Manchester United are now on red alert in the race to sign a Real Madrid star ahead of Manchester City in a shock £69m deal next year.

Amorim "angry" at "frustrating" West Ham draw

Like the rest of Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim was left angered by Man United’s 1-1 draw against West Ham. The Red Devils were in control for the large part and deservedly got their opener through unlikely goalscorer Diogo Dalot in the second-half, but that’s when things started going wrong.

With seven minutes remaining, the visitors sent a timely reminder of United’s struggles courtesy of Soungoutou Magassa, who scored his first Premier League goal to snatch a point for West Ham.

Amorim, left frustrated at full-time, told reporters: “Yeah, it’s frustrating, it’s angry. That’s it.”

The former Sporting CP manager also pinpointed where things went wrong, saying: “Yeah, but there are second halves that we lose control of the game.

“Today, I think it was not that case. Maybe after the first goal, we lost some second balls and Matheus [Cunha] won one or two second balls there and made it a transition.

“We try to defend all the time far from the goal because we knew it. They tried to make a cross, win a corner. Like it happened, long ball, they win a second ball against three guys of us in the defence. So, we need to be better in the second half.”

Any assumption that United have turned a corner under Amorim is quickly evaporating and the Old Trafford boss desperately needs further reinforcements in 2026.

Midfield stars such as Conor Gallagher and Elliot Anderson have already been mooted, but United could still set their focus on welcoming Rodrygo from Real Madrid. The Brazilian is attracting plenty of interest and could yet swap the Bernabeu for the Premier League.

Man Utd on red alert in Rodrygo race

According to reports in Spain, Man United are now on red alert in the race to sign Rodrygo next year and could land the talented winger ahead of rivals Man City, as well as a number of other Premier League sides.

The Brazilian has struggled for game time under Xabi Alonso – starting just three La Liga games all season – and looks destined to leave Real Madrid next year.

Sparking a flurry of interest, Madrid reportedly value their winger at around €80m (£69m). Whether INEOS and others deem that fee reachable for a player who’s yet to impress Alonso remains to be seen, however.

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At his best, Rodrygo played a key part in Madrid’s success in the Champions League and in La Liga. Now, he’s been cast aside to hand United the opportunity to land arguably their best signing yet under Amorim.

Dubbed “spectacular” by former Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti in 2023, Rodrygo is still just 24 years old and is full of potential – even if he’s forced to realise it with a move to Old Trafford in 2026.

Amorim's £150k-p/w star just had his worst game for Man Utd vs West Ham

Manchester United’s midfield pivot has been something that Ruben Amorim has seemingly found a formula he likes. The Portuguese manager has caused lots of debate with his infamous 3-4-2-1, with the wing-backs being one thing to spark such conversation.

However, the makeup of his pivot has been interesting to see, too. This season, it seems as though the former Sporting boss has landed on captain Bruno Fernandes and the experienced Casemiro as his ideal duo in midfield.

It is a new role for Fernandes, who has played most of his career as a number ten.

As for Casemiro, he has done well this season. Yet, against Crystal Palace at the weekend, he looked exposed at times.

Why Casemiro can struggle in the pivot

Brazil legend Casemiro has certainly adapted well to playing in Amorim’s system.

Not too long ago, he was told to “leave the football before the football leaves you” by Jamie Carragher. Now, he is a regular starter for United at almost 34 years of age.

Indeed, Amorim has put a lot of trust in the former Real Madrid star this season. He’s played in 12 Premier League games, missing one due to a suspension.

Since the middle of September, he’s started every game in the league he’s been available for, and has even scored three times.

However, there are struggles that the United number 18 can experience in midfield.

Physically, Casemiro is a little behind the eight ball at times and can get exposed, often being left in the dust and opposition midfielders coasting past him.

Coming up against the Eagles last Sunday, it was an issue in the first half for the 82-cap Brazil international. As Goal journalist Calum Preston Kelly pointed out, he “struggled to prevent Palace dictating play in the first half.”

The energetic duo of Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada found it all too easy and were able to breeze past him countless times, having looked “haunted” up against the Englishman, in particular.

Perhaps this is an issue Amorim would like to nip in the bud before long. It might well make a change of personnel in the pivot to have a true impact.

United’s ready-made Casemiro alternative

There are options if Amorim wants to switch things up in midfield.

Chalkboard

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

Mason Mount briefly played next to Bruno Fernandes away to Fulham at the start of the season, and Manuel Ugarte is another player who could slot into the side.

Yet, the obvious answer is Kobbie Mainoo. Amorim continues to ignore his obvious talent, despite being called a “future £100m+ footballer” by Alex Turk and starting in the final of Euro 2024 just 18 months ago.

It has been a tough campaign for the Stockport-born midfielder. He’s only played nine times in the Premier League, and is yet to start a game.

He’s featured for just 171 minutes, averaging 20 per game that he has played in.

Let’s not forget, though, the skill Mainoo possesses. He is a master in small spaces, able to break the press with his carrying ability and drive forward.

He’s also intelligent off the ball and is a strong dueller. Those were all on show on his Premier League debut against Everton, where he had 61 touches and won five duels.

The skills Mainoo could bring to United’s pivot would surely only benefit Amorim’s side. He is more physically up to speed than Casemiro and is less likely to get outrun.

On top of that, he brings different qualities on the ball which could add a new dynamic to midfield.

Plus, he still has an eye for goal like his fellow midfielder.

Mainoo has seven goals in a United shirt, with the most important one coming in the 2023/24 FA Cup final, which turned out to be the winner against Manchester City.

Mainoo has to get his chance in the United midfield soon enough. Their number 37 simply must be playing football every week, to continue on the path he was on just one year ago.

Don’t forget, he was trusted to start England’s biggest game in years.

With Casemiro’s occasional struggles out of possession, the starlet could be the Red Devils’ answer to their issues in midfield.

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By
Robbie Walls

Dec 3, 2025

عزز فريق مانشستر سيتي تقدمه أمام فولهام، بهدف ثالث، خلال مباراة الفريقين ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج” لموسم 2025-2026.

ويحل مانشستر سيتي ضيفًا على فولهام في إطار مباريات الجولة الرابعة عشر للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز للموسم الجاري.

وسجل فيل فودين الهدف الثالث لصالح مانشستر سيتي في شباك فولهام، وذلك في الدقيقة 44 من عمر المباراة.

اقرأ أيضًا | ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي بعد هدف هالاند في مباراة مانشستر سيتي وفولهام

الهدف جاء بعد رمية تماس وصلت الكرة إلى بيرند لينو حارس فولهام الذي أبعدها ولكنها ارتدت ووصلت إلى فودين الذي قام بضبط نفسه ثم سددها بقوة في الشباك. هدف فودين في مباراة مانشستر سيتي وفولهام

وقلص فولهام الفارق، بتسجيل هدف عن طريق إيميل سميث رووي في الدقيقة الثانية من الوقت المحتسب بدلاً من الضائع، بعدما سدد الكرة برأسية رائعة. هدف سميث رووي في مباراة مانشستر سيتي وفولهام

وكان مانشستر سيتي تقدم بهدف عن طريق النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند، وأحرز تيجاني ريندرز الهدف الثاني لفريق بيب جوارديولا.

Chelsea are now leading the race to sign a “superstar” Premier League player, who wants to leave his current club.

Blues back on track after Everton victory

The Blues brought a four-game winless run across all competitions to an end on Saturday afternoon, courtesy of a 2-0 victory against Everton at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto securing all three points.

Enzo Maresca will no doubt be buoyed by Palmer’s return to form, with the Englishman spending the majority of the campaign on the sidelines due to a groin injury, before breaking his toe, although he is yet to fully recover.

Maresca certainly isn’t lacking options top-quality options in midfield, with Palmer featuring in an advanced role against Everton, ahead of Enzo Fernandez and Reece James at the base of midfield, while Moises Caicedo is still yet to return from a suspension.

However, signing another new midfielder is on the agenda, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Chelsea are now leading the race to sign Kobbie Mainoo, who wants to leave Manchester United, amid a lack of game time.

A whole host of clubs are in the race for Mainoo, with the Blues now in pole position, alongside Bayern Munich, although Napoli’s interest could pose a problem.

The midfielder, who Frank Lampard is a “massive fan” of, is keen to receive consistent minutes wherever he ends up next, which means a move to the Italian club is attractive, especially given the way Scott McTominay’s career has panned out since moving to the Serie A.

"Superstar" Mainoo could be exciting signing for Chelsea

Nicky Butt has made it clear he doesn’t want United to offload the youngster, saying: “If Mainoo was playing for another Premier League club, United go and buy him for £70m or £80m,”

“Now we’re going to sell him and he’ll be a superstar elsewhere like McTominay, Elanga, Henderson – we can mention loads of them.”

However, it would be understandable if the 20-year-old were to push for a move next month, given just how sparsely he has featured this season, with the starlet still yet to start a game in the Premier League.

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When the Englishman, who is represented by the same agent as Liam Delap, has been given the opportunity, he has often impressed, particularly catching the eye with his dribbling and tackling over the past year, when compared to other midfielders.

Kobbie Mainoo’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Successful take-ons

1.13 (90th percentile)

Progressive carries

1.91 (82nd percentile)

Tackles

2.77 (87th percentile)

Non-penalty goals

0.14 (79th percentile)

That said, Mainoo may find game time hard to come by at Chelsea too, considering Maresca already has Fernandez and Caicedo at his disposal, so a move to Stamford Bridge may not be ideal.

Tottenham have been handed a pitiful Dominic Solanke injury update as a new potential timeline emerges for his return to action.

Dominic Solanke's injury woes as Spurs left short up front

Solanke’s second season at Tottenham has descended into a frustrating saga of persistent ankle problems that have restricted the club-record signing to just three substitute appearances spanning a meagre 49 minutes.

The Englishman has not featured since a 12-minute cameo against Man City in August, with a recurring ankle issue that initially disrupted pre-season now transforming into an agonizing absence exceeding four months.

What Thomas Frank initially described as a small ankle issue requiring ‘minor surgery’ in late September has mysteriously evolved into one of the Premier League’s most perplexing injury situations.

Solanke underwent what was deemed a straightforward procedure in October, sparking optimism that his return was fairly imminent.

However, over two months later, the England international appears no closer to rejoining Frank’s depleted squad despite sporadic updates suggesting he was “weeks away” or “making progress” in training.

Thomas Frank confirms injured Tottenham star won't be back for a "long time"

The timeline is unclear.

ByEmilio Galantini 6 days ago

The striker’s prolonged absence triggered UEFA regulations permitting Tottenham to temporarily replace him in their Champions League squad with summer signing Mathys Tel, who was originally left out of their 22-man league phase list.

Frank admitted that he would have selected Tel had he anticipated Solanke’s extended rehab, but supporters are increasingly demanding more clarity in regard to the striker’s actual condition.

Questions revolve around why a supposedly minor procedure has morphed into such a protracted recovery.

The forward himself refused to establish a definitive return timeline during a recent interview, acknowledging his frustration whilst expressing eagerness to work under Frank.

Solanke’s unavailability has placed enormous pressure on PSG loanee Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison, who spent most of last term out injured himself, while Tel and youngsters come as inexperienced alternatives.

This has led to suggestions that Spurs could sign a new centre-forward in January, with Frank stating last week that Solanke “is not close to rejoining the squad”.

That said, he did downplay fears that the striker would be out long-term in his post-match press conference on Tuesday when responding to questions about why they replaced him with Mathys Tel in their Champions League squad.

Asked if Solanke has suffered a setback, Frank insisted: “No, it was just an opportunity to get Tel in, which is nice to have that opportunity. And we can change back if we want to do that.”

Tottenham handeda pitiful Dominic Solanke injury update

Despite those words from Frank, reliable Lilywhites insider Paul O’Keefe has suggested that the 28-year-old could be out until as far down the line as February, with Spurs handed a pretty grim estimation on his potential return.

This means that Solanke could be in line to miss crucial games against the likes of Liverpool, Sunderland, Aston Villa, West Ham, Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, Man City and potentially Man United — depending on how far into February it is.

The England international finished 24/25 as Spurs’ second-top scorer with 16 goals across 45 appearances in all competitions, trailing only Brennan Johnson.

Nine of those came in the Premier League, including a brace at home to Aston Villa and a strike away to Man United at Old Trafford.

Crucially, Solanke delivered pivotal moments during Tottenham’s Europa League triumph — including a nerveless penalty in the quarter-final second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt and the opening goal in their semi-final victory over Bodo/Glimt.

His energy, physical presence and ability to lead the line are a sore miss for Frank, with a reliable focal point conspicuously absent this campaign.

The Lilywhites need him back for crucial fixtures both domestically and in Europe past the new year, with Kolo Muani and Richarlison tasked to undertake huge responsibility as things stand, unless Spurs decide to enter the market.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fluminense irá receber o Vasco no Maracanã para definir o último finalista da Copa do Brasil. O vencedor do duelo será o adversário da equipe que sair classificada da partida entre Corinthians e Cruzeiro, que acontecerá mais cedo, neste domingo (14).

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVascoDiscursos nos bastidores revelam mentalidade do Vasco contra FluminenseVasco14/12/2025Fora de CampoEx-Fluminense destaca carência do elenco que pode custar vaga para o VascoFora de Campo14/12/2025Fora de CampoTorcedor atravessa mais de 2 mil km para acompanhar decisão entre Fluminense x VascoFora de Campo14/12/2025

Começando pelo mandante, o Fluminense possui um elenco avaliado em 94,83 milhões de euros (R$ 603,12 milhões). Enquanto isso, o Vasco, apesar de ter ficado atrás no Brasileirão, detém um plantel muito mais valioso que o Tricolor das Laranjeiras. O Cruz-Maltino tem um valor de mercado de 120,65 milhões de euros (R$ 767,33 milhões) e , por sinal, possui a quinta equipe mais valiosa da América Latina.

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Veja os 15 jogadores mais valiosos do Fluminense:1.Martinelli – 14 milhões de euros (R$ 89,04 milhões)2.Hércules – 12 milhões de euros (R$ 76,32 milhões)3.Facundo Bernal – 6 milhões de euros (R$ 38,16 milhões)4.Agustín Canobbio – 6 milhões de euros (R$ 38,16 milhões)5.Riquelme – 6 milhões de euros (R$ 38,16 milhões)6.John Kennedy – 6 milhões de euros (R$ 38,16 milhões)7.Juan Pablo Freytes – 5 milhões de euros (R$ 31,80 milhões)8.Luciano Acosta – 5 milhões de euros (R$ 31,80 milhões)9.Kevin Serna – 5 milhões de euros (R$ 31,80 milhões)10.Yeferson Soteldo – 4 milhões de euros (R$ 25,44 milhões)11.Rubén Lezcano – 3,5 milhões de euros (R$ 22,26 milhões)12.Santiago Moreno – 3 milhões de euros (R$ 19,08 milhões)13.Lima – 2,5 milhões de euros (R$ 15,90 milhões)14.Joaquín Lavega – 2,5 milhões de euros (R$ 15,90 milhões)15.Ignácio – 2 milhões de euros (R$ 12,72 milhões)Veja os 15 jogadores mais valiosos do Vasco:1.Rayan – 25 milhões de euros (R$ 159,00 milhões)2.Robert Renan – 9 milhões de euros (R$ 57,24 milhões)3.Matheus França – 9 milhões de euros (R$ 57,24 milhões)4.Léo Jardim – 7 milhões de euros (R$ 44,52 milhões)5.Carlos Cuesta – 7 milhões de euros (R$ 44,52 milhões)6.Lucas Piton – 7 milhões de euros (R$ 44,52 milhões)7.Paulo Henrique – 6 milhões de euros (R$ 38,16 milhões)8.Nuno Moreira – 5 milhões de euros (R$ 31,80 milhões)9.Andrés Gómez – 5 milhões de euros (R$ 31,80 milhões)10.Benjamín Garré – 4 milhões de euros (R$ 25,44 milhões)11.Philippe Coutinho – 3,5 milhões de euros (R$ 22,26 milhões)12.Cauan Barros – 3 milhões de euros (R$ 19,08 milhões)13.GB – 3 milhões de euros (R$ 19,08 milhões)14.Thiago Mendes – 2 milhões de euros (R$ 12,72 milhões)15.Mauricio Lemos – 2 milhões de euros (R$ 12,72 milhões)

Rayan, joia da base do Vasco, se tornou o segundo jogador mais valioso do futebol brasileiro, atrás apenas de Vitor Roque.

Onde assistir Fluminense e Vasco pela semifinal da Copa do Brasil?

O Fluminense enfrenta o Vasco neste domingo (14), às 20h30 (de Brasília), no Maracanã, pelo jogo de volta da semifinal da Copa do Brasil. A partida será decisiva: após vencer a ida por 2 a 1, o Cruz-Maltino joga pelo empate, enquanto o Tricolor precisa vencer por dois gols de diferença para avançar direto ou por um para levar a decisão aos pênaltis. A transmissão será ao vivo pelo SporTV, (TV fechada), Premiere(pay-per-view) ePrime Video(streaming).

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He became only the third batter in first-class history to hit six sixes in an over, after Garry Sobers and Ravi Shastri

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Nov-2025

Meghalaya’s Akash Choudhary made history on Sunday, becoming only the third player in first-class cricket to smash six sixes in an over and scoring the fastest fifty in the format. He did so by hitting an unprecedented eight sixes in a row, en route to his 11-ball fifty.Primarily a seamer, Choudhary achieved the feat on the second day of the Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh in Surat. Coming in at No. 8 with Meghalaya 576 for 6, he began his innings with a dot and two singles before smashing six sixes off left-arm spinner Limar Dabi in the 126th over of the innings. Thus, he joined an elite club that previously included only Garry Sobers and Ravi Shastri. Mike Procter had also hit six consecutive sixes but across two overs.Choudhary continued his onslaught in the next over as well, hitting offspinner TNR Mohith for two back-to-back sixes to bring up his fifty. He broke the previous record – off 12 balls by Leicestershire’s Wayne White against Essex in 2012 – by one ball. Choudhary’s was also the second-fastest fifty in first-class cricket in terms of time taken (where data is available). He took nine minutes. The record belongs to Clive Inman, who took eight minutes for his 13-ball half-century for Leicestershire against Nottinghamshire in 1965.