Manchester United’s impressive start to the 2025/26 campaign has no doubt been aided by their hierarchy’s £200m backing in the market during the summer transfer window.

Bryan Mbeumo has certainly made the biggest impact of the new arrivals, with the Cameroonian international already scoring four times in his ten Premier League outings.

The 26-year-old’s best display came against Brighton and Hove Albion, as the forward netted a double in the 4-2 triumph, helping Ruben Amorim’s side to rise up the league table.

Matheus Cunha has also partnered Mbeumo within the final third over recent months, also catching the eye with his first goal in the same victory over the Seagulls.

The Brazilian’s £62.5m transfer is now looking like an excellent piece of business, with the aforementioned duo both handing the fanbase the chance to get off their seats at Old Trafford.

However, despite the recent flurry of new additions at the Theatre of Dreams, the hierarchy could be set to make additional reinforcements in the upcoming January window.

United’s hunt for new additions in the January window

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been hugely touted with a winter transfer to land Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson after his recent rise in 2025/26.

The 23-year-old has been a regular starter this campaign, impressing at the City Ground, which has led to the youngster becoming an England international regular.

The Red Devils have since been touted with a potential £70m deal to land the youngster, but Sean Dyche’s side may be reluctant to offload their star man during the winter window.

However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque another star they’re hunting, according to Spanish outlet SPORT.

They claim that Amorim’s side are currently in pole position for the 20-year-old’s signature, despite keen interest from fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea.

It also states that the Brazilian could be available for a fee in the region of £42m this winter, but it remains unclear if the United board would pay such a figure in the months ahead.

Why United’s £42m target would be an upgrade on Sesko

As part of the club’s summer spending spree, the United board forked out a deal in the region of £74m for the signature of striker Benjamin Sesko from German side RB Leipzig.

Such a fee generated huge excitement amongst the fanbase, with huge expectations on the 22-year-old to transform the club’s fortunes within the final third of the pitch.

However, it’s not all been plain sailing for the Slovenian international, with the centre-forward only scoring twice in his ten Premier League appearances to date.

After scoring two games in a row, Sesko is now three matches without a goal, even registering just 21 touches of the ball in the recent clash with Forest – the lowest of any player out of both sides.

There’s no denying that the fanbase have seen glimpses of his quality, but they would have certainly been expecting more given the nature of the transfer fee.

Any deal for Roque could see the supporters handed the number nine they’ve craved, especially if the youngster can replicate his goalscoring numbers from his homeland.

In his 28 league appearances this season, the 20-year-old has netted 13 goals, massively outscoring the Slovenian – with his underlying figures also highlighting why he’s better than the United talisman.

Games played

28

10

Goals scored

13

2

Shot on target accuracy

48%

38%

Pass accuracy

72%

63%

Key passes

1.6

1.1

Take-on success

40%

25%

Progressive carries

2.5

0.6

Carries into 18-yard box

1.2

0.4

Fouls drawn

3.5

0.3

Roque, who’s been dubbed a “future superstar” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate – further showcasing his edge over Sesko in terms of his goalscoring ability.

Other figures, such as a higher pass completion rate and more key passes completed per 90 showcase the Brazilian’s creativity, which could hand the likes of Mbeumo and Cunha the chance to improve their own tallies.

Roque’s all-round dominance over the United talisman is further highlighted in his higher tally of take-ons completed and more carries into the final third per 90.

Such figures demonstrate the youngster’s ability to create his own chances and often being able to muster an opportunity out of nothing – something which Sesko has so far been unable to do.

£42m would be another huge statement of intent from the ownership group, reaffirming their backing in Amorim to transform the squad and take them to the next level.

Such a move may be harsh on Sesko, but such a transfer could provide the striker with the added competition he needs to match the expectations placed on him after his own mammoth transfer.

Amorim can end Dalot's Man Utd career by unleashing £48m "monster"

This Man Utd ace will be back from injury soon

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 5, 2025

They might have dropped points last time out, but Arsenal are flying this season.

They sit four points clear atop the Premier League table and second in the Champions League, with four wins and four clean sheets in as many games.

One of the stars of the Gunners’ impressive campaign so far has been Declan Rice, who has been as crucial going forward as he has been in keeping those clean sheets.

Therefore, fans should be delighted about reports linking them with another top-quality international who’d be a Rice-type signing.

Arsenal target Rice-Type signing

The transfer window is still over a month away, but Arsenal are starting to be linked with some exciting players again.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, stories are once again touting Real Madrid’s Rodrygo for a move to the Emirates following a disappointing start to the season.

A cheaper, lesser-known, but nonetheless exciting wide option the Gunners have been linked with is Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who has been catching the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

However, while either attacker would be an exciting addition to the team, neither could be described as particularly Rice-esque, unlike Elliot Anderson.

Yes, according to reports from Spain, Arsenal are one of several clubs interested in the Nottingham Forest star.

In fact, the report has revealed that North Londoners are set to enter the bidding war for the England international, who has a price tag of between £100m and £120m.

It could therefore be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Anderson’s immense ability, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as it would be a Rice-type signing.

Why Elliot Anderson would be a Rice repeat for Arsenal

Now, there are obviously some differences between Rice and Anderson, from their playstyles to career paths, but were the latter to join Arsenal, there would be many parallels with the former’s move as well.

For example, it would be another example of the Gunners going out and spending north of £100m on a top-quality central midfielder from a non ‘big six’ Premier League team.

Moreover, like the former West Ham United captain was at the time of his move, the Forest ace is now an established and vitally important player for England.

In fact, ahead of his side’s win over Serbia, Thomas Tuchel described the 23-year-old as a “key player” for the Three Lions and “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.”

The fact that he is such an incredible central midfielder is another obvious trait he shares with the Gunners’ number 41, as is his versatility.

For example, since moving to the City Ground, the former Newcastle United gem has made 25 appearances in central midfield, 20 in defensive midfield, five in left midfield and three in attacking midfield.

In other words, like the former Hammers star, the “world-class” ace, as dubbed by one commentator, could play wherever Arteta wanted him to in the middle of the park, and as a result, form relationships with a host of Arsenal players.

Finally, on top of also taking corners, the Whitley Bay-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has some incredible underlying numbers to his name, proving that the comparisons to Rice are fully justified.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for ball recoveries, the top 3% for tackles in the defensive third, the top 4% for carries into the penalty area, the top 7% for successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it would cost a king’s ransom, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Anderson, as he’s an excellent player and could have a Rice-type impact on the team.

Arsenal lost 'one of the world's best', now he's outperforming Saka & Eze

The incredible international is now playing better than Arsenal’s Eze and Saka.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 14, 2025

Ireland star Troy Parrott opens up on his sensational hat-trick against Hungary, which kept his nation's World Cup dreams alive. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker scored thrice in the qualifying match, including a dramatic late winner as Ireland came back from behind twice to beat Hungary 3-2 and book their berth in the qualifying play-offs.

• Hungary's dream shattered as Ireland reached play-offs

  Hungary captain and Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai was visibly distraught at full time as they gave up on their lead twice in their final qualifying game against Ireland during the weekend and lost the clash 3-2 to see their World Cup dreams shattered. Daniel Lukacs handed Hungary a third-minute lead before Parrott scored an equaliser 12 minutes later. Barnabas Varga then restored the hosts' lead in the 37th minute as they headed into the break with a 2-1 lead.

  Parrott, however, had a different plan as he once again equalised in the 80th minute before scoring a last-gasp winner. With three points, Ireland finished second in their group behind Portugal and progressed to the qualifying play-offs, which will be played in March.

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• AFP
  

  Parrott reacts to incredible hat-trick

  After the sensational performance in the World Cup qualifying match, Parrott told RTE: "I'm really, really emotional. They're tears of joy. Ah, what a night, what a night. This is why we love football, because things like this can happen. Look, I love where I'm from, so this means the world to me. My family is here.

  "It's the first time I've cried in years as well, I really, really can't believe it. Everyone is crying. I said against Portugal that this is what dreams are made of, but this tonight, I don't think I'll ever have a better night in my whole life. That is really a fairy tale. You can't even dream about something like that. Honestly, I have no words to describe my emotions right now."

  He added: "I think everyone wrote us off at the start of the group, and I couldn't have said it enough. There's always a chance and we've taken the chance. I think everyone should be proud of the group of players that are over there. To go down in the game twice and then to come back like that is beautiful."

• Parrott told he is better than Lionel Messi

  Republic of Ireland fans were understandably on cloud nine after Parrott inspired a sensational comeback against Hungary. Fans were jubilant to see their World Cup hopes kept alive by the AZ Alkmaar forward as they hailed him as the best player in the world and a better player than Argentina captain Lionel Messi.

  After the game, Parrott had reacted to the victory as he told reporters: "I said against Portugal that this is what dreams are made of, but I think tonight, I will never have a better night in my whole life. It is a fairytale. You can't even dream about something like that. I have no words to describe the emotions right now."

  Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson, on the other hand, told RTE: "We seemed to be nervous at the beginning, struggling with movements and defending too late and not aggressive enough. We put in everything and threw in three strikers in the end. The guys deserved what happened and congratulations to the Irish nation for having the guys."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Who will be Ireland's opponents in play-offs?

  After the dream night in Budapest, Ireland will now wait to determine their opponents in the World Cup play-offs, which will be played in March. The play-offs will feature 12 runners-up from the UEFA section of qualification, along with the four best-placed UEFA Nations League group winners who failed to finish in the top two of their respective groups. The draw to determine play-off paths will take place at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, on November 20.

Notts gain vital first-innings advantage before Matthew Fisher’s second five-for keeps Surrey in touch

Vithushan Ehantharajah16-Sep-2025

Nottinghamshire 231 and 219 for 8 (Patterson-White 58, Fisher 5-57) lead Surrey 173 (Burns 47, James 3-35, Tongue 3-43) by 277 runsThe 2025 Division One season has been a scrappy affair. Sparse on real, top-tier quality, in part because of a wayward schedule. Even here at the Kia Oval, the home of the defending champions, it has been far from vintage. Nevertheless, 80,484 people have come through the gates this summer. Around 41,000 of them Surrey members wanting to vibe with a historic four-peat push.On Tuesday, however, for the first time this season, those of the brown cap persuasion had to confront the idea that, maybe, this might be a County Championship title too far. Worse still, the team that may take it from them were doing it on their patch.Nottinghamshire were trailing by a point coming into this penultimate round, and then four after being rolled for 231 in their first innings. But by stumps on day two, after 17 wickets had fallen, they were very much in front. They will start Wednesday on 219 for 8, 277 ahead, meaning Surrey will need the highest score of the match to win, on a pitch playing tricks off the straight. Nottinghamshire, having had the better of the first two days, are on the cusp of inflicting Surrey’s first home defeat since June 2023, and stealing a march on their title rivals into the final round.They have Lyndon James to thank for that. The allrounder, having the best season of his career, blew the match wide open in the morning session, taking 3 for 35 and then provided 47 vital runs. He was robbed of the honour of seeing out the day by Matthew Fisher, trimming him off for a for his second five-wicket haul in the match. Fisher’s 5 for 61 on day one – his first five-for for Surrey – gave his new county control. And when they relinquished it, dismissed for 173 in their own first innings, the 27-year-old dug deeper with five more and a maiden 10-wicket haul. He wrestled the game back Surrey’s way, at one point possessing figures of 4 for 11 from 3.3 overs, with Nottinghamshire reeling on 53 for 5, just 111 in front.But back came James to the fore, initially with a 36-run stand with Kyle Verreynne before finding an effective cruising speed with Liam Patterson-White for a collective 91 for the seventh wicket. Patterson-White, having brought up his third fifty-plus score of the season in 63 deliveries, looked on course to return on day three only to fall as Dan Worrall’s third victim shortly after 6pm with the close in sight.After a sedate start to day two, the match seemed to accelerate all of a sudden, almost as if it suddenly tipped over the peak of a roller coaster, which was when Surrey were cruising on a steady ascent. From 101 for 1, nine wickets were lost for 72 in 19.4 deliveries, a collapse triggered by a nine-over spell of unrelenting class from James.The 26-year-old’s 3 for 35 at the Vauxhall End began with the removal of nightwatcher Tom Lawes – chipping to cover to end a stand of 59 with skipper Rory Burns – before using a lacquer-less, 30-something-overs-old Dukes ball in tandem with Brett Hutton to send Nottinghamshire into lunch with the home top six accounted for.A lifter that left Ben Foakes was followed by something a little fuller, shaping away. Foakes, now sitting a little more on the back foot, reached and edged through to Verreyne. That ended up being the third dismissal for just 17 in 37 deliveries, sandwiching Hutton’s vital wicket of Burns on 47, moving one into his front shin.A leading edge gave Dan Lawrence a three-ball duck, and when Ollie Pope skewed a poorly judged drive to second slip, James had his third – the fifth dismissal in 48 deliveries. Emerging after lunch on 141 for 6, the heavies were brought on – Josh Tongue and Dillon Pennington – to feast on what remained.By now, batters were casting anxious glances at the pitch, particularly the off-stump channel that, as ever, was a productive area to plough. That ramped up when Worrall got one to scuttle into Ben Slater’s off stump. And it was in this area that Fisher got to work, angling a couple off the seam to dismiss visiting captain Haseeb Hameed and Joe Clarke leg before.Left-hander Freddie McCann was done similarly from around the wicket, and when Jack Haynes inside-edged onto his stumps, Fisher had seen off one of the top order in each of his first four overs.Perhaps Nottinghamshire were guilty of being a little too passive early on. But James and Patterson-White learned, and when the latter pulled Lawes to midwicket for six on the shorter side, there was a subtle shift in mood.Maybe even a template for Surrey to follow, who themselves were a little shy with the bat. Though they finished the day with renewed enthusiasm having seen off both James and Patterson-White in the space of 3.1 overs, the target that will eventually come there way will require the very best of them. Something that has not been seen thus far.

Lionel Messi reportedly reached a complete agreement to rejoin Barcelona in 2023 and an official contract was drafted to welcome back their greatest legend, but the move never materialised. Messi left his boyhood club in 2021 as a free agent after spending almost two decades there. He then completed a high-profile free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent two years before heading to Inter Miami in the United States.

Messi didn't get proper goodbye

The Argentine legend was prevented from saying his goodbyes on the field in Catalunya when announcing an emotional departure from the Liga giants in 2021 after his contract expired. With Barcelona unable to fund a contract extension at that point due to severe financial constraints, Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.

His stint in the French capital lasted for two years and in between, he completed his lifelong dream of winning the World Cup with Argentina as he led La Albiceleste to their third title in Qatar.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesHomecoming almost went through in 2023

According to , Messi expressed his desire to return to Barcelona for the first time in January 2023 when he got in touch with then-Blaugrana manager Xavi Hernandez. The former Barcelona team-mates enjoyed great success together as players, and Xavi believed that Messi's return to the team would further elevate the standard of the squad, which ultimately went on to win the 2022-23 La Liga title.

Over the next few months, the duo kept in touch and constantly spoke to each other to make the homecoming happen. Xavi even spoke to Messi's father Jorge and informed club president Joan Laporta, who was excited at the prospect of Messi returning to the club. Xavi was also told by director of football Matheu Alemany that La Liga had given the nod to the transfer. 

The sudden collapse in talks

adds that everything was going as planned and the Catalan giants even drafted a two-year contract for Messi to sign as soon as he became a free agent in the summer of 2023. However, things drastically changed in April when Jorge Messi called Xavi with a devastating update: "They tell me it is not going to happen, that La Liga does not give the approval."

Barcelona soon changed their stance as they understood that bringing back Messi wouldn't be financially feasible for them, while complying with La Liga player registration rules. Messi eventually grew tired of waiting and agreed to join Inter Miami instead.

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Getty Images SportCan Messi still comeback to Barcelona?

There is no possibility of Messi rejoining Barcelona on a permanent basis, as he continues to chase the American dream in MLS with Inter Miami. He recently committed to a new three-year contract that will take him beyond his 40th birthday and through the 2028 season in the U.S.

Barcelona have also distanced themselves from a loan move for Messi in the MLS offseason, with Laporta saying in a recent interview: "Leo Messi’s return as a player is something just not realistic. As of now, he has a contract with Inter Miami. The club is building a project for the present and future. It's complicated, and if you live in the past you hardly move forward."

Messi will be back in action for the Herons on November 29 as they take on New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final. The 38-year-old is only two matches away from leading Miami to their maiden MLS Cup title.

حقق فريق برشلونة فوزًا مريحًا على خصمه أتلتيك بلباو، بأربعة أهداف دون رد، خلال مباراة الفريقين في بطولة الدوري الإسباني، مساء اليوم السبت.

وعاد برشلونة إلى ملعبه “سبوتيفاي كامب نو”، حيث استقبل أتلتيك بلباو، في مباراة بالجولة الثالثة عشر للدوري الإسباني موسم 2025-2026.

وبفوزه اليوم، رفع فريق هانز فليك رصيده من النقاط في الدوري الإسباني، وأصبح برشلونة يملك 31 نقطة.

وفي هذه الجولة من الليجا، تغلب أتلتيكو مدريد على خيتافي بهدف دون مقابل، وتعادل ريال مدريد أمام خصمه إلتشي، بهدفين لمثلهما مساء الأحد.

اقرأ أيضًا | ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني بعد ثنائية فيران توريس وهدف ليفاندوفسكي في مباراة برشلونة وأتلتيك بلباو جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني 

1. ريال مدريد، 32 نقطة.

2. برشلونة، 31 نقطة.

3. فياريال، 29 نقطة.

4. أتلتيكو مدريد، 28 نقطة.

5. ريال بيتيس، 20 نقطة.

6. إسبانيول، 18 نقطة.

7. خيتافي، 17 نقطة.

8. أتلتيك بلباو، 17 نقطة.

9. ريال سوسيداد، 16 نقطة.

10. إلتشي، 16 نقطة.

11. إشبيلية، 16 نقطة.

12. سيلتا فيجو، 16 نقطة.

13. رايو فاليكانو، 16 نقطة.

14. ألافيس، 15 نقطة.

15. فالنسيا، 13 نقطة.

16. مايوركا، 12 نقطة.

17. أوساسونا، 11 نقطة.

18. جيرونا، 11 نقطة.

19. ليفانتي، 9 نقاط.

20. أوفييدو، 9 نقاط.

ويمكنك متابعة ترتيب الدوري الإسباني محدث لحظة بلحظة من خلال الرابط.

While Chelsea made plenty of good signings in the summer, it would be fair to say that they’ve had mixed starts to life in West London.

Joao Pedro, for example, might have slowed down a little in recent weeks, but has already amassed an impressive tally of seven goal involvements.

On the other hand, Jamie Gittens has largely struggled this season and looks quite some distance off being good enough to start week in week out.

Someone who falls somewhere in the middle is Liam Delap, but if he doesn’t start performing soon, one of Cobham’s most exciting prospects could eventually take the nine shirt off his back.

Delap's start at Chelsea

When Chelsea were the ones to secure Delap’s services for around £30m in the summer, there was an understandable level of excitement from the fans.

After all, here was a young, physically imposing centre-forward who, in his first proper season of top-flight football, had just scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances for a poor Ipswich Town side.

Expectations remained high at the Club World Cup as the former Manchester City academy ace provided an assist against LAFC and scored his first Chelsea goal against Esperance.

However, it would be fair to say that, so far, those expectations have not been met this season, as in six games, totalling 227 minutes, the 22-year-old has failed to score a goal or provide an assist.

Now, he was unfortunate to pick up a hamstring injury in the game against Fulham, but in the other games he has appeared in, he has not looked particularly threatening.

Moreover, upon his return from injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers, he stupidly got himself sent off, picking up two yellow cards in the space of 22 minutes.

With all that said, there is still plenty of time for Delap to turn things around and make this season a successful one.

However, should he continue to underwhelm, he could eventually see one of Cobham’s most exciting prospects take the nine shirt from him.

The Cobham gem who could replace Delap

When it comes to producing Premier League-quality prospects, few academies can truly rival Chelsea’s Cobham.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

There are, once again, several youngsters in the setup who could see themselves become first-team regulars over the coming seasons, and the one who could rival Delap for the number nine shirt is Chizaram Ezenwata.

The 17-year-old gem joined the Blues from Charlton Athletic in October 2023 and has established himself as one of the most dangerous attackers in the academy.

For example, in just eight appearances this season, totalling 641 minutes, the Bexley-born marksman has already scored seven goals and provided one assist, which comes out to a goal involvement every game, or every 80.12 minutes.

The youngster isn’t just on a hot streak either; in 20 appearances last season, totalling 1,279 minutes, he managed to score 12 goals and provide three assists, which works out to an average of a goal or assist every 1.33 games, or every 91.93 minutes.

Appearances

26

Minutes

1913′

Goals

19

Assists

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.88

Minutes per Goal Involvement

83.17′

With numbers like that, it is easy to understand why U23 scout Antonio Mango has told Chelsea fans to “get excited” about his development, and why Como scout Felix Johnston has described him as someone who “lives and breathes goals.”

The young poacher isn’t just making his mark at club level either.

For example, in seven appearances for England’s u17s he scored five goals, and in five appearances for the u18s, he has already scored twice.

Ultimately, Ezenwata is unlikely to challenge Delap for a place in the team this season, but if the former Ipswich man does not improve soon, next year could be a different story entirely.

Chelsea's Yamal rival can surpass Palmer & Caicedo to become the world's best

The incredible prospect could be an even bigger superstar than Palmer and Caicedo for Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 11, 2025

Sourav Ganguly also holds posts with the Delhi Capitals teams in the T20 franchise circuit

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Sep-2025Former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has filed his nomination for the post of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president. With no other nominations filed, he is expected to take over from his elder brother Snehasish Ganguly when the CAB elections are held on September 22.”I would like to thank everyone for their support,” Ganguly said in a CAB statement on Sunday. “At CAB, there is no opposition. Everyone is a part of this association. We will all work together to take CAB and Bengal cricket ahead.”There are important events coming up – Eden Gardens’ India’s Test match against South Africa, [matches of the men’s] T20 World Cup, Bengal Pro T20 League. I will try and do my best.”Ganguly was in the same post between 2015 and 2019 before becoming the BCCI president, a post he held from 2019 to 2022. Since then, he has been involved with various teams in the T20 franchise circuit.In a recent update, Ganguly took over as the Pretoria Capitals head coach for the fourth season of SA20. He was present at the SA20 auction last week as well. It is his first stint as head coach of a T20 franchise team but has earlier been the mentor of Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL (in 2019).He was appointed director of cricket at JSW Sports (co-owners of the Delhi Capitals teams around the world) last year and worked closely with the DC team at the WPL too. It is unclear how the appointment at CAB will affect his coaching/mentorship roles.

Are Manchester United back on track? It’s probably premature to make such a conclusive claim, but then we can’t help but notice the hint of success now that Ruben Amorim has strung together a five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.

It was refreshing to see the Portuguese coach speak candidly after the recent draw at Tottenham Hotspur, though. Amorim understands that, while progress has been made in recent months, there is so much work still to be plied.

While the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have reshaped the Red Devil frontline for the better, there’s no question that issues remain in the centre of the field, even with Casemiro resurgent and the skipper, Bruno Fernandes, in fine form.

Man Utd's search for a midfielder

INEOS and the Manchester United recruitment team have accepted that the midfield requires something of a rebuild, with Bruno and Casemiro into their 30s and Kobbie Mainoo out of sorts.

One of the pleasing changes of recent months has been a focus on adding Premier League-proven quality. Mbeumo and Cunha stand as testaments to this. Now, the same logic must be applied in the centre.

There are a number of possibilities, the most noisy of which centres on England star Elliot Anderson, though Nottingham Forest have placed a prohibitive £100m price tag on their prized star’s name.

United are ready to spend in 2026, though, and could instead make a move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, having profiled the Cameroonian talent last summer.

According to GIVEMESPORT and Fabrizio Romano, Old Trafford Director of Football Jason Wilcox has held positive discussions with the young midfielder; however, it looks like Brighton have doubled down on their £115m valuation.

Crucially, Baleba is “very keen” on leaping at the chance to sign for Amorim’s outfit, and so a deal could certainly be pulled off next year.

Why Man Utd want Carlos Baleba

Man United have needed a mobile centre-midfielder for a while, and in Baleba, they might just land the perfect player.

The Brighton star is into his third season in the Premier League, and though he hasn’t been at his best since the summer, this is likely because of the fallout from United’s failed attempt to bring him away from Fabian Hurzeler’s outfit in August.

Hailed by analyst Joao Miguel as being a “transition monster” who “eats hectares of space for lunch”, the 5 foot 11 star would dovetail right into the way Amorim wants to play, perhaps even more so than Anderson, who is firmly rooted in Forest’s counter-pressing brand of football.

Anderson might be more mobile and energetic in his game, but Baleba’s mix of tough-tackling defending and ball-playing quality makes him the perfect alternative, and one who could even come to surpass the England man.

For all the gains United have made in recent months, they are still an imperfect outfit. Too easy to catch on the break and lacking physicality, xGA data reveals Amorim’s side to be among the most statistically porous in the division.

Premier League 25/26 – Highest xGA Totals

Club

Goals Conceded

xGA

Burnley

22

23.4

Nott’m Forest

20

16.6

Man United

18

16.4

West Ham

23

16.3

Wolves

25

16.0

Data via FBref

Baleba’s strength and ground-covering presence would ease this problem and then some, adding the fresh legs needed to keep Bruno on his A-game. This positive chain would ripple through to the forwards, who are already showing such promise.

Anderson is emerging as a talented midfielder, and either would be a credit to the Man United project. However, Baleba’s desire to move to Manchester, the club’s comprehensive profiling of his style and his powerful and athletic approach could see him emerge as the pick of the bunch.

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Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 17, 2025

The 2025 MLB season has its first walk-off, courtesy of the Miami Marlins.

On Opening Day, the Marlins defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4 on a game-winning single to right field off of the bat of outfielder Kyle Stowers at loanDepot park on Thursday. Facing 2024 National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes, Miami scratched a run across the board in the bottom of the third inning, but didn't plate another off the ace right-hander until the sixth frame.

Then, with Skenes out of the game and trailing 4-2 in the bottom of the 8th inning, the Marlins mounted a rally against the Pirates bullpen. And Stowers, who worked a leadoff walk, then came around to score on an RBI single by second baseman Otto Lopez before right fielder Dane Myers tied the game with another base hit.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, a leadoff triple from catcher Nick Fortes started the rally, and Stowers, after Pirates closer David Bednar intentionally walked shortstop Xavier Edwards, won the game with a single to right.

The game pitted a budding ace in Skenes against '22 NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara, and the two pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts, though neither pitched longer than 5 1/3 innings. The two clubs will take to the diamond again for the second game in the series on Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET.