All posts by z3u9t.icu

Looking to rebuild Pep Guardiola’s midfield, Manchester City are now reportedly preparing to step up their deal to sign a £50m star who they want sealed and delivered by June 1.

Man City set for midfield rebuild

With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure confirmed and stars such as Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva arguably past the peak of their powers, the focus for Manchester City this summer will be on their midfield.

Just how they replace three club legends in one summer is the big question. Already, both Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz have been heavily linked with moves to The Etihad, but it seems as though the latter is destined to choose Bayern Munich rather than Guardiola’s side. And whilst news has been more positive in the case of Gibbs-White, City will need more than one reinforcement in the middle of the park.

Replacing De Bruyne will be particularly difficult and the extent of the task at hand won’t be lost on Guardiola, who told reporters after the midfielder announced that he would be leaving the club: “Kevin is not a vocal leader. He is a leader in that every day for nine years, except the last year and a half, being there helping the team.

“And his talent is unique, everyone knows it – he has the vision and the pass. When players are up front and Kevin has the ball, and he feels like this, they know they can run because the ball can be delivered.”

Whilst there will be plenty of emotions on show as Manchester City exit an era full of success, this season’s struggles have highlighted that now is the perfect time for fresh faces.

Genuine chance Man City hijack £45m "mad man" Liverpool are working to sign

Man City have now made an approach to sign a player who Liverpool have held talks with.

1 ByBrett Worthington May 21, 2025

The Citizens, without Rodri, have been uncharacteristically poor in midfield, and the arrival of one particular player would likely help to put them back on track at the heart of Guardiola’s side.

Man City set to step up Reijnders move

Although reports seemed to go quiet following a flurry of news revealing their interest, those at The Etihad are still reportedly interested in one Serie A star. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, as relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City are now set to step up their move to sign Tijjani Reijnders, which they want done when the window opens next Sunday, June 1, so they can take the midfielder to the Club World Cup.

Whether AC Milan will make negotiations that easy remains to be seen, however. No matter when a deal potentially takes place, Reijnders is unlikely to come cheap amid a reported €60m (£50m) price tag.

Minutes

3,038

2,580

Goals

10

4

Progressive Carries

110

99

Ball Recoveries

115

102

The player who Reijnders could replace in Man City’s midfield is Silva. The Portugal international has fallen away from his usual intensity this season and has been outperformed by the AC Milan star who could yet be on his way to Manchester.

A player who analyst Ben Mattinson previously praised for the “insane” level that he was performing at, Reijnders may soon complete his move in time to make his Man City debut at the Club World Cup.

Sheffield United eased past Bristol City once more at Bramall Lane to reach the Championship playoff final in emphatic style.

Over two legs, the Blades would run out as comprehensive 6-0 victors, with the Robins actually showing some fight in the early stages in South Yorkshire during the second leg, only for Chris Wilder’s hosts to eventually show off their superiority again to clinch a second successive 3-0 win.

Now, Wilder’s side are only one match away from an instant return to the dizzy heights of the Premier League, with the United display overall just oozing class from several standout performers.

Sheffield United's key performers in the second leg

The Blades did have a three-goal cushion to fall back on heading into the late-night clash at Bramall Lane, but that didn’t culminate in the home side resting on their laurels to try and edge out a result.

Instead, the likes of Kieffer Moore and Gustavo Hamer looked dangerous throughout in the attacking areas, with the pair up top sharing out the first two goals courtesy of two assists from a rampaging Harrison Burrows.

The ex-Coventry City man’s effort was helped into the net by a fortuitous deflection, but neither he nor a beaming Wilder on the sidelines would care as United booked their rightful place at Wembley.

Away from those already named ensuring United’s night was straightforward, Michael Cooper did have to stay alert early on when Liam Manning’s visitors came racing out of the traps. In total, the ex-Plymouth Argyle stopper would make six saves to preserve his team’s clean sheet.

But, not every single United face played out of their skin during the second leg victory, with one out-of-sorts attacker now surely fearful for his starting spot at Wembley.

Sheffield United dud could now be axed at Wembley

The beauty of Monday night’s affair was the fact that Wilder could rest a handful of United players here and there, knowing that the 3-0 lead from the first leg gave them an immediate advantage.

Yet, Tom Cannon – who remained on the bench throughout at Ashton Gate – didn’t exactly put in a performance that is now befitting of a start at Wembley when handed his own first-team chance.

Minutes played

62

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

18

Shots on target

0

Accurate passes

2/5 (40%)

Total duels won

5/9

Frustratingly, Cannon’s lacklustre showing against the visitors from Bristol was indicative of his whole goal-shy spell at Bramall Lane to date, with only one goal coming his way since making the £10m move from Leicester City back in January.

Judging by the grim numbers above, the Irishman very rarely looked like adding to his meagre one-goal account, with his shooting all off once more when failing to register a single on-target effort at Max O’Leary’s busy net.

To add insult to injury, his link-up play with the likes of Moore up top was also way off, with Cannon only managing two accurate passes all game, meaning he closed out his dire 62-minute stint with just a 40% pass accuracy next to his name.

The obvious alteration Wilder could make ahead of the final is to bring Tyrese Campbell back into the first team fold, considering it took the ex-Stoke City striker around 20 minutes of action to assist Callum O’Hare’s late goal.

After all, it would be an almighty risk on Wilder’s end to persist with Cannon when other attackers are in a richer vein of form, especially if the 22-year-old’s wastefulness costs his side big time in their one-off shot for immediate promotion.

Premier League ready: Sheffield United have struck gold on incredible star

This Sheffield United star is already Premier League ready ahead of the Blades’ mission to go up via the playoffs.

ByKelan Sarson May 6, 2025

Leeds United can somewhat relax across their final two Championship games, knowing their position in the Premier League for next campaign is already set in stone.

Of course, there is still the tantalising prize of the title, but it won’t be the end of the world for Daniel Farke and Co if this isn’t won with the hard work already done.

Farke will hope – regardless of recent rumours popping up surrounding his future – that he is backed in the transfer market ahead of Leeds voyaging up to the big time, with the Whites already being linked with this Premier League regular.

Leeds eyeing up move for top-flight stalwart

As per a report from Football Insider, Leeds are eyeing up a move for West Ham United stalwart Tomas Soucek, with experience added into the building seen as key, who could be signed for a fee of up to £15m.

Indeed, the report states that Soucek is viewed as an ‘ideal’ option in terms of giving Farke some more seasoned Premier League heads, with the long-standing Hammers servant also keen on a move away, having found his game-time as of late limited under Graham Potter.

Soucek has also been linked with a move to Everton to reunite with former West Ham boss David Moyes, but Leeds will pray the Czech enforcer chooses Elland Road over Merseyside, knowing that the 30-year-old could potentially strike up a healthy relationship with Ao Tanaka in the holding midfield positions.

Sealing the £15m signature of the ex-Slavia Prague man could also see Leeds move away from attempting to bring Kalvin Phillips back to West Yorkshire, with Soucek a definite improvement on the hot-and-cold Ipswich Town loanee.

What Soucek would offer Leeds

Gaining a player of Soucek’s calibre would undoubtedly help Leeds navigate the choppy waters of the Premier League, considering the 30-year-old has tallied up 189 top-flight appearances for Potter’s side.

Across 240 games in total, Soucek has also been a constant, reliable, source of goals and assists for the Hammers, with 39 strikes and 13 assists notched up proving his importance to the cause over many seasons.

Therefore, winning such a comfortable performer in the tricky division is a no-brainer move for Farke, with Soucek able to gift Leeds grit and quality in equal measure alongside the likes of Tanaka in the midfield areas.

After all, the Japan international will be beaming at the prospect of challenging himself in England’s elite league having impressed throughout the Whites’ promotion success story, seen in the new fan’s favourite picking up four goals and two assists across 41 Championship encounters.

But, away from his impressive output, Tanaka is also tuned into his dogged game as much as Soucek, with the number 22 winning 4.5 duels per league game this season on average. To add context, his potential new Czech teammate playing in the division above has won 5.1 on average.

With seven goals under his belt too in the Premier League for 2024/25, Soucek is more than proving – despite talk of him exiting the London Stadium – that he is still a composed performer at the level deep into his playing days, with another of Leeds’ targets in Phillips unfortunately not able to boast such glowing numbers donning Ipswich blue.

Games played

30

18

Goals scored

7

0

Assists

1

0

Touches*

37.5

42.7

Accurate passes*

19.9

23.2

Total duels won

5.1

3.6

Playing a background role in Ipswich’s fight against the drop, Phillips is now way off what his previous best once was at Elland Road, with Soucek way more effective and impactful in games compared to the former England international.

Therefore, gambling on him to come good again would be an almighty risk, away from any sentimental reasons for a move being back on the table.

Winning Soucek would show that Leeds are serious about staying put in the top-flight, meaning his signature should be a top priority to obtain.

20 summer transfer window targets Leeds United are linked with (2025)

The 49ers could spend big looking to keep Leeds in the Premier League.

1 ByCharlie Smith Apr 25, 2025

Crystal Palace are now in the race to sign a “phenomenal” midfielder, who will cost in excess of £30m this summer, according to a report.

Palace stepping up summer transfer plans

Palace are on course for a solid mid-table finish, but with a number of first-team players’ futures in doubt, including Marc Guehi, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton, they may have to be active in the transfer market to remain competitive next season.

With that in mind, Steve Parish has now set his sights on a statement signing, and the chairman is trying to persuade Marcus Rashford to move to Selhurst Park this summer, rather than completing a permanent move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Not only is Parish keen on a new forward, but the Eagles could also pursue a new central midfielder, and Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham has been named as a potential target, having impressed in the Championship this season.

Contact made: Crystal Palace make move to sign "Pique-esque" £5m defender

The Eagles have made an approach for a defender, who is also attracting interest from West Ham United.

ByDominic Lund Apr 10, 2025

Bellingham is not the only Sunderland star Crystal Palace have their eye on, however, with a report from The i Paper revealing they are also in the race to sign Chris Rigg, whose future will be in major doubt if the Black Cats fail to win promotion.

A number of Premier League clubs are set to battle it out for Rigg, with Everton, Liverpool, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur also running regular checks to assess the 17-year-old, who has established himself as a key player for Sunderland this season.

A deal will not be cheap, however, with the Black Cats set to demand a fee way above the £30m Leeds United received for Archie Gray last summer, indicating just how highly regarded the youngster is at the Stadium of Light.

"Phenomenal" Rigg has shades of Roy Keane

Football scout Ben Mattinson is a big fan of the Sunderland starlet, describing him as a “phenomenal” player, who is “capable of moments of brilliance”, while he is also impressive out of possession, according to former manager Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray has claimed the teenager possesses a “Roy Keane-esque type of nastiness”, which may be why former teammate Marco Gabbiadini praised the youngster for his tackling ability, saying: “He is also quite tenacious. He doesn’t shirk out of tackles or challenges. That has been one of the features of his game.”

Having made 38 Championship appearances this season at just 17-years-old, during which time he has scored four goals, the Sunderland star is clearly destined for the top, so it is exciting news that Palace are in the race for his signature.

However, given the level of interest in Rigg, with soon-to-be Premier League title winners Liverpool also interested, it would be a major coup if Palace pulled off a deal.

Chelsea are back in talks with a “big” striker who they were secretly very close to signing back in January, according to a new report.

Chelsea's shortlist of striker targets for Enzo Maresca

It is no secret that Enzo Maresca requires a goalscoring centre-forward before the start of next season, with the Italian forced to improvise and get creative since the turn of the year due to Chelsea’s lack of options.

Chelsea eyeing "deadly" £45m star likened to Anelka with talks already held

They had negotiations in the winter.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 10, 2025

Pedro Neto has featured as a makeshift striker in the last two months, while both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku are currently struggling to find their best form.

Chelsea were on the verge of completing a deal for Victor Osimhen last summer, competing with Al-Ahli for the Nigerian’s signature on deadline day, but neither side could get a move finalised – forcing him to settle on a loan move to Galatasaray.

Ipswich Town (home)

April 13th

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

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Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Osimhen remains keen on joining Chelsea, but according to recent reports, the African isn’t exactly high on Maresca’s transfer shortlist.

Instead, Chelsea are serious about Benjamin Sesko as a potential option, with the Slovenian’s contract including a £62 million release clause, while Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap remain key candidates to bolster Maresca’s forward line.

There are even suggestions that Chelsea could reignite their interest in Mathys Tel, if Tottenham don’t trigger their £45 million option-to-buy clause, but it is Delap’s name which is currently gaining more and more traction.

In the last 72 hours, news emerged that Delap’s release clause will drop to a bargain value of around £30 million if Ipswich are relegated, which could even be confirmed this weekend.

This has understandably piqued interest from a host of top-flight sides who are on the lookout for a prolific number nine, including the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and Tottenham, but Chelsea are thought to be the most determined to secure his signature.

Chelsea reopen talks with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap

That is according to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, who states that Chelsea are very eager to bring in a striker before the Club World Cup commences in June.

As a result, despite a brief pause in contact, Chelsea have reopened “formal” talks with Delap’s agents as they try to get ahead of the intense competition for his signature this summer.

The Blues are “most serious” about striking a deal for the former Man City gem right now, and they’ve allocated enough funds to their transfer budget to do a deal without having to sell a player.

Phillips adds that Chelsea were secretly pretty close to sealing an agreement for him in January “behind closed doors”. Now, they’re yet again pushing to convince Delap to make a Stamford Bridge, and the 22-year-old is also open to joining Chelsea.

It is clear to see why Maresca’s side are so keen, with the attacking enjoying a sensational 2024/2025 and bagging 12 league goals, which are impressive numbers for a side battling relegation.

“He’s a proper striker, and I think for us as well he’s an outlet,” said Ipswich teammate Alex Palmer.

“He’s a big physical boy. He’s not huge, but he’s got that raw strength. Even build up, he helps us stick and set, so he’s not just a goalscorer. He’s an all-round striker.”

PSG have reached out for talks with an Arsenal transfer target’s representatives, which also follows a mammoth bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for the player.

Arsenal riding high off Real Madrid win as transfer plans made

Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Brentford that the Gunners’ sensational 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night will be remembered for many years.

Arsenal hold "high-level talks" to sign "bargain" attacker "in recent days"

Negotiations have apparently taken place this week.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025

Two stunning Declan Rice free-kicks, followed by a brilliant Mikel Merino finish, downed the 15-time European champions and put Arsenal in cruise control heading into their second leg at the Bernabeu next week.

Brentford (home)

Today

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

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Bournemouth (home)

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Liverpool (away)

May 11th

It was truly a statement performance by Arsenal, who will still be coming down off what was one of the best Champions League nights in their history.

“Nights like we had the other day are going to be remembered for many, many years, and that’s the kind of night that gives you belief,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real.

“It gives purpose to the competition. It brings joy, and then it prepares you for the next one because you are waiting to experience a feeling like this again. That’s the most important thing, in my opinion, that people are looking forward to, to expend this kind of emotion with us.”

After that outstanding victory at the Emirates against Europe’s arguably most feared side, Arsenal fans have been handed real hope that they could even go on to win their first Champions League title.

Such a feat would also allow Berta to attract the continent’s most elite players, with Arsenal on the hunt for a star winger as one of their many reported items on the agenda this summer.

Berta has held talks with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, according to multiple reports, and the Spaniard is seen as a top target with his £48 million release clause.

However, Williams isn’t Arsenal’s only wide target, and they’ve expressed an interest in West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus.

PSG open talks with Arsenal target Mohammed Kudus after £87m Al-Nassr bid

Arsenal were weighing up a January move for Kudus, according to talkSPORT, but reports at the time claimed that West Ham wanted around £100 million to let him depart mid-season.

As per Africafoot this week, Kudus remains on Arsenal’s agenda, but they face a looming threat from PSG and Al-Nassr, with the latter having already made an £87 million bid to sign the Ghanaian for this summer.

As well as the Saudis, it is believed that PSG have now made contact with Kudus’ representatives, so Arsenal may have to make their move quickly amid this growing battle from abroad for the forward’s signature.

Interestingly, despite West Ham setting a reported asking price of £74 million to sell in the next window, Al-Nassr appear to have gone above and beyond. It will be intriguing to see whether Arsenal decide to do battle with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side and PSG, but it is unlikely considering there are much cheaper, quality alternatives like Williams on the market.

Nevertheless, whoever ends up striking a deal for Kudus will be getting a player of real quality, with Michail Antonio calling his teammate “unbelievable” and a “starboy”.

Arsenal are fielding enquiries for a ‘frustrated’ star in their squad ahead of the looming January window, and Premier League rivals Man City are one of the clubs keen.

Arsenal play Aston Villa in crucial Premier League title clash

Arsenal travel to the Midlands this Saturday to take on an in-form Aston Villa — a fixture that could prove pivotal in the early title race.

The Gunners arrive in pole position atop the table, buoyed by a recent 2–0 win over Brentford that extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to a remarkable 18 games.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Brentford

Villa have surged into third thanks to a stunning 4–3 victory over Brighton in midweek, their sixth consecutive win across all competitions, so Unai Emery’s side will be no pushovers.

Historically, the matchup has been a tight affair. Across all competitions, the two clubs have met over 200 times — with Arsenal holding a slight edge.

However, in recent seasons, Villa have shown that they can be a thorn in Arsenal’s side.

The Villans completed a league double over Arsenal in 2023–24, including a 2–0 win in April that derailed Mikel Arteta’s title hopes and handed the Premier League crown to City.

Arteta will be fully aware of the danger they pose, especially on home turf, with Villa reigning victorious in five of their last seven home league games while boasting the joint-third best home record in the division.’

Declan Rice makes Cristhian Mosquera statement as Arsenal sweat over injury scare

Arteta is waiting on a definitive update.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 4, 2025

To trot out the old cliché, every game is like a cup final for Arsenal right now, so Arteta will need every man at their very best against a Villa side flying high on confidence.

The north Londoners’ strength in depth, following a near-£270 million summer spend, has paid dividends amid the club’s injury woes.

It has even allowed Arteta to rest some key personnel amid the hectic festive calendar, like he did against Brentford, with right-back Ben White getting a rare start ahead of first-choice Jurrien Timber.

The Englishman has barely been given any game time this season thanks to Timber’s form, with an update now emerging on his future ahead of January.

Ben White 'frustrated' at Arsenal as Man City make January enquiry

As per TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, White — once a regular starter — is growing ‘frustrated’ with his limited minutes.

The 28-year-old has made only a handful of appearances so far this season, prompting concern about his long-term future at the club.

That frustration hasn’t gone unnoticed beyond North London. City, now exploring options at right-back, have reportedly marked White as a strong candidate to reinforce Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The Sky Blues are said to be one of a few clubs who’ve made enquiries, alongside Marseille, Como and Atlético Madrid, but Arsenal’s stance is pretty clear.

Arteta, alongside club management, are poised to reject any proposals for White in the January window, even amid mounting interest. This is because they don’t want to weaken the squad in any way shape or form amid their title challenge.

From White’s perspective, the situation is increasingly uncomfortable.

Once viewed as a defensive mainstay, he now finds his opportunities severely curtailed, and media sources suggest he’s unwilling to spend extended periods on the sidelines.

As things stand, White remains at Arsenal, but the coming months could prove pivotal.

If this current trend continues, and if City or other suitors persist, the defender’s exit may well be one to watch in the summer instead.

Newcastle United fans will be growing extremely restless with how poor their beloved side’s away form continues to be.

The inconsistent Magpies must wish they could play in front of their passionate St James’ Park masses every week, with another away day loss in the Champions League against Marseille meaning the Toon have lost their last four matches on the road.

In stark contrast, Eddie Howe’s men have won their last six matches in a row back on home soil.

Of course, home advantage is a common phrase uttered in football – hence the labelling of certain home grounds as fortresses – but this Jekyll and Hyde form will seriously be worrying Howe, with TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole saying “there’s too much of a gap” between the strugglers at their very best and their very worst, after the defeat in France.

Anthony Gordon is seriously letting his side down wherever they’re lining up at the moment, though, with a regret now possibly in the air that PIF didn’t cash in on the up-and-down performer when they could’ve.

Latest on Gordon's future at Newcastle

Indeed, during the summer of 2024, Liverpool were reportedly keen to tempt the England international to Anfield, with last summer also seeing them come back with more interest, as he was touted to have a bumper £100m price-tag above his head.

Gordon warranted all this fervent interest, too, with 37 goals and assists coming his way across two campaigns for Howe’s men.

His confidence was so sky-high that the Liverpool-born forward even labelled himself a “nightmare” for defenders to contain, amid interest also coming from top-flight rivals Arsenal.

Now, however, he has thudded back to reality, with zero goals or assists coming his way from seven Premier League games so far this season, with just 40% of his dribbles accurately completed, as per Sofascore, as he continues to look a worrying shadow of his former self.

Consequently, Liverpool have moved on to another batch of high-profile targets in attack in the form of Michael Olise and Antoine Semenyo, with writer Thomas Hammond stating that a forthcoming sale of Gordon would be “favourable”, just to get him off the books, concerning his ongoing no-shows.

While he has contributed massively to his own downfall, his Newcastle career could be in even more tatters by the emergence of this promising star on Tyneside, who PIF signed on a free transfer earlier this year.

The "explosive" star who can end Gordon's career

Howe could soon have to be bold with what he does in the St James’ Park hot seat, with the current state of affairs unfolding, leading him down the unwanted path of a dismissal.

For the tie at the Orange Velodrome, Howe did bravely decide to gift 16-year-old Sam Alabi a chance from the substitutes bench, with Antonio Cordero another promising star that might be in line for some first team chances soon, partcularly if Gordon continues to frustrate.

For the time being, the former Malaga winger is out on loan in Belgium with KVC Westerlo, but when he returns, he will have even more senior action under his belt, as he attempts to unsettle Gordon, with his standout time in the senior squad at Malaga, leading to one analyst page hailing him as an “explosive” talent.

Despite only being 19, Cordero – who has also been labelled as “exciting” by former Magpies sporting director Paul Mitchell – managed to tally up a weighty 60 appearances for the senior side, with goals and assists aplenty also coming his way.

LW

33

5 + 6

RW

16

2 + 3

AM

2

0

RM

1

0

Looking at the table above, Cordero would manage to tally up a blistering 11 goal contributions for his former employers down Gordon’s usual left-hand side from just 33 appearances.

The hope will be that Newcastle landing the teenage sensation for nothing proves to be a masterstroke in time, with Cordero further capable of also playing as a right winger, or as a number ten if needed.

The promising youngster has even been noted as being “like Gordon” by analyst Ben Mattinson, with Newcastle perhaps better served now to look to the future and put their energy into the Spaniard, than persisting with Gordon to come good.

In a few years, he might well be a household name on Tyneside, with the ex-Everton attacker off the Magpies roster, subsequently.

Alongside Pope: Howe must bin Newcastle hero who won 0 duels vs Marseille

Eddie Howe must now ditch this Newcastle United defender alongside a woeful Nick Pope.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 26, 2025

After the 15th-place finish in the Premier League during 2024/25, all eyes were on Ruben Amorim this campaign to try and resurrect his career as Manchester United boss.

The 40-year-old was certainly on borrowed time before a ball was kicked, but there’s no doubt the pressure has been eased, given the recent results in England’s top-flight.

He’s led his side to a five-game unbeaten run in the last couple of weeks, with such a period even seeing the Red Devils claim three wins in a row for the first time in his tenure.

As a result, Amorim claimed the division’s Manager of the Month award for October, also achieving such a feat for the first time since taking the reins a little over 12 months ago.

However, he wasn’t the only United representative to receive recognition for their efforts, as one player endured a month to remember at Old Trafford under his guidance.

Why Bryan Mbeumo won the October Player of the Month award

Like Amorim, Bryan Mbeumo was a player with expectations placed upon him by the United faithful, after the hierarchy splashed a reported £71m on his signature in the summer window.

The Cameroonian scored a staggering 20 league goals at Brentford last season, with the supporters placing faith in the forward to transform the club’s fortunes in the final third.

However, upon his move to Manchester, it was evident he would be asked to operate in a slightly different position compared to his right-wing role in West London during 2024/25.

Amorim’s system operates with two narrow number tens behind the striker, with the big-money addition being brought into the club to feature in such a position rather than out wide.

However, it hasn’t seemed to have hindered his progress, as he scored his first league goal against Burnley back in August, before springing into life at Old Trafford back in the month of October.

The 26-year-old featured in three games during the aforementioned month, subsequently registering a goal or assist in every one of his appearances for Amorim’s side – leading to his Player of the Month award.

His first contribution came at the start of the winning run, with his assist for Mason Mount helping secure the Red Devils a 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Sunderland.

Mbeumo’s biggest moment in October undoubtedly came against Liverpool at Anfield, with the forward slotting home just minutes into the clash and securing the club their first win at Anfield in nearly a decade.

His final outing came against Brighton & Hove Albion on home soil, with the Cameroonian netting twice and securing a phenomenal 4-2 triumph over the Seagulls.

The United star who’s been a better signing than Mbeumo

Whilst it’s still early days in his career at United, Mbeumo has already made an immediate impact and is starting to showcase why the hierarchy splashed such a huge fee on his signature.

He’s already found the back of the net on five occasions, with his latest effort against Tottenham Hotspur cementing his place as the club’s top scorer in 2025/26.

Other figures, such as 1.3 shots on target per 90 and a 2.5 assist xG, rank him top within the Red Devils squad, further highlighting his incredible start to life in Manchester.

Mbeumo wasn’t alone in moving to Old Trafford during the off-season, with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko also joining him in the final third to transform the club’s fortunes in front of goal.

Senne Lammens was the final addition made by the United hierarchy in the summer window, with the Belgian coming in to provide competition in the goalkeeping department.

Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir both struggled to nail down the starting position last campaign, with the former of the duo registering eight errors that led to goals last season alone.

The Cameroonian was subsequently shipped out on loan to Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, leaving new addition Lammens to stake his claim for the number one shirt under Amorim.

Whilst he was an unused substitute in each of his first three matches for the Red Devils, the 23-year-old was handed his maiden start against Sunderland at the start of October.

Since then, the player and supporters haven’t looked back, with Lammens providing the quality which the first-team have massively lacked between the sticks in recent seasons.

He’s already claimed two Man of the Match awards in his first five appearances, with the club yet to taste defeat when the Belgian is named in the starting eleven.

His underlying stats further prove his importance to Amorim’s men, as he’s undoubtedly saved the side in numerous key matches since his arrival at Old Trafford.

Games played

5

Minutes played

450

Saves made

14

Goals prevented

0.3

Goals conceded

7

Clean sheets

1

High claims

5

Passes completed

75

The goalkeeper is currently averaging 2.8 saves per 90, whilst he also has a positive goal prevented record, with most of his efforts coming in the superb triumph over local rivals Liverpool last month.

Lammens, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has also made 1.2 high claims per 90, subsequently offering the needed aerial presence in the 18-yard box – something which Onana massively struggled with last season.

One of his most important assets is his ball-playing ability, which has seen him register 9.1 long balls per 90 – which ranks him in the top 5% of all ‘keepers in the division.

There’s little denying that Mbeumo has transformed the club’s frontline in recent weeks, with his transfer one that has proved to be a success in the early stages.

However, the goalkeeping situation was the glaring problem for Amorim last season, with Lammens now handing the club an incredible option to rely upon for at least the next decade and beyond.

Should he carry on such a path, there’s no reason why the Belgian can’t play a vital role in any success endured during Amorim’s tenure at the Theatre of Dreams.

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