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Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared what Aston Villa “will” do in January to back manager Unai Emery.

Aston Villa emerge as title contenders after Arsenal triumph

Villa catapulted themselves into legit Premier League title contention following Emiliano Buendia’s dramatic 95th minute winner against Arsenal on Saturday.

Buendia’s last-gasp strike secured a pulsating 2-1 victory over the league leaders at Villa Park, with the substitute’s stoppage-time goal representing far more than just three points.

It also confirms Villa’s extraordinary recent transformation under Emery into genuine challengers.

They now sit third, merely three points behind Arsenal, losing just two of their last 16 games in all competitions whilst recording seven straight wins on the bounce.

Matty Cash opened the scoring with a thunderous back-post finish, capitalising on Eberechi Eze’s defensive lapse to arrow the ball through David Raya’s legs.

Villa thoroughly dominated the opening period, with Ollie Watkins spurning an excellent early opportunity before Cash’s breakthrough rewarded their superiority.

Aston Villa could launch attack to sign £44m striker who's outscoring Watkins

The Villans are looking to bring in a new centre-forward.

By
Dominic Lund

Dec 8, 2025

Arsenal responded seven minutes after the interval through substitute Leandro Trossard, who converted from close range following Emiliano Martínez’s parried save from Bukayo Saka’s cross.

The Belgian’s equaliser marked his 50th Premier League goal, becoming only the fifth Belgian to reach that milestone.

Both goalkeepers produced exceptional saves to maintain the stalemate, with Martinez spectacularly denying Martin Odegaard’s 20-yard drive whilst Raya repeatedly frustrated Villa’s attacking threats.

The contest appeared destined for a draw until Buendia’s late intervention sparked wild celebrations amongst the Villa faithful.

It was a day to remember for the Villans, with Youri Tielemans also putting in a Player of the Match display against Arsenal after dominating midfield.

With Emery’s side now tipped to challenge the likes of Arsenal and City for top spot, January could prove pivotal after an underwhelming summer window blighted by a lack of spending and PSR concerns.

Taking that into account, Emery has truly worked wonders to guide Villa to this position after their slow start to 25/26, where it even took four Premier League matches to finally score their first goal of the season.

Fabrizio Romano shares exciting January transfer update out of Aston Villa

That lowly run of form and uninspired summer feels like a lifetime ago now, but it is still up to NSWE to provide Emery with the needed support to maintain their lofty status.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the ever-reliable Romano has some very encouraging news in that regard.

He reports that Villa chiefs are set to back Emery in the January transfer market, and work has already begun behind-the-scenes.

Villa ended last summer as the Premier League’s lowest spenders, investing just £28 million into new additions, but that simply has to change if Emery’s side are serious about competing for major trophies.

In terms of their rumoured targets, it is believed that a striker is on the agenda, with Villa reportedly targeting Man United forward Joshua Zirkzee among other names.

Matthew Lugo is having a rollercoaster of a season in the Los Angeles Angels organiztion. Lugo, a 24-year old outfielder currently ranked as the No. 13 prospect in the Angels organization, started his season on the Triple A Salt Lake Bees. He was called up and made his major league debut on May 9th and started the next day.

Lugo came out on fire with nine hits in his first 25 at bats with three home runs, a double and a triple in his first eight games. With Mike Trout preparing to return from the injured list, Lugo was optioned back to Salt Lake after going 0-for-14 in his last few games.

Then on Sunday he was mysteriously pulled from a game in the middle of an inning. The timing was particularly odd because it was right after a ball dropped in front of him. No injury was reported and when you watch the replay, it's not like Lugo wasn't hustling.

At least one person reported seeing Lugo hug the team's manager as he left the game, but there still hasn't been any report that Lugo has been called back up to the Angels.

So time will tell whether there's more news coming about Mike Trout's health or maybe the Angels are just looking for a spark as they have lost seven of their last eight games.

Pep Guardiola cut an irate figure after Manchester City's 2-1 loss to Newcastle United at St James' Park. The former Barcelona manager got into an intense discussion with Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, the match officials, and even a cameraman on Saturday night. The result also somewhat took the wind out of City's Premier League title bid in a day to forget for the visitors.

Man City lose dramatic game

A Harvey Barnes brace, either side of Ruben Dias' strike, secured Newcastle all three points on home turf. But the game was not without controversy as City felt they should have been awarded a first-half penalty when Phil Foden went down in the box after a late tackle from Fabian Schar. And there were question marks about Barnes' second goal, as goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed he had been fouled and Bruno may have been offside in the build-up. The loss means City could fall seven points behind table-toppers Arsenal on Sunday if they beat Tottenham in the north London derby.

AdvertisementGuardiola loses his cool

At the full-time whistle, Guardiola got into a very animated chat with Bruno, with both individuals looking testy at times. The 54-year-old also appeared to argue with a cameraman as he struggled to keep his cool. 

By the time he was interviewed, the ex-Bayern Munich manager gave little away. 

When questioned on the matter, he said: "No questions, everything is fine. I said how good he [Bruno] is [but that conversation] is for private situations. Everything is fine."

Guardiola unhappy with Man City stars

Despite being the top scorers in the Premier League with 24, Guardiola believes his team have to be more clinical in front of goal. They had 68 per cent possession and 17 shots to Newcastle's nine, but only had four efforts on target. Moreover, they created an Expected Goals (xG) tally of 1.88 in a wasteful display that showed they cannot always rely on Erling Haaland, who has scored 14 of their league goals this term.

Guardiola added: "Tight game. Entertaining game. They had chances. We had chances. In the end they scored one more goal. Two or three chances that he [Haaland] always have because he is the best. And yeah, go to the next. Two or three chances that he always have because he is the best. And yeah, go to the next."

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AFPWhat comes next for Man City?

City don't have long to rest on their laurels as they host Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday, before entertaining lowly Leeds United in the Premier League next Saturday. 

Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor is set to return to international cricket after serving a three-and-a-half year ban for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code. Taylor, whose sanction ended on July 25, has been named in Zimbabwe’s squad for the second Test against New Zealand, which starts in Bulawayo on August 7.”I certainly did think it was all done, but here I am – and it’s an overwhelming feeling of gratitude,” Taylor said. “I have to pinch myself a little to realise that I’m actually here. I’ve been soaking it all up and embracing every moment. It’s just been a really nice integration.”The last year and a half has certainly been dedicated to my return. I’ve put in an immense amount of work – from fitness to the technical side to diet – and I’m feeling a lot leaner, fitter and mentally stronger. That’s only been possible through sobriety.”Related

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Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine also welcomed Taylor into the side. “I know how hard he’s worked in his individual capacity – especially over the last eight, ten [or] 12 months – in order for this to happen,” Ervine said ahead of the opening Test against New Zealand. “I’m very excited to have him come back into the space in the next few days, and looking forward to what he has to contribute towards the team and the group.”Taylor, now 39, has not played any representative cricket since retiring abruptly in September 2021, and the conditions of his ban meant he has not been able to train with any national or domestic squads. However, Taylor has used facilities at an elite independent school in Harare, and had told ESPNcricinfo earlier this year that he is fitter than ever before after undergoing rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse.His reintegration into the side began ahead of the ongoing first Test against New Zealand, where he was invited to train with the squad. Zimbabwe had already named a 16-member squad for the two Tests against New Zealand, which includes a relatively strong batting line-up, and a first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in Tafadzwa Tsiga, who has started the first Test.Taylor spent most of his Test career at No. 4, and if he is reinstated in that position, it may simply push everyone from Sean Williams one down to lengthen the batting line-up. Zimbabwe will have to do some juggling to ensure they have enough bowling options.Speaking to ESPNcricinfo in March, Taylor had said he did not expect to walk back into the XI, and wanted to play again as an act of service after feeling as though he had let Zimbabwe cricket down by his actions. He was sanctioned after failing to report an offer to fix, after an attempt was made by a fixer to expose Taylor’s use of cocaine. “I’ve been humbled properly,” Taylor said. “I look forward to really just adding value, which I probably didn’t do to the best of my ability when I was there before.”So far, Taylor has played 34 Tests for Zimbabwe between 2004 and 2021, and averages 36.25. He has scored six centuries, including a second-innings 105* in Zimbabwe’s comeback Test from a six-year self-imposed hiatus from the format, against Bangladesh in Harare in 2011.Taylor makes his return amid a busy period for Zimbabwe. They have played seven Tests this year – and won just one – and have four more scheduled: two each against New Zealand and Afghanistan, either side of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in September. Taylor is not expected to form part of Zimbabwe’s T20 plans yet but could come into contention in ODIs, with the 2027 World Cup in mind.

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has revealed his favourite Premier League club and named the footballer he wants to train MMA with.

Aspinall preparing for first undisputed heavyweight title defence

Jon Jones earned a reputation as a ‘duck’ after showing little interest in defending his UFC heavyweight title, with the American ultimately opting to retire back in June rather than fight interim heavyweight champion Aspinall.

Consequently, the English fighter was named undisputed champion in anti-climactic fashion, with Dana White making the announcement after a UFC fight night in Azerbaijan.

While still a remarkable achievement, the Salford-born fighter would no doubt have been hoping to make a statement by defeating Jones for the belts, rather than simply being awarded them outside the octagon.

The whole saga has been extremely frustrating for the 32-year-old, who hasn’t fought since defeating Curtis Blaydes via a first-round knock-out way back in July 2024.

However, the Englishman is finally set to return to action this weekend, taking on French heavyweight Ciryl Gane at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, in what will be his first title defence.

The 6 ft 5 heavyweight is also a football fan, although he revealed he was a latecomer to the sport, being convinced to start following Manchester City at the age of 30, due to his son being a supporter.

Ahead of his upcoming fight against Gane, Aspinall was asked which Man City player he would choose to train MMA with at his gym, and Erling Haaland, of course, was the first name that sprang to mind.

Haaland continues to smash records at Man City

In his first season in the Premier League, Haaland broke the record number of goals in a season, scoring 36 in 35 games, and the Norwegian striker is currently in the form of his life, having found the back of the net in 12 matches on the spin.

Aspinall will no doubt be hoping City can reclaim their Premier League crown this season, having won their last three matches, and the 25-year-old, who is regarded as one of the world’s best strikers, will be key to their chances.

The centre-forward’s injury record may be a concern, having suffered ankle and knee problems last season, but if he stays fit (and avoids training in MMA!), anything is possible for Pep Guardiola’s side.

When asked whether Manchester United had seen the best of him yet, £74m man Benjamin Sesko had the perfect response – “there’s loads to come”.

Speaking after netting his first Old Trafford goal in the Premier League win over Sunderland prior to the international break, the Slovenian striker didn’t appear to be getting carried away, despite having scored in two games in succession.

And rightly so, considering the nature of his price tag, with the ex-RB Leipzig sensation still having plenty to prove following his summer arrival from Germany, albeit with the recent signs having certainly been more promising.

Amid a post-Sir Alex Ferguson era that has been littered with short-term, problematic fixes in that centre-forward berth, alongside expensive gambles such as Rasmus Hojlund, the Red Devils simply need Sesko to deliver the goods over the next few years.

Thankfully, there is at least a new wave of talent brewing in the academy to potentially rival the 22-year-old moving forward, with the club’s new number nine in waiting already shining at Carrington.

Ranking Man Utd's best No.9's of the Premier League era

While it may not carry the same weight as United’s famed number seven, there is still a level of pressure and scrutiny that comes with being the club’s number nine – a jersey that started the Premier League era in the hands of cult hero, Brian McClair.

The selfless Scotsman – who scored 101 goals in all competitions during his 11-year stay at the Theatre of Dreams – notably relinquished that status to marquee signing, Andy Cole in 1995, following the free-scoring Englishman’s arrival from Newcastle United.

In truth, it is hard to look past Cole as the best of the lot, with the one-time Arsenal man memorably forging that partnership with Dwight Yorke, helping to spearhead Alex Ferguson’s side to treble glory in 1999.

The successor to Cole then came a few years after his 2001 exit, in the form of Louis Saha, with the Frenchman lauded by Gary Neville as among the most underrated players in Premier League history, having previously “destroyed” him during his Fulham days.

Craven Cottage would prove to be the destination for United’s next number nine, Dimitar Berbatov, with the fleet-footed Bulgarian eventually departing for west London in 2012, following four fruitful years in Manchester that included claiming the Golden Boot in 2010/11.

The less said about the next recipient, Radamel Falcao, the better, considering his forgotten, one-season stint, while Anthony Martial’s two spells with the jersey showcased a mix of genius but also frustrating inconsistency.

The Frenchman had seen that status initially removed in 2016 following the statement signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with the enigmatic Swede scoring 28 times during his solitary full campaign in red, despite having arrived at the age of 34.

Romelu Lukaku, by contrast, didn’t quite live up to the billing, departing after just two turbulent years that did at least yield 42 goals in 96 games, before the number nine returned to Martial.

The most recipient was of course Hojlund, who initially arrived as the new number 11, although last term saw the Dane score just ten times in all competitions, before being shipped off to Napoli.

Ranking Man Utd’s PL No.9s

1 – Andy Cole

2 – Dimitar Berbatov

3 – Louis Saha

4 – Brian McClair

5 – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

6 – Anthony Martial

7 – Romelu Lukaku

8 – Rasmus Hojlund

9 – Radamel Falcao

Sesko, hopefully, will far exceed Hojlund’s impact in Manchester, although he might not be the future number nine…

Man Utd's next number nine in waiting

Having arrived with Hojlund still on the books, Sesko unsurprisingly opted for the vacant number 30 shirt, having previously worn it for both Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg during his stints in Germany and Austria.

With number 11 also what the new United man wears for his country, perhaps he is gunning for Joshua Zirkzee’s jersey instead, rather than the now vacant number nine.

Perhaps, if things go to plan, the successor to Hojlund could well emerge in the form of academy sensation, Chido Obi, with the 17-year-old having already made a fine impact at Carrington since his arrival from Arsenal last summer.

Described as a “goalscoring machine” at the Gunners’ Hale End academy by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Obi has translated such form to Manchester over the past 12 months or so, scoring 12 times in just ten U18 games, alongside netting five goals in 11 outings in the U21 setup, as per Transfermarkt.

Not set to turn 18 until next month, the teen marksman had previously scored 32 goals in just 21 recorded games for Arsenal’s U18s, with United having pulled off a real coup by prising him from their top-flight rivals.

While chances have yet to come at first team level this season, the Denmark U20 international did make eight senior appearances in 2024/25 under Amorim, namely producing a lively cameo in the FA Cup against Fulham.

On another day, the £4m-rated starlet – who has scored three goals so far this term – may well have walked away with a goal during that night at Old Trafford, having been denied from the angle by a fine save from Bernd Leno.

Subsequent appearances showcased that the raw forward still has plenty of work to do to establish himself in the senior side, although he did score twice against Hong Kong during the post-season tour.

Hopefully, with Hojlund out of the equation – and with Joshua Zirkzee looking more suited to a number ten berth – Obi can begin to challenge Sesko more directly in the months and years to come, with Amorim certainly needing competition at the top end of the pitch.

Currently the club’s number 32 – albeit while wearing the nine in the U21 ranks – the former Gunners gem will be pushing to secure a promotion in the years to come.

Considering his sky high potential, he looks destined to be United’s next number nine.

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Posts ByRobbie Walls Oct 15, 2025

Newcastle United are still searching for form, over a month into the 2025/26 campaign, but it’s hardly as if there is anything to worry about for Eddie Howe and co.

After all, the Magpies have only conceded in one of their five Premier League games, a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool at St. James’ Park that was as infuriating as it was compelling.

Attacking fluency will return, and no mistake. Nick Woltemade is integrating after his big-money move from Stuttgart, the record-fee striker replacing Alexander Isak after the rebellious forward forced his way out and over to Anfield.

In the end, the Toon completed a quietly impressive transfer window, signing players of different shapes and sizes to bolster the pre-existing ranks.

However, Newcastle are still guided through by their leading light, the skipper, Bruno Guimaraes.

He’s been ever-present right through Howe’s tenure.

Bruno Guimaraes' Newcastle form

Guimaraes was one of the first to join this nascent Newcastle project, signing from French side Lyon for £40m and never looking back.

Almost four years later, the 27-year-old remains one of the nuclei at Newcastle, one of the first names on the teamsheet. Isak might have been considered in the same breath, but Isak has gone, whereas Bruno has not, despite fierce summer interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

He’s started four Premier League fixtures so far this season, absent against Bournemouth after that European clash with Barcelona, covering so much ground and working tirelessly both to protect the defence and progress his team’s attacking play.

Against the backdrop of Isak’s absence, Guimaraes put in a captain’s performance against the Premier League champions, and he spoke of his deep-seated love for the Magpies post-game.

However, it would also be fair to say that the Brazilian is lacking his usual fluency in attack at the moment, yet to create a big chance across his five matches in the Premier League.

We all know Bruno will hit his stride, but he hasn’t been Howe’s standout performer so far this season.

Newcastle's best player so far this season

It would be an outrage to award this figurative title to anyone north of the backline at Newcastle, whose three-goal haul in the Premier League this term betters only that of lowly Aston Villa, one strike to their name.

Defensively, though, United have been redoubtable, and Dan Burn stakes a claim for being the standout performer, indeed boasting four clean sheets across five league outings and having been one of the chief organisers in defence, ensuring everyone is where they should be and that they understand their duties, just so.

​​​​​

Like Guimaraes, Burn was one of the first to sign for Newcastle after the PIF takeover, leaving Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2022 to join his boyhood club after so many years, having plyed his boyish trade at Newcastle until being released when he was 11.

Now, he’s shaped into a mainstay for one of the most exciting projects in world football, and, aged 33, he is showing little sign of slowing down.

Guimaraes and Fabian Schar, who was already part of the toon squad, are the only players to have eclipsed his 154 appearances in black and white under Howe’s wing, and there’s a good reason that Big Dan Burn has played with such regularity, for in many ways he epitomises Howe and his tactics: gritty and tenacious, balanced against a technical undercurrent which has led to silverware and European escapades.

It was Burn who rose highest before the break at Wembley in March, striking first to set Newcastle on their way in the Carabao Cup final. He has been written into club folklore, and there he will remain.

There will come a point when Sven Botman will expect to return to the starting line-up without fail, playing from the first whistle each and every week.

But we can’t ignore the industrious and composed presence Burn projects in front of Pope’s goal, with Sofascore recording that he has averaged a whopping 6.4 successful duels and 6.2 clearances per game, yet to make an error.

The 6 foot 6 defender made his England debut earlier in 2025, called up by the Three Lions hierarchy for the first time when he was 32 years old. Truly, development is not linear in football.

And that emphatic form of 2024/25 has indeed lifted over the disruptive summer transfer window, Burn travelling a smooth through line which has seen him retain his defensive solidity and his unflappable manner besides. Nick Pope boasts four clean sheets already this year, and he ranks only 11th in the division for saves made thus far (ten).

His leadership skills and organisation on the left side of the central defence eliminate and concerns over his lanky frame and limited passing range and mobility. Howe, after all, hailed the veteran as “an incredible signing” who has exceeded expectations.

The defensive giant may not match Botman’s athleticism or technical command, but he has been an essential part of this wonderful patch in Newcastle’s modern history – a period which may well be remembered as the foundation of a new age on Tyneside.

Last year, Burn got the ball rolling at Wembley, putting paid to a woeful Liverpool side and sparking the victory that led to gold.

It was a career-defining moment from the boy from Blyth, but he’s not done yet, this boyhood Toon, and he’s ready to write another chapter into an incredible journey.

Newcastle’s “explosive” star once looked like Shearer, now he needs to go

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By
Will Miller

Sep 22, 2025

سلطت صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية الضوء على الأزمة الأخيرة بين محمد صلاح، لاعب ليفربول ومدربه الهولندي آرني سلوت بسبب مباراة فرانكفورت ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وواجه ليفربول نظيره فرانكفورت الألماني يوم الأربعاء، في الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وكان آرني سلوت قد اتخذ قرارًا بجلوس محمد صلاح على دكة البدلاء أمام آينتراخت فرانكفورت للمباراة الثانية على التوالي بدوري أبطال أوروبا، بعد جلوسه أمام جالطة سراي في المباراة السابقة.

ويتعرض الثنائي صلاح وفيرتز لضغوط كبيرة لتقديم أداءٍ مميز، ولكل منهما أسبابه الخاصة، فيرتز لم يُسجل أي هدف للنادي حتى الآن، بينما لم يُضيف أي تمريرة حاسمة بعد مباراة كأس الدرع الخيرية حتى فوز يوم الأربعاء.

“القدوة يثير نوبة غضب” هكذا كان عنوان غلاف مجلة “ستار سبورت ” هذا السبت مع التصريحات الأخيرة لـ آرني سلوت حيث ذكر أنه يحب أن يظهر صلاح استياءه من عدم لعبه أساسيًا (للاطلاع على تصريحات سلوت كاملة) دور صلاح الجديد

وشارك صلاح بديلًا للمرة الثانية هذا الموسم في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا وهناك توقعات بأن وضعه مع الفريق سيبقى هكذا على عكس السنوات الماضية التي كان يشارك بها أساسيًا دائمًا.

هذا الإجراء لم يُرضِ قائد منتخب مصر وتلقى بالفعل بعض الانتقادات، مثل تحذير جيمي كاراجر له بضرورة التوقف عن كونه لاعبًا لا يُمس.

“صلاح، حزين على مقاعد البدلاء في فرانكفورت” هو عنوان الصفحة الأولى للصحيفة الإسبانية في انتظار نظرة أخيرة على تطورات موقفه، إذ أبدى صلاح استيائه بعد المباراة وحذف صورته الشخصية مع كأس الدوري الإنجليزي على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “إكس” مع حذف وصفه بأنه لاعبًا لنادي ليفربول.

ويواجه محمد صلاح فرصة أمام برينتفورد في المباراة التي تجمع بينهما مساء اليوم، السبت، في إطار منافسات الجولة التاسعة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، في تمام الساعة العاشرة بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.

واختتمت سبورت تقريرها بالتساؤل حول عودة “مو” إلى مستواه التهديفي، لكنها أكدت وضوح أمر واحد وهو أن دور صلاح في ليفربول سوف يتضاءل بشكل متزايد.

As part of Manchester United’s £200m+ shopping spree this summer, Bryan Mbeumo completed a move to Old Trafford to try and improve the situation within the final third.

The Red Devils only netted 44 league goals in 2024/25, with the Cameroonian scoring 20 in the Premier League alone last campaign – a tally which was 45% of the Red Devils’ total.

Whilst he cost a pretty penny, arriving in a £71m deal including add-ons, he does possess the top-flight experience needed to transform the side after last year’s dismal finish.

The 26-year-old has already hit the ground running for his new side, scoring twice in his opening four outings – including in the recent league clash against Burnley at the Theatre of Dreams.

If Mbeumo is to achieve further success during his spell at United, he will likely star alongside one talent who’s been a constant positive influence despite the slump over the last few years.

Bruno Fernandes’ time at Manchester United

Upon his big-money transfer from Sporting CP in the winter of 2020, no United supporter would’ve anticipated the phenomenal level of output produced by Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese international arrived as an unknown quantity to many, but he quickly showcased his talents, scoring 12 and registering eight assists in his first 22 outings for the club.

Since his debut campaign, the 30-year-old has gone from strength to strength at Old Trafford, now racking up a total of 99 goals in his 254 appearances for the Red Devils.

Bruno has since taken on the role of captaincy under various managers, highlighting the importance to the side and the faith shown in him to take the club back to their former glory.

Despite the failures under Amorim last campaign, the midfield still managed to thrive, notching 37 combined goals and assists – by far and away the highest tally of any player in the squad.

He continued to be a constant creative threat, extending his tally and remaining as the player with the most through balls completed in Europe since 2022/23 – with his tally higher than those of Kevin de Bruyne and Martin Odegaard.

There’s no denying he’s one of the best additions ever made by the recruitment team, with another player joining him in that department, given his own rise at the club.

The United star who’s been the best signing since Bruno

United have been known to conduct some questionable pieces of transfer business over the last couple of years, which has undoubtedly contributed to their demise.

The likes of Casemiro, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund all joined the Red Devils in deals worth £70m or over, but none of which have failed to make a consistent positive impression on the fanbase.

The latter two of the duo both departed the club in the closing stages of the transfer window, further showcasing the poor business conducted by the board over recent seasons.

However, the same can’t be said for defender Noussair Mazraoui, with the Moroccan international cementing himself as a key player since his move 12 months ago.

The Red Devils paid just £12.7m for his signature from Bayern Munich, making him one of the cheaper additions made by Erik ten Hag during his time in Manchester.

Such a move now appears to be a genius one, as the 27-year-old ended the 2024/25 campaign with 57 appearances across all competitions – the most of any player in the first-team squad.

He operated in various roles such as wing-back, full-back and centre-back, showcasing his versatility which made him such an important aspect of Amorim’s system.

Games played

37

Minutes played

2848

Pass accuracy

86%

Dribbles completed

60%

Tackles made

2.2

Tackle success rate

60%

Cross success rate

26%

Duels won

6.8

Mazraoui has already earned himself huge admirers behind the scenes at United, with multiple insiders claiming that the former Ajax star is the best signing made by the club in many years.

His underlying stats in 2024/25 further highlight his impressive start to life in England, leading to journalist Umir Irfan labelling the full-back as “incredible”.

The Moroccan won 2.2 tackles per 90 last campaign, winning 60% of the dispossession attempts he entered – subsequently showcasing his tremendous ability out of possession.

He also thrived with the ball at his feet, completing 86% of the passes he attempted, whilst also completing 60% of his dribbles, which allows him to end the year with two assists despite his defensive role.

£12.7m for a player of Mazraoui’s quality is a tremendous piece of business – especially when taking into account the failures of the players before him who accrued mammoth sums of money.

Should he carry on at such a level in 2025/26, there’s no reason as to why he can’t be as important as Bruno in the club’s hunt for success in the near future.

Ten Hag sold Man Utd's "young Giggs" for just £15m, now he's like Mbeumo

Manchester United made a huge mistake in allowing one talented star to leave under Erik ten Hag.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 11, 2025

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O Palmeiras ainda disputa pelo menos três títulos na temporada 2023, mas muitos de seus torcedores já estão preocupados com dezembro de 2024, quando termina o contrato de Abel Ferreira com o clube. Mas se depender do desejo da torcida e da presidente Leila Pereira, esse ponto final será prorrogado para outra data. Neste momento, o português somente deixa o Verdão se ele quiser.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Apesar de nomes consagrados como Dudu, Gustavo Gómez e Raphael Veiga, talvez o maior fenômeno de idolatria palmeirense na atualidade seja Abel Ferreira. Torcedores, dirigentes, jogadores, funcionários… Praticamente todos os “membros” desses grupos defendem o treinador com unhas e dentes, independentemente do que aconteça e certamente estão pensando no fim de 2024.

+ IMPERDÍVEL! Transmissão ao vivo dos jogos do Verdão na Liberta por apenas R$1,00!

O técnico já chegou a falar que descansaria depois do término de seu vínculo com o Palmeiras, mas mais recentemente deixou aberta a possibilidade de renovação. Conforme apurou o Lance!, as partes ainda não tiveram uma conversa formal sobre a prorrogação do contrato, mas tratam a possibilidade constantemente em meio a outros assuntos. Quem convive com Abel na Academia de Futebol e fora dela, sabe que ele não esconde a satisfação que tem em trabalhar no Verdão.

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Durante a cerimônia de entrega do avião de sua empresa que será usado pelo Alviverde, Leila Pereira confirmou que tem conversado com Abel sobre uma possível extensão contratual e expressou seu desejo de manter o treinador até ela deixar a presidência do clube. Para a mandatária, o português somente deixa o Palmeiras se ele quiser.

– Tenho conversado bastante com Abel sobre isso, ele tem contrato conosco até o fim de 2024. O Abel só sairá do Palmeiras quando ele quiser, gostaria que permanecesse por muito tempo conosco. Meu mandato é até o fim de 2024 e vou concorrer a reeleição. Se o associado entender que confia no meu trabalho e eu for reeleita, gostaria muito que ele ficasse comigo por mais três anos.

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+ Abel Ferreira dá pistas sobre o seu futuro no Palmeiras: ‘Quero estar onde sou feliz’

Leila está em seu primeiro mandato como presidente do Verdão e é a grande favorita a vencer novamente a eleição no fim de 2024 para garantir mais um período de três anos no comando, até dezembro de 2027. A ideia, como a própria disse acima, é que o técnico assine a renovação por mais três temporadas. Com o desejo de fazer o melhor pelo clube, ela também quer evitar qualquer sensação de terra arrasada num possível “pós-Abel”.

– Mas o Palmeiras é gigante, é maior que todos nós, eu vou passar, o Abel vai passar e o Palmeiras vai permanecer. O que for melhor para o Palmeiras eu vou fazer. O Abel só sai do Palmeiras se ele quiser.

Abel já declarou que pretende cumprir seu contrato até o fim, além de citar seu amor pelo projeto do clube e sua adaptação ao Brasil. Até aqui, o português conquistou oito títulos pelo Verdão: duas Libertadores (2020 e 2021), dois Paulistas (2022 e 2023), uma Copa do Brasil (2020), um Brasileirão (2022), uma Recopa (2022) e uma Supercopa (2023).