Randal Kolo Muani to wear a mask?! Spurs striker trains in special equipment ahead of north London derby against Arsenal after breaking jaw

Tottenham loanee Randal Kolo Muani has reportedly been training in a specially fitted mask ahead of the north London derby against Arsenal. During Spurs' 2-2 draw with Manchester United earlier this month, the striker suffered a fractured jaw following a clash with Harry Maguire. However, after the Paris Saint-Germain man did not need to have surgery, Tottenham are doing all they can to give him a chance of facing the Gunners this weekend.

Kolo Muani to follow in Kane's footsteps?

Kolo Muani was withdrawn at half time following the coming together with Maguire, with head coach Thomas Frank later saying: "He actually struggled a little bit but nothing big." Initial suggestions were that the France international could miss up to eight weeks with this injury but last week, news emerged that he did not require surgery. The Telegraph is now reporting that he has trained in a mask he had fitted to help protect his jaw. It is not yet known if he will be okay to face Arsenal at The Emirates on Sunday afternoon. If the forward does return to the field soon, he could take after ex-Spurs striker Harry Kane when he wore a mask after breaking his nose, before scoring a truly world-class goal in a 2-2 draw with the Gunners.

AdvertisementKolo Muani failing to fire at Tottenham

On September 1, Kolo Muani joined Tottenham on loan for the 2025/26 season, sparking a great deal of excitement among Spurs fans. He has featured eight times in all competitions for the north London team but is yet to get off the mark. Tottenham supporters will be hoping he can recapture the form he showed at Juventus last season, where he notched 10 goals in 22 games. 

Getty Images SportWhy Tottenham signed Kolo Muani

In the final day of the summer transfer window, Tottenham snapped up the Frenchman for the season as they sought to add more firepower to their attack. With Dominic Solanke and Richarlison often struggling with injuries and being somewhat goal-shy, the loan move seemed a savvy deal. Following the move, Frank said the 26-year-old gave their frontline something a bit different.

"Randal is a quality player who has proven himself over a number of years, playing for big teams in the Champions League and also with good experience for the France national team," Frank said of his latest addition in early September. "He's a good age, in the prime of his career, has good qualities that will suit both us and the Premier League, and gives us a different option in the final third being able to play out wide and through the middle."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

What comes next for Tottenham?

Tottenham sit fifth in the Premier League with 18 points from 11 matches. Next up, they travel to bitter rivals Arsenal on Sunday, who sit four points clear at the top of the table. A win will boost their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League, but a loss could leave them languishing behind their neighbours.

Ramón Diaz, após derrota do Vasco: 'Complicado que quem decida no VAR seja uma mulher'

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico do Vasco, Ramón Diaz, fez comentário machista ao reclamar da arbitragem após a derrota do Vasco para o Bragantino, por 2 a 1, nesta quarta-feira, fora de casa, pela segunda rodada do Brasileirão. O técnico argentino disse que é “complicado que quem decida no VAR seja uma mulher”, em referência à partida do último domingo, contra o Grêmio.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoRizek dispara contra declaração machista de Ramón Díaz: ‘Foi a única que teve algum bom senso’Fora de Campo17/04/2024VascoRamón Diaz, após derrota do Vasco: ‘Complicado que quem decida no VAR seja uma mulher’Vasco17/04/2024Fora de CampoEx-jogador analisa derrota do Vasco e crava: ‘Resultado mais justo seria o empate’Fora de Campo17/04/2024

➡️ Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco

Com respeito aos árbitros, não podemos falar muito. Na última partida, o VAR foi uma senhorita, uma mulher, e foi pênalti. Me parece complicado que no VAR quem tenha que decidir seja uma mulher. Porque o futebol é tão dinâmico, com ações tão rápidas. Hoje não sei se o árbitro também não viu o lance, que me pareceu pênalti. O Vasco está crescendo, competimos


disse Ramón Díaz.

No lance reclamado por Ramón, Galdames teria sofrido pênalti do zagueiro Rodrigo Ely, do Grêmio. A responsável pelo VAR na partida, Daiane Muniz, inicialmente recomendou a marcação da falta, mas voltou atrás.

TÉCNICO E VASCO SE DESCULPAM
Antes de deixar o estádio, o treinador reuniu os jornalistas para se retratar. O argentino afirmou que foi mal interpretado.

continua após a publicidade

– Quero pedir desculpas, mas me pareceu que o que quis dizer é que uma só pessoa não pode decidir e ter uma decisão tão importante para o futebol como é o VAR. Se interpretaram mal, peço desculpas, mas não foi minha intenção – corrigiu.

Horas depois, foi a vez do Vasco se manifestar. O clube lamentou a declaração e garantiu que reforçará “medidas e diretrizes educativas”.

🎙️ MAIS RESPOSTAS DE RAMÓN DÍAZ:

ANÁLISE DO JOGO
– O primeiro gol foi um gol meio de sorte deles, não com muita criação, mas um gol meio raro, meio difícil. Mas depois o Vasco reagiu, tivemos uma atitude incrível. Nós fomos buscar, pressionamos, atacamos bem, criamos situações. Inclusive chegamos ao gol com jogada muito boa, boa criação. Eu acho que estamos analisando bem que o Vasco vai crescer. Está crescendo, está crescendo em sua forma, em seu estilo. Nós estamos felizes porque nós competimos muito bem.

continua após a publicidade

– No segundo gol deles, recuamos e não pressionamos. Ele teve muita facilidade para finalizar. Se tivéssemos feito Temos coisas que temos que melhorar. E em relação à arbitragem, já falei, é difícil. Porque o VAR toma decisões. Na última rodada, foram muitos erros de arbitragem. Isso tem que melhorar.

TRANQUILIDADE DA EQUIPE
– Falta a equipe jogar mais tranquila, a nossa equipe deve jogar mais tranquila, mais relaxada, jogar competindo mais. Temos muito caminho pela frente, mas temos que conseguir pontos. Não gosto de perder, gosto de conseguir os resultados. Principalmente na largada do campeonato. Temos que conseguir os resultados do início.

JOVENS DA BASE
– Agora incorporamos alguns jovens e com certeza vai ajudar muito. Estamos trabalhando com muitos jovens e o time tem a possibilidade também de provar alguns jogadores. Rayan, Adson, todos os garotos jovens que estão fazendo sua experiência e vêm bem também para o futuro. Com certeza estou muito feliz porque, por mais que seja numa derrota, se analisarmos bem os dois gols, fomos bastante azarados. Principalmente no segundo gol, Maicon pega na cabeça, se desvia e vai para o gol. Não é que eles tenham criado situações para ganhar e acho que era o momento melhor do Vasco no jogo.

RAYAN
– Nós vimos que íamos ter vantagem e tínhamos que ser mais profundos tanto na direita quanto na esquerda. O Lucas Piton estava muito bem, o Paulo Henrique também, cruzamos muito hoje, tínhamos muitas situações. E pedi que ele (Rayan) ficasse de ponta porque precisávamos, na recuperação que tínhamos, ser profundo e chegar ao gol. Por isso os jogadores ficaram felizes, nós também. A lástima foi no final. No final, depois do gol, o Vasco tinha que seguir insistindo, buscar o gol, não retroceder tanto, ter um pouco mais de força no meio. Todas essas coisas nós vamos corrigir.

JOÃO VICTOR
– Tomou golpe forte no joelho e era momento em que não poderíamos arriscar. Temos que ter o jogador com 100%, com tudo, para que possamos seguir no jogo. Mas está bem.

HUGO MOURA
– É um jogador de meio de campo. Tivemos a lesão de Paulinho e de Jair. Necessitamos reforçar ali no meio. Estamos felizes porque ele veio e seguramente nos vai ajudar. Ele vai ter que se adaptar ao nosso estilo, à nossa forma de trabalho. Ele é um jogador de características que nós gostamos. Então, nos vamos ajudar para que ele renda e faça um bom campeonato.

Tudo sobre

Ramón DíazVasco

Arne Slot handed another devastating blow as Liverpool defender is hit with suspension after Leeds draw

Arne Slot has been handed another blow as one of his key Liverpool players is set to serve a one-match ban after picking up a booking in the 3-3 draw at Leeds United. The Reds looked set to claim an important three points at Elland Road but Ao Tanaka's stoppage-time equaliser scuppered those hopes. Now, the Merseyside outfit will not be able to call on one of their defenders for the Premier League trip to Brighton next weekend.

AFPLiverpool frustrated again

Liverpool threw away a two-goal cushion and then conceded a 96th-minute equaliser on Saturday night as their difficult season continued. The Reds could have been in the top four if they had won the game but instead they are down in eighth and trouble is brewing at the club. In addition to having wing-back Jeremie Frimpong and centre-back Giovanni Leoni out injured, right-back Conor Bradley picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the draw at Leeds. That means he will serve a one-match ban, ruling him out of the trip to Brighton. The 22-year-old will, however, be available to face Inter Milan on Tuesday in the Champions League. In the meantime, the Reds may continue to deploy Joe Gomez at right-back, while midfielders Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai can also play there if required.

AdvertisementSlot bemoans dropped points

Before the game, pressure was on Slot to turn Liverpool's poor form around. And just when it looked like they were turning the corner against Leeds, Daniel Farke's side roared back to claim a point. After the match, the Dutchman could not quite believe what he had witnessed. 

He told BBC Match of the Day: "There's a sense of disbelief. I think we played quite well or very well during large parts of the game and we went 2-0 up. I don't think we had any problems and I don't think we conceded a chance until the moment we made a foul, which is not even a chance. It's then 2-1 and not many moments later they made it 2-2 with the first chance they had. Then we go up and you think you've done enough to win the game, but then a set piece leads to the 3-3."

The former Feyenoord boss also pointed out that they were once again found out defensively from a set piece for Tanaka's goal. 

"It's not about me. It's about us, it's about the fans. The players have worked so hard and to concede from a set-piece again – the 10th or 11th this season. If you concede so many like this, you cannot be higher up the table than we are," he added. "To go away with a 3-3, I don't think that's what we deserved. We conceded without the other team even having a chance. It's so difficult to play a game of football if you don't even concede a chance and it goes in. We can only look at ourselves because we are the ones that are doing it. That's the situation we are in."

Getty Images SportSalah adds to Liverpool's troubles

Shortly after the Leeds game, Mohamed Salah put the cat amongst the pigeons when he accused Liverpool of "throwing him under the bus" and that he no longer had a relationship with Slot. The 33-year-old, who has been an unused substitute in two of the Reds' last three games, suggested it was wrong that he was not playing after earning his right with his past displays and that the current situation was unacceptable.

He told reporters, "I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don't have any relationship. I don't know why but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. This club, I will always support it. My kids will always support it. I love the club so much and I always will. It [the situation] is not acceptable to me, to be fair. I don't get it. It's like I'm being thrown more under the bus. I don't think I'm the problem. I have done so much for this club. I don't have to go every day fighting for my position because I earned it. I am not bigger than anyone but I earned my position."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Crunch period for Liverpool

So much is at stake for Liverpool right now. Slot's position as manager could be hanging in the balance, Salah has dropped a huge bombshell on the club and they face some tough games in the Champions League and Premier League in the coming week. If results don't improve, the Reds may be looking for a new coach.

England out of answers as ODI rot extends for another series

A misfiring batting line-up and an under-stocked bowling attack contribute for sixth series loss in seven

Cameron Ponsonby29-Oct-2025Why are England bad at this?A batting line-up full of talented cricketers with proven international records. A world-class fast bowler leading the attack, and a wrist-spinner who’s considered one of the best of all time. It’s a Sainsbury’s list of ingredients, producing Sainsbury’sresults.Defeat in Hamilton was England’s sixth series defeat out of seven. It was their ninth consecutive away ODI loss: the most they have ever lost in succession. For years, there have been valid caveats for England’s poor results in the format. The line was, ‘wait until they’re back at full-strength and all will be fine’. Well now they are, and now it’s not.On paper, automatic World Cup qualification is in doubt. Ranked eighth in the world, they still need to drop below Bangladesh and West Indies for that iceberg to appear on the horizon. It’s a fate they have plenty of time to avoid … but the same was said last year. They’ve since lost 11 out of 15.”It’s a tough question to answer,” Harry Brook replied, when asked why it’s all going wrong. “We’ve got some of the best players in the world and we just haven’t performed as well as we could have done. New Zealand have just outplayed us.”There are two strands here. An underperforming batting line-up and an incomplete bowling one.There is no doubt that England’s top six is the best they have to offer. The option to shuffle the deck would be to return to one of Phil Salt or Will Jacks, or instead turn to either Zak Crawley or Jordan Cox. That’s it. Gone are the days of England’s white-ball batting riches. The lack of a domestic 50-over competition in which the best one-day players can prove their worth is unquestionably a hindrance on developing the next generation. But that criticism doesn’t hold for the settled line-up that has played this year. They are more familiar, recently at least, with the format than their opponents. Only one of New Zealand’s XI ahead of the first match of the series had played a 50-over game in the preceding six months.Jofra Archer forms part of an England attack that is operating at 60% capacity•Getty ImagesNevertheless, in England’s eight away ODI matches this year (of which they’ve lost the lot), they have been bowled out before their allocated overs on seven occasions. Brook is adamant that he wants England to be aggressive, citing Jamie Smith’s dismissal today where he looked to hit over the leg-side only to be caught at point, as a preferable method of dismissal than nicking off defending all day. That is fine – and to go all on you for a second, England’s strategy has long been to aim for the stars and if you fail, then fall in a cloud. But they are just falling.It is a bewildering series of events, in which a batting line-up so comfortable at cruising at five-runs-an-over in Test cricket get themselves in such a tangle trying to go at sixes against the white.”It’s hard to say,” said Rachin Ravindra, a player whose flowing style would be welcomed into the England team with open arms, explaining the shift between formats. “Naturally for me, the way I play, I like the tempo of 50-over cricket the best. I can play good cricket shots without having to force anything. It just requires a bit of knuckling down [when the ball is moving] and then you make it up in the back end.”Safe in the knowledge they were only chasing 175, New Zealand were 17 for one after eight overs. Ravindra himself on five off 19.”It’s a hell of a challenge,” he said of countering Jofra Archer with the new ball. “You know if you can get through that, you can get through most spells in the world.”If you’re not taking wickets up top, you’re chasing your tail then with four guys out when it’s easy to score.”England lost their first three wickets at Mount Maunganui after two overs, and lost their first three wickets at Hamilton after 12.Related

  • Tickner shelves the turmoil to embrace surprise New Zealand recall

  • Tickner makes sparkling international return to lead New Zealand to series win

  • Switch Hit: Rainy, phoney, baloney

  • England seek clarity for seam attack as ODI reboot gathers pace

  • Brook brilliance can't mask issues for brittle England batting

The bright red flashing light is whether England’s top-order can deal with the moving ball in more than one way. That was the criticism yesterday, and it is the criticism today. Nothing in the first two matches of this series, and with the Ashes to come on similar surfaces, has been down to dissuade that.Counterintuitively, however, England will arguably consider their bowling the greater area of concern. The batting unit is underperforming and failing. And that is bad. But the bowling unit is underperforming and at par. And that is worse.Between Brydon Carse, Archer and Adil Rashid, England have 60% of an excellent bowling attack. But the age-old question remains: how they will take middle-over wickets without relying on Rashid to produce a moment of magic? Jamie Overton and Sam Curran bowled eight overs between them today, a direct indication of where Brook believes his wicket-taking threats lie, and where they don’t.Overton, to his credit, produced a beauty to remove Kane Williamson in a moment that will help his cause greatly. Between his batting, fielding and towering 6’5″ frame, he is so close to being the perfect cricketer to balance this team at No.8. His sample size is still small, but the fact of the matter is that, in his nine ODI matches, England have lost seven.Curran, meanwhile, is enjoying a renaissance as a T20 cricketer and feels a natural fit at No.6 in that side. In the shortest format, his addition of a moon-ball and left-arm angle makes him a wicket-taking threat when batters are going after him. However, when his job is to make a dead-ball leap off the surface in the middle-overs of a one-day game, his all-round package diminishes. In the T20I team he bats six and is the third seamer; in the one-day team he bats seven and is the fourth. His relative value is laid out as soon as the team sheet is submitted. As ever, though, who are you picking instead? England tried Jacks at seven against South Africa with only four specialist bowlers. That didn’t work either.Ultimately, England have one problem they don’t understand, and a second problem that they do. Both need to be solved for the rut to end.

جوارديولا: على القنوات التلفزيونية أن تعطيني "زجاجة نبيذ" بعد مباراة مانشستر سيتي وفولهام

تحدث بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي في مؤتمر صحفي عن مباراة سندرلاند على ملعب الاتحاد غداً في الدوري الانجليزي الممتاز.

وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات نشرتها “سيتي إكسترا” عن فوز فريقه ضد فولهام بخمسة أهداف لأربعة: “لقد نسينا الأمر، تعلمنا درسًا جيدًا ونأمل ذلك لكننا نسيناه”.

وأضاف عن مواجهة سندرلاند: “إنهم يستحقون هذا المركز الذي يحتلونه بعد 14 مباراة في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ضد هؤلاء الخصوم، أن يكونوا في هذا الوضع، إنهم يستحقون ذلك”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. يايا توريه يفتح النار مجددًا على جوارديولا: ليس رجلاً بل ثعبان!

وواصل: “لا أجد كلمات كافية للتعبير عما عشته في مانشستر سيتي، لحظات جيدة في الغالب ولحظات سيئة أيضاً، والأشخاص الرائعون الذين التقيت بهم هنا، لقد كانت رحلة استثنائية، كانت في قمة الروعة”.

وتابع: “بالطبع لا أحب أن أستقبل ستة أهداف في مباراتين ولكن في نفس الوقت نحن الفريق الذي سجل أكبر عدد من الأهداف وعلينا أن نبني على ذلك”.

وسئل جوارديولا عن قلة فرص المشاركة التي يحصل عليها ريان آيت نوري: “لقد لعب في كأس العالم للأندية وكان رائعاً، لعب المباراة الأولى ضد وولفرهامبتون، والثانية ضد توتنهام وبعدها أصيب، وبعد ذلك جاء نيكو أوريلي، وقدم أداء رائعًا وهذا هو السبب، لا أكثر من ذلك، نحن سعداء جداً بريان آيت نوري، وأعلم أنه سيساعدنا، لقد انضم إلينا منذ فترة طويلة وهو متمرس في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ويجيد اللعب في مركز الجناح والوسط، ويستطيع اللعب في مراكز مختلفة لكن الآن، نيكو يقدم أداء رائع وهذا هو السبب الوحيد”.

وأكد جوارديولا أن رودري لن يكون متاحاً لمواجهة مانشستر سيتي ضد سندرلاند: “حالته تتحسن، لا أعرف كم من الوقت سيغيب، لكنه في مرحلة تجعله جاهزًا للعب”.

وعاد جوارديولا للحديث عن فوز مانشستر سيتي بخمسة أهداف لأربعة ضد فولهام: “لو كنت جالساً في المنزل أشاهد المباراة لما غيرت المباراة، أنا متأكد من أن القنوات التلفزيونية سعيدة، إذا كانوا يراعونني أنا وماركو سيلفا، فإنه يجب أن يعطوني زجاجة نبيذ، أنا لا أمزح، لا بد أن القنوات التلفزيونية سعيدة”.

وقال بيب عن كثرة ركض لاعبي مانشستر سيتي: “هذا ليس جيداً، عندما تلعب بشكل أفضل، تركض أقل، علينا أن نركض كثيراً لكنهم يتمتعون بروح معنوية عالية وهذه نقطة جيدة لأن ما حدث الموسم الماضي اننا لم نركض، لم يكن المستوى جيدًا طوال الوقت”.

وأشاد بيب بمدرب تشيلسي إنزو ماريسكا: “إنزو ماريسكا أحد أفضل المدربين في العالم، العمل الذي قام به مع تشيلسي لا يحصل على تقديره الكافي، كأس العالم للأندية ودوري المؤتمر والتأهل لدوري أبطال أوروبا، كل ذلك في غاية الصعوبة مع فريق شاب وكيف يقوم بتطوير اللاعبين، انه استثنائي، وذهب إلى إيلاند رود لمواجهة ليدز وانظروا ما حدث، الأمر صعب جداً”.

واختتم بيب عن مرشحيه للفوز بكأس العالم: “أتمنى أن تكون إنجلترا هناك، لا أريد أن أتظاهر باللطف لكنني هنا منذ سنوات عديدة وبصفتي جزءا من هذا البلد، أتمنى أن يتخذ توماس توخيل وفريقه الخطوة الأخيرة ويحققون اللقب”.

Brasil segue em preparação para enfrentar Inglaterra e Espanha; Veja as imagens do treino de hoje

MatériaMais Notícias

Seleção brasileira se prepara para os amistosos internacionais, contra Inglaterra e Espanha, respectivamente. O primeiro confronto acontecerá no estádio de Wembley, em Londres, na Inglaterra, no sábado (23), às 16h (Brasília). O segundo, por sua vez, será realizado no estádio Santiago Bernabéu, em Madrid, na Espanha, terça-feira (26), às 17h30 (Brasília).

continua após a publicidade

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

Tudo sobre

Futebol NacionalSeleção Brasileira

'I didn't like that' – Thomas Frank blasts 'unacceptable' Tottenham fans after defeat to Fulham

Thomas Frank slammed 'unacceptable' Tottenham Hotspur fans after their Premier League defeat to Fulham on Saturday. The fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium booed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after his howler helped Fulham take a 2-0 lead within the first six minutes of the match. Spurs are now winless in their last four games across all competitions and have lost three in a row.

  • Spurs' winless run continues

    Tottenham have won just one out of the six matches they played in November, which includes one draw and three losses in the Premier League. Their only win this month came against Copenhagen in the Champions League. Spurs headed into the Fulham clash after conceding nine goals in their last two matches against Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. They hoped to regain some confidence by beating London rivals Fulham at home, but they were off to a disastrous start as Vicario's howler helped the visitors take a two-goal lead at the start of the match.

    The Spurs shot-stopper was punished by Fulham after going walkabout in the build-up to the second goal as Harry Wilson doubled his team's lead after Kenny Tete broke the deadlock in the fourth minute. Mohammed Kudus then pulled one back for the hosts around the hour mark but the Cottagers eventually walked away with the crucial three points. 

  • Advertisement

  • Getty Images Sport

    Frank blasted Spurs fans

    Vicario was jeered at by the home fans after his costly mistake led to Fulham's second goal, as the goalkeeper was booed while the match was going on. The gesture of the fans did not impress the manager as he told : “I didn't like that our fans booed at him [Vicario] straight after and a few times he touched the ball. They can't be true Tottenham fans because everyone supports each other when you are on the pitch. And we do everything we can to perform. After, fair enough, boo, no problem. But not during. That's unacceptable in my opinion."

  • Vicario's message to fans

    Taking responsibility or the second goal, Vicario addressed the Spurs fans as he told : "The second goal was a mistake of mine, I take responsibility for that. The intent was to clear the ball long and I just hit the ball in a bad way. It was an even bigger mountain to climb. I’m a big man, what can I say? We cannot be influenced by the situation in the stands. The fans have the right to do what they think. It's on us to stay more calm, to focus on ourselves. We are lacking in composure and calmness to overturn results. Today is a bad defeat and it's tough to accept."

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Getty Images Sport

    Spurs need to pick up form soon

    Spurs started the 2025-26 campaign on a bright note under Frank after a forgetful 2024-25 season. But the sudden dip in form, which saw them collect just one point from their last four league clashes, has seen them drop to the 10th position in the Premier League table.

    Frank was brought in place of Ange Postecoglou to bring organisation and a calmer head to a young team. However, so far in the season, the team has continued to struggle. The manager, who made Brentford a real force in the English top-flight, has his work cut out in the next couple of months to turn things around at the north London outfit, although the club do not have any plan to part ways with the Danish manager. According to , the club's owners, the Lewis family, are targeting long-term success under the Dane, which suggests that no short-term decisions are being considered. 

    They next face Newcastle United in a difficult Premier League fixture on December 2. 

Carragher said Man Utd star was "terrible", now he's Amorim's key player

Manchester United’s spell under Ruben Amorim has been largely unsuccessful, with the 40-year-old’s job even coming into question before his one-year anniversary in the role.

From 15th-placed Premier League finishes to Carabao Cup exits against League Two opposition, his tenure at Old Trafford has been far from what many supporters expected.

However, over the last couple of weeks, the 40-year-old has finally started to show glimpses of being a success in the role in the immediate and long-term future.

His men have now won three league games in a row, with Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest presenting the manager with the chance to extend such a run.

Some of the recent success has been down to the impact of the new summer additions, but also the transformation of numerous players already on the books prior to his appointment.

Man Utd players who have had a resurgence under Amorim

Amad Diallo was a player with a huge future at United after they forked out a reported £36m for his signature back in January 2021, but the early days of his stint in England were limited to say the least.

He was often utilised as a bench player under the guidance of former manager Erik ten Hag, but Amorim’s arrival sparked a newfound sense of belief in the Ivorian.

Since the manager’s arrival, the 23-year-old has operated in an unnatural wing-back role, but it’s allowed for consistent first-team minutes and a total of 20 combined goals and assists in his last 52 outings.

He’s not alone in turning his career at Old Trafford around, with centre-back Matthijs de Ligt often struggling to make the immediate impact many hoped for after his switch from Bayern Munich last summer.

The Dutch international was often called into question for his lack of defensive dominance, but he’s been a key component of Amorim’s side this campaign – subsequently playing every minute in the Premier League to date.

He’s made 1.7 tackles per 90 so far this campaign, along with 3.1 aerial duels won, tallies which have provided the side with the steel they were missing at the back last campaign.

Other players such as Luke Shaw and Mason Mount have also been regular starters throughout the early days of the season – potentially a surprise after being hounded by fans in 2024/25.

Such situations highlight the manager’s individual management with the players at his disposal, which has allowed for the Red Devils to endure a somewhat unfamiliar winning feeling as of late.

The United player who’s becoming one of their best in 2025/26

When you think of some of United’s best players in the current campaign, the imagination no doubt goes directly towards the £200m attacking trio who arrived this summer.

Bryan Mbeumo is just one of the attacking stars who has made an immediate impact at Old Trafford, as seen by his tally of five goals in his first ten outings for the club.

Bruno Fernandes is no doubt another that springs to mind, and understandably so, especially after the club captain registered 37 combined goals and assists last season.

However, the Portuguese international has since dropped into a deeper role, subsequently allowing the likes of Mbeumo to operate in the number ten role in the 3-4-2-1 system.

As a result, Amorim has had to find a dominant ball-winner to operate alongside Bruno, with the 40-year-old decided to utilise the experienced Casemiro in such a role.

The 33-year-old joined in a £60m deal from Real Madrid back in the summer of 2022, with real hope of handing the Red Devils the top-level star they craved in the middle of the park.

However, his stint in England has been largely topsy-turvy, with his disciplinary record of four red cards often holding him back from being a reliable option.

Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher even called the Brazilian “terrible” back in September 2023 – before his infamous ‘leave the football’ quotes in May 2024 – with many expecting the player to depart the Theatre of Dreams during the recent window.

Despite such criticism, Casemiro has managed to transform his career in the Premier League, now appearing in all but one league outing of the 2025/26 campaign.

Games played

8

Goals & assists

3

Pass accuracy

83%

Tackles made

3.1

Ball recoveries

5.3

Duels won

60%

Aerials won

1.6

Fouls won

1.2

Whilst working out of possession is largely his responsibility, he’s managed to star with the ball at his feet – scoring twice and notching one assist in his eight appearances.

He’s also managed to make 3.1 tackles and 5.3 ball recoveries per 90 – highlighting his defensive talent, which has so often been called into question in recent years.

Other tallies, such as 60% duels won and 1.6 aerials won per 9,0 further showcase his dominant ability – making him the perfect partner alongside Bruno at present.

Casemiro deserves huge credit for his recent revival under Amorim, subsequently going from a certain exit to now being one of the club’s most important players.

The duo’s partnership at the heart of the side could allow for a successful 2025/26 campaign and kickstart the manager’s tenure at Old Trafford.

Not Cunha or Mbeumo: Man Utd gem is becoming one of the "best in the world"

Manchester United have yet another world-class star on their hands under Ruben Amorim.

2 ByEthan Lamb Oct 30, 2025

Wareham stars again as Melbourne Renegades make it two from two

The defending champions are off to a flying start with their stand-in captain leading from the front

AAP11-Nov-2025Melbourne Renegades 151 for 6 (Wareham 58*) beat Sydney Thunder 148 for 7Melbourne Renegades captain Georgia Wareham has claimed back-to-back player-of-the-match awards in a four-wicket win over Sydney Thunder.Filling in for the injured Sophie Molineux, Wareham smashed 58 off 32 deliveries in the run chase at Junction Oval after claiming 2 for 25 with her legspin.Wareham had starred just two days previously against Brisbane Heat with bat and ball and she backed that up.The heavens opened on several occasions during the match but the players pressed on through it. After the Thunder made 148 for 7 in their 20 overs the Renegades were in trouble at 73 for 5.Wareham and Nicole Faltum (37 off 26 deliveries) then combined in a match winning partnership that enabled the hosts to coast to victory with 11 balls to spare.Wareham’s placement was superb as she compiled her runs with minimal risk and plenty of nous in her fifth WBBL half-century .Earlier, Thunder had a solid start provided by Georgia Voll (26) and Tahlia Wilson (30). But from 60 without loss they slipped to 79 for four and that was largely due to the influence of Wareham.In her four accurate overs she dismissed the dangerous Thunder captain Phoebe Litchfield for just 12. Power hitting by Heather Knight and Anika Learoyd at the death gave the visitors a decent total but not enough to stop Wareham and Faltum.

Worse than Bajrami: 2/10 dud is Rangers' biggest waste of time since Lammers

Glasgow Rangers failed to win in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since they appointed Danny Rohl in their 0-0 draw with Falkirk at Ibrox on Sunday.

The Light Blues failed to score a goal in a home game against Falkirk for the first time this century, and it was a disappointing all-round display from the hosts.

Rangers were unable to find the back of the net from three ‘big chances’ and 1.07 xG, per Sofascore, and had to settle for one point and no goals in front of their supporters.

Despite the underwhelming performance and result, there was a positive for Rohl to take away from the match, as Nedim Bajrami showed that he has something to offer.

Why Danny Rohl must unleash Nedim Bajrami

The Albania international came in for his first start of the league season, having made six substitute appearances before Sunday, and his performance on the left flank suggests that he has been underused.

Bajrami ended his 75 minutes on the pitch with four dribbles completed, two chances created, and ten duels won, per Sofascore, which shows that he put himself about physically, moved forward with the ball with intent, and looked to make things happen in the final third.

Last season, the former Sassuolo man scored two goals and created four ‘big chances’ in 15 starts in the Premiership, to go along with one goal and six ‘big chances’ created in eight starts in the Europa League, per Sofascore.

Chalkboard

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

Meanwhile, one of the summer signings, Thelo Aasgaard, has failed to prove himself to be an upgrade on Bajrami and now looks to be the biggest waste of time since Sam Lammers.

Why Thelo Aasgaard may be the new Sam Lammers

Rangers signed Lammers from Atalanta for £3m in the summer of 2022, to bolster Michael Beale’s attack, and the attacking midfielder produced two goals and two assists in 31 games for the club, per Transfermarkt.

The left-footed flop spent the second half of that season on loan at Utrecht before being sold to FC Twente for an initial fee of £2.5m that could rise to £4m one year after joining the Gers.

This shows that Lammers was more or less a waste of time for the Light Blues because he rarely contributed on the pitch and he left Ibrox for a similar fee to the one that he was brought in for.

Rangers paid £3.5m to sign Aasgaard from Luton Town in the summer, only £500k more than Lammers cost, and he is, unfortunately, treading the same path that the Dutchman walked.

The Norway international, whom Heart & Hand content creator David Edgar dubbed “rotten” last month, has scored one goal and provided one assist in 21 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, which is an even worse return than the Twente star ended his Ibrox career with.

Aasgaard, who was handed a 2/10 player rating vs Falkirk by IbroxNews, has as many red cards as goals, after he was sent off against Celtic in the semi-final of the League Cup, and, as aforementioned, he has not proven that he is an upgrade on the player that he was brought in to replace, Bajrami.

Premiership stats

Bajrami – 24/25

Aasgaard 25/26

Starts

15

8

Goals

2

1

Key passes

28

9

Big chances created

4

0

Assists

1

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Liverpool-born midfielder has not scored goals or created chances at a more impressive rate than the Albanian did in the Premiership last term.

The same is true for their respective form in the Europa League. Last season, Bajrami scored one goal and created six ‘big chances’ in eight starts, per Sofascore, whilst Aasgaard has no goals and no ‘big chances’ created in five outings in the competition in the 2025/26 campaign.

If the 2/10 Norwegian flop’s dismal form at the top end of the pitch continues and Bajrami gets more chances after his bright showing against Falkirk, then his future may already be in doubt when the January transfer window opens.

Like Lammers, Aasgaard may have to look at his options in January and see if there is a loan or a permanent option for him to go elsewhere, unless he can turn his form around in the coming weeks.

Rohl must bin Rangers flop who was even worse than Aarons vs Falkirk

Danny Rohl must replace this Glasgow Rangers flop in January to solve a glaring issue in the squad.

ByDan Emery Dec 1, 2025

For now, though, the former Luton and Wigan star looks to be the biggest waste of time since Lammers because of the fee he was signed for and the lack of consistent performances on the pitch.