Tag Futebol

Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman is reportedly facing a lengthy spell out after suffering an ankle ligament injury. The 15-year-old was in action in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United at the weekend and was left hurt after a heavy challenge.

Dowman joins the treatment room

Dowman made history at just 15 years and 308 days when he featured for 18 minutes in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League. However, the teenager is facing a brief pause in his development and could be out for around two months, as reported by

Although he does not require surgery, the injury is serious enough to rule him out for a significant time, long enough for UEFA’s updated regulations to permit a squad replacement in European competition. Arsenal confirmed the news on Tuesday, removing the England youth international from their Champions League squad and adding Gabriel Jesus in his place. 

A club statement read: "Gabriel Jesus has replaced Max Dowman on our UEFA A list with immediate effect. Therefore, Gabby is eligible to play in our match against Club Brugge in Belgium on Wednesday night. Max, who picked up an ankle injury playing for our under-21s on Saturday, will be added to our UEFA B list in January, but will not be permitted to play in any UEFA competitions for 60 days from today (February 6)."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesArteta's injury problems worsen

Speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League fixture against Club Brugge, Mikel Arteta could not hide his frustration at yet another fitness blow within his already depleted squad.

"Yeah, a big one. I mean, losing Max again, it's obviously not ideal with Leo [Trossard], who is just coming back, that we have to manage the minutes," he said. 

"Max [Dowman] picked up an injury last weekend and had to come off. So he did some scans and he is going to be out for weeks and then we have the situation of Gabi [Jesus], who we were expecting to be training with us by the end of December. Gabi has been pushing every single day and he kept telling everybody 'I am going to be earlier, earlier, earlier' and he has done it. So thanks to his work and all the work that the medical staff have done in all these months, and we had the possibility to make a swap there and we have done it. Yes, on one side, you see Max and the situation and on the other, you see the joy and how happy Gabi is to be back in the Champions League."

Speaking to the club’s matchday programme, Jesus expressed both relief and caution.

"I'm feeling great, my knee is responding very well. I'm looking forward to being around the team again soon, to come back to do what I love to do," the Brazilian said. "It's been too long, this one is the biggest injury I've had in my life. An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings. So now I'm at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit because I'm doing great work off the pitches, but it's tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line. When you can see the end it's important you don't push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready."

Breakthrough season paused but not derailed

Dowman’s rise this season has been swift. After starring in pre-season for Arsenal, he made his senior debut in August as a substitute in the 5-0 win over Leeds United, becoming the second-youngest player ever to appear for the club. Since then, he has collected five senior appearances and assisted once. Off the pitch, Arsenal confirmed in October that Dowman had agreed scholarship terms, paving the way for a professional contract when he turns 17.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

AFPArsenal aim to rebound against beleaguered Brugge

Arsenal travel to Belgium seeking a timely response after their last-minute Premier League defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday. While injuries continue to present challenges, the Gunners enter the fixture with a flawless record in the Champions League with five wins from five games. Their opponents, meanwhile, are in turmoil as Club Brugge dismissed head coach Nicky Hayen on Monday after a poor run of two wins in seven.

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first game this BBL season will be against Melbourne Renegades, who have Mohammad Rizwan in their line-up

AAP10-Dec-2025Mitchell Starc can take some of the credit as Shaheen Shah Afridi arrives in Australia as part of a star-studded Pakistan contingent to lead Brisbane Heat’s depleted attack in the BBL.Afridi, the towering left-arm quick, is a hardened three-format international at just 25, and was taken with the first pick by Heat in June’s draft. A season-ending injury to Spencer Johnson and Michael Neser’s Test duties mean Johan Botha’s side will be leaning heavily on the man who recently took over as Pakistan’s ODI captain.”They [Johnson and Neser] are experienced bowlers for this team and I hope I play my role, that’s why I’m here,” Afridi said on Wednesday. “In all three [disciplines]… fielding, and if I need, chipping in batting as well, I’ll give my best. It’s not a small league and [is] well-renowned as the best league and… the best cricket with the best players.”Related

Maddinson eyes comeback with Sydney Thunder in BBL

Knee surgery rules R Ashwin out of BBL 2025-26

Afridi will line up against Melbourne Renegades on his BBL debut on Monday, and will be pitted against the man he replaced as Pakistan’s white-ball skipper, Mohammad Rizwan.Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars) and Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder) will also feature in the tournament, which begins on Sunday.”First game against Rizzy… a world-quality player. And Babar’s here as well,” Afridi said. “They know me, I know them. Hopefully we play some good cricket here. And we’re really hopeful we get the Pakistani support, and the Asian community as a whole.”Afridi has taken 126 wickets and gone for less than eight runs an over in 96 T20Is, while his Test average (27) and strike rate (52) are up there among the best in the current game.Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are among the many Pakistan players in the BBL this year•AFP/Getty ImagesStarc’s 414th Test wicket at the Gabba last week saw him overtake Afridi’s compatriot Wasim Akram as the most lethal left-arm fast bowler in Test history.”The greats are always great,” Afridi said of Akram, but also talked about the exposure to Starc, ten years his senior, on his first international tour as a 16-year-old, which he said had played a huge part in his own story.Afridi, whose older brother Riaz had already played Test cricket for Pakistan, was plucked from the country’s popular tape-ball circuit for a development tour of Australia, and played Test cricket himself barely three years later.”He [Starc] is a legend and last time when we chatted, I told him I watched his 2015 [World Cup] bowling spell and that’s why I bowled fuller to the batsman,” Afridi said. “I can say he’s a role model for any youngster… he’s been the best for Australia for many years.”

On the eve of MLS Cup, Jordi Alba admitted that Saturday’s final will carry a unique emotional weight. The Inter Miami left back will retire once the whistle blows, closing an illustrious career he hopes to crown with one more trophy. Facing Vancouver, he says there are no favorites — only a final chance to compete at the highest level.

Getty Images Sport'It’s clear how much the club has grown'

Alba is stepping into unfamiliar territory this weekend. Not because it’s a final – he’s already appeared in over 20 major finalsin his career – but because this one marks the end. When Inter Miami host the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS Cup, the Spanish defender will lace up for the last time before officially retiring from professional football.

Speaking during MLS Media Day, Alba emphasized how different this moment feels.

“I knew this would be a new experience, but an appealing one,” he said. “I reunited with former teammates, and it’s clear how much the club has grown. Reaching a final is historic for Inter Miami, and while I’ve been fortunate to play many of them, this one is special because it will be my last. It’s a final — there are no favorites — but if we perform well, we’ll have our chances.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportA final loaded with emotion

Alba refused to compare Saturday’s match with his farewell at Barcelona, a moment he still remembers as deeply emotional. This time, he admits, the uncertainty comes from not knowing how it will actually feel until it happens.

“It’s different because I know it’s my last game,” he explained. “Of course it’s important – it’s a final – but it means even more for the club. No matter what happens, I’m leaving afterward. Hopefully, I can leave with a trophy. Busi is in the same situation as me. I don’t know how I’ll process it because you only feel those emotions in the moment. My last game with Barcelona was very emotional, but this isn’t just changing teams – it’s not playing anymore, and that makes it even bigger.”

Alba also spoke warmly about Inter Miami’s coach, someone he shares a long history with.

“I was lucky to play alongside him and then be coached by him. It’s a different relationship on the field, but the bond remains just as good,” he said. “He’s done an exceptional job regardless of what happens Saturday. I’m proud to have been coached by him – I learned a lot from working under him.”

Getty Images SportLooking back on a career beyond expectations

Alba also reflected on his trajectory, tracing it from L'Hospitalet to World Cup triumphs and Champions League glory. Over the course of his career, he picked up major honours – including the 2010 World Cup, the 2015 UEFA Champions League, multiple La Liga titles, and domestic cups.

Asked to grade his own career, he didn’t hesitate:
“I’ve had good and bad matches, like everyone, but I’d give my career an excellent grade. From the moment I left L'Hospitalet, everything felt like a dream. I achieved far more than I ever expected. I can’t complain — I accomplished everything I dreamed of and I’m proud of what I learned with every team I represented," he said. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportA farewell shared with Busquets

Saturday will also close the book on Sergio Busquets’ legendary career. For Alba, that shared endpoint has added another layer to an already emotional week.

“It will be his last game too,” Alba noted. “But everyone experiences these moments in their own way.”

Still, finishing his journey at home, in front of the club’s fans, feels like a privilege.

“It’s an honor to end my career with a final here,” he said. “It’s been a tough week emotionally. I’ll miss the game, but I never doubted my decision. Once I made it, it was firm and fully thought out. Now I hope the final goes our way.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers and new manager Rob Edwards have their eyes on signing a Premier League flop in January, it has been claimed.

Edwards “ready” for Wolves challenge

The Old Gold sealed their move for Edwards in the week, paying Middlesbrough £3m in compensation to bring the 42-year-old back to Molineux.

Speaking to Wolves’ official club website, Edwards said he is “ready” for the challenge as he looks to keep the club up.

Wolves begin their new era under Edwards at home to Crystal Palace, and he’ll have to navigate at least eight games before he can think about new signings in January.

However, it looks as if the club are already working behind the scenes to identify potential targets, with one surprise name emerging in the media.

Wolves eyeing up move for West Ham’s Niclas Fullkrug

According to Football Insider, Wolves are interested in a potential move for West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug.

Linked with a return back to Germany, Fullkrug appears to have admirers from both Wolves and Fulham, who could look to keep the forward in the Premier League.

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness, said: “I heard a whisper the other day that either Wolves or Fulham might be interested in taking Fullkrug.

“I’m hearing Wolves might be one club who are interested in taking him on and giving him a chance to do something and stay in the Premier League.

“Look, I know there’ll be interest for him back in Germany. He did very well there, and players often don’t settle in the Premier League for whatever reason. He hasn’t and there’s been injuries as well. I think he will be gone in January, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he stays in the Premier League.

“Now whether he goes on loan or not I think that might be one way forward. I think West Ham do need to fill that gap and probably want to get his wages off the books, so I’d be waiting for a move around that sort of area.”

Fullkrug, on £90,000-a-week at the London Stadium, has had a torrid time with the Hammers, scoring just three goals in 27 games following a £27m move from Borussia Dortmund last year.

Costing the Irons £1m for every appearance so far, Fullkrug was called “aggressive” by Ally McCoist but has struggled to adapt to life in England.

Therefore, it would be a surprise if Wolves were to take a gamble on the German striker in the New Year, but it looks as if it is one to watch.

£55m spent & Hackney signs: Dream Wolves XI Edwards can build in January

“Leave the football before the football leaves you.” That was the sentence Jamie Carragher reserved for a certain Manchester United player by the name of Casemiro back in May 2024.

It’s safe to say that the Brazilian, once a football legend, a serial winner at Real Madrid, had seen his powers wane.

He was making countless mistakes, looked like he was running through treacle and was the shadow of a player who had featured on 336 occasions for Madrid.

18 months on and Casemiro looks like a legandary player again. He may not be capable of featuring for a period of 90 minutes but the 2025/26 campaign has arguably been his best since moving to Old Trafford.

The 33-year-old is making a huge impact, notably scoring on three occasions and registering an assist. He’s finally come good in United colours.

However, the fact that he can’t last 90 minutes is the problem. His backup in the shape of Manuel Ugarte continues to struggle.

Why it's time for Ugarte to leave Man Utd

In the summer of 2024, INEOS spent a great deal on bringing the bullish Uruguayan to Old Trafford, as much as £42m.

He was seen as the heir to Casemiro, someone who could fix their lack of energy and tenacity in the middle of the park.

The big Brazilian was floundering and the more minute Ugarte was here to fix the problem. Yet, he has been more of a hindrance, particularly as Casemiro has returned to form.

So far this term, the midfield veteran has only completed one 90 minutes in the Premier League and in a bid to see out the game, Ruben Amorim has usually tried to rely on Ugarte. However, the South American has been anything but reliable.

Casemiro in the PL this season

Fixture

Minute subbed

Arsenal

65

Fulham

53

Burnley

72

Man City

Did not start

Chelsea

45

Brentford

Suspended

Sunderland

85

Liverpool

58

Brighton

70

Nott’m Forest

Was not subbed

Spurs

72

With the 24-year-old out of the team, the Red Devils have scored 15 goals at a rate of twice per 90 and have conceded eight times, once per 90 minutes.

However, with Ugarte in the team, Amorim’s side have scored just four times, 1.3 per 90 minutes and have shipped ten goals, a whopping 3.2 per 90.

The data is clear; United are a poorer side when the big-money midfielder is in the team. While he has come on and helped his teammates to victories over Chelsea, Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton, he has also come on and been a hindrance.

When he entered the action at the weekend in the 2-2 draw with Spurs, it was 1-0 to United at the time. In the 3-1 defeat to Brentford, he came on at 2-1. During the 1-1 draw with Fulham, Amorim’s charges were leading 1-0 when Ugarte was brought off the bench. To make matters worse, he also started the 3-0 loss to rivals Manchester City.

So, why do things go so wrong when he’s on the field? Well, his inability to break up the play and anticipate what happens on the field is a huge issue. That was seen during the draw with Spurs on Saturday when Ugarte simply let Wilson Odobert breeze past him in the build-up to Mathys Tel’s equaliser.

With Kobbie Mainoo on the bench, it does beg the question, why Ugarte? While the Uruguay international is the more traditional holding midfielder, they need more energy and legs when Casemiro heads to the bench. Mainoo would bring that in abundance.

Saying that, the academy graduate isn’t the only Ugarte solution up Amorim’s sleeve. Another future superstar at Carrington is getting ready to make an impact.

Man United's surprise Ugarte replacement

Cutting their losses on the former PSG player would be disastrous from a business point of view but it really does feel as though United need a refresh in midfield.

Chalkboard

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

Expand Collapse

Casemiro has made great improvements this term but he is not getting any younger and if INEOS are planning to spend big in the future then it must be in a central area.

Players like Brighton superstar Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Geordie midfielder, Elliot Anderson, have both been linked with a move. They would be fabulous signings too.

Yet, a ready-made solution could present itself at Carrington. In the form of 19-year-old Sekou Kone, United may well have already signed their dream replacement for Ugarte.

Kone arrived at Man United in the summer of 2024. He was not a marquee arrival, far from it. There was very little fanfare for a teenager who had signed in a £1m deal from Malian side Guidars FC.

An exciting midfield player, the youngster had attracted the attention of United scouts during Mali’s run to the semi-finals of the U17 World Cup in 2023. Since then, he has failed to earn any senior game time under Amorim but he looks like a mighty fine prospect.

Kone featured on 14 occasions for the U21s last season but his prospects of football in 2025/26 have so far been dampened by a fractured eye socket. He has played just one match in the opening exchanges of the ongoing campaign but he is now back in training and first-team training at that. Amorim has already shelved plans of a loan spell, such is the potential in this young midfield player.

So, what’s he all about? Well, a defensive midfielder by trade, he is “uber composed on the ball and so press resistant” in the words of Como scout, Ben Mattinson.

Mattinson continued: “He’s got a tight turn radius and rides challenges well when carrying the ball.” On that evidence, he certainly sounds more promising than Ugarte.

He possesses an exciting ball-winning prowess and has an enormous physical ceiling that Mattinson suggests “is something Manchester United need more of in order for Amorim’s man-to-man press to work effectively.”

On that evidence, it’s hardly a surprise that fellow scout, Antonio Mango, has explained that Kone has “the skillset to be a beast under Amorim.”

This is a player who doesn’t just look capable of ending Ugarte’s career at Old Trafford, but potentially also Casemiro’s.

Manchester City suffered their first defeat in October last time out as the unusually wasteful Citizens came unstuck 1-0 away at Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola’s visitors would register 15 shots at the home side’s goal, but even the Erling Haaland-led visitors are prone to a frustrating afternoon here and there, as a fierce Matty Cash strike in the first half ended up being the match-winner on the day.

Heading into this contest, City had powered home seven strikes across the rest of the month, with a staggering six of those efforts that found the back of the net coming directly from the lethal Norwegian.

It really does highlight how dependent Guardiola’s men are on their clinical Scandinavian to bail them out of trouble, as one of his goal-shy attacking teammates in Savinho continued his poor season to date in the West Midlands.

Why Savinho is in danger of being dropped

Only Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Mateus Nunes have chipped in with Premier League goals this season for City, if you take Haaland out of the equation.

Savinho was very close to adding his name to that exclusive list against Unai Emery’s hosts, but the number 26’s two efforts in quick succession in the second half would fail to beat Emiliano Martinez, as Pau Torres also came to the rescue to deny the frustrated Brazilian with an important clearance.

It wasn’t just the 21-year-old’s lack of a clinical edge that would have frustrated Guardiola post-match, however, as the out-of-form winger also failed to register a single accurate cross, on top of only completing one dribble as he routinely struggled to catch Villa out.

City-based social media account City Talk would even state that Savinho offered “nothing” at Villa Park, and it’s a tale of his disappointing season so far, too, with just one meagre assist notched up from six Premier League outings.

Thankfully, Guardiola also has Jeremy Doku, who he can fall back on down the left flank, with the Belgian boasting a far superior tally of three Premier League assists this season so far.

But, he could think outside of the box shortly when searching for talents who can surpass Savinho, with this homegrown talent certainly one to keep an eye out for.

The "unbelievable" 17-year-old who can surpass Savinho

The ultra-successful Spaniard is also a manager who isn’t afraid to test out starlets if he deems they’re first-team ready, as seen in him handing Bury-born Rico Lewis 102 senior appearances to date, after first making a name for himself at the Etihad in the U18 and U21 ranks.

Reigan Heskey will hope he’s the next up-and-coming sensation that is gifted some opportunities in the senior picture, with the 17-year-old winger already being dubbed an “unbelievable” talent for the future by one of his coaches at City in Ben Wilkinson.

He could even be the perfect solution to City’s Savinho troubles, with the Liverpool-born attacker standing out as an extremely direct option down the South American’s left channel, when looking at his flashy highlight reel above.

Indeed, across 57 appearances in various youth set-ups in Manchester, Heskey has established himself as a tricky forward option who, most importantly, has the goals and assists in his locker to back up all his tricks and flicks, with a lethal 31 goals collected.

It is for that reason that he has been likened to another Manchester-born star in the form of ex-Manchester United hero Marcus Rashford, with analyst Ben Mattinson praising his “Rashford-like ability as an inside forward to stretch the defence”.

U18s

31

20 + 8

U21s

14

6 + 1

Youth League

12

5 + 0

Men’s team

1

0

The next major step Heskey will have to make is breaking into the first-team picture, with Guardiola actually handing him first first-ever senior opportunity just this season in the EFL Cup versus Huddersfield Town, with the young Englishman also coincidentally replacing the aforementioned Savinho for the final seven minutes.

Of course, Guardiola won’t just discard the 13-time Brazil international completely, considering he does have four goals and 15 assists next to his name in City Sky blue, away from his poor opening to this season.

But, he will surely be tempted to throw Heskey into the men’s side more regularly now to give the out-of-sorts attacker more competition, with the potential also very much there for the 17-year-old to surpass Savinho down the line, if his blistering academy numbers can be translated to the senior game.

Man City now open talks to sign "sensational" £168k-a-week Bayern Munich star

City have made a move for one of Bayern Munich’s key players, with the German club now “really worried” about his future.

ByDominic Lund Oct 28, 2025

Leeds United were busy throughout the summer transfer window as they looked to build a squad that was capable of competing in the Premier League.

Eight points in seven matches, despite playing Newcastle, Spurs, and Arsenal already, suggests that they have been competitive in their return to the top-flight.

There are still a few question marks over some of Daniel Farke’s summer signings, though, including first-choice number nine Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Why Dominic Calvert-Lewin needs to do more for Leeds

The former England international was brought in on a free transfer from Everton in the summer to lead the line for the Whites, and he scored his first goal for the club in the 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, the experienced centre-forward has missed a whopping nine ‘big chances’ to find the back of the net in his other five appearances for the club, per Sofascore, either side of that header against Wolves.

This shows that the former Toffees star has been incredibly wasteful in front of goal, costing the Whites points. His missed ‘big chance’ against Spurs is a prime example of him costing the team points, as he blazed a huge opportunity high and wide in a game that they lost 2-1.

Therefore, Leeds need more from their main number nine because he has not been reliable enough in front of goal to suggest that he will score goals on a consistent basis to fire the team to safety.

His wastefulness in front of goal is particularly frustrating when you consider that the Whites once released Rafa Mujica, who now looks like an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.

Why Leeds United made a mistake with Rafa Mujica

In the summer of 2021, Leeds released the Spanish striker to allow him to join Las Palmas on a free transfer, per Transfermarkt, after two years in West Yorkshire that were largely spent out on loan.

The club did not give him a single minute of first-team football to prove himself, which turned out to be a mistake because his form since leaving the Whites has been exceptional.

After a season in Spain, the striker joined Arouca in the Portuguese top-flight and went on to score 37 goals in 68 matches in all competitions for the club, including 20 goals in 30 Liga Portugal matches in the 2023/24 campaign, per Transfermarkt.

The former Leeds youngster, who was described as “magnificent” by former boss Pepe Mel, then made a move to Qatar-based side Al-Sadd in the summer of 2024, and outperformed Calvert-Lewin at league level.

As you can see in the table above, Mujica significantly outperformed the English marksman as a goalscorer in the 2024/25 campaign, albeit whilst playing in a different league.

In the last two full seasons, the Spaniard has scored 38 league goals for Al-Sadd and Arouca combined, which shows that he has been in incredibly prolific form, including in a respectable European league in Portugal.

Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin scored ten goals and missed a whopping 32 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League for Everton in those two seasons, per Sofascore. This is why it has not been a shock to see him struggle in front of goal as a finisher in the top-flight for Leeds this term.

Unless the English forward can turn things around and become the reliable goalscorer that he has failed to be in the last few years, the Whites may look back and regret releasing Mujica back in 2021.

Leeds can drop DCL by unleashing "the best finisher" Farke has worked with

Leeds United could now finally drop Dominic Calvert-Lewin by unleashing a finisher Daniel Farke is fond of.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 6, 2025

The Al-Sadd star’s form in recent seasons in Portugal and Qatar suggests that he could have been an exciting centre-forward option for the club if they had given him a chance to prove himself in West Yorkshire, instead of releasing him.

All is not well at Manchester United, with Saturday afternoon’s defeat at the Gtech against Brentford keeping Ruben Amorim on nine lowly Premier League wins across 33 matches in the competition.

It’s not good enough, and the ice has worn thin indeed. For INEOS to sack their prized appointment would be an ignominious thing, a real loss of face, but we are approaching the latest critical juncture, and it’s a big one.

Amorim’s candid nature and self-criticism have been both refreshing and blunt, too blunt, across the span of his tenure, but he is capable of picking apart the faults within his Red Devils project. The question is, how much longer can this continue?

Man United host high-flying Sunderland this weekend. The newly-promoted outfit simply have to be put to the sword, else Amorim will join a long list of post-Fergie managers whose tenures became untenable, and they were dismissed.

Already, rumours have cranked up, with the recently sacked West Ham United manager Graham Potter emerging as a candidate. That said, he’s not the only one on their radar.

Man Utd considering recently sacked manager

Potter lasted less than a year in the West Ham hot seat. The Londoners have been in disarray since they parted with David Moyes after the 2023/24 campaign, but there’s no denying the English tactician left plenty to be desired.

Clashes with first-team Irons, including a scepticism over captain Jarrod Bowen’s ability to lead the team, made the 50-year-old’s prospects of turning things around difficult.

Potter is, however, an experienced Premier League manager, something Amorim is not. Described as “a genius” by journalist Sam Morton, the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea boss is known for his intricate passing patterns and build-up play, but this didn’t materialise in the desired shape at the London Stadium.

Graham Potter in England

Club

Matches

PPM

West Ham

24 (01/25 – 09/25)

0.92

Chelsea

31 (09/22 – 04/23)

1.42

Brighton

134 (05/19 – 09/22)

1.28

Swansea

51 (07/18 – 05/19)

1.45

Data via Transfermarkt

Potter would hope, however, that an ostensibly higher level of technical skill would do the trick at Old Trafford, but there are bound to be reservations over a manager who has failed to hit the mark with each of his past two outfits in the top flight.

Spanish sources suggest INEOS and Jason Wilcox are mulling over making their move if Amorim is sacked, and while it would be a contentious appointment, there’s an even more concerning alternative who has been added to the shortlist.

Man Utd's Potter alternative could be worse than Amorim

Even the most ardent defenders of Amorim’s tactics and expertise as an elite coach would concede that it has been a tumultuous relationship.

And now, the Portuguese boss is running out of time, surely just one or perhaps two bad results away from dismissal, should form not change.

And if push comes to shove, it’s not just Potter on Man United’s radar, with talkSPORT revealing that a three-man shortlist has been compiled, and former Three Lions manager Sir Gareth Southgate is in the running.

It’s actually understood that the Premier League side have been in direct contact with the 55-year-old in recent weeks, even with the hierarchy hesitant to bite the bullet and sack Amorim.

Southgate transformed the feeling around the England Men’s team across his eight-year stint, reaching a World Cup semi-final and falling short in successive Euro finals. Across 102 matches in charge, he achieved an average of 2.08 points per game.

However, there have long been questions over Southgate’s command of the technical side of managing, with former French World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit even labelling the one-time right-back as “boring”.

Given that Man United are engulfed in Groundhog Day, walking in the same old familiar territory in the early phase of a season that saw Erik ten Hag dismissed last year (bearing an identical Premier League record after six matches), there can be no more mistakes.

At the 2024 European Championship, England showed off their mentality by reaching the final against the odds, but they flattered to deceive on the tactical front, with critics even struggling to understand what Southgate’s plan was.

This sounds an alarming echo to Amorim’s own situation at Manchester United, and given that Southgate, who parted ways with Middlesbrough in 2009, has been outside of club management for so long, there is very little to suggest that he would turn the ship around and keep it afloat against the club’s big-hitting rivals in the Premier League.

Typically fielding a more conventional 4-3-3 formation than Amorim’s controversial set-up, Southgate would at least provide some semblance of typicality on that front, and that might do the players good. But would it be enough for it to be a successful appointment, and that after having spent £12m to relieve Amorim of his duties?

Southgate has his perks, for sure. He knows the English game like the back of his thumb, and his man-management skills and ability to cultivate a positive working environment are two facets that would potentially smooth out big wrinkles in the United fabric.

But we cannot ignore the concerns over the depth of his tactical understanding, nor can Southgate’s near two-decade absence from Premier League management be overlooked.

If Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co do decide to part ways with Amorim in the coming weeks or months, it is imperative that they welcome the right successor to the Theatre of Dreams.

The likelihood of Southgate being the one for the job in the long run feels somewhat slim.

Related Ten Hag sold Man Utd talent for just £10m, now he's outperforming Bruno

Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing one player to depart Old Trafford.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Sep 29, 2025

Rasmus Hojlund has enjoyed a impressive start to life with Napoli, scoring four goals in six outings, following his arrival on loan from Manchester United on deadline day. Denmark Brian Riemer has since aimed a dig at the Premier League side for their use of the young striker, who struggled for consistency at Old Trafford following his arrival from Atalanta in 2023.

AFPHojlund failed to make an impact in England

Hojlund moved to United from Atalanta in 2023 and while he wasn't a prolific scorer in Italy, the Premier League side were convinced to spend big to secure his services two years ago. The Danish striker, though, was unable to strike up any sort of form in England and scored just four goals in 32 appearances for the English giants last season.

The arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko pushed Hojlund further down the pecking order at United and the club were happy to see him leave for Napoli on loan with a £38m obligation to buy at the end of the 2025/26 season. However, like many who have departed United in recent years, Hojlund has gone on to enjoy an uptick in form.

The 22-year-old has only scored four league goals in 2025, but two of those have come across four Serie A appearances for Antonio Conte's side with Napoli currently top of the table after the opening six games of the season.

Advertisement'He is now on a well-functioning team'

Denmark coach Brian Riemer has since aimed a dig at United ahead of Denmark's win at Belarus on Thursday, a game in which Hojlund bagged a first half brace, and is quoted by The Metro as saying: "I think Rasmus has the quality for both leagues, without discussion.

"‘Does he fit in Italian football? Yes. There was no doubt about that, because he had already proven that. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t fit in English football. On the contrary, I would almost say.

"The fact that he is now on a well-functioning team and has players around him who take pride in doing good for others helps to make the outcome for a striker like Rasmus, who needs to be serviced. It is more important than which league you play in."

Getty Images Sport‘I’ve played a lot and it’s been going really well'

Hojlund, meanwhile, was asked about his return to his best form, to which he replied: "Not much has happened other than me getting into a good football team.

"I’ve played a lot and it’s been going really well. I’ve felt fit and sharp. I’ve made sure I was ready and I did a lot of things off the pitch in my summer break to be ready for the upcoming season.

"It’s of course great to be in such a period. In my position, I’m basically there to score goals. That’s my job. When I go onto the pitch, I have extra faith in things, and I’m of course happy about that."

On the Danish striker, Napoli boss Conte said: "He’s a 22-year-old who was on the sidelines at Manchester United. He has significant room for improvement, he needs to work because he has the potential to become a star, and he’s proving it."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Hojlund latest in long line of ex-United stars thriving

Hojlund isn't the first player to leave United recently and go on to thrive elsewhere. The Premier League side have endured a significant downturn in fortunes in recent years, becoming the butt of jokes among football fans.

And players seem to enjoy a return to their best form once they leave United, with Hojlund's Napoli teammate Scott McTominay among those to shine away from Old Trafford. McTominay was superb as Napoli won the Scudetto last season, and was named Serie A MVP in the process.

Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford caught the eye during a brief stint with Aston Villa, while Antony played a key role as Real Betis progressed to the UEFA Conference League final last season, eventually falling to a 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in Poland.

Napoli will look to maintain their title defence next weekend when they travel to Turin to face Torino on Saturday, 18th October, and capitalise upon Roma's meeting with Inter in Serie A's first round of games following the October international break.

Celtic made the surprise step of entering the free agent market in the 2025 summer transfer window for a striker after offloading Adam Idah to Swansea City on Deadline Day.

Following a frantic search for a replacement, Brendan Rodgers was able to seal a reunion with Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined the club a day after the market period ended following his release from Sevilla.

Related Rodgers has signed the new Scott Sinclair in "phenomenal" Celtic talent

Celtic could look to the past for inspiration, following the signing of the next Scott Sinclair…

Posts ByRobbie Walls Sep 5, 2025

With the move causing quite a stir among supporters, we’ve taken a look at all of Rodgers’ free agent signings at Celtic Park, ranking each from best to worst across his two spells in the dugout.

11 Kundai Benyu 2017-2020

Kicking off proceedings, Kundai Benyu joined Celtic in 2017 on a free transfer from Ipswich Town, making four first-team appearances ahead of brief loan spells at Oldham Athletic and Helsingborg.

Eventually, he left the Bhoys to sign for Wealdstone United in 2020 before stints in Iceland at Vestri and IBV. The Zimbabwe international now features for Harare-based outfit CAPS United.

10 Youssouf Mulumbu 2018-2019

Becoming a late addition to Rodgers’ midfield in 2018 after Celtic failed to sign John McGinn from Hibernian, Mulumbu never really got going and managed only 155 minutes of competitive football across three appearances.

Previously, he had enjoyed an excellent 2017/18 Scottish Premiership campaign at Kilmarnock and soon returned on loan to Rugby Park before a break clause in his Hoops contract saw him depart in the summer of 2019. Not a transfer that paid off for either party.

9 Ross Doohan 2015-2022, 2025-present

Ross Doohan rejoined Celtic from Aberdeen on a free transfer in the summer of 2025 and finds himself at the lower end of the scale due to not having made a competitive appearance for the club during either spell.

Nevertheless, the Scotland international is a valued presence within the walls of Lennoxtown and has helped ease pressure on the Hoops’ European squad registration powers, making him a smart capture by the Scottish Premiership holders.

8 Callum Osmand 2025-present

Technically, Callum Osmand signed for Celtic in a cross-border compensation deal, but he has been included by virtue of joining after the end of his Fulham contract in summer 2025. Why not make things a little more fun?

The Jersey-born striker represents Wales on the international stage and featured in the Bhoys’ pre-season friendlies against Cork City and Estrela de Amadora.

Ultimately, his place on the list could fluctuate depending on whether he earns minutes over the coming months. He is highly-rated after 55 goal contributions in 73 outings at various youth levels at the Cottagers, though a loan seems like a sensible step to aid his development.

7 Emilio Izaguirre 2018-2019

At the time, many Celtic fans were shocked when Emilio Izaguirre returned to Parkhead in 2018 after leaving the club one year prior to join Al-Fayha. Still, his status as a cult hero among supporters generated a level of excitement.

In the end, the Honduran left-back registered a solitary assist in 19 appearances during his second spell in Glasgow, playing a part in the Bhoys winning a domestic treble.

Frequent injuries and Kieran Tierney’s position as first-choice limited his scope for inclusion. Despite being offered a one-year extension, 33-year-old Izaguirre departed Celtic with 13 winners medals in total for Motagua, where he is now Sporting Director.

6 Kolo Toure 2016-2017

Truthfully, you could argue the toss about whether Izaguirre’s second spell or Kolo Toure’s stint in Glasgow should be higher on the list, but the Ivorian has shaded it due to a key factor that will be explained.

Premier League winner Toure linked up with Rodgers shortly after departing Liverpool and clocked up 17 appearances under the Irishman before calling time on his distinguished career due to injury trouble.

Intriguingly, he then went on to become a part of Celtic’s backroom team as a technical assistant, remaining at Lennoxtown and then leaving to take up a first-team coach role at Leicester City. Supporters loved his infamous chant!

5 Kelechi Iheanacho 2025-present

The man everyone is talking about. Many Celtic supporters may have expected Kelechi Iheanacho to be ranked somewhere else on this list. However, it would be unfair to draw any premature conclusions before he has had a sustained run in the team.

By now, the Bhoys’ failed pursuit of Kasper Dolberg is common knowledge. Their efforts to land the Denmark international proved to be unsuccessful, and he is now back at Ajax, somewhere he feels is a second home.

An almighty scramble ensued before Celtic signed Iheanacho in an out-of-window deal, leaving many fans irate at a transfer strategy that saw the likes of David Datro Fofana and Patrick Bamford contacted over moves to Parkhead with no breakthrough.

Statistically, the Nigeria international is in Glasgow following one goal in 15 appearances during a loan spell at Middlesbrough circa 2024/25. Three strikes in 11 outings across his time in Seville is hardly a convincing tally either, all things considered.

Providing a saving grace, Rodgers has previously worked with Iheanacho and helped him produce some of the best football of his career at Leicester City, including a 19-goal campaign in 2020/21, a level he can hopefully rediscover under his guidance.

4 Scott Bain 2018-2025

Initially arriving on loan from Dundee ahead of a free transfer move to Celtic in the summer of 2018, Scott Bain cemented himself as another likeable figure among supporters and kept an impressive 40 clean sheets across 78 appearances for the Hoops.

Capped three times by Scotland, the long-serving goalkeeper ended his spell in Glasgow with no fewer than 14 medals to his name. He moved to Falkirk during the transfer window and is enjoying life at the Scottish Premiership newcomers.

3 Kasper Schmeichel 2024-present

Kasper Schmeichel is another player who has significant experience working alongside Rodgers, and it is fair to say he has been a major success story at Celtic since arriving on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.

To date, the Denmark international has won the Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup, and it doesn’t seem like he is done there despite being set to turn 39 in November.

Leading from the front, Schmeichel is a shining example of professionalism and his desire to keep showcasing his talents at Celtic is something to be admired.

2 Kieran Tierney 2015-2019, 2025-present

Some of you may be asking, why isn’t Kieran Tierney number one on this list? There is a reason for that, but the end decision has purely come down to the distinction of the fact he has only recently arrived on a free transfer.

Born in Douglas and a stalwart for Scotland under Steve Clarke, the 28-year-old is an icon at Celtic and shot to prominence in a first spell that saw him play a driving role in claiming eight trophies at the club, making 170 appearances in total and delivering eight goals alongside 37 assists.

From then on, Tierney secured a £25 million move from his boyhood club to Arsenal, claiming the FA Cup at the Gunners and earning recognition for his displays. Enjoying a different footballing climate, he also spent time on loan at Real Sociedad.

Now, he is firmly back at Celtic and has slotted in effortlessly under Rodgers after signing a five-year-deal in the summer of 2025.