All posts by n8rngtd.top

Red Bull's head of global soccer Jurgen Klopp has opened up on having to fire Marco Rose from his position as Leipzig head coach. Rose, once hailed as the man to cement Leipzig among Europe’s elite, was dumped midway through a miserable third season at the Red Bull Arena back in March. It was a campaign that spiralled into chaos, with Leipzig crashing out of the Champions League in the first phase, managing just one win in eight matches, before a gut-punch defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach left them languishing in seventh place in the Bundesliga.

• Zsolt Low’s short-lived fix

  Rose won 72 of his 125 matches in charge of Leipzig, delivered two trophies in the form of the DFB-Pokal and German Supercup, and guided the club to Champions League qualification twice. However, he was dismissed after a run of just three wins from his final 11 games in all competitions. Following the exit of Rose, in a desperate bid to stop the rot, Leipzig turned to Chelsea’s trusted assistant Zsolt Low, giving him the reins until the end of the 2024-25 season. But the gamble backfired spectacularly. The Hungarian coach couldn’t change the club’s fortunes as defeats piled up and morale sank. By the end of the campaign, Leipzig had not only missed out on Champions League football but were also left empty-handed in their chase for any European spot in 2025–26.

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  Klopp lifts the lid on Rose's exit

  Klopp has now admitted that wielding the axe on Rose was a bitter pill to swallow. In an interview with he said: "It’s not great. It will never be my hobby. But it’s things you have to do. What I want is to hire coaches for the right reasons. And if you finish working together, then it is also for the right reasons and not for the media asking for it."

  The ex-Liverpool boss spoke of his desire to create stability but admitted modern football doesn’t allow it.

  "I want to instil this (stability); more trust, going through the hard times," he added. "If you are convinced, then you are convinced. The world is like that: ‘Oh my God, you are great!’ Then it is, ‘Oh no! You’re s***.’  There’s no grey area anymore. And very often life is grey."

• Werner the chosen one

  Leipzig wasted little time finding their new man. In came Ole Werner on June 24, with the 37-year-old seen as a rising star of German coaching, as he signed a deal through 2027. Werner, who opted to leave Werder Bremen early despite having a contract until 2026, has built a reputation as a no-nonsense manager with a sharp tactical brain. He took Bremen back into the Bundesliga at the first attempt in 2021 and steadied the ship with finishes of 13th, ninth, and eighth. More tellingly, his side closed out the 2024–25 season on an eight-match unbeaten run, including a gritty 0-0 draw against Leipzig themselves.

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• A lightning start at Leipzig

  If anyone doubted whether Werner was ready for the leap, he’s answered in style. Leipzig have roared into the new campaign under their fresh-faced coach, chalking up four wins from their first five Bundesliga fixtures. Werner’s first big test, however, looms large. This weekend, he leads Leipzig into a showdown with Borussia Dortmund, a clash that will truly measure whether his early success is built on solid ground or fleeting momentum.

Manchester United's hopes of keeping teenage sensation JJ Gabriel, nicknamed 'Kid Messi', have been given a massive boost as Arsenal's supposed interest in the player has been labelled as "premature". The 15-year-old, widely tipped as one of the most gifted players to emerge from United's academy since Marcus Rashford, has agreed to commit his immediate future to Old Trafford after a tense behind-closed-doors meeting with United chiefs Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada.

• JJ Gabriel: Turning heads across Europe

  Gabriel’s reputation has exploded in recent months. Known for his dazzling dribbling, lightning-fast feet, and a swagger that has seen him compared to the Argentine legend himself, the teenager has already drawn interest from across Europe. Despite being just 15, he has been starring for United’s Under-18 side, racking up seven goals in six matches this season. His performances have left scouts stunned, with insiders calling him a 'once-in-a-generation' talent. But while the hype around him grows, United’s internal message is clear: keep him grounded, keep him focused, and keep him in Manchester.

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  Arsenal cool their interest in teenager

  Reports in recent weeks suggested Arsenal were plotting a bold move to lure the teenage sensation to North London. However, according to the those rumours were "premature" and no formal approach has been made. United have already poached Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi from Arsenal's youth system, and the prospect of the Gunners hitting back still looms large. For now, it’s United who can breathe a sigh of relief, having secured a commitment from Gabriel that will see him remain at Carrington until at least his 16th birthday. He will be eligible to put pen to paper on his first professional contract in the summer of 2027, which will come into play from October of that year, following his 17th birthday. 

  Recognising Gabriel’s unique potential, United recently arranged a meeting between the youngster and manager Ruben Amorim, who shared his coaching philosophy and spoke passionately about discipline, dedication, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s work ethic. Amorim's motivation, echoing Ronaldo’s famous mindset, appears to have resonated deeply with Gabriel, who is now more committed than ever to breaking through at United.

• The YouTube star who became a Red Devil phenom

  A viral YouTube video titled "Eight-year-old Kid Messi is unbelievable (better than the real Lionel Messi)" catapulted him into the spotlight, clocking up over 4.8 million views and 110,000 likes. More recently, the teenager was seen juggling a tennis ball, keeping it off the ground for nearly a minute using flawless control and footwork. However, it was his move to United’s academy in 2021 that turned promise into progression. He quickly caught the eye of scouts, formed a close bond with Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., and began living up to the online hype in real matches. Now, just a few years later, he’s being spoken about as the most exciting English-based prospect of his generation. The club’s coaching staff are said to be in awe of his ability, with several senior players privately admitting the kid is miles ahead of his age.

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  A future in red for Gabriel?

  If United’s loyalty strategy wasn’t already clear enough, they’ve reportedly gone one step further by promising Gabriel his very own hospitality box at United's new stadium once it's completed by 2030. The new £2 billion project, led by Foster + Partners architects, will become the largest stadium in the UK, surpassing Wembley’s 90,000 capacity, and second only to Barcelona’s Camp Nou in Europe. The futuristic design, part of a regeneration project set to pump £7.3 billion annually into the UK economy and create over 90,000 jobs, will symbolise the dawn of a new era for United, one where homegrown stars like Gabriel could become the face of the club’s future.

  Initial plans featured a dramatic canopy supported by three masts, representing Manchester’s industrial skyline. However, reports suggest the canopy may be scrapped due to ongoing land acquisition issues.

  Gabriel’s story is still in its early chapters, but if the past few years are any indication, the ending could be something spectacular. From YouTube sensation to United’s most prized academy jewel, the "Kid Messi" tale is one of talent, tenacity, and timing. And now, with Arsenal backing off and United doubling down, the stage is set for Gabriel to shine brighter than ever.

Newcastle United have splashed the cash under PIF in recent years, welcoming a number of European stars to St James’ Park. The spending spree has also worked, with the Magpies qualifying for the Champions League back in 2023 and again in 2025, while also winning the EFL Cup.

Football FanCast takes a look at the most expensive transfers of all time for Newcastle.

Detailed look at Newcastle's 10 most expensive signings…

10

Harvey Barnes

£38m from Leicester City

Winger Harvey Barnes was a long-term target for the Magpies, who eventually signed him from Leicester City for £38m after the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League in 2023.

Barnes had a brilliant individual campaign but couldn’t keep the club in the top-flight, instead signing a five-year St James’ Park deal. The Englishman arrived at the club with plenty of Premier League experience during his time with Leicester and has gone on to star in black and white.

9

Bruno Guimaraes

£40m from Lyon

What a signing. Sky Sports has Bruno Guimaraes’ fee at £40m in January 2022, and he was so good in his initial six month-spell that Newcastle could have sold him for double that last summer, with reports suggesting champions Manchester City could have been plotting a player-plus-cash deal to bring the midfielder to the Etihad Stadium.

Instead, they held onto the Brazilian, and that was certainly the right move. Bruno looks like one of the best midfielders in the Premier League right now and Newcastle will do well to find a better signing anytime soon.

8

Joelinton

£40m from Hoffenheim

Joelinton arrived for a club-record fee from Hoffenheim as the answer to Newcastle’s goalscoring woes in the summer of 2019. The £40m they paid, per The Guardian, always looked strange as the Brazilian had only scored seven times the previous season, while the most he’d ever managed was eight.

Thus, many joked about Joelinton during his early days on Tyneside, and it appeared Newcastle had made the wrong transfer as he finished his first campaign with two goals. However, it turned out they were just using him in the wrong position. After switching to a midfield role, the player looked transformed and now that £40m fee looks like a very good deal.

7

Jacob Ramsey

£43m from Aston Villa

Jacob Ramsey

6

Anthony Gordon

£45m from Everton

Sky Sports say Newcastle paid £45m for Anthony Gordon, which sounded like a lot at the time. However, the winger has now justified that fee and is one of the first names on the teamsheet.

In fact, Gordon’s displays during his first full season with the Magpies resulted in him being linked with a move away from the club. Instead of leaving, though, the Englishman signed a fresh long-term Newcastle deal towards the end of 2024.

5

Yoane Wissa

£55m from Brentford

On what was a dramatic deadline day in the summer of 2025, Yoane Wissa signed for Newcastle with 30 seconds to spare before the window slammed shut.

A long-term Newcastle target, Wissa pushed for a move to the Magpies from Brentford, costing £55m and taking the number 9 shirt at St James’ Park.

4

Anthony Elanga

£55m from Nottingham Forest

Newcastle’s early summer signing in 2025 was Anthony Elanga, who cost £55m after an impressive few years at Nottingham Forest.

The pacey right-winger contributed to four goals in five games against the Magpies for Nottingham Forest, which may have caught PIF’s eye.

3

Sandro Tonali

£55m from AC Milan

Sandro Tonali arrived in a high-profile transfer from AC Milan in 2023, however, months after Newcastle splashed the cash, the Italy international was suspended for ten months following illegal betting charges.

The midfielder returned in 2024, and since then, Magpies supporters have seen why the club were willing to spend £55m on his signature, with Tonali a regular in the starting lineup.

2

Alexander Isak

£60m from Real Soceidad

The arrival of Alexander Isak was a coup for Newcastle and a true statement that they wanted to sit at the top table. The Swedish striker was one of the top young strikers on the planet and few questioned the £60m fee in 2022, as reported by the BBC.

However, the summer of 2025 changed everything between Isak and Newcastle, with the forward going on strike, looking to sign for Liverpool. He got his wish, with the Magpies recieveing a British record £125m fee for Isak from Liverpool.

1

Nick Woltemade

£69m from Stuttgart

Prior to Isak’s departure, Newcastle broke their transfer record by signing young German forward Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart.

After starring at the U21 European Championships, Woltemade was linked with the likes of Bayern Munich but instead moved to St James’ Park in a deal worth £69m.

Chelsea enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign under Enzo Maresca, finishing fourth in the Premier League, lifting the Conference League and capping it off with Club World Cup glory in the summer.

Their 3–0 win over PSG in the final underlined the squad’s growing maturity – even if it remains the youngest in the Premier League with an average age of 23 years and five months.

The club has continued to double down on its long-term strategy: stockpiling young talent and tying them down to lengthy contracts.

This window alone saw the arrivals of João Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap for significant fees.

Chelsea’s model revolves around snapping up rising stars before their values skyrocket, while also staying compliant with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

The new season has begun with mixed results.

A pair of victories over Fulham and West Ham suggested Chelsea could carry momentum forward, but stalemates with Crystal Palace and Brentford exposed lingering inconsistencies.

Part of that inconsistency stems from turnover in key attacking areas – most notably the departure of Noni Madueke.

Madueke's departure and his replacement by Estevão

Madueke’s Chelsea career always carried intrigue.

Signed as a right-winger with flair and directness, he contributed 20 goals and nine assists in 92 appearances before leaving this summer.

His £52m move to Arsenal was met with disbelief in North London, where over 5,000 fans signed a petition titled #NoToMadueke opposing his arrival.

Yet for Chelsea, the sale offered financial upside and an opportunity to reset. The replacement came swiftly.

Estevão, the Brazilian teenager dubbed “Messinho,” had already been secured from Palmeiras in a £29m deal.

The 18-year-old has made a name for himself in Brazil, racking up 83 appearances, 27 goals and 15 assists – including a memorable strike against Chelsea in the Club World Cup.

By the time he arrived at Stamford Bridge, his market value had soared to €60m (£55m), as per Transfermarkt.

Estevão has wasted little time in showing why the club put their faith in him.

Already capped seven times by Brazil and with a goal to his name at senior international level, he made an immediate impression by registering an assist against West Ham.

His profile fits neatly with Chelsea’s youth-driven approach: technically gifted, creative in the final third, and able to offer direct end product.

Statistically, he is already more efficient than his predecessor Madueke, with higher involvement in chance creation and a greater contribution per 90 minutes across his young career.

Why Garnacho could be the better Madueke replacement

While Estevão excites, another summer signing could prove the more immediate solution.

Alejandro Garnacho’s arrival from Manchester United was high-profile and contentious, ending his 144-game spell at Old Trafford, where he produced 26 goals and 22 assists.

At Premier League level, he boasts 24 goals and assists in 94 games. For comparison, Madueke has just 18 goals and assists under his belt in England’s top-flight, albeit from 71 outings.

At just 21, this young “diamond” – as hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – already has Premier League experience and eight caps for Argentina, offering Chelsea a player with both upside and proven credentials.

The comparison between Garnacho and Estevão is fascinating. Over their careers to date, Garnacho has averaged 0.27 goals per 90, compared to Estevão’s 0.37, as per FBref.

Yet the Brazilian edges almost every creative metric: 0.75 goal involvements per 90 versus Garnacho’s 0.40, 5.39 shot-creating actions per 90 compared to 3.78, and a higher success rate in take-ons (3.26 to 1.45).

He also attempts and completes more progressive passes, underlining his playmaking instincts.

Garnacho, however, carries advantages in directness and experience.

He takes more shots per 90 (3.49 vs 3.00) and has a better understanding of the pace and physicality of English football.

The stylistic contrast is clear.

Estevão offers finesse, vision and technical flair, while Garnacho thrives on dynamism, running at defenders and producing moments of explosiveness.

In theory, Chelsea may not need to choose: both profiles could balance each other in the long run.

But in the short term, Garnacho’s readiness to impact games in the Premier League may prove invaluable as Chelsea look to cement their top-four status.

What is striking is how Chelsea’s handling of Madueke’s departure reflects the broader philosophy at Stamford Bridge.

The club are not afraid to part ways with established players if they believe a younger, cheaper and potentially more valuable alternative exists.

Estevão embodies that philosophy – a long-term project with world-class potential.

Garnacho, meanwhile, provides a safety net, ensuring the team does not lose momentum while the Brazilian adapts.

For Chelsea, the question is not whether Madueke will be missed, but whether the combination of Estevão and Garnacho can deliver more than he ever did.

The early signs suggest they just might.

Chelsea star is in danger of becoming the new Madueke after Bayern

Noni Madueke was a marmite character at Chelsea.

By
Will Miller

Sep 18, 2025

Harry Kane has revealed the worst moment of his career following England's qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions eased to a 5-0 win over Latvia in Riga on Tuesday night to maintain their 100% record. Captain Kane, meanwhile, is looking to right some wrongs and has set himself an ambitious goal target as he looks to continue his rampant form.

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  Kane has been scoring for fun

  Kane bagged a brace against Latvia on Tuesday night having sat out the 3-0 win over Wales last week due to injury. A two-goal salvo in Riga were Kane's fifth and sixth of World Cup qualifying and extended his scoring streak for club and country to eight matches.

  The 32-year-old has made an imperious start to the 2025-26 campaign as he looks to follow up last season's Bundesliga success. Indeed, Kane has already scored 16 Bayern goals across just nine outings for the Bavarian powerhouse.

  Bayern are the outright favourites to win the Bundesliga for the second year running and a real contender to lift the Champions League in Budapest next summer. Kane will be hoping it's a pre-cursor for the World Cup as England look to win the famous trophy for the first time since 1966.

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• 'Probably the worst that I felt in any moment'

  Kane is also looking to right some World Cup wrongs as he aims to captain England to international glory. The striker missed a decisive penalty against France in the quarter-finals in Qatar in 2022 having already netted from the spot as England fell to a 2-1 loss to Didier Deschamps' side.

  "I’d say that was probably the worst that I felt in any moment," Kane told . "Obviously I’ve lost finals before. To have that responsibility, you almost feel like it fell on my shoulders and I guess not being able to execute something that I’ve been able to execute many times in my career… I think that was the hardest part to process and take.

  "I learnt from that, the way that motivated me to get even better and improve, not just from the penalty side in terms of improving my technique but as an all-round player. To know I want to be back there, I want to help England get back there."

  Kane has revealed that miss prompted a change to his penalty taking technique, adding: "I changed my technique a little bit. I improved in that sense which I was proud of.

  "And that’s always what I will try and do. In terms of that [penalty miss] being my last memory [of a World Cup], yeah, I’m looking forward to the next World Cup to try and put that right, to try and go further, to try and lift the trophy as we all dream of doing.

  "And the opportunity is always there when that is coming around. I think those moments only shape you as a person, as a player and it’s definitely helped me to become a better player."

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  England captain reveals goal target

  The Three Lions skipper has also revealed his ambitious goalscoring target for the national team. Tuesday's brace in Latvia took him to 76 England goals, and he believes he has what it takes to reach a century.

  "I think it’s there," Kane said when asked if 100 international goals was a realistic target.

  "The way I’m feeling right now, I’m not slowing down any time soon. I want to stay at this level for as long as I can. I’m on 76 now so that leaves 24 and we have a few more games between now and the World Cup and then try [to] edge closer to that 100.

  "I am extremely proud to have broken Rooney’s record and now to be going ahead like I am. It is hard to process while I am still playing. In life it’s always about the next moment and the next camp, the next game. I’m aware that it’s a special achievement. I’ll be hungry for as many goals as possible and we’ll see how far I can go."

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• Kane issues rallying cry

  England qualified for the World Cup with two games to spare. And while some may feel the Three Lions can take their foot off the gas against Serbia and Albania next month, Kane has issued a rallying cry for teammates to maintain this momentum.

  "I said in the changing rooms never take this for granted but ultimately we will come back in November [for the final two qualifiers at home against Serbia and away against Albania] and there are two more important games to carry on the momentum we are building so far," Kane said.

  England's first set of games next March are yet to be decided but reports earlier this month suggested that are keen to host Uruguay and Japan as they gear up for next year's World Cup.

After Mohamed Salah finished fourth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has revealed why he thinks France Football looked past the Egyptian’s incredible year.

2025 Ballon d'Or rankings cause controversy

As ever, the Ballon d’Or rankings caused plenty of debate. There wasn’t a place in the top 10 for either Virgil van Dijk or Harry Kane, whilst many have even disputed eventual winner, Ousmane Dembele. Truth be told, the award has lost some of its value ever since Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo vacated their throne.

The most controversial placing was Salah’s. The Egyptian, who broke records as Liverpool sealed the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season at the club, finished fourth and below Vitinha, Lamine Yamal and Dembele. Whilst there’s an argument to be had that he shouldn’t have won the award, it feels harsh that he missed out on a place in the top three altogether.

If the award is based on individual performance, then it’s hard to find a more worthy winner than Liverpool’s star. He was involved in more goals than Dembele, Yamal and, of course, midfield star Vitinha, but failed to finish above all three.

It comes just one year on from missing out on a nomination entirely in 2024, as France Football continue to look beyond Anfield’s Egyptian King. At 33 years old, it seems unlikely that Salah will have a better opportunity to win the award than in 2025, either.

Many have had their say as to why the winger missed out on the award, including Liverpool legend Carragher, who recently put Salah’s snub down to one particular reason.

Carragher reveals why Ballon d'Or snubbed Salah

Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher revealed why he believes Salah missed out on the Ballon d’Or to Dembele. The former central defender looked back on Liverpool’s meeting with Paris Saint-Germain and claimed that the French side’s victory made all the difference.

There will be many who disagree with that verdict, but previous years have highlighted just how important the Champions League is in deciding these awards.

Sky journalist shares "big" Crystal Palace news as Liverpool gifted Guehi boost

The Reds could yet get their man…

By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 25, 2025

With that, Salah’s snub arguably came down to two games against the European champions last season rather than the sensational campaign that he otherwise enjoyed.

Harry Kane says his first goal away at FC Koln on Tuesday was "one of his favourites" so far this season as Bayern Munich came from behind to beat the newly-promoted Bundesliga side 4-1 in the DFB Pokal. The England captain struck twice as Bayern created history by becoming the first team ever in Europe's top five leagues to win their first 14 games to a season in all competitions.

• Kane strikes again as imperious Bayern march on

  Bayern have been nothing short of unstoppable so far this season and after an early scare, that was the case once again as Kane, Luis Diaz and Michael Olise all got on the scoresheet to secure a comfortable victory in the end.

  The victory also meant that Bayern surpassed 50 goals for the season in just 14 games, 22 of which have been scored by Kane who has earnt early Ballon d'Or shouts. This succession of 14 wins broke a European record set by AC Milan in the 1992/93 season. Bayern have been in truly scintillating form and early tips for the Bavarian giants to win it all feel more than justified.

  On the night, Kane swivelled to strike home his first goal from the tightest of angles, before heading home from a corner in the second half to make the game safe. He expressed his appreciation for the first goal at the full-time whistle.

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  Kane describes 'favourite' first goal on the night

  Kane told ESPN it was one of his favourite goals of the season so far: "It's one of my favourites. I think, it's a mixture of good finishing, technique, instinct of my surroundings, I liked the goal. I'll have to watch it back.

  “It was a kind of chip, ‘spinny’ one into the far corner, it was nice. I've been playing the game long enough now. When I'm in the box, I know where I am and where the goal is. 

  “I'll probably try that 10 more times and it might not come off the way it did tonight. But that's the important thing, being able to do that in the high-pressure moment.”

• Bayern come from behind but win once again

  Koln took the lead in the 31st minute through Ragnar Ache, who headed into the far corner after a confident start by the home side. But this lead would last just five minutes, as Diaz equalised from what appeared to be an offside position before Kane and then Olise took the game away from their hosts in a ruthless attacking display.

  But Kane would still praise Koln for the pressure they put the champions under in the first half, posing one of their bigger tests of the season so far.

  “It was tough, first half especially,” Kane told ESPN. “I think the first 30 minutes it was a bit chaotic from both teams. We still had chances in the first half that if we take it can be a different game. But then about 15 minutes in they started getting set plays and they started putting balls in our box, the crowd got behind them, and it was difficult. We had to battle. 

  “It was obviously disappointing to concede like we did but then the best part was the reaction, to score so quickly after and bounce back and again to go 2-1 and take control before half-time was the most pleasing thing today.”

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  Bayern are just getting started

  This Bayern Munich train will no doubt steamroller on, with probably their two toughest tests of the season so far coming up in Champions League away trips to PSG and Arsenal. Win both of those, and Vincent Kompany’s side might will surely be the favourites for the competition.

  There is still work to be done on the domestic stage, with Bayern already five points clear at the top with Bundesliga matches against Bayer Leverkusen and Union Berlin on the horizon. But their start to the season is catching attention across Europe, not least now that they have smashed Milan’s record.

  Kompany said earlier this week: "My team is incredibly hungry for the trophy. It's not just the fans who want the title, it's something we live and breathe.

  "The records come when we approach every game with the mentality of wanting to win. That's the first thing. And the second is quality. The lads are fit and you can see a lot of automatic movements. They're hungry and want more! That's helping us right now."

Giovani Lo Celso has fired a subtle dig at Manchester United over their treatment of a player Ruben Amorim decided to get rid of in the summer.

Ex-Man Utd stars impressing after leaving Old Trafford

In what is, at this stage, an unsurprising turn of events, a number of the players Man United decided to move on in the summer have started well at their new clubs, including Rasmus Hojlund, who opened his account for Napoli on the opening day against Fiorentina.

Marcus Rashford is also off the mark for Barcelona, scoring twice against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in the Champions League, although United legend Paul Scholes hasn’t been left impressed by the England international

Scholes said: “I really struggle to feel happy for Marcus Rashford.

“Mainly because of his attitude. His attitude towards Man United towards the end was disgraceful. The amount of times I saw him walking because he wanted to leave… His whole demeanour about him was a disgrace.”

Antony, who is the second-most expensive signing in United’s history, has also caught the eye since joining Real Betis, picking up nine goals and five assists across all competitions during a loan spell last season.

Man Utd targeting "incredible" 4-2-3-1 manager who's won three league titles

The Red Devils have identified an “incredible” manager as a replacement for Ruben Amorim.

4

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 23, 2025

The Brazilian has since signed for the Spanish club on a permanent deal, with the Red Devils being forced to take a huge loss, and Lo Celso has subsequently praised his new teammate, while also taking a subtle dig at Ruben Amorim’s side.

As relayed by Sport Witness, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder said: “I think his return is important for everyone. It wasn’t an easy summer for him. We know what English clubs are like; they don’t let you train. Every time he touches the ball, there’s a sense of danger. He’s direct and contagious.”

Amorim made the correct decision by selling Antony

Despite Lo Celso’s comments, it was undoubtedly the correct decision to sell the Brazilian in the summer, given that the winger flattered to deceive right across the two-and-a-half seasons he spent at Old Trafford.

In the summer transfer window, it was revealed that Amorim personally wanted to get rid of the 22-year-old, and it is little wonder, given that the Real Betis man very rarely impressed, receiving criticism right the way through his spell with the Red Devils.

On a more positive note, replacement Bryan Mbeumo has made a good start to life at Old Trafford, receiving praise from Amorim after opening his account against Burnley.

The United boss said: “It was impressive, the way he stretched the team, the quality he has in the first touch. You can feel that we are a different team, because when we win the ball, we have one guy stretching the team.”

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has revealed that record signing Alexander Isak faces a race against time to be fit for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brentford after sustaining a groin problem in midweek. The Dutchman also confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Alisson Becker remains unavailable and Ryan Gravenberch faces a late fitness check.

• Isak yet to shine at Liverpool since £125m move

  Isak’s first few months at Liverpool have been turbulent, and his latest setback adds to the club’s growing injury concerns. The £125 million ($166m) signing was substituted at half-time in the Reds’ 5-1 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt after complaining of groin discomfort. Slot later confirmed the issue was minor but admitted the Swedish forward will need to undergo a fitness test before the trip to Brentford.

  Isak’s injury comes at a crucial time as he continues to search for his first Premier League goal since joining Liverpool on deadline day. His start to life at Anfield has been hindered by a lack of pre-season conditioning after a chaotic summer exit from Newcastle United. The 26-year-old has featured in eight matches across all competitions, scoring once in the Carabao Cup and providing a single Premier League assist.

  The striker’s physical struggles are seen as a product of his disrupted build-up to the season. Having missed team training for large parts of the summer, Isak arrived short on fitness and rhythm. The groin complaint, a recurrence of a historical issue, has therefore forced Slot to balance the striker’s match involvement carefully to avoid further setbacks.

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  Slot delivers injury updates with Frimpong of deep concern

  Speaking ahead of the Brentford fixture, Slot gave an honest assessment of his squad’s fitness situation. "Alexander is not too bad. He is a question mark for the weekend so we will see where he is," the Liverpool manager said during his pre-match press conference.

  Slot then delivered less encouraging news on Frimpong, who was also withdrawn during the midweek win. "Jeremie Frimpong is not in a good place, he won’t play today, tomorrow or next week," he admitted. "Hamstring injuries so that is going to take a while."

  When pressed about potential returns elsewhere in the squad, Slot maintained a cautious tone. "He [Gravenberch] didn’t travel with us so today we are again but yesterday we had a day of travel so let’s see where he is," he said of his compatriot. "Alisson is going to take a bit longer, so we will be patient there."

• How will Liverpool cope with injuries?

  Isak’s transfer remains one of the defining moments of the 2025 summer window, with Liverpool smashing their own transfer record to lure him from Newcastle United. The deal was finalised after weeks of tense negotiations and player unrest, ending one of the most controversial sagas in recent Premier League memory. However, his early Liverpool career has yet to reflect the fee’s magnitude, largely due to ongoing fitness concerns.

  Frimpong’s situation compounds Liverpool’s challenges, particularly given his subdued start since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutch right-back’s hamstring problem has ruled him out for multiple weeks, leaving a void in Slot’s attacking setup on the flanks. Meanwhile, Gravenberch, is battling to shake off an ankle issue that kept him out of the Frankfurt match.

  Adding to the list, Alisson continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since late September. The Brazilian’s absence has tested Liverpool’s defensive consistency, with Giorgi Mamardashvili stepping in between the posts. The Reds’ injury concerns come amid a congested fixture schedule, which will see them play five games in 15 days.

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  Reds travel to Brentford this weekend

  Liverpool’s focus now shifts to maintaining momentum in domestic competition following their Champions League victory. A trip to Brentford presents an opportunity to end their three-match losing streak in the Premier League, but Slot will once again have to rely on squad depth to navigate the fitness issues. Isak’s condition will be closely monitored up to matchday, with the Swede expected to undergo a late fitness test before any final decision is made.

  Frimpong’s extended absence could open the door for Conor Bradley or Joe Gomez to feature at right-back, while Gravenberch’s potential return offers midfield reinforcement.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed that he and Jude Bellingham share the same barber, who they regularly fly out to Madrid from the UK to cut their hair. The Real Madrid defender explained that he and the midfielder started using the same barber at the European Championships and now that they are both at the same club, choose to have the barber get a flight to the Spanish capital.

• The life of a celebrity barber

  Footballers are well known for getting their haircuts regularly and many keep the same barber for years, even when moving clubs. In an interview with Amazon, Alexander-Arnold revealed that he and Bellingham choose to fly their barber out to Madrid regularly. This means that the pair, who get their hair cut almost weekly, are consistently forking out for return flights to and from the Spanish capital for their trusted man.

  The actions of the Los Blancos pair are not uncommon. Earlier this year, popular Premier League barber Senyo revealed that former Chelsea midfielder Ramires had him fly from London to China every month to give his hair a trim.

  He explained: "People didn't understand it. But you know when you're quite particular about the person who cuts your hair, sometimes it is impossible to just get anyone to do it. It is the relationship you build with these boys, the trust that you build, once they recommend you that means that you're official."

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• Flights to Madrid

  The Englishmen in Madrid must be especially particular about the man who cuts their hair. When asked by Alex Aljoe for about haircuts in the Madrid team, Alexander-Arnold explained: "[Bellingham] takes his hair very, very seriously. His hair is very serious to him.”

  When questioned how often the midfielder gets his hair treated, the defender admitted that they have the same barber and so they get haircuts the same number of times. He added: "[I met him at] England camp, it might have been the Euros, even. You bring your barber once a week, maybe.

  "And then, some of the lads will jump on. I jumped on with him on [and got] a nice, fresh haircut."

  Questioned whether the barber lives in Madrid, the defender said: "No. [He lives] in the UK. He comes regularly, yeah."

• Anfield homecoming for former Red

  Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham might not have to fly their barber to continental Europe this week, with the pair set to play at Anfield in mid-week. The game will mark the right-back’s first ever game against Liverpool and a return to the club that made him the player he is today.

  Despite departing a Premier League champion, the former Reds academy star left Merseyside unceremoniously in the summer and was even booed by his own fans following the announcement of his desire to move to Los Blancos. Now set to start the game up against his former team-mates, Alexander-Arnold could be set for a hostile reception.

  The game will offer Bellingham and the rest of the Madrid squad a chance to make up for their failings at the same ground in last year’s competition. The Reds were dominant and saw off the Spanish giants 2-0, a game in which Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty for the visitors.

  The French forward, fresh off winning the European Golden Shoe, is in sublime form and will be hungry to get on the scoresheet. The Reds defence has been under immense scrutiny this season and, despite winning this weekend, Liverpool remain in patchy form.

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  Madrid leading the pack

  Madrid have been strong this season and, under new management of Xabi Alonso, are racing clear at the top of La Liga. Los Blancos are five points clear of bitter rivals Barcelona, who narrowed the gap with victory over Elche on Sunday.

  Madrid have also been faultless in the Champions League. They will be hoping to make it four wins from four against Liverpool to keep the pressure on the sides above them, including Arsenal, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and current holders Paris Saint-Germain.