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Manchester United’s midfield department has so often been littered with quality, but it’s clear that Ruben Amorim is yet to stumble across his best partnership at the heart of the side.

The 40-year-old has been constantly shuffling his pack, often utilising various different players together, with Bruno Fernandes now seemingly his starting number eight.

He’s started every Premier League game in 2025/26 to date, but has often had to adapt to different combinations with other first-team members in recent times.

Casemiro has been the most consistent player to partner the Portuguese international, with the pair helping the club maintain a five-game unbeaten run for the first time in Amorim’s tenure.

However, with the Brazilian now aged 33 and set to leave in the summer, it’s crucial the hierarchy line up numerous targets to strengthen such an area in January and beyond.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new midfielder

Ahead of the upcoming January window, a whole host of young and talented midfielders have been linked with a big-money move to join Amorim’s United side.

Adam Wharton has been a star who has constantly been on the Red Devils’ radar over the last couple of months, with the Crystal Palace star just one option being considered.

It’s unclear how much a deal for his services would cost this winter, but it’s safe to say it wouldn’t be a surprise if the hierarchy made a beeline for his signature in the coming months.

However, he’s not the only player they’re targeting, with INEOS reportedly now said to be eyeing up a move for the signature of Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

A report from one source claims that the Red Devils is the most likely destination for the Brazilian star, with the hierarchy at the club expected to commence talks with the player and the two clubs.

It also states that such a deal could reach around €50m (£43.7m) this winter, with personal terms not expected to be an issue given his previous agreement with Amorim’s side.

Why United’s latest target would be a huge upgrade on Gomes

As part of the club’s hunt for a new central midfielder this winter, numerous players have appeared on their radar – with Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes just one option being considered.

Over the last couple of days, it’s been reported that the 24-year-old would be extremely keen on a move to Old Trafford in the coming months, with his current side sitting bottom of the Premier League.

As a result, a £44m price tag has been mooted for the midfielder’s signature in recent times, which could be a potential bargain for a proven English top-flight talent.

However, given the nature of the hunt for a new deep-lying option, the supporters will no doubt be hoping for a more high-profile and top-level addition to bolster the ranks.

Whilst many fans may crave a deal for a player of Wharton’s calibre, a winter deal may be somewhat unrealistic, with the Eagles potentially demanding up to £100m for his signature.

As a result, a deal for Ederson certainly could be on the cards for Amorim’s men, with the Brazilian certainly a better option than Gomes in the upcoming window.

When comparing their stats from the ongoing campaign, the Atalanta star has dominated in numerous key areas, showcasing why he would be the better addition at present.

Ederson, who’s been dubbed “out of this world” by former England boss Fabio Capello, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, with more of his efforts per 90 going into the final third.

Such numbers highlight the Brazilian’s ball-playing ability, which could allow him to dictate the play for United for a deep-lying position – allowing Bruno to take up a more advanced role as a result.

Games played

8

12

Minutes played

588

925

Progressive carries

1.4

1.2

Progressive passes

7.5

5.6

Pass accuracy

90%

84%

Passes into final third

6.6

4.1

% of tackles won

53%

51%

Interceptions made

1.6

1.1

Take-on success

50%

47%

Out of possession, the Atalanta star has been just as dominant over Gomes, as seen by his higher tackle success rate and more interceptions completed per 90.

The aforementioned tallies could certainly provide Amorim with the ball-winning option he’s been craving, at a bargain, too given his current asking price.

All-round, Ederson is a more complete option for the Red Devils, with his higher take-on success and progressive carries per 90 tally reaffirming his incredible ability to transition the play.

£43.7m for a player of the 26-year-old’s quality in the current market is an excellent price, with the hierarchy needing to work tirelessly to complete a deal for his signature.

There’s no denying Gomes would be an impressive addition too, but when a player of Ederson’s quality is currently available, it’s a no-brainer as to who the club should pursue in the coming weeks.

Shades of McTominay: Man Utd star is now their "most underrated player"

Manchester United now have a player who has certainly gone under the radar over the last couple of months.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 28, 2025

Somerset skittled for second-innings 99, leaving Essex with 95 target

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay26-Sep-2025

Jamie Porter took four wickets•Getty Images

Somerset 433 and 99 (Thomas 39, Porter 4-18) lead Essex 438 (Walter 158, Elgar 118, Overton 6-88) by 94 runsJamie Porter ripped through some fragile batting with four wickets to help skittle Somerset for 99 and put Essex on course for only their second home Rothesay County Championship victory of the season.Ably supported by debutant seamer Charlie Bennett, and latterly spinner Simon Harmer, Porter took his season’s tally to 49 wickets with figures of 4 for 18 from a dozen overs. It left Essex requiring 95 to win before bad light ended play on day three 17 overs early.At one stage, when Dean Elgar and Paul Walter were putting on 277 for the first wicket the day before, it had looked as if Essex would gain a sizeable first-innings advantage. In reality, that lead turned out to be just five runs as they lost all 10 wickets for an additional 161 runs inside 45 overs. But that was before Somerset went in for a second time.Much of the damage in Essex’s first-innings 438 was down to some naggingly accurate bowling from Craig Overton, who passed 500 first-class career wickets while posting figures of 6 for 88. What had been a docile, one-paced wicket suddenly turned into a seamer’s dream and Overton capitalised with his second six-wicket haul of the season.Essex’s seamers were also quickly among the wickets in Somerset’s second innings. Porter beat Archie Vaughan for pace and then Bennett had Tom Lammonby lbw to 1 that stayed low.James Rew appeared to be repairing the initial damage, harvesting four boundaries in his run-a-ball 19, until he skied a leading edge to midwicket off Bennett.Then in the next over, Tom Kohler-Cadmore may have lost the ball in the gathering gloom as Doug Bracewell bent back his off-stump. The floodlights came on soon after.Josh Thomas had been immune to the carnage around him, hitting seven fours in his 39 from 65 balls, but he became Porter’s 550th first-class wicket for Essex when one kept low and trapped him lbw. In the same over, Kasey Aldridge tickled one through to substitute wicketkeeper Simon Fernandes.With Somerset disappearing down a rabbit hole at 89 for 6, Essex announced free admission for all spectators on the final day. Overton then made a swift exit, playing all around one from Porter. And it became worse when Jack Leach set off for a run, pushing Porter into the covers, but could not recover his ground before Charlie Allison’s throw enabled Fernandes to whip off the bails.Lewis Goldsworthy dug in for 58 balls, but he was undone by a spectacular delivery from Harmer that pitched well outside off-stump and turned square to bowl him. And Jake Ball followed to one from the spinner that went straight on and disturbed his stumps, Somerset all out inside 34 overs.Under dirty grey clouds in the morning, things had looked brighter for Somerset when Overton claimed a second wicket in 10 balls, separated by overnight rest and recuperation. He dug in a short delivery and Tom Westley hooked obligingly to deep square leg.Elgar lasted just another half-an-hour. He added just seven runs to his day-two total before he was lbw for 118 playing all around the second ball of an Aldridge spell.Overton, returning for another spell with the second new-ball already four overs old, struck with his 13th delivery, slanting one in at pace and flattening Allison’s middle stump.Lewis Gregory had looked the most lively of the Somerset attack, beating the bat on a number of occasions, and finally received some reward, Matt Critchley lbw playing down the wrong line.On the stroke of lunch, Michael Pepper became Overton’s fifth victim when he was lbw trying to force the ball through midwicket.Gregory lasted eight deliveries in the afternoon session before pulling up injured and briefly leaving the pitch. He, therefore, missed Overton’s sixth wicket when Bracewell looked to swing lustily to leg but ended up dollying a catch to wide mid-off.Bennett produced some aggressive hitting with five fours in a 26-ball 22 before he gave a tame return catch to Leach. Porter smashed his first ball straight for six to take Essex into the lead but perished when he skied Leach into the covers.

Football is a fickle game, but the feel-good factor has certainly returned to Manchester United in recent weeks, with Ruben Amorim’s men now in the midst of a rare three-game winning run in the Premier League.

While the prior win at Anfield may have been the cliched ‘statement’ performance, the subsequent display against Brighton provided even greater reason for encouragement.

Like the red arrows – or Sir Alex Ferguson’s beloved geese – United swarmed the Seagulls on Saturday night, with the frontline, in particular, simply proving too hot to handle.

This much-debated 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 set-up has no doubt had its critics, but the weekend triumph showcased what it can look like in full flow, with so many avenues available to hurt the opposition.

If it’s not Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, it’s Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro making an impact, with even the high press of the backline working to emphatic effect amid Luke Shaw’s involvement in the opening two goals.

Where Amorim’s machine currently looks at its best, however, is on the right flank, making it all the more troubling that the Portuguese will soon be without the dynamic duo of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo.

How many games Amad and Mbeumo could miss due to AFCON

There was a moment on the opening weekend that seemed to illustrate everything wrong with Amorim’s approach, with the left-footed pair of Amad and Mbeumo getting in each other’s way inside the area against Arsenal.

With both men looking to come in onto their favoured left foot, they had been occupying the same areas in the early weeks of the season. That has all changed since Sunderland, however.

There were shades of Yorke and Cole about the two men against the Black Cats, while they also combined again to devastating effect against Liverpool, with opposite number Milos Kerkez enduring a torrid day at the office.

As Amad has himself spoken of, there is a fluidity emerging regarding United’s right-sided duo, with the pair comfortable alternating between a no.10 or right wing-back berth mid-game.

Mbeumo, signed for a total fee of £71m this summer, now boasts five goals already for the Red Devils, while Amad has created two ‘big chances’ and provided one assist in the Premier League thus far, as per Sofascore.

Frustratingly, this developing partnership is set to be halted in the near future, with the upcoming African Cup of Nations set to kick off on 21 December. Amad and Mbeumo will be representing Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon, respectively.

While festive fixtures are yet to be totally confirmed by broadcasters, United currently face Aston Villa (21st), Newcastle United (27th) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (30th) in late December, with further fixtures at risk in January should their nations progress.

Bournemouth

15th December

Aston Villa

21st December

Newcastle*

27 December

Wolves*

30th December

Leeds

3rd Jan

Burnley

7th Jan

FA Cup 3rd round

10th Jan

Man City

17th Jan

There should be no pressure applied for the pair to forego their international commitments, however, with Amorim and co instead needing to find international solutions to help fill that double-barreled void.

How Man Utd can replace Mbeumo and Amad

As per journalist Samuel Luckhurst, the impending departure of the two widemen will likely see United block potential January exits, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee having been tipped to depart in the New Year.

In truth, the club’s attacking options are light as it is following the summer exits of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony, with Amorim unable to afford his frontline getting any weaker.

Thankfully, an obvious solution to the Mbeumo absence would be Mason Mount, with the Englishman – who was named on the bench last time out – comfortable either in a left-sided or right-sided number ten role.

That would then leave Cunha and Sesko to complete the attacking trio, with the likes of Zirkzee and Mainoo in reserve – while a surprise chance could emerge for academy sensation, Shea Lacey.

If Amorim is looking for a more natural replacement for either Mbeumo or Amad, however, it might be Patrick Dorgu who he turns to, with the left footer able to provide another “explosive” presence down the right flank – as U23 scout Antonio Mango has described him.

While predominantly deployed on the left flank following his January arrival from Leece, the young Dane has been ousted from that role of late, with Diogo Dalot slotting in at left wing-back in each of the last three victories.

It would seem bizarre to have a right-footer on the left, and a left-footer on the right, although that approach is working currently, ensuring Dorgu might be the man to fill that Amad-Mbeumo-shaped hole.

Indeed, prior to moving to Manchester, the versatile 21-year-old had regularly lined up as a right winger in Italy, with three of his five Serie A goals coming from a right-wing or right midfield berth, as per Transfermarkt.

An impressive ball carrier, like Amad and Mbeumo, Dorgu currently ranks in the top 7% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carriers per 90, as per FBref, as well as in the top 5% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 – highlighting his willingness to get forward.

Too often, the £30m signing produces a wayward attempt when cutting onto his right foot from the left, with there the chance that he might well benefit from being able to cut in onto his preferred foot instead from the opposite flank.

Noted as a statistically similar player to Amad in this season’s Premier League, as per FBref, Dorgu might well be the man to replace the Ivorian in something of a new role, having only featured on the right a handful of times to date under Amorim – namely on debut against Leicester City.

The ten-cap Denmark international will have big shoes to fill over the Christmas period, but he might just be the international solution that Amorim is in need of.

Not Cunha or Mbeumo: Man Utd gem is becoming one of the "best in the world"

Manchester United have yet another world-class star on their hands under Ruben Amorim.

2 ByEthan Lamb Oct 30, 2025

Sky Sports reported on Monday that Celtic are closing in on the appointment of Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy as their successor to Brendan Rodgers in the dugout at Parkhead.

The Hoops are poised to make the French tactician their new permanent manager, which will end Martin O’Neill’s time in interim charge after he takes the next two matches.

With the January transfer window on the horizon, it will not be long before the incoming head coach will have the chance to bring his own players in to bolster the squad.

Celtic set to make move for new centre-forward

According to The Scottish Sun, Nancy is set to make a move for Columbus Crew centre-forward Wessam Abou Ali as one of his first transfer targets in January to add to his options at the top end of the pitch.

Transfer Focus

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

The report claims that the incoming Celtic manager views the Palestine international as a ‘perfect goalscoring machine’ and wants to reunite with him at Parkhead ahead of the second half of the 2025/26 campaign.

It adds, though, that Columbus Crew and Nancy only signed him in July from Egyptian giants Al Ahly for £5.7m, which means that the Hoops will have to pay a fee in excess of that as he has only been with the American side for a matter of months.

If the Scottish Premiership champions can seal a £6m+ deal for the MLS sensation in the January transfer window, it could end Johnny Kenny’s career at Parkhead.

How Abou Ali could end Kenny's Celtic career

Kenny has scored four goals in five matches under O’Neill, which is an impressive return, but he was subbed off at half-time in the 1-0 win over St Mirren in the Premiership last weekend.

The Ireland international has been playing as the main number nine due to an injury to first-choice number nine Kelechi Iheanacho, who is on his way back in the coming weeks.

This suggests that the arrival of a big-money centre-forward signing could put him third in the pecking order, behind Abou Ali and Iheanacho, when they are all fit and available, which may make him consider his short-term future in Glasgow.

Kenny has shown, with five goals this season, that he can be a capable goalscorer at this level. This means that he could find another club where he can play regularly and score goals consistently, if that does not continue at Parkhead.

Abou Ali has scored three goals in five matches for Nancy in the MLS for Columbus Crew since his move in the summer, after he scored three goals in three games at the Club World Cup.

2025/26

6 goals

5 goals

2024/25

15 goals

6 goals

2023/24

19 goals

13 goals

2022/23

10 goals

5 goals

As you can see in the table above, the Palestine international has outscored Kenny in each of the last four seasons in all competitions, which suggests that he would be a much better option for Nancy to call upon up front for Celtic.

Abou Ali was described as a “clinical” and “proven” goalscorer by Columbus Crew General Manager Issa Tall, and his statistics suggest that was an accurate description of his qualities.

The 26-year-old scored three goals from 0.75 xG in the MLS in the 2025 campaign and bagged three goals without missing a single ‘big chance’ at the Club World Cup, per Sofascore, which shows that he is a lethal finisher.

Therefore, the Columbus Crew centre-forward could be a fantastic signing who could lead the line impressively for the Hoops, whilst also potentially ending Kenny’s career at the club, as falling down the pecking order may force him to reconsider his future.

£1.5m Celtic flop has been an even bigger waste of time than Balikwisha

This Celtic flop has been an even worse signing than Michel-Ange Balikwisha for the Scottish giants.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 25, 2025

Richard Hughes was rightly lauded after overseeing a staggering summer transfer window for Premier League champions Liverpool, but any positivity has been scourged away by the dreadful form that has fractured Arne Slot’s reign.

Nine losses across 12 fixtures is bad enough, but the limp and toothless manner of many of the defeats – especially recent losses at Anfield against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League – underscores the severity of the crisis Slot is dealing with.

He needs to find answers, or else FSG will be forced into making a rare managerial dismissal. It’s inevitable that discussion is increasing about the security of Slot’s position.

That would be an outcome few of a Red persuasion would want, not least because of a shortage of options.

Jurgen Klopp’s name has been bandied about, but this is not realistic.

Who Liverpool could replace Slot with

Klopp draped the curtain on his Liverpool dynasty at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. He was tired. It had been a tough, gruelling, heavy metal career on Merseyside, where he had devoted nine years to restoring Anfield as a global superpower.

Klopp’s Silverware at Liverpool
Competition	Times won	Season(s)
Premier League	1x	19/20
Champions League	1x	18/19
FA Cup	1x	21/22
Carabao Cup	2x	21/22, 23/24
Club World Cup	1x	19/20
UEFA Super Cup	1x	19/20
Community Shield	1x	22/23
Data via Transfermarkt

There has been some discussion online as to whether FSG should push for a comeback, but this romanticised notion would fall flat.

Klopp is not the answer. His quasi-retirement has seen him assume the post of Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH, and it’s important to remember that the German tactician’s tactical shrewdness waned toward the end of his tenure. He was tired, after all.

But, if Slot is fired, Liverpool would need to find a replacement, and Spanish sources suggest Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is on the shortlist.

Iraola, 43, is one of the most exciting young managers in Europe, having shaped the Cherries into a front-footed and sharp attacking outfit.

Compensation pay would be required to pull him away from the Vitality Stadium, but given Iraola’s vision aligns with the club’s long-term project, he might be the one to go for.

Why Iraola could be perfect for Liverpool

It was a bold move for Bournemouth to ditch Gary O’Neil after the pragmatic manager steered the club to safety after promotion to the Premier League in 2022/23. A bold move, but one carried out with diligence, for Iraola was earmarked as a progressive option.

And Bill Foley must be delighted. In 2023/24, Bournemouth recorded a record points total (56) in the Premier League, leading​ journalist James Horncastle to hail him as “the best coach in the Premier League” for his sharp-witted and positive approach.

Iraola likes aggressive and high-octane football. He is not as turbo-charged in his approach as Klopp, but the Spaniard would infuse Liverpool with more risk-taking and directness than Slot prefers, albeit still maintaining an emphasis on retaining possession.

This could play to the strengths of Florian Wirtz, who has had a tough time since joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m in the summer.

A silky and inventive attacking midfielder, the German has yet to register a goal involvement in the Premier League and has lacked the clarity and poise that was expected after the thrill of his official announcement.

There remains a world-class talent in there, and Wirtz’s woes come with the caveat that he has entered a dysfunctional tactical system.

Iraola’s focus on a 4-2-3-1 formation suggests that the 22-year-old could find a natural place at number ten. As per FBref, he does rank among the top 11% of positional peers in the English top flight this term for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90.

This suggests that Wirtz has the potential to be a superstar in England, and Iraola can provide the stability and fluency of tactics to help realise that.

He might not be Klopp, but Iraola has labelled his tactics as being akin to “rock and roll”. Klopp’s famous branding of his vision as being ‘heavy metal football’ suggests that Liverpool might hit the jackpot by making this switch.

No one wants to see Slot be sacked, but this pitiful form and level of performance cannot be allowed to continue, and Iraola has the acumen to revive Wirtz and bring the champions back into the ascendancy.

Better than Isak: Liverpool join race for "one of the best RWs in the world"

Arne Slot’s Liverpool tenure is crumbling before him, and FSG are considering changes.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 28, 2025

A major injury update has now emerged on Gabriel ahead of the North London Derby, with Arsenal set to host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The Gunners are currently sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table, four points clear of nearest-rival Manchester City, but injuries once again risk derailing their title charge, with Mikel Arteta being forced to contend with a number of setbacks already this season.

Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz have all spent time on the sidelines in recent weeks, and there has been more bad news during the international break, with defender Riccardo Calafiori being forced to drop out of the Italy squad.

Fortunately, Calafiori is expected to be available for the big game against Tottenham at the weekend, but a more concerning injury update has now emerged on one of Arteta’s other key players.

Gabriel now a major doubt for North London Derby

As reported by The Guardian, Gabriel is now a major doubt for the North London Derby, with recent scans revealing the defender suffered a thigh injury on international duty with Brazil, and there are concerns he may be facing a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

The 27-year-old has returned to London for treatment, having not travelled with Brazil for their upcoming friendly against Tunisia, with the Gunners planning to take their time to assess the extent of the injury.

There are concerns the Brazil international could be sidelined during a busy period, with a number of tough fixtures on the horizon for Arteta’s side over the next few weeks.

Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures	Date
Tottenham Hotspur (h)	November 23rd
Bayern Munich (h)	November 26th
Chelsea (a)	November 30th
Brentford (h)	December 3rd
Aston Villa (a)	December 6th

Should the centre-back be unavailable for quite some time, it would be a major blow for Arteta, given that he has been one of the manager’s key players so far this season, with the Spaniard saying: “I adore Gabriel: his attitude, his commitment, his positivity, what he’s willing to do for the team.”

The £150k-a-week defender has formed a formidable partnership with William Saliba at the heart of defence, with the Gunners shipping just five goals in the Premier League this term, the fewest of any side.

That said, Piero Hincapie has proven he could be a solid replacement for Gabriel, having impressed in the 2-0 EFL Cup triumph against Brighton & Hove Albion, receiving an 8.2 SofaScore match rating, the highest of any player, after winning six duels and recording a 94% pass-completion rate.

Gabriel has been named as one of the best centre-backs in the world

The Best 15 Centre-Backs in World Football Ranked (2025)

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world.

By
Charlie Smith

Nov 20, 2025

Tottenham and Bayern Munich are in talks to activate the Premier League team's option to buy Joao Palhinha amid the midfielder's bright start since joining on loan from the Bundesliga side. The English side are negotiating to lower the purchase clause in his contract, which is currently set at around €30 million. Palhinha had moved to Bayern from English club Fulham in the summer of 2024 for a fee of €56m, but failed to get up and running in his solitary season in Germany.

• Palhinha's failed move to Bayern

  According to Nicolo Schira, Tottenham have already reached an agreement on personal terms with Palhinha for a contract running until 2029. 

  According to German outlet , the London club have now entered negotiations with the German champions over a potential transfer, with the aim of reducing the €30m (£25m/$33m) fee initially set in the loan agreement. It remains uncertain whether Bayern would accept a lower offer or if Tottenham intend to finalise the deal in the upcoming winter transfer window or wait until the summer. 

  The Portuguese international, who joined Bayern from Fulham in the summer of 2024 for around €56m (£47m/$61m), was initially seen as an ideal partner for Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka. However, he struggled to establish himself in the squad and failed to meet expectations. Palhinha made just 25 appearances in all competitions, with only 10 starts, and his transfer is now regarded as one of Bayern’s more disappointing investments in recent years. After just one season, he was loaned to Tottenham as Bayern sought to cut their losses, with the loan fee reportedly around €5m.

  Palhinha reflected on his difficult spell at Bayern, admitting that injuries limited his chances to prove himself. “Last season wasn’t easy for me, especially when I got injured with the national team. I was out longer than expected. Afterwards, I didn’t get the opportunities I think I deserved," he said.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Palhinha's new lease of life at Tottenham

  Under Thomas Frank, Palhinha has rediscovered his best form, thriving in his natural role and becoming a key player for Tottenham this season. The Portuguese midfielder has made 18 appearances and scored four goals, including a crucial strike against Manchester City. His influence has been central to Tottenham’s push for a top-four finish, with the club currently just one point behind Sunderland in fourth place. Palhinha has also played a vital role in the Champions League, helping Spurs move closer to automatic qualification for the round of 16.

  Playing alongside Pape Sarr in a 4-2-3-1 system, Palhinha provides defensive balance while allowing Sarr to advance forward. A commanding presence in midfield, he dominates central areas, contributes effectively at both ends of the pitch, and plays a key part in Tottenham’s pressing structure. His consistency and tactical intelligence have cemented his place among the Premier League’s standout midfielders this season.

• Bayern's wonderful start to the season

  Vincent Kompany’s Bayern have been in outstanding form this season despite losing key players such as Palhinha, Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman, as well as missing out on transfer targets like Nick Woltemade and Nico Williams. Under Kompany’s leadership, Bayern remain unbeaten across all competitions, recording 16 wins and one draw, a testament to the team’s adaptability and tactical evolution. The Belgian coach has implemented a new playing style centred around the squad’s collective strength, perseverance, and sacrifice rather than individual brilliance. This philosophy has revitalised Bayern’s performances, bringing balance and intensity to their game. The system has particularly benefited Harry Kane, who continues to score freely, and Konrad Laimer, who has flourished in midfield. Koln coach Lukas Kwasniok has praised Bayern’s transformation under Kompany, suggesting they look like genuine contenders for a treble this season given their consistency and team unity.

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  Palhinha hopes Tottenham form leads to strong World Cup

  Kompany will use the international break to reflect on Bayern’s impressive win against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and use that performance as motivation for his players to continue working toward the treble.

  Meanwhile, Palhinha will hope that Bayern and Tottenham can reach an agreement over his future. With his form back to its best, the midfielder will aim to maintain his performances for the rest of the season to secure a place in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has revealed that he may still be in interim charge of the club when they face Dundee at Parkhead on Wednesday night in the Scottish Premiership.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph claims that there has been a delay in finalising the deal to bring Wilfried Nancy to the club from MLS outfit Columbus Crew, which is why the Northern Irishman may still be in the dugout in midweek.

The French boss will surely be keeping close tabs on how the team fared under O’Neill in November, and will already be thinking about how he wants to set the side up moving forward.

The Celtic players who will have impressed Nancy against Hibernian

In the 2-1 win over Hibernian in the Premiership on Sunday, several players showed that they can be key players for the next head coach, whenever he finally takes charge.

Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels are the two obvious ones after they both got on the scoresheet in the first half, with the former tapping into an empty net and the latter bravely burying a header in just seconds later.

Reo Hatate also excelled in a number ten role ahead of Callum McGregor and Engels, biting into the tackle to then set up Maeda for the opening goal.

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel also made a couple of impressive stops late on in the match to secure all three points, and he will surely be Nancy’s number one, in the short-term at least.

Whilst several players, mainly the ones mentioned here, will have impressed the incoming boss, Nancy may already have an idea of the players he wants to move on when the January transfer window opens up.

The first Celtic player Nancy should sell in January

After a confident first-half showing, academy graduate Colby Donovan was forced off with an injury at the break and replaced by experienced full-back Anthony Ralston.

Within minutes of his introduction, the Scotland international was caught out defensively before playing a poor pass back that went straight out of play on the right touchline.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ live coverage of the game, former Hoops striker Chris Sutton described Ralston’s play as “really sloppy” and claimed that the defender “hasn’t recovered” from his below par showing against St Mirren.

Minutes

72

Tackles won

0

Ground duels won

1/2

Aerial duels won

0/2

Dribbled past

1x

Key passes

0

Crosses attempted

0

In that win over the Saints, as shown in the table above, the Scottish flop lost 75% of his duels and offered virtually nothing to the team from a creative perspective.

His disappointing displays against St Mirren and Hibs in recent weeks have not been a blip, unfortunately, as he also left far too much to be desired from his performance against Midtjylland in the Europa League at the start of November.

Ralston made it far too easy, as shown in the clip above, for Mikel Gogorza to beat him and score, which came just moments after the Spaniard had danced past the defender to cross for the opening goal.

He ultimately left the pitch with 45 touches, nine fewer than goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, while he also failed to have a shot, provide a cross or key pass and he also only made one interception.

Therefore, the 27-year-old dud’s performances on and off the ball this season have not been up to scratch, which is why he may already be a player who could be on the chopping block for Nancy.

With Alistair Johnston to come back from his hamstring injury and Donovan emerging as a genuine first-team level option at right-back, Ralston may not be needed beyond January, as potentially the third-choice option in his position.

That is why the incoming Celtic boss should make the experienced flop the first player he axes at Parkhead when the January transfer window opens for business, whether that is by sending him out on loan or by selling him on a permanent basis.

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Whilst you never know who will shine with a clean slate under Nancy, it is hard to look past Ralston as the first player he needs to move on from the squad when the next transfer window rolls around at the turn of the year.

Niko Kovac has given his backing to Aaron Anselmino amid the defender's struggles for regular playing time after he recovered from a muscle injury that hindered his start following a loan move from Chelsea. The Argentine has started four matches for the German side, sparking suggestions he could end up being recalled to Stamford Bridge.

From Chelsea loanee to Dortmund’s unsung hero

When Dortmund lost defenders to injury in August, the club moved quickly to bring in Anselmino on a season-long loan from Chelsea. The expectation with the Argentine's signing wasn't much but to provide cover, learn, and offer rotation. Few predicted how quickly he'd stake a claim.

Anselmino debuted just days after arriving and immediately impressed with calm ball control and intelligent positioning. His early displays earned praise inside the club and across the Bundesliga, prompting supporters and pundits to ask whether a loanee originally considered short-term cover should now be an automatic starter. That debate intensified after he recovered from a brief muscle knock. Some wanted him protected; others saw a player ready to take on more minutes.

Kovac has navigated that tension carefully. Praising the youngster publicly while managing his workload behind the scenes. The young defender now starts regularly, but his exact minutes remain a talking point as Kovac balances his team selection ahead of crucial fixtures.

AdvertisementgettyKovac publicly backs Anselmino

During the press-conference ahead of the Bayer Leverkusen clash, Kovac left no doubt about his view of Anselmino.

"Aaron is doing really well. You can rely on the young man from the first minute to the last," he said. "A great lad, a great defender. He doesn't let anything slip. Everything is settled with Chelsea. I expect him to remain our player until the end of the season. He's getting the minutes he wasn't getting at Chelsea."

A key element in that plan is the loan arrangement with Chelsea with all parties having agreed the move would last through the season, giving Anselmino time to settle and the club certainty about his availability. 

Schlotterbeck’s stalling clouds Dortmund's defence

Anselmino’s breakthrough is valuable precisely because Dortmund’s defensive picture is unsettled. Nico Schlotterbeck remains under contract until 2027 but has stalled on signing an extension; Bayern and Liverpool have been linked, and internal offers, including significant pay rises and captaincy promises, have not yet convinced him to stay. Kovac acknowledged the limits of his influence: “I don't know to what extent I can influence things there – other than showing him appreciation. I do that every single day,” he said.

That impasse matters. If Schlotterbeck departs or his focus wavers, Dortmund will rapidly move from the luxury of rotation to the pressure of replacement. The club’s short-term defensive depth is therefore contingent on two variables: Anselmino’s fitness and readiness to step up, and a timely decision from Schlotterbeck. Sporting director signals that they want clarity as soon as possible.

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AFPKovac needs to focus on three aspects

Kovac now faces three choices he must juggle in real time. First, manage Anselmino’s workload so the loanee can grow into a leading role without injury setbacks. Second, push for clarity on Schlotterbeck's contract extension that would stabilise the back line and allow continued rotation. Third, prepare tactical contingency allotting more minutes for Anselmino in a two-man centre-back pairing, temporary shifts to a back three, or prioritising a defensive signing in January if Schlotterbeck looks likely to leave.

Dortmund will next face Leverkusen in the league before clashing with the same opponents in DFB Pokal's round of 16 on December 2.

Scott Boland says he’s not driven by comments that England’s batters don’t fear him

Alex Malcolm17-Oct-20252:25

Mitchell Starc backs Australia’s fast-bowling depth

Scott Boland could not hide the smirk on his face.Not long after he had scythed through New South Wales to take a match-winning 5 for 67 to go with his 3 for 59 in the first innings to help Victoria claim a thrilling Sheffield Shield win at the Junction Oval, Boland was asked the obvious question in his post-match conversation with a group of reporters.Boland was asked if he had seen former England captain Michael Atherton write in the that he “holds no fear” for England’s batting line-up based on how they played him in England two years ago.”I saw it. My cousin sent it to me. He [Boland’s cousin] was taking the piss,” Boland said. “I’m sure there’s going be so much banter between the former players in between now and the first Test and even the end of the summer.”Related

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He was asked if it motivated him at all ahead of the Ashes.”Not really,” Boland said. “I’ve got my own internal motivations for what I want to do for the summer. I’ve never gone into a game where I’m just middling along. I guess there’s always some motivation for me to try and either come into the team and try to put in a really good performance, to try and keep my spot. There’s so many good fast bowlers in Australia that you just don’t want to give anyone an inch. So that’s sort of my goal when I’m playing Test cricket.”Boland, 36, always speaks like a man on the outside looking in. But right now, he is actually an incumbent in Australia’s Test XI having played in their last Test match in Jamaica in place of Nathan Lyon as part of a four-man pace attack. In fact, he took a Test hat-trick in the last Test over he bowled.And it’s looking increasingly likely that he will retain his spot even though Lyon is set to return for the first Test against England in Perth, with skipper Pat Cummins saying it’s “less likely than likely” he will be fit to play as he continues a slow recovery from a back injury.Boland said he had not spoken to Cummins in several months. But he was not expecting the skipper to miss all five Tests.”Patty’s so resilient,” Boland said. “He can play through a little bit of pain if he has some. Those guys play so much cricket there’s bound to be games where someone misses out. But if Pat happens to not play the first game, we’ve got a pretty handy incoming in at some stage during the summer.”Boland is primed if he is called upon for the first Test. Like a prized race horse ahead of the Melbourne Cup, he seems to have timed his preparation down to the minute. He is pain free and without strapping on his knees for the first time in several years after a block of strength work in the gym following the Caribbean tour. His former Victoria team-mate and now Australia coach Andrew McDonald had challenged him to rethink the way he trained to become even more resilient as he ages.He bowled impressively in the opening Shield game of the summer against South Australia at Adelaide Oval last week and then backed it up with eight wickets at the Junction Oval. But he was frustrated with his performance this week having been far more expensive than usual. He conceded a tick over 4.1 runs per over across 30.4 overs in the match as the New South Wales batters looked to attack him, with Sam Konstas reverse ramping him for six in the second innings.With 0 for 54 to his name from 9.5 overs in the second innings, Atherton’s words felt prescient. But Boland found another gear, snaking a stunning delivery back through the gate to bowl the dangerous Oliver Davies for 64. He took 5 for 13 from his final 35 deliveries, including clattering the stumps twice more, to win the game for his state.”I knew the game was on the line,” Boland said. “I didn’t feel like I’d… not that I’d let the team down, but I hadn’t bowled as well as I wanted to for the whole week.”I just think it’s just a minor thing in my run up. I’m probably just stressing a little bit too much from what I usually do. But I know sometimes that just happens. I just want to find my rhythm as quick as I can in the game. And sometimes it happens in half a spell. Sometimes it takes a bit longer. This game just took a little bit longer, but I still felt like I was able to hang in there enough to bowl some spells when I’m getting wickets for the team.”Scott Boland took eight wickets for Victoria in their last Sheffield Shield game•Getty Images

He also showed a rare sign of raw emotion. After knocking over Davies, he charged past him and glared at him with a guttural roar. It was out of character for a man who barely celebrated a Test hat-trick and it caught the eye of veteran New South Wales coach Greg Shipperd.”Yeah, interesting, wasn’t it,” Shipperd said. “I don’t know what might have led up to that, but it’s not the Scotty Boland I know.”Victoria coach Chris Rogers said Boland and Davies had some history and that Davies “likes to give as much as he gets” but Boland played a straight bat.”I was just excited to get a wicket,” Boland said. “I hadn’t got one for a while. But I know we’ve had some good contests. I played an Aussie A game with him last year. Really enjoyed his company. So nice fellow. We had some nice words for each other after the game.”Boland is set to rest from Victoria’s next Shield game against Tasmania but will return for round four against New South Wales at the SCG in a game that is likely to feature Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon.”I’ve got two really good games of work into my body now,” Boland said. “My body’s feeling really good. No issues with any my knees or anything like that that have been little niggles in the past. So I’m really happy with how it’s tracking. It’d be nice to have a few days off now and get some strength back in, because I know that when I’m doing that, my body’s feeling great, and I feel like I can get through as many games as needed for the summer.”