the highest goal conversion rate (42.9%) in the Premier League so far this season with a hope surely on the Bremen-born striker’s end that the goals keep on coming, but they result in more wins being put on the board, as well.
Possessing an enormous frame, but a delicacy in possession of the ball, Woltemade’s profile is like very few in the game and he’s immediately started demonstrating why PIF spent so much to bring him to Newcastle.
The clinical number 27’s attacking display was definitely a crumb of positivity to take away from the 2-1 loss. Indeed, not everyone in Newcastle’s forward line had the same level of end product.
His teammate up top in Anthony Elanga, on the other hand, was dished out with far more criticism at the final whistle than glowing comments.
The Swede was one of the most creative in the division last season, registering 11 assists in the Premier League but since relocating to the north east, has yet to score in his first 11 outings. He has also registered just one assist.
It’s safe to say Newcastle’s summer business has been rather hit or miss, but Woltemade isn’t the only success story from their latest round of recruitment.
Newcastle "monster" is another Woltemade-type player
Away from Elanga failing to settle on Tyneside, other more senior members of the Magpies team are continually letting Howe down so far this season.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Joelinton springs to mind as one example, with the Newcastle boss not fazed whatsoever when hooking the Brazilian off at half-time after another sub-par display was put in against Fabian Hurzeler’s men.
Moreover, Dan Burn struggled again in the left-back spot versus the Seagulls, squandering possession 18 times in total, alongside surprisingly winning just one aerial duel.
While Burn and Joelinton look to be on their way out as members of the St James’ Park old guard, Malick Thiaw looks ready to become a starter for many years to come at his new employers, as another Bundesliga gem has been unearthed.
Thiaw has been so impressive so far that even Fabian Schar has had to sit out contests recently for the Magpies’ “monster” – as he has been previously labelled by journalist Martino Puccio – to gain a starting spot.
Woltemade has made that lone striker spot his own, but Thiaw – also signed from German shores – has made that central defensive berth his own too. Now, the pairing are two of the first names on Howe’s team sheet.
Thiaw’s Premier League numbers
Stat (* = per game)
Thiaw
Games played
5
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches*
43.6
Accurate passes*
28.8 (87%)
Ball recoveries*
3.6
Clearances*
4.2
Total duels won*
4.4
Clean sheets
1
Stats by Sofascore
Much like his colossal teammate, Thiaw has stood out as a battler already for Howe and Co, winning four aerial duels against the Seagulls, perhaps ensuring that the scoreline only stayed at 2-1 in the home side’s favour.
But, also, as Woltemade has displayed, the rock-solid number 12 is very much comfortable with the ball at his feet, with his well-rounded nature from the get-go, even seeing Newcastle-based blog Mouth of the Tyne state that he is “one of the signings of the summer.”
At just 24 years of age, and at a modest £30m cost, it’s hard to go against that statement, with both Thiaw and Woltemade surely looking to cement their presences as reliable first-teamers in matches to come.
Newcastle can forget Elanga by unleashing 19-year-old "star in the making"
Eddie Howe could have a surprise Anthony Elanga replacement up his sleeve in this exciting 19-year-old talent.