Hampshire slump to another thumping defeat after offspinner completes five-wicket haul

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay25-May-2025Jack Carson’s five-wicket haul wrapped up a simple three-day victory for Sussex as they won on the road for the first time in the Rothesay County Championship this season.Offspinner Carson found turn, bounce and a bagful of Hampshire wickets as he ripped through three of the four remaining batters to pick up five for 26 – his best of the campaign.Hampshire were bowled out for 165, and despite Oli Carter falling, Tom Haines and Tom Alsop easily knocked off the 23 runs needed to take them past the winning line before lunch.Sussex’s third win of their return to Division One came with 20 points, to keep tabs on the leading title contenders.Hampshire began the day trailing by 29 runs, but they had only whittled that down to 15 before Brad Wheal turned Carson around the corner to leg slip.There was a mini-flashpoint when James Fuller and bowler Nathan McAndrew collided during a single. Liam Dawson wasn’t impressed, although the umpires calmed things quickly.Dawson took the hosts into a slender lead, his two accompanied by a huge cheer, but just 10 runs later he tried to ride Carson’s turn, but tickled behind to John Simpson.Dawson had been the main hope for Hampshire to test Sussex, but his exit for 48 saw Kyle Abbott edge to slip three balls later.Henry Crocombe put Hampshire out of their misery when John Turner prodded a short ball to short leg.Dawson managed to get Carter’s edge but it was a rare moment of joy as Sussex ticked off the runs in under 15 minutes.It was a particularly revered victory for the visitors, with strike bowler Ollie Robinson rested with an ankle injury and overseas opener Daniel Hughes absent awaiting the birth of his first child.Captain John Simpson had noted his side had “punched above expectation” so far this season. They leapfrogged Hampshire with the win, and also kept in touching distance of the title pacesetters.Simpson’s third century of the season, in a 173-run stand with Fynn Hudson-Prentice, was the difference in the match, while Crocombe’s first appearance of the season was a huge success – four explosive wickets in the first innings were followed by a tidy two for 44 in the second.For Hampshire, it was their first home defeat in the Championship since July 2023, with this only their fourth loss at Utilita Bowl since April 2019.Although this fixture was the first between the two south coast counties in a decade, Sussex have still only lost once on this ground in 10 red-ball outings – 20 years ago.Hampshire have endured a rollercoaster trio of matches heading into the Vitality Blast portion of the season.A dismal performance against Nottinghamshire was followed by a sensational victory at Edgbaston, which relighted excitement of a potential title charge, only for a seven-session mauling.Their six batting bonus points in the first block of Championship games is only better than bottom-side Worcestershire, with only Ben Brown of the regulars to average over 40. Only he and Nick Gubbins have recorded centuries.They didn’t get a batting point in this match, and only took three points from a dire week.

After storming the Championship with 100 points last term, Leeds United were always going to need a busy summer window to prepare for their Premier League return.

Under the stewardship of 49ers Enterprises, the club pushed to strengthen Daniel Farke’s squad, with signings in multiple positions.

Anton Stach, Jaka Bijol, Lucas Perri, Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson, James Justin, Sebastian Bornauw and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all arrived.

Perhaps the most intriguing addition was Swiss forward Noah Okafor, who joined from AC Milan for £18m, bringing Champions League experience to Elland Road.

Departures also shaped the window. Rasmus Kristensen, Maximilian Wöber, Junior Firpo and Largie Ramazani all moved on.

Fans were especially vocal about Ramazani, whose loan to Valencia was seen by some as a risk given his ability on the wing.

The early weeks of the season have been a rollercoaster.

Leeds edged Everton 1-0 at home on the opening day but then suffered a 5-0 hammering at Arsenal.

A hard-fought goalless draw with Newcastle steadied the ship before a cruel stoppage-time own goal from Gudmundsson condemned them to defeat at Fulham.

Amid the mixed results, one problem has stood out above all others. To put it plainly, Leeds are short of goals, they need a talent like Ramazani in their ranks.

Why losing Ramazani has been a blow

Ramazani’s loan departure was framed as a blow to Leeds’ wide options.

The 24-year-old Belgian, valued at £6m via Transfermarkt, joined from Almería and played 29 Championship games last season, registering six goals and two assists.

His pace and direct running gave Leeds an outlet in transition, and his ability to stretch defences created space for others.

Now on loan at Valencia, Ramazani has continued to show flashes of his potential.

For Leeds supporters, seeing him leave after only one season felt premature, particularly given his adaptation to English football appeared to be underway.

However, while losing the wide forward has reduced Leeds’ width, it has not addressed their bigger problem: a lack of reliable goalscorers.

Ramazani’s output, even in the Championship, was respectable but not prolific.

His nine goal involvements across 30 matches last term underlined his inconsistency in decisive moments.

As results so far this season have shown, what Leeds arguably miss more than an extra winger is a forward with an eye for goal.

Leeds real loss came two years ago

If Ramazani left a hole out wide, the departure of Max Dean may yet prove far more costly through the middle.

The 21-year-old centre-forward, who can also operate off the wings, came through Everton’s youth system before joining Leeds’ academy.

He quickly made his mark, scoring 20 goals and adding five assists in 43 appearances whilst on loan at MK Dons.

Dons head coach Mike Williamson hailed him after a brace against Morecambe in December 2023, describing him as “an infectious character.”

It was that blend of energy and end product that led Belgian side Gent to sign him, where he has since scored 13 goals and two assists in 30 appearances.

His trajectory shows a player who has adapted quickly at every step along his footballing journey.

Statistically, Dean is not as active on the ball as Ramazani, but he is far more efficient in front of goal.

Max Dean – 2024/25
Matches Played	17
Goals	6
Assists	1
Progressive Carries	15
Progressive Passes	33
Source: FBref

Last season, Dean registered seven goal involvements in 17 games compared to Ramazani’s nine in 30.

His 48.5% shot accuracy also edges the Belgian’s 45%, while his 1.48 shots on target per 90 highlight his ability to test goalkeepers regularly.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Though Ramazani surpasses him in terms of progressive carries and creative actions, Dean’s finishing instincts arguably address Leeds’ more pressing needs.

Dean’s England U20 debut in 2024 only added weight to the argument that Leeds might have given up on him too soon.

At 21, he still has time to develop into a top-level forward, and his knack for being in the right place at the right time is a trait Leeds could use as they adjust to the Premier League.

For all the discussion around Ramazani, Dean represents the type of player Leeds currently lack: a forward who can turn half-chances into goals.

In a side that has so far relied on penalties and moments of fortune, that cutting edge might have made the difference between mid-table comfort and early-season frustration.

It's not Darlow: Leeds star is in danger of becoming their new Meslier

This Leeds United star is in danger of becoming the next Illan Meslier at Elland Road.

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Dan Emery

Sep 16, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras viaja nesta segunda-feira (21) para Pereira, na Colômbia, onde enfrenta o Deportivo Pereira, pela partida de ida das quartas de final da Libertadores. Para ajudar nessa logística complicada, a delegação alviverde vai utilizar, mais uma vez, o avião da empresa de Leila Pereira. Será a terceira oportunidade em que a aeronave prestará esse serviço ao clube, a primeira em uma viagem internacional. Até aqui, o nível de aprovação é bem alto internamente.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Com uma autonomia de um pouco mais de 4,5 mil km, o Verdão vai conseguir viajar para qualquer destino que seja dentro da América do Sul sem precisar fazer escala em nenhum lugar.

Essa é uma das facilidades de logística que ter um avião próprio permite ao Alviverde, que além de economizar mais de R$ 1 milhão, vai conseguir chegar em Pereira em um voo direto, algo inimaginável se a delegação viajasse da forma tradicional. Vale lembrar que Leila Pereira está bancando os custos da viagem enquanto a Placar Linhas Aéreas não é regularizada pela Anac para fazer voos comerciais.

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Enquanto isso, porém, o clube vai aproveitando as facilidades, como foi na excursão para o Rio de Janeiro, no jogo contra o Fluminense, e na ida para Cuiabá, no duelo com o time local. Foram as duas primeiras vezes em que o Palmeiras utilizou o serviço, que foi aprovado por Abel Ferreira.

– Felizmente o Palmeiras sempre teve esse cuidado, agora mais. Com a presidente Leila sempre tivemos voos privados, agora ela comprou um avião e claro que isso nos ajuda muito na logística, na forma como podemos organizar as nossas viagens e quantidade de viagens que temos. Temos uma hipótese de ter um avião que nos ajuda nas viagens. Já fazíamos isso antes, mas o avião não é nosso, é da Leila – declarou o treinador.

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+ Dudu e Gabriel Menino treinam, e Palmeiras deve viajar quase completo para Pereira

A reportagem apurou que o sentimento de jogadores, funcionários e comissão técnica é bastante parecido com o de Abel Ferreira. O tratamento mais personalizado, o conforto de assentos mais espaçados e a possibilidade de iniciar a recuperação com antecedência são alguns dos fatores que deixam os passageiros bastante satisfeitos.

Uma das facilidades é o serviço de bordo, que é fornecido pelo próprio clube, com o aval dos profissionais que cuidam da nutrição dos atletas. Embora a alimentação fosse oferecida em outras companhias que faziam o fretamento, o Palmeiras não tinha total controle dessa parte, o que é mais um avanço na comodidade. Além disso, a fama da comida de avião não costuma ser boa, mas nesse caso a avaliação é altamente positiva.

O Verdão deve desembarcar em Pereira na noite desta segunda-feira (21) e já treina nesta terça (22) em solo colombiano. A previsão de retorno é logo após o duelo, que acontece nesta quarta (23), às 21h30 (de Brasília). Lembrando que no domingo (27), o compromisso será contra o Vasco, pelo Brasileirão, no Allianz Parque.

The season is deepening, moving toward patterns more tangible than those the early weeks comment on a team. For Newcastle United, this is the case.

Newcastle started the 2025/26 campaign poorly, but Eddie Howe’s side were rocked by upheaval across the summer transfer window and lost their talisman, Alexander Isak, after a long attritional battle with Liverpool.

Isak, 26, scored many goals for the Tynesiders. Too many to name. One of which, though, came against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, and so for all the negativity and understandable criticism that came with that unwanted transfer saga, Isak’s legacy lives on.

But he’s a Newcastle player no more, and Howe knew it was crucial that a fitting replacement was brought in.

Well, while Yoane Wissa still waits to make his bow after his transfer from Brentford, having injured his knee on international duty, Nick Woltemade has enjoyed a fast start to life in England, impressing once again in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Newcastle spent well on Woltemade

There are some out there who seem to think Newcastle overspent when welcoming Woltemade from Stuttgart in a club-record £69m deal.

Here’s the thing. Newcastle’s summer struggles for a striker were well-documented, to say the least. The Magpies have landed themselves one of the most exciting young strikers in the business, and if that makes them ‘fools’, as some have suggested, then so be it.

And against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League, the German, 23 years old, added to his goal tally, getting the last touch after Sandro Tonali’s strike took a deflection.

Six games into his Newcastle career, the intelligent, rangy striker has three goals, and he has also shown off a deft technical game that will only improve as he and Howe’s system get more comfortable with each other.

He has what it takes to make Isak but a distant memory at St. James’ Park and across Newcastle. Woltemade is the real deal, but he’s also young and unpolished.

Newcastle, actually, have another player who could be their next version of the Swedish sensation, and he showed he’s getting back to his best with a rip-roaring performance in Belgium.

Howe's new version of Isak

Class is permanent. This Howe knows. And so while Anthony Gordon toiled his way through the 2024/25 campaign and started off the current campaign on the wrong footing, he, and all involved at Newcastle, knew that time and hard work would see the England international rise back to his former, Player of the Year-winning form.

Gordon is 24 and considered one of the most talented wingers in the Premier League, with his rapid pace and persistence in driving play forward and making things happen in the final third, setting him apart from his positional rivals. He has described himself as a “nightmare for anyone” pitted against him.

But last season’s return of only six goals in the Premier League simply wasn’t good enough for a wide forward of his calibre.

Well, we’re still in the early phase of the new campaign, and Gordon hasn’t clicked into gear on the domestic front, but his performances in the Champions League suggest he is rising back to his best, awarded a 9/10 match rating by the Shields Gazette after converting two penalties and proving a livewire throughout.

Minutes played

90′

90′

Goals

1

2

Assists

0

0

Touches

28

62

Shots (on target)

1 (1)

3 (2)

Accurate passes

14/16 (88%)

24/31 (77%)

Key passes

0

0

Dribbles

1/3

5/8

Tackles

0

1

Ground duels

3/6

9/17

Journalist Henry Winter said his performance was “quick and clinical”, and if Gordon can capture and sustain that essence over the coming months, he could rise and provide a leading presence for Newcastle, much akin to Isak over the past few years.

Woltemade is talented and will score goals across the season. Wissa will too. However, Gordon, when firing on all cylinders, offers something more dynamic and complete, inspiring his teammates while applying prolific pressure himself. Across the 2023/24 season, in all competitions, he notched 28 goal involvements.

His contribution to Harvey Barnes’ conclusive fourth goal underscores that very point. Gordon has the full package, all right, and there is every confidence he will carry this form back into the Premier League and help Howe’s side make headway, 15th in the Premier League after six matches.

But to say Gordon has been abject across the opening weeks simply wouldn’t be true. He has endured some heavy moments, no doubt about that, but has also recorded six successful duels per game, also completing 71% of his dribbles.

With a bit more refinement in the crucial moments, Gordon might finally hit the heights envisaged and become the talisman Newcastle need now that Isak has left. After all, he has been chased by Liverpool too, with the Reds considering paying £100m for the Three Lions star’s services.

There is still work to be done. Gordon hasn’t enjoyed a good start to the Premier League season, sent off against Liverpool, but also missing three big chances in front of goal and lacking the clarity and composure he is capable of producing and sustaining.

But class is permanent. This Howe knows. And Gordon, too.

The 24-year-old has shown in the Champions League that he is ready to step up to the plate now that Isak has gone and assume the responsibility as Newcastle’s talisman.

Woltemade might be a number nine with the talent to match Isak, but Gordon, when on his A-game, is Newcastle’s main man.

Better than Gordon: Newcastle star is now one of the best in the world

Newcastle romped to a big win in the Champions League this week, with Anthony Gordon starring.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 2, 2025

كشف الهولندي آرني سلوت، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول أنه اكتشف شيئًا غريبًا في مباراة كريستال بالاس ضمن منافسات كأس كاراباو.

وخسر ليفربول بثلاثية نظيفة أمام كريستال بالاس في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات كأس كاراباو.

واستضاف ملعب “آنفيلد” المباراة بين ليفربول وكريستال بالاس مساء أمس الأربعاء، في إطار منافسات كأس رابطة الأندية الإنجليزية المحترفة.

وتعتبر هذه أول بطولة يخسرها ليفربول هذا الموسم ليستمر مسلسل الهزائم المتتالية التي يعيشها الفريق على مدار الفترة الماضية.

وتلقى البديل الشاب أمارا ناللو بطاقة حمراء مباشرة بعد عرقلته جاستن ديفيني لاعب فريق كريستال بالاس، في الدقيقة 79 من عمر المباراة.

اقرأ أيضًا | فودين يرد على أنباء وفاة ابنه وإصابة ابنته بالسرطان

وكان سلوت دفع بناللو في الدقيقة 67 من اللقاء، حيث شارك بدلاً من أليكسيس ماك أليستر لاعب ليفربول.

وقال مدرب ليفربول في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “ميرور” البريطانية: “لم أكن بحاجة لقول هذا الكلام لأن هناك أمرًا آخر أعجبني وهو أن كوناتي وفيرجيل دخلا الملعب فورًا للتحدث إليه، وهذا يُثبت لي أنهما شخصان رائعان في لحظة كهذه، حيث يُطرد لاعب شاب للمرة الثانية”.

وأكمل: “ربما كانت المرة الأولى بعد مباراته ضد آيندهوفن، لست متأكدًا تمامًا، لكنني أعتقد أنه فعل ذلك، فهم يشعرون بمدى صعوبة تلك اللحظة عليه، وأنهما تدخلا لدعمه، لذلك لم يكن من الضروري أن أعتني به لأنهما قاما بهذا الدور على أكمل وجه”.

وأتم سلوت: “لطالما استغل النادي هذه البطولة لضم لاعبي الأكاديمية أيضًا، شعرت أن القرار كان صائبًا ولم أغير رأيي بعد خسارتنا”.

Everton secured their third Premier League win of the campaign this afternoon with a comeback victory over Crystal Palace at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees went a goal down in the first half after Daniel Munoz put the visitors ahead, but a second-half fightback from David Moyes’ men secured a sensational victory.

Iliman Ndiaye slotted home a penalty with less than 15 minutes remaining, before Jack Grealish bundled home in stoppage time to secure all three points.

The result takes the side just a couple of points outside the top four of the Premier League, with a real buzz emerging around Merseyside given the impressive displays in recent weeks.

There’s no denying that multiple players played a pivotal role in the triumph over the Eagles, with their showings ending their superb 19-game unbeaten record.

Ndiaye & Grealish’s performances against Palace

As previously mentioned, Ndiaye and Grealish were the players who managed to find the back of the net for Everton – subsequently allowing the side to claim a needed victory.

The Senegalese international has made himself a fan-favourite over the last 12 months since his move, with his showing against the Eagles another one he should be proud of.

Alongside his goal, he created two chances for his teammates, whilst also completing four passes into the final third – further showcasing his creative nouse in attacking areas.

He wasn’t alone in impressing, with Grealish finally netting his first goal for the Toffees after numerous assists following his loan move from Manchester City this summer.

The Englishman completed two dribbles – the most of any player on the pitch – whilst also being fouled four times, with the opposition often unable to get near the 30-year-old.

Such performances showcase how impressive Moyes’ side were to complete the turnaround, but one player failed to take advantage of the chance handed his way this afternoon.

The Everton player who was saved by Ndiaye and Grealish

Despite the impressive showings of the aforementioned duo, numerous Everton players failed to make a huge impression on the contest against Oliver Glasner’s men.

Tyler Dibling was handed his first Premier League start for the Toffees today, but he was unable to prove to the fanbase why the hierarchy forked out £40m for his signature this summer.

The youngster only managed to complete a total of six passes against the Eagles, whilst also completing none of the three dribbles he attempted – highlighting his lack of impact in attacking areas.

However, the big-money addition wasn’t alone in failing to impress, with striker Thierno Barry also struggling to make the most of a rare start at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Like Dibling, the 22-year-old cost a pretty penny this summer, costing a fee in the region of £27m after starring for Villarreal in LaLiga during the 2024/25 campaign.

Today was just his second league start since his transfer, but it appears like the wrong call from Moyes, especially given his lack of impact in Merseyside.

He only featured for the first half before being replaced by Beto at the break, but his withdrawal was understandable after achieving a total of just 18 touches.

Thierno Barry – stats against Palace

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

45

Touches

18

Passes completed

4

Pass completion rate

50%

Big chances missed

1

Dribbles completed

0

Ground duels won

0

Fouls committed

1

Stats via FotMob

His subsequent tally was lower than goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, with the shot-stopper achieving a total of 48 – further showcasing the striker’s lack of impact.

Barry also only managed to register four passes at a completion rate of just 50%, whilst also missing a big chance in the process – making today an afternoon to forget for the talisman.

As a result of his showing, Barry was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by journalist Jack Dawson, topping off what was a dismal outing for the forward.

As a result, Moyes desperately needs to drop the Frenchman after the international break in order to allow Beto to reclaim his starting role at the top end of the pitch.

There’s no denying that Ndiaye and Grealish saved the forward amid his poor showing, with the duo undoubtedly being the shining lights in the sensational victory.

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Posts BySean Markus Clifford Oct 4, 2025

Thomas Frank has confirmed Tottenham forward Dominic Solanke has undergone minor surgery to get to the bottom of his troublesome ankle injury.

Solanke, who last played for Spurs on August 23 against Manchester City, was absent from training again on Monday ahead of the Champions League fixture away to Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday.

England forward Solanke had returned to training earlier this month before he was pulled out last week, but Frank revealed in Norway that a final decision had been made to go down the surgery route.

Frank had played down concerns over Solanke’s fitness in Friday’s press conference before a 1-1 draw at home to Wolves on Saturday night.

Solanke, on £140,000-a-week, missed the majority of pre-season with an ankle issue, but it appeared to be fixed by the start of August after he featured in matches against Paris St Germain, Burnley and Manchester City.

However, with the 28-year-old not able to play for Tottenham during the last five weeks, Frank was asked whether the club could have opted for surgery sooner.

He said: “No, I think you can look at it two ways. That is the easy answer but it is not that easy because if we knew we could have done the surgery a month ago, we probably would have done it.

“For me I am always ‘it is what it is’. We deal with it now and no doubt the way we dealt with it was because we thought that was the right thing. In general no one wants surgery.”

Frank provides update on Kolo Muani

Surgery for Solanke leaves Frank light on attacking options in Bodo, with Paris St Germain loanee Randal Kolo Muani unable to train on Monday.

Frank provided a positive update on the France international, but he will be unavailable for this rematch with Bodo four months on from a Europa League semi-final victory at Aspmyra Stadion.

Mathys Tel featured in the 2-0 win in the Arctic Circle, but is not registered for Tottenham’s Champions League squad, which is also the case for summer recruit Kota Takai and Yves Bissouma.

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ByDominic Lund Sep 29, 2025

Takai and Bissouma took part in training on Monday along with Ben Davies – after a minor knee issue – but Frank revealed captain Cristian Romero has been left in England as a “precaution” after a bruising encounter with Wolves.

Frank added: “Kolo Muani, I think now we’re finally on top of his dead leg, so that is also progress there and good. Cuti was just a precaution.”

Danish coach Frank heaped praise on Norwegian minnows Bodo after their historic run to the Europa League semi-final was followed by qualification for the Champions League for the first time.

Asked about Spurs’ 2-0 win under his predecessor Ange Postecoglou, Frank admitted: “How many months is that? Four months ago? With all due respect, I was not the coach. This is a new game. This is a new situation.”

Looking beyond results and Manchester United’s on-field woes, there is a lingering frustration and bemusement regarding Ruben Amorim’s use of the academy ranks, having thus far yet to put faith in the youth set-up.

From the Busby Babes to the Class of ’92, United is a club synonymous with promoting from within. Even in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, every manager has had their prized asset, a statement starlet who’s risen up into the first-team squad.

Under David Moyes, there was Adnan Januzaj. Under Louis van Gaal, there was Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard. Jose Mourinho welcomed a young Scott McTominay into the fold, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer promoted Mason Greenwood.

Even interim boss Ralf Rangnick was quick to parachute Anthony Elanga into his struggling side, while Erik ten Hag was rewarded for his faith in Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, following the duo’s FA Cup final heroics.

Yes, Amorim did turn to 17-year-old Chido Obi in a desperate act last term, having handed the ex-Arsenal striker eight first-team appearances, although he hasn’t been seen again this time around.

From the days of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, the only significant academy poster boy is 20-year-old Mainoo – a player who hasn’t yet started a Premier League game in 2025/26.

Amorim is in danger of abandoning the essence of Man United, unless he does unearth a gem in the near future…

Who the next Man Utd academy breakout star could be

It’s fair to say that the dismal penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby Town has provided a further obstacle to game time for United’s rising stars, with Amorim having little time nor need to rotate his starting lineup right now.

That has ensured that 20-year-old centre-back Tyler Fredricson has drifted back into the background following that tough night at Blundell Park, with the club’s number 33 even returning to Under 21 action last week in order to get minutes under his belt.

Fredricson had been one of eight teenagers who formed part of a makeshift bench against Tottenham Hotspur last term, amid a first-team injury crisis, albeit with Obi the only one of those to take to the field during that 1-0 away defeat.

Victor Lindelof

284

Aston Villa

Chido Obi

8

Man Utd

Ayden Heaven

8

Man Utd

Harry Amass

7

Sheff Weds (loan)

Sekou Kone

0

Man Utd

Tyler Fredricson

3

Man Utd

Elyh Harrison

0

Shrewsbury (loan)

Jack Fletcher

0

Man Utd

Jack Moorhouse

0

Leyton Orient (loan)

Among that young group, the likes of Elyh Harrison, Jack Moorhouse and Harry Amass have since moved out on loan, while January arrival Ayden Heaven – still just 19 – has also yet to feature again since Grimsby.

If any of that bench is to make the breakthrough this term, it is likely to be the midfield duo of Jack Fletcher and Sekou Kone, albeit with the latter man having unfortunately seen his progress halted by a head injury earlier in the campaign.

Kone should be seen sooner rather than later at first-team level once he recovers, while hopes are also high in the long-term for 15-year-old wonderkid, JJ Gabriel, a player whom United fought tooth and nail to keep at the club.

Shea Lacey, too, remains a much discussed name at Carrington, as is versatile winger Bendito Mantato, although the starlet creating the most fuss right now appears to be 17-year-old, Jim Thwaites.

Man Utd's academy midfield solution

For one reason or another, Amorim simply does not view the aforementioned Mainoo as a suitable partner to Bruno Fernandes in central midfield, with reports suggesting that the England international could again push for an exit in January.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

So far this term, the Portuguese coach has flitted between the ageing Casemiro and the much-maligned Manuel Ugarte as Fernandes’ partner, albeit with neither man seemingly providing a long-term solution.

Indeed, at 33 and now into the final year of his contract, Casemiro’s days are numbered at Old Trafford. As for Ugarte, the man who was an unused substitute in the Europa League final has yet to convince under his former Sporting CP boss, described as “not good enough” by club legend Gary Neville following the Manchester derby.

A solution, both in the short-term and long-term, needs to be found, with it worth considering handing an opportunity to young Thwaites before too long, amid the teenager’s sparkling displays in the youth ranks.

Lauded as a “cheat code” by one academy expert, the promising Englishman has already trained with Amorim’s first-team set-up, after scoring twice in six U18 Premier League games so far in 2025/26.

With 16 goals and assists in 44 recorded games in total for United at that age group, as per Transfermarkt, Thwaites has showcased his forward-thinking quality, even while typically lining up in a deep-lying midfield role.

There may be concerns over his slight frame and stature, although the Bolton-born sensation could look to a figure like Scholes for inspiration, with the 718-game genius having hardly been a physical specimen himself when bursting onto the scene as a teenager.

That link to Scholes can also be seen in Thwaites’ much lauded technical prowess, with reports this week outlining that comparisons are being made between the teenager and Barcelona superstar, Pedri – a man described as Scholes’ “new favourite footballer” last month.

More in the mould of Scholes in his latter years than in the early days, with regard to his positional deployment, Thwaites is the man to dictate the tempo in the centre of the park, regularly receiving the ball in between the two centre-backs.

At ease on the ball and at driving out from the back, the talented number six has that gift for being able to glide past his opponent, having also been recognised as one of the ‘best technical talents in the academy’.

A player who has already caught the eye of Amorim by all accounts, Thwaites must certainly not be rushed into the first-team fold, yet at a time when the midfield department appears to be crying out for a fresh injection, he could well be the wildcard solution.

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ByBen Gray Oct 7, 2025

In stark contrast to the last international break, there is a genuine feel-good atmosphere around Arsenal at the moment.

Instead of going into the long break off the back of a devastating loss at Anfield, the Gunners are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table thanks to a routine win over West Ham United and Chelsea scoring a last-minute winner to take all three points off Liverpool.

Moreover, there is now talk of the Emirates’ capacity being expanded in the not-too-distant future, and in yet more good news, David Raya is reportedly getting a pay rise to reflect his importance to the squad.

The Spaniard more than deserves his new terms, but he isn’t the only player in Mikel Arteta’s squad who should be getting a new contract.

Why Raya deserves a pay rise

Interestingly, while reports about Raya’s new payment terms mention the inclusion of an optional year in his contract, it is quite clear that this new deal does not actually increase the number of standard years the Spaniard has left at the club.

That might sound rather odd to some, and there is certainly an argument to be made that it is, but there are a few reasons why this pay rise more than makes sense.

Firstly, unlike when the former Brentford ace was first signed and there was an element of doubt over who would be the club’s starting goalkeeper between him and Aaron Ramsdale, he is now clearly one of the first names on the team sheet.

Therefore, it’s only right that his wage reflects his true importance to the squad. At the £100k-per-week he was earning before these new terms, he was making less than 14 other players, including Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli, and Noni Madueke.

Second, in addition to starting most games for the side, the 30-year-old is undoubtedly one of the very best in his position in the Premier League, if not Europe.

For example, he’s won the league’s Golden Glove award in both of the last two seasons, and according to FBref, he sits in the top 4% of keepers in Europe’s top five leagues for percentage of crosses stopped, the top 7% for clean sheets, the top 8% for save percentage and more, all per 90.

Finally, from a purely social perspective, it keeps him happy and shows the other players that consistent results will be rewarded, which in turn helps foster a better atmosphere.

Goals Against

0.78

Top 2%

Post-Shot Expected Goals

0.92

Top 4%

Crosses Stopped %

12.5%

Top 4%

Clean Sheets

0.39

Top 7%

Clean Sheet Percentage

39.2%

Top 7%

Save Percentage

76.2%

Top 8%

Def. Actions Outside Pen. Area

1.78

Top 10%

Crosses Stopped

1.25

Top 14%

With all that said, there is another player in the squad who deserves the same treatment.

The Arsenal star who deserves a raise like Raya

The good thing for Arteta and Arsenal is that, following the slew of new deals agreed in the summer, there aren’t many players who’d be able to claim they’re currently underpaid in the squad.

Chalkboard

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

However, there is one international who could make that argument, someone who at the very least deserves a raise, if not a new deal: Jurrien Timber.

Yes, the former Ajax gem, who joined the club for around £38m in the summer of 2023, is the player perhaps most deserving of new terms at the moment, and based on reports this month, it does seem like he may soon get them.

Being a right-back, and one that doesn’t tend to bomb forward as much as a Trent Alexander-Arnold or Jermaine Frimpong, means the Dutchman doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves from the wider footballing community.

But since recovering from his ACL injury, which ruled him out for pretty much the entirety of the 23/24 season, the 24-year-old has been incredible, and this season his performances are making him harder and harder to overlook.

Like Declan Rice in midfield and Bukayo Saka on the wing, the monstrous defender very rarely, if ever, puts in a less than a 7/10 performance and more often than not does better than that.

In the words of Arsenal podcaster Adam Keys, he’s like a “dementor for wingers” thanks to his brilliant anticipation, footballing IQ and surprising physicality. Yet, especially this season, he has also been improving his attacking play, with the performance against Newcastle United arguably his best offensive display since joining the club.

Unsurprisingly, the Utrecht-born titan’s underlying numbers from this season more than back up the eye-test and prove that he’s hitting a level few other full-backs can.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 2% of full-backs in the Premier League for actual and expected non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions, progressive passes and tackles, the top 7% for total shots and pass completion, the top 11% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and more, all per 90.

Goals

0.34

Top 2%

Goals + Assists

0.52

Top 2%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.34

Top 2%

xG: Expected Goals

0.31

Top 2%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.31

Top 2%

Progressive Passes

6.38

Top 2%

Shots on Target

0.86

Top 2%

Passes into Penalty Area

2.07

Top 2%

Through Balls

0.86

Top 2%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.28

Top 2%

SCA (Shot)

0.69

Top 2%

GCA (Shot)

0.17

Top 2%

GCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.17

Top 2%

Tackles Won

2.41

Top 2%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

1.55

Top 2%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

1.03

Top 2%

Tkl+Int

5.34

Top 2%

Touches (Att 3rd)

23.10

Top 2%

Penalty Kicks Won

0.17

Top 2%

Ultimately, considering all factors, it’s hard to disagree with respected analyst Ben Mattinson’s claim that Timber is “one of the best Emirates-era signings.”

Therefore, like Raya, he should be getting a pay rise as soon as possible, or better yet, a new contract altogether.

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ByBen Gray Oct 8, 2025

Hosts’ top four blown away in evening session as Surrey tighten grip

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 23-Jun-2025

Ben Allison claimed a five-wicket haul to restrict Surrey•Getty Images

Four late wickets for Surrey saw them take control of the Rothesay County Championship clash at Visit Worcestershire New Road, as Worcestershire ended day two 69 for 4, still trailing by eight-runs.Ben Allison led the way for the hosts, with his 5 for 44 helping restrict Surrey to 291 all-out, Dom Sibley top-scoring with a measured 73.With a lead of 77, Surrey’s seam-bowling attack ensured the day belonged to them with another potent display.Nathan Smith and Matt Fisher collected two wickets apiece, as Worcestershire’s top four were ripped apart in a devastating evening session that put the visitors well in control.Surrey added 40 to their overnight total, but shortly after Ryan Patel had brought up an elegant half-century, Allison made the breakthrough for Worcestershire as he hurried the left-hander with a back of a length delivery that was chipped straight to Jacob Duffy at mid-on.Rory Burns joined Sibley, as the pair continued Surrey’s batting dominance, bringing up their 100 in the 35th over.With Sibley easing his way to a measured 132-ball fifty, Worcestershire’s seamers offered little in the way of opportunities, as lunch arrived with the visitors in total control at 147 for 1.The home side struck twice in quick succession upon resumption, however, when Duffy drew an edge from the bat of Burns for 34, followed up three overs later by the industrious Matthew Waite, who produced a gem of a delivery to see the back of Sam Curran for just 8.Worcestershire had seamer Allison, their standout bowler on the day, to thank for a vital three-wicket burst, that swung the momentum of the afternoon and checked the visitors’ progress.After ending Sibley’s 184-ball knock, he then claimed the wickets of Will Jacks and Mitchell Santner in successive overs, as the home side reduce their opponents to 197 for 6.As a result of Santner’s frustration at his dismissal, Worcestershire were awarded five penalty runs and saw their total rise to 214, with confirmation the New Zealand international had been charged with two separate Level One offences.Dan Lawrence came together with Jordan Clark, as Surrey raced into a lead of 52 when tea was taken. Lawrence continued his fine four-day form, passing fifty early in the evening session, but failed to capitalise as he edged a rising Tom Taylor delivery shortly after the new ball was taken, departing for a well-made 52.Taylor was consistent throughout, claiming more two wickets late on, before Allison returned to complete his five-wicket haul as Surrey were bowled out for 291.With 17 overs left in the day, Smith wasted no time exposing the hosts top-order batting frailties, as he dismissed both Gareth Roderick and Henry Nicholls inside his first two overs.Fisher picked up where he left off in the first innings, nicking two wickets for himself as the top four departed, leaving Worcestershire still short of parity and well behind in the contest.