Manchester United struggles to find a long-term replacement for David de Gea are over, according to ex-Chelsea keeper Mark Schwarzer. Since the imposing Dutchman left in 2023, Utd have tried unsuccessfully to fill his position with the likes of Tom Heaton, Dean Henderson, Altay Bayindir and, more recently, Andre Onana, but Schwarzer says Ruben Amorim has finally found a worthy replacement.

Keeper conundrum causes major headache

For over a decade, De Gea was the undisputed Man Utd number one, winning the Premier League Golden Glove in his final season, 2022-23. However, his limitations with playing out from the back led to his departure, which many felt was handled poorly, without a proper transition plan. 

His replacement, Andre Onana, was signed from Inter Milan for £47 million in July 2023 to fit a modern, ball-playing system. Onana's time at the club has been marked by high-profile errors that cost the team points and knocked the defense's confidence. Despite flashes of quality, his inconsistency led to him being dropped and eventually sent on a season-long loan.

The back-up situation has been equally turbulent. Academy graduate Dean Henderson was never given a consistent chance and eventually forced a move for regular first-team football. Altay Bayındır, signed for a low fee also looked shaky and unconvincing when called upon. 

But Schwarzer, who made 514 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Fulham, Middlesbrough and Leicester, believes Senne Lammens, signed from Royal Antwerp for £18 million ($24m) in the summer, is the long-term solution to United’s keeper question. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSchwarzer: 'Old-fashioned goalkeeping'

Speaking to Joe Fortune, former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said: "I think Senne Lammens has done exceptionally well. It's an interesting one because I think anytime you go to a club of Manchester United's magnitude, there's going to be pressure, let alone at a time where the goalkeeping position has been a real big problem for them for a number of seasons. And of course, you've got Andre Onana, who's a massive personality, one that has really struggled in that shirt. He's always gonna feel pressure, but I think it was a little bit under the radar because no one really knew much about him. I think people kind of almost dismissed him before he started playing. So maybe there was a little bit less pressure on him, but it doesn't matter. He's performed really well. He's played with confidence. 

He added: "You know what it is for me? It's a bit of old-fashioned goalkeeping back in it again. He's catching the ball, he's taking crosses. He's doing the simple things well. I think we've gotten a little bit carried away with what a goalkeeper does and what the fundamentals of a good goalkeeper are. I think what Lammens has done is he's come in and he's just simplified things, he's been really consistent and by doing that, by dominating, taking crosses, not making mistakes, in particular, big mistakes, he's given his teammates confidence. The ball comes up high in the box. They know that the goalkeeper is going to come out and get it. Okay, there can be a mistake, there's no doubt about it, but so far, he's dealt with everything. So I've really enjoyed watching him play. 

"I've really enjoyed the simplicity of his game and the understated performances that he's had and I don't say that disrespectfully, I mean that in a really positive way. I mean that he's not trying to get limelight."

Stretford End favourite

Despite only being at the club a matter of weeks, his performances have earned him high praise from the Old Trafford faithful, who have likened him to legend Peter Schmeichel, and they’ve even coined a song in his honour. Lammens said: "It was really nice to hear it already in the first game (against Sunderland). I think it is a sign that the fans are happy with me. It feels really good that I can give them that trust."

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Getty Images SportLammens faces Cherries test at Old Trafford

Manchester United have to wait until Monday for their next Premier League fixture and, if results go their way, they could find themselves back in the Champions League spots, heading into the busy festive period. United beat Wolves last time out and are expected to ease past Bournemouth. However, the Cherries have won their last two Premier League away games against Old Trafford, beating them 3-0 both times.

Enzo Maresca has been urged to stay "quiet" if he wants to avoid being sacked after appearing to criticise the Chelsea board following Saturday's 2-0 victory over Everton. The Italian head coach described the build-up to the Premier League fixture as his "worst 48 hours" at the club, raising plenty of questions over who the comment was aimed at.

• Palmer and Gusto find the net as Chelsea return to winning ways

  Following a four-game run without a victory, Chelsea got back to winning ways against Everton at Stamford Bridge. After a drop in form which saw the Blues draw with Arsenal and Bournemouth, while suffering losses at Leeds and Atalanta, Maresca’s men secured all three points against David Moyes’ in-form visitors.

  Continuing to build up his fitness following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Cole Palmer fired Chelsea in front after 21 minutes. The midfielder latched onto Malo Gusto’s pass before burying the ball beyond England team-mate Jordan Pickford.

  Former Lyon defender Gusto then doubled the hosts’ lead as he converted Pedro Neto’s lovely cutback on the stroke of half time. And while Everton had their moments in either half – with Iliman Ndiaye hitting the post late on – the west Londoners were able to hold onto a precious victory on home soil.

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  Head coach Maresca raises eyebrows with post-match comments

  However, with emotions running high as Chelsea put to bed their frustrating run of form, Maresca raised eyebrows with his post-match comments. 

  Speaking in his press conference following the win over Everton, the former Leicester City boss said: "This is the reason why I praise the players because with so many problems they are doing very well after a complicated week. Since I joined the club the last 48 hours has been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because many people didn’t support us. So very happy for Malo (Gusto) in that moment that the effort from Malo and the rest showed that they are all there and want to help this club."

  When quizzed on who he was talking about when citing a perceived lack of support, Maresca insisted he "loves" the Chelsea fans, leading many people to wonder whether he was criticising a lack of encouragement from the club’s hierarchy.

  He added, "Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn’t support me and the team. In general. I love the fans, and I am very happy with the fans."

• Italian told to be aware of Chelsea's reputation for sacking managers

  And following Maresca’s remarks, former Liverpool and England midfielder Danny Murphy has warned the 45-year-old to be mindful of the club he works for, with Chelsea having a reputation for freely sacking managers.

  While that reputation was largely built under previous chief Roman Abramovich, current co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital – led by Behdad Eghbali – have parted company with Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino since completing their takeover in May 2022.

  Former Brighton boss Potter was dismissed after less than seven months in charge in April 2023, while current USMNT head coach Pochettino left by mutual consent after just one season at the helm in May 2024.

  Speaking on , Murphy said: "He’s got to be careful. I think you have to realise with the owners and club you are working for, he's been given an amazing opportunity to manage a massive football club after only managing Leicester. Did he expect to gain control because of winning the Conference League? 

  "Let's put it in perspective. He's done well, I'm not doubting that. What I am saying is, football is ruthless and these are multi-billionaire owners and if they feel their manager is talking directly to them through the press it is not going to end well for him. He's got a wonderful opportunity to have success with Chelsea. Maybe just pick your moments to… be quiet."

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  Up next for Chelsea: Blues in Carabao Cup quarter-final action

  Chelsea will look to build on their win over Everton when they travel to League One leaders Cardiff City in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.

  Maresca’s side will then travel to Newcastle United in the league next Saturday, before rounding off 2025 with successive home clashes against high-flying Aston Villa and out-of-form Bournemouth on Saturday, 27 December and Tuesday, 30 December respectively.

With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, there's likely to be an influx of deals that come across the ticker over the next several weeks as teams attempt to load up—or unload—their rosters ahead of the postseason.

Occasionally, said deals will include a or PTBNL for short.

What's a PTBNL? I'm glad you asked. Here's a look at the often-used tactic in baseball trades, why they're employed, and a list of notable players who were once only dubbed a"player to be named later":

What Is a Player to Be Named Later?

A "player to be named later" is an unnamed player involved in a trade between two teams, allowing clubs to get deals done before officially finalizing it. PTBNLs are often chosen from a short list of players that the negotiating teams agree on prior to the trade being finalized. They are generally minor leaguers or journeyman MLBers.

Why Do MLB Teams Include Players to Be Named Later in Trades?

MLB teams include PTBNLs in trades for a multitude of reasons. Most commonly due to the team receiving the player either a) not being sure of the position they'd like to fill or b) giving themselves more time to evaluate the talent on the other clubs roster.

Having a PTBNL in your back pocket can help you deal with roster restrictions, as traded players must be placed on the receiving team's 40-man roster upon completion of the transaction. Additionally, players on the injured list cannot be traded, which allows teams to acquire them once they clear the list.

Ironically, on some occasions, a traded player has returned to the original team as the PTBNL of their own trade.

Who Are Some Notable Players That Were Named Later?

Some notable players in MLB history who were once acquired as a PTBNL include:

David OrtizTrea TurnerMoisés AlouMichael BrantleyScott PodsednikDmitri YoungMarco ScutaroJesse Orosco

The Brewers loudly announced their arrival to the National League Division Series Saturday, jumping out to a 9–1 lead on their division rivals, the Cubs.

However, it came at a price. Milwaukee left fielder Jackson Chourio exited the game with an apparent injury beating out an infield single.

The apparent injury ended a spectacular—albeit short—day for the Venezuela native. Chourio went 3-for-3, driving in three runs and scoring one. That performance came on the heels of a terrific showing in last year's NL wild-card series; he slashed .455/.500/1.000 with two home runs and three RBIs against the Mets.

In 2025, Chourio landed unsettlingly close to his 2024 numbers—he slashed .270/.308/.463 a year after slashing .275/.327/.464; he hit 21 home runs again and fell one short of his '24 RBI total. However, he missed 31 games this year, with a hamstring injury costing him almost all of August.

The Brewers said that Chourio left the game with right hamstring tightness and will continue to be evaluated, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday in prime time in Milwaukee.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians observa o Flamengo buscando a contratação do volante Maycon e, teoricamente, possui uma chance de melar a negociação.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

➡️ Tudo sobre o Mengão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Flamengo

O Shakhtar Donetsk, da Ucrânia, detém os direitos econômicos do volante e teria aceitado a oferta do Rubro-Negro. Agora, o Timão tem até 48 horas para exercer sua preferência e igualar a proposta para adquirir o meio-campista em definitivo.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Os dois dias que o Corinthians possui como prazo são justamente os maiores aliados do clube nas tratativas entre Maycon e Flamengo. Isso porque na quinta-feira (7) a janela de transferências brasileira fecha, e os clubes do país poderão registrar novos jogadores apenas na metade do ano. Em teoria, o tempo hábil para regularizar o atleta seria curto, o que dificultaria a tratativa.

O caso do volante não se aplica à “janela extra” disponibilizada pela CBF, que disponibiliza um prazo até o dia 1 de abril para atletas que seguirem na disputa dos estaduais possam acertar com outros clubes ao fim dos torneios. Como o Corinthians não é dono dos direitos de Maycon, e sim o Shakhtar, o prazo para transferência ao Flamengo seria até quinta-feira.

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Revelado nas categorias de base do Timão, o meio-campista está em seu terceiro ano de empréstimo no clube. Titular absoluto, ele soma 11 partidas na temporada, marcou dois gols e deu duas assistências.

Tudo sobre

CorinthiansFlamengo

Toronto Blue Jays lefthander Eric Lauer continued his breakout campaign, pitching eight innings of one-run ball to help power his club to an 11-4 win over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday.

And he did it while pitching with a fat lip.

Naturally, reporters wanted to know Lauer had a fat lip. The Blue Jays southpaw, tongue-in-cheek, had the perfect explanation after the game.

"So, there's kind of this known thing to not mess with [Max] Scherzer on his start days," Lauer said. "Especially when he has his headphones in. And I broke that rule. I tried to talk to him a little too early. So, he wasn't very happy about that. And six stitches is what you get for that."

Well played by Lauer. Not only did he absolutely nail the joke delivery with a straight face, but he couldn't have picked better subject matter as explanation for the souvenir on his face. Scherzer, a future Hall of Famer, is known as much for his intensity on and off the mound as he is for his pitching prowess, so much so that one former Texas Rangers teammate didn't dare invade his landing space before a postseason start in the fall of 2023.

Scherzer has enough of a reputation as a pregame grump that one would almost be led to believe that this is the reason for Lauer's fat lip. Alas, Lauer declined to elaborate anymore on the condition of his face.

When a club is rolling and the vibes are good, these are the kinds of things one can expect to emerge from the clubhouse. And the vibes are definitely good in Toronto.

The Blue Jays have the best record and run differential in MLB over the course of the last month.

تمكن نادي برشلونة من تحقيق الانتصار على حساب ريال بيتيس اليوم السبت بخمسة أهداف مقابل ثلاثة، ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

واستطاع برشلونة الابتعاد في صدارة الدوري الإسباني مؤقتًا بفارق أربع نقاط عن ريال مدريد، والذي سوف يواجه نظيره سيلتا فيجو غدًا الأحد على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

وقدم برشلونة عرضًا رائعًا أمام ريال بيتيس وبسط رجال المدرب هانز فليك سيطرتهم على مجريات اللقاء محققين الفوز بخماسية في النهاية. رجل مباراة برشلونة وريال بيتيس اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

وحصل فيران توريس، مهاجم برشلونة، على جائزة رجل المباراة، وذلك بعد مستوى اللاعب الرائع الذي قدمه في لقاء اليوم.

طالع .. موعد مباراة برشلونة القادمة بعد الفوز على ريال بيتيس في الدوري الإسباني

توريس استطاع تسجيل هاتريك ليقود برشلونة إلى الفوز بخماسية في لقاء اليوم، في حين قام فليك بإجلاس روبرت ليفاندوفسكي على مقاعد البدلاء.

وشارك توريس في المباراة كاملًة وصنع نجم فالنسيا السابق الفارق مع برشلونة، إلى جانب لامين يامال وماركوس راشفورد، وروني بردجي.

Rafael Devers made his debut at first base for the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, and the move appeared to be a pleasant reset for the three-time MLB All-Star.

Despite Devers refusing to play first base for the Red Sox and serving as Boston's designated hitter this season until he was traded to the Giants, Devers was open to playing first base for the Giants once he landed in San Francisco.

Though Devers has spent the majority of his career at third base, the Giants already have a Gold Glove-winning third baseman in Matt Chapman. Instead, there was an open opportunity for Devers at first base, where he finally played for the first time in their second game of the series in Atlanta.

"I felt very comfortable [playing first base],” Devers said through interpreter Erwin Higueros, via Rick Farlow of MLB.com. “I’ve been practicing for a while. It’s really good that I was able to get out there, but most importantly we won the game.”

Devers explained after making his first start at first base that he likes playing in the field because it keeps him from getting inside his own head during a game.

"It keeps me active and it keeps my head out of just thinking of the next at-bat,” Devers said. “I’m the kind of player who likes to be active and likes to be on the field. I’d rather be on the field than be in the cage hitting all the time.”

Returning to fielding appeared to benefit Devers, who recorded two hits, two runs, and one RBI on five at-bats. His efforts contributed to the Giants rebounding from their offensive woes and a six-game losing streak with a huge 9-0 win over the Braves.

Overall, Devers feels playing third base is harder than first, but is still practicing to improve. "There’s not much difference,” Devers said, via MLB.com. “I think third base is a lot harder, but that’s why I’m practicing and that’s why I’m working every single day to get my grounders out there just to get adjusted to playing first base.”

Devers is not slated to become an everyday first baseman, but will continue to see time in the field in some games going forward. He will not play first base in Wednesday's game, and instead will potentially see time at first again versus the New York Mets this weekend.

Manchester City are now leading the race to sign a “generational talent”, having moved ahead of Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United.

Man City looking to improve attack amid Haaland overreliance

There have been suggestions that Man City have been too overreliant on Erling Haaland so far this season, with the Norwegian way out in front as the top goalscorer in the Premier League, having already found the back of the net 11 times.

No other City player has scored more than one goal in the top flight, which is likely to be a concern for Pep Guardiola, with some of his other attacking options still learning on the job and yet to realise their true potential.

One such player is Savinho, with Guardiola saying: “Savio is a top player who can play both sides and he feels comfortable on both sides. I said last season, being [in your] first Premier League season, it’s not easy to play a lot of minutes.

“Just the moment to make the steps to be a decisive player and add goals and assists, especially goals he will be a top-class player. Top class. He needs to make that step.”

Jeremy Doku has also been inconsistent, registering two assists in the 3-0 victory over Man United but failing to make much of an impact in other matches, and the Blues are now looking to sign a new winger.

That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which states Man City have now moved into pole position in the race to sign Leicester City’s Jeremy Monga, having overtaken Man United, Newcastle and Chelsea.

City are now preparing a fresh approach to sign Monga, who has been a long-term target, with the 16-year-old putting himself in the shop window after emerging as a first-team regular for Leicester this season.

Scouts sent: Man City show interest in breakout star who'd cost near £70m

The Citizens believe they have the financial clamour to complete a deal.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 26, 2025

The Foxes are powerless to stop the teenager from leaving, as he is unable to sign a professional deal until he turns 17 in June.

"Generational talent" Monga could be future star

Lauded as a “generational talent” by journalist Graeme Bailey in the aforementioned report, it is a testament to just how talented the youngster is that he has already forced his way into first-team contention at Leicester.

The starlet has already made 11 appearances in the Championship this season, picking up his first professional goal in a 2-1 defeat against Preston North End back in August.

Scout Jacek Kulig clearly believes the five-time England U19 international has a big future ahead too, describing him as “one of the most exciting U-17 talents in England.”

Given his age, Monga may be some way off challenging for a starting spot at a club like Man City, but he certainly looks like a top prospect, so it is exciting news they have moved into pole position in the race for his signature.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola now personally wants to hijack Real Madrid and sign a “phenomenal” midfielder, who is valued at £87m.

Pep sets out to sign new midfielder amid Rodri concerns

After spending the majority of the 2024-25 season on the treatment table due to an ACL injury, Rodri has been eased back into the team by Pep, but the Spaniard suffered yet another setback in the 1-0 triumph at Brentford prior to the international break.

The central midfielder was ruled out of contention for Spain’s World Cup qualifiers, with Pep going on to express hope that it will be a matter of weeks, not months, before the 29-year-old returns.

He's perfect for Pep: Man City now rivalling Real Madrid for "pacy" £52m star

City are set to battle it out for a new defender, who is regarded as ideal for Pep Guardiola.

By
Dominic Lund

Oct 15, 2025

The City boss also went on to add: “You asked me why I don’t play him 90 minutes all the time. The journalists always ask me why I substitute him. This is why we tried to be gentle and play [him] for 60-65 minutes.”

Amid concerns over Rodri, the Blues have set out to bolster his options in the engine room, submitting offers for two up-and-coming English midfielders earlier this week, and a Premier League star has also now emerged as a target.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Pep now personally wants to hijack Real Madrid and sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, with Man City expressing serious interest in securing his signature.

Manchester United have also set out to sign Wharton, off the back of the midfielder’s impressive performances for the Eagles, and sources suggest the south Londoners could hold out for a fee of around €100m (£87m).

However, with the Englishman contracted until 2029, and happy at Selhurst Park, Palace currently have no pressing need to cash-in, with a move more likely to transpire next summer than in January.

"Phenomenal" Wharton has earned move to top club

In many ways, it is a real surprise the 21-year-old has just one England cap to his name, given the impact the central midfielder has made ever since arriving at Palace, with Dan Cook of HLTCO being left particularly impressed.

In his only appearance for England, which came against Bosnia & Herzegovina just over a year ago, the youngster became the only midfielder to attempt 30+ passes on his Three Lions debut and complete each one, in what was an assured performance.

Given Wharton’s passing ability, he could flourish in a Pep system, and Man City should undoubtedly make a move in 2026.