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And just like that, Arsenal are set to get their Premier League campaign underway later today.

Mikel Arteta and his side will be hoping it’s fourth time lucky this season, and they can finally get their hands on the trophy that has been tantalisingly close for some time now.

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While it’s going to require a Herculean effort from the entire squad, the Gunners have put themselves in a good position with their transfer activity this summer.

The likes of Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres could be real game-changers for them, and with two weeks until the window slams shut, there is time for Andrea Berta and Co to get a couple more stars through the doors, such as Rodrygo.

However, with the Real Madrid ace now being linked to other teams like Tottenham Hotspur and, most recently, Manchester City, Arsenal might be wise to shift their attention to another winger they’ve been linked with this summer, a winger who has previously been compared to Thierry Henry.

Why Arsenal would want to sign Rodrygo

While they have somewhat slowed down over the last couple of weeks, likely due to the supposed growing interest from other teams, the stories linking Rodrygo with Arsenal were relatively constant earlier in the window, with many suggesting he would be able to leave Spain for a fee of around £78m.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Now, that is undoubtedly an enormous sum of money for one player, but it’s not hard to see why the Gunners might be willing to spend so much on the Brazilian.

After all, he’s helped Real win two La Liga titles, two Champions League titles and a host of other trophies since moving to the club back in 2019.

On top of that, the 24-year-old has been a pretty reliable source of goals and assists in recent campaigns, scoring 14 of the former and providing 11 of the latter in 54 appearances last season.

Moreover, due to the other superstars in the side, the former Santos gem has been forced to play out of position for much of the last two years, making what he has achieved all the more impressive.

In short, Rodrygo is an effective winger with experience of playing at the very top of the game and winning the biggest prizes in club football.

However, as things stand, it doesn’t look like Arsenal are going to be the one to secure his services, and while that’s not ideal, they could forget all about him by going big for another winger touted for a move to N5 earlier this summer: Rafael Leao.

Why Arsenal should sign Leao

While they have not been as constant as with other targets and players of interest, there have been several stories linking Arsenal with a move for Leao this summer, with the price tending to be around the £77m mark.

Once again, that is a lot of money to spend on one player, but as is the case with Rodrygo, the AC Milan star would be worth every penny, and arguably a better signing than the Brazilian.

For example, despite playing for a team that struggled more than LOSC Lille last season, the former LOSC Lille ace still managed to score 12 goals and provide 13 assists in just 50 appearances.

In other words, the 26-year-old dynamo averaged a goal involvement every other game, compared to the Real man, who averaged one every 2.16 games.

On top of being a slightly more productive player, the Almada-born “superstar,” as dubbed by writer Theo Mwangi, is also likely to be the more entertaining winger to watch, and the data shows as much.

According to FBref, the Milan man ranks in the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers for successful take-ons per 90, whereas the Osasco-born international ranks in the top 20%.

Finally, if you still aren’t convinced that Leao is the man for Arteta and Co, then perhaps the words of his former manager, Stefano Pioli, will help.

It was back in 2022 that the Italian made the bold statement that his star winger “reminds me a lot of the early Thierry Henry, who started wide then came inside.”

While it might sound like a wild thing to say, given the Frenchman’s legacy in the game, it’s easy to see where he was coming from when you watch his highlights, as the Portuguese monster frequently gets down the left-hand side before cutting in and firing home.

Ultimately, while it would be an expensive deal, Arsenal should do what they can to bring Leao to the Emirates this summer, as he could end up being an even better signing than Rodrygo.

Eberechi Eze's "first preference" between Arsenal and Tottenham revealed

The England international could have a crucial decision to make very soon.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 13, 2025

After Aston Villa lost Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United earlier in the window, they would not have intended to lose any more players before Deadline Day next Monday.

However, there is still a possibility that one or two more could depart Villa Park, with star man Morgan Rogers regularly touted with an exit.

A few days ago, it was revealed that Unai Emery’s side could lose Rogers to Chelsea. The Blues are said to be plotting a move worth up to £80m for the Villans forward, potentially as an alternative to one of their primary targets this summer, Xavi Simons.

Well, whether Rogers stays or goes remains to be seen, but Emery would need to replace him before Monday’s deadline.

Aston Villa’s last-minute plans in the window

It could be a frantic few days at Villa Park, with the West Midlands giants looking to do some more transfer dealings before the earlier-than-normal 7pm deadline.

A last-gasp move for Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United could be something Villa look to get over the line, if recent rumours are to be believed.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Well, one player that Villa have ‘opened talks’ to sign late on, according to journalist Patrick Berger, is Borussia Dortmund and Germany striker Maximilian Beier.

They are said to be ‘very interested’ in bringing the striker to Villa Park, but would need to sell due to FFP restrictions.

However, this is a deal that Villa seem keen to get over the line. So much so, in fact, that Emery’s side have readied a £30m bid for the versatile forward. It is unclear if that will match Dortmund’s asking price or if they will have to return to the negotiation table.

Why Beier would be a good signing

At just 22 years of age, Beier, an “exceptional” forward according to football scout Antonio Mango, has developed a fantastic reputation. He is already a full international with Germany and a key player for Dortmund.

Last term, his versatility was key for the Bundesliga giants. The forward can play right across the frontline, and whilst he excels most as a centre-forward, Beier also operated on both flanks and as a number 10 last season.

Despite a tough campaign for Dortmund, 2024/25 was strong personally for Beier. He played 46 games across all competitions, finding the back of the net ten times and assisting six goals.

His record of 16 goal involvements is even more impressive when you consider he played just 2,423 minutes, the equivalent of just under 27 full games.

Villa certainly need a like-for-like replacement for Rogers if he leaves, or, failing that, a squad player capable of challenging him for his spot in the side. There are certainly similarities between the pair, including their versatility and age profile, with both in their early 20s, meaning there is plenty of time to develop as a player.

Last season, the 23-year-old England international shone for the Villans. He bagged 14 goals and assisted 16 in 54 games, including a wonderful hat-trick in the Champions League group stage over Celtic.

One of the real selling points for Villa when it comes to signing Beier is his versatility, which is one way he is like Rogers. Just like the German forward, Villa’s number 27 can operate on both flanks, as a second striker and can lead the line.

The underlying stats also suggest that Beier could be Rogers-esque. For example, Dortmund’s forward averaged 1.36 key passes and 3.11 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes last season, close to the Villa star, who averaged 1.47 key passes and 3.04 shot-creating actions each game.

A fee of £30m is certainly not going to break the bank for Villa at the end of the transfer window, provided they sell where possible. Although it is unclear at this stage whether Beier would replace or play alongside Roges, he seems like an ideal fit.

This could be a huge addition for Emery as they look to challenge on all fronts domestically and in Europe this season.

The next Rashford: Aston Villa remain in race to sign “special” £60m talent

Unai Emery could pick up his next Marcus Rashford at Aston Villa by finally landing a £60m transfer target

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 27, 2025

Kylian Mbappe has risked incurring the wrath of Paris Saint-Germain supporters after celebrating wildly when seeing a goal scored against them. That effort was, however, recorded by the Real Madrid superstar’s brother, Ethan, which can be forgiven. Mbappe was among those in the stands as PSG were held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by Lille – with his iconic celebration being broken out against the reigning Ligue 1 champions.

• Mbappe's record-breaking goal tally for PSG

  World Cup winner Mbappe is PSG’s all-time leading scorer, having found the target for them on 235 occasions through 264 appearances. He spent six years at Parc des Princes – winning the Ligue 1 title in each of those – but left for Spain as a free agent in the summer of 2024.

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• Watch Mbappe celebrate goal scored against PSG

• Mbappe returned to France to catch brother in action

  Mbappe has been in red-hot form again this season, registering 14 goals for Real in 10 games. He helped to fire them back to the top of La Liga on Saturday when netting in a 3-1 victory over Villarreal.

  A day later he was back in his homeland to watch brother Ethan line up against PSG. Nuno Mendes appeared to have put Luis Enrique’s side on course for three points in that contest, but there was to be a late sting in the tail.

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  Mbappe's iconic celebration broken out by brother

  Mbappe junior, who is 18 years of age, scored in the 85th minute to earn Lille a share of the points in a 1-1 draw. He displayed impressive poise when picking up possession just inside the penalty area, shifting the ball onto his left foot and firing into the bottom corner. Kylian was caught on camera celebrating in the stands.

  Ethan, aware that his sibling was in the crowd, took to striking Kylian’s iconic folded arms pose after hitting the net. He now has two goals to his name this season, having opened his account at senior level against Toulouse in September.

After missing out on Facundo Buonanotte to Chelsea, Leeds United have now reportedly re-opened talks to sign a priority target before the transfer window slams shut.

Chelsea hijack Leeds' Buonanotte move

Just like Igor Paixao earlier this summer, Leeds are set to miss out on an attacking reinforcement at the death. This time, it’s Chelsea who have jumped ahead of them in brutal fashion to close in on a deal to sign Buonanotte from Brighton & Hove Albion. The news leaves those at Elland Road back to square one and still in need of additions.

Just where Leeds go from here is the big question. The 49ers have just two days to welcome alternative options and complete a squad that must be good enough to avoid the drop.

So far, Leeds have welcomed as many as 10 signings, with the latest arrival being James Justin from Leicester City. Once again, though, he will boost Daniel Farke’s backline rather than add some much-needed goals to his side.

The defender told Leeds’ official website after putting pen to paper: “Obviously to join a club of this size and to have the history it has had, and being back in the Premier League was a massive thing for me, so I’m over the moon to have joined.

“Everyone that I’ve spoken to about the club and the area has had great things to say about it. So I’m excited to join the lads and get to work.

Whilst Justin is a welcome arrival, Leeds have continued their search for an attacking reinforcement and have reportedly turned back towards one of their main targets.

Leeds re-open El Khannouss talks

According to Leeds United News, Leeds have now re-opened talks to sign Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester this week. The attacking midfielder just missed out on a move to Crystal Palace after they decided to sign Yeremy Pino instead. Although that would have been a disappointment for him, it has seemingly allowed Elland Road chiefs to swoop back in for their priority target.

Dubbed a “fantastic talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, El Khannouss was a rare bright spark in a relegated Leicester side last season and could now provide Leeds’ attack with that same spark.

Leeds eyeing £75k-p/w Premier League playmaker who's a lot like Buonanotte

The Whites may have landed a late boost in the transfer market.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Aug 30, 2025

With their attacking problems clear for all to see, the 49ers must back Leeds one final time to welcome a talent like El Khannouss before the deadline.

The Premier League has issued a statement after Sunderland were denied a penalty in the first half against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday. Trai Hume went down inside the United box following a challenge from Benjamin Sesko and the referee pointed to the spot. However, after VAR checked the incident, the on-field official reversed his decision.

• Hume went down but Sunderland denied penalty

  The incident happened towards the end of the first half when a ball was sent towards Hume inside the penalty area. Sesko attempted to block Hume but the Sunderland star immediately went down on the ground. On-field referee Stuart Atwell initially pointed to the spot, but after a VAR check the decision was reversed.

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• AFP
  

  Premier League release statement

  After VAR overturned the penalty call, the Premier League released a statement to clarify the VAR's decision, as it read: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Sunderland."

  Referee announcement: “After review, there is no foul by the Manchester United player. He does not make contact with the head of the attacker. As the ball is out of play when the decision was made, the final decision is corner kick."

• Sesko scored in consecutive matches

  After a slow start to life at Old Trafford since completing his big-money move to the Premier League in the summer transfer window, Sesko finally got off the mark during the club's 3-1 defeat at Brentford. The Slovenian forward has now scored his second goal for United in back-to-back matches as he also found the back of the net to hand United a 2-0 lead over Sunderland. Mason Mount had earlier opened the scoring for the Red Devils.

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  Sesko hopes to find form for Slovenia

  Along with his poor form in club football, Sesko also struggled to score goals for Slovenia in their last five international matches. After scoring back-to-back games for United, he will now hope to replicate a similar form for his national team when they face Kosovo and Switzerland in the World Cup qualifiers later this month.

Russell Martin has had a rocky start to life as Rangers boss, with his team drawing their first four Scottish Premiership games and being dumped out of Champions League qualification by Club Brugge.

The transfer window saw £19.5 million worth of players join the squad, including the likes of Oliver Antman, Oscar Cortes and Joe Rothwell, but the squad does not seem to be clicking yet.

The Gers did manage to become the only team to stop Celtic’s winning run in the league following Sunday’s 0-0 draw. Coming off the back of the 6-0 defeat to Brugge, Martin was happy with his team’s improved performance.

However, the draw will only temporarily patch things over at the Ibrox, and the end of the transfer window saw an Italian club make a move for one of Martin’s frustrated players.

Rangers rejected late loan offer for out-of-favour Barron

Rangers rejected a late-deadline day loan inquiry for defensive midfielder Connor Barron from Bologna. Barron has struggled for minutes since Martin took over at Ibrox, and Bologna may have seen his absence from the team as a sign that the Gers would be willing to let him go for the season.

This would have been the third time that the Italian side has turned to Scotland for recruitment after previously signing Lewis Ferguson and Aaron Hickey. Barron’s first start under Martin came in Sunday’s clash with Celtic, indicating that he may yet be in the manager’s plans, and that may be why Rangers opted to keep hold of him.

After the Old Firm derby, Martin acknowledged Barron and other out-of-favour players’ frustration: “I said in the dressing-room, Dio, Tav and Connor Barron have every reason to be annoyed and disappointed with me because they’ve been out of the team. We always have honest chats about why.”

Barron's return could mark a change for Martin

Martin was clearly impressed with Barron’s performance as he praised him and the other returnees: “Today they proved how hard they’re willing to work and run – and showed why they should be in the team. That’s the best possible reaction you could ever have. I’m proud and grateful for the performances they put in.”

Barron’s reinstatement into the team may be the catalyst for Martin turning things around at Rangers. Despite only having brief cameos in the boss’ first few months in charge, Barron now seems to be in contention for a regular starting place.

He only played for just over 30 minutes against Brugge, but the Belgian side failed to score while he was on the pitch. Brugge had likely taken their foot off the gas, considering they were eight goals up, but considering how poorly the match was going, Rangers did improve when Barron came on, and he was solid once again on Sunday.

Bayern Munich are nearing a contract extension with Dayot Upamecano, but a dispute over the signing bonus has put talks on hold. The French defender reportedly wants a bonus similar to the package Alphonso Davies received when he last extended his deal, while Bayern hesitate due to recent big-money renewals. Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Manchester United are monitoring developments closely.

• Upamecano’s bonus demand stalls Bayern contract talks

  According to , Bayern's efforts to renew Upamecano’s contract beyond 2026 have hit a snag, despite both sides agreeing on most terms. Negotiations are said to be “nearly complete” but remain blocked by one crucial issue, the signing bonus. Upamecano, who joined Bayern from RB Leipzig in 2021, is seeking parity with teammate Davies, who received around €17 million (£14m/$19m) for signing his latest extension earlier this year.

  The Bavarian giants, however, are reluctant to match that figure, as with expensive renewals already handed to Davies, Joshua Kimmich, and Jamal Musiala, sporting director Max Eberl is under pressure to control wage spending. Club president Herbert Hainer confirmed at Oktoberfest: "The talks are ongoing, Max Eberl and Christoph Freund are handling them. And of course, I hope that Dayot will stay with us for a long time."

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• Bayern balance & Upamecano's value

  Upamecano’s strong performances under boss Vincent Kompany have solidified his place in Bayern’s defence. The 26-year-old has started eight of 10 competitive matches this season, showing the composure and athleticism that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders. 

  Bayern view him as an integral part of their long-term project, but the financial side remains delicate. According to report, the base salary agreement is in place, but Bayern are unwilling to cross the threshold on bonuses that could set an expensive precedent for future negotiations. “We’re trying to continue convincing him of the Bayern project,” said Eberl last week.

• Real Madrid, Liverpool & PSG alerted

  While Bayern remain confident, the delay has caught the attention of Europe’s elite. Real Madrid, PSG, and Liverpool are among the clubs monitoring Upamecano’s situation, sensing a potential opportunity if talks stall. With his contract set to expire in 2026, the French defender could be available on a cut-price deal in January, or even walk for free next summer.

  Upamecano’s camp is reported to be aware of this leverage, but the player feels “completely at home” in Munich, suggesting that an agreement is still likely if Bayern make a reasonable compromise.

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  Kompany factor – a new era of defensive trust

  Kompany has revitalised Upamecano’s confidence after a mixed campaign last season. The Belgian coach’s emphasis on proactive defending and quick transitions suits the Frenchman’s natural strengths.

  Negotiations are expected to continue over the coming weeks as Bayern seek to finalise the renewal before the end of the calendar year. A compromise on the signing bonus could unlock the deal, though Bayern are unlikely to match Davies’ amount outright. For now, Upamecano remains focused on the pitch, with Bayern targeting another domestic surge under Kompany and key Champions League fixtures looming. But unless both sides find common ground soon, Europe’s biggest clubs could make the next move in what’s becoming a tense transfer poker game in Munich.

Manchester United’s midfield department has fallen way below the standards expected from the fanbase during recent seasons – undoubtedly contributing to their lowly Premier League standing in 2024/25.

Ruben Amorim, who’s been in the role since November last year, still has yet to find the perfect combination between the two midfielders in his 3-4-2-1 system.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes is almost certain to operate in one of the aforementioned roles after Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were brought into Old Trafford during the summer.

Casemiro has been the player to feature alongside him so far this campaign, but questions are undoubtedly being asked about his long-term future given the Brazilian turns 34 in February.

Manuel Ugarte is another option currently at the manager’s disposal, but he evidently wanted further reinforcements given their activity in the summer transfer window.

Why Man Utd wanted to sign Baleba this summer

During the summer transfer window, United made their move to land Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion in an attempt to bolster the midfield department.

The Red Devils even entered talks with the player and his representatives over a move to join the club, but the £100m asking price proved to be a huge stumbling block.

A lot was made about the move for the 21-year-old, but why did Amorim desperately want the youngster?

He made 34 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring three times, including a phenomenal long-range strike against West Ham United back in April.

However, his underlying stats highlight how impressive he was out of possession, subsequently winning 1.6 tackles per 90 – undoubtedly providing the ball-winning presence the side have lacked.

Baleba also came out on top in 6.7 duels per 90, also making 6.6 recoveries per 90, showcasing his phenomenal ability without the ball at his feet on the South Coast.

Missing out on such a talent will have been a bitter blow for the Red Devils’ ambitions in 2025/26, but Amorim may be forced to rely upon one player already plying his trade in Manchester.

The United star who’s a bigger talent than Baleba

The last few months under Amorim have been unsuccessful to say the least, with the 40-year-old only achieving a 40% win percentage over the last 10 months at the helm.

His 3-4-2-1 system requires a very specific type of player – especially in the midfield department – with a deeper option needed alongside the attacking Fernandes at the heart of the side.

Ugarte would appear the best fit, but his lack of form has led to cause for concern – especially after the hierarchy forked out £50m for his signature last summer.

Kobbie Mainoo has struggled to cement his place under the former Sporting CP boss, only starting 19 league games to date and often having to resort to minutes off the substitutes’ bench.

A future “£100m-plus footballer” in the words of United writer Alex Turk, the youngster is adored by many at Old Trafford after his rapid rise to stardom, becoming a key member of the side under Erik ten Hag in the 2023/24 campaign.

However, his lack of action has led to the player himself voicing his displeasure at his lack of action, even requesting a loan move away from his boyhood club in the recent window.

No move materialised away from Old Trafford, with the Englishman deserving of the opportunity to start on a regular basis – hopefully replicating the numbers he produced last season and helping the Red Devils rise up the table.

When comparing his figures to those of Baleba from 2024/25, Mainoo managed to outperform him in key areas – showcasing the quality he possesses despite his tender age.

Mainoo, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by journalist Phil Brown, won more tackles per 90 (1.6) whilst also achieving a better tackle success rate (61%).

Such figures showcase that the youngster is actually a better ball-winner than Baleba, with the decision to keep hold of him this summer a blessing in disguise if he can replicate such numbers.

He also dominated in possession, completing more of the passes he attempted (87%) and completing more take-ons per 90 (1.3) – which could allow him to progress the play and provide the new additions ahead of him with key chances in the final third.

There’s no denying Baleba would’ve offered another excellent option at the heart of Amorim’s side, but ultimately, his £100m asking price was way out of range given the previous business conducted.

As for Mainoo, he’s more than deserving of a run in the first-team to regain his starting position, with Amorim desperately needing to utilise the youngster in their hunt for success.

Ten Hag sold Man Utd's "young Giggs" for just £15m, now he's like Mbeumo

Manchester United made a huge mistake in allowing one talented star to leave under Erik ten Hag.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 11, 2025

Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac has leapt to the defence of his summer signing Jobe Bellingham after a costly mistake from the Englishman allowed Bayern Munich to score the winner in Der Klassiker this weekend. Coming off the bench, Bellingham attempted to clear a cross from Luis Diaz, but the ball got caught under his feet, and Michael Olise capitalised on the mistake.

• Bayern blunder from Bellingham

  During this weekend’s hotly-anticipated Der Klassiker clash, Bellingham made a critical error that led to Bayern's winning goal in the 78th minute which sealed Bayern's 2-1 triumph. This blunder has drawn significant attention, particularly given Bellingham's high-profile transfer from Sunderland and the added pressure of following in his brother Jude's footsteps at the club. The incident has fuelled discussions about Jobe's adjustment to life in Germany and his progress at Dortmund, but Kovac has defended his young midfielder, stating he was in a difficult situation. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Manager defends Jobe’s performance

  Kovac said: "I can’t find any fault with Jobe. He was standing where he needed to be. The ball was played in so sharply. It was an artistic feat in its own right that he didn’t score an own-goal. When a ball is played in so sharply, his first task is to hold his centre of gravity. He had his head down and Olise took advantage of this split second and slid in. That’s not a simple (situation). There’s no fault. I think that everything is fine with that situation."

  The Dortmund boss also claimed that the first goal, scored by Harry Kane, should have been ruled out due to a push from the Bayern striker on Serhou Guirassy. Kovac said: "There was a brief contact (with Guirassy). But I have to say one thing, (referee) Bastian Dankert whistled today in such a way that he should have whistled that. He blew the whistle on everything, so he should have whistled that too. If he had let the play continue in other situations, then he can let that too. But for me, that was a clear mistake because of his decision to whistle everything. He should have disallowed it."

• Rising star, with big shoes to fill

  Even at a young age, Bellingham has already had an eventful career. After coming through Birmingham City's academy and making his debut at 16, he made 24 league appearances for the club. He then joined Sunderland in 2023, where he truly established himself, making 85 appearances and scoring 11 goals in the Championship over two seasons. He played a key role in Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League and was named the EFL Championship Young Player of the Season, but left in the summer for a club-record £27 million ($36.2m) fee to Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham has also represented England at various youth levels up to Under-21.

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  Brotherly love and link with Man United

  Jobe is just starting out life in the Bundesliga and will be hoping to emulate his big brother, whom he remains close to, despite the distance between the two teams they represent. Jude is currently in exile from the England team, following a shoulder injury, and Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has hinted it won't be easy for him to regain his place. Bellingham has missed the last two international windows, and in a recent social media post, he shared a series of images and videos, the theme being legendary American musician Frank Sinatra, and wrote in the caption, "That's life". The post left his brother Jobe confused, as the Borussia Dortmund star wrote in the comments, "Ehhh?"

  Meanwhile, recently reported that Premier League giants Manchester United are closely monitoring Jobe Bellingham with a view to potentially bringing the youngster back to his homeland. The report adds that Red Devils boss Amorim is an admirer of the midfielder, and he believes that Bellingham would nicely fit his complex 3-4-2-1 setup, as his physical strength will be of great use at the centre of the park.

After the dismissal of Erik ten Hag nearly 12 months ago, Manchester United fans will have been excited by the appointment of Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP.

The 40-year-old won two league titles back in his homeland, even beating Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League just a couple of weeks before his appointment at Old Trafford.

However, his stint in charge of the Red Devils has been nothing short of a disaster, with the manager achieving a win percentage of just 39% in his 49 outings.

His latest defeat against Brentford has once again cranked up the pressure on his shoulders, with his £200m attacking additions still struggling to have the desired impact.

His future at the Theatre of Dreams remains hugely up in the air, with the INEOS hierarchy already seemingly targeting other alternatives to replace him should he be handed his marching orders.

The Man Utd shortlist to replace Amorim

Over the last couple of days, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has emerged as a potential option to replace Amorim at United should he be given the boot in the near future.

Whilst the Cherries want to keep hold of the Spaniard, they could have no choice in allowing him to depart, with the 43-year-old’s current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

However, he’s not the only name currently on their shortlist, with former England boss Gareth Southgate once again emerging on the INEOS radar, as relayed by FootballTransfers.

They claim that the 55-year-old could be open to returning to management and moving to Manchester after taking time out of the game following his departure from the national team in July last year.

It remains unclear if he will be the club’s main target for the role should Amorim depart, but the board have been impressed with his ability to get the best out of his players at international level.

Why United’s latest manager target would revive Mainoo

United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has endured somewhat of a frustrating last 12 months on the pitch, with boss Amorim often looking past him for selection in his midfield.

The Englishman only registered 20 league starts out of a possible 38 last season, with the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro ahead of him in the manager’s pecking order.

However, he has previously nailed down his place in the starting eleven, with Ten Hag often relying upon the 20-year-old to produce the goods during his tenure in charge.

Mainoo racked up various key goals in 2023/24, from last-minute winners to derby day goals and an FA Cup final strike – it truly was a year to remember for the youngster.

Such performances secured him a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad last summer, further showcasing his remarkable rise over such a short period of time.

He even started four of the nation’s six games in such a tournament, showcasing the faith that Southgate had in the youngster to deliver on the biggest stage for his country.

The appointment of the former England boss would certainly hand Mainoo the chance to regain his place in the side, whilst also instilling the confidence he’s been massively lacking in recent months.

For the Red Devils, the potential decision to hire Southgate may not be many supporters’ first choice, but it is one that could deliver the needed turnaround in form they’ve been craving.

The 55-year-old, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Scott Parker, achieved a 63% win record in charge of the Three Lions and subsequently took them to two major international finals.

His side’s also achieved an average of 2.3 goals per game under his guidance, offering the Red Devils the needed attacking quality they’ve lacked in recent weeks under Amorim.

Such numbers are nothing short of remarkable, with the former England boss potentially able to end the club’s decade-long wait for a league title in the years ahead.

Success in the role is one thing, but the development of the players at his disposal would also be a massive part of his task in charge at Old Trafford.

Mainoo could be a huge beneficiary of such an appointment, potentially starring under Southgate’s reign once again and getting back on the trajectory he was once on at the Theatre of Dreams.

Arteta 2.0: Man Utd now targeting "best coach in the PL" & it's not Glasner

Manchester United appear to be targeting a manager who could replace Ruben Amorim.

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 30, 2025