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Manchester United are in a sticky situation under Ruben Amorim and plenty of high-profile names have delivered intriguing verdicts on his predicament, including Alan Shearer.

Man Utd in stick or twist situation with Ruben Amorim

External pressure in football has been heightened drastically over recent years due to the rise of social media, though there is a clear debate to be had about whether a managerial change at Old Trafford is necessary after a poor Manchester United run of form under Amorim.

The former Sporting boss has delivered 19 victories, nine draws and 21 losses in charge of the Red Devils, averaging 1.35 points per game in the Premier League.

Only two wins have arrived for Amorim this season without the added strain of having to juggle both European and domestic football, with the lowlight being a dismal loss to Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup.

Wayne Rooney clarified he has ‘no faith’ in Manchester United turning things around. However, INEOS have decided to keep their man in the dugout for the time being, offering a stay and a chance to change public perception after a rocky start to 2025/26.

Conversely, Sir Jim Ratcliffe may already be plotting a change in the background amid Gareth Southgate being contacted by the Red Devils as an alternative to Amorim.

Not just Shaw: Amorim must drop Man Utd ace who's becoming a huge "problem"

Manchester United need a solution to their problems after yet another defeat in the Premier League.

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 28, 2025

Over the coming weeks, expect more out-of-work bosses to be linked to the Old Trafford cauldron as speculation continues to grow on what happens next. For now, nothing is concrete, though the Red Devils have a dilemma on their hands.

Either way, Manchester United will be focused on improving results, albeit not everyone is convinced Amorim is the right man to kickstart that process.

Alan Shearer dissects Ruben Amorim's situation at Manchester United

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Alan Shearer said Manchester United don’t want to admit they’ve made a mistake in hiring Amorim, hence why he thinks they haven’t already moved to relieve him of his duties.

He stated: “I genuinely believe that the owners or the people that are running the club at the minute have made that many errors in the last two years or 18 months since they’ve been there. It would look terrible to admit another error and sack (Amorim).”

Manchester United’s sink or swim fixtures under Amorim
Sunderland (H)	Old Trafford
Liverpool (A)	Anfield
Brighton & Hove Albion (H)	Old Trafford
Nottingham Forest (A)	City Ground
Tottenham Hotspur (A)	Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Amorim was a promising appointment when he came in last year, though down the line, many would argue Manchester United haven’t shown any signs of improvement and still regularly cough up inconsistent results.

In his defence, he did take the Red Devils to the Europa League final, progressing past the likes of Lyon and Real Sociedad, but fell at the final hurdle and missed out on Champions League qualification.

For now, he remains and the support will back Amorim to rescue Manchester United from despair. Nevertheless, he is walking on thin ice, something that Shearer has indicated could be costly.

Australian scores third hundred in five matches as Bancroft declares in arrears in bid to liven contest

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay25-May-2025

Cameron Green continued his prolific run with another century•Gloucestershire County Cricket Club

Northamptonshire 469 (Zaib 159, Sales 81, Harrison 63) and 158 for 4 (Sales 49*) lead Gloucestershire 379 for 8 dec (Green 118*, Bancroft 60, Hammond 51, Harrison 4-94) by 248 runsAustralian international Cameron Green warmed up for the World Test Championship final with a superb unbeaten 118 to set up a bold Gloucestershire declaration against Northamptonshire on day three of this Rothesay County Championship match at Wantage Road.This was Green’s third century in a five-game stint for Gloucestershire as he returns after an eight-month lay-off following back surgery. After a scratchy start, the Western Australian all-rounder played beautifully, facing 185 balls and striking three sixes and eight fours and looked in excellent touch ahead of next month’s Test final at Lord’s. After eight knocks for Gloucestershire, he currently has an average of 73.67 with power to add in the second innings.Green’s innings helped take the visitors from a precarious overnight 156 for four to 379 for eight when opposition skipper Cameron Bancroft called time with Gloucestershire still 90 runs behind, leg-spinner Calvin Harrison finishing with figures of four for 94.In their second innings, James Sales hit his followed his first-innings 81 with an unbeaten 49 as Northamptonshire closed on 158 for four, leading by 248 to set up a fascinating final day.Earlier, after a brief rain delay, nightwatcher Matt Taylor (36) and Green both edged past the slips, while Harry Conway found plenty of movement back into the right handers and had two big lbw shouts turned down against fellow Australian Green.Runs soon started to flow though, the pair extending their partnership to 61. Taylor pulled Liam Guthrie behind square for six and targeted Harrison, smashing consecutive boundaries including a big hit over midwicket. He perished attempting a similar shot, Harrison running across to take the catch off a top edge.Northamptonshire quickly struck again when Luke Procter jagged one back into James Bracey, squaring him up as he edged low to Harrison at second slip.If Green was not timing the ball perfectly, he seemed content to occupy the crease and reduce the deficit, although he showed one moment of aggression when he pulled a Gus Miller short ball over forward square-leg for six.He found a willing partner in Graeme van Buuren (27), the pair posting a stand of 79 after lunch. By now Green was moving up through the gears, driving Guthrie down the ground for back-to-back boundaries to reach his half-century off 103 balls. He had a reprieve later in the same over when Guthrie shelled a return catch and was forced to leave the field as his knee landed on the ball in his follow through. Looking much more fluent, Green beautifully timed a clip off his legs square for four.At the other end, Conway had a close lbw shout turned down against van Buuren but persuaded the umpire to raise his finger when one kept low and struck him in front.Green greeted Guthrie’s return from the treatment table by swatting him for six over the old bowls pavilion. With the follow on saved, Green then played Harrison through the off-side to reach three figures.Gloucestershire lost an eighth wicket when Tom Price chopped onto his stumps against Harrison, but Green finished the afternoon session in style, depositing Saif Zaib over long-on on the stroke of tea at which point Bancroft declared, Zaman Akhter finishing unbeaten on 22.In reply Northamptonshire targeted quick runs but lost Procter early lbw, attempting to sweep Ollie Price.Ricardo Vasconcelos (27) started in brisk fashion swatting Tom Price over deep square into the neighbouring Wellingborough Road gardens for six and clubbing four boundaries before he was adjudged to have gloved an Akhter short ball to the keeper. Miller was next to go, lbw to Akhter.Debutant Aadi Sharma (24) dismissively pulled Akhter for six to get off the mark before taking consecutive boundaries off Archie Bailey, who finally claimed his wicket via an edge to slip.Sales started aggressively, cutting fiercely for four before Green put down a regulation slip catch off the bowling of Akhter. He moved into the forties shortly before the close by pulling Ollie Price through midwicket, finishing the day one away from a second half-century of the match. Sales resumed his big first innings partnership with Saif Zaib (22 not out), who also find runs all around the ground, the pair adding 58 for the fifth wicket.

Tottenham’s transfer business for 2025 has officially concluded following one of the most dramatic and memorable summer windows on-lookers have ever seen, with Spurs enjoying a solid one themselves.

Despite their failure to bring in a natural left-winger and centre-back for manager Thomas Frank, which were two key items on their to-do list (Sky Sports), a recruitment team stocked with Daniel Levy, CEO Vinai Vinkatesham, technical director Johan Lange and unofficial advisor Fabio Paratici did work some magic.

Mohammed Kudus

£55 million

Kota Takai

£5 million

Mathys Tel

£30 million

Joao Palhinha

Loan

Kevin Danso

£21 million

Xavi Simons

£52 million

Randal Kolo Muani

Loan

Following their infamously botched deals for Morgan Gibbs-White -who reportedly phoned Frank to apologise for his U-turn over joining Spurs – and Eberechi Eze, Spurs finally managed to get a replacement for the injured James Maddison by signing Xavi Simons in a £52 million deal from RB Leipzig.

It was all happening in N17 during the final days, with an ankle injury to striker Dominic Solanke also partly forcing Frank’s side into a late temporary deal for long-time target Randal Kolo Muani.

Tottenham were actively pursuing the PSG-owned forward in January, only to back out and see Juventus win the race for his signature instead.

The France international really impressed for Juve, bagging 10 goals and three assists in all competitions, and while Igor Tudor wanted him back in Serie A, they couldn’t agree to re-sign him despite lengthy summer talks.

Instead, Spurs tempted Kolo Muani with a move to the Premier League, and Frank is set to benefit from the introduction of a centre-forward who can play in multiple areas with a proven scoring record. Interestingly, the 26-year-old was also a player who ex-manager Ange Postecoglou pushed for in the winter (Paul O’Keefe), and it’s not hard to see why.

His best-ever season to date in 2022/2023 saw the attacker rack up a brilliant 23 goals and 17 assists in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, with Kolo Muani also making his mark for France on the international stage.

Semi-final goals against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup and Spain in Euro 2024 showcase partly why Didier Deschamps has kept faith in Kolo Muani, even amidst a lack of game time at PSG, and Tottenham are in dire need of him now that reports suggest Solanke could be out for even longer than anticipated.

Kolo Muani’s arrival could end up being crucial with the influx of matches awaiting Spurs after this international break, leaving little wonder Levy and co were clamoring to get him through the door.

Tottenham agreed "un-Spurs like" Randal Kolo Muani deal condition

Giving his take on the deal, reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold says that Tottenham agreed an ‘un-Spurs like’ condition to sign Kolo Muani from PSG.

Namely, Gold states that the lack of any buy option in this move is something quite out of the ordinary for them, and some might suggest that it highlights their “desperation” to bring in another new attacker (football.london).

Without the inclusion of an obligation or option to buy, if Kolo Muani’s move proves a success, then Levy will need to return to the negotiating table with PSG – by which point they’d be able to command a loftier price tag.

They’ll also face competition from other elite sides on the look-out for a proven striker, so Tottenham face the prospect of this being Kolo Muani’s only season in north London, regardless of how well he performs.

It’s certainly out of Tottenham’s character not to take the future into account, but Frank’s need for attacking reinforcements was pressing, and it perhaps indicates Levy’s increasing willingness to compete after the Lilywhites tasted Europa League glory in May.

Back in February, reports emerged that Arsenal were set to spend big this summer. It was alleged this would be an unprecedented transfer window.

Well, the Kroenke’s have certainly put their money where their mouth is. This has indeed been a remarkable few months on the transfer front.

Having hired Andrea Berta to replace Edu in the early months of the year, the Italian has performed incredible work with regard to incomings.

The Gunners have added their elusive centre-forward at long last, welcoming Viktor Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium.

They’ve signed back-up to Bukayo Saka in the form of Noni Madueke, they’ve replaced midfield departees with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, while they’ve strengthened the rearguard too.

Cristhian Mosquera arrived in a bargain deal from Valencia and Piero Hincapie, providing Jakub Kiwior leaves, also looks poised to arrive in north London.

But, of course, the standout addition in recent weeks has been Eberechi Eze. Could we smell another repeat of that in the last six days of the window? It’s unlikely, but there’s another player lusting after signing for the club he supporters.

An Eze repeat for Arsenal

A week ago to the day, Berta completed a remarkable hijacking, one we’ve very rarely seen in the Premier League in recent years.

Eze was all set to sign for Tottenham Hotspur. The Crystal Palace playmaker had agreed personal terms and the Eagles were just putting the finishing touches on a deal with Spurs.

Yet, after a last-minute phone call with Mikel Arteta where Eze enquired about the possibility of signing for Arsenal, the decision makers met later that day and a deal was agreed by the evening.

It was a remarkable turn of events as the England international headed to the red side of the capital in a move worth an initial £60m.

This has been a brutal window for Spurs and should the Gunners conclude a move for Hincapie, it will have been another hijacking of sorts. Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Lilywhites had made a bid before their noisy neighbours came calling.

But, if Arsenal have their way, they could sign another Spurs target. Reports on Tuesday indicated that as Tottenham gear up for a busy end to the window, they have made calls to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Valued as highly as £69m, this news is significant because, as is well-documented, Semenyo is a boyhood Arsenal fan like Eze.

Earlier in the window it was reported that Semenyo was indeed keen on the idea of playing for Arsenal. So, why should they make a move?

Transfer Focus

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

Why Semenyo could be the new Saka for Arsenal

It must be stated that the idea of Arsenal signing another forward after Eze this summer is highly unlikely.

However, there are still some supporters who believe Arteta’s side is lacking genuine quality on the flanks, Saka aside.

Eze might well take a role on the left side of the pitch but the jury remains out on fellow new signing, Madueke, while concerns have been held about Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard’s inconsistent form for over a year now.

Martinelli, in particular, is a cause for concern. He’s usually the first to be subbed and it was rather damning that he played zero minutes during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds.

There has been talk of a move to Saudi this summer and if that did occur, it could well grant the Gunners the freedom to sign another forward, whether it be in the final week of the window or in future windows.

Semenyo has been a mighty fine player for Bournemouth. He’s two-footed, a “duel monster” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, and he can play on either flank.

Arteta loves positional versatility and that’s what the Cherries attacker would offer to the Spaniard if he moved to the club.

Last season, no player had more shots in the Premier League than Semenyo, a fact that rubberstamps the immense threat he holds in the final third. His performance against Liverpool on the division’s opening night was also really rather special.

But, with an ability to glide inside from the right and beat his man, there are shades of a certain Saka.

Goals

0.31

0.31

Assists

0.14

0.52

Progressive passes

3.06

3.65

Progressive carries

3.93

5.00

Successful take-ons

1.94

2.14

Carries into final 3rd

1.94

1.67

While Saka was evidently streets ahead as far as assists were concerned in the top-flight last term, their carrying ability is very similar.

Indeed, when it comes to take-ons and movement into the final third of the pitch, in particular, there’s not a lot to separate them.

Both players ooze quality, they glide across the right-hand side of the field with ease and they have proven themselves to be two of the most dangerous forwards in English football.

Admittedly, a deal is unlikely, but wouldn’t it be nice to steal another player away from Spurs?

Perfect for Saka: Arsenal submit bid to sign "complete" star after Hincapie

Arsenal have made their move to land another star for Mikel Arteta this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 27, 2025

All summer long, Tottenham Hotspur fans have been crying out for a new number ten to help
Thomas Frank in his quest for success during his spell in the role.

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are the two players who shared the role in 2024/25, but the Dane will be without the duo until at least the start of 2026 through various injuries.

The hierarchy have attempted to fill such a void in the last few weeks, turning to Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze – but they ultimately missed out on both of the aforementioned talents.

However, their hunt has come to an end in recent days, landing the signature of Xavi Simons, with the Dutchman joining the Lilywhites in a £52m transfer from German side RB Leipzig.

With just a couple of days left in the window, the new boss still looks as though he wants added reinforcements this summer, subsequently targeting multiple other talents before Monday’s deadline.

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Premium Tottenham Hotspur Experiences Spurs’ hunt for new signings after Simons

Savinho is a player who’s been on Spurs’ radar all throughout the current window, but their attempts to land the Manchester City star have so far been to no avail.

Despite their inability to land the Brazilian international, talks have once again been held for his services in recent days – leading to reports suggesting the player wants to move to North London.

However, he’s not the only Manchester-based player in their sights, with Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo also on their radar, according to TEAMtalk.

Their report claims that Frank’s side have made an approach to the Red Devils to discuss a potential deal for the 20-year-old midfielder, who rose through the academy at Old Trafford.

It also states the player himself would be keen on a temporary move to join the Lilywhites before the deadline, after he stated his desire to gain more game time away from Ruben Amorim’s side.

Why Mainoo is a bigger talent than Simons

The deal to land Simons this week has generated huge excitement amongst the Spurs fanbase – understandably so given his tally of 18 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga last season.

£52m is an excellent price for the 22-year-old, having huge potential to develop into a world-class talent under Frank’s guidance – especially if he continues on his current trajectory.

Given the injury situation in such a position, it was vital that the manager and the board secure the signature of a new number ten – with Simons having the chance to demonstrate his quality in the Premier League this season.

However, the hierarchy can’t rest on their laurels, subsequently needing further additions to help Frank in his quest for success during his spell in North London.

A deal for Mainoo would provide added quality and talent in the midfield department – arguably being a bigger talent than the Dutchman when delving into his stats from 2024/25.

The 20-year-old, who’s been described by United writer Alex Turk as a future “£100m-plus footballer”, ranked in the 84th percentile of all players in the Premier League for tackle success rate (60%) whilst winning 1.6 tackles per 90.

Such numbers could provide a needed presence at the heart of the side for Frank – but his numbers in possession would also offer the boss a new dimension in tight areas.

Games played

25

Minutes played

1656

Pass accuracy

87%

Passes into the final third

2.7

Tackles won

1.6

% of tackles won

60%

Take-ons completed

1.3

Carries into the opposition box

0.6

Interceptions made

1.1

The Englishman ranked in the 84th percentile for take-ons completed per 90 (1.3) also notching 0.6 carries into the opposition box per 90 – which places him in the top 19% of stars in England’s top-flight.

The youngster would be able to operate in a perfect box-to-box position for the Lilywhites – which could see him dictate the play and often provide Simons with chances in forward areas.

Despite his tender age, Mainoo has already racked up 50 appearances in the Premier League, having the potential to develop into a generational talent if given the game time under Frank.

Such a move would be an excellent coup for Spurs, adding further depth and quality to their midfield department – following in the footsteps of Simons and Joao Palhinha this summer.

If the pair can operate together in North London, there’s no reason why Frank can’t help the side battle for a spot in the Champions League once again come the end of the 2025/26 season.

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A Kudus repeat: "Incredible" £70m ace now wants to join Spurs after Simons

Tottenham Hotspur could now complete another deal after landing Xavi Simons earlier today.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 29, 2025

Scottish side Rangers have earmarked Davide Ancelotti as a potential replacement if current manager Russell Martin is dismissed. Ancelotti, however, is also under pressure at his current club Botafogo after failing to protect a three-goal lead in his side's latest slip up in the Brazilian top-flight.

Rangers searching for Martins replacement despite backing

According to the , Rangers’ hierarchy have publicly backed Russell Martin but are exploring alternatives if results don’t improve. Among the potential candidates is the son of Carlo Ancelotti, who was previously linked with the Ibrox job before the club opted for Martin. The current Botafogo coach is also under mounting pressure in Brazil, winless in three matches and having failed to defend a 3-0 lead against Mirassol, which could cost him his position.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRangers struggling amid poor start to the season

Under Martin, Rangers are still without a league win this season, drawing four of their five matches, including the Old Firm derby against Celtic. Pressure mounted further after a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifiers. Their upcoming League Cup clash with Hibernian could prove decisive for Martin’s future at Ibrox.

Ancelotti's status at Botafogo

Ancelotti is also facing mounting criticism at Botafogo after being knocked out of the Copa do Brasil by Vasco and exiting the Copa Libertadores just a month earlier. In their most recent outing against Mirassol, his side collapsed defensively, conceding three goals in 17 minutes to squander a three-goal lead.

Ancelotti after the game believes that he needs time to analyze the defeat and improve on their mistakes: “It's difficult to make an analysis. There's not much to explain right now. We need time to analyze what happened in the second half. A very good first half in which we played our best football. A second half in which we disappeared.”

Ancelotti later questioned the mentality of his players “Swinging so much is a matter of mentality. We haven't reacted well to adversity. Today we didn't react well to the first setback. In the last game against São Paulo, we played very poorly. The image we need to maintain is certainly the image we had in the first half. We have to try to maintain this level of play for longer and know how to prioritize within the game, know how to read the game, and when it's time to defend well – this team knows how to defend well. But we mustn't lose our heads in difficult times. So, with this problem we have, we lack continuity, we need to react well to adversity.”

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Getty Images SportWhat the future holds for Rangers, Martin and Ancelotti

Rangers will hope results turn around under Martin, even as they quietly assess potential replacements, having opted for him over other candidates in the summer. On the other hand, Ancelotti will be focused on steadying Botafogo’s form despite the links to Ibrox, with the role in Brazil being his first major head coaching job after years working as assistant to his father, Carlo Ancelotti, at Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich director Max Eberl revealed Nicolas Jackson’s transfer took a 'big fight' and an intense 48 hours after Chelsea tried to block the move.

• Bayern signed Jackson from Chelsea on season-long loan
• Transfer almost collapsed after Liam Delap’s injury
• Eberl admits it was an “intense 48 hours” of talks

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern unveiled Jackson as their latest signing after a dramatic end to the summer transfer window. The striker joined on a season-long loan from Chelsea for €16.5 million (£14m/$19m), with an unlikely-to-trigger €65m (£54m/$71m) purchase clause included. The move was thrown into doubt when the Blues tried to cancel the agreement following Liam Delap’s hamstring injury, but the Bavarians pushed hard to revive negotiations. Jackson himself refused to return to London, insisting he wanted the switch to the Allianz Arena.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The transfer saga highlights Bayern’s determination to reinforce their attack as they look to reclaim the Bundesliga title and compete strongly in the Champions League, especially after missing out on key targets like Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade. For Chelsea, Jackson’s departure was balanced by the decision to terminate Marc Guiu’s loan at Sunderland to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad depth. For Jackson, the move represents a fresh start after slipping down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, and he now has the opportunity to prove himself at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

• WHAT MAX EBERL SAID

  Speaking about the saga, Bayern sporting director Eberl admitted: "It was actually all done, up until Liam Delap's injury. Jackson was then clear in saying he wanted to stay. It was a big fight. He had other offers, even for a permanent transfer. But the key was that we had a player who really wanted to join us. It all worked out in the end, which is the most important thing. 

  He added: "It was an intense 48 hours with lots of ups and downs, but we were really focused on making it happen and found a good solution. We're really pleased Nicolas is here."

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR NICOLAS JACKSON?

  The 24-year-old is expected to make his Bundesliga debut against Hamburg this weekend. Bayern hope his integration will be smooth with Champions League fixtures just around the corner. The club will use the loan as a test run to see if the Senegalese striker fits their long-term project.

Manchester United’s attempts to strengthen their frontline this summer have already been successful, already making two huge additions to their first-team squad.

Bryan Mbeumo was the latest addition made by boss Ruben Amorim, finally completing his £71m transfer to Old Trafford after weeks of speculation over his potential switch.

He joins Matheus Cunha in making the move to the North West, after the Brazilian joined in a £62.5m move from Wolverhampton Wanderers at the very start of the window.

However, despite the big money already being spent this summer, the club are still planning a move for a new talisman to help the side in their quest for success in the Premier League next season.

That doesn’t take away from the fact that other attackers are still also being pursued, potentially adding further depth after the arrival of the aforementioned duo.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers

Over recent days, United have made a move for Bologna star Riccardo Orsolini, even making a direct phone call to his representatives over a potential move this summer.

Their interest in the 28-year-old is hardly a surprise given his record of 15 goals in just 30 Serie A appearances last campaign, averaging a goal every other game.

However, he’s not the only player currently plying their trade in Italy on their shortlist, with teammate Dan Ndoye also a player in their sights, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal.

He claims that internal meetings have been held over a deal to land the 28-year-old star, who registered 15 combined goals and assists throughout 2024/25.

His post also confirms that he’s already spoken to Joshua Zirkzee over a potential move to Old Trafford this window, leading to a £43.5m price tag being mooted.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect alongside Watkins

Despite the interest in Ndoye, United are currently making efforts to land other talents in the final third, with Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins also on their radar.

It’s been reported over recent days that the Red Devils have entered fresh talks with Unai Emery’s side over a deal to land the 29-year-old striker, who scored 17 goals in all competitions last season.

However, any deal could cost them a fee in the region of £60m, which would take the club’s summer spending to just shy of £200m – a simply staggering amount given the recent cost-cutting operation.

Whilst it may appear like a hefty transfer fee. It’s one that would provide the side with the experienced Premier League talisman they will need if they’re to be successful.

Being able to score alone is one thing, but he will also be dependent upon players around him to provide the chances he craves to find the back of the net at Old Trafford.

Ndoye could prove to be the perfect player to aid Watkins in his potential quest, with his underlying stats highlighting the creative talent he currently possesses.

The Bologna star, who’s been labelled “dangerous” by one analyst, registered 5.5 progressive carries per 90, 2.1 of which were into the opposition’s 18-yard box – showcasing how much talent he possesses with the ball at his feet.

Games played

30

Goals & assists

12

Progressive carries

5.5

Carries into opposition box

2.1

Successful take-ons

1.6

Fouls drawn

4.2

Key passes made

1.2

Passes into opposition box

1.1

He also notched 1.6 successful take-ons per 90, drawing 4.2 fouls per 90, having an impressive skillset that makes him a constant threat to the opposition’s backline.

Ndoye’s talents are further reflected in his tally of 1.2 key passes per 90, 1.1 of which were also into the opposition’s box, subsequently having the tools to hand Watkins the chances he craves in attacking areas.

Whilst £43.5m on another wide player may be a hefty investment, Ndoye has showcased he holds bags of talent and that he’ll only improve further in the years ahead.

If he can join the side alongside Watkins and provide him with key chances, it would be another superb signing for Amorim, massively helping him in his quest for success at Old Trafford.

He finishes like RVP: Man Utd make "phenomenal" £67m CF their main target

Manchester United have set their sights on a new talisman for Ruben Amorim.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 24, 2025

LSG are also keen on giving Zaheer a wider profile, involving scouting and player development

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Aug-2024Zaheer Khan has joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as their mentor, filling the vacancy left by Gautam Gambhir’s exit after IPL 2023. Gambhir had taken up the mentor role at Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2024 and has since become head coach of the India men’s team.Zaheer will also take on bowling coach duties, after Morne Morkel left the franchise to join Gambhir’s coaching staff with the Indian team. During a media interaction after his unveiling, Zaheer did not specify that he would be bowling coach, but said with a smile: “If I am there in the set-up, does the team need another bowling coach?”From 2018 to 2022, Zaheer was involved with the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise, first as director of cricket and then head of global development. Prior to that, he was part of three IPL teams as a player – MI, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Daredevils. In all, he featured in 100 games for the three teams across ten seasons, picking up 102 wickets at an economy of 7.58. He last played in the tournament in 2017, when he led Daredevils, before retiring from all forms of cricket.As reported earlier by ESPNcricinfo, apart from the role of mentor, LSG are keen on giving Zaheer a wider profile that will mean involvement with the scouting and player-development programmes during the off season.Related

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LSG’s coaching set-up is currently headed by Justin Langer, who will continue in the role after having replaced Andy Flower as head coach ahead of IPL 2024, with Lance Klusener and Adam Voges as his assistants. After securing playoff berths in their first two seasons, the KL Rahul-led side was pipped on net run rate for a spot in the top four in 2024.Zaheer’s return to the IPL fold comes at a time when teams are preparing for a mega auction. The IPL is likely to announce the retention rules by early September.

Newcastle United have accepted that a move for long-time transfer target Bryan Mbeumo may not work out this summer, with the Brentford forward reportedly preferring to sign for Manchester United.

Whether that will happen is another matter, and no longer the Magpies’ concern, for Eddie Howe and the powers that be have turned their attention to alternative options, Anthony Elanga and Mohammed Kudus among the targeted.

While Newcastle are in talks with Callum Wilson for a new contract, the ageing striker failed to register a goal contribution in the Premier League last season as he battled through injury problems, and some extra firepower to complement Alexander Isak wouldn’t go amiss.

Newcastle plotting to sign new striker

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is right at the top of the shopping list, but Newcastle may well be plotting to sign an even more exciting centre-forward.

Transfer Focus

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According to Football Insider, Newcastle are considering an official move for Porto’s Samu Aghehowa in the coming months, having been keeping tabs on the prolific striker.

Though the 21-year-old has an £82.5m release clause in his contract, he could be sold for considerably less, with a fee of £63m mooted.

Manchester United are also interested as they search for an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, and the Premier League competitors may well battle it out for the number nine.

What Samu Omorodion would bring to Newcastle

Tall, powerful and blessed with swift pace, Aghehowa has the fundamental skills to become a fearsome marksman in the Premier League, more still a perfect counterpoint to ther breezy dynamism of Isak.

He might not be the finished article, but this wouldn’t actually be a negative: Aghehowa would join a Newcastle team blessed with “the best striker in the Premier League” in Isak, as has been said by pundit Jamie Carragher, and Wilson, an experienced poacher.

It’s a fantastic mix, and one which could see Aghehowa springboard into the ascendency. Who knows, he might even prove an even bigger star than Pedro with some careful man-management over the coming years.

Though Pedro has impressed since joining Brighton from Watford in a deal worth around £30m two years ago, scoring 30 goals and providing ten assists across 70 matches, 18 of those strikes have come from the penalty spot.

Aghehowa’s ceiling is higher.

Joining Porto from Atletico Madrid last summer just weeks after a move to Chelsea collapsed, Omorodion has thrived in Portugal, scoring 25 goals across 42 matches in all competitions, including a six-goal haul in the Europa League that saw him fire two past Man United.

League 24/25 – Samu Omorodion vs Joao Pedro
Stats (* per game)	Omorodion	Pedro
Matches (starts)	30 (23)	27 (23)
Goals	19	10
Assists	3	6
Shots (on target)*	2.7 (1.1)	1.7 (0.7)
Big chances missed	18	7
Pass completion	79%	75%
Big chances created	5	11
Key passes*	0.6	1.1
Dribbles*	0.4	1.1
Duels won*	3.3	4.9
Stats via Sofascore

Hailed as a “monster in the making” with a “complete profile” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Aghehowa has the mark of an elite-level goalscorer, and while Brighton’s Brazilian forward is more creative and dynamic, Newcastle must invest their chips in the man who could become one of the deadliest number nines in the business.

The dream XI Newcastle can build: No Gordon; Joao Pedro & £120m trio sign

Newcastle are looking to make sweeping changes as they step back into the Champions League.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 10, 2025