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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.

After years in the wilderness, Sunderland have returned to the Premier League with intent.

Having already defied expectations by winning promotion, the Black Cats made sure their return was backed by serious financial investment.

The new arrivals included Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, Simon Adingra from Brighton, Chemsdine Talbi from Club Brugge, Noah Sadiki from Union SG, Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, and Nordi Mukiele from PSG.

For a club looking not just to survive but to compete, Sunderland needed players who could combine technical quality with the grit and work rate that defines their fanbase.

Few would have predicted such an impressive start.

With three wins from their first five matches, Régis Le Bris’ side sit fifth in the Premier League – an extraordinary beginning that has silenced talk of a relegation fight, at least for now.

This weekend’s trip to Old Trafford will provide a serious test, but Sunderland have already shown that they are capable of defying expectations.

Remembering Seb Larsson at Sunderland

For many supporters, this new Sunderland project has triggered memories of players who once carried the red and white in the Premier League.

In particular, Seb Larsson, one of Sunderland’s most reliable and technically gifted players of the modern era.

Larsson, signed on a free transfer from Birmingham City in 2011, became known for his relentless energy, vision, and above all, his set-piece quality.

He scored on his debut against Liverpool with a stunning volley and went on to make 203 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 21 assists before leaving when the club were relegated.

Arsène Wenger once described him as “maybe the best in the league as a free-kick-taker”, a reputation that endeared him to fans and opponents alike.

One of the new guard, meanwhile, is beginning to play a similar role for this Sunderland side.

While not yet at Larsson’s level of influence, his ability to dictate tempo, carry the ball, and press with intensity has been pivotal.

His profile – both statistically and stylistically – suggests he can grow into that same kind of heartbeat role for the Black Cats.

Sunderland star taking on the Larsson role

Only 25 years old, Enzo Le Fee already looks like Sunderland’s most important long-term signing.

Initially joining on loan from Roma last season, he became a permanent addition this summer for £19m, after playing a crucial role in their promotion campaign.

He made 18 Championship appearances, scoring once and registering three assists, and played the full 95 minutes in the famous 2-1 play-off final win over Sheffield United at Wembley.

This season, he has taken the step up to the Premier League with composure. This comes as no surprise for a player who was once described as a “sensational player” and someone who “does not belong in the Championship” by Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman.

In his first five appearances, he has already opened his account, scoring a late equaliser against Brentford before Sunderland sealed victory with a stoppage-time winner.

Matches Played

5

Goals

1

Shot-Creating Actions

7

Progressive Carries

2

Progressive Passes

6

The numbers show why he is so highly regarded.

Compared to midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues, he ranks in the 89th percentile for progressive carries (2.30 per 90), the 85th percentile for successful take-ons (1.00 per 90), and the 85th percentile for tackles (2.87 per 90).

He also sits in the 99th percentile for blocks (2.30 per 90), underlining his defensive work rate and commitment.

Such a well-rounded profile has drawn comparisons to the likes of Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid, as per FBref’s similar players model – both players capable of blending defensive grit with forward drive.

For Sunderland, this balance is invaluable.

He is not just a technical player; he is the engine that allows the team to press, recover, and transition quickly.

Having already made three appearances for France, Le Fee has international pedigree to match his domestic form.

Sunderland fans will be hoping that his career trajectory continues to rise in the same way Larsson once did – creating opportunities, and chipping in with decisive moments.

While the headlines this summer focused on Sunderland’s spending spree and record transfer figures, it may well be that Le Fee – signed before the money poured in – emerges as the player who truly makes the difference.

Much like Larsson before him, he has the tools to define an era at the Stadium of Light.

Le Bris has found Sunderland's new Amad Diallo in "electric" star

Heading into their clash with Manchester United, Sunderland could have their next Amad Diallo in the making with this exciting youngster.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 3, 2025

Liverpool entered the 2024/25 season with a reputation to uphold.

Arne Slot’s debut campaign in charge could hardly have gone better, with the Reds claiming the Premier League title.

Yet this summer has brought significant change at Anfield, with a reshaped attack, a record-breaking midfield signing, and the arrival of a long-pursued striker.

The summer business was headline-grabbing.

Florian Wirtz joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m, briefly becoming the most expensive player in British football history before that record was broken weeks later by Alexander Isak’s £125m switch from Newcastle.

The squad was further bolstered by Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Geovani Leoni and Hugo Ekitike, while mainstays Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez departed.

Results at the start of the season have been strong – a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, a 3-2 victory at Newcastle, and a 1-0 triumph against Arsenal before the international break.

But behind the scenes, Slot still has questions to answer.

Wirtz's struggles at the start of the season

Signed from Leverkusen after interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Wirtz was expected to light up Anfield.

Instead, the playmaker has endured a difficult start, raising the possibility of tactical adjustments.

Starting all three league matches, he has yet to register a goal or an assist.

While he grew into the second half against Arsenal, critics have noted that his influence does not match the price tag.

This issue has also extended to international duty.

After Germany’s 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in World Cup qualifying, manager Julian Nagelsmann publicly questioned his players’ commitment.

Wirtz responded days later with a direct free-kick goal against Northern Ireland, showing flashes of quality that hint at his long-term potential.

But Liverpool fans are still waiting for that same spark in red.

His numbers underline the paradox. According to FBref, Wirtz ranked highly for creativity and progression last season: 5.02 progressive carries, 6.74 progressive passes, and 5.66 shot-creating actions per 90.

Yet those underlying metrics have not yet translated into output, leaving Slot with a conundrum.

Liverpool's Wirtz solution

This is where Dominik Szoboszlai enters the conversation.

Lauded by journalist Bence Bocsák as “Gerrard-esque,” the Hungarian has quietly been one of Liverpool’s most effective performers this term.

After being criticised by Slot for his part in Bournemouth’s opening goal on the first day, he responded emphatically.

A stunning 30-yard free-kick secured victory against Arsenal, while his stint at right-back in the raucous win at St James’ Park highlighted his versatility.

Szoboszlai has typically been deployed in defensive midfield or even wide to cover injuries, including Jeremie Frimpong’s absence.

But it could be argued that his natural home is in attacking midfield, the very role Wirtz is occupying.

With Alexis Mac Allister struggling for fitness, a space has opened up – and Szoboszlai has the credentials to fill it.

Statistically, Szoboszlai compares favourably in some key areas.

Matches Played

31

36

Goals

10

6

Assists

12

6

Progressive Carries

131

72

Progressive Passes

176

131

His pass completion rate of 84.3% dwarfs Wirtz’s 78.3%, while his pressing intensity and stamina have been widely praised.

He averages 4.73 progressive passes and 4.30 shot-creating actions per 90 – slightly behind Wirtz, but with greater efficiency.

His ability to contribute defensively adds another dimension to Slot’s midfield puzzle.

Wirtz still leads the way for goal involvements last season (22 to Szoboszlai’s 12), and his 198.1 progressive passing distance per 90 shows his ability to advance play.

But Szoboszlai’s adaptability may give him the edge in the short term, particularly in high-intensity fixtures where control and work rate are paramount.

Chalkboard

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

The tactical question, then, is whether Liverpool persist with Wirtz to allow him to adapt, or whether Slot pivots towards a proven performer in Szoboszlai.

With Isak now leading the line and Mohamed Salah and Ekitike offering themselves from wide, creativity from midfield is vital.

Wirtz will almost certainly prove his value at Anfield over the long haul, but Szoboszlai offers a compelling case right now.

His pressing, ball progression, and leadership have been crucial to Liverpool’s perfect start, while his ability to step into Wirtz’s role could provide the spark needed in the months ahead.

As Slot weighs his options, Liverpool supporters may soon see the Hungarian restored to his preferred role – and if he continues to play as he has, the £116m signing could find himself fighting for minutes sooner than expected.

Liverpool have a prodigy who has the potential to hit Wirtz's price tag

Liverpool have enough quality to sustain a lengthy period of illustrious success.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 7, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

É mais um dia de Campeonato Brasileiro. Neste domingo, o Internacional visita o Red Bull Bragantino, às 16h, no Estádio Nabi Abi Chedid, em Bragança Paulista. O jogo será transmitido pela TV Globo (para o Rio Grande do Sul) e pelo Premiere. O Lance! acompanha o duelo em tempo real. O jogo marca a reestreia do técnico Eduardo Coudet no Colorado. Ele substituiu Mano Menezes, que foi demitido.

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+ Veja a classificação atualizada e a tabela completa do Brasileirão

O Red Bull Bragantino é sétimo colocado com 24 pontos e tenta se reaproximar do G4. Já o Colorado é o 12º, mas apenas com dois pontos a menos. Ou seja, um duelo direto.

RED BULL BRAGANTINO X INTERNACIONAL

Data e horário: domingo, 23/7, às 16h
Local: Estádio Nabi Abi Chedid
Árbitro: Maguielson Lima Barbosa (DF)
Assistentes: Kleber Lucio Gil e Leone Carvalho Rocha
Onde assistir: Globo (Rio Grande do Sul) e Premiere. O Lance! acompanha o jogo em tempo real.

PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

BRAGANTINO: Cleiton; Aderlan, Eduardo Santos, Luan Patrick e Juninho Capixaba; Matheus Fernandes, Lucas Evangelista e Eric Ramires; Sorriso, Vitinho e Eduardo Sasha. Técnico: Pedro Caixinha.

INTERNACIONAL: Rochet; Bustos, Mercado, Nico Hernández e Renê; Rômulo, Aránguiz, Johnny e Alan Patrick; Wanderson e Enner Valencia. Técnico: Eduardo Coudet.

Wrexham icon Steven Fletcher has announced his retirement from professional football after being released by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned side at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. The 38-year-old, who has played for several clubs across England, Scotland and France in his two-decade-long career, finally decided to bring the curtain down on his illustrious journey.

Wrexham released Fletcher after securing Championship promotion

Fletcher was among several stars who exited Wrexham at the end of the 2024-25 campaign as the club planned to rebuild their squad in the summer transfer window before competing in the Championship. In his two seasons at the SToK Cae Ras, Fletcher scored 16 goals in 73 league games as the Red Dragos secured successive promotions from League Two in 2023-24 and then League One in 2024-25.

AdvertisementGettyWas linked with a move back to Hibernian

After leaving the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned club in the summer, the veteran forward was linked with a move back to Scotland to join Hibernian, a club he started his professional career at, however, at 38, Fletcher did not want to extend his journey and finally decided to announce his retirement. 

Fletcher announces retirement

On Monday, Fletcher shared a heartfelt post on Instagram to announce his retirement, where he wrote: "After a lot of thought, I feel the time is right to retire from football. It’s not an easy decision because this game has been my life since I was a boy, but I know in my heart it’s the right moment to close this chapter. When I look back, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude. From starting out at Hibs to the journeys with Burnley, Wolves, Sunderland, Marseille, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke, Dundee United and finishing at Wrexham every club has shaped me and given me memories I’ll never forget. I want to thank all the fans who supported me along the way your passion and backing meant the world. Pulling on the Scotland shirt was also one of the greatest honours of my career. To represent my country and share the pitch with so many talented lads is something I’ll always treasure. Those moments stay with you forever. I owe so much to all my managers and coaches, who taught me lessons not just about football but about life, and to every team-mate I’ve shared a dressing room with I’ve been lucky to call so many of you friends. But above all, I want to thank my family. My wife and kids have been my biggest strength through all the highs and the tough times too the moves, the injuries, the sacrifices. I also want to give special thanks to my mum and my sister, who have been there for me every step of the way, and to my agent Scott Fisher, who has guided and supported me throughout my career. None of this would have been possible without their love, loyalty and encouragement, and I’ll always be grateful. Football has given me more than I ever dreamed of, and I step away with a full heart, proud of what I’ve achieved, and excited for whatever comes next. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who has been part of my journey. Fletch!"

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Getty Images SportWrexham aim to extend unbeaten run against Leicester

After a tough start to their journey in the Championship, Wrexham have finally found their form as they are now unbeaten in their last three matches across all competitions. Phil Parkinson's side will hope to extend that streak when they face Leicester City on Tuesday.

It was the late show once again for Liverpool as a 95th-minute Mohamed Salah penalty sunk a defiant Burnley side to earn the Reds all three points on Sunday as the champions continued their 100 percent start to the new Premier League season with a fourth late winner in as many games.

The hosts had, in truth, earnt a share of the spoils as Liverpool rarely threatened, Salah the chief culprit as the visitors had just four shots on target. But a clear handball by a heart-broken Hannibal Mejbri deep in stoppage time spared the Reds' blushes as Salah made no mistake from the spot.

With new £125million ($169m) signing Alexander Isak not in the squad, the Reds looked toothless in attack for the vast majority of the afternoon in a worrying display by Arne Slot's side. Just minutes from becoming the third goalless draw of this Premier League weekend alone, this game had all the makings of one where neither side ever truly looked like scoring.

Martin Dubravka and his defence put themselves on the line and blocked countless attempts on goal but, ultimately, Liverpool found a way to win in the most dramatic of circumstances after Lesley Ugochukwu had been sent off late on.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Turf Moor…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Alisson (6/10):

Burnley did not have a shot on target, so it was a quiet afternoon for the Brazil shot-stopper.

Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10):

Starting out at right-back, Szoboszlai then moved into midfield for the second period. Has shown his versatility in recent weeks and impressed again, contributing to the attack with his dangerous crossing and shooting ability.

Ibrahima Konate (6/10):

Did his job to ensure Burnley's threat was minimised on the counter-attack, though that ultimately proved a rare occurrence.

Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

Showed Foster who's boss when the Burnley striker attempted to dribble past him in the first half. Looked in control at the back as the home side rarely threatened.

Milos Kerkez (3/10):

Looked a liability in arguably his most challenging display in a Liverpool shirt so far. Received a booking for diving and committed a needless foul on the counter before Slot hooked him after just 37 minutes.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Ryan Gravenberch (6/10):

A steady performance in midfield, though the Reds will have hoped to create more across the pitch and the Dutchman could have contributed more.

Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):

Looked composed in possession while failing to influence the game as much as he would've liked. Injured by an Ugochukwu tackle in the first half, the Argentina international was withdrawn at the break.

Florian Wirtz (6/10):

Without making the key contribution he still craves, Wirtz did appear more influential as he looked to get on the ball and make things happen. Also forced Dubravka into a rare save.

Getty Images SportAttack

Mohamed Salah (5/10):

Was far from his best but stood up when it mattered to fire home from the spot in stoppage time. While his wayward crossing and general lack of threat will be concerning, Salah and Liverpool will be glad to move on with the three points.

Hugo Ekitike (6/10):

Showed some good touches on the ball but rarely threatened in front of goal and was withdrawn after 71 minutes.

Cody Gakpo (5/10):

Not the best performance by the Dutchman, who attempted to affect the game from the left before going through the middle alongside Salah for the final stages as Liverpool went all-out attack.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Andy Robertson (6/10):

Looked significantly better than Kerkez when he came on. Could even have scored within a minute of his introduction after a brave run forward.

Conor Bradley (6/10):

Another bright display off the bench after coming on at half-time. Both substitute full-backs may well be knocking on Slot's door in the week.

Federico Chiesa (5/10):

Replaced Ekitike and headed just wide seconds after his introduction. Evidently a player trusted more by the manager in the new season.

Jeremie Frimpong (7/10):

Won the last-gasp penalty with a cross from the right after also forcing Dubravka into a save just prior. An impactful cameo off the bench.

Rio Ngumoha (N/A):

Only played a few minutes but his threat was still evident. Played the ball with pace into Frimpong to force the save.

Arne Slot (7/10):

Made the right decision to take off Kerkez in the first half. Most of his substitutions paid off, but the Reds manager will know that performances must improve in the coming weeks.