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New Zealand fast bowler Will O’Rourke faces at least three months on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back. Finn Allen also faces a lengthy spell out while Glenn Phillips will miss the T20Is against Australia and captain Mitchell Santner is doubtful.O’Rourke, who reported back stiffness on the third day of the opening Test against Zimbabwe, will miss the white-ball series against Australia, England and West Indies at a minimum and could also be a doubt for the three Tests against West Indies which follow in December. He will undergo a three-month strength and conditioning block before a firmer timeline is put in place for a return with coach Rob Walter hopeful it won’t develop into an injury that needs surgery.”We’re really feeling for Will at the moment and wishing him speedy recovery,” Walter said in an NZC release. “He’s had such an impressive start to his career and so naturally it is disappointing when an injury like this comes along, but he’s a resilient guy and determined to put the work in and come back stronger.”Related

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• Kelly and Carter to lead young New Zealand A squad in SA

“We’re very hopeful for that [three month time frame]. Stress fractures are obviously almost part and parcel of the craft, really, but never nice when it does happen. At this stage, we will reassess after that three month mark, hopefully the healing process has gone really well and we can get into that return to play.”Allrounder Phillips, who was ruled out of the recent Zimbabwe tour with a groin injury, will miss the matches against Australia which take place on October 1, 3 and 4 in Mount Maunganui. Meanwhile, Allen has had surgery on a stress fracture in his right foot which will require three months recovery.However, Santner will be given every chance to feature against Australia after returning from the Hundred with groin pain which will require abdominal surgery.”Mitch is a world class player and a crucial part of our T20 side from a skills and leadership point of view,” Walter said. “With that in mind we expect to name him in our squad when we announce it in a couple of weeks’ time, and from there we can assess how his rest and rehabilitation progresses following surgery, before making a call on the eve of the series.”It’s disappointing to lose the services of Glenn and Finn who have played important batting roles in our T20 set up in recent times. Like in Zimbabwe, their unavailability will present opportunities for others to put their hands up in what’s going to be a hugely exciting and important series against Australia.”Fast bowler Ben Sears has recovered from the side strain that kept him out of the Zimbabwe tour and is expected to be available to face Australia.

It’s the same old story at Manchester United – even Saturday’s win can’t mask that.

Seven games into the Premier League season, United are ninth, having lost three times already and been dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town.

There have been signs of progress, no doubt, but it’s been a familiar tale for the Red Devils, whose fanbase recognise the importance of the juncture just ahead.

Ruben Amorim has gone through the wringer since making the move from Portugal, leaving two-in-a-row champions Sporting Lisbon and taking on a huge job at Old Trafford, who had parted with Erik ten Hag early into the 2024/25 season, with cup triumphs papering over the general lack of progress at the club.

And while all of a United persuasion would love to see the Portuguese tactician pull it together, he is nearly on borrowed time in the hot seat.

The latest on Amorim's Man Utd future

“What makes me suffer is to lose games, not to lose my job.” This is what Amorim said in his pre-match press conference, ahead of Manchester United’s 2-0 win against Sunderland in the Premier League.

He wore his passion on his sleeve as he addressed the reporters in front of him, advocating vehemently for his system and stressing that it has the capacity to thrive in the Premier League.

Amorim, at least, has spoken with candour about his and Man United’s situation. He knows things need to change, and he knows that results have not been good enough, having won 19 of 50 matches at the helm.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, at least outwardly, has given the 40-year-old is full support, but it can’t go on like this. Results need to change, fast. Should it prove more of the same after the October international break, INEOS may well bite the bullet and end Amorim’s stay.

A number of candidates have already been earmarked, and there’s one who might strike fans as particularly curious.

Man Utd could sign a more radical coach than Amorim

Manchester United. Never ordinary. ‘Hated, ignored, but never ignored’ is more than just a mantra; it is a truth, and the club need a big personality with tactics proven to work in the Premier League.

Roberto de Zerbi, with this in mind, could be the perfect coach to take the hot seat at the Theatre of Dreams, having previously impressed as the manager of Brighton & Hove Albion before leaving in 2024 and joining Marseille.

Last season, the possession-based tactician guided Marseille to a second-placed finish in Ligue 1, having languished to an eighth-place conclusion previously. They are third this term, with four wins from six outings.

Well, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, De Zerbi is very much on Man United’s shortlist “if and when” they decide to move on from Amorim, very well regarded at the top end of the INEOS hierarchy.

Aged 46, De Zerbi might field a more conventional 4-2-3-1 formation than Amorim’s controversial three-back line-up, but he’s certainly more radical on the spectrum than most.

He has a fan in Pep Guardiola, who praised the “unique” style of football the Italian implements and remarked that he “monopolises the ball in a way it hasn’t been for a long time.”

Finishing, the Manchester City boss made quite the claim, saying he is “one of the most influential managers of the last 20 years.”

A complicated, sharp-witted manager, De Zerbi’s Marseille completed more passes (3092) in Ligue 1 last season than any other side not hailing from the capital, and his desire to attack the press and implement through a short build-up is something not wildly different to Amorim’s vision, but perhaps could be better implemented at Old Trafford.

He has, after all, actually proven himself in the Premier League, instrumental in taking a Brighton side who had a reputation for attractive football after their promotion and then shaping them into something sustainable and competitive at the higher end of the division.

Across the 2023/24 campaign, only Man City completed more passes than the Seagulls, so it’s clear to see why he has a fan in Pep. If De Zerbi were to arrive at Man United and get a tune out of the underperforming Redmen, there’s no reason why this couldn’t be a style of football to propel the club back into the limelight, consistently challenging for the biggest prizes once again.

Last season, Man United finished fifth in the Premier League passing charts, having completed 15,931 across the campaign. FBref also reveal Brighton achieved an xG (expected goals) total of 56.8 that year, whereas United hit only 52.6 across the 2024/25 campaign.

Described as “one of the best coaches in the world” by his players at the Stade Velodrome, De Zerbi might be somewhat radical in his tactical vision, but he has proven himself in the Premier League and earned the admiration and respect of the division’s heavyweights.

This is what Man United need. Amorim might be a left-field thinker, but he’s trying to fit square pegs into round holes, and a freshen-up looks like it would be the best thing for all parties at this stage.

The new bomb squad: INEOS must axe £425k-p/w Man Utd trio with 760 games

Manchester United still have some deadwood that needs to be removed from the Old Trafford set-up.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 3, 2025

Arsenal are top of the Premier League table, although it doesn’t really feel like that.

On Saturday, the Gunners swatted aside West Ham 2-0 at home, with Declan Rice breaking the deadlock against his former side, before Bukayo Saka converted a second-half penalty, as the Hammers rarely threatened, underlined by the fact they failed to muster a single shot on target.

Nevertheless, the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium was generally rather flat, possibly due to the rather dull game that was served up to those in attendance, a win that never truly felt in doubt, even at 0-0.

More importantly though, once again, Mikel Arteta suffered an injury to yet another key player; absentees derailed their title aspirations last season, with Gooners everywhere fearful that this could be the case again.

So, if the captain is sidelined for any length of time, should a key figure labelled the “best in the world” start donning the armband?

The latest on Martin Ødegaard's injury

Four days is a very long time in football, as Martin Ødegaard has discovered this week.

On Wednesday night against Olympiacos, the Norwegian was at his sublime, sparkling and scintillating best.

Manager Arteta described Ødegaard’s performance as “phenomenal”, while Dan Sheldon of the Athletic praised his ‘beautiful incisive passing’, outlining how ‘playing slightly deeper’, he was able to control all aspects of the game and really run the show.

However, come Saturday, for a third successive home Premier League game, the 26-year-old was forced off in the first half, plagued by a shoulder issue against Leeds and Nottingham Forest, this time suffering a knee injury.

Arteta said afterwards that the news is “not positive” with Ødegaard leaving the stadium in a knee brace, solemnly concluding “let’s wait… hopefully it is not that bad.”

So, if the skipper is forced to sit out games against Fulham, Atlético Madrid, Crystal Palace and perhaps beyond after the international break, who should be donning the armband instead?

Arsenal's future captain is now the "best in the world"

When Ødegaard has been sidelined both this season and last, the armband has rather been shared around, with Gabriel and Saka among those donning it in recent games.

Chalkboard

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

However, after yet another excellent display against his former club on Saturday, Rice has really come to the fore as a leader in this Arsenal team.

In football history, 11 players have moved for £100m or more, of which very few proved to be a success and, as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are finding out at Anfield, a price tag that gigantic can weigh even a world-class player down.

Well, Rice has certainly bucked the trend in that regard, unequivocally outstanding every week, with the table below documenting his importance to Arsenal so far this season.

As the numbers emphasise, Rice has become the complete all-rounder.

He leads the way in terms of key passes and shot-creating actions, a large proportion of which will be courtesy of his expert set-piece delivery, as well as ball recoveries, very much contributing across every area of the pitch.

Speaking about Archie Gray in his press conference on Friday, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, of all people, asserted that Rodri and Rice are the “best in the world” in their position, adding that this is because “they can do a little bit of everything”.

It is hard to disagree with that assessment, considering Rice is able to put in a brilliant performance irrespective of where he is deployed, used at the base of midfield from the start on Saturday, before moving higher up following Martín Zubimendi’s introduction to replace Ødegaard.

During his final season at West Ham, one that culminated in Conference League glory, Rice was the club captain, donning the armband for England for the first time against Belgium last year too, underlining his leadership capabilities.

So, if Ødegaard is going to be sidelined for any period of time, Rice appears the obvious candidate to lead Arsenal out at Craven Cottage in a fortnight.

Unlucky Arsenal star is very quickly becoming the new Jack Wilshere

The new Jack Wilshere may have emerged for Arsenal.

By
Matt Dawson

Oct 5, 2025

Glamorgan are eyeing their first victory of the Rothesay County Championship season, after reducing Kent to 156 for eight in their first innings on day two, a deficit of 393.Earlier Ben Kellaway hit 181 not out, the highest-ever score by a Glamorgan batter at Canterbury, and his side posted their best score against Kent, declaring on 549 for nine.Timm van der Gugten and James Harris took three wickets apiece as Glamorgan rattled through Kent’s top order, at one stage reducing them to 23 for five before Chris Benjamin offered some resistance with 68 not out.Glamorgan began the day on 389 for seven, with Kellaway 91 not out overnight and he eased Grant Stewart to the cover boundary for the three runs that brought up his maiden first-class hundred.Andy Gorvin was on 14 when he was dropped by Benjamin off Kashif Ali but the first hour was otherwise soporific.Benjamin then missed a chance to stump Kellaway off Parkinson when he was on 127 and the first wicket didn’t fall until four minutes before lunch, when Gorvin hooked Parkinson to the backward square leg boundary and fell for 47, caught by Grant Stewart, ending a stand of 108.Glamorgan were 498 for 8 at lunch, after which the visitors tried to up the scoring rate.Parkinson bowled Harris for 12 as he attempted a hack, but Kellaway flicked Ekansh Singh for four through fine leg to bring up his 150, then hit Parkinson over cow corner for three sixes from successive deliveries, before following up with a four, taking 23 off the 131st over.The declaration came and a pitch that had looked moribund suddenly looked lethal.Harris quickly removed both openers. Harry Finch was lbw for four and Ben Compton was caught by Kellaway at point for seven.Skipper Daniel Bell-Drummond scratched a painful three before he edged van der Gugten to Colin Ingram at first slip. Tawanda Muyeye prodded at a van der Gugten delivery and was snared by Asa Tribe at short leg and debutant Ekansh Singh then went in almost identical fashion, leaving Kent on 23 for five, although by reaching 50 for five at tea they at least passed their previous lowest score against Glamorgan, 49.Benjamin recovered from a violent blow to the box to put on 79 for the fifth wicket with Leaning, but their stand was broken when the latter was lbw to Asitha Fernando.Fernando’s appeal lasted for so long that he ran backwards all the way to the batter’s crease before Sue Redfern’s finger went up. Leaning clearly felt he’d hit it, but the reaction may have earned him a reprimand.That ended the mini-revival as Stewart played on to Harris for four, but Benjamin reached his maiden Kent 50 by pushing Fernando for a single through cover. Parkinson edged Harris when he was on 11 and although Sam Northeast spilled the chance he went in the next over, strangled behind by Gorvin for 13. George Garrett, however, lingered for 25 balls and was unbeaten on 11 at stumps.

تحددت مواعيد مباريات منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا، والمقرر انطلاقها خلال الفترة من 21 ديسمبر 2025 إلى 18 يناير 2026، بمشاركة 24 منتخبًا.

وتضم بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا إلى جانب منتخب مصر، كل من تونس، جزر القمر، المغرب، الجابون، بوتسوانا، نيجيريا، بينين، غينيا الاستوائية، الجزائر، أنجولا، السودان، كوت ديفوار، زامبيا، الكونغو الديمقراطية، تنزانيا، مالي، موزمبيق، الكاميرون، زيمبابوي، أوغندا، جنوب إفريقيا، بوركينا فاسو والسنغال.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر على رأس المجموعة الثانية في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا، رفقة جنوب إفريقيا وأنجولا وزيمبابوي. مواعيد مباريات منتخب مصر في كأس أمم إفريقيا

مباراة مصر أمام زيمبابوي، ستلعب يوم الإثنين 22 ديسمبر 2025، في تمام الساعة: 10:00 مساءً بتوقيت المغرب، 11:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر.

طالع.. مجموعة مصر | إقالة مدرب منتخب زيمبابوي قبل كأس أمم إفريقيا

مباراة مصر أمام جنوب إفريقيا، ستلعب يوم الجمعة 26 ديسمبر 2025، في تمام الساعة: 05:00 مساءً بتوقيت المغرب، 06:00 مساءَ بتوقيت مصر.

مباراة مصر أمام أنجولا، ستلعب يوم الثلاثاء 30 ديسمبر 2025، في تمام الساعة: 06:00 مساءً بتوقيت المغرب، 07:00 مساءً بتوقيت مصر.

مع مراعاة أن كافة المواعيد المذكورة بتوقيت مصر طبقًا لـ التوقيت الشتوي، والمقرر تطبيقه بداية من منتصف ليل الجمعة 31 أكتوبر الجاري.

Newcastle’s summer spending has shown intent.

The additions of Nico Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Anthony Elanga, and Aaron Ramsdale all signify ambition and squad strengthening.

Yet, balancing PSR compliance with retaining homegrown or academy-developed talent still remains a challenge.

Unlike the early days of the PIF takeover, when huge sums were spent without the need to sell players, Newcastle must now closely adhere to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR).

Players who might have stayed for development or depth are sold for compliance, while in the Ashley era, sales were primarily profit-driven.

These different approaches mean that Newcastle have let some talented players slip through the net – some of whom have gone on to flourish elsewhere.

This tension between compliance and talent retention was evident with Elliot Anderson, and it’s echoed in the story of another Premier League star.

Both illustrate how Newcastle’s policies can inadvertently push talent towards rival clubs, where they thrive in ways they may not have done at St James’ Park.

One of their own: Elliot Anderson

Anderson’s exit to Nottingham Forest in 2024 was emblematic of Newcastle’s new realities.

The 22-year-old local talent came through the club’s junior ranks and had been earmarked as one for the future.

His transfer, which saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move in the opposite direction, was less about choice and more about balancing the books.

Jankuba Minteh was also reluctantly sold to Brighton, and in a mad dash to comply with regulations, potential moves for Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak were even considered.

Despite the circumstances, Anderson has thrived at Nottingham Forest.

At Forest, he made 37 league appearances last season, contributing two goals and six assists.

According to FBref, his statistical impact is impressive.

He ranked in the 88th percentile for assists per 90 (0.19), 77th for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.07), 89th for successful take-ons per 90 (1.18), 88th for tackles per 90 (3.07), and 87th for clearances per 90 (2.40).

Anderson’s performances were rewarded with his first England call-up, having previously represented Scotland at youth level, and he impressed in midfield against both Andorra and Serbia.

Newcastle may well regret the decision, not because the transfer was financially impractical, but because Anderson’s trajectory shows the club missed out on a homegrown talent that flourished once given first-team opportunities elsewhere.

That said, there’s another cautionary tale elsewhere.

Another cautionary tale for Newcastle

Matz Sels offers another example of Newcastle’s talent management challenges.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper joined Newcastle from Gent in 2016 but only made 14 appearances, sitting behind Karl Darlow in the pecking order.

A loan to Anderlecht followed, before a permanent departure to Strasbourg in 2018.

After years abroad, Sels returned to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest in 2024, in a deal worth approximately £5m.

There, he became one of the standout goalkeepers in England.

Playing every minute of Forest’s 38 Premier League matches, he helped the club secure European qualification.

Sels’ consistency was rewarded with the Premier League Golden Glove – shared with Arsenal’s David Raya – after 13 clean sheets.

He also earned Forest’s Player of the Month award in February and was instrumental in a defensively resolute back four alongside Neco Williams, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, and Ola Aina.

As journalist Louis Wheeldon put it, Sels was the “best in the league” last season – a remarkable turnaround for a goalkeeper once considered peripheral at St James’ Park.

Matz Sels

13

46

David Raya

13

34

Jordan Pickford

12

44

Dean Henderson

11

51

Ederson

10

26

Robert Sanchez

10

34

Statistically, Sels’ 2024/25 season was exceptional.

He ranked in the 78th percentile compared to his peers for save percentage (74.6%) and 67th percentile for clean sheet percentage (31.6%).

While traditionally a more classic, less ball-playing keeper, Sels’ shot-stopping and command of his area proved crucial in Forest’s defensive resilience.

Sels’ story, alongside Anderson’s, illustrates how Newcastle’s prior focus on sales for non-footballing reasons has allowed talent to slip through the net.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

While PSR regulations now necessitate tough choices, these examples serve as a reminder that careful talent management is crucial.

Players like Anderson and Sels, who might have been peripheral at St James’ Park, have flourished when trusted with regular first-team football.

Anderson’s midfield dynamism and Sels’ goalkeeping excellence are now key to Forest’s resurgence, emphasising that talent retention should not only be measured in financial terms but also in footballing impact.

As Newcastle continues to invest in a youthful, high-potential squad, the club must navigate the fine line between compliance and opportunity.

The lesson for Newcastle is clear: fostering talent within the club may offer rewards that outstrip immediate financial gain.

Failing to do so could mean more players slipping through the net and flourishing elsewhere.

Newcastle may regret losing £30m gem who's now playing like Isak & Ekitike

Newcastle may have already sold one answer to their centre-forward issues…

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 11, 2025

كشفت صحيفة سبورت المقربة من نادي برشلونة، عن مفاجآة بشأن تفاصيل الإصابة التي تعرض لها نجم الفريق داني أولمو، وذلك خلال الفترة الماضية.

أولمو تعرض إلى إصابة على مستوى ربلة الساق أثناء تواجده مع منتخب إسبانيا خلال فترة التوقف الدولي الحالي، وذلك للعب التصفيات المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم العام المقبل في كندا والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والمكسيك.

وستمتد إصابة اللاعب من ثلاثة إلى أربعة أسابيع، ما يعني غياب أولمو بشكل مؤكد عن الكلاسيكو المنتظر أمام ريال مدريد، والذي سوف يلعب يوم 26 من شهر أكتوبر الجاري على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كابيلو: أسطورة ريال مدريد أفضل لاعب دربته في مسيرتي

وذكرت الصحيفة، أن أولمو قد تعرض إلى إصابة قوية على مستوى ربلة الساق في بداية الأمر، وذلك خلال مواجهة برشلونة أمام إشبيلية يوم الأحد الماضي بالدوري الإسباني.

وأضافت أن إصابة أولمو في البداية بدت بسيطة، حيث استكمل اللاعب المباراة وتحامل على نفسه ثم انضم إلى معسكر منتخب إسبانيا، لكن ألم الإصابة لم يزول.

وأوضحت أن أولمو شعر بتحسن خلال تدريبات منتخب إسبانيا وقرر أن يتدرب بشكل خفيف، لكن ألم الإصابة ازداد وتم اكتشاف وجود تمزق عضلي في ربلة الساق اليمنى، وهذ سيبعده عن الملاعب على أقل تقدير لمدة ثلاثة أسابيع.

واختتمت أن أولمو يشعر بإحباط كبير، بسبب إصابته الحالية والتي أبعدته عن الكلاسيكو بشكل مؤكد، حيث يعاني اللاعب من سوء حظ كبير بسبب الإصابات.

Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio will stand trial in the Canary Islands child sex abuse scandal after a judge confirmed proceedings and set bail at €15,000. One alleged victim has withdrawn but another is maintaining the charges, ensuring the case, which also involves other former Madrid youth academy players, remains active.

• Court to open oral proceedings against Raul Asencio

  The Investigating Court has confirmed that oral proceedings will open against four young footballers, including Madrid defender Asencio, over alleged child sex abuse and privacy violations dating back to 2023. The case involves non-consensual sexual recordings of two young women, one of them a minor, during a stay at a Gran Canaria hotel.

  The September 2 ruling is final and not subject to appeal, requiring the accused to post bail within 24 hours. Three players face €20,000 each, while Asencio, charged only with showing the video to another person, has been ordered to post €15,000. With proceedings set, one of Spain’s most historic clubs finds itself shadowed by a scandal that blends child protection, digital privacy, and football’s global image.

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• Getty Images
  

  Raul Asencio’s admission and apology

  Unlike his co-accused, Asencio did not participate in recording the videos. Instead, he later admitted in writing that he made “the mistake” of showing the content to a friend. In a letter to one of the victims, the Madrid player offered an apology and acknowledged responsibility, leading to the withdrawal of her complaint. Asencio showed the video to his then youth academy teammates, Ferran R., Juan R. and Andres G in 2023.

  The victim's lawyer confirmed that financial compensation was paid. Despite this, the second victim, a minor at the time of the incident, has not withdrawn her complaint. Asencio therefore remains part of the trial. His admission may ease sentencing considerations but does not exempt him from legal accountability.

• Charges and the legal framework

  The Public Prosecutor’s Office has brought forward serious charges: Distribution of child pornography (Article 189.1 a) of the Criminal Code and multiple crimes against privacy (Article 197.1.3, sections 1, 2, and 5).

  If convicted, penalties could include prison sentences, fines, and restrictions on professional activity, making the case not only a legal but also a career-defining moment for the 22-year-old defender.

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  The broader impact of this case for Real Madrid

   The scandal poses reputational risks, as Asencio continues to be part of the squad despite the ongoing proceedings. The trial will test not only the legal system’s stance on privacy violations but also football’s willingness to confront misconduct among its players.

Tottenham Hotspur have now made contact over a deal for a “generational” Premier League midfielder, as they love his versatility, according to a report.

Spurs vying to sign new midfielder amid Bissouma uncertainty

There has been a great deal of speculation surrounding Yves’ Bissouma’s future in north London, with the likes of AC Milan and Fenerbahce being named as potential suitors, although the midfielder has made it clear he is keen to remain in England.

With the central midfielder’s contract set to expire next summer, it would make sense for Spurs to get him off the books this summer, while they can still receive a fee, and they have recently stepped up their pursuit of a potential replacement.

Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha is among the main targets, with Fabrizio Romano recently revealing that contact has been made with the Portugal international’s camp, but the Lilywhites also have a Premier League player in mind as an alternative option.

Indeed, according to a report from GiveMeSport, Tottenham have now made contact with Manchester United over a potential deal for Kobbie Mainoo, with his contract situation at Old Trafford still unresolved, potentially opening the door for an exit.

Informal enquiries have been made, in order to assess whether a deal for Mainoo would be possible, with Spurs said to be big fans of the midfielder’s versatility.

The 20-year-old has found it difficult to force his way into Ruben Amorim’s plans, and the north Londoners are hopeful that United will be willing to cash-in this summer, but a deal may be on the expensive side, with the Red Devils reportedly set to hold out for £70m.

"Generational" Mainoo could be better long-term signing than Palhinha

Palhinha was very impressive during his time with Fulham, being lauded as “world-class” by reporter Dom Smith, but the Bayern midfielder is now 30-years-old, making him ten years Mainoo’s senior.

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ByDominic Lund Jul 27, 2025

Not only that, but the Portuguese maestro has failed to kick on since moving to Bayern, making just 17 Bundesliga appearances last term, indicating that he could be better-suited to playing for a smaller club like Fulham.

The United midfielder, on the other hand, has been lauded as a “generational” player by writer Liam Canning, and he has already made 72 first-team appearances for the Red Devils, picking up seven goals and two assists.

The Stockport-born midfielder has also displayed his versatility by regularly featuring in both defensive and attacking roles, but his performances are yet to justify a £70m price tag, and Spurs should try and get a deal done at a lower price.

Given Manchester United’s lowly Premier League finish of 15th last season, Ruben Amorim has a huge task on his hands to try and catapult the side up the table in 2025/26.

The 40-year-old took the reins back in November, and whilst leading the side to the Europa League final, he was unable to secure a respectable finish in England’s top-flight.

However, an ounce of leeway should be handed his way, barely having any time to land players who he desired to make an impact in his demanding 3-4-2-1 system.

Whilst Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already arrived at Old Trafford this summer, the hierarchy will once again need to get their chequebook out to improve the side.

Despite the other additions already made within the attacking department, Amorim is still wanting more depth, but also keeping a close eye on other areas of the pitch.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

Benjamin Sesko is a player who appears to be one of United’s key targets for the remainder of the transfer window, with the club crying out for a new talisman ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Talks have already been held between the Red Devils hierarchy and the striker’s representatives, but his current £78m asking price could prove to be a stumbling block.

However, the midfield department is also set to be bolstered during the current window, with Sevilla star Lucien Agoume a player on their radar, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that the Red Devils are closely monitoring a move for the 23-year-old talent, who made 35 appearances in LaLiga throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

It also states that the player himself would be keen on a switch to the Premier League, leading to a £20m price tag being mooted, with Arsenal previously interested in his signature this summer.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Sesko

As previously mentioned, United have been laying the foundations for a big-money move for Sesko in recent days, a signing that would massively boost the options at Amorim’s disposal.

After taking the reins last season, he was reliant upon Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee to provide the goods in the final third – a task that proved unsuccessful as seen by their lowly league standing.

The pair only netted seven league goals between them throughout 2024/25, a tally which Sesko nearly doubled on his own, after he found the net on 13 occasions.

At just 22, he’s already shown his talent, evidently being able to star in one of Europe’s top five divisions, whilst also having the potential to massively improve in the years ahead.

However, there’s only so much the youngster will be able to achieve on his own, needing others around him to provide him with the opportunities to thrive in front of goal.

Despite being a more deep-lying midfielder, Agoume could offer the Slovenian just that, especially if he can transfer his underlying stats across to England with him.

The French star, who’s been labelled “extraordinary” by former boss Enrique Sanchez Flores, completed 5.8 progressive passes per 90 last campaign, 5.4 of which were into the final third.

Lucien Agoume’s stats for Sevilla in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

33

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

82%

Progressive passes

5.8

Passes into final third

5.4

Tackles won

1.4

% of tackles won

69%

Interceptions made

1.8

Aerials won

52%

Stats via FBref

Such tallies would perfectly suit the playstyle of Sesko, who’s able to play with his back to goal, or on the shoulder of the last defender, offering him the constant chances he will need to thrive.

Agoume also dominated without the ball, winning 69% of the tackles he entered, handing Amorim the perfect ball-winning option he needs at the heart of the side.

If he can put his two most impressive talents together at Old Trafford, the 23-year-old could easily become a fan favourite, allowing others, like Sesko, to also adhere themselves to the supporters.

£20m for a player of his calibre would be a sensational piece of business by the club, not to mention having the ability to further develop into one of Europe’s leading deep-lying playmakers.

Should he replicate the levels he’s produced in Spain at Old Trafford, Agoume could well go down as one of the most important additions made by the Red Devils this summer.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 1, 2025