Amad Diallo is a player who has had to switch up his game over the last couple of months due to the implementation of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford.

The Ivorian has largely operated in a right wing-back role when fit, having a huge impact on the side and arguably taking his career to the next level as a result.

He managed to register eight goals and six assists in the Premier League last season, potentially having to feature in such a position once again throughout 2025/26.

The addition of Matheus Cunha and the potential signing of Bryan Mbeumo would likely see the pair operate in the number ten positions, which could see Amad drop back into a deeper position.

However, the hierarchy could land numerous targets this summer, with many of which benefiting the former Atalanta star in his quest for success at Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has been named as a possible addition for the club throughout the current window.

The 32-year-old may be allowed to depart Unai Emery’s side ahead of 2025/26, with the player himself wanting a move, but he could cost in the region of £40m.

However, he’s not the only defensive option currently on their radar, with PSG star Lucas Beraldo a key target for Amorim’s side, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Brazilian centre-back could be allowed to depart the French outfit during the off-season, opening the door to a move to the Red Devils.

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It also states that Jason Wilcox and Co are preparing a bid for the 21-year-old in the coming days, potentially adding further depth to the backline, but also providing quality elsewhere in the squad.

He could be available for a fee of around £25m, according to reports in France.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Amad

Whilst injuries somewhat plagued his progress throughout last season, Amad managed to produce numerous impressive moments in what was a huge year for the star personally.

He was seen as a squad player by former boss Erik ten Hag, but the arrival of Amorim saw him become a key member of the side, as seen by his assist for Marcus Rashford in the 40-year-old’s first game at the helm.

Other key outings saw him register a hat-trick against Southampton, whilst also netting the winner against local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.

Undoubtedly, given his setbacks with various injuries, he will be hoping to put a run of games together and replicate his best form in the club’s charge up the table next year.

If he is to be a success, he could be aided by defender Beraldo, who could hold the keys to the Ivorian reaching the next level despite his current defensive role.

When delving into his stats from the previous campaign in Ligue 1, the Brazilian thrived in and out of possession, offering a real top-level talent to Amorim’s side as a result.

Beraldo, who’s been labelled “incredibly eye-catching” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, managed to complete 95% of the passes he attempted last season, 5.9 of which per 90 were progressive – subsequently handing Amad the chance to impress when he receives the ball.

Lucas Beraldo’s stats for PSG in Ligue 1 (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	25
Goals & assists	1
Pass accuracy	95%
Progressive passes	5.9
Passes into final third	7.5
Passes into opposition box	0.6
Tackles won	1.4
% of tackles won	62%
Aerials won	2.1
Aerial success rate	68%
Stats via FBref

The youngster’s impressive ability on the ball is further reflected by his tally of 7.5 passes into the final third per 90, a figure that puts him in the top 2% of the division – having the ball-playing ability to allow Amad to torment the opposition.

However, the defender has also been a key defensive option for the Parisians, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 along with a 68% aerial success, which could massively bolster the options currently on the books at Old Trafford.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for his signature would cost this summer, it’s evident that any deal would be a superb one, having the potential to improve further given his tender age.

If he can transfer his skillset to England, he would have the quality needed at both ends to impress, potentially allowing Diallo to reach the next level as a result.

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Ethan Lamb

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Sheffield Wednesday are in a state of constant change, but their internal situation hasn’t slowed the Owls’ mission to bring in new blood as they now have a potential recruit on trial.

Danny Rohl leaves Sheffield Wednesday

Following a summer of turbulence, David Ornstein has confirmed that Danny Rohl has left his post at Sheffield Wednesday after informing his players and staff this morning of his intention to depart Hillsborough.

“Danny Rohl exits position as Sheffield Wednesday head coach. Agreement finalised for 36yo to depart SWFC – players + staff being informed this morning. German boss free to pursue next steps; expected to take some time to consider options.”

Financially, Sheffield Wednesday are in a frail position and have been unable to pay players on time in recent months. Rohl opting to leave is just the latest in a long line of exits, including Josh Windass and Michael Smith.

Dejphon Chansiri’s mismanagement of club affairs has left fans irate. On the same token, uncertainty over whether club captain Barry Bannan will commit to the Owls is another frustrating element of the current state of play.

With no imminent takeover in sight, it is hard to envisage when things will start to take a turn in the other direction. Sheffield Wednesday are in a dark period, but supporters will cling on to the hope that light exists at the end of the tunnel.

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Finding a manager to steer the club through difficult moments will be a stern task, though there is one small nugget of positivity for the Owls to cling on to amid recent developments.

Sheffield Wednesday take Reece Clairmont on trial

According to The Star, Sheffield Wednesday have signed former Arsenal winger Reece Clairmont for a trial after he left the Gunners on a free transfer at the end of last season.

The 18-year-old winger is reported to have started for an Under-21 Owls side in a 2-0 defeat to Derby County over the weekend. Whether or not he earns a contract remains to be seen, though the academy pathway is set to be heavily utilised this term in light of off-field problems.

Reece Clairmont in 2024/25 – Under-18 Premier League

Appearances

6

Goals

0

Assists

0

Alexander Asaba has also been at Sheffield Wednesday on a trial basis and started the clash, and it remains to be seen if either are set to be involved in Friday night’s clash against Scarborough Athletic.

Cost-effective solutions on the pitch will need to come into effect this season. Ultimately, budget restrictions and the threat of a Championship points deduction don’t help matters whatsoever.

Nevertheless, there is still talent in the building at Hillsborough and allowing youth a chance to flourish under new management may unearth some prodigious talent that can be sold later down the line, potentially easing the financial situation while Chansiri attempts to find a buyer.

Australia’s Test bowling depth has taken a blow with back-up seamer Michael Neser ruled out of the remainder of the Australia A game at the MCG with a hamstring injury after claiming four wickets on the opening day to rip through India A’s top order.Neser was bowling his 13th over, having already taken 4 for 27 with some stunning swing and seam bowling in the morning session, when he pulled up sharply following his second delivery of the over. He immediately began limping off the ground in a clear sign that he knew exactly what the issue was.A Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed shortly after that Neser had injured his left hamstring and would not bowl again in the game. He will go for scans to assess the extent of the damage.Related

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It is understood Neser had experienced some soreness in the same left hamstring after the last Sheffield Shield game he played on October 23 when he bowled 48.5 overs for Queensland against South Australia. That soreness saw him ruled out of the domestic One-Day Cup game against South Australia two days later.He returned to training without any issues after a short break and was fine in the lead-up to this game. But the fast bowlers have had issues with the outfield at the MCG this season as it has been top dressed with sand following the Australian Football League season.Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc suffered cramps in both the Shield and ODI games he has played here over the past two weeks and complained about how heavy the outfield was to run on. Australia and New South Wales team-mate Sean Abbott also noted how heavy his legs felt after the Shield game.Neser had also come into the summer off an injury in the winter. He suffered a calf injury while playing in England and was on bowling restrictions in the pre-season right up until the first Shield game of the summer in Perth.He was unlikely to be in Australia’s Test squad for the first Test in Perth against India with Scott Boland set to be the sole back-up quick in what is expected to be a 13-man group. But there was an expectation that Neser could be needed at some point during the series. There is a nine-day break between the first two Tests but Australia are wary that there is only a three-day gap between the second and third Test in Adelaide and Brisbane. There is a seven-day break between the third and fourth Test and then another three-day break between the fourth and fifth Test.Abbott and Nathan McAndrew would be among the contenders if Australia needed another fast bowler for a Test match beyond Boland.There is some positive news from Western Australia with Jhye Richardson getting through a WA Second XI game last week and bowling 25 overs in the match for the first time in 12 months. He might be able to make a Shield return before the BBL break but it would be a big ask for him to be ready for a Test match given his long build back off a raft of injury issues.Lance Morris has also not played a red-ball game this season coming off stress fractures in the winter and a quad strain. But he is in line to play an ODI on Sunday when Australia’s big three are rested. He was also a chance to play a Shield game before the BBL provided he could build his loads up adequately.

Manchester United have now opened talks to swap Alejandro Garnacho for “one of the best strikers in Europe”, according to journalist Miguel Delaney.

Garnacho almost certain to leave Man Utd

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has recently revealed that Garnacho is almost certain to seal a move away from Old Trafford this summer, and there is a chance he could move to one of Man United’s Premier League rivals.

Romano said: “Don’t forget about the situation of Alejandro Garnacho, who remains a player appreciated by Chelsea. He remains a case to watch in this summer transfer window because Garnacho will leave Man Utd for sure. Chelsea are following the situation closely.”

It is no surprise that Ruben Amorim seemingly has no qualms about sanctioning a departure, given that the Argentinian hasn’t exactly endeared himself to fans as of late, with Mark Goldbridge left fuming after the United ace was pictured in an Aston Villa shirt.

Villa have also been named as potential suitors for the forward, who is enticed by the prospect of working under Unai Emery, but there has now been a suggestion that Amorim’s side could get him off the books in a different way.

In a report for The Independent, Delaney has now revealed that Man United have spoken to Villa about swapping Garnacho for Ollie Watkins, with INEOS trying to orchestrate slightly more unorthodox deals, in an effort to get around PSR issues.

Watkins is now attracting strong interest from the Red Devils, given that the striker is a proven Premier League goalscorer, and there is a belief they could get a deal done for around £40m – £45m.

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RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is also on the shortlist, but a deal for the Slovenian may be more expensive, with a £78m fee being touted.

Watkins among the "best strikers in Europe"

Emery is likely to have little desire to lose the England international this summer, having lauded him as “one of the best strikers in Europe” in the past – a description which is certainly backed up by his performances for Villa over the past few years.

The 29-year-old has scored a minimum of 15 Premier League goals in his last three seasons, and having a reliable goalscorer in the squad would be a real boost for Amorim, given that the manager has been unable to depend on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

The only concern over the signing of Watkins is likely to be his age, given that the Englishman is seven years Sesko’s senior, so United have a big decision to make before the season starts.

Regardless of whether Garnacho is included in a swap deal, it is important United get the 21-year-old off the books this summer, with his Villa shirt stunt showing he has little interest in remaining at Old Trafford.

Hayley Matthews gave Renegades a flying start to the chase but 21-year-old legspinner Parsons changed the game

AAP30-Oct-2024Brisbane Heat legspinner Grace Parsons starred in just her second WBBL match in a history-making 28-run win over Melbourne Renegades.The 21-year-old snared 3 for 22 in four overs to turn the game after Renegades started fast in pursuit of the Heat’s 169 for 8 at Allan Border Field.The win marked the first time in WBBL history that Heat had started a season with consecutive wins.Related

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Renegades made a blistering start courtesy of West Indies gun Hayley Matthews (35 off 28) before Parsons captured two wickets in her opening over, her first victims in the WBBL.It got better for Parsons when allrounder Deandra Dottin was controversially given out lbw after the ball had deflected off her glove and onto the pad. Dottin called for a review but there was no DRS in this match, although 33 out of 43 WBBL games this season will feature the review system.Renegades fell apart with opener Courtney Webb run out and skipper Sophie Molineux both falling in the 10th over as the visitors slumped to 71 for 5 after being 51 for 0.Heat turned the screws with seamer Shikha Pandey continuing her excellent start to the season to restrict Renegades despite a quickfire 38 from Naomi Stalenberg.Parsons suffered a shoulder injury last year and missed the entire WBBL season after she was Queensland’s leading wicket taker in the WNCL.Such is her talent she recently won Australia A selection against India ahead of what looks set to be a fruitful career.She said learning off former Heat legspinner and New Zealand’s T20 World Cup star Amelia Kerr had helped with her craft.”Learning off Amelia the last three years has been really special because she is the best to do it,” Parsons told AAP. “Our spin bowling coach at the Heat is Cameron Boyce and he is amazing at what he does and it has been really cool to pick his brain.”It was a long countdown to Big Bash but I got here in the end and it was super special to play my debut game at Allan Border Field.”Earlier, experienced Heat duo Georgia Redmayne and Lauren Winfield-Hill added 66 from 46 to set the innings up. Redmayne was savage square of the wicket and pulled her first four boundaries stylishly.Winfield-Hill rotated the strike while punishing anything loose. One stylish reverse sweep rocketed to the fence of spinner Georgia Wareham before the Englishwoman was well caught at mid-wicket.Charli Knott, player of the match against Adelaide Strikers in the season opener, holed out for just one before Dottin drew an edge from Redmayne and the hosts slipped to 86 for 4.Swashbuckling Laura Harris (31 off 16) upped the ante as only she can with a quickfire innings during the power surge that included a cut over point for six.Heat skipper Jess Jonassen finished unbeaten on 25 to get the Heat to a competitive total.

Liverpool don’t want to sell Luis Diaz this summer, but they might have to. Keeping a player on the books whose heart is set elsewhere is an ill-fated move, and the Colombian wants to leave Anfield.

You can see his case. Aged 28, Diaz is one of the finest wingers in the game, but he earns a comparatively modest salary at Liverpool and has entered the second-to-last year of his contract.

Diaz wants a pay rise, but Liverpool aren’t inclined to give him one, instead willing to see out his contract.

1

Mohamed Salah

£400,000

£20,800,000

2

Virgil Van Dijk

£350,000

£18,200,000

3

Florian Wirtz

£195,000

£10,140,000

4

Andrew Robertson

£160,000

£8,320,000

=5

Alexis Mac Allister

£150,000

£7,800,000

=5

Alisson

£150,000

£7,800,000

=5

Ryan Gravenberch

£150,000

£7,800,000

=5

Federico Chiesa

£150,000

£7,800,000

16*

Luis Diaz

£55,000

£2,860,000

He was a crucial part of last season’s success. Diaz scored 17 goals and supplied eight assists across all competitions for Liverpool, his best return for the club.

His electric pace, tenacious fight and versatility proved perfect for Arne Slot as the Dutch coach led the Reds to the Premier League title.

But Bayern Munich are persistent in their bid to sign the Colombian winger, having already seen a £58.5m bid knocked back this summer.

However, Sky Germany confirm that the Bundesliga champions continue to push, and with Liverpool set to sign a new striker, perhaps his sale for a mammoth fee wouldn’t be such a bad thing in the long run.

The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been one of the more coveted names on the market this summer. Manchester United and Newcastle United have both shown an interest, but it’s the Reds who will likely prevail, the Frenchman submitting a transfer request on Thursday to seal a deal with the Anfield side.

Valued at €100m (£85m) Ekitike will cost a pretty penny, all right, but he’s worth it, already regarded “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

While Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has been sporting director Richard Hughes’ first choice, the Magpies have rejected Liverpool’s advances, so the Reds have stolen their top target instead.

He’s not as good as Isak, but the 23-year-old does have sky-high potential, the genuine chance to make headway over a number of years at Liverpool and reach that pedestal.

While Diaz spent a fair share of time as a makeshift striker in 2024/25, he is at his core a left-sided forward. With Darwin Nunez supposedly off as well, Liverpool might need to sign a winger to go alongside Ekitike.

Liverpool line up Luis Diaz heir

According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Liverpool have retained an interest in signing Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, having come close to signing him one year ago.

The England international, 24, is valued at £75m and any concrete move is dependent on Diaz’s future. However, the long-standing interest and Gordon’s Merseyside affiliation could see him push for a return to Anfield, having left Liverpool’s academy as an 11-year-old.

While Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is also on Liverpool’s radar, with preliminary talks having taken place, Gordon might be the man to go for.

Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon

In Cody Gakpo, Liverpool have a prolific and proven left winger. However, Diaz’s departure would call for a direct replacement, and while Rodrygo would be a stunning signing, Arsenal also have a vested interest, and Real Madrid are seeking upwards of £87m.

Gordon would be a more than acceptable fallback. A high-speed runner with a dogged approach to his football, the Newcastle star has bloomed into one of the Premier League’s finest over the past couple of years, with teammate Bruno Guimaraes describing him as “special”.

Technically sharp and physically robust, he certainly fits the mould that Diaz would leave behind, and this dynamic skill set could be the perfect thing for a young striker in Ekitike, who will need support as he steps into the cauldron of fire that is the English top flight.

Ekitike will, of course, have the likes of Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz to lead the supply line, but in Gordon, Liverpool could retain the sense of energy and completeness that Diaz brings to the table.

And anyway, the Toon talent has already demonstrated in the Premier League that he’s capable of throwing down with the likes of Diaz, and indeed Rodrygo, whose skill has led Luka Modric to describe him as a “world-class superstar” in La Liga.

Let’s dig a little deeper. Now, we’re going to skew the data a tad. Gordon’s 2024/25 campaign left plenty to be desired, but he was a force to be reckoned with the season prior.

Looking at that 2023/24 term, comparing it to Rodrygo and Diaz’s league efforts last term, we can see that he’s got the potential to make quite the impression at Liverpool.

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

30 (22)

36 (28)

Goals

11

6

13

Assists

10

5

5

Shots (on target)*

2.3 (0.9)

1.8 (0.7)

2.0 (0.8)

Big chances missed

9

1

11

Pass completion

82%

91%

86%

Big chances created

16

5

8

Key passes*

1.6

1.6

1.6

Dribbles*

1.5

1.6

1.5

Ball recoveries*

3.6

2.4

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

1.1

1.3

Duels won*

5.3

3.8

3.8

Quite the effort. Gordon’s performances, notching 21 goal contributions across Newcastle’s injury-hit year, led to the honour of the club’s Player of the Year. It was his first full season on Tyneside, and an illustration of his capacity for high-level performances.

And while his high duel rate, creativity and potency in the final third would elevate Ekitike as he makes his maiden way in England, the centre-forward could certainly return the favour, with a style of play that is truly layered and vast.

Indeed, as per FBref, Ekitike ranked among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

Whichever way you look at it, it’s hard to imagine Liverpool’s transfer window being anything other than a success. Slot proved his worth last season, and now he’s being rewarded with the parts to create a lasting squad of champions.

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كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن تفاصيل مثيرة تخص بعثة النادي الإسماعيلي قبل مباراته اليوم أمام إنبي في الدوري المصري الممتاز، مشيراً إلى أن الفريق لم يسافر إلى القاهرة للمبيت ليلة المباراة كما هو معتاد.

ومن المقرر أن يستضيف إنبي نظيره الإسماعيلي، في الخامسة مساء اليوم، على ملعب “بترو سبورت”، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة من عمر مسابقة الدوري المصري.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأربعاء: “وصلتني رسالة غريبة جداً من الإسماعيلية، لا تتفاجأوا، من داخل النادي الإسماعيلي، الفريق خاض تدريبه أمس على ملعبه، ثم لديه مباراة اليوم أمام إنبي، من الطبيعي بعد المران أن يستقل اللاعبون الأتوبيس ويتوجهوا إلى القاهرة للمبيت هناك استعدادًا للقاء”.

وتابع: “لكن ما حدث مختلف، فاللاعبون انتظروا تحرك الأتوبيس، ولم يجدوا أي ترتيبات للسفر، قالوا لهم: ستبيتون هنا، وتغادرون صباح يوم المباراة مباشرة إلى ملعب إنبي في القاهرة”.

طالع أيضًا | عضو مجلس الإسماعيلي بعد استقالته: النادي يذهب إلى الأسوأ.. وعقود لاعبيه الأقل في الدوري

وأوضح: “السبب – بحسب ما قيل لي – أنه لا توجد أموال كافية لحجز فندق إقامة، نعم!، لا توجد سيولة لحجز الفندق، وبالتالي سيتحرك الإسماعيلي صباح اليوم لخوض المباراة أمام إنبي”.

وأضاف: “لو صحت هذه الرواية، فالأمر مؤسف للغاية، أنا لا أريد أن أهاجم أحداً، لأن الإخوة في الإسماعيلية، أعضاء مجلس الإدارة ورئيس النادي، يغضبون مني كثيراً عندما أتحدث في هذه الأمور، ويقولون: يجب أن تقف بجانبنا، والله أنا أكثر من يقف بجانبكم، لكن ما يحدث لا يليق بنادٍ كبير مثل الإسماعيلي”.

وواصل: “حين تكون عضواً في مجلس إدارة، يجب أن تعرف مسبقاً ما لك وما عليك، وأن تضع الحلول لمثل هذه الأزمات، يبدو أنهم لم يدركوا حجم المشاكل التي تواجه النادي”.

واختتم: “أتمنى ألا تكون هذه الرواية صحيحة، حتى أخرج غداً وأعتذر، أتمنى فعلاً أن يكون ما وصلني غير صحيح”.

Everton also have a “fantastic” winger on their list of targets in the summer transfer window despite closing in on a deal for Jack Grealish, according to an update from Sky Sports reporter Alan Myers.

Everton set to complete Jack Grealish signing

The Merseysiders return to Premier League action next Monday evening, making the trip to Leeds United before hosting their first competitive game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium the following weekend. Everton have conducted some key transfer business this summer, and it looks as though it’s a matter of time until Jack Grealish is unveiled as their latest addition, having been a key attacking target in recent weeks.

The 29-year-old is set to seal a season-long loan move to the Blues, having fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, as he looks for a strong season ahead of the 2026 World Cup next year.

Moyes has spoken glowingly about Grealish in the past, which bodes well for their relationship, with the Everton boss even once saying of him: “He is a really good player and probably the best player in the Premier League at this time. He has done such a big job at that club (Villa) and is probably the best player in the league right now.”

Everton eyeing move for "fantastic" winger

Now, according to Myers on X, Everton have Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu on the list of summer transfer options, looking to potentially bring him in as an added boost to their attacking depth with Grealish.

Fatawu could be a brilliant signing by the Blues ahead of the new season, with the 21-year-old no doubt liking the idea of returning to the Premier League rather than staying in the Championship with Leicester.

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The 19-cap Ghana international featured for 78 minutes in the Foxes’ 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday afternoon, but there is no guarantee that he will still be at the club beyond the end of the window.

Fatawu has a huge amount of natural talent, being described as “fantastic” by scout Jacek Kulig in the past, and his ability to thrive on either wing will immediately enhance the squad depth at Moyes’ disposal.

A tally of 15 assists in 57 appearances for Leicester highlights Fatawu’s creativity out wide, so new signing Thierno Barry could love the idea of the Blues snapping him up.

Kobbie Mainoo is in an "uncomfortable" situation at Manchester United at the moment due to his reduced playing time, according to head coach Ruben Amorim. However, the Portuguese manager has absolutely no doubt that the young Englishman can become one of the best midfielders in the world in the near future, drawing comparisons with Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha.

• Mainoo not comfortable with bench role

  Just over a year ago, Mainoo was the name on everyone's lips. After a breakthrough 2023-24 season at Manchester United, during which he made 32 appearances, the Stockport-born midfielder became undroppable for England at Euro 2024, starting in both the semi-final and final. But Mainoo has become somewhat of an afterthought under Amorim. The head coach revealed that the youngster is "uncomfortable" in his current situation.

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  The next Vitinha? Amorim confident in Mainoo's abilities

  From being one of the first names on the team sheet under Amorim's predecessor Erik ten Hag, Mainoo has lost his spot in the XI, starting none of the opening three Premier League games and making just one appearance off the bench. 

  When asked by reporters how Mainoo is reacting to the situation, Amorim said: "He’s not used to fighting for his place, maybe. He’s uncomfortable, but he’s a very good kid. He wants to learn. Sometimes it’s hard to push different things from the players."

  After being reminded of Mainoo's credentials and contributions to the Red Devils, Amorim made a comparison with Vitinha, who is often considered as one of the best midfielders in the world at the moment. "I remember Vitinha was not playing for Wolverhampton,” Amorim responded. "Nowadays, you can see that Vitinha is maybe the best midfielder in the world. So you never know. Something can happen sometimes.

  "The way I play is completely different from the last manager. I watched a lot of games from the Premier League in Portugal. You can feel then that Manchester United really [played in] transitions. He was the only guy that calmed down the game. Now we have other players that calm down the game.

  "Sometimes I expect more from Kobbie Mainoo. Sometimes, maybe if I start [him] more, Kobbie Mainoo is going to play and he’s going to get hard to take out. I need to go with what I’m feeling at the moment and that is the only feeling. He’s starting the final of the European Championship in a team that has a lot of talented players – [Phil] Foden played that game, [Cole] Palmer was on the bench. He was playing. I know all that, but sometimes I have a different way of seeing the game."

• Mainoo facing uncertain future at Man Utd

  In the final few days of the transfer window, Mainoo's future was subject to a lot of speculation. The England international is said to have demanded a move away from Old Trafford after it was evident he wouldn't be important to Amorim's plans for the 2025-26 season. Several teams expressed their interest in the midfield metronome. Indeed, rumours suggested that Premier League rivals Tottenham enquired about the availability of signing Mainoo. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, too, were considering a potential last-minute loan move. However, it was his links to Napoli which garnered the highest attention. Ultimately, none of those moves came to fruition as United blocked a loan departure.

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  Will Mainoo leave Man Utd in January?

  Mainoo seems adamant on finding an exit route away from Manchester. Having starred for the Three Lions at last summer's European Championship, Mainoo will have his eyes set on nailing a place in Thomas Tuchel's squad for next year's World Cup. Reports indicate that he could depart the club in January, but things could yet change if he manages to convince Amorim of his abilities in the system the Portuguese manager is insistent on using.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has slammed Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal after confirming the winger will miss his side’s La Liga clash with Valencia at Camp Nou on Sunday. Flick has said Spain were aware that Yamal was already nursing an injury when they decided to start the teenager in both their World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey this week.

What injury has Yamal been struggling with?

Spanish publication revealed earlier on Saturday that Yamal had pulled out of training ahead of the Valencia game due to experiencing physical discomfort. While Barcelona are also yet to confirm the exact nature of Yamal's complaint, added that the 18-year-old was struggling with a back problem before linking up with Luis de la Fuente's Spain squad.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFlick points finger at Spain after confirming Yamal injury

And in a press conference ahead of the Valencia match, Barcelona manager Flick, 60, could not hide his anger as he confirmed Yamal will miss the game, particularly taking aim at how long the forward remained on the pitch for in Spain's victories over Bulgaria and Turkey.

Flick expresses anger in ahead of Valencia

A furious Flick told the media on Saturday afternoon: "Lamine Yamal will not be available. He went with the national team in pain and did not train. They gave him painkillers to play. They had at least a three-goal lead in every match, and he played 73 minutes and 79, and between matches he couldn't train. That is not taking care of the player. I am very sad about this."

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Barcelona could turn to Rashford to replace Yamal

With Yamal set to miss the Valencia game, Marcus Rashford could be handed a start in his place. The England international, 27, is still searching for his first competitive goal for Barcelona following his season-long loan move from Manchester United in the summer.